Carney and Xi blanket China's front pages, but trade deal gets little attention
Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping has received wide coverage from Chinese media, featuring on most state-owned outlets' front pages.
Chuck Chiang
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B.C. and feds sign lumber understanding with China, as province looks beyond U.S.
British Columbia's Forests Ministry has entered into a memorandum of understanding with China on modern wood construction, a development that the province hopes will bolster the provincial lumber sector as it seeks alternatives to the U.S. market. The five-year, non-binding agreement with the Chinese government also involves the Canadian federal Department of Natural Resources and is among the first reached...
B.C. and feds sign lumber understanding with China, as province looks beyond U.S.
British Columbia's Forests Ministry has entered into a memorandum of understanding with China on modern wood construction, a development that the province hopes will bolster the provincial lumber sector as it seeks alternatives to the U.S. market.
Calls for caution as Carney prepares to meet Xi amid new global political order
Former Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip is a longtime critic of China, who has accused its government of "crimes against humanity" after a crackdown on dissent in the Chinese special administrative region. But Chan said it is time for Canadians to look east again, as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for a trip to China where he will...
Calls for caution as Carney prepares to meet Xi amid new global political order
VANCOUVER -- Former Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip is a longtime critic of China, who has accused its government of "crimes against humanity" after a crackdown on dissent in the Chinese special administrative region.
Flooding severs B.C.'s Lower Mainland from Interior, as cross-border flows rival 2021
VANCOUVER -- Flooding and rock slides have cut off British Columbia's Lower Mainland from the Interior as a series of atmospheric river weather systems drench the province, with emergency officials saying cross-border water flows rival those that triggered catastrophic floods in 2021.
Drenching rain triggers Fraser Valley state of emergency, and memories of 2021 floods
VANCOUVER -- As rain pummeled the Fraser Valley on Wednesday, poultry farmer Corry Spitters and his family started to calculate their possible losses, with memories of the devastation from flooding four years ago still vivid.
Drenching rain in southern B.C. triggers Fraser Valley state of emergency
VANCOUVER -- B.C. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Green says a state of local emergency has been declared in the Fraser Valley due to flood risks from a series of atmospheric river weather systems that are drenching the province.
Striking B.C. public service staff to enter non-binding mediation with province
The union representing striking public service workers across British Columbia has agreed to enter non-binding mediation with the province in their labour dispute.
'Anxiety' for restaurateurs as B.C. job action escalates to liquor warehouses
VANCOUVER -- The head of a British Columbia restaurant industry association says businesses are in a state of "nervousness and anxiety" over possible liquor distribution disruptions as public service labour strife expands to several warehouses.
Health warnings as minister says shroud of wildfire smoke set to worsen in B.C.
VANCOUVER -- British Columbians are being told to prepare themselves for the worsening of a dense shroud of wildfire smoke that has descended over the province, with health experts saying the dangerous impacts of the pollution might not be immediately apparent.
B.C. debt grows 50 per cent in two years to $134b despite lower-than-expected deficit
British Columbia is weighed down by rapidly growing debt despite a lower-than-forecasted deficit for 2024, something that Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said the government is working hard to address.
B.C.'s 2024 deficit under forecast at $7.3B but taxpayer-supported debt nears $100B
British Columbia's final deficit for the fiscal year has come in at $7.3 billion, $564 million lower than the original projected number in Budget 2024.
Yukon First Nation to oppose all new mining claims on its territory during planning
A Yukon First Nation says it will oppose any new mining claims on its traditional territory as it begins a regional land-use planning process with the territory's government.
Nanaimo's vote on motion to request injection site closure likely to be held in fall
The mayor of Nanaimo, B.C., says a deferred motion for the city to ask the local health authority to close an overdose prevention site near city hall will likely be settled in the fall.
Nanaimo, B.C., councillor's motion proposes asking for closure of safe injection site
A city councillor in Nanaimo, B.C., is expected to push the city to reach out to a B.C. health authority in a bid to close the overdose prevention site next to city hall.
B.C.'s independent wood manufacturers decry retroactive U.S. softwood duties
British Columbia's independent wood product makers say hundreds of small- and medium-sized manufacturers may be forced to shut down in light of the latest decision from the United States to raise anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood. The province's Independent Wood Processors Association says in a release that the U.S. Commerce Department's decision this week to raise duties also includes a...
Report says all B.C. events should get risk review, in wake of festival tragedy
VANCOUVER -- A report on safety of festivals and other celebrations in British Columbia says all public events, regardless of size, should be supported by a risk assessment.
B.C. launches working group to address safety in supportive housing
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia's government is forming a working group to tackle a number of safety issues in supportive housing, including concerns of drug trafficking, weapons and second-hand exposure to fentanyl.
