Why was 'incredible' giant cedar cut down, despite B.C.'s big-tree protection law?
Joshua Wright says a yellow cedar tree he photographed last year was "incredible," the largest he'd ever seen in a decade of hiking around Vancouver Island.
Brenna Owen
While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Brenna Owen.
Gunshots ring out at B.C. ostrich farm as cull moves ahead
EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -- Numerous gunshots have been heard at a British Columbia ostrich farm where the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is moving ahead with a cull of hundreds of the birds.
CP NewsAlert: Gunshots ring out at B.C. ostrich farm as cull moves ahead
EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -- Multiple gunshots are ringing out at a British Columbia ostrich farm where the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is moving ahead with a cull of hundreds of the birds.
Tears on ostrich farm after court rejects appeal bid and CFIA says cull will proceed
EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -- The highway overlooking Universal Ostrich Farms was lined with its supporters on Thursday, some hugging and crying, some jeering at Canadian Food Inspection Agency workers in white biohazard suits in the field below.
CFIA says B.C. ostrich cull will proceed after high court decides not to hear appeal
EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it will move forward with "complete depopulation" of hundreds of ostriches at a British Columbia farm after the owners lost a bid to have their case against the cull heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Rustad denies raising mental health as an issue with MLA who quit Conservatives
British Columbia's Opposition Leader says he "didn't talk about mental health" as he discussed the defection of one of his caucus members this week.
B.C. to add unpaid leave for 'catastrophic' illness, injury: Eby
The British Columbia government has proposed changes to the province's Employment Standards Act to allow up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave each year for people facing a "catastrophic" illness or injury.
B.C. strike escalates to include about 26,000 public service workers, professionals
Two unions representing British Columbia professionals and public service workers have escalated their weeks-long job action to include about 26,000 staff across 14 ministries and provincial Crown corporations.
U.S. outdoor school modifies coastal B.C. camping application following outcry
An American outdoor leadership school says it is removing campsites along the west coast of Vancouver Island from its application to renew and expand its licence to run sea kayaking courses along British Columbia's coast next year.
Surrey, B.C., offers rewards for extortion tips, citing dozens of threats, shootings
SURREY -- Dozens of extortion attempts and shootings in Surrey, B.C., are threatening the way of life in the city, Mayor Brenda Locke said, calling the extortionists "thugs and criminals" who don't belong.
Teck merger a 'vote of confidence,' says Eby, pitching B.C. as Canada's 'engine'
British Columbia Premier David Eby says the proposed merger between Teck Resources Ltd. and Anglo American PLC to create a $70 billion mining giant based in B.C. is a "vote of confidence" showing the province is a global hub for mining.
Sim says Vancouver is 'begging' B.C. for mental health supports after festival attack
VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim says no city can completely eliminate all risks to public safety and steps to protect people won't be effective without addressing mental health challenges, which he described as the "root cause" of many concerns.
Vancouver officials present safety report following Lapu Lapu Day festival attack
VANCOUVER -- Vancouver officials say a review of public safety at outdoor events found the Lapu Lapu Day street festival was appropriately assessed as low risk, with no indication to suggest it was to be the target of a vehicle-ramming attack that killed 11 people.
Vancouver officials to present safety report following festival attack
VANCOUVER -- Vancouver's mayor and chief constable are expected to present the final report from a review of public safety and planning for outdoor events prompted by the vehicle-ramming attack that killed 11 people at a Filipino street festival in April.
Canadian-led patrol finds alleged shark finning, dolphin harvesting in North Pacific
A Canadian-led patrol of the North Pacific has uncovered dozens of alleged fisheries violations, including illegal shark finning and killing of dolphins.
Wildfire raging near Port Alberni, B.C., shows 'extremely vigorous' behaviour
A raging wildfire that has prompted a state of local emergency and forced evacuations on south-central Vancouver Island has grown to span more than 20 square kilometres as it displays some of the most severe kinds of fire behaviour.
'Goosebumps' and euphoria after workers trapped in B.C. mine were freed
The employer of three workers who were trapped underground in a northern British Columbia mine has spoken of the joyous reaction when the men emerged safely, after more than 60 hours trapped underground.
Three workers trapped in B.C.'s Red Chris mine have air, food, water, operator says
Vancouver -- Three workers trapped underground in a refuge area at the Red Chris mine in northwestern British Columbia have enough air, water and food for an "extended stay," the mine's majority owner said Wednesday.
Canadians proud to be considered 'nasty' in defending sovereignty, Eby says
British Columbia Premier David Eby says "most Canadians would be proud" to be considered mean and "nasty" for standing up for their sovereignty and economy in the face of threats from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. But he says Americans are friends, colleagues and family members, and B.C. has worked in close partnership with states in the U.S. Pacific Northwest...
