Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

The Latin phrase de minimis means “lacking in significance.” The exception in the U.S. allows parcels under $800 to enter the country duty-free. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in July suspending the exemption for all countries, as of Aug. 29. 

This is a major concern for small business owners like Natalie Vance, whose online jewellery business Faunaluss makes 80 per cent of its sales to American customers.  

“It’s definitely affecting me in a pretty big way,” said Vance, who lives in the Greater Vancouver Area. “My sales have definitely decreased a considerable amount in these past few months.”

She said shipments are being held up at the U.S. border longer, and in some cases were sent back because their origin wasn’t stated clearly enough. 

Once the de minimis exemption is no longer in force, Vance says she will have to pass that increased cost onto her U.S. customers. 

Vance added she is trying to adapt by targeting her products more toward Canadian buyers and other international markets.

A survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) conducted earlier this month found 46 per cent of B.C. businesses expect to be affected by the removal of the de minimis exemption.

Ryan Mitton, CFIB’s Director of Legislative Affairs in B.C., said the change will impact a wide range of businesses, from hobbyists selling their creations on Etsy, to grocery stores importing products from the U.S.

The changes come amid a mounting U.S.-Canada trade war that has seen Trump raise tariffs on some Canadian goods to 35 per cent, and prompted counter-tariffs from Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday Canada would be removing retaliatory tariffs on all goods covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canada is maintaining its steel, aluminum and auto tariffs. 

“One thing the federal government could do is return all the counter-tariff money that’s been collected from U.S. products back to small businesses so they can reinvest in their operations and pay their employees,” said Mitton. 

Victoria-based clothing retailer ANIÁN manufactures all their goods in Canada, and their products are covered under CUSMA, but CEO and President Paul Long said the de minimis changes will have a significant effect on the business on the business,

“It’s more paperwork on everything,” said Long. 

Long said about 20 per cent of their sales come from the U.S. He said, rather than do paperwork on each individual sale, they are looking to set up a distribution warehouse facility in the U.S., adding to the company’s expenses. 

“Unfortunately, I think it will result in higher price points for customers all around,” said Long.

“All of this is happening so fast, and there’s the off-chance that [Trump] just doesn’t follow through next week, but we have to plan as if he will,” he said. “Canada is our primary market…but to lose about 20 per cent of your market just like that can hurt anybody. So, with that in mind, we just need to stay positive and adapt quickly.”

He added the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) program for cross-border shippers, known as CARM, has also been causing headaches for businesses.

The agency launched the program in October 2024, after several delays, aiming to streamline the way taxes and duties are collected on commercial goods imported into Canada. 

But a CFIB survey in May found nearly half of importers were not registered. The business advocacy group said confusion around the program is leading to disruptions to supply chains and cross-border trade problems.

“The increased compliance burden and complicated registration process are already deterring some businesses from scaling up or getting involved in international trade at all,” said Corinne Pohlmann, Executive Vice-President of Advocacy at CFIB, in a statement.

Long said the new program came at the worst possible time for businesses. “It has done nothing but hinder business’ ability to maneuver in this trade war,” he said. 

Maja Reimnitz, a logistics supervisor with B.C.-based Seawings Express, which offers freight forwarding and cross-border shipping between Victoria and Blaine, Wash., said the removal of Canadian retaliatory tariffs is a positive for the company.

But she said the U.S. scrapping the de minimis rule is worrying because it means they likely will not be able to offer returns to the U.S. unless customers go through a broker.

“A lot of individuals, if they order the wrong shoes, or if the wrong part was sent to them, I don’t think they’ll be interested [in that],” said Reimnitz. 

She added exports are also being delayed more often at the border, often interrupting their regular freight schedule. “If we were to continue doing returns, that would just increase,” she said. 

She said she expects Seawings will be able to weather the trade storm but has seen businesses shut down under the pressures.

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Two First Nations say British Columbia’s one-month closure of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to allow for cultural practices is too short and is “a violation of trust.”

The Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua said in a statement the park’s closure from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3 is just a fraction of the schedule requested by the Nations.

The park, known as Pipi7íyekw in the St̓atímcets language, is about 35 kilometres east of Pemberton.

BC Parks describes the area as home to turquoise lakes, jagged mountain peaks, icefields and streams.

Day-use passes are required to limit the number of daily visitors and their impact on the land.

The First Nations said they had requested the park be closed to recreational visitors from Aug. 22 to Oct. 23, to allow for community members to conduct ceremonies, gather food and medicines, and allow the land to recover from overuse.

They called the move “yet another unilateral decision that ignores our governance, our laws, and our rights.”

“Our Nations continue to face ongoing pressure to shorten our time and access to our own territories, while the province prioritizes recreational use by visitors,” said the First Nations. “This is not an equal relationship.”

The province announced the closure dates on Tuesday. 

“The Province acknowledges the Nations had requested additional closure dates,” said the Ministry of Environment and Parks in a statement. “After careful consideration, B.C. has confirmed a schedule that balances cultural practices, conservation goals and public access to the park.”

It said the number of total closure days is consistent with last year, adding the dates also ensure the public has access to the park over the Labour Day long weekend. 

The First Nations said the length of time won’t be enough for them to assess the effects of visitor overuse on the land. 

B.C. has been working with the First Nations to collaboratively manage the park area since 2018, including developing a joint strategy to reduce visitor impact on the environment.

The province said it reached an agreement with the Nations last year for three temporary closures annually.

It said the first closure this year was from April 25 until May 16, with the expectation there would be more closures later in the year. 

Last year, the park was closed for a total of 71 days, including from Sept. 3 to Oct. 6th. 

The First Nations want the province to retract their announcement and engage with them “in good faith.”

“These are not requests for privilege, but the exercise of inherent rights and responsibilities to care for the land and ensure the wellness of our people,” they said.

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The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled against an Edgewood ostrich farm that was seeking to overturn an order to cull their animals.

The unanimous ruling today found that the flock of about 400 birds did not qualify for an exemption from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s order.

The court dismissed the appeal as well a motion to provide fresh evidence.

“In so concluding, we recognize that our decision might lead to the death of over 400 ostriches … an outcome that would doubtless be very difficult, both financially and emotionally, for the appellant’s principals,” the three-member panel wrote.

“While we have considerable sympathy for them, the law we are bound to apply inevitably leads to the conclusion that this appeal must be dismissed.”

In a video posted online, a tearful Katie Pasitney, whose mother co-owns the farm, said without an emergency stay order, “we are essentially just sitting open ducks in a field waiting for the next steps of the CFIA.”

Pasitney said their lawyer is going to seek another emergency stay while they seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. However, given the unanimous judgement today, she said the chances that the high court will hear their case are “very low.”

In June, the federal court issued a stay of execution while it deliberated.

The CFIA ordered the farm to cull its entire flock after it declared an avian influenza outbreak at the property late last year. However, the farm has refused to do so. They said the remaining birds didn’t show any sign of illness and were useful for scientific study.

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A review from British Columbia’s ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

Jay Chalke released four reports Tuesday as a special committee of the Legislative Assembly conducts a mandatory five-year review of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA).

The act, adopted in 2018, allows employees in provincial government ministries to report wrongdoing that is potentially unlawful or dangerous to the public. That could range from serious misuse of public funds to risks to health and safety.

The ombudsperson is an independent official who investigates complaints from the public about unfair government administration, as well as allegations of wrongdoing and reprisal from current and former government employees.

One of the reports said the ombudsperson received 382 reports between December 2019 and March 2025. About 100 of those were about a public body not covered by PIDA or from a person not eligible to make a disclosure.

The most common issue raised was alleged gross or systemic mismanagement, cited in more than 60 per cent of reports.

Of those disclosures, 44 were investigated. Eight led to recommendations from the ombudsperson to address identified issues.

“PIDA has worked well in many respects,” said Chalke in a statement. 

“At the same time, my office’s analysis of five years of experience highlights where the law is falling short…This review is an opportunity to build on what’s working and fix what’s not,” he said.

Chalk recommends 38 amendments to strengthen the act. 

He said one limitation is that key public sectors and employees are still not covered by the act. He said the protections should be extended to hundreds more public bodies, from professional regulatory bodies to local governments. He said municipal police departments, legislature administrators, government contractors and volunteers should also be covered by the act. 

Chalke also said too few employees are aware of the act’s protections and many fear reprisal for speaking up.

A survey of provincial government employees found about one-third were not familiar with PIDA and not aware of other avenues to raise a serious workplace concern. More than half of employees said any fear of retaliation would discourage them from coming forward.

Chalke said all whistleblowers should be protected from retaliation, even if there is no formal investigation.  

Other recommendations aim to improve how disclosures and investigations are handled. That includes eliminating the assessment of whether a whistleblower report is made in good faith, and improving training for supervisors.

Chalke also said the ombudsperson should have access to privileged information under PIDA in a manner similar to existing access under the Ombudsperson Act.

“These are not theoretical fixes, nor are they a complete makeover of the Act. Rather, they come directly from what we have witnessed and experienced first-hand over the past five years,” said Chalke.

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A well-known northern resident orca known as I76 has died off the coast of Vancouver Island. 

The nonprofit OrcaLab, based on B.C.’s Hanson Island, said some of its members witnessed the 28-year-old male’s death in Johnstone Strait on Sunday. 

“He was extremely thin and having difficulties,” said co-director Helena Symonds in a post on the organization’s website.

She said whale researcher Jared Towers had joined them to look for I76 due to concerns about his condition. The orca was found on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait opposite to the entrance to Blackney Pass. The rest of his group, known as I4, were further away. 

Symonds said several dolphins were seen surrounding and overwhelming the male, whose mother raced over, “clearly upset.”

“From that time on his family remained close to his side with the dolphins surrounding the entire family who were more or less stationary. This continued until just before 3pm when I76 took his last breath and sank out of sight into the depths. His family lingered near his last position, then began to call,” said Symonds.

She said I76’s family turned and left the straight, passing by the Lab where members and friends had gathered to mourn the whale’s passing, before connecting with another group of orcas. 

OrcaLab said the northern resident orcas typically make the Johnstone Strait area their home in the summer months. It said that as of 2022 there were 310 of the whales in existence. 

A 2001 report prepared for the federal government said the average life expectancy for male resident orcas is around 29 years, provided they survive past the calf stage. However, some have been known to live up to 60 years. 