Police intelligence behind B.C. call for Bishnoi gang's terror listing: minister
British Columbia's public safety minister said police intelligence had linked many cases of extortion against the South Asian community to India's Lawrence Bishnoi gang, giving the government confidence to recently seek its listing as a terrorist organization.
Minister says police intelligence behind B.C. call for Bishnoi gang's terror listing
British Columbia's public safety minister says police intelligence has linked many cases of extortion against the South Asian community to India's Lawrence Bishnoi gang, giving the government confidence to recently seek its listing as a terrorist organization.
Receiver planning sale of Yukon gold mine involved in contaminant release disaster
The court-appointed receiver of a Yukon gold mine that suffered a catastrophic heap-leach facility failure last year says it plans to sell the mine and will be seeking approval within the week to start the process.
Decades after Air India 182 bombing, families fear memories of tragedy are fading
Rob Alexander's father wasn't supposed to be on Air India Flight 182 on June 23, 1985.
BC Hydro seeks baseload power boost from stable sources
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia's power utility wants to boost the province's baseload electricity generation capacity in a bid to meet the province's growing demand from residents and industries.
Expert in B.C. says India-Pakistan tension at highest point since 1999
VANCOUVER -- A British Columbia researcher in South Asian affairs says concerns about the current India and Pakistan tensions are justified, given that the region has not seen a conflict this intense in more than 25 years.
Alberta separatism talk goes too far in B.C., but some concerns get sympathy
VANCOUVER -- Politicians and business leaders in British Columbia say talk of separation in Alberta is an opening for better co-operation between Ottawa and Western provinces, but dividing the country is a step too far.
Mental health trouble leads to public safety issues, Vancouver's mayor says
VANCOUVER -- People are "sick and tired" of inquiries and reviews into a recurring pattern of people in a mental health crisis becoming involved in violent incidents, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said Wednesday.
Questions swirl around decimated NDP in former British Columbia strongholds
VANCOUVER -- Questions are swirling around the fate of the federal New Democrats in British Columbia, including the matter of leadership, after devastating election losses in the former provincial stronghold.
Nine dead after SUV plows through Vancouver Filipino festival, man arrested
VANCOUVER -- Police in Vancouver say nine people are dead after an SUV plowed through a Vancouver street festival being staged by the city's Filipino community Saturday night, leaving a trail of debris and victims in its wake.
Several dead after SUV plows through Vancouver Filipino festival, man arrested
VANCOUVER -- Several people are dead after an SUV plowed through a Vancouver street festival being staged by the city's Filipino community Saturday night, leaving a trail of debris and victims in its wake.
B.C. expands heat-pump rebate program as end of carbon tax weighs on CleanBC
British Columbia Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the province will have to "make choices" on programs within its CleanBC initiative given the repeal of the consumer carbon tax.
Five years without answers for family of Canadian businessman held in Chinese jail
VANCOUVER -- Wang Yan vividly recalls the last time she heard her husband's voice, more than five years ago.
High anxiety over softwood lumber despite tone change from U.S.: B.C. premier
British Columbia's premier says he is encouraged to see a shifting tone in U.S. President Donald Trump's talks with Canada, but concerns remain about how tariffs could devastate the province's softwood lumber sector.
B.C. Greens want answers about New Democrats' emergency powers legislation
British Columbia's Green Party says the NDP government needs to "explain why" its proposal for broad-reaching emergency cabinet powers is needed before its two members support the legislation.
It's not business as usual for Canadians who want to stay in the U.S., lawyers warn
VANCOUVER -- Immigration lawyers say the case of a Vancouver woman detained in the United States over a denied visa is a warning to other Canadians that it's no longer business as usual when crossing the border for work.
Eby responds to Alaskan senator's threat to have cruise ships bypass B.C. ports
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he is standing firm behind the legislation granting the province the ability to levy new fees on U.S. commercial trucks heading to Alaska, despite political threats involving the cruise ship sector from an Alaskan senator. Eby says in response to comments made by U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan that the Canadian side knows "the consequences...
Eby responds to Alaskan senator's threat to have cruise ships bypass B.C. ports
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he is standing firm behind the legislation granting the province the ability to levy new fees on U.S. commercial trucks heading to Alaska, despite political threats involving the cruise ship sector from an Alaskan senator.
Eby announces ending of provincial carbon tax, after Carney kills federal version
British Columbia's government will follow through on its promise to repeal the province's consumer carbon tax after new Prime Minister Mark Carney moved to eliminate the federal version of the levy on Friday.