Canadians proud to be considered 'nasty' in defending sovereignty, Eby says
British Columbia Premier David Eby says "most Canadians would be proud" to be considered mean and "nasty" for standing up for their sovereignty and economy in the face of threats from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
Trump thinks Canadians 'nasty' for avoiding U.S. travel, banning booze: ambassador
The United States ambassador to Canada says Canadians avoiding U.S. travel and banning American alcohol are among the reasons Donald Trump thinks they are "nasty" to deal with. Pete Hoekstra told a conference audience on Monday that such steps "don't send positive signals" about Canada treating the U.S. well. Hoekstra was speaking at the annual Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Foundation...
Trump thinks Canadians 'nasty' for avoiding U.S. travel, banning booze: ambassador
Canadians avoiding travel to the United States and banning American alcohol are among the reasons U.S. President Donald Trump thinks the country is "nasty" to deal with, the U.S. ambassador to Canada said Monday.
Yukon disaster one of two 'most catastrophic' in heap-leach mining history: expert
An engineer tasked with reviewing the spill of about two million tonnes of cyanide-soaked ore at a Yukon gold mine says it was one of the two "most catastrophic failures" in the 45-year history of the heap-leaching mining process.
B.C. gives green light to LNG pipeline, with no need for new environmental assessment
The British Columbia government says a decade-old environmental assessment certificate remains valid for the construction of a natural gas pipeline in northern B.C., in a decision opposed by the province's Green Party and environmental groups.
B.C. launches public safety program aimed at stopping non-violent street crime
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia has launched a new public safety program aimed at reducing shoplifting, property damage and other non-violent street crimes in business areas.
B.C.'s low snowpack, melt signal drought, raising concern for hydro power
VANCOUVER -- Drier, warmer weather in much of British Columbia last month has contributed to an early melt, raising concern for widespread drought this summer, the province's latest snowpack and water supply bulletin says.
Metro Vancouver housing figures underscore massive gap in affordable units
VANCOUVER -- The latest housing report from Metro Vancouver underscores the significant gap between current affordable rentals and the number of units required to prevent more people from falling into homelessness, the head of the BC Non-Profit Housing Society said as the district released its data Friday.
Carney, Eby meet in Victoria with softwood lumber duties a focal point
Steep American duties on Canadian softwood lumber were expected to be a focal point as British Columbia Premier David Eby met with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Ousted Greater Victoria school trustees take B.C. to court over firing
Nine Greater Victoria school trustees fired by the British Columbia government earlier this year have filed a court petition to get their jobs back.
Drivers look for relief at the pump after B.C. ends consumer carbon tax
British Columbia drivers looked to the gas pumps Tuesday for a sign of tax relief after the early-morning approval of legislation that ended the consumer carbon tax after 17 years.
B.C. ends consumer carbon tax after marathon debate in legislature
British Columbia drivers are looking at the gas pumps for a sign of tax relief after the early-morning approval of legislation ending the carbon tax after 17 years.
B.C. NDP fast-tracking end of consumer carbon tax, Eby says gas to drop 17 cents
British Columbia's government is fast-tracking the end of its consumer carbon tax ahead of the lifting of the federal equivalent on Tuesday, with Premier David Eby saying consumers should expect immediate price relief at gas pumps.
B.C. NDP seeks to fast-track end of consumer carbon tax
British Columbia's government is trying to fast-track the end of its consumer carbon tax ahead of the lifting of the federal equivalent on Tuesday.
B.C. legislature back in session, government tables bill to end consumer carbon tax
British Columbia's politicians are back in the legislature after a two-week break with the government trying to fast-track the end of the consumer carbon tax in the province.
B.C. introduces new mining claims framework to ensure First Nations consultation
British Columbia has introduced a new framework for consultation on mining claims, but the B.C. Assembly of First Nations regional chief says it "does not come close" to the collaborative approach outlined in the province's Indigenous rights law.
Nearly half of landslides during B.C. disaster linked to logging, wildfire: study
VANCOUVER -- A study has found nearly half of the landslides, debris flows and washouts that occurred during British Columbia's atmospheric river disaster in November 2021 originated in areas that had been logged or burned by wildfire.
End of consumer carbon tax leaves $1.5-billion hole in B.C. budget
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia's budget shows that the impending end of the province's consumer carbon tax will leave a roughly $1.5-billion hole in its revenue streams, with one expert saying that "there will be both winners and losers" from the change.
Canadians in several cities join 'Tesla Takedown' protests against Musk, Trump
SURREY, B.C. -- Canadians in several cities have joined a series of "Tesla Takedown" protests happening across the United States and parts of Europe.
B.C. takes advantage of U.S. 'chaos,' trade war to attract more doctors and nurses
British Columbia's health minister says "now is the time" for American doctors and nurses to move to the province as it fast tracks recognition of their credentials during an escalating trade war between Canada and the United States.
Shots over the bow: Why provinces are using liquor leverage in trade war with U.S.
The dozens of Kentucky bourbons listed on the BC Liquor Stores website range from a two-ounce bottle of Maker's Mark, priced at $5.29, to a $2,400 bottle of Woodford Reserve, aged in cognac barrels and presented in a crystal decanter. What they all have in common is the "currently unavailable" designation, having been yanked from sale by British Columbia's government...