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British Columbia’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was shot and killed by police in Vancouver.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. said it was notified of the incident shortly after it happened Tuesday afternoon. 

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said officers were called to a residential building around 4 p.m. near the intersection of Rupert Street and Vanness Avenue for a report of a neighbour dispute. 

When officers arrived, they encountered one man who reportedly had a weapon, and the man was shot by police.  

IIO said officers provided aid to the man until emergency responders arrived, but he subsequently died at the scene.

The watchdog investigates incidents of serious harm or death during police interactions, to determine if police action or inaction may have been the cause.

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A recall has been issued for a brand of enoki mushroom sold in British Columbia and other provinces because of possible listeria contamination. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said the Gangrongtai brand enoki mushrooms were sold in 200-gram packages with a best-before date of Sept. 20. The product name is spelled in Chinese characters on the packaging. 

The mushrooms were distributed in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and possibly other parts of Canada.

CFIA said its investigation may lead to other products being recalled. 

Consumers are advised to throw out the recalled product or return it to the place of purchase.

There have been no reports of illnesses linked to the recalled mushrooms. 

The alert comes a week after another recall of unbranded enoki mushrooms  in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, also because of possible listeria contamination. 

The agency warns food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. 

Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. 

Pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

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A survey by the British Columbia Automobile Association finds most British Columbians have witnessed dangerous driving in school zones. 

BCAA said the survey was conducted among a representative sample of 800 adults in B.C. who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. 

It asked respondents to share the driving behaviours they saw most often in school zones during the 2024/25 school year.

BCAA said 91 per cent reported seeing people driving over the speed limit in school zones, while 84 per cent witnessed distracted driving.

Over 80 per cent of respondents said they saw drivers not stopping for students at marked crosswalks or pedestrian bump-outs in school zones.

“School zones are busy places throughout the school year, and especially in September as everyone gets used to their new schedules,” said BCAA road safety expert, Linda Lawlor, in a statement.

“That’s why it’s even more important for everyone to do their part by slowing down, staying focused and following the rules while driving to help keep everyone safe.”

Close to 59 per cent of parents and caregivers who responded said they were worried about seeing dangerous driving in school zones starting this September.

BCAA is reminding drivers standard school zone speed limit is 30 kilometres per hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on school days, unless otherwise posted.

It said when parents and caregivers are in the drop off area in a school zone, children should exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. It notes double parking is dangerous because it blocks visibility for other children and for drivers.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia said more than 50 children are injured in school and playground zones in B.C. each year.

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Housing starts in British Columbia fell four per cent between January and July compared to the same period last year.

The data, released Tuesday from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), covers centres with a population of 10,000 or more.

There was an 11 per cent drop in starts on new single-detached homes, while all other types of housing starts fell four per cent. 

Ontario was the only other province that saw housing starts fall in the first seven months of this year, with a 25 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2024. 

CMHC uses a six-month trend measure as a complement to the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and give a clearer picture of upcoming supply.

The SAAR in B.C. fell 15 per cent from June to July, while CMHC reports a five per cent increase across all of Canada during the same period.

Compared to the same month last year, B.C.’s total housing starts were up 18 per cent in July, an increase driven by multi-unit housing.

CMHC said the six-month moving average of the SAAR across Canada rose 3.7 per cent in July.

Actual housing starts were up four per cent year-over-year, with 23,464 units recorded for the month.

“Through the first seven months of the year, actual housing starts have remained above 2024 levels, primarily driven by increased multi-unit starts in the Prairie Provinces and Québec,” said CMHC’s Deputy Chief Economist, Tania Bourassa-Ochoa. 

“These persistently elevated national results are reflective of investment decisions made months or even years ago, highlighting the influence of previous market conditions and builder sentiment on current construction trends,” she said.

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Tourism operators in B.C. are bracing for a possible financial hit after the union representing about 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants defied a back-to-work order. 

Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C. (TIABC), said the strike comes during the peak of tourism season in the province. 

The organization represents close to 17,000 tourism-related businesses in B.C. 

“No question this will have an impact,” said Judas.

He said it has generally been a strong year for tourism in B.C., as the Canada-U.S. trade dispute has prompted more Canadians to spend their vacations on home soil rather than south of the border.

But he has heard from members who are seeing cancelled bookings this month because customers can’t find other ways of getting to their destination.

Judas says smaller businesses and tour operators will be hit the hardest if the labour action drags on.

“Now is the time of year when [businesses] would generate the majority of their revenues that help sustain them for the rest of the year or the slower seasons,” he said.

Maureen Gordon, co-owner of Maple Leaf Adventures, which provides small-ship cruises along the B.C. and Alaskan coasts, said September is also a high season for her company.

“Our fingers are crossed that this will be resolved before then,” said Gordon. 

She said she does not expect to lose revenue because the company’s tours are non-refundable, but some customers have had to change flights to reach departure locations.

Her company has been contacting customers to let them know about the strike so they can make alternate travel arrangements if needed.

All Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights have been grounded since Aug. 16 after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) issued a 72-hour strike notice on behalf of flight attendants. 

Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines are continuing to operate as normal.

The company estimates over half a million travellers have been impacted.

The federal government invoked section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to arbitrate the dispute. 

CUPE said it will not order striking members back to work, prompting the federal labour relations board to declare the strike illegal.

“We’re going to stay strong,” CUPE national president Mark Hancock told reporters Monday. “If it means folks like me going to jail, so be it. If it means our union being fined, so be it.”

He said the solution needs to be found at the bargaining table. 

The union’s main issues are wages and unpaid hours. Currently, flight attendants are only paid from when the aircraft doors close until they open at their destination.

Air Canada had urged the government to intervene, noting that Ottawa has previously stepped into rail, port and airline labour disputes.

Judas said that “as long as the parties are not at the table and negotiating in good faith,” TIABC supports binding arbitration to return workers to the job.

Picket lines remained at Vancouver International Airport and other major airports across the country Monday. The airport said Air Canada passengers should not come to the airport unless they have a confirmed flight. 

Air Canada said passengers should check their flight’s status online. Those booked to travel before Aug. 22 can change their flight for free to a later date. 

The airline said it will provide full refunds upon request for the unused portion of tickets purchased on or before Aug. 15 for travel with Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge between Aug. 18 and Aug. 21, 2025.

-With files from Vista Radio wire

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B.C. school officials say the province’s move to require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone kits in all public schools is a positive step, but some are concerned about a lack of provincial funding to support the requirements. 

Automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, are electronic devices used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.

B.C.’s Ministry of Education updated a policy in July, saying all secondary schools in British Columbia must have AEDs and drug overdose prevention kits by the end of this year. For middle and elementary schools, that deadline is September 2026. The changes were not accompanied by a new funding announcement.

“While unexpected health emergencies on school grounds are rare, when they do happen, every second counts,” said Lisa Beare, B.C.’s Minister of Education and Child Care in a statement. “Schools are community hubs and having lifesaving emergency tools available can save lives.” 

Beare did not respond to questions about whether provincial funding is coming to help schools meet the deadlines.

The new requirements follow months of advocacy by a group of Vancouver-area students and their supporters. Students for AEDs began a campaign to install the devices in all Vancouver School Board schools after a Grade 9 student at Point Grey Secondary died of cardiac arrest in 2023.

In January, the school board committed $250,000 to implement AEDs across all schools, and is also fundraising toward that goal.  

The family of University of Victoria student Sidney McIntyre-Starko have also been vocal advocates for improving overdose prevention policies and education in schools, after the 18-year-old’s overdose death in January 2024.

In an open letter, the family said students who tried to help did not have access to naloxone in their dormitory and were not trained to recognize an overdose or perform CPR. They want CPR and naloxone training to be mandatory in B.C. high school curriculums.

So far this year, there have been 16 illicit drug deaths in kids under the age of 18. In 2022, there were a record 34 deaths under the age of 18.

The ministry said that starting this school year, Grade 10 students will learn CPR and how to use AEDs as part of their physical and health education curriculum. It encouraged school districts to extend the training to Grade 11 and 12 students who have not received it.

It also said all districts must ensure staff are trained in the safe use of first-aid tools.

There is no requirement for schools to train students on how to administer naloxone. The ministry said those decisions will be made by districts at the local level.

Some school districts in B.C. say they have been working toward having AEDs in more schools for a while. 

Jameel Aziz, superintendent for School District No. 57 in the Prince George area, welcomes the requirements, saying he once worked at a school where a young person died of a cardiac episode during a P.E. class. 

“I think anything we can do to help circumvent those kinds of instances is a positive,” said Aziz. 

He said all high schools in his district already have AEDs, but the requirement for all schools to have AEDs in place by June 2026 will “take a little bit of work.” 

He said his district has the ability to handle the initial costs of installing the AEDs in all schools, but there are concerns around the ongoing costs for maintaining the devices. 

Aziz added the district will be looking to train as many staff as possible on the use of naloxone kits, but he’s also hoping for more guidance around it from the province.

In School District No. 8 in the Kootenays, Superintendent Trish Smillie expects all schools to be equipped by this fall.

“We’re a little ahead of the game,” she said.

Smillie said fewer schools in the district currently have naloxone kits, but all middle and secondary schools will be equipped with the kits by this fall. 

While her school district has available funds to meet the requirements, the lack of additional provincial funding means the money must come from elsewhere in the budget.

“New initiatives should come with funding,” said Smillie.

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The Public Health Agency of Canada has added more brands of Dubai chocolate bars to the list of recalled products due to a salmonella outbreak in certain pistachio products. 

The public health agency said Thursday the recalled products include “Dubai”-style chocolate bars from the brands Chocofolie, Chocolato, Chocolats Favoris, and Vincent Sélection, all sold in 145-gram packages. 

The products were sold online as well as in stores in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. 

A recall was also issued earlier this month for Dubai brand Pistachio and Knafeh Milk Chocolate bars, due to possible salmonella contamination. 

Habibi brand Pistachio Kernel sold in 10-kilogram bags and Al Mokhtar Food Centre brand Pistachio in 450-gram bags have also been recalled. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a food safety investigation after multiple reports of illnesses, which may lead to the recall of other products.

More than 50 people have been sickened due to the outbreak, including three in B.C., and 10 have been hospitalized.

The public health agency warns people should not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled pistachios and pistachio-containing products.

