British Columbia News

1. Funding for energy retrofits to make community facilities greener in British Columbia

   The retrofit of four community facilities on Vancouver Island will improve energy efficiency and building accessibility, after a combined investment of nearly $5.2 million from the federal and local governments.

2. Backgrounder: Funding for energy retrofits to make community facilities greener in British Columbia

   The federal government is investing $5,199,897 through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program to support four critical infrastructure upgrades across British Columbia.

3. More than $26 million invested in disaster mitigation infrastructure improvements across British Columbia

   People and communities across B.C. will benefit from enhanced protection against the impacts of climate change and severe weather after a combined investment of more than $26 million from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

4. Backgrounder: More than $26 million invested in disaster mitigation infrastructure improvements across British Columbia

   The federal government is investing more than $10.4 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to support five disaster mitigation projects across British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia is investing more than $8.6 million in these projects and the municipalities are contributing a combined $6.9 million and are responsible for any additional costs.

5. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

   On March 29, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

6. ʔaq̓am, formerly known as the St. Mary’s Indian Band, receives settlement for Canada’s historical injustices

   The Government of Canada is working to renew the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples in Canada based on the affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

7. CBSA cocaine seizure leads to nine-year sentence for drug smuggler

   Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) cocaine seizure leads to nine-year sentence for drug smuggler

8. 2024 Occupational Health and Safety Scholarship Winners Announced

   The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) announced the winners of the 2024 Dick Martin Scholarship Award.

9. Minister O’Regan to make housing announcement

   The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, will be in Victoria to meet with seniors and make a housing announcement.

10. Minister O’Regan to make announcement on affordability

    Minister O’Regan to make announcement on affordability

11. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On March 26, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

12. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On March 24, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

13. Canada, British Columbia, and local partners invest more than $98 million in water infrastructure improvements across the province

    Communities across the province will receive significant upgrades to their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure after a combined investment of more than $98 million from the federal and provincial governments, and local partners.

14. Backgrounder: Canada, British Columbia, and local partners invest more than $98 million in water infrastructure improvements across the province.

    The federal government is investing more than $41.2 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to support 14 drinking water and wastewater projects across British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia is investing more than $31.6 million in these projects and local partners are contributing a combined $25.1 million and are responsible for any additional costs.

15. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Mission Institution – medium security unit

    On March 17, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized in the medium security unit at Mission Institution.

16. Backgrounder: Ventilation upgrades for schools across B.C

    The federal government is investing $3,376,941 through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support eight ventilation improvements projects in schools across British Columbia. The provincial government is investing $844,235.

17. Ventilation upgrades for schools across B.C.

    Victoria, British Columbia, March 15, 2024 — Ventilation upgrades will ensure students and staff breathe clean air in eight schools across British Columbia, after an investment of $4.2 million from the federal and provincial governments.

18. Innovative companies based in Delta, B.C. receive over $1.6 million to expand production of recycled plastics and energy monitoring technology

    The City of Delta has one of the fastest growing industrial areas in Greater Vancouver and is home to innovative companies like Plascon Plastics Corporation and GridGear Solutions Ltd. By developing solutions to environmental challenges, these two companies are poised for further growth.

19. Bridge widening project will provide southern Vancouver Island with more reliable public transit service

    Two key highway bridges in Saanich will be widened to accommodate dedicated bus lanes after a combined investment of $35.5 million from the federal and provincial governments.

20. Backgrounder: Active transportation projects in British Columbia to better connect communities

    The federal government is investing more than $4.6 million through the Active Transportation Fund to support 6 active transportation planning and improvement projects across British Columbia.

21. Active transportation projects in British Columbia to better connect communities

    Six active transportation planning and improvement projects in British Columbia will better connect communities after an investment of more than $4.6 million from the federal government.

22. Government of Canada invests almost $14 million to drive innovation and economic growth in Vancouver

    Seven local businesses and organizations will receive funding to commercialize new products, expand operations, and access global markets.

23. Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests almost $14 million to drive innovation and economic growth in Vancouver

    Seven local businesses and organizations will receive funding to commercialize new products, expand operations, and access global markets.

24. Minister Ng meets with British Columbia Premier David Eby

    During the meeting, Minister Ng spoke about Team Canada engagement to promote economic ties between Canada and the United States and two-way benefits both countries share. She highlighted the essential role that provinces and territories have as part of Team Canada and working together to promote Canada’s interests for our businesses and workers.

25. Government of Canada to announce support for innovative Vancouver-based businesses and organizations to drive growth and create jobs

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will announce funding to help seven Vancouver-based businesses and organizations grow locally and compete globally.

26. North Vancouver-based skincare company receives $200,000 to expand production

    Today, the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $200,000 in PacifiCan funding for Satya Organic.

27. Help on the way to British Columbia veterinarian clinics that treat farm animals

    Clinics that help B.C. farmers and ranchers care for their animals will have extra sets of skilled hands in their offices through a new program that covers summer placement costs for both veterinary and veterinary technologist students.

