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New Funding Supports Indigenous Food Sovereignty, Security

Indigenous farmers, communities and governments can access new funding to help strengthen food security and sovereignty, and increase Indigenous participation in B.C.’s agriculture and food sectors. “The new Indigenous Food Pathways program will help ensure that Indigenous Peoples, entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia have the resources they need to succeed and grow in the sector,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Our government is so pleased to partner with the Government of British Columbia, through our Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement, to deliver this important program.” The new Indigenous Food Pathways program is supporting new projects, enhancing existing programs and improving Indigenous-led operations in the agriculture and food sector. Projects can receive as much as $200,000 from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. “Supporting Indigenous communities as they work toward food…

New Case of Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in B.C.

The Province has confirmed an additional case of chronic wasting disease in British Columbia, found in a white-tailed deer in the Kootenay region. Chronic wasting disease is an infectious and fatal disease affecting species in the cervid family, including deer, elk, moose and caribou. It causes serious harm to the animals’ health. To date, three cases of the disease have been identified in deer populations in the Kootenay region. The first two cases in B.C. were confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in February 2024. One was a male mule deer harvested by a hunter, and the other was a female white-tailed deer killed in a road accident. Both were collected in Cranbrook as part of B.C.’s ongoing chronic wasting disease surveillance efforts. The latest case was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The sample was collected from a white-tailed deer harvested in October 2024. This case is within two kilometres of the other c…

Debris, Downed Trees Prompt Travel Advisory for Vancouver Island Highways

A significant fall storm is impacting Vancouver Island. Downed power lines, debris and fallen trees have resulted in multiple highway closures on the island. Drivers are advised to avoid travel for the remainder of Tuesday night, Nov. 19, and into the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Highways closed include: Highway 4 from Highway 4A (Errington) to Port Alberni, and from Port Alberni to Tofino/Ucluelet junction Highway 14 west of Sooke Highway 18 at Hillcrest Highway 28 from Gold River to Campbell River Pacific Marine Circle Route Drivers can expect additional closures as the storm moves through. Environment Canada warns that strong southeasterly winds will continue throughout the night and into Wednesday morning but should ease late in the day on Wednesday. As soon as its safe to do so, maintenance contractors will begin clearing debris, and BC Hydro is prioritizing repairs to the many power outages across the island. For additional updates, drivers ca…

People Encouraged to Prepare for Strong Winds

People living in the coastal regions of British Columbia, as well as in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and parts of the Interior, can expect stormy weather and strong winds starting Tuesday, Nov. 19 and extending through Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings and special weather statements due to a significant fall storm that will bring southeasterly winds through the afternoon on Tuesday, with peak wind speeds expected that evening for most coastal regions. The strong winds are likely to continue on Wednesday morning but are expected to ease later in the day. Wind warnings and special weather statements are in effect for most coastal regions, in addition to the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and other parts of B.C. For up-to-date weather forecasts and alerts, visit: https://www.weather.gc.ca The Province continues to monitor conditions closely and work directly with communities to support preparedness and respon…

People Encouraged to Prepare for Seasonal Weather

As weather in British Columbia transitions into fall, people can expect seasonal stormy conditions and are encouraged to take steps to prepare for cooler temperatures and the increased possibility of rain, snow and flooding. Currently, there are no active flood warnings or advisories in the province. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) forecasts a storm arriving Friday evening, bringing precipitation throughout B.C. through the weekend. This storm is anticipated to be weaker than last weekend’s atmospheric river event, and will likely bring generally moderate precipitation to coastal regions and parts of the Columbia-Kootenays. There are no anticipated widespread flood hazards at this time, but saturated ground conditions in low-lying areas could lead to reduced drainage and faster runoff. Wind warnings are in effect for Haida Gwaii and northern Vancouver Island. Strong winds are also expected for southern Vancouver Island, the southern Gulf Islands, eas…

Expanded Emergency Department Coming Soon to Salt Spring Island

People living on Salt Spring Island will benefit from enhanced patient-centered care as the Lady Minto Hospital emergency department expansion nears completion. “The expansion and modernization of the emergency department at Lady Minto Hospital reflects our government’s commitment and investment in enhancing health-care services for people living on Salt Spring Island and around British Columbia,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “By expanding the capacity and efficiency of the emergency department, this important project will benefit patients and their families while also supporting health-care providers, and is yet another action we are taking to increase access to health care where people need it.” The expanded emergency department is expected to open in fall 2024 and includes a 420-square-metre building addition, bringing the total building size to 2,728 square metres and increasing the number of treatment rooms/bays from six to eight. “The Lady Minto Hospital …

More than 1,600 New Homes on the way for Indigenous People

Indigenous people on and off reserve in B.C. will have access to approximately 1,600 new affordable rental homes through partnerships between the Province, through BC Housing, and Indigenous non-profit housing providers. “Around 1,600 culturally appropriate homes will soon become places of comfort and stability for many Indigenous people throughout B.C. who face a greater need for affordable housing,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “These additional homes are part of our ongoing reconciliation work to ensure that Indigenous people are provided the resources and services to thrive in the communities they call home. With collective support from partners, we are better able to deliver housing that meets people’s needs.” The second set of homes selected through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF) includes 41 on- and off-reserve projects that will provide 1,662 affordable rental homes. It includes 667 on-reserve homes for First Nations members and 995 off-re…