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Forecasters warn heavy rain is expected to sweep across B.C.’s south coast Friday, in some areas dumping twice the average monthly amount of rain in just one day.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a rainfall warning for Friday for much of Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound, where between 50 and 80 millimeters of rain is expected. The warning was later extended to include the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford.

It said a moisture-laden frontal system will bring rain and strong southerly winds to the south coast Friday morning. 

A cold front is expected to arrive later in the day, bringing the heaviest rainfall rates during the afternoon commute. ECCC warns there could be poor visibility on the roads and an increased risk of hydroplaning. While local flooding is possible.

Environment Canada meteorologist Cristy Climenhaga said Vancouver typically sees close to 36-millimetres for the entire month of August.

“This is unseasonable for this time of year to see this much rain in a short period of time,” she said. 

She said the west part of Vancouver Island could also see between 50-75 millimetres of rain, while the east coast of the island can expect 10 to 20 millimetres. 

The B.C. River Forecast Centre issued a high streamflow advisory for the South Coast and North Shore Mountains, saying rivers are expected to rise rapidly on Friday.

The centre said streamflow is already high in rivers fed by glaciers due to recent warm weather, and could become more hazardous because of the forecast rainfall.

Rain is expected to taper off in the south coast through the weekend, with temperatures climbing back to a more seasonal range next week. 

Sarah Budd, provincial information officer for the B.C. Wildfire Service, said the rainfall will help firefighters battling wildfires in that part of the province, including the out-of-control Underwood fire. But she said it likely won’t be enough to address the severe dryness and underlying drought conditions fueling the fires. 

She compared the landscape to a dry sponge sitting by a kitchen sink.

“You really have to submerge the sponge to get it to absorb the water,” said Budd. “We would need a more prolonged and consistent bout of rain to change the fire weather indices in that area.”

The Underwood fire south of Port Alberni had grown to more than 34-square kilometres as of Thursday and has prompted multiple evacuation orders and alerts for nearby properties.

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Officials at the British Columbia parliament building are investigating after a pro-Palestinian sign was attached to the front of the building overnight.

A photo posted to social media shows a white banner hanging from the front of the building, with the words “FREE PALESTINE ECONOMIC SANCTIONS.”

“An external security breach took place overnight (Aug. 13-14, 2025) at the Parliament Buildings,” said the Office of the Clerk in a brief statement to Vista news. “The matter is being taken very seriously, and a full investigation is underway.”

The office did not provide further information as the investigation is ongoing.

The sign was removed sometime Thursday morning.

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Airports in B.C. are bracing for travel disruptions after the union representing 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants issued 72-hour strike notice Wednesday.

The airline said it has also issued a 72-hour lockout notice.

Air Canada said it will begin winding down flights Thursday to allow an orderly shutdown as it faces a potential work stoppage by its flight attendants after midnight Eastern time Saturday.

The suspension applies to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights. Air Canada Express flights are not affected.

Vancouver International Airport said Air Canada service could be disrupted starting about 10 p.m. Pacific time Friday.

“YVR is preparing for potential travel impacts should a work stoppage take place. This includes increasing terminal staffing to best support affected passengers,” the airport said in a statement Wednesday morning.

YVR said it continues to urge both sides to reach an agreement at the table.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees said the strike follows “nine months of the company delaying at the bargaining table on the fundamental issues,” including wages and unpaid work.

The airline has sought government-directed arbitration to resolve the dispute.

CUPE said it remains ready to negotiate.

Air Canada said it tabled a revised comprehensive proposal to the union Aug. 11, including a 38 per cent total compensation increase over four years.

The union said the offer “is below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage — and still leaves flight attendants unpaid for all hours of work.”

Air Canada said the strike could affect about 130,000 customers a day.

It said customers whose flights are cancelled will be notified and eligible for a full refund. The airline said it has made arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers to provide alternative travel options, but noted other carriers are already very full due to the summer travel peak, so securing such capacity may not be immediately possible.

Air Canada said it is also implementing a flexible rebooking policy for all customers so they can change or defer travel at no additional cost.

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Ottawa is offering $45.7 million for projects in B.C. and across Canada that advance knowledge about wildfires. 

The projects will be focused on protecting Canadians from the growing threat of wildfires, strengthening wildfire risk assessments, and improving mitigation and adaptive forestry practices.

The funding is being doled out through Natural Resources Canada’s Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge program.

“Today’s announcement is about ensuring that communities, emergency responders and decision makers have the knowledge they need to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfires,” said Corey Hogan, parliamentary secretary to the federal energy minister, in Calgary Tuesday.

The Vancouver-based Métis Wildfire Community Research Initiative is among the funding recipients. 

“Our approach is different because we are building strong relationships with local people.” said Joe Desjarlais, Director of Research for the B.C. Metis Foundation. “We’re training them to do wildfire research, to recover their own knowledge for their own benefit, to give them a voice.”

Another project based in Williams Lake aims to reduce the amount of wildfire fuel in the landscape by collecting and using damaged forest fibre. 

Percy Guichon, head of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation, noted communities are still trying to recover from 2017 wildfires that burned large swathes of the Chilcotin Plateau area.

“This investment from Natural Resource Canada will help ensure that future generations inherit a healthier, more balanced and resilient forest that reduce wildfire risk and protect our communities,” said Guichon.

Jim Herbers, executive director of Biodiversity Pathways, said their Wildland Foundation project is working with Indigenous partners to better understand the impacts of wildfires and study traditional wildfire management practices. 

He said three of the four communities they are working with have been impacted by wildfires in recent years, and the fourth is at high risk of wildfires “after a century without natural or cultural burning practices.”

Over 7,300 square-kilometres have burned in B.C. due to wildfires so far this year.

Natural Resources Canada said annual national costs for fighting wildland fire total over $1 billion. It says fire-suppression costs could double by 2040.

Other B.C.-based organizations receiving funding are:

• University of British Columbia, Vancouver. 
• University of Victoria, Victoria
• Capital Regional District, Victoria
• Gathering Voices Society, Vancouver
• Bulkley Centre for Natural Resources Research and Management, Smithers 
• First Nations Emergency Services Society, North Vancouver
• Chuzghun Resources Corporation, Fort St. James
• Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase
• Chawathil First Nation, Hope

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British Columbia is investing $35 million towards new clean energy projects, through the CleanBC Industry Fund. 

The fund invests part of B.C.’s industrial carbon pricing system into projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large industrial operations. 

Businesses are eligible to apply if they have emissions over 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year and report their greenhouse gas emissions. 

The province said since launching in 2019, the fund has committed more than $368 million to 173 projects throughout B.C. It said those projects are expected to reduce more than 14 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over 10 years.

The latest data from the province show B.C. reported 65.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2022. 

The province said the CleanBC Fund has leveraged an average of two dollars in additional investment from industry and other partners for every one dollar invested. 

Applications for the 2025 funding round are open.

 A list of 2024 funding recipients is posted on the B.C Government’s website.

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British Columbia intends to appeal a decision by the province’s top court in favour of the Quw’utsun First Nations in their land and fishery claim in Richmond.

The B.C. Supreme Court ruled on Aug. 7 the Quw’utsun First Nations have Aboriginal title to the lands at their Tl’uqtinus village site under Canada’s Constitution Act of 1982 and the right to fish the south arm of the Fraser River.

The First Nation called it a historic victory, but B.C.’s Attorney General Niki Sharma said Monday there were significant legal issues with the ruling. 

“We disagree strongly with the decision,” said Sharma. “British Columbia will be filing an appeal and seeking a stay to pause implementation until the appeal is resolved.” 

The trial began in September 2019, and centred on the nearly 7.5 square kilometres of land where a former village once stood on the south shore of Lulu Island, now within the city of Richmond. 

The land was taken away during the 1870s. It’s currently owned by the federal Crown, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), the City of Richmond, and private third parties.

Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Halalt First Nation were plaintiffs in the case, supported by Lyackson First Nation.

The federal and provincial governments opposed the claim, as well as Richmond, the VFPA, Tsawwassen First Nation, and the Musqueam Indian Band.

The court ruled the titles and interests in the lands held by Canada and Richmond are defective and invalid, except for the Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project Lands.

The B.C. Supreme Court also said the province has a duty to negotiate in good faith regarding property within the claim area that is held by third parties.

“This ruling could have significant unintended consequences for fee simple private property rights in B.C. that must be reconsidered by a higher court,” said Sharma in a statement. 

“Our government is committed to protecting and upholding private property rights, while advancing the critical work of reconciliation. This case is an example of why the Province prefers to resolve land claims through negotiation – where we can protect property rights directly – rather than risk considerable uncertainty through court decisions,” said Sharma. 

She said her legal team is analyzing the ruling, and the province will release updates on the process in the future. 

Closing arguments wrapped in the fall of 2023, after more than 500 days of testimony that included oral history evidence, historical documents and ethnographic evidence. 

Musqueam Indian Band said following the ruling its Chief and Council were “deeply offended” by the decision.  

“Leadership and our entire community fundamentally disagree with the court’s decision to ignore traditional governance practices which have guided intercommunity relationships since time immemorial,” the band said in a statement. 

It said it would continue to vigorously defend its rights and the band would consider its next steps with its legal counsel. 

Tawassan First Nation said in a social media post last week it’s also reviewing the decision and would update members as more information becomes available.

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Scorching temperatures are expected through Tuesday in southwestern British Columbia, climbing as high as 35 degrees in some areas. 

Environment Canada said there’s a moderate risk to public health as a ridge of high pressure brings high temperatures to the south coast and some parts of the southern Interior.

Heat warnings were issued over the weekend for Howe Sound, Whistler, Pemberton, Sunshine Coast, East Vancouver Island and Inland Vancouver Island. The warnings were expanded Monday to include Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. 

Forecasters said areas near the water will likely get some relief from the heat, but away from the water, daytime temperatures will reach the low 30’s.

Heat warnings are also in place for the North Thompson region, with forecasted highs of 31 degrees, as well as the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson and South Okanagan regions, where temperatures near 35 degrees are expected. 

Cooler weather is expected to arrive on Wednesday. 

Environment Canada noted that heat can affect everyone, but can be particularly risky for seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions, mental illness or substance use disorders, and people with limited mobility.

It recommends seeking a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.

Heat illness can cause heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.

