The B.C. SPCA is welcoming proposed regulations from the B.C. government to ban all exotic cat species. 

The province announced Tuesday, July 8, it is looking into a ban on owning, breeding and selling servals, caracals, ocelots and all other types of non-domesticated cats.

Hybrid cats like bengals and savannah cats – which are the result of several generations breeding between wild and domesticated cats – would not be included in the ban.

Larger wild cats like tigers and leopards are already regulated in B.C. under the Wildlife Act, but small and medium-sized exotic cats are not currently regulated. 

If the regulations are approved, all exotic cat species would be added to the list of about 1,200 species designated as “controlled alien species” under regulation in the Wildlife Act. The list also includes animals like alligators, monkeys and pythons. 

Breeding, selling or acquiring new animals from these species would no longer be permitted. Current owners could keep their exotic cats for the remainder of the animal’s life if they apply for a free permit. 

Dr. Sara Dubois, senior director of animal welfare science and standards at the B.C. SPCA, said the lack of regulation make it difficult to know how many such cats there may be in the province and who is importing and breeding them. She said breeders can sell exotic kittens for as much as $10,000, and sometimes more. 

“The reality is wild animals never make good pets,” said Dubois.

“Imagine being a serval cat on the plains of Africa, and coming to Canada and being locked up in an apartment.”

She said the cats maintain their wild instincts, even when bred in captivity, and they often don’t get the nutrition and care they need.  

In 2019, the B.C. SPCA conducted an animal cruelty investigation on a serval breeder in Kamloops. It said 13 cats were being kept in “horrific conditions” and needed months of specialized care. Dubois notes there are only a handful of exotic vets in B.C. and the cats are prone to metabolic and other health and behavioural issues in captivity. 

There are also concerns around human safety and environmental damage from exotic cats. Servals and caracals can reach up to up to 18-kilograms in weight, and their strong jumping and climbing abilities mean they are good at escaping homes. Dubois said there have been instances where such cats have escaped and killed neighbours’ pets or farm animals. 

“They don’t want to be captive,” said Dubois. “They have the potential to harm our native wildlife if they escape and go hunting on their own.”

There are no accredited sanctuaries for such cats Canada. Dubois says because the cats have become trendy on social media, the few accredited sanctuaries in the U.S are often overwhelmed with rescues. 

Non-domesticated cats are already prohibited in some other provinces, including Alberta. CBC News reported earlier this year an Alberta woman was fined $15,000 for owning a serval that was bred in B.C. 

The B.C. SPCA has been advocating for the government to regulate these species of cats for years, and is happy to see movement on the issue. 

The B.C. SPCA is encouraging British Columbians to contact the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to show their support for the proposed regulations.

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RCMP have released images of two men they believe were involved in an explosion last month in North Vancouver, which damaged the front door of the building housing the constituency office of B.C. NDP MLA and cabinet minister Bowinn Ma.

North Vancouver RCMP said officers responded to reports of a loud bang shortly after 4 a.m. on June 27. They found damage to the front door of the office building on the 200 block of West Esplanade Avenue.

Police said no one was injured.

Investigators confirmed the damage was caused by an “unsophisticated homemade device initiated by a burning fuse,” RCMP said in an update Tuesday.

“It could potentially be multiple bear bangers or commercially available fireworks taped together to increase the explosive potential of the item,” North Vancouver RCMP said in a release.

Police are asking the public for help identifying two men who may have been involved in the incident. One man is described as white, with short, balding hair and a stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket, dark T-shirt and blue jeans. The other is described as white, with a slender build, captured on video wearing a long blond wig, a black hoodie and blue jeans.

RCMP said the investigation is active and they cannot determine whether the incident was politically motivated.

The building where the explosion occurred also houses other government offices and several private businesses.

“I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from community members and people across B.C.,” Ma said in a statement posted to social media on June 27. “Regardless of intent or motivation, I know that incidents like this can be very frightening for a community.”

Ma, who serves as MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale and B.C.’s infrastructure minister, said her staff would work with the Legislative Assembly’s security team to ensure her office remains safe. RCMP said they would also collaborate with Ma’s team on additional safety and security measures.

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Dan Hamhuis walked through every door that came open to him during his distinguished hockey career and now he is getting a well-deserved curtain call.

The Smithers native and co-owner of the Prince George Cougars is part of the Class of 2025 to be inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton on Saturday.

As a young kid, growing up in the Nordic-inspired picturesque beauty of the northwest, not in Hamhuis’ wildest dreams did he think an 18-year professional hockey career was even an option growing up, let along leaving his hometown to play major junior for the Cougars in the late-90’s.

“I dreamed of playing in the NHL but I never thought that it was a reality or that there was even a path ahead of me to be able to do that. I played because I love the game and all of the time spent dreaming of that playing road hockey all that time, eventually paid,”

After lighting up the Single-A ranks with the Smithers A’s where he amassed 131 points in 59 games in 1997-98, Hamhuis took his first leap of faith and made the cut as a rookie defenseman with the Prince George Cougars – a place he would call home for four seasons.

His game at the junior level grew by leaps and bounds after his first year – after notching just one goal in 98-99 – he tallied 10 goals or more in his last three seasons while also seeing his point totals from the blueline increase from 33 to 59, and then 60.

The road to the big leagues became much clearer after he was taken 12th overall by the upstart Nashville Predators in the 2001 NHL Draft, a place he would call home for eight seasons during his pro career.

During his 1,148 game NHL journey, which spanned 16 seasons, Hamhuis also spent six years with the Vancouver Canucks along with a two-year stint with the Dallas Stars.

When asked about his pro career, which also included a stint with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, Hamhuis said there are a handful of moments that stand out.

“Going to the Olympics was a pinnacle of the career and winning that gold medal was pretty special and the run we had with the Vancouver Canucks we had was special. It didn’t end the way we wanted losing in game seven of the Stanley Cup final, but it was such an amazing year.”

Mixed in with all of that, Hamhuis lived out another childhood dream by wearing the Maple Leaf for Canada at the international stage on nine occasions, which included the World Junior Hockey Championship (a bronze and a silver medal), six appearances at the IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship (two gold medals and two silver medals) along with one Olympic appearance (gold medal in Sochi, Russia).

“The Hockey Canada experiences are something that not everybody experiences and I was able to wear that jersey on nine separate occasions. That was really special and added a lot to my career.”

“I have to pinch myself all of that happened, It seems unreal looking back on it now – it was a lot of fun and I loved the game, loved playing and trying to get better at it all of the time and all the people I was able to do it with,” added Hamhuis.

Joining Hamhuis in the BC Hockey Hall of Fame will be longtime competitor and retired NHL’er Shawn Horcoff.

Horcoff, who was born in Trail, battled his entire career against Hamhuis due to the fact they always played on Western Conference rivals. Horcoff is most remembered for his time with the Edmonton Oilers while also suiting up for the Stars and Anaheim Ducks.

Both won a silver medal together during the 2009 men’s world championships. Hamhuis is quite happy to share the stage with someone equally as deserving.

“I know Shawn a bit as we played together at the world championships. Once you play on the same team with the guy you kind of have a connection throughout the rest of your career and I am looking forward to going through the experience with Shawn.”

Joining Hamhuis in the hall of fame is Mike Penny, (Builder), Larry Kwong (Pioneer/Player/Builder), Ted Hargreaves (Builder) as well as the 1987 Centennial Cup champion Richmond Sockeyes and the 1978 Allan Cup champion Kimberley Dynamiters.

“There are so many great names that are in there and now that I look back on my career from a different perspective, it’s neat to look back. It was a great career, it was longer than most to be able to play 18 years of pro,” added Hamhuis.

“From minor hockey, junior and pro – my family, wife and kids, the impact they have had on my life and in my career to be able to do that certainly would not have come close to experience or even have played pro without all of those people.”

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The B.C. Greens announced Tuesday, June 8.  Adam Bremner-Akins from Port Coquitlam has been approved as a candidate in the party’s leadership race.

He’s the third and final candidate to be announced, joining Emily Lowan and Johnathan Kerr in the contest. 

Bremner-Akins’ biography on the B.C. Green’s website said he is a political science student at Simon Fraser University and works as a restaurant server. 

He is a former Secretary for the party and also held a position on the B.C. Greens’ Provincial Council.

“We need someone who is invested in tackling both the cost of living and the climate crisis,” said Bremner-Akins in a statement.

“I work a minimum-wage job myself, so I know firsthand how the government’s failure to address the affordability crisis is impacting people’s lives every single day.”

“As Leader, I’ll continue the work I’ve done as an MLA candidate, on Provincial Council, and in my community—fighting for affordable housing, reliable transit, and sustainable communities,” he said.

Bremner-Akins ran to become an MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in 2020, losing to NDP candidate Fin Donnelly. 

He was also an MLA candidate for the B.C. Greens in Port Coquitlam in 2024. He took a little over six per cent of the vote, trailing behind B.C. Conservative candidate Keenan Adams and NDP MLA Mike Farnworth, who took the riding with nearly 54 per cent. 

The party said a meet and greet with the candidates is scheduled for Friday, June 11, at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus.

Voting will run from Sept. 13 – 23, with the results set to be announced on Sept. 24.

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote was named interim leader of the B.C. Greens after Sonia Furstenau stepped down in January.

Rob Botterell holds the only other seat for the B.C. Greens as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

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The B.C. Wildfire Service has warned today’s strong winds expected across much of the province could lead to more extreme wildfire activity.

Gusts are predicted to reach up to 60-kilometres per hour in areas east of the Rockies, while southern B.C. is expected to remain warm and dry.

The agency said thundershowers and lightning are forecast for the eastern corners of the province, with potential for dry lightning into Wednesday. 

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar visited the province’s northeast this week to assess the wildfire situation. He said in Fort St John Tuesday, June 8, that ongoing drought has severely impacted the region and led to more extreme and long-lasting wildfires.

Parmar flew over the area in a helicopter along with Northern Rockies Mayor Rob Fraser and Fort Nelson First Nation Chief Archie Harold, calling it “a moving experience.”

Parmar said over 7000 square kilometres have burned in the Prince George Fire Centre region since last month, and it’s estimated 30 per cent of forested areas in the region will be impacted this year. 

“People have endured not just the physical threat of fires, but the emotional toll of displacement, smoke and uncertainty,” said Parmar. “What I’ve seen is not just the devastation, but resilience.”

Taylor Colman, a Fire Information Officer for BCWS said drought conditions in the northeast are making it “really, really challenging” for firefighters to respond to fires. She said fires are burning underground in the root systems of trees.

“It’s not as simple as just extinguishing what’s on the surface. Crews are having to really dig deep to fight the fires in that area,” said Coleman. 

Today’s BCWS dashboard said there were more than 70 active fires across the province, including 16 classified as out-of-control. 

The wildfire service said Monday, June 7, it was rescinding a campfire ban in the Fort Nelson Forest District, saying fire danger ratings have dropped due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures. However, Coleman said the campfire ban could be reinstated if necessary. 

Larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are still prohibited in the Prince George, Stuart Nechako, Mackenzie, Peace, and Fort Nelson forest districts.

Parmar also said he had spoken to Lytton Mayor Denise O’Connor and Lytton First Nation Chief Niakia Hanna about the out-of-control Izman Creek fire, burning about 14-kilometres north of Lytton. 

The fire erupted around the fourth anniversary of the 2021 wildfire that devastated the area and left two people dead.

“My heart goes out to that community that’s faced so many challenges these last number of years,” said Parmar. 

The Izman Creek fire has grown to more than 2.4 square-kilometres, though the BCWS said there was no growth overnight between Monday and Tuesday. 

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation order last week for an area of Highway 12, saying three properties are affected. The Lytton First Nation has also issued an evacuation alert, meaning residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

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Three First Nations in British Columbia will receive federal funding for clean energy projects.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said on Tuesday, July 8, it will be providing a total of $40 million dollars to fund 13 Indigenous-led energy projects across Canada.

The K’ómoks First Nation on Vancouver Island will receive nearly $690,000 for its community solar project to install residential solar panels.

The Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government, a Nisg̱a’a community located about 80-kilometres north of Terrace, will receive over $2.8 million to purchase and install electric heat pumps in community homes.

The Seabird Island Band in the Fraser Valley will also receive over $5.6 million to improve the energy efficiency of two schools and an administration building.

They are among 13 Indigenous-led projects receiving funding from the Indigenous Leadership Fund, a $180 million stream under the Low Carbon Economy Fund.

“As first guardians of nature and true stewards of environmental conservation and protection, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada are taking critical action to fight climate change and adapt to its impacts,” said federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin in a statement.

“Today’s announcement recognizes the leadership and the important work of Indigenous peoples to preserve the environment and ensure that a habitable planet exists now and for generations to come.”

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British Columbia is moving to ban all exotic cats in the province.

The province said on Tuesday, June 8, it’s proposing regulation changes that would ban the breeding, sale and future ownership of exotic cat species.

That includes servals, caracals, ocelots, and all other non-native and non-domestic cat species.

B.C.’s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship noted that lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards and cheetahs are already regulated in B.C., but other exotic cat species are not.

It said there have long been public safety and environmental concerns from animal welfare organizations and wildlife experts around the ownership of such cats.

“This change would provide consistent and enforceable guidelines to strengthen protections for communities, native wildlife, ecosystems, pets and exotic cats themselves,” said the ministry.

Current owners would be allowed to keep their exotic cats for the remainder of the animal’s life, provided they apply for a free permit and meet basic care and safety requirements. However, breeding, selling or acquiring new animals from these species would no longer be permitted.

Under the Wildlife Act, the B.C. government can designate certain animals as “controlled alien species” in order to regulate them, ranging from wild cats to monkeys and pythons.

The B.C. government’s website page on controlled alien species said people charged with a first offence of breeding or releasing a controlled species can face fines of up to $250,000 and possible jail time. A first offence of possessing a controlled species without a permit can lead to fines of up to $100,000 and possible jail time.

The B.C. SPCA has previously raised concerns about servals being kept as pets. It said servals are wild cats native to many parts of Africa and tend to have poor quality of life when kept as pets. The organization said they can also pose a threat to people and other pets in the home.

In 2019, the organization rescued 13 servals from breeder near Kamloops, stating the animals were living in “horrific conditions.” It said the animals received specialized medical care and were eventually transferred to sanctuaries in the U.S. – noting there are no accredited sanctuaries in Canada for servals. 

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WestJet is increasing the frequency of several B.C. routes, starting next week. 

The airline said Victoria International Airport will see an overall seat capacity increase of 10 per cent, while Kelowna International Airport will see an overall increase of 11 per cent.

WestJet said it’s adding more weekly flights between Vancouver and Kelowna, Victoria, Nanaimo and Cranbrook, starting July 14th. 

It’s also increasing the frequency of flights between Kelowna and Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. 

Flights from Victoria to Kelowna and Edmonton will also get a boost in frequency.

“This increase in WestJet flights for the winter schedule to key destinations of Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver, demonstrates WestJet’s continued dedication to Okanagan region,” says Kelowna International Airport CEO Sam Samaddar.

WestJet also says it’s more routes from from Kelowna to Puerto Vallarta starting in October, and adding a new service route from Vancouver to Liberia this December.

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It was a long night for the   some stranded passengers in  the terminal of Kelowna International Airport as a wildfire north of the Airport shut  down airspace around the facility for portions of Sunday afternoon  and evening.

Flights  were grounded  to allow other  aircraft  to battle the fire

According to YLW Director of Operations  Philip Elchitz things are slowly returning to normal

The  fire itself is now classified  as held.

a handful of properties  in the Ellison area have been  evacuated and just over 100 others are on  evacuation alert

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A key court date is on the horizon for an ostrich farm that is trying to fight to preserve 400 ostriches as it faces an order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to cull the flock.

The agency’s directive, issued in January 2025 after cases of avian influenza were detected in the birds, has sparked controversy and a legal battle that will come to a head at an appeal in Ottawa on July 15.

Farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney said the CFIA’s decision to cull the ostriches discounts the natural immunity the birds have developed after surviving the initial outbreak.

“We are proof of a recovered flock,” Pasitney said on the Early Edition, emphasizing how the animals pose no threat due to their robust immune systems. The farm reports that 171 days have passed without any symptoms of illness among the birds.

The ostrich farm was established nearly 35 years ago, tracing its roots to Pasitney’s grandfather, a former president of the Alberta Ostrich Association.

The family has since developed their herd into a hub for scientific innovation, focusing on the therapeutic potential of ostrich antibodies and oils in treating human and animal health conditions, such as skin ailments and viruses.

“These birds exist to change humanity,” Pasitney said, pointing to research partnerships with scientists and the broader goal of promoting natural immunity.

Pasitney criticized current CFIA policies, including restrictions that prevent the farm from independently testing its birds.

“We are quarantined by geography,” she said, noting that the farm is located 135 kilometers from the nearest major city, further minimizing risk to public health.

Amid mounting legal fees, the farm is hosting a Farm Aid concert from July 11–13 to raise funds and rally support. The event, held on the farm’s grounds, promises a lineup of over 14 bands.

Pasitney described the weekend as a celebration of farmers’ rights, animal welfare, and natural immunity. Tickets include free camping, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.

“The fight to save these ostriches is about more than just one farm,” Pasitney urged, calling for a reevaluation of policies she believes endanger animals unnecessarily.

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James Edward Plover is scheduled to appear in court Thursday charged with the second degree murder of his former partner.

Bailey Plover was killed in a horrific public hammer attack Friday afternoon in a parking lot near Spall and Enterprise in Kelowna.

Another woman was also injured in the attack and taken to hospital with what were described as non-life threatening injuries.

James Edward Plover was arrested at his home in Lake Country after a brief police chase.

In the meantime, a Go Fund Me campaign has been mounted to help Bailey’s family deal  with the tragedy.

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Update  703pm

The BC  Wildfire Service now says  the wildfire  that has shut down Kelowna International Airport has grown to an estimated  6 hectares

The blaze sparked mid Sunday afternoon leading to the shutdown of airspace around YWL

No flights are coming in or out of the airport.

RCMP are also conducting  tactical evacuations of nearby residents and have warned others

to be ready to depart on moments notice

Wildfire crews as well as fire departments in the surrounding area  on the scene trying to get control of the  blaze

The wildfire is believed to be human-caused.

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A first of its kind menopause clinic hopes to give those experiencing complex menopause symptoms in B.C. the care they need.

On Friday, The B.C. Government announced the new Complex Menopause Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, a clinic that will provide in-person and online care to women and gender-diverse patients and improve hospital programs related to complex menopause like bone, breast, and heart health.

The province says the clinic will also offer a variety of services like specialist consultation, counselling, medication management, and referrals to other services.

Minister of Health Josie Osborne says women and gender-diverse people face unique health challenges that often get overlooked.

“This new clinic will strengthen the continuum of care for people navigating complex menopause and is another step we’re taking to build a health-care system that’s compassionate, equitable and is there for people through every stage of life,” said Osborne.

The province says this clinic comes as 85 percent of people experience symptoms during menopause like hot flashes, poor sleep, and joint pain, with those experiencing premature menopause needing care that isn’t available in other places.

Along with offering care, the clinic will also use research to better understand people’s experiences through menopause, with hopes of building new solutions for those in need.

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The B.C. Government wants your input on a new model aimed at getting people employed.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has announced a new model for WorkBC, which aims to meet people where they are on their employment journey and offer supportive services that would help them the most.

This model will offer self-directed, in-office services, and employment-readiness outreach options.

The province says this project comes as the labour market changes, people’s expectations and needs for accessing employment services increase.

“To shape the future of WorkBC services and support, the province is inviting input on this new model from job seekers, employers, service providers and community members through an engagement survey,” said the B.C. Government.

“Feedback, submitted through an online survey or during a live engagement session, will help build a more timely, inclusive and person-centered system.”

The province released the survey on Thursday this week, and you have until July 31 to fill it in.

For the survey, click here.

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British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Gary Begg announced in Vancouver Friday morning an additional $734,000 for the unit. He said the funding will add five more RCMP officers and one intelligence analyst to the current two-officer unit.

“Over the past year alone we have seen reprehensible acts of violence here in our province,” said Begg. “Hate has no place in British Columbia.”

He said police reported hate crimes rose by 23 per cent from 2022 to 2023. Those linked to religion surged by more than 50 per cent and incidents related to sexual orientation jumped by 43 per cent.

Begg acknowledged that hate crimes often go unreported.

“Part of the program will be enhancing awareness of the community that they can report hate crimes as they arrive,” said Begg.

The money will fund the expanded unit for one year, with more funds to be allocated in the future.

The province said the funding is part of a $230 million investment in the B.C. RCMP, and will improve the RCMP’s ability to gather evidence for prosecutors of hate-motivated crimes, and support witnesses and victims.

Chief Supt. Elija Rain, the officer in charge of the hate crimes unit, said on Friday the team provides support and education to policing agencies across the province and currently reviews more than 100 files per week. He said the team also conducts its own investigations into public incitement of hatred or advocating genocide.

Rain acknowledged that hate crimes are still underreported.

“Ultimately, this provincial funding will not just make our team large, but more effective and more efficient,” said Rain.

“We recognize not everyone is comfortable engaging with police and the justice system,” said Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives.

She said more than 800 calls have been made to a racist incident helpline the province established last year.

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A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS). 

Mayor Denise O’Connor said the Izman Creek Fire is burning about 14-kilometres north of Lytton, and poses no threat to the village right now, aside from some smoky skies.

BCWS said another fire that ignited much closer to Lytton on Monday has since been brought under control. 

But O’Connor said seeing the flames and smoke nearby was retraumatizing for many Lytton residents. She noted flames were spotted on the four-year anniversary of the major wildfire that devastated the Fraser Canyon community and left two dead.

“That experience and the trauma effects of 2021 are still very real,” said O’Connor. “As soon as I saw the smoke…your senses go up. I wanted to make sure everything was OK.”

RCMP equipment sparks wildfire

RCMP said the Izman Creek wildfire ignited due to an incident with an officer’s vehicle on July 1st. Senior Media Relations Officer, Sgt. Kris Clark, said an officer was hauling an RCMP boat that had been deployed in the area when a wheel came off the boat trailer, throwing sparks into the dry grass in the ditch.

Clark said the officer tried to put the fire out with an extinguisher, but it quickly spread across the road and the officer reported the blaze to BCWS.

“It doesn’t take much to start a fire under current [dry] conditions.” said Clark, who called it a “very unfortunate set of circumstances.”

Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation order for three properties along Highway 12 near the Izman Creek wildfire. Highway 12 remained closed Thursday afternoon between Lytton and Lillooet with local access only.

The Lytton First Nation has issued an evacuation alert for multiple areas, meaning residents should be ready to leave on short notice. 

BCWS said ground and aerial crews continued to fight the Izman Creek wildfire Thursday, and crews were working to protect structures in the area. 

There are 84 wildfires burning across the province, including 29 listed as out-of-control.

The wildfire service said some regions, including the Fort Nelson zone, were seeing cooler temperatures and thundershowers this week, which should help reduce the intensity of wildfires. But hot and dry conditions continue to linger in southern B.C.

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FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) is planning to launch a call for power later this year as the next step to its Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) issued in 2024, to support economic growth and help meet customers’ growing electricity needs in communities across the Southern Interior region. The call for power will be conducted by way of an invitation-only competitive process, with organizations that were selected through the RFEOI process being invited to participate. This initial call for power is one of the next steps in FortisBC’s work to expand its electricity system and increase power generation in the region by working with companies that can deliver local power and Indigenous communities in the Southern Interior.

“By supporting local power projects and working with Indigenous organizations, we can expand electricity generation to ensure homes and businesses in the Southern Interior have the energy they need.” said Joe Mazza, vice president of energy supply and resource development. “This call for power is an important step in delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy—driving economic development and strengthening communities for the future.”

In 2024, FortisBC issued an RFEOI for new power to identify projects from lower carbon and renewable¹ sources in British Columbia that could add up to 1,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy supply for its approximately 190,000 electricity customers by 2030. Through the RFEOI, FortisBC received more than 80 submissions representing about 20,000 GWh of electricity.

The call for power is the next step in FortisBC’s work to increase power generation in the region and includes two key components. Firstly, FortisBC recognizes the importance of economic reconciliation and projects must have a minimum of 25 per cent Indigenous equity ownership. Therefore, it is seeking submissions with comprehensive Indigenous participation plans.

Secondly, in the call for power, FortisBC will focus on wind projects that can directly connect to its electricity system in the Southern Interior and provide energy in winter months when customer demand for power is highest. This targeted competitive procurement process will enable FortisBC to focus on projects that align closely with its strategic objectives of acquiring energy to address its immediate needs to meet high demand for electricity during the coldest days of the year. FortisBC may issue additional calls for power in the future.

The Government of British Columbia recently passed legislation to modernize permitting and regulation of renewable energy projects. The new legislation establishes the BC Energy Regulator as the single window for permitting renewable energy projects in accordance with strict environmental standards. This legislation and upcoming regulations could help bring more power to FortisBC’s customers faster.

“FortisBC’s upcoming call for power is great news for British Columbia as we build our supply of clean energy to drive our economy forward,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “With a focus on wind projects in the Okanagan region and a requirement for Indigenous participation, the call for power will increase B.C.’s supply of renewable electricity to serve growing communities and businesses in the Southern Interior, create local jobs and investment, and generate important opportunities for Indigenous communities.”

“CEBC applauds FortisBC for taking bold action to ensure its customers have access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for generations to come,” said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC). This call for power will strengthen and diversify our grid while reinforcing B.C.’s position as a global leader in Indigenous ownership and electrification. CEBC members are eager to help address rising demand in the Southern Interior while advancing reconciliation, driving local revenues, and keeping well-paying jobs where we need them most — right here in B.C.”

The call for power is part of the many actions FortisBC is taking to increase the ability of its electricity system to meet the growing energy needs of its customers in the Southern Interior, safely and reliably. As part of its long-term plan, it has been upgrading and building new substations in Kelowna, Grand Forks, Salmo, South Slocan, Beaver Park, Fruitvale and Trail to serve these growing areas.

In addition, the British Columbia Utilities Commission recently approved FortisBC’s plan to invest $133 million² by 2027 in new power infrastructure projects, including upgrading the Saucier, Glenmore, Duck Lake and DG Bell substations in Kelowna, increasing the capacity of its substations in Kaleden, Keremeos, Blueberry Creek, Christina Lake and upgrading the two main transmission lines serving customers in South Okanagan.

Visit fortisbc.com/newpower for more information on the call for power.

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The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party’s leadership race.

“British Columbians are facing unprecedented challenges—from a crushing affordability crisis to the accelerating climate emergency,” said Lowan in a statement.

“It’s time for people-powered resistance to confront corporate greed and government complacency.”

Lowan’s bio said she currently works at Climate Action Network Canada, and has worked on various climate advocacy and research projects, including for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Lowan joins Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr who the B.C. Greens announced in the leadership race earlier this week, with more candidates expected to be announced in the coming days.

The first official leadership contest event, dubbed a “Meet & Green,” is set for July 11th at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus.

Voting will run from September 13 to 23, with the results set to be announced on September 24.

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote was named interim leader of the B.C. Greens after Sonia Furstenau stepped down in January.

Rob Botterell also holds a seat for the BC Greens as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

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Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr is in the running to be the next leader of the B.C. Greens. 

The party announced Wednesday Kerr is the first candidate approved to run in the leadership race. The party said it would release more names of those in the running over the coming days.

Voting will run from September 13 to 23, with the results set to be announced on September 24.

Kerr’s bio on his website said he has worked as a family doctor for over 20 years. He was elected twice as a councillor in Comox and is Vice Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District.

Kerr said he plans to celebrate his campaign launch with an event in Courtenay this Saturday.

“In the coming weeks I will be travelling throughout the province, meeting with voters to talk about how we can grow the B.C. Greens and deliver the change people want to see,” Kerr said in a statement. 

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote was named interim leader of the B.C. Greens after Sonia Furstenau stepped down in January. She had failed to secure a seat in October’s provincial election.

Valeriote is one of two Green Party members in the legislature, with Rob Botterell sitting as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

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Applications are open now through to March 2026 for British Columbia’s publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program.

Patient Rachelle Pastilha was emotional at an event alongside Health Minister Josie Osborne Wednesday as she recounted her journey with IVF.

Pastilha said she was devastated when she was diagnosed in 2008 with endometriosis, a condition that can significantly impact fertility. 

“Being a mom has always been something I deeply wanted, and that diagnosis felt like a weight I had to carry,” said Pastilha.

She gave birth to her son in 2021, but decided to start IVF treatments after struggling to conceive a second child. She said the provincial funding provides hope for her and other families going through fertility struggles. 

IVF involves a set of procedures that lead to an egg being fertilized by a sperm outside the body, and then transferred back into the uterus.  

The province said eligible patients can now apply for one-time funding of up to $19,000 towards a single standard cycle of IVF treatment. Patients must be between 18 and 41-years-old at the time of application and be a patient at a participating fertility clinic in the province. All intended parents must be enrolled in the province’s Medical Services Plan. 

Participating fertility clinics must submit applications on behalf of their patients to the Ministry of Health. Osborne said applications will be reviewed on a “first come, first served” basis and assessed based on the patients’ pre-taxed household income. 

Those who make less than $100,000 a year would be eligible for the full $19,000, while the amount of funding decreases for those with higher incomes. Those with household incomes above $250,000 are not eligible for funding. 

“Infertility and other barriers [to parenthood] can be truly devastating to hopeful parents,” said Osborne Wednesday.

“Having a child shouldn’t depend on how much money you make.”

The Province estimates that the program will fund between 1,100 and 4,500 IVF cycles.

Olive Fertility Clinic has several locations in B.C. and is one of three clinics participating in the program. It states on its website, a single round of IVF – which includes orientation, egg retrieval, blastocyst culture, fresh embryo transfer and medication – costs approximately $12,000 – $15,000. 

The provincial funding can also be used to fertilize previously frozen eggs and for up to one year of embryo storage.

The provincial coverage does not include the cost of egg freezing, which involves retrieving and storing eggs to preserve fertility. Olive Fertility Clinic said its price for egg freezing and one year of storage is nearly $10,000, while associated medications can cost between $5000 and $9000.

Many patients require more than one round of IVF to have a child. Data from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society show in 2018 there were more than 16,850 IVF cycles. Out of those cycles, there were a little more than 2400 pregnancies.

“Many people face barriers to this fertility care, including the stigma around infertility – and that’s made worse by the financial burden of IVF treatment,” said Dr. Ken Seethram with Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine.

Seethram notes more Canadians are having children later in life which tends to coincide with lower fertility rates. 

B.C.’s 2024 budget included $68 million over two-years for the IVF program.

The program brings B.C. in line with most other provinces in offering some kind of coverage for IVF or fertility treatments. Alberta is the only province without any publicly funded fertility program or tax credit for fertility treatments. 

The B.C. government has a list of frequently asked questions about the program on its website.

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Canada Day this year comes amid a surge in national pride among Canadians.

The pushback against U.S.-imposed tariffs and the Trump administration’s rhetoric about making Canada the “51st state” is lending a renewed sense of “elbows up” patriotism to this year’s celebrations. 

But First Nations leaders in British Columbia say Canada Day should also be an opportunity to reflect on Canada’s colonial history – especially during what many say has been a backsliding in reconciliation efforts in B.C. and across the country. 

B.C.’s NDP government pushed through a pair of controversial bills at the end of spring parliamentary session that aim to fast-track certain infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Bills 14 and 15 faced fierce opposition from several First Nations leaders, who said the bills violated their right to consultation under B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA) and represented a significant step backward in reconciliation efforts. 

The federal government’s Bill C-5, passed last week, has faced similar opposition. The bill allows the government to fast-track projects deemed to be in the “national interest,” including by pushing them through a shortened review process. 

Assembly of First Nations members have voiced concerns about the bill’s ability to override the Indian Act and key environmental legislation.

Robert Phillips with the First Nations Summit Political Executive said Canada Day has always brought mixed feelings for many Indigenous people due to the effects of colonization and the residential school system. He noted while Canada marks its 158th birthday, it was only in 1960 that Indigenous people were granted the right to vote without losing their treaty status. 

Phillips said there were signs of progress over the past few years, with the implementation of DRIPA in B.C. and other policies that created a framework for future negotiations between First Nations and governments.

“There was a little shining hope that this would continue,” said Phillips.

But he says First Nations right now are disappointed and frustrated.

“[First Nations] want to be part of the social-economic fabric of Canada, but just seem excluded,” said Phillips.

B.C.’s Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma acknowledged prior to the passage of Bills 14 and 15 that consultations with First Nations on the legislation were not sufficient, and pledged that more in-depth engagement would take place around regulations created under the legislation. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney has also said he would hold a series of national summits this summer with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit rights holders to address concerns around Bill C-5 – though APTN reported last week that Indigenous organizations didn’t receive any formal invitation ahead of Carney’s announcement. 

“I think many First Nations are really thinking about what this relationship [with Canada] means,” said B.C. AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee.

He said the fast-tracking  legislation has been part of a “knee jerk” reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s contentious foreign policy. But Teegee adds, while the Trump administration is set to end after his four-year term, the projects introduced under the legislation will impact First Nations and other communities for decades to come.

Teegee said despite the current strained relationship between government and First Nations, he has hope that progress can continue to be made on reconciliation.

“Canada Day is a time to celebrate the dream of what Canada could be,” he said “A dream that reflects the people who were here even before Canada was a country, and celebrates the diversity of this whole country.”

For Gena Edwards with B.C. Native Women’s Association, July 1st is not a day to celebrate.

“We’re here to remind governments and the public that reconciliation is meaningless without action to protect Indigenous women, girls and families,” said Edwards.

She notes violence against Indigenous women and girls remains high, and the calls to justice from the inquiry into MMIWG have not been fully implemented.

“Safety and human rights must come before symbolic gestures,” said Edwards.

The final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was published in 2019 with 231 Calls for Justice. As of this year, just two of those recommendations have been fully implemented, though the government notes work is underway on 113 of them.

A 2023 Statistics Canada report  said out of all gender-related homicides of women and girls between 2011 and 2021, 21 per cent of victims were Indigenous, despite making up just five per cent of the female population in Canada in 2021.

Edwards said she wants people to remember this Canada Day that Indigenous people still experience the harms of colonialism today.

“Canada Day is a reminder to create a safe future for all children and families, including non-Indigenous people, because together we are better,” she said.

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A new poll finds Canadian pride is surging as the country prepares to mark its 158th birthday on Tuesday.

An Angus Reid poll released Friday asked respondents about their levels of Canadian pride and what they feel Canada has to offer. 

It found 67 per cent of Canadians felt “proud” or “very proud” to be Canadian. That’s up from 58 per cent in December.

Angus Reid says Canadians appear more optimistic overall about the future of the country than they were at the end of last year. It found 56 per cent of respondents felt positive about the future – a marked rise compared to 39 per cent who said they felt optimistic in December 2024.

“There has been a major rebound in optimism as the country swapped an unpopular [Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau for the currently well-appraised [Prime Minister Mark] Carney,” said the report.

Close to 60 per cent of British Columbians polled said they were optimistic about the future of Canada – the highest rate since November 2018.

Angus Reid reports more than 70 per cent said Canada offers a good quality of life. About 23 per cent disagreed, though middle-aged respondents (ages 35-54) and those who voted Conservative in the April federal election were more likely than average to say the country doesn’t offer a good quality of life.

Younger people were less certain than retirement-age Canadians about whether Canada is a good place to start a family. The poll found 60 per cent of of 18- to 34-year-olds agreed, compared to 79 per cent of older Canadians. 

Fewer than half of respondents said Canada is a good place to start a business — dropping to less than 40 per cent in B.C. 

Half of Canadians said it would be inaccurate to call Canada a country where “everyone has the same opportunities”.

Angus Reid said it conducted the online survey from June 20-23, among a randomized sample of 1,619 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum.

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North Vancouver RCMP say no one was injured in an early morning explosion outside an office building in North Vancouver that houses the constituency office of B.C. NDP MLA and Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma. 

RCMP Corp. Mansoor Sahak told reporters Friday afternoon they first investigated reports of a loud bang around 2:45 a.m. in the 100 block of West 1st Street, in the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood of North Vancouver, but found nothing suspicious in the area. 

Less than two hours later, police investigated another reported blast in a nearby area, where officers found an explosion had damaged the front door of the office building on the 200 block of West Esplanade Avenue in North Vancouver. 

Sahak said an explosive disposal unit and police dog unit were deployed to investigate the building, and the office was cleared and deemed safe. 

“This was a jarring incident that undoubtedly startled sleeping residents in the area,” he said.

Ma said on social media that all meetings and appointments at her Constituency Office were cancelled for the day due to a “security incident.”

“Thankfully, nobody was injured, but incidents like this can be quite frightening…I appreciate the concern expressed by community members,” said Ma. 

RCMP said in an update Friday afternoon there was no indication the incident was politically motivated. Police say they are not aware of any threats made against Ma’s office or staff.

“We are investigating all possible avenues and have not ruled out anything at this stage of the investigation,” said Sahak.

The building also houses the Child and Family Services office, a Service Canada office, and several other businesses, including a dental clinic. Other offices and business in the building appeared open Friday. 

RCMP said it’s unclear if the earlier reported loud bang was an explosive device, as no evidence of a blast was found. They also don’t know if it’s connected to the explosion at the office later in the morning.

Sahak said police they are engaging with Ma on further security and safety measures.

Premier David Eby responded to the incident in a statement on social media, saying his thoughts are with Ma and the community affected by the incident.

“No matter who you are, or what you do for a living, you have a right to safety at work,” said Eby.

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About 9,000 B.C. Conservative Party members are eligible to cast votes this summer in a leadership review of B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad.

The review comes after a turbulent month for Rustad, who is managing the fallout of a leaked memo containing blackmail allegations against former members of his party who have publicly criticized his leadership.

Three ridings have already held votes — Kootenay Rockies, Kootenay Monashee and Kootenay Central. The review is set to continue riding by riding ahead of the party’s fall convention.

The party’s executive director, Angelo Isidorou, told Vista Radio the timeline for conducting all the leadership review votes is “somewhat fluid,” but the goal is to have them completed by September.

He said the party’s constitution requires votes to be held riding by riding, rather than at a party-wide convention. The constitution states members in good standing must receive 30 days’ notice of a leadership review meeting in their riding association or electoral district.

A leadership election would only be triggered if Rustad receives 50 per cent approval or less from the membership.

A report released this month by Leger said Rustad’s public approval ratings surged during last October’s provincial election but have plateaued at around 35 per cent since January.

The review comes as the party is grappling with allegations contained in a leaked memo from Rustad.

In the letter, Rustad alleges three former B.C. Conservative MLAs blackmailed several staff members and threatened them with “character assassination” to coerce them into taking jobs or contracts. He called the behaviour “extremely unethical, abusive and potentially criminal.”

Rustad said in the memo he was still weighing whether to take the blackmail allegations and any evidence to the RCMP.

MLAs Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong, who sat as Independents, announced in June the launch of their own party, called One B.C. They were not named in the memo but quickly issued statements denying the allegations. Brodie said in a post on X that she and her fellow Independent MLAs had been “viciously maligned” by Rustad.

“If he has even a shred of evidence, we dare him to share it,” said a statement released by One B.C.

Brodie was expelled from the party in March after comments she made on a podcast about residential school survivors. Armstrong and MLA Jordan Kealy left the party shortly afterward.

Kealy is not part of the new One B.C. party and remains sitting as an Independent MLA for Peace River North. He also denied the blackmail allegations and called on Rustad to step down as party leader.

Brodie, Armstrong and Kealy held a press conference together at the legislature in late March, accusing Rustad and his team — without providing any proof — of “rigging” the board of directors election at the party’s annual general meeting in Nanaimo.

Rustad told media after a caucus meeting Wednesday he encourages One B.C. to share any evidence they have to support those claims.

Premier David Eby addressed the blackmail allegations last week, warning his party would report the allegations to police if Rustad did not. The B.C. NDP followed through last Thursday, with caucus chair Stephanie Higginson requesting in a letter that the RCMP investigate the “serious allegations.”

“If any MLA or their legislative staff are engaged in it, British Columbians deserve to know, and any perpetrators should be prosecuted,” said Higginson in the letter. “British Columbians also deserve to know if Mr. Rustad, the Leader of the Official Opposition, is not in possession of evidence to support his accusations.”

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Many B.C. drivers admit to tailgating, but when it comes to being tailgated themselves, they feel frustrated.

A new survey by Ipsos for ICBC found 77 per cent of drivers admit to tailgating or following too closely, with 86 per cent of them saying they feel frustrated, scared, angry or intimidated when being tailgated.

The survey also reveals that 50 per cent of drivers tailgate because the driver in front of them is going below the speed limit.

“Thirty per cent blame slower drivers in the fast lane,” says ICBC in a news release.

“Meanwhile, 17 per cent admitted they tailgate to block others from cutting in and 16 per cent simply said they’re in a rush to get where they’re going.”

For where tailgating happens the most, 84 per cent of drivers say it happens at least once on city streets, while 82 per cent report it on highways, 75 per cent in the fast or HOV lanes, 73 per cent in construction zones, and even 69 per cent report it happening in playground and school zones.

ICBC road safety program manager Kathleen Nadalin said tailgating is aggressive and dangerous as it increases the risk of a crash, cuts your reaction time and puts pressure on the driver.

“A safe following distance isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a critical part of keeping everyone safe,” said Nadalin.

“Remember, the only place tailgating is fun is at a football game, not on the road.”

ICBC says the survey comes as more than 57,000 rear-end collisions were reported last year, with tailgating often being a factor behind these crashes.

To keep yourself safe from tailgating, the corporation encourages you to consider slowing down slightly to increase the space in front of you if being tailgated, give yourself extra time on the road, consider others when driving, manage your speed and following distance.

For the full survey, click here.

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British Columbia’s first all-electric transit buses are set to hit the road in the provincial capital.

B.C. Transit said the heavy-duty electric buses will gradually roll out in Victoria in the coming weeks, with all 10 vehicles expected to be on routes by this fall.

The Crown corporation said the new vehicles are expected to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 95 per cent compared to their diesel counterparts.

“This is a massive milestone for B.C. Transit,” said president and CEO Erinn Pinkerton in a statement. “Electric buses are an important component of B.C. Transit’s overall plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future.”

Pinkerton marked the arrival of the new buses at an event in Victoria on Wednesday, alongside Victoria MP Will Greaves, Mayor Marianne Alto, and George Anderson, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for transit.

B.C. Transit said it has ordered 125 heavy-duty electric buses from Winnipeg-based New Flyer and Nova Bus, headquartered in Saint-Eustache, Que. Close to 80 electric buses are expected to be in use across the province by the end of next year.

The new buses offer the same passenger capacity as others in the fleet and can travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.

“These new electric buses are a big win for people in Greater Victoria — quieter rides, cleaner air, and a more comfortable community,” said Anderson.

The federal and provincial governments, along with the Victoria Regional Transit System, announced more than $79 million in funding for the buses in 2019. Another nearly $400 million was announced in 2023 to support electric buses and related infrastructure across B.C.

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A new report says gender‑based violence should be declared an epidemic in B.C., and offers several recommendations for the province to better address the issue.

The 250‑page report from Dr. Kim Stanton, former head of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, makes nine sweeping system‑wide recommendations, and several more recommendations for the legal system.

Attorney General Nikki Sharma said Tuesday that 94 per cent of sexual‑assault survivors do not report the incident to police, and 84 per cent of survivors of intimate‑partner violence do not report it.

“Too often, survivors don’t feel safe coming forward. They fear not being believed, re‑traumatized, or dismissed,” said Sharma.

In May 2024, she appointed Stanton to conduct an independent review of how B.C.’s justice system can better address gender‑based violence.

“Gender‑based violence has been normalized… but it shouldn’t be,” said Stanton. She said data suggest a third of women and girls in B.C. over the age of 15 have experienced sexual violence, and nearly half have experienced intimate‑partner violence.

The report says there were 21 femicides across B.C. in 2024. It also highlights the case of Vanessa Renteria, a refugee woman who had sought help from her abusive spouse and was later killed by Surrey RCMP during an altercation at her home.

Report highlights repeat recommendations over decades

A 2012 report by former policy analyst Linda Light looked at key recommendations made in reports produced over the previous three decades. It noted that reports on gender‑based violence repeated the same messages and recommendations. Stanton said many of the same themes still apply to her 2025 report, and she wants to break the cycle of repeated recommendations with few positive outcomes for survivors.

The review identified four barriers to systemic change: 1) a lack of collaboration among government, institutions and community services; 2) insufficient analysis of how initiatives affect marginalized survivors; 3) a lack of accountability in implementing previous recommendations; and 4) fears about high costs associated with systemic reform.

When it comes to concerns about costs associated with the recommendations, “the reality is that inaction is also extremely expensive—in both human and economic terms,” said Stanton in the report.

The report includes the following recommendations for the B.C. government:

• Declare that gender‑based violence is a provincial epidemic.
• Create a strong internal government accountability mechanism.
• Appoint an independent gender‑based violence commissioner.
• Prioritize support for prevention initiatives, including public education, to reduce and prevent violence before it escalates to the point of engaging the legal system.
• Strengthen established anti‑violence, community‑based organizations across the province.

‘An epidemic’

The report says declaring gender‑based violence a provincial epidemic would reflect the urgency and scale of the issue.

The United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples reported in 2014 that the rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada are “epidemic.”

Stanton’s report notes other jurisdictions have referred to gender‑based violence as an epidemic, including in Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Councillors in Prince George, B.C., passed a motion in May 2024 to declare the issue an epidemic in their community.

Recommendations for the legal system include a range of amendments to the Family Law Act, and engagement with Indigenous partners to implement Indigenous justice strategies.

The report highlights some positive steps taken in the province, including government funding for five new sexual‑assault centres in Victoria, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver and Kamloops.

It also credits 2023 legislation establishing processes to stop non‑consensual distribution of intimate images, as well as several enhancements to legal aid for family law last year.

The B.C. government released a Gender‑Based Violence Action Plan in 2023. Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, says the plan is designed as a “whole‑of‑government, cross‑ministry” approach.

“As much work as we have underway, I still worry that we need to do more, and we need to go faster,” said Blatherwick.

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The Union of B.C. Municipalities is welcoming changes to provincial borrowing rules that regulate how much money municipalities can borrow without holding a public vote.

Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon announced Tuesday that municipalities can now borrow up to 10 per cent of their annual revenue without elector approval — doubled from the previous threshold of five per cent.

Municipalities can also borrow up to $150 per capita, up from $50, when the term of the borrowing is less than five years.

The ministry said in a statement the changes account for decades of inflation.

“Municipalities told us that outdated borrowing thresholds were slowing down their ability to deliver the infrastructure people count on,” Kahlon said in a news release.

He said the amendments will give municipalities more flexibility to plan and finance infrastructure projects.

“We are pleased to see these changes implemented in response to requests from B.C. local governments,” Union of B.C. Municipalities president Trish Mandewo said in a statement released by the province. “The amendments will help some local governments manage essential infrastructure more efficiently.”

The amendments apply to all 161 municipalities in British Columbia, except the City of Vancouver, which has different regulations related to short- and long-term borrowing.

“These regulatory changes are a timely and practical response to the challenges fast-growing communities like Nanaimo are facing,” Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said in a statement.

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond said his community and many others in B.C. are in dire need of infrastructure replacement.

“These changes will help us to better mobilize in times of need,” Pond said.

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BC residents will have to pay a little bit more for electricity.

The BC Government announced today BC Hydro’s annual average rate increase has been set at 3.75 per cent for the next two years.

According to the BC Government, for the average residential household, which currently pays approximately $100 a month, this equates to an additional $3.75.

These rate increases will take effect on April 1st, 2025, and April 1st, 2026.

“We must take urgent action to protect British Columbians from the uncertainty posed by rising costs while building a strong, robust and resilient electricity system for the benefit of BC’s long-term energy independence,” said Minister of Emergency and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix.

“That is why we are submitting a rate stability direction to the BC Utilities Commission to set BC Hydro’s rate increases for the next two years. This move guarantees certainty and reaffirms our commitment to keeping electricity rates well below the North American average and cumulative inflation, while growing our clean-energy advantage.”

According to the province., the cumulative rate increases between 2017-18 and 2026-27 will be 12.4 per cent below cumulative inflation.

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The province has put forward legislation to respond to further tariff threats and implementations in a timely manner.

This comes after Premier David Eby and Attorney General Niki Sharma spoke to media today (Thursday), saying the Economic Stabilization Tariff Response Act would also help defend workers and businesses, and grow a self-reliant economy.

Eby explains how those responses would be more immediate.

“This is a significant piece of legislation in that it gives regulation making authority to government that does not require it to go through the Legislature immediately, and given the unique nature of these powers, it’s important that there are checks and balances in place.”

Sharma says government can not use authorities given by this bill to allow natural resource projects without permits or environmental assessments, and it can not use the authorities to side-step Indigenous consultation requirements.

“If there’s one thing that we’ve learned over the past few weeks, it’s that the current American administration is unpredictable.” says Sharma.

“We as a government need to be ready to respond, to protect British Columbians, our economy, the jobs that may be at stake, and alter our course quickly.”

Sharma adds that if the legislation is passed, it would only remain in place for two years, allowing them to carry out the work of longer term and permanent changes.

As well, the bill will allow cabinet to take action in different ways including:

• remove or amend barriers that impede interprovincial trade;
• impose tolls/fees on non-Canadian commercial vehicles using provincial public infrastructure such as highways
• direct public-sector bodies to exclude U.S. suppliers when procuring goods and services
• temporarily make changes to cut red tape and regulations to take fast action to defend the B.C. economy from challenges brought on by continued threats.

Further details on the legislation can be found here.

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Survivors of gender-based violence will be getting rent support from the BC and federal governments.

The BC Government announced that nearly $37 million will be invested by the Government of Canada to help survivors, including women, children, and 2SLGBTQIA++ people get and keep rental housing in the private market. BC will provide an equal cost match for support.

The goal of this funding is to help those struggling after leaving violence and are experiencing homelessness, financial abuse, or barriers to some benefits.

Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Nathaniel Erksine-Smith says giving survivors access to safe and affordable housing is key to ending the cycle of violence.

“This investment will provide nearly 1,700 families affected by gender-based violence with a place to call home,” said Erksine-Smith.

The province says the funding will be given to qualifying homes through BC Housing, with an average of $600 provided each month per home based on income, family size, and rent.

The money will be provided over four years.

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The BC NDP and BC Greens have finalized an agreement to work together in the legislature.

The caucus chairs for both parties signed the final terms of the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord today, which sets out agreements and understandings on different topics between the parties.

The accord comes as the NDP and Greens have been working together since December last year.

The goal of this accord is to get the parties to work together on shared priorities, with hopes of bringing a strong and stable government.

Premier David Eby says with the agreement now finalized; progress could be made on important issues.

“This agreement confirms our commitment to the values of British Columbians, and we look forward to the work ahead with the BC Greens,” said Eby.

Green Party Interim Leader Jeremy Valeriote says now is the time for a stable government that delivers a response to put BC residents at the forefront.

The accord’s priorities include health, mental health care, housing, homelessness, transit, climate, environment, social justice, economic justice, taxation, and democratic and electoral reform.

The province says the accord also has a commitment to consulting on tariff and trade actions.

They add for this year’s shared priorities, the parties aim to work on removing barriers to establishing community health centres, to build tens of thousands of affordable non-market units, expand key transit routes, and end spousal clawbacks on disability payments.

Both parties will update you on the progress of these initiatives as the work continues.

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The BC Government will be fast-tracking the approval of credentials from American health care professionals.

Health Minister Josie Osborne says the there’s been a sharp increase in Americans interested in moving to BC over the last few weeks, adding it’s no surprise in light of recent events.

She says US trained doctors and physicians certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, could become fully licenced in our province without further training or examinations.

American-trained nurses would be able to apply directly for registration with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives without needing any further assessment.

The provincial government is also launching a recruiting campaign in Washington, Oregon and California, hoping to win over disaffected medical personnel.

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The U.S. government has paused the process of negotiating an updated Columbia River Treaty (CRT) with Canada.

An announcement made by the B.C. government on Tuesday, March 11 says the U.S. administration has put the process on hold as it conducts a broad review of its international engagement.

On Tuesday, March 25, Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, and Minister responsible for the CRT, will host a virtual information session to provide a more detailed update about the current situation.

Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, and Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay Monashee will join Dix for the online info session.

Residents may also get an opportunity to learn and ask questions in the future.

“The Province will also schedule in-person community meetings in the B.C. Columbia Basin. Those sessions, originally planned for early this year, will be confirmed once there is more clarity about the next steps on the path to modernizing the treaty,” said the B.C. government.

The information session will take place on Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m. (Pacific Time) with the recording available after.

“The virtual information session is part of the B.C. government’s ongoing engagement with Basin First Nations, local governments and residents about the agreement-in-principle reached between Canada and the U.S. in July 2024,” said the B.C. government.

You can find a registration form here.

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All US alcohol will be removed from BC Liquor stores starting this week.

That comes from Premier David Eby in a statement, saying the BC Government has ordered the removal of American beer, wine, spirits, and refreshment beverages this morning.

Along with removing those products, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch will also be no longer purchasing them.

Eby says this comes following President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats.

“Most recently, U.S. President Donald Trump made new threats against Canada’s dairy and lumber industries, and there are reports he has been musing about redrawing the border,” said Eby.

“Last week, we took ‘red state’ liquor off our shelves in a targeted move. In the face of ongoing threats, including to Canada’s dairy and lumber industries, we are expanding the list of targeted American products.”

On Friday, Trump said he’s planning a 250 percent tariff on Canadian dairy imports, and duties on lumber, claiming Canada charges a high tariff in that sector.

While some residents may be disappointed at not being able to access some of their favourite products, Eby encourages you to buy Canadian products.

He adds the province will introduce legislation to address the tariff threats later this week.

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Three ex MLAs with the Conservative Party of BC told reporters today (Monday) that they have made a decision to sit as independents.

The Conservatives recently lost the three Caucus members with the possibility of more to come.

It began when leader John Rustad booted Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie from the party for comments she made about residential schools.

After that, Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy and Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong said they were leaving.

Armstrong said that Rustad has “Abandoned the truth and his moral compass–in a quest for power.”

Trouble had been brewing since Brodie posted on social media last month that “Zero” child burials had been confirmed at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

The Conservatives are down to 41 seats in the legislature behind the governing NDP with 47 MLAs. The Greens have two, and there are three Independents.

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Updates to a BC Hydro policy looks to make the cost of connections more affordable for customers.

The BC Utilities Commission has approved updates to Hydro’s Distribution Extension Policy, which sets out how costs are allocated between new and current non-industrial customers for new connections to Hydro’s system.

With the policy having not been updated since 2008, BC Hydro says they applied for updates in June last year as customer connection requests have gone up by over one-third in recent years.

“In recent years, municipalities, home builders and other stakeholders have been advocating for changes that would reduce costs and improve predictability,” said Hydro.

“Under the current policy, new or upgraded connections that require system upgrades must be completely paid for upfront by the initial customer that makes the request.”

Hydro says through the updates, the policy would not only get rid of system improvement costs for all new customers but also increase Hydro’s contribution to offset extension costs.

The hope is with these changes, it lowers costs of connections for customers, speed up connection timelines, and better balance cost sharing.

Along with updating the policy, the Utilities Commission also approved changes to lower electrification barriers in Non-Integrated Area Communities.

The updates take effect July 5 this year.

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Premier David Eby says the uncertainty around US Tariffs needs to stop.

Eby says his government plans to introduce tariff-response legislation in the coming days, such as allowing the province to apply tolls or fees to commercial US vehicles travelling to Alaska through BC.

Trump has delayed the tariffs to April 2nd, but Eby says we are not going to accept the continued threats and uncertainty.

“We are going to ensure that the American’s understand how pissed off we are, how unified we are, how committed we are to working as a country to stand up for each and our own independence on our own two feet, and I say we don’t let up until the president takes the threat off the table.”

The B.C. government intends to introduce tariff-response legislation in the coming days that will give the province new tools to defend B.C. jobs and businesses and respond swiftly and nimbly to emerging challenges brought on by Trump’s trade war.

This would enable a range of responses, including the ability to remove interprovincial trade barriers, mandating that low-carbon fuels added to gasoline and diesel be produced in Canada, and allowing B.C. to apply tolls/fees to U.S. commercial vehicles using B.C. infrastructure to travel to Alaska.

“The tariffs imposed by Trump are a profound mistake and are hurting families on both sides of the border,” Premier Eby said. “My team will continue to work hard every day to defend British Columbians through this and come out stronger on the other side. Every option is on the table.”

The province’s initial response to tariffs includes directing the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop buying American liquor from “red” states and remove red-state brands from the shelves of public liquor stores. The B.C. government and Crown corporations have also been directed to buy Canadian goods and services first.

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BC and Ottawa have inked a deal to provide a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications to BC residents at little to no cost.

Provincial health minister Josie Osborne and her federal counterpart, Mark Holland, signed a four year pharmacare agreement worth more than $670 million.

It will give BC residents public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications, and improve access to diabetes devices and supplies.

BC will also enhance pharmacare coverage by covering hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms.

Osborne says they’re committed to making essential healthcare more accessible.

She says BC was the first province in Canada to provide free contraception, and is now expanding public coverage to include free medication for diabetes and menopausal symptoms.

However, people will not be able take advantage of the coverage until March of next year.

Federal NPD leader Jagmeet Singh says the delay in federal funding is a “bogus delay” on the part of the Liberals.

He says parliament approved $1.5 billion for pharmacare-covered medications for people in 2024-25.

Singh says the money is there and British Columbians should not continue paying out of pocket for another year to get the medicines they need.

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The B.C. government’s 2025 budget has received criticism from a variety of community and industry leaders, but Finance Minister Brenda Bailey assures that it “puts British Columbians first.” 

Deficit 

Budget 2025 forecasts a $10.9-billion deficit for the 2025–26 fiscal year before declining to $10.2 billion in 2026–27 and $9.9 billion in 2027–28. 

The record-breaking deficit has ignited criticism from the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of B.C., both of which say the province’s continued reliance on significant deficits is alarming and lacks a clear path to restoring fiscal sustainability. 

When asked for her response to these concerns, Minister Bailey told Vista Radio that “deficits have a place” during challenging economic times, which has been the case since the pandemic ended. 

“We’ve seen a worldwide economic headwind. We made the decision not to cut back on services for people. A different decision would have looked like significant cuts to health care and the services that people really rely on. We didn’t make that decision, and we are starting to see really good results from the money that we’re spending.” 

That said, she notes that deficit spending can’t go on forever, assuring that her government is working towards a path to balance. 

“That’s work that we’re doing now. So you see in the budget, there’s $1.5 billion we predict coming back into the coffers of British Columbia because we’re going to be focused on an efficiency review—looking at whether every dollar is landing the way we wanted it to, whether we’re getting the results that we expected from our spending.” 

Tackling the deficit will involve focused spending and growing revenue. An example of how this will be applied in Budget 2025 is the acceleration of 18 natural resource projects, which Bailey says will bring in $20 billion of activity into B.C. and create 8,000 jobs. 

Supporting the Forestry Sector 

The B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) has also voiced concerns that Budget 2025 appears to lack support for the forestry sector. 

On top of former U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs, the forestry sector is now facing an increase in preliminary rates to 20.07 per cent on duties for softwood lumber. 

Bailey calls these anti-dumping duties “completely unjust and unfair” and vows that the province will fight against them. 

“We will be fighting against them in all diplomatic channels. It is uncalled for and unjust and will have a negative effect on our forestry industry. And look, this has been going on for a while. We also know that the tariffs will be on top of these anti-dumping duties, which is unfair for the industry. We will continue to work diligently to address these, but the U.S. has been an unreasonable partner so far in this regard.” 

COFI says Budget 2025 also fails to honour the government’s commitment to harvest 45 million cubic metres as outlined in its election platform, instead predicting a decline to 29 million cubic metres by 2027–28. 

This is below what COFI says is the Allowable Annual Cut of 60 million cubic metres, adding that harvest levels are critical to the province’s economy. 

Bailey didn’t provide much insight into why Budget 2025 doesn’t meet this harvest commitment but says B.C.’s Minister of Forests is “working closely” with COFI and feels confident that their concerns will be resolved. 

Budget 2025 promises to streamline the permitting and regulatory process for major projects. Bailey says the province will explore applying this approach to the forestry sector as it works to “keep British Columbians working.” 

“We are looking at streamlining in every industry. When we talk about tariff impact and unemployment insurance, what we want is British Columbians working. We are going to build, we’re going to get projects moving, and we’re going to get people working. That’s the most important thing we can do during this time of uncertainty.” 

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BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI)’s president, Kim Haakstad, is feeling “disappointed by the absence” of support for the Forestry Sector in Budget 2025.

In a press release on Tuesday, March 4, Haakstads said “There is no one simple fix” to the challenges the forestry sector will face with the newly implemented tariffs, from President Donald Trump.

Premier David Eby and Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar have acknowledged the forestry sector will be hard hit by the broad scope the tariffs have on exporting all forest products.

On top of the tariffs, the forestry sector is now facing an increase in preliminary rates to 20.07 per cent on duties for softwood lumber.

“Ensuring predictable access to sustainable and economic fibre is critical to maintaining jobs and supporting operations in the province,” says Haakstad.

Another of COFI’s concerns in Budget 2025, is the government seemingly does not plan to commit to harvesting the 45 million cubic metres it outlined as part of its election platform.

Budget 2025 predicts a decline to harvesting to 29 million by 2027/28. Below what COFI says is the Allowable Annual Cut of 60 million cubic metres. Haakstad says the government’s committed harvest amount is crucial to maintaining jobs.

“Increasing the actual harvest to 45 million cubic metres would not only stop further job losses, but create the conditions to add jobs and generate hundreds of millions in additional tax revenue and stumpage fees.”

Haakstad says COFI is in support of the government’s streamlining of permit and regulatory processes for major projects. However, she urges that a similar approach needs to be applied to forestry projects.

“Timely action on these priorities is essential to safeguard BC’s forest sector, maintain good–paying jobs, and secure the industry’s long–term future in the face of mounting global challenges.”

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BC Premier David Eby is predicting more exemptions from American tariffs, as President Trump realizes the damage he’s causing to his country’s economy.

Eby says the 30-day exemption granted to the auto industry means Trump is finally realizing the economies of the U-S and Canada are intertwined.

But he maintains that piecemeal exemptions and changes aren’t good enough, our country will only settle for the elimination of all tariffs.

Eby is also reiterating his call for British Columbians to cancel any American travel plans, and to buy Canadian.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Trump spoke at length yesterday (Wednesday) about the U-S tariffs on Canadian imports and the Canadian retaliation, in what is being described as a “heated” telephone conversation.

Reports say Trump offered to drop some of the penalties if Canada did the same.

But Trudeau says there will only be a repeal of Canadian tariffs if all American tariffs are lifted.

Federal Finance Minister Dominique Leblanc says Canada isn’t interested in going “half way.”

Trump has decided to give a one-month break to automakers after complaints from the Big Three

U-S officials say the manufacturers are expected to move their operations south of the border during that time.

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With Daylight Saving Time coming this weekend, drivers should get more rest before hitting the road.

On Sunday morning, the clock will go forward by one hour, with more light in the evening and less light in the morning.

Road Safety at Work says the change can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to drivers feeling fatigued, increasing the risk of vehicle crashes.

Program Director of Road Safety Trace Acres says even minor fatigue can have major consequences for those behind the wheel.

“We’re not as alert, we’re slower to react, we don’t judge distance or recognize hazards as well as we usually do, and our decision making is compromised,” said Acres.

Road Safety adds fatigued drivers pose a risk to not only themselves, but also other drivers, and road users like pedestrians and cyclists.

In the build-up to the time change, you are encouraged to sleep 15 to 20 minutes early, postpone driving when feeling very fatigued, recognize signs of fatigue like frequent yawning, struggling to focus, or drifting into other lanes, drive when you are at your most alert, take breaks, and stay hydrated.

Daylight saving runs from Sunday, March 9, to Sunday, November 2.

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Political Analyst Shirley Bond says Budget 2025 doesn’t do enough to support British Columbians facing affordability concerns.

The budget was released Tuesday, coinciding with sweeping 25 per cent tariffs imposed on all Canadian goods by US President Donald Trump.

“I think anyone can recognize it’s a pretty complicated time to introduce a budget,” she said.

“I don’t think any of us would have imagined that on the very same day the Province of BC brings down its budget, that we’d be facing punitive tariffs from our ally and neighbour to the south. The context is quite different this budget time.”

The budget comes with a projected deficit of $10.9 million.

“What we see in this budget is record setting debt,” Bond said.

“If you look at what happened, we see debt continuing to increase, the forecast deficit in this budget is almost $11 billion and that’s an increase of $2 billion since last year’s forecast. I think it’s something we need to be concerned about.”

Bond added she was relieved to see the UHNBC tower in the budget.

“I’m very pleased to see that, having said that, when you look at the price tag, we are looking at an absolutely significant increase,” she said.

“We’re looking at $1.5 billion, and my biggest concern about that is when you look at the completion date, we’re talking about 2031. We’ve been asking and talking about this project for literally years in our part of the province.”

Bond said the critical issue of this budget is affordability.

“We need to be candid about the budget document, we were headed into a significantly challenging couple of years, tariffs or not,” she said.

“The tariffs have added to that complexity and also to the costs. I’m concerned about the impacts of tariffs, what is that going to look like. We see a budget for a three-year cycle that has $4 billion a year in contingencies and that’s to cover unexpected costs.”

Bond said the budget does very little to help British Columbians as they face the challenges of tariffs and economic circumstances.

“People are struggling every day to just get through filling their gas tanks, and putting groceries on the table,” she said.

“We certainly didn’t see many of the promises that had been made related to the grocery rebate, the whole issue of the carbon tax is going to be a real issue as we move into a potential federal election. Affordability needs to be front and centre as we try to support British Columbians on a day-to-day basis.”

Bond said what BC needs right now is to have a revenue generation plan that doesn’t rely on taxpayer pockets.

“We’ve got to be growing the economy, creating certainty, looking at things like speeding up permitting and dealing with red tape,” she said.

“The only way we’re going to actually going to continue to try to attract investment to British Columbia and that is absolutely essential when you’re looking at the debt levels we’re facing.”

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With the tariffs officially imposed by the United States, the BC government is announcing changes.

In a statement responding to the news, Premier David Eby has announced all red-state liquor products will be removed from BC Liquor stores, the government and crown corporations will buy Canadian products first, and businesses will get support to pivot to domestic and global markets.

He says with the tariffs imposed, the relationship between Canada and the United States has been betrayed.

“When the President raised the issue of tariffs, he said it was about Fentanyl and the border, and Canada and all the provinces worked together to respond to his demands in good faith if that was really what this is about,” said Eby.

“I would say the demands were met and yet it did not matter, it didn’t work because it’s about something else. He wants to make Canada the 51st state.”

Eby says they didn’t ask for this fight, but they won’t shrink from it.

Following the tariffs being imposed at midnight today, Canada responded with their own tariffs, imposing $30 billion in duties on U.S. goods, with an extra $125 billion threatened to be imposed next month.

As the trade war runs, Eby encourages you to buy BC or Canadian products while shopping, and to travel to Canada or anywhere else in the world that isn’t the US.

“This threat to our sovereignty has brought out a sense of pride, a sense of courage and a sense of solidarity among all Canadians.”

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The Hospital Employees’ Union is pleased to see expanded government support of public health care, including stepped-up capital funding of $15.5 billion for critical health care infrastructure.

Secretary-business manager Lynn Bueckert says the budget will increase investments in public health care and provide a measured plan for the province to move forward together in a time of economic uncertainty.

The HEU applauds the government for boosting health care investments over the next three years to ramp up capacity in the health care system, as well as build new and upgraded care facilities.

“In this budget, we’re seeing the government continue to renovate and build hospitals and long- term care facilities,” says Bueckert. “While Conservative provincial governments across Canada are privatizing health care, this government chose to protect people and public health care, while safeguarding the economy.”

The BC Chamber of Commerce says the budget does not deliver the economic incentives, tax changes, programs or policy shifts required to kick-start the economy.

Chamber president Fiona Famulak says ongoing investments in health care, education, and safety are important priorities that will deliver key services.

However, she says investments in tax credits for film production, additional support for highway maintenance, BC Transit services and the expansion of the Integrated Marketplace Initiative pilot program, are only a small fraction of the overall provincial budget.

Famulak warns they are not consequential enough to create significant economic impacts.

The BC Chamber says it’s concerned about a continued reliance on significant deficits, approximately $10 billion in each of the next three years, and says the budget does not consider the expected impacts of US tariffs, which could result in $1.4 to $3.7 billion of loss in revenue annually.

The Business Council of British Columbia warns the province’s public finances continue to deteriorate in the absence of a credible path to restore fiscal sustainability, and a missed opportunity to improve conditions for private-sector investment and hiring.

David Williams, BCBC’s Vice President of Policy, says BC is in a deep fiscal hole, one that is likely to get deeper.

“Record deficits were already a concern, but once the full impact of U.S. tariffs is accounted for, the province’s financial outlook worsens significantly.”

BCBC’s Director of Policy, Jairo Yunis, says despite the Premier’s commitment to fast-tracking approvals for specific projects, “this budget missed an opportunity to improve conditions for private-sector investment and hiring in the face of the Trump administration’s threat to B.C.’s industrial base.”

As the US proceeds with tariffs, the BC Business Council is looking to the government to quickly follow up with bold action to improve our competitiveness and strengthen the economy.

BC Policy Solutions senior economist Alex Hemingway says the BC budget maintains social spending and capital investment, but under-invests in key areas like childcare, housing and social assistance and disability rates.

Hemingway says with President Trump’s trade war underway; the government should focus on increased investments where people most need them—housing, health care, poverty reduction, childcare and diversifying the economy.

He says it’s necessary to build and protect British Columbia with support for affected workers, a bigger role for public investment and a more diversified and self-reliant economy.

Hemingway says shortchanging social spending and infrastructure would only weaken BC’s long-term economic growth and productivity.

“In the years ahead, the government needs to ensure provincial revenues increase—both by growing the economy and taxing the rich—including the wealthiest landowners.”

Hemmingway says there are some modest positive steps on housing, including an additional $318 million over three years for BC Builds as part of the government’s goal to deliver thousands more rental homes for middle-income people.

However, commitments to increase critical investments in affordable, non-market housing are missing, as well as an election platform promise to create a new annual infrastructure fund for municipalities tied to increasing housing starts.

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The B.C. government has tabled its budget for 2025, which projects a record-breaking deficit of $10.9 billion by the end of this fiscal year. 

On Tuesday, February 4, Finance Minister Brenda Bailey presented the 2025 provincial budget in the Legislature, on the same day U.S. President Donald Trump implemented a 25 per cent tariff on all goods exported from Canada into the United States. 

Affordability 

One thing missing from Budget 2025 is the $1,000 grocery rebate promised by the government during its campaign for the October 2024 provincial election. 

The province announced in February that it would not be moving forward with the grocery rebate as it prepared for the impacts of a trade war with the U.S. 

Tackling affordability concerns was a key component of the B.C. NDP’s campaign promises last year, but in Budget 2025, the only new affordability measure introduced is a one-time $110 ICBC rebate, which is expected to cost the province $410 million. 

Other affordability measures include raising the income threshold for the Rental Assistance Program from $40,000 to $60,000. 

With this boost, the province says the average family in the program will see their supplement increase from $400 to $700 per month. 

The threshold for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program was also raised from $37,240 to $40,000, meaning the average supplement seniors receive will grow by 30 per cent, from $261 to $337. 

The province also plans to raise the speculation and vacancy tax rate for foreign property owners to 3 per cent of their home’s value (up from 2 per cent) and from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

These hikes take effect on January 1, 2026, and are expected to generate $47 million in revenue in 2027-28, which will be invested back into housing projects throughout B.C. 

The B.C. Build program will receive a $318-million top-up over the next three years to support the development and delivery of more homes, in addition to the initial $198 million invested in the program last year. 

Public Safety 

The government has committed $325 million in new funding over the next three years to provide housing solutions for those living outdoors, address public safety, provide more resources to law enforcement, build capacity in the legal system to ensure timely access to justice, and continue supporting other public safety programs. 

This includes a $90-million commitment over three years to expand the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs into new communities. 

For public safety, new funding of $24 million has been allocated to improve timely access to justice, including improved capacity at the B.C. Supreme Court and enhanced security at the Vancouver Provincial Court at 222 Main St. in Vancouver. 

It will also continue the expansion of virtual bail, improving access to justice and community safety. 

Additionally, $15 million in new funding will be provided over three years to support assistance for victims, family members, and witnesses of crime. 

Law Enforcement 

Community safety programs are set to receive a total of $67 million in additional funding over three years. This includes a new community safety and targeted enforcement program pilot that specifically targets robbery crimes. 

The additional funding aims to provide police with the tools to tackle street disorder and support safer downtowns and commercial areas across the province. 

A total of $104 million in additional funding over three years will go toward policing programs, including the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program, as well as for negotiated wage increases for provincial RCMP detachments. 

It will also support the National Body-Worn Camera Program, initiated in 2024, to improve transparency and accountability. 

The province will also provide funding for the Justice Department of B.C. to expand its police academy training capacity from 192 to 288 officers per year. 

Tariffs 

Budget 2025 includes $4 billion in annual contingencies to prepare for the future, including the initial impact of tariffs. 

Minister Bailey says the province will manage its finances carefully to ensure it can continue to improve health care, education, and other core services without adding fees or hiking costs. 

The provincial deficit is slated to reach $10.9 billion in 2025-26 before declining to $10.2 in 2026-27 and $9.9 billion in 2027-28. 

You can read the full budget document here. 

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BC’s Finance Minister, Brenda Bailey, says Budget 2025 focuses on protecting services, growing the economy, and targeted spending. 

The 2025 provincial budget is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, the same day US President Donald Trump plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which he confirmed Monday afternoon. 

In a media briefing Monday morning, Bailey said the provincial budget will “meet the moment” with investments and services British Columbians can rely on, adding that her government is committed to defending residents, workers, and industries against “these unjust tariffs.” 

“The tariff threats are already hurting our economy, and industries are bracing for impact. It’s crucial that we bring business, labour, Indigenous leadership, and government to the table—and we’re doing just that. B.C. has what it takes, and tomorrow, you’re going to see a budget that sets us up for success, regardless of what happens.” 

Bailey says Budget 2025 was built with the expectation that U.S. tariffs will be implemented—whether tomorrow, next month, or a year from now. 

“This budget is designed to provide us with the initial steps we can take and the flexibility to move forward. It’s focused on protecting core services for people, sharpening our pencil on government spending, and, importantly, growing the economy—and that’s the approach we’ve taken.” 

Maintaining priorities 

When asked if residents should lower their expectations regarding her government’s election promises due to the looming tariff war, Bailey assured them that the province has not shifted its priorities. 

“I think what’s important for people to know is that we have not stepped back from the priorities for British Columbians. In fact, we’ve continued forward with them. The things that matter most—such as healthcare, education, safety, and social services—are protected in this budget. At the same time, we’re sharpening our pencil and looking for efficiencies.” 

One notable decision in Budget 2025 is the shelving of the $1,000 grocery rebate promised during the October 2024 provincial election. Bailey acknowledged that this was not an easy decision, but a necessary one, given shifting economic conditions. 

“We fully intended to deliver it