Upgrades Coming to Salt Spring Island Roads, Making Travel Easier

People who live on and visit Salt Spring Island can expect smoother, safer travel as significant improvements are coming to a major segment of the island’s highway system. Improvements to Fulford-Ganges Road starting this summer will improve sight lines and access for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. New paving infrastructure will extend the life of the roadway, while new markings, crosswalks, speed-reader boards and refuge areas will enhance safety. The work includes pulverizing and rebuilding the road base entirely, resurfacing and grading to introduce new, paved shoulders on both sides of Fulford-Ganges Road, and adding additional enhancements for safety and active transportation, such as signage, paint markings, crosswalks and refuge areas for cyclists. The project will also include a new underground storm-sewer drainage system for the length of the project to support long-term environmental viability, as well as a staging area to install a large culvert at Cran…

Gynecological Cancer Care in BC - Expanding in Victoria

Women will have improved access to cancer care as the Province expands gynecological oncology surgical services to new regions and strengthens the teams providing care with more staff, including new gynecological oncologists. “Over the past 10 years, rates of gynecological cancer have increased by almost 50%,” said Premier David Eby. “When someone is diagnosed, they need the best possible care, close to home, where they have the support of friends and family. We are establishing new surgical and treatment services in Kelowna and Surrey and further expanding services in Vancouver and Victoria. The expansion of this critical provincial program includes hiring more health-care workers and nearly doubling the number of surgeons providing gynecologic cancer care in B.C.” The expansion of services and care teams throughout B.C. will significantly improve access to specialized surgical and related cancer treatment for women and people assigned female at birth. Gynecologic cancer…

Agreement Reopens Direct-to-Consumer B.C. Wine Sales to Alberta

A new agreement between British Columbia and Alberta means B.C. wineries can again ship their products directly to Alberta consumers, reopening a vital sales and tourism channel for B.C.’s wine industry. “B.C. wines are world-class and should be enjoyed across Canada and around the world,” said B.C. Premier David Eby. “Today's agreement ends the temporary ban on direct sales to customers in Alberta, and that's a win for B.C.’s grape growers and wineries, as well as a win for Albertans who have excellent taste in wine.” British Columbia and Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding, which will provide a path forward for B.C. wineries to sell directly to customers in Alberta. “People around the world are eager to enjoy our award-winning wines from B.C.,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “This agreement is great news for our wineries and for all those Albertans who want the freedom to choose the wines they want. Our wine sector underpins so much mo…

Tragedies on B.C. Highways Prompt Coroners’ Safety Reminder

This week has been marked by several fatal motor vehicle incidents on highways throughout British Columbia. Between Friday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 10, 2024, there were 19 accidental motor-vehicle-related deaths reported to the BC Coroners Service (BCCS). Twelve of those deaths occurred during three incidents reported in the Interior Health Authority. Collisions reported to the Coroners Service include single-vehicle incidents, as well as multi-vehicle crashes. In the wake of these incidents, BCCS is urging residents and visitors to take extra care while planning road trips. “We extend our condolences to all affected by these tragedies. We know there are far-reaching impacts, as family and friends across the province, and beyond, mourn the loss of their loved ones,” said John McNamee, acting chief coroner. “While so many of us look forward to summer trips, unfortunately, statistics show the risk of deadly motor-vehicle crashes is much greater in July, August and Se…

New Air Ambulances are Taking Flight in B.C.

Patients requiring emergency travel for medical care will benefit from a new state-of-the-art fleet of air ambulance airplanes. “When someone you love is critically ill or injured, they deserve the best and fastest care possible,” said Premier David Eby. “Throughout this vast province, we are building new hospitals, cancer-care clinics and urgent primary care centres. By deploying new air ambulances, we are ensuring patients get the quality care they need quickly.” BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) is replacing its existing fleet with 12 new Beechcraft King Air 360CHW air ambulances. Nine of the airplanes will be in regular operation and three will be backups. The first of these new airplanes went into service on May 1, 2024. This is possible due to a provincial investment of $673 million over 10 years. “B.C.’s air ambulances make sure that patients, often with the most critical-care needs, can quickly access the health care they need,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of …

Community Funding Supports Indigenous-led Solutions to Violence

New funding for B.C.’s Path Forward Community Fund will support Indigenous-led solutions to violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and promote community safety, capacity building and self determination in addressing systemic causes of gender-based violence. “Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high rates of violence. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of this violence is crucial to our efforts to keep people safe and achieve meaningful and lasting reconciliation,” said Mike Farnworth, B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Part of our commitment to this is ensuring that Indigenous communities have the resources they need to develop and lead culturally safe and appropriate solutions.” With this $5 million in new funding through the National Plan to end Gender-based Violence, government has invested $15.84 million into the Path Forward Community Fund since 2022. The fund is managed by th…