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Family and friends have identified the two people killed in a backcountry accident near Trout Lake in the West Kootenay as a Nanaimo couple known for their popular online adventuring videos.

Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans died last week after their offroad vehicle went down an embankment.

They were the creators of Toyota World Runners, which chronicled their travels around North and South America. They had more than 200,000 subscribers and their videos routinely drew tens of thousands of viewers.

In a social media post, Tourout’s mother called the tragedy a “devastating end to an amazing love story. They are together forever as we knew they would always be.”

The BC Coroners Service confirms it’s investigating the incident Thursday evening on Rady Creek Forest Service Road, but provided no other details.

Mark Jennings-Bates of Kaslo Search and Rescue said his organization was called out to a report of a vehicle rollover involving two occupants, one of whom had been thrown and the other of whom was still trapped.

The vehicle was said to have rolled 150 to 200 feet (45 to 60 meters) down a steep slope.

Search and rescue was able to dispatch a ground team quickly and to find a Nakusp-based helicopter, “which given the forest fire situation is not that easy.” It flew to the scene with three response team members.

They arrived with just enough daylight to find the crash site and get the victims off the mountain, Jennings-Bate said. Tourout was taken out by helicopter, but later died. Yeomans’ body was recovered from the scene.

Jennings-Bates said his understanding is that the vehicle in question was a road vehicle converted for rock crawling and overlanding.

He said it was a “very, very difficult” call. The responders involved were expected to receive counselling.

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The Business Council of BC (BCBC) released an update to summarize the results of its Stay With B.C. campaign this week.

The report shares stories from more than 3,000 British Columbians on mounting economic pressures prompting them to consider leaving the province.

According to the BCBC, the Stay With B.C. campaign was launched in December as a response to Alberta’s “Alberta is Calling” advertising campaign, asking British Columbians: If Alberta is calling, what would it take to make you stay?

Some of the top concerns respondents stated included:

• Housing and affordability (36 per cent)
• Taxes and regulation (28 per cent)
• Jobs and wages (23 per cent)
• Public services (including health care and transportation) (18 per cent)

One respondent from Prince George stated “We need a strong sensible government that understands you cannot spend you way to prosperity. You cannot continue to raise sax and supress wages while driving out private investment with outrageous fees and red tape.”

“The number of responses we received was well beyond anything we expected,” said BCBC Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs Braden McMillan.

“It was heartbreaking to read so many personal and deeply moving stories from people across the province. But it was also a powerful reminder of how much work is needed to get the economy working for British Columbians again. People are struggling, and they need all the help they can get.”

The full campaign update can be found here.

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In addition to snapping a selfie during a visit to a national or provincial park, visitors are being encouraged to take an “Icy.”

The “Icy Initiative” invites people to photograph glaciers to help monitor how they change over time in B.C. parks. It’s a collaboration among Parks Canada, BC Parks, the BC Parks Foundation and the University of Waterloo.

Cell‑phone stands have been installed in Jasper and Glacier national parks, as well as Bugaboo, Garibaldi and Mount Robson provincial parks. Visitors place their phone in the stand, snap a photo of the glacier and upload it using a QR code on‑site or through the GeoReach website.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo will use the photos to track whether glaciers are retreating, thinning or disappearing.

“The Icy Initiative is community research in action,” said B.C. environment and parks minister Tamara Davidson in a statement. “When the public engages with science, it deepens our understanding of these rapidly changing landscapes – which has never been more important.”

Parks Canada says glaciers in western Canada are melting faster than ever, affecting water tables, agricultural practices and drinking water availability downstream.

“The program provides exceptional educational opportunities for people from around the world to discover Canada’s glacial landscapes, the changes taking place and how this may relate to their own communities,” said Dr. Chris Houser, dean of science at the University of Waterloo.

The initiative builds on the success of the “Coastie” program, launched in 2021, in which visitor‑submitted photos help monitor coastal changes in Atlantic Canada.

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British Columbia lost about 16,000 jobs in July, mirroring a broader national decline.

Statistics Canada released its July Labour Force Survey on Friday, noting that the losses followed a gain of 13,000 jobs in May and little change in June. The majority of the decline in B.C. was among women aged 25 to 54.

The province’s unemployment rate rose to 5.9 per cent, compared with the national average of 6.9 per cent. Youth unemployment in B.C. reached just over 12 per cent.

Across Canada, employment fell by 40,800 in July, reversing the 83,000‑job gain seen in June. The employment rate dipped to 60.7 per cent.

Most national job losses affected youth aged 15 to 24. The unemployment rate for returning students under 24 stood at 17.5 per cent in July—the highest for that month since 2009, excluding July 2020.

In B.C., the services sector led losses with 8,400 jobs lost, including 4,200 in education. The goods‑producing sector shed 7,900 jobs, mostly in construction.

Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon said that despite the job losses, B.C. is faring relatively well amid U.S. tariff threats. He added the province has gained 21,400 full‑time jobs since January—the largest increase among provinces.

Statistics Canada data show B.C. is up 5,500 full‑time jobs compared with July 2024.

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The B.C. Greens say a new government report on the state of the primary care system is “a step forward,” but it highlights some gaps.

The report, released Thursday, is the first of two outlining key findings from the health ministry’s assessment of B.C.’s primary care system. The report was required under the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord, or CARGA, which commits the B.C. Greens and NDP to work on shared priorities.

The 33-page report provides an overview of investments in B.C.’s primary care system since the launch of the primary care strategy in 2018.

The ministry notes the first report is not intended as a comprehensive performance assessment of the entire system. It includes team-based care models such as urgent primary care centres and community health centres. It also includes metrics, including the number of health-care providers in B.C. and how many residents have a primary care provider.

“This report is an important first step in our work to make the most of existing resources, identify ongoing challenges and better plan for the future,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne in a statement.

The report says nearly 750,000 people in British Columbia have become newly attached to a primary care provider since 2018. As of June 2025, 76 per cent of people in B.C. have a long-term primary care provider.

However, the B.C. Greens said the report highlights “the lack of access in rural and remote communities compared to urban centres.”

The report shows just over 73 per cent of residents in northern B.C. have a primary care provider. Vancouver Island is also below the provincial average, at 73.8 per cent.

“This report confirms what we said during the campaign: B.C. doesn’t have a doctor shortage — we’re just not using our doctors effectively, or serving the entire province equitably,” said interim leader Jeremy Valeriote.

The report says the province has funded 41 urgent primary care centres since 2018. It has funded 14 community health centres, which are intended to provide care for those facing mental health or substance abuse issues and other priority populations.

The B.C. Greens said the report provides “valuable insights,” but fails to address patient complexity, satisfaction and health outcomes. They also note it was developed with “limited” input from non-governmental care providers or other stakeholders.

The province said the final report, due this fall, will assess barriers affecting the system’s expansion and effectiveness, to help shape future policy and funding.

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British Columbia reported a smaller deficit than expected for the 2024-25 year, at $7.3 billion. 

The latest third quarter update had predicted a deficit of about $9.1 billion. 

Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said Thursday the deficit was brought down by higher revenues, including from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, even as natural resource revenue fell. 

The deficit at the end of the previous fiscal year, 2023-24, was just over $5 billion. 

The ministry said the growing deficit comes as the province supported people through wildfires, high interest rates, and inflation. 

“We will continue to make the tough decisions necessary to make sure every dollar we spend has the greatest impact in the lives of British Columbians,” Bailey said in a statement. 

Total revenue was $84.1 billion, about $2.5 billion higher than anticipated in the initial 2024-25 budget.

Taxpayer-supported debt increased by $23.7 billion, to $99.1-billion, while the provincial GDP grew by 1.2 per cent.

The ratio of taxpayer-supported debt relative to gross domestic product is an indicator of the province’s ability to manage its debt load. 

B.C.’s current debt-to-GDP ratio is 23.2 per cent, which Bailey noted is low compared to other provinces. Only Alberta had a lower ratio at 22.1 per cent in 2024. 

The ministry reported $10.4 billion in taxpayer-supported spending on infrastructure like schools, hospitals, housing, roads, transit and other capital projects.

Total provincial debt reached $133.9 billion, up 24.5 per cent. 

Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar said that’s a 47 per cent increase since Premier David Eby took office in 2022. 

“Eby’s debt disaster will only continue to spiral out of control, with major costs on the horizon, including wildfire contingencies, public sector bargaining and contract increases, and rising infrastructure cost pressures from the added cost of the CBA model,” said Milobar in a statement. 

The unemployment rate was 5.6 per cent in 2024, up from 5.2 per cent the previous year. 

The province’s first quarter update for the 2025-26 budget is set to be released September 15.

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The B.C. Coroners Service said there were a total of 292 suspected unregulated drug deaths in May and June, amounting to a little under five deaths per day.

Preliminary data released Thursday show 145 people died in May, and 147 died in June from suspected overdoses. 

A total of 915 people have died in B.C. so far this year from toxic drugs.  Last year, there were 2306 deaths across the province, down from 2588 in 2023. 

The cities experiencing the highest number of unregulated drug deaths so far in 2025 are Vancouver, Surrey and Greater Victoria.

The Fraser Health Authority region has seen the highest number of unregulated drug deaths, with 269.  The Vancouver Coastal Health region has seen the second highest, at 238 deaths. Together they represent 55 per cent of all deaths this year. 

The highest rates of deaths reported were in Northern Health, at 44 per 100,000.

Out of those who have died this year, 70 per cent had fentanyl in their system. The Coroner’s Service said the number of deaths where the highly-potent carfentanil was detected has increased in recent months.

In 2025, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 69 per cent of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 78 per cent were male.

The Coroner’s Service said smoking was the main way of ingesting the drugs among those who died.

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B.C.’s public safety minister said a new RCMP unit will lead the provincial response to human trafficking. 

Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced the 12-person counter human trafficking unit (CHTU) on Wednesday. 

“The creation of this new unit marks a significant step forward in our government’s efforts to assist police in identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking, while also strengthening evidence-gathering to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held accountable,” said Krieger in a statement. 

The province said the unit will work with police departments and other agencies to train officers and assist in investigations. It said the unit will also promote experts in the field of human trafficking to support criminal prosecutions. 

The province said 43 incidents were reported to police in B.C. in 2023, but notes though the actual number may be higher as experts say human trafficking is significantly under-reported.

