Four new COVID-19 realted deaths reported in B.C., all at long-term care homes

A 29-year-old suspect, identified as Sean Ward, has died in hospital following a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont. The incident happened Sunday evening as members of the Jewish community gathered inside the synagogue for prayers marking Yom Kippur. At around 7:10 p.m., the suspect allegedly opened fire with a shotgun at a police officer stationed outside the synagogue. The suspect was critically injured during an exchange of gunfire and was taken to hospital in serious condition. Police said approximately 20 to 30 rounds were fired during the confrontation, with

A Surrey councillor is calling for province-wide regulations governing the use of e-scooters in British Columbia. Coun. Rob Stutt proposed developing a regulatory framework for e-scooter use during Monday’s council meeting. Citing safety concerns, he asked city staff to prepare a letter that will be sent by the mayor to the incoming provincial government. Under current rules, e-scooters are prohibited on Surrey roads, parks and sidewalks. However, their use continues to grow in communities. Stutt argued that instead of simply banning e-scooters, the province should provide municipalities wit

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has introduced Bill C-38 in Parliament to extend the federal excise tax relief on gasoline and diesel until January 31, 2027. Under the proposed legislation, Canadians will continue to receive the full tax relief of 10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents per litre on diesel until the end of January. According to Champagne, the measure will save drivers about $5 on every 50-litre tank of fuel. From February 1 to March 31, 2027, the tax relief will be reduced by half, with the federal fuel excise tax returning to its full rate on April

A major development is unfolding in British Columbia politics, with Premier David Eby expected to formally announce a provincial election during a news conference at the government buildings in Victoria on Tuesday afternoon. The announcement would bring an end to days of speculation over whether the NDP government would call an early election. Eby has already indicated that his caucus and Elections B.C. should be prepared for an election, while political developments within the B.C. Conservative Party have intensified speculation. The B.C. Conservatives also cancelled a news conference schedu

Lethbridge police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with a sexual assault and incidents of indecent acts targeting women and girls near a green strip in the city. Police said the incident occurred on Sept. 16 near the 1500 block of Lakeview Drive along the Coalbanks Trail, where a 41-year-old woman who was out walking was sexually assaulted. The investigation found that the accused had allegedly committed indecent acts in the same area in August, including in front of girls, one of whom was an eight-year-old child. Police arrested the suspect in the same area on Sept. 17. His ident