28. Prince Rupert receives funding to help upgrade water system and improve sewer line

    The port city of Prince Rupert is getting critical upgrades to its aging water distribution system and sewer line after a federal investment of $77.2 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).

29. Fisheries and Oceans Canada closes the first and only known live coral reef in Pacific Canada to all commercial and recreational bottom-contact fisheries

    Vancouver, B.C. — Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is taking measures to protect the unique and highly sensitive Lophelia Reef—also known by its Wakashan name q̓áuc̓íwísuxv—by closing all commercial and recreational bottom-contact fisheries, including midwater trawl, within this area. This indefinite closure came into effect on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

30. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Victoria

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec; the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and His Worship Herb Pond, Mayor for Prince Rupert.

31. Government of Canada invests in skills training for Indigenous people

    The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, will be in Vancouver, British Columbia, to announce funding for 24 projects through the Skills and Partnership Fund to support skills training for Indigenous people across Canada.

32. Three recreational anglers near Sechelt, B.C. sentenced to large fines, fishing prohibition, and fishing area ban

    On February 8th, 2024, sentencing was handed down in Sechelt Provincial Court to three individuals found guilty of multiple violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act.

33. Government of Canada to help ease financial barriers to accessing dental care for seniors in Canada

    The Minister of Citizens’ Services, Terry Beech, will announce in Burnaby British Columbia, a major milestone for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

34. Backgrounder: Governments of Canada and British Columbia invest to improve high-speed Internet access across British Columbia

    On March 4, 2024, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, together with the Honourable George Chow, British Columbia’s (B.C.) Minister of Citizens’ Services, announced combined federal and provincial funding to improve high-speed Internet access in communities across British Columbia.

35. Canadian Coast Guard issues fine for a hazardous vessel

    Wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous boats can pose threats to the environment, local communities, and economies.

36. New co-developed Consultation Protocol between Kitselas First Nation and Canada that will strengthen the stewardship of Kitselas Territory

    Today, Chief Glenn Bennett of Kitselas First Nation and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, celebrated the signing of a Consultation Protocol

37. Squamish-based business receives over $2.5 million to help build British Columbia’s hydrogen ecosystem and fuel green transportation

    Across British Columbia, forward-thinking businesses are developing solutions to global environmental challenges. In Squamish, Quantum Technology Corporation’s carbon-free hydrogen technology is creating green transportation options and strengthening Canada’s clean energy leadership on the world stage.

38. Government of Canada supports community-based projects addressing HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections

    Today, Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced more than $12.6 million in funding through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF) and the Harm Reduction Fund (HRF) for 16 projects to support the work of community-based organizations addressing HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) throughout British Columbia.

39. Commercial vessel master fined $250,000 for fishing illegally in Glass Sponge Reef Refuge

    On January 31, 2024, sentencing was handed down to the vessel master of the commercial prawn fishing vessel Darkstar, after a long-running court case. The Honourable Judge S.M. Merrick sentenced the individual to pay a fine of $250,000 and forfeit all gear seized (with an approximate value of $80,000) after previously finding him guilty on May 24, 2023, of a total of 13 violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act.

40. Government of Canada supports community-based projects addressing HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections

    The Government of Canada is committed to working with partners and stakeholders across the country in support of the global goal of ending viral hepatitis, HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) as public health threats.

41. Government of Canada to announce support for community-based projects addressing sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in BC

    Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, will announce support to community-based organizations addressing HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in British Columbia.

42. Okanagan Indian Band celebrates groundbreaking for new Cultural Immersion School

    The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous communities to help establish educational institutions that will deliver quality, culturally appropriate programs and services for children.

43. Kitselas First Nation and Canada to celebrate the signing of a new agreement

    Chief Glenn Bennett of the Kitselas First Nation, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, will celebrate the signing of a co-developed Consultation Protocol.

44. Government of Canada announces UNESCO endorsement for British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund project

    Pacific salmon hold tremendous value for natural ecosystems, cultural and spiritual practices, jobs and income, and recreational enjoyment along the coast and inland watersheds of British Columbia.

45. Government of Canada to announce funding to support clean energy innovation in British Columbia

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will announce funding to support the transition to clean energy and create jobs in the green hydrogen sector.

46. Matsqui First Nation to receive more than $59 million in effort to address past wrong

    The Government of Canada is working to renew the relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada based on the affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

47. Lake Babine Nation and Canada to make a funding announcement

    Lake Babine Nation and Canada to make a funding announcement

48. Richmond seafood processing company fined $40,000 for undersized crabs

    Richmond, BC - A routine inspection of commercial seafood processing plants by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fishery officers in January 2023 resulted in a fine of $40,000. On December 6, 2023, Tenshi Seafood Limited was handed down the fine in Richmond Provincial Court after pleading guilty to the possession of undersize crabs by a commercial business, which is a violation of Canada’s Fisheries Act.

49. Matsqui First Nation and Canada to make an announcement on an important settlement

    Matsqui First Nation and Canada to make an announcement on an important settlement

50. Important announcement by Minister Wilkinson on the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund

    Victoria, B.C.– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will make an announcement regarding the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.