“Human trafficking is a complex and often hidden crime that requires specialized skills and resources from police,” said Chief Supt. Elija Rain, officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP major crime section.

“The creation of this dedicated team strengthens our overall response to human trafficking in every corner of B.C.”

Funding for the CTHU will come from $230 million in police funding previously announced by the province to help RCMP hire 256 members over three years. The province said two hundred and twenty-five positions have been staffed and actions for the remaining 31 positions are expected to be completed by spring 2026.

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Officials said Tuesday night’s tsunami advisory represented a good test of British Columbia’s emergency response, and the system appears to work well — though some municipalities say more could be done to improve communication with the public.

The tsunami advisory for B.C.’s coast was cancelled Wednesday morning, after the advisory was issued the previous evening following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia. 

Speaking in Kitimat Wednesday, Premier David Eby called the tsunami threat a “trial run.” 

Eby said the province took a precautionary approach in its response, and the warning system worked as expected. 

“Fortunately we saw minimal impact here in B.C., but we were prepared for a more significant impact if it happened,” said Eby.

David Eby comments on tsunami advisory:

B.C. officials initially issued a tsunami watch after the massive quake that took place a little before 4:30 p.m. PDT.

That was later upgraded to an advisory, telling people along the coast to avoid beaches, stay out of the water and watch out for further alerts from emergency officials. 

The advisory included the North Coast and Haida Gwaii, Central Coast and Northeast Vancouver Island Coast including Kitimat, Bella Coola, and Port Hardy. 

It also covered the West Coast of Vancouver Island from Cape Scott to Port Renfrew, and the Juan de Fuca Strait from Jordan River to Greater Victoria.

EmergencyInfoBC said in the advisory no significant inundation was expected, but warned about strong localized currents.

B.C.’s warning system issues a tsunami watch when the danger is not yet known, and tells people to stay alert for more information. 

A tsunami advisory means strong currents are likely, and people should stay away from the shore. 

The highest alert level is a tsunami warning, issued when a full wave is possible, and evacuations might be necessary.

“We used the data from the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) to monitor and assess the potential impact to coastal B.C. and determine the appropriate level of response,” said Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene in a statement. “This event is an example of how our systems are working well to keep people informed and safe during a potential emergency.”

The said the province will be conducting a review of the response, which is done after any  emergency event.

“Thankfully, the advisory was cancelled, but yesterday’s event serves as a reminder that parts of B.C. are in tsunami risk zones, and people should be prepared. I encourage everyone to learn more about what to do in the event of a tsunami warning at PreparedBC.ca/Tsunamis and visit EmergencyInfoBC.ca online,” said Greene.

Municipalities report smooth response, but communication gaps remain

The District of Tofino said on its Facebook page Wednesday morning the area experienced minimal wave activity overnight, with a maximum height of about 15-centimetres.

Tofino Mayor Dan Law said the emergency response went smoothly. He said councillors heard about the tsunami threat during a council meeting, and the district’s emergency operations centre was immediately activated. 

In addition to social media alerts, Tofino uses an alert system called Voyant to communicate emergency notifications to residents who have registered online.

Law said Tofino community hall was opened for community members and visitors to get information and support. He said some tourists did voluntarily leave their lodgings near the shore and remained at the hall until about midnight, though he wasn’t able to say how many people did so.

“Everytime there’s an event like this and our emergency operation centre is activated, it’s an excellent opportunity for our communication policies…to get better. It’s a great opportunity for the district to work with partnering agencies like the RCMP and the Coast Guard to improve those communication channels,” said Law. “That’s going to make all the difference when we get an emergency that is a higher risk.”

Port Hardy Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt agrees the response appears to have been effective.

She said there was quick action by emergency personnel in Port Hardy to prepare for a possible evacuation, and officials received updates from the province about every half hour.

She said about 100-200 people were camping along beaches in the area, and personnel went out to inform them to move to higher ground. 

But Corbett-Labatt said there are some gaps in communication with the public she would like to see addressed to prepare for future emergencies. She noted the lack of cell service in some parts of north Vancouver Island could prevent people from receiving alerts or getting help in case of emergencies.

Tsunamis “move faster than you can run,” said earthquake expert

Alison Bird, an earthquake seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, said the 8.8 magnitude earthquake was unique for being one of the largest recorded in the world.

She said a tsunami wave can move about as fast as a jet plane in deep water, but they become even more dangerous when they slow down and build up in shallower areas.

“They always move much faster than you can run, so I always advise people, evacuate before you see the wave because it’s very difficult to get away from these things,” said Bird. 

She acknowledges it can be a challenge to reach everyone with warning notifications, and says people should check information from EmergencyInfoBC or download an emergency notification app to get alerts.

But she said that in the case of a major earthquake off B.C.’s coast, the earthquake itself will be the notice that people should get far away from the shore.

“If you feel really strong shaking where it’s difficult to stand and it lasts more than a minute, it could have caused a tsunami and it’s best to just use that as your warning and get to high ground as soon as you can, because you may not have enough time to wait for that official warning from the tsunami warning centre,” said Bird. 

Natural Resources Canada says the last megathrust earthquake along the Cascadia fault line took place on January 26, 1700. The undersea fault ruptured along 1000-kilometres from mid Vancouver Island to northern California, and caused a massive tsunami that levelled villages on Vancouver Island.

Experts predict a similar off-shore event is expected at some point in the future.

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Premier David Eby is pushing back against critics who say his government’s support for LNG amounts to greenwashing. 

Eby spoke to reporters after visiting the LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat Wednesday, which began its first liquefied natural gas shipments to Asian markets in late June. He celebrated the milestone as a means of diversifying B.C.’s economy and building more “clean energy.”

Eby said the LNG from the site is 60 per cent lower carbon than the average LNG plant around the world.

His comments come a day after announcing the province had agreed to provide $200 million to support electricity infrastructure for the nearby Cedar LNG project.

The amount matched the federal government’s funding for Cedar LNG announced in March.

Eby said Tuesday the electrification of Cedar LNG  will make it “one of the lowest emission plants in the entire world.”

The support for Cedar LNG prompted criticism from environmental advocates and the BC Greens.

David Eby comments:

“The government’s continued inaction when it comes to the climate, and their disingenuous greenwashing of LNG as ‘clean’ energy is a distraction from their climate action failures,” said BC Greens interim leader Jeremy Valeriote in a statement. “Publicly subsidizing LNG expansion is not a ‘clean’ way forward and harms climate and communities upstream from fracking.”

Asked about that criticism Wednesday, Eby said Canadian LNG offers a better option for overseas markets, which would otherwise get their product from jurisdictions with higher carbon footprints.

“Japan, Malaysia, Korea, China are not eliminating fossil fuels overnight,” said Eby. “If they are using LNG…they should be using Canadian LNG that’s produced ethically, that promotes environmental protection, as well as high quality labour standards and safety standards.

“Everyone knows that we have to transition away from fossil fuels, but in the meantime we should be using the lowest carbon fossil fuels possible,” he said.

Valeriote said the NDP government hasn’t provided evidence to support the claim that B.C. produces the lowest-carbon LNG in the world.

LNG Canada has a 40-year export license and is expected to initially export up to 14 million tonnes of LNG per year as it ramps up production.

The province has said LNG Canada is the “largest private-sector investment in Canadian history.” It said $40 billion has been committed to building the export facility in Kitimat and associated infrastructure.

It’s backed by Shell, Petronas PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation and the Korea Gas Corp.

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The Save-Our-Streets coalition is taking the latest crime severity index numbers from Stats Canada with a grain of salt.

The group noted while BC’s saw an 11% drop in this category, its lowest level in six years – shoplifting has spiked by 66 per cent over the last decade, pushing many business owners to their wits end.

Co-founder, Jess Ketchum told Vista Radio retail theft is far from a Vancouver-based problem.

“It is Prince George, it is Quesnel, Williams Lake and its in the Kootenays, Kamloops as well as all over the Island. It’s a matter of this crime increasing over a ten-year period.”

He added retail theft often escalates to violence these days, which puts workers in a tough spot.

“It’s one thing to be impacted by somebody coming in to a place of business and stealing, but it’s an entirely different situation when more and more seem to be coming in with a very threatening manor.”

Ketchum noted the issue isn’t so much about what is being reported, it’s what’s not being publicized that is the group’s biggest worry.

“It’s not that they are inaccurate for what they are reporting but it’s what they are not reporting that is the problem. We have seen study after study that demonstrates just how pervasive non-reporting has become.”

“So many of the crimes nowadays go unreported because either people have lost faith in the justice system to do anything or they just don’t have the time to be making these claims while running their businesses.”

In 2023, London Drugs President and COO Clint Mahlman, who is also part of Save Our Streets, noted their Parkwood Place location in Prince George had one of the highest crime rates ranking in the top five for loss.

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Quesnel will have more flight options in and out of Vancouver come this fall.

Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA) announced this morning [July 23] the airline’s expansion of its network into Quesnel, with direct, non-stop flights to and from Vancouver International Airport.

“We are thrilled to add Quesnel to our route network,” Johnathan Richardson, the Vice-President of Commercial at PCA.

“[Quesnel] will become our nineteenth destination of communities that we serve across the province. We’ll be starting flights on Thursday, October 30.”

PCA will offer six flights a week between Quesnel and Vancouver, from Sundays through Fridays. Passengers will be seated on one of PCA’s 19-seat Beechcraft 1900 aircraft.

Richardson says that PCA has offered charters into Quesnel before, but has never had scheduled service into the city before. PCA currently has services in and out of Williams Lake, and Richardson says the Lake City will still have non-stop flights to Vancouver.

The service between Quesnel and Vancouver will also allow people to ship cargo by air to Quesnel throughout PCA’s network across the province. The service will also allow passengers to purchase tickets to Vancouver Island and go to Victoria or Comox.

Often, passengers in Quesnel make a trip to Prince George to fly down to the Lower Mainland due to cancelled flights and weather conditions. Richardson says that will be a service tied into the flights from PCA.

“We will be offering non-stop flights to Vancouver from Quesnel, six days a week which is planned to be an indefinite service and will be offered year-round between the two communities.”

Tickets for flights down to Vancouver are available to book now. Pacific Coastal is offering a 20 per cent discount between Quesnel and the rest of its network from October 30, 2025 and March 6, 2026.