Groups say B.C.'s tariff budget is defensive, with an economic growth plan needed
VICTORIA -- Industry and labour groups say the British Columbia government is hunkering down in its budget in response to the tariffs from United States, but it should be more clear on how it plans to respond in its economic plan.
Can B.C.'s budget cushion shock of Trump's tariff earthquake?
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's government has had plenty of early warning about the economic earthquake -- epicentre, Washington, D.C. -- that could rock the province on the same day Finance Minister Brenda Bailey delivers her first budget in Victoria.
First Nation report says communication shortfalls hampered B.C. landslide response
A report from a First Nation says the massive Chilcotin River landslide in the B.C. Interior last year revealed shortfalls in communication and co-ordination of the emergency response from provincial and federal governments.
Justin Trudeau, Prince Harry take in final day of Invictus Games in Vancouver
VANCOUVER -- Talk of war and politics mixed with sport at the closing ceremony in Vancouver of the 2025 Invictus Games where hundreds of wounded or sick service personnel competed for their country.
David Eby joins Canadian premiers on trip to U.S. to speak to lawmakers about tariffs
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia Premier David Eby says he believes the recent tariff friction with the United States will fundamentally change the way Canadians approach trade with their southern neighbours, and things "will never go back to the way that we were before."
Canada's forestry sector faces uncertainty with 25 per cent U.S. tariffs
VICTORIA -- A wide shadow of uncertainty has been cast over Canada's forestry sector by U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25-per-cent tariff on its lumber products.
Vancouver mayor plans freeze on new supportive housing in Downtown Eastside
VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has unveiled a plan to revitalize the city's troubled Downtown Eastside that includes pausing the construction of net new supportive housing units.
B.C. First Nations leader reverses stance on pipeline as Trump tariff threat looms
VANCOUVER -- The president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs is reversing his previous opposition to the scrapped Northern Gateway pipeline project that would have created another route for Alberta's oil to get to the Pacific Ocean.
Carer says rules deterred her from getting help for B.C. woman who starved to death
BURNABY, B.C. -- Florence Girard's caregiver has told a British Columbia coroner's inquest she was deterred from getting help before Girard starved to death by policies about respecting the rights of people living under their home-sharing arrangement.
Woman's meltdown prevented doctor visit in B.C. starvation death inquest: caretaker
BURNABY, B.C. -- The woman who was supposed to be caring for Florence Girard before she died of starvation in 2018 says Girard would go into a "meltdown" every time she was supposed to go to the doctor or receive medical care.
B.C.'s projected deficit grows again to $9.4 billion in latest fiscal update
British Columbia's forecasted record deficit for this fiscal year has grown by another $429 million, reaching $9.4 billion.
New military vessel launched in B.C. bears illustrious naval name
NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. -- A Canadian Navy vessel with the name HMCS Protecteur will again set sail, nearly a decade after the last supply ship with its respected legacy was taken out of service.
Canadians warned to use caution in South Korea after martial law declared then lifted
VANCOUVER -- Global Affairs Canada is warning Canadians in South Korea to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution after the country's president imposed an hours-long period of martial law.
Liberal candidate in B.C. byelection seeks Metis membership after identity questioned
The Liberal candidate in a federal byelection in British Columbia says she is applying for Metis membership after a local group questioned her claims of Indigenous identity.
LifeLabs data breach report released after firm loses four-year bid to keep it quiet
A long-withheld investigation into a 2019 hacking at LifeLabs Inc. that compromised millions of Canadians' health data has finally been made public after an Ontario court dismissed the company's appeal to prevent its release.
'Do the work': Ottawa urges both sides in B.C. port dispute to restart talks
The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after Saturday's collapse of mediated talks to end the lockout at container terminals that has entered its second week. A statement issued by the office of federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon on Monday said both the port employers and the union representing...
'Do the work': Ottawa urges both sides in B.C. port dispute to restart talks
VANCOUVER -- The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after Saturday's collapse of mediated talks to end the lockout at container terminals that has entered its second week.
Ottawa urges return to table after B.C. port dispute talks break down
VANCOUVER -- The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.
Talks break off in B.C. port dispute as bid to end multi-day lockout fails
VANCOUVER -- Contract negotiations in a labour dispute that has paralyzed container cargo shipping at British Columbia's ports since Monday have been called off.
Talks resume in B.C. port dispute in bid to end multi-day lockout
VANCOUVER -- Contract negotiations resumed Saturday in Vancouver in a labour dispute that has paralyzed container cargo shipping at British Columbia's ports since Monday.
Sides in B.C. port dispute to meet in bid to end lockout after talk with minister
VANCOUVER -- Employers and the union representing supervisors embroiled in a labour dispute that triggered a lockout at British Columbia's ports will attempt to reach a deal when talks restart this weekend.