Last Spongy Moth Treatment Date

The third and final aerial spray for Salt Spring is scheduled for May 30. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/invasive-forest-pests/spongy-moth/news

Innovative Replacement Correctional Centre Now Open in Nanaimo

A new state-of-the-art facility in Nanaimo is a significant step forward in advancing correctional services on Vancouver Island and supporting community safety. Located next to the original correctional centre, the new campus-style Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) is architecturally inspired by traditional Coast Salish plank houses and designed to ensure safety and security, while supporting a strong connection to the natural environment and an operational model focused on healing, recovery and change. In addition to expanding remand capacity for Vancouver Island, the new centre includes a unit for women and features modern purpose-built spaces for programs such as the Guthrie program, which combines work, addictions treatment and counselling. The new centre features specialized areas for working with people with complex mental-health needs and a sophisticated health-care centre. “Helping people make meaningful change and take steps to address the root cause of their …

New Cowichan District Hospital Reaches Milestone

People in the Cowichan region are one step closer to a new hospital as the diagnostic and treatment centre on site reaches structural completion. “Improved access to health care for people in the Cowichan region is on the horizon. This project reflects our government’s commitment to strengthening health services across the province and will provide people in Cowichan greater access to the care they need in a state-of-the-art hospital that will serve the region for generations to come,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The vision for the new hospital is to create a welcoming place of healing and hope, with a focus on the highest quality care that is culturally safe and respectful.” The centre will house outpatient and diagnostic-care services, including an emergency department, medical imaging, ambulatory care, a pharmacy and cafeteria and will be linked to an inpatient tower through a community hall. “North Cowichan is a growing community, and it’s exciting to see…

Next Aerial Spray Date - May 23

2024 Spongy Moth Program Announcement Trapping and monitoring results from 2023 indicate spongy moth populations are establishing in various locations across the province and require eradication. Thirteen aerial sprays are required to eradicate this non-native, invasive species. The 2023 high-density trapping program completed on Salt Spring Island was successful. The trapping program limited the growth and spread of the establishing spongy moth population and a 48 ha area will be sprayed in spring 2024 to ensure the population is eradicated. Salt Spring Island: May 6 1st treatment completed May 23 (May 16th postponed due to wind) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/invasive-forest-pests/spongy-moth/news Safety data sheet instead of the product label for Foray 48B. https://www.valentbiosciences.com/foresthealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/SDS-VBC-0244R4-Foray-48B-CANADA-02-23-2024.pdf The…

Government increasing spend on Gang Violence in BC

Since 2003, gang-related homicides in British Columbia have risen, climbing from 21% of B.C. homicides to 46% in 2023. Gang-related homicides present unique challenges due to evidence tampering and witness reluctance, making them more time-consuming and resource-intensive to investigate. As of December 2023, IHIT reported 356 unsolved homicides. The establishment of the new Integrated Gang Homicide Team will strengthen investigative capabilities, enabling IHIT to redirect team members to focus on these cases. Under the federal government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, the B.C. government has received $10.9 million from Public Safety Canada for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The funding will go toward anti-gang and crime initiatives throughout the province, including the Organized Crime Agency of BC, Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, and the New Westminster Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit. Significant investments continue for enhanced and …

Minister’s statement on Midwives Day

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of Midwives Day, May 5, 2024: "On this day, we honour the invaluable role midwives play in our health-care system and the exceptional care they provide to growing families throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period. “Midwives play a crucial role in our health-care system. They deliver more than 25% of all babies born annually in B.C., and provide personalized, holistic care to families throughout the province, including those in rural, remote and First Nations communities. This means families can count on effective and culturally safe care throughout pregnancy, as well as during and after childbirth. “To better support midwives and help grow the profession, a three-year agreement was ratified between the Province and the Midwives Association of British Columbia last year, retroactive to April 2022. This agreement provides midwives with long-term support for their career a…

B.C. Moves to Ban Drug Use in Public Spaces

B.C. is taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks. It’s part of several new measures introduced by the Province, focused on providing police with more tools to address public safety while offering support and access to treatment for people living with addictions. “Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” said Premier David Eby. “We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better.” The Province is working with the federal government to make changes to the legality of possessing drugs in B.C. This will provide police with the power to enforce against drug use in all public places, including hospitals, restaur…

This Tourist Season Brings a Change for B.C. Liquor Manufacturers

New policy will help B.C. liquor manufacturers enhance visitor experiences As the summer tourism season approaches, British Columbia’s wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries are gearing up to offer enhanced tour and service experiences for visitors. “Recent years have been difficult for wineries and tourism across the province, and we are taking action to support these valuable businesses,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The changes we are making will create better experiences for visitors of wineries and liquor manufacturers across the province, helping them – and all of B.C. – to be a more competitive and desirable destination for visitors. ” In response to industry feedback, the Province has implemented a suite of policy changes to enhance visitor experiences at wineries and other liquor-manufacturing sites this summer. Improvements to the customer experience include: - allowing people to sit and enjoy samples wh…

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