After the promotion, Richardson says tickets will start at $264.97 for the round trip.

“On behalf of the City Council and the 23,000+ citizens of Quesnel and the North Cariboo area, we are excited to welcome Pacific Coastal Airlines’ six-day-per-week scheduled passenger service to Quesnel,” says Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull in PCA’s media release.

“Our Quesnel and area business and industry partners will welcome the availability of new scheduled passenger, cargo, and charter services offered by Pacific Coastal. Welcome aboard!”

Pacific Coastal Airlines Flight Schedule – Effective October 30, 2025

(A graph showing the departure and arrival times of PCA’s flights from Vancouver to Quesnel.[Graph from PCA’s media release.])

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A pair of local MLAs are part of a committee that is seeking input on the Lobbyists Transparency Act.

It entails its review of the law that regulates lobbying activities in British Columbia.

The committee includes Prince George-Mackenzie rep Kiel Giddens and Rosalyn Bird of PG-Valemount, both of whom are flying the Conservative banner.  

The special committee accepts written submissions from interested individuals or organizations until September 19th at 2pm. 

The group will also invite presentations at public hearings. The deadline to complete the review is May 4th, 2026. 

The remaining members of the committee consist of: 

* Steve Morissette, MLA, Kootenay-Monashee (chair); 

* Susie Chant, MLA, North Vancouver-Seymour; 

* Harwinder Sandhu, MLA, Vernon-Lumby. 

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A spike in speeding and dangerous driving in Golden has the BC Highway Patrol asking drivers across the province to drive slower and sober during the summer.

“Summer is always a busy season on the Trans Canada, but we all need to obey the speed limit and drive with more caution,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin, with BC Highway Patrol, in a media release. “Our officers feel like we are pulling people over moments before catastrophe, especially when drivers are speeding through national parks and construction zones.”

The Highway Patrol stopped a young driver from Williams Lake traveling at 168 km/h in a 90 km/h zone on Highway #1 in Yoho National Park, on July 4.

According to the BC Highway Patrol, the 24-year-old driver held a Class 7 Novice license and was driving with four passengers in the vehicle. The driver also blew a ‘fail’ on an Approved Screening Device for alcohol, issued by a Highway Patrol Officer.

The driver received multiple penalties for the incident, including:

• Excessive speeding (over 60 km/h), section 148(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), with a fine of $483;
• Driving contrary to restrictions (no alcohol in bloodstream for Novice Drivers), section 25(15) of the BC MVA ($109);
• Driving contrary to restrictions (too many passengers and no qualified supervisor) section 25(15) of the BC MVA ($109);
• Fail to Display N sign, section 30.10(4) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (MVAR), with a fine of $109;
• A vehicle impound (and tow at his expense);
• A 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition;
• A five-month driving prohibition.

In the media release, the BC Highway Patrol said they are committed to keeping the public safe. They will also be patrolling and doing routine traffic stops along the highways.

“We can’t be everywhere at once; we need help from the public,” Corporal McLaughlin says. “If you see dangerous driving, please report it to the police. If you are the one who is driving dangerously; slow down, dude.”

The BC Highway Patrol also reminds the public that the Summer Impaired Driving Campaign, which they launched last month, is underway until August 31.

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The Special Olympics BC Summer Games are officially underway in Prince George.

The opening ceremonies were held at the CN Centre tonight (Thursday), as the City welcomes nearly 900 athletes from 46 communities to the City to compete in ten sports.

After the athletes piled into the CN Centre, remarks were made by Lheidli T’enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh, Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan, Premier David Eby, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Spencer Chandra Herbert, and Mayor Simon Yu.

“Prince George is an incredible place for hosting sports, and for hosting sizeable competition like the Special Olympics,” Chandra Herbert said.

“The opportunities for sports tourism in the region just continue to grow, it’s very exciting.”

A full schedule of events for the Special Olympics BC Games can be found here.

Results can be found here.

1 of 31

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Dan Hamhuis walked through every door that came open to him during his distinguished hockey career and now he is getting a well-deserved curtain call.

The Smithers native and co-owner of the Prince George Cougars is part of the Class of 2025 to be inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton on Saturday.

As a young kid, growing up in the Nordic-inspired picturesque beauty of the northwest, not in Hamhuis’ wildest dreams did he think an 18-year professional hockey career was even an option growing up, let along leaving his hometown to play major junior for the Cougars in the late-90’s.

“I dreamed of playing in the NHL but I never thought that it was a reality or that there was even a path ahead of me to be able to do that. I played because I love the game and all of the time spent dreaming of that playing road hockey all that time, eventually paid,”

After lighting up the Single-A ranks with the Smithers A’s where he amassed 131 points in 59 games in 1997-98, Hamhuis took his first leap of faith and made the cut as a rookie defenseman with the Prince George Cougars – a place he would call home for four seasons.

His game at the junior level grew by leaps and bounds after his first year – after notching just one goal in 98-99 – he tallied 10 goals or more in his last three seasons while also seeing his point totals from the blueline increase from 33 to 59, and then 60.

The road to the big leagues became much clearer after he was taken 12th overall by the upstart Nashville Predators in the 2001 NHL Draft, a place he would call home for eight seasons during his pro career.

During his 1,148 game NHL journey, which spanned 16 seasons, Hamhuis also spent six years with the Vancouver Canucks along with a two-year stint with the Dallas Stars.

When asked about his pro career, which also included a stint with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, Hamhuis said there are a handful of moments that stand out.

“Going to the Olympics was a pinnacle of the career and winning that gold medal was pretty special and the run we had with the Vancouver Canucks we had was special. It didn’t end the way we wanted losing in game seven of the Stanley Cup final, but it was such an amazing year.”

Mixed in with all of that, Hamhuis lived out another childhood dream by wearing the Maple Leaf for Canada at the international stage on nine occasions, which included the World Junior Hockey Championship (a bronze and a silver medal), six appearances at the IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship (two gold medals and two silver medals) along with one Olympic appearance (gold medal in Sochi, Russia).

“The Hockey Canada experiences are something that not everybody experiences and I was able to wear that jersey on nine separate occasions. That was really special and added a lot to my career.”

“I have to pinch myself all of that happened, It seems unreal looking back on it now – it was a lot of fun and I loved the game, loved playing and trying to get better at it all of the time and all the people I was able to do it with,” added Hamhuis.

Joining Hamhuis in the BC Hockey Hall of Fame will be longtime competitor and retired NHL’er Shawn Horcoff.

Horcoff, who was born in Trail, battled his entire career against Hamhuis due to the fact they always played on Western Conference rivals. Horcoff is most remembered for his time with the Edmonton Oilers while also suiting up for the Stars and Anaheim Ducks.

Both won a silver medal together during the 2009 men’s world championships. Hamhuis is quite happy to share the stage with someone equally as deserving.

“I know Shawn a bit as we played together at the world championships. Once you play on the same team with the guy you kind of have a connection throughout the rest of your career and I am looking forward to going through the experience with Shawn.”

Joining Hamhuis in the hall of fame is Mike Penny, (Builder), Larry Kwong (Pioneer/Player/Builder), Ted Hargreaves (Builder) as well as the 1987 Centennial Cup champion Richmond Sockeyes and the 1978 Allan Cup champion Kimberley Dynamiters.

“There are so many great names that are in there and now that I look back on my career from a different perspective, it’s neat to look back. It was a great career, it was longer than most to be able to play 18 years of pro,” added Hamhuis.

“From minor hockey, junior and pro – my family, wife and kids, the impact they have had on my life and in my career to be able to do that certainly would not have come close to experience or even have played pro without all of those people.”

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Wildfires are affecting B.C. more than ever, and United Way BC looks to help communities welcome evacuees through a new guide.

The Social Sector Activation Guide will address gaps in hosting and welcoming those evacuating areas affected by wildfires and incorporate past learnings to support residents in times of crisis.

The guide includes steps on how to build an impactful approach, putting together a response plan before a municipality becomes a host community for evacuees, and executing said plan.

The aim of this guide is to bring both the social sector and broader community together to work with Emergency support services in the event a host community is activated due to an emergency.

United Way says the guide was made in response to big environmental events in recent years, like floods and wildfires.

“As a primary host community, Kamloops, located within the unceded Secwépemc Territory, was called upon to receive evacuees from surrounding areas in both events.” said United Way BC.

“It was quickly identified that there were gaps when it came to hosting and helping evacuees during their greatest hour of need.”

United Way Director of Community Impact & Investment Kristi Rintoul says through this guide, they will focus on improving response practices and increasing safety for evacuees.

To read the guide, click here.

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The B.C. Government will support game developers by increasing a tax credit.

The province announced it’s increasing the interactive digital media tax credit from 17.5 percent to 25 percent to support those working in the interactive digital media industry like video game and virtual reality developers, software engineers, and artists.

The increase supports higher salaries and wages earned in the industry after August 31 this year, with businesses able claim the credit on those payments for video game, simulator, and educational software development.

Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey says from her experience in the gaming industry, she knows how important people are to its success.

“We stand by our developers and can’t wait to see what they create next.”

The province says the increase would also get more people employed in this industry as almost half of all B.C. gaming companies are only made up of 10 people or less.

It hopes the tax credit supports the hiring of over 20,000 people, attracts new investment, and continue the development of highly praised games.

This increase takes effect September 1.

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WestJet is increasing the frequency of several B.C. routes, starting next week. 

The airline said Victoria International Airport will see an overall seat capacity increase of 10 per cent, while Kelowna International Airport will see an overall increase of 11 per cent.

WestJet said it’s adding more weekly flights between Vancouver and Kelowna, Victoria, Nanaimo and Cranbrook, starting July 14th. 

It’s also increasing the frequency of flights between Kelowna and Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. 

Flights from Victoria to Kelowna and Edmonton will also get a boost in frequency.

“This increase in WestJet flights for the winter schedule to key destinations of Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver, demonstrates WestJet’s continued dedication to Okanagan region,” says Kelowna International Airport CEO Sam Samaddar.

WestJet also says it’s more routes from from Kelowna to Puerto Vallarta starting in October, and adding a new service route from Vancouver to Liberia this December.

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A first of its kind menopause clinic hopes to give those experiencing complex menopause symptoms in B.C. the care they need.