Shots over the bow: Why provinces are using liquor leverage in trade war with U.S.
VANCOUVER -- The dozens of Kentucky bourbons listed on the BC Liquor Stores website range from a two-ounce bottle of Maker's Mark, priced at $5.29, to a $2,400 bottle of Woodford Reserve, aged in cognac barrels and presented in a crystal decanter.
More 'Buy BC' ads coming as Eby touts local food in response to U.S. tariff threat
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia Premier David Eby says it has been "absolutely inspirational" to see people step up across the province and Canada to support homegrown businesses in response to the tariff threat from U.S. President Donald Trump.
B.C. to require Canadian-made biofuels to meet standards for gas, diesel
British Columbia's energy minister says the province will soon require Canadian-made products to fulfil renewable fuel standards for gasoline and diesel.
Ex-coroner says B.C.'s drug policy overhaul looks like 'impulsive political decision'
British Columbia's former chief coroner says she's disappointed by the province's overhaul of its program that provides prescription alternatives to toxic street drugs, a shift she says "feels like a really impulsive political decision."
Haida celebrate title agreement, Trudeau emotional at ceremony
SKIDEGATE, B.C. -- With tears streaming down his face, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a gathering of Haida Nation leaders and community members that he couldn't think of a better place to make one of his final trips as Canada's leader.
Prince Harry, Meghan take part in Invictus Games welcome ceremony in Whistler
WHISTLER, B.C. -- Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, took part in the Whistler, B.C., welcome ceremony for the Invictus Games, with Harry saying it looked like everyone in Whistler had come out to support the athletes.
Saving species 'not rocket science,' but few faring better than long ago: researcher
Researcher Laurenne Schiller says "it's not rocket science" that recovery for threatened or endangered species in Canada is driven by stopping the primary cause for their decline.
B.C. assembles 'war room' as U.S. tariff threat looms on Saturday
VANCOUVER -- The relationship between the U.S. and Canada has "fundamentally changed," regardless of whether U.S. President Donald Trump's promised tariffs on Canadian goods materialize on Saturday, according to the chair of a new B.C. cabinet "war room" to tackle the threat.
U.S. tariff threat adds urgency for B.C.'s energy independence: minister
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the looming threat of American tariffs raises the stakes for boosting the province's energy independence.
Ottawa dragging its feet on protecting endangered caribou: B.C. conservation groups
Conservation groups in British Columbia say the federal government has dragged its feet for 10 years on fulfilling its duty to complete critical habitat mapping for endangered caribou herds, and without urgent action, the animals will disappear.
L.A. firefighting deployment demonstrates Canadian sovereignty, close ties: Sajjan
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says Canadian crews are being put to use in the battle against the Los Angeles wildfires, in a deployment that is a demonstration of Canadian sovereignty.
B.C. Conservatives seek inquiry into votes from mental health and drug facility
The B.C. Conservatives are seeking a commission of inquiry into alleged election irregularities in a riding they lost by a razor-thin margin last year, including claims of improper voting at a mental health and drug treatment facility, voting by non-residents and a case of double voting.
B.C. NDP government, Greens forge confidence agreement with 'shared priorities'
VANCOUVER -- A confidence agreement between British Columbia's New Democrats and the provincial Green Party stabilizes David Eby's bare-majority government, while putting Green election promises on the legislative agenda.
Urban salmon return to Metro Vancouver streams to spawn and inspire recovery efforts
BURNABY, B.C. -- The metallic screech of a train rolling by. The constant hum of traffic on the nearby Trans-Canada Highway.
John Rustad shares his B.C. Conservative origin story, in postelection message
VANCOUVER -- John Rustad has taken to social media to describe his origin story as leader of British Columbia's Conservative Party, which he took from obscurity to the brink of power in Saturday's provincial election.
One home washed away in B.C. mudslide, owner missing: police
First responders in Coquitlam, B.C., spent much of the weekend searching for a person who is missing after their home was washed away in a mudslide triggered by torrential rain across British Columbia's south coast.
One home washed away in B.C. mudslide, owner unaccounted for: police
Police in Coquitlam, B.C., say first responders are searching for a person who is unaccounted for after their home was washed away in a mudslide triggered by torrential rain across British Columbia's south coast this weekend.
Atmospheric river system smashes daily rainfall records across B.C.'s south coast
The atmospheric river weather system that lashed British Columbia's coast on the day of the provincial election has sent daily rainfall records tumbling.
No shortage when it comes to B.C. housing policies, as Eby, Rustad offer clear choice
British Columbia voters face no shortage of policies when it comes to tackling the province's housing woes in the run-up to Saturday's election, with a clear choice for the next government's approach.
Sikh groups call for Indian consulates to be shut down in Vancouver, Toronto
Representatives of a British Columbia Sikh temple whose president was shot dead last year, as well as the Sikh independence group he was involved in, say their communities won't feel safe until India's consulates in Vancouver and Toronto are shut down.