Province extends state of emergency due to wildfire risk
With continued fire risk in many regions, and tens of thousands of people still under evacuation order and alert, the Province is extending the provincial state of emergency until Sept. 14, 2023, to ensure public safety and support the response to B.C.’s worst-ever wildfire season. “While many people have returned home, tens of thousands of […]
At least 198 lost to toxic drugs in July as public health emergency continues
For the 13th consecutive month, more than 190 British Columbians have lost their lives to the toxic, unregulated drug supply, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. “I am saddened to once again report that British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis shows no signs of abating,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “We are […]
Safety tips as children prepare to head back to school
As children return to school soon, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of BC) is sharing important tips for drivers, parents and caregivers to help children get a safe start to the school year. Every month in B.C., 30 children are injured in crashes while walking or riding their bike — in the Southern Interior two children walking […]
BC announces expanded graduate scholarship funding to support students
Increased scholarship funding will support graduate students during their studies and prepare them for in-demand careers. The Province is investing approximately $15 million in graduate scholarships over three years, adding $2,500 to each new graduate scholarship award. This funding will accelerate talent development and innovation, along with recruiting and retaining talent, and support graduate students’ […]
Province urges public to prepare for extreme fire conditions
The Province is preparing for extreme fire behaviour due to potential dry lightning and strong winds. People are urged to be prepared for evacuations and follow all regional fire prohibitions. During the past week, B.C. has seen record-breaking heat accompanied by dry air masses, especially in the south of the province. The...
Columbia River Treaty talks move forward after constructive Seattle session
On Aug. 10 and 11, 2023, Canada and the United States held the 18th round of negotiations toward a modernized Columbia River Treaty. The U.S. delegation hosted the meeting in Seattle, welcoming the Canadian negotiating team, which included representatives of the governments of Canada and B.C., and the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and...
BC cop wins gold at 2023 World Police & Fire Games
A Vancouver Island RCMP officer is coming home with a suitcase a little heavier after winning the gold medal in Cross Country Mountain Bike in the scope of the 2023 World Police & Fire Games which was held in Winnipeg. Forty-two-year-old Sgt. David Vunic, who is currently posted at the West Shore RCMP, has been an avid ...
BC Coroners Service issues public safety bulletin about wildfire smoke
As confirmed by his parents, the BC Coroners Service is investigating the death of nine-year-old Carter Vigh of 100 Mile House, related to an existing medical condition aggravated by wildfire smoke. The sudden and unexpected death of this young boy is a heartbreaking loss for his family and community. As the province experiences...
RCMP seek info after fatal plane crash in northern BC
Police are looking to speak with additional witnesses after a small plane crash killed one man near Simpson Lake on Sunday afternoon. On June 25, 2023 at 5:41 p.m., the Chetwynd RCMP received a report of a plane crash at Simpson Lake in the Mount Lemoray area. Police attended the crash site and confirmed that the pilot and ...
More than 1,000 lives lost to toxic unregulated drugs in first five months of 2023
Though the risk of death posed by the unregulated drug supply remains extremely high, the number of deaths in British Columbia due to drug toxicity decreased from near-record levels in April to 176 lives lost in the month of May. “BC Coroners Service findings confirm that this public-health emergency continues to be driven ...