On Friday, The B.C. Government announced the new Complex Menopause Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, a clinic that will provide in-person and online care to women and gender-diverse patients and improve hospital programs related to complex menopause like bone, breast, and heart health.

The province says the clinic will also offer a variety of services like specialist consultation, counselling, medication management, and referrals to other services.

Minister of Health Josie Osborne says women and gender-diverse people face unique health challenges that often get overlooked.

“This new clinic will strengthen the continuum of care for people navigating complex menopause and is another step we’re taking to build a health-care system that’s compassionate, equitable and is there for people through every stage of life,” said Osborne.

The province says this clinic comes as 85 percent of people experience symptoms during menopause like hot flashes, poor sleep, and joint pain, with those experiencing premature menopause needing care that isn’t available in other places.

Along with offering care, the clinic will also use research to better understand people’s experiences through menopause, with hopes of building new solutions for those in need.

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The B.C. Government wants your input on a new model aimed at getting people employed.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has announced a new model for WorkBC, which aims to meet people where they are on their employment journey and offer supportive services that would help them the most.

This model will offer self-directed, in-office services, and employment-readiness outreach options.

The province says this project comes as the labour market changes, people’s expectations and needs for accessing employment services increase.

“To shape the future of WorkBC services and support, the province is inviting input on this new model from job seekers, employers, service providers and community members through an engagement survey,” said the B.C. Government.

“Feedback, submitted through an online survey or during a live engagement session, will help build a more timely, inclusive and person-centered system.”

The province released the survey on Thursday this week, and you have until July 31 to fill it in.

For the survey, click here.

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British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Gary Begg announced in Vancouver Friday morning an additional $734,000 for the unit. He said the funding will add five more RCMP officers and one intelligence analyst to the current two-officer unit.

“Over the past year alone we have seen reprehensible acts of violence here in our province,” said Begg. “Hate has no place in British Columbia.”

He said police reported hate crimes rose by 23 per cent from 2022 to 2023. Those linked to religion surged by more than 50 per cent and incidents related to sexual orientation jumped by 43 per cent.

Begg acknowledged that hate crimes often go unreported.

“Part of the program will be enhancing awareness of the community that they can report hate crimes as they arrive,” said Begg.

The money will fund the expanded unit for one year, with more funds to be allocated in the future.

The province said the funding is part of a $230 million investment in the B.C. RCMP, and will improve the RCMP’s ability to gather evidence for prosecutors of hate-motivated crimes, and support witnesses and victims.

Chief Supt. Elija Rain, the officer in charge of the hate crimes unit, said on Friday the team provides support and education to policing agencies across the province and currently reviews more than 100 files per week. He said the team also conducts its own investigations into public incitement of hatred or advocating genocide.

Rain acknowledged that hate crimes are still underreported.

“Ultimately, this provincial funding will not just make our team large, but more effective and more efficient,” said Rain.

“We recognize not everyone is comfortable engaging with police and the justice system,” said Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives.

She said more than 800 calls have been made to a racist incident helpline the province established last year.

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A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS). 

Mayor Denise O’Connor said the Izman Creek Fire is burning about 14-kilometres north of Lytton, and poses no threat to the village right now, aside from some smoky skies.

BCWS said another fire that ignited much closer to Lytton on Monday has since been brought under control. 

But O’Connor said seeing the flames and smoke nearby was retraumatizing for many Lytton residents. She noted flames were spotted on the four-year anniversary of the major wildfire that devastated the Fraser Canyon community and left two dead.

“That experience and the trauma effects of 2021 are still very real,” said O’Connor. “As soon as I saw the smoke…your senses go up. I wanted to make sure everything was OK.”

RCMP equipment sparks wildfire

RCMP said the Izman Creek wildfire ignited due to an incident with an officer’s vehicle on July 1st. Senior Media Relations Officer, Sgt. Kris Clark, said an officer was hauling an RCMP boat that had been deployed in the area when a wheel came off the boat trailer, throwing sparks into the dry grass in the ditch.

Clark said the officer tried to put the fire out with an extinguisher, but it quickly spread across the road and the officer reported the blaze to BCWS.

“It doesn’t take much to start a fire under current [dry] conditions.” said Clark, who called it a “very unfortunate set of circumstances.”

Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation order for three properties along Highway 12 near the Izman Creek wildfire. Highway 12 remained closed Thursday afternoon between Lytton and Lillooet with local access only.

The Lytton First Nation has issued an evacuation alert for multiple areas, meaning residents should be ready to leave on short notice. 

BCWS said ground and aerial crews continued to fight the Izman Creek wildfire Thursday, and crews were working to protect structures in the area. 

There are 84 wildfires burning across the province, including 29 listed as out-of-control.

The wildfire service said some regions, including the Fort Nelson zone, were seeing cooler temperatures and thundershowers this week, which should help reduce the intensity of wildfires. But hot and dry conditions continue to linger in southern B.C.

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The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party’s leadership race.

“British Columbians are facing unprecedented challenges—from a crushing affordability crisis to the accelerating climate emergency,” said Lowan in a statement.

“It’s time for people-powered resistance to confront corporate greed and government complacency.”

Lowan’s bio said she currently works at Climate Action Network Canada, and has worked on various climate advocacy and research projects, including for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Lowan joins Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr who the B.C. Greens announced in the leadership race earlier this week, with more candidates expected to be announced in the coming days.

The first official leadership contest event, dubbed a “Meet & Green,” is set for July 11th at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus.

Voting will run from September 13 to 23, with the results set to be announced on September 24.

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote was named interim leader of the B.C. Greens after Sonia Furstenau stepped down in January.

Rob Botterell also holds a seat for the BC Greens as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

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Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr is in the running to be the next leader of the B.C. Greens. 

The party announced Wednesday Kerr is the first candidate approved to run in the leadership race. The party said it would release more names of those in the running over the coming days.

Voting will run from September 13 to 23, with the results set to be announced on September 24.

Kerr’s bio on his website said he has worked as a family doctor for over 20 years. He was elected twice as a councillor in Comox and is Vice Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District.

Kerr said he plans to celebrate his campaign launch with an event in Courtenay this Saturday.

“In the coming weeks I will be travelling throughout the province, meeting with voters to talk about how we can grow the B.C. Greens and deliver the change people want to see,” Kerr said in a statement. 

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote was named interim leader of the B.C. Greens after Sonia Furstenau stepped down in January. She had failed to secure a seat in October’s provincial election.

Valeriote is one of two Green Party members in the legislature, with Rob Botterell sitting as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

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Applications are open now through to March 2026 for British Columbia’s publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program.

Patient Rachelle Pastilha was emotional at an event alongside Health Minister Josie Osborne Wednesday as she recounted her journey with IVF.

Pastilha said she was devastated when she was diagnosed in 2008 with endometriosis, a condition that can significantly impact fertility. 

“Being a mom has always been something I deeply wanted, and that diagnosis felt like a weight I had to carry,” said Pastilha.

She gave birth to her son in 2021, but decided to start IVF treatments after struggling to conceive a second child. She said the provincial funding provides hope for her and other families going through fertility struggles. 

IVF involves a set of procedures that lead to an egg being fertilized by a sperm outside the body, and then transferred back into the uterus.  

The province said eligible patients can now apply for one-time funding of up to $19,000 towards a single standard cycle of IVF treatment. Patients must be between 18 and 41-years-old at the time of application and be a patient at a participating fertility clinic in the province. All intended parents must be enrolled in the province’s Medical Services Plan. 

Participating fertility clinics must submit applications on behalf of their patients to the Ministry of Health. Osborne said applications will be reviewed on a “first come, first served” basis and assessed based on the patients’ pre-taxed household income. 

Those who make less than $100,000 a year would be eligible for the full $19,000, while the amount of funding decreases for those with higher incomes. Those with household incomes above $250,000 are not eligible for funding. 

“Infertility and other barriers [to parenthood] can be truly devastating to hopeful parents,” said Osborne Wednesday.

“Having a child shouldn’t depend on how much money you make.”

The Province estimates that the program will fund between 1,100 and 4,500 IVF cycles.

Olive Fertility Clinic has several locations in B.C. and is one of three clinics participating in the program. It states on its website, a single round of IVF – which includes orientation, egg retrieval, blastocyst culture, fresh embryo transfer and medication – costs approximately $12,000 – $15,000. 

The provincial funding can also be used to fertilize previously frozen eggs and for up to one year of embryo storage.

The provincial coverage does not include the cost of egg freezing, which involves retrieving and storing eggs to preserve fertility. Olive Fertility Clinic said its price for egg freezing and one year of storage is nearly $10,000, while associated medications can cost between $5000 and $9000.

Many patients require more than one round of IVF to have a child. Data from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society show in 2018 there were more than 16,850 IVF cycles. Out of those cycles, there were a little more than 2400 pregnancies.

“Many people face barriers to this fertility care, including the stigma around infertility – and that’s made worse by the financial burden of IVF treatment,” said Dr. Ken Seethram with Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine.

Seethram notes more Canadians are having children later in life which tends to coincide with lower fertility rates. 

B.C.’s 2024 budget included $68 million over two-years for the IVF program.

The program brings B.C. in line with most other provinces in offering some kind of coverage for IVF or fertility treatments. Alberta is the only province without any publicly funded fertility program or tax credit for fertility treatments. 

The B.C. government has a list of frequently asked questions about the program on its website.

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Home builders in B.C. will be able to delay paying the majority of development cost charges until a building is occupied, starting next year.

Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon announced in Delta Wednesday the province is expanding the use of on-demand surety bonds to encourage housing development. The bonds are already used in some municipalities, including Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver and Mission.

Many local governments charge home builders a development cost charge, amenity cost charge or a school-site acquisition charge. These are one-time fees collected from new developments to help fund the infrastructure needed to support the growth resulting from new construction, like roads, water, sewer, waste collection, and parks.

A release on the announcement said home builders prefer on-demand surety bonds over other financial tools used by municipalities, because the bonds don’t restrict a developer’s access to credit.

The timeline for home builders to pay the charges has also been extended to four-years, from two. They will be able to pay 25 per cent at permit approval and the remaining 75 per cent at occupancy or within four years, whichever comes first.  

Provincial regulations in place since 1984 require developers to pay a minimum of one-third of the total charge when the subdivision or building-permit is approved and the full amount within two years. 

The amendments won’t take effect until January 1, 2026, to allow municipalities time to plan for the changes. 

“It doesn’t affect a local government much at all by collecting at time of occupancy versus up front,” said Delta Mayor George V. Harvey at today’s announcement alongside Kahlon.

Harvey welcomes the changes, but says even more needs to be done to support the development industry and get more homes built.

Urban Development Institute President and CEO Anne McMullin said the changes will help builders save money on interest charges and carrying costs when fees occur closer to when builders start to receive revenue from buyers and tenants. She said that can amount to millions of dollars in savings for developers.

“Our association has long advocated for flexibility in managing upfront development costs, which present significant financial barriers to homebuilders,” said Neil Moody, head of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of B.C. 

“The ability to defer a portion of development charges and use on-demand surety bonds is a practical measure to address the current economic realities of building housing across British Columbia.”

Kahlon said there will be no additional cost to the province due to the changes. He said the amendments will help push projects along that have stalled amid uncertainty in the market and rising costs. “This will be the difference between projects going forward, and not,” said Kahlon.

Kahlon also reiterated a call for the federal Liberal government to follow through on their campaign pledge during the April election to slash development charges by 50 per cent for multi-unit residential housing.

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Many are celebrating a Canada Day unlike any other in recent times.

That comes from Premier David Eby, who issued a statement about Canada Day this morning.

“People will gather to enjoy food and fireworks, as well as parties and parades,” said Eby in the statement. “This is a wonderful time for communities to gather and celebrate our peaceful and democratic country.”

He says this Canada Day comes as the country faces unprecedented economic and political threats. Those include the U.S. imposed tariffs and the Trump Administration’s rhetoric of making Canada the 51st state.

The pushback against the tariffs and rhetoric is leading to a renewed sense of patriotism this year.

Eby also says these threats have sharpened appreciation for what has been accomplished in Canada, adding that to be Canadian is to be proud of the way we take care of each other.

“The challenges we face in improving our country are many, and we are so confident that we will find solutions by working together,” said Eby.

“The pride we feel for our country does not mean we ignore our own troubled and complicated history. Canada Day offers an opportunity for reflection on the impact of colonialism on generations of Indigenous Peoples. Our government is dedicated to addressing these matters in a spirit of reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.”

Eby ends the statement by wishing everyone a happy Canada Day.

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Canada Day this year comes amid a surge in national pride among Canadians.

The pushback against U.S.-imposed tariffs and the Trump administration’s rhetoric about making Canada the “51st state” is lending a renewed sense of “elbows up” patriotism to this year’s celebrations. 

But First Nations leaders in British Columbia say Canada Day should also be an opportunity to reflect on Canada’s colonial history – especially during what many say has been a backsliding in reconciliation efforts in B.C. and across the country. 

B.C.’s NDP government pushed through a pair of controversial bills at the end of spring parliamentary session that aim to fast-track certain infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Bills 14 and 15 faced fierce opposition from several First Nations leaders, who said the bills violated their right to consultation under B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA) and represented a significant step backward in reconciliation efforts. 

The federal government’s Bill C-5, passed last week, has faced similar opposition. The bill allows the government to fast-track projects deemed to be in the “national interest,” including by pushing them through a shortened review process. 

Assembly of First Nations members have voiced concerns about the bill’s ability to override the Indian Act and key environmental legislation.

Robert Phillips with the First Nations Summit Political Executive said Canada Day has always brought mixed feelings for many Indigenous people due to the effects of colonization and the residential school system. He noted while Canada marks its 158th birthday, it was only in 1960 that Indigenous people were granted the right to vote without losing their treaty status. 

Phillips said there were signs of progress over the past few years, with the implementation of DRIPA in B.C. and other policies that created a framework for future negotiations between First Nations and governments.

“There was a little shining hope that this would continue,” said Phillips.

But he says First Nations right now are disappointed and frustrated.

“[First Nations] want to be part of the social-economic fabric of Canada, but just seem excluded,” said Phillips.

B.C.’s Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma acknowledged prior to the passage of Bills 14 and 15 that consultations with First Nations on the legislation were not sufficient, and pledged that more in-depth engagement would take place around regulations created under the legislation. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney has also said he would hold a series of national summits this summer with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit rights holders to address concerns around Bill C-5 – though APTN reported last week that Indigenous organizations didn’t receive any formal invitation ahead of Carney’s announcement. 

“I think many First Nations are really thinking about what this relationship [with Canada] means,” said B.C. AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee.

He said the fast-tracking  legislation has been part of a “knee jerk” reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s contentious foreign policy. But Teegee adds, while the Trump administration is set to end after his four-year term, the projects introduced under the legislation will impact First Nations and other communities for decades to come.

Teegee said despite the current strained relationship between government and First Nations, he has hope that progress can continue to be made on reconciliation.

“Canada Day is a time to celebrate the dream of what Canada could be,” he said “A dream that reflects the people who were here even before Canada was a country, and celebrates the diversity of this whole country.”

For Gena Edwards with B.C. Native Women’s Association, July 1st is not a day to celebrate.

“We’re here to remind governments and the public that reconciliation is meaningless without action to protect Indigenous women, girls and families,” said Edwards.

She notes violence against Indigenous women and girls remains high, and the calls to justice from the inquiry into MMIWG have not been fully implemented.

“Safety and human rights must come before symbolic gestures,” said Edwards.

The final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was published in 2019 with 231 Calls for Justice. As of this year, just two of those recommendations have been fully implemented, though the government notes work is underway on 113 of them.

A 2023 Statistics Canada report  said out of all gender-related homicides of women and girls between 2011 and 2021, 21 per cent of victims were Indigenous, despite making up just five per cent of the female population in Canada in 2021.

Edwards said she wants people to remember this Canada Day that Indigenous people still experience the harms of colonialism today.

“Canada Day is a reminder to create a safe future for all children and families, including non-Indigenous people, because together we are better,” she said.

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A new working group is exploring the possibility of removing supportive housing from British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) in an effort to address safety concerns at the facilities.

Housing & Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon said on Monday the province wants to make sure housing providers are able to take action against problematic tenants and improve worker safety.

Kahlon said he has heard concerns from supporting housing providers about enforcing rules around drug-use and weapons on site.

The RTA outlines rules and protections for tenants in B.C., including around ending a tenancy. Most rentals in the province are covered by the Act, but there are certain exceptions – including for emergency shelters and transitional housing. Removing supportive housing from the Act would give providers more powers to evict tenants who break a facility’s rules. 

Kahlon said providers need the tools necessary to enforce rules at housing sites.

“We know that low-barrier supportive housing is needed, but that doesn’t mean no barriers,” Kahlon told reporters.

Kahlon sidestepped questions from reporters about how removing supportive housing from the RTA could impact residents who do follow safety rules. He said the committee will be examining the question of how to balance support for tenants while enforcing rules to ensure safety for tenants and workers. 

“Connective sees first-hand the strengths and limitations of applying the Residential Tenancy Act in this context,” said Liz Vick Sandha, chief operating officer of Connective, which has over 400 supportive housing units across B.C.

“Supportive housing, as a distinct service model, may benefit from a more tailored framework, one better attuned to the unique needs of its tenants and staff.”

Kahlon said the working group will engage with stakeholders throughout coming months with a goal of making recommendations by this fall. 

Its members will include supportive housing providers, law enforcement and union representatives, as well as staff from the province and BC Housing. The province said the group will also engage with First Nations and tenant advocates. 

Air quality a concern for supportive housing workers

The B.C. government said in recent years there has been a shift among users of fentanyl toward smoking the drug, rather than injecting it. That has led WorkSafeBC to develop new air-quality safety standards for second-hand exposure to fentanyl. WorkSafeBC said the limits are not intended to draw a line between safe and harmful conditions, but rather to measure potential exposure to help guide reduction tactics.

The province has commissioned air-quality tests at more than a dozen buildings in Victoria and Vancouver, finding workers in some facilities were exposed to an unsafe level of fentanyl in the air. 

A report released this month on air-quality at one Vancouver supportive housing and emergency shelter found certain areas of the building exceeded the regulatory 8-hour exposure limit for fentanyl.  In some areas, fluorofentanyl concentrations were approximately five times higher than the 8-hour legal limit. The report said the exposure presents a “significant risk” to workers. 

Its recommendations include improving ventilation at the facility, requiring staff wear respiratory protection when entering suites and other higher-risk areas, and enforcing a strict no-smoking policy indoors. 

The government said the air-quality reports will help in the development of provincial guidance on reducing second-hand exposure to fentanyl in supportive housing and shelters.

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A small-business advocacy group said British Columbia has made strides toward removing interprovincial trade barriers over the last year. But the Canadian Federation of Independent Business claims there’s still more work to be done. 

The group is giving the province a “B+” grade in its annual report card on interprovincial co-operation – a partial step up from last year’s “B” grade from the CFIB.

“British Columbia has shown leadership by passing legislation that doesn’t require a patchwork of agreements to realize free trade,” said Ryan Mitton, CFIB’s Director of Legislative Affairs for B.C.

B.C. passed legislation this spring to respond to U.S.-imposed tariffs, including measures to break down interprovincial trade barriers. Bill 7 mandates if a good or service is lawfully produced or provided in another province, it can generally be sold or supplied in B.C. 

The grade puts B.C. in the top four highest scores among the provinces and territories. Nova Scotia and Ontario scored “A” grades this year from CFIB, which points to Nova Scotia’s introduction of mutual recognition legislation and Ontario’s elimination of all of its exemptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). Manitoba was also rated above B.C., with a score of A-.

CFIB said it grades provinces and territories based on CFTA exceptions, select trade barriers and the status of items from reconciliation agreements. It also added a bonus indicator this year that rewards jurisdictions that accept other regions’ regulations and standards as sufficient within their own jurisdiction.

“The finish line is in sight, but there is more work for B.C. to do,” said Mitton.

CFIB makes a number of recommendations for B.C. to further improve its grade, including removing B.C.’s remaining exceptions to the Canada Free Trade Agreement.

Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged during his election campaign he would work to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day. The federal government passed Bill C-5 last week – omnibus legislation that reduces federal restrictions on interprovincial trade, though it’s unclear when the impact of those regulations will be felt.

Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland testified to the Senate on June 16, stressing that the biggest impact in breaking down interprovincial trade barriers will come from the provinces and territories, not the federal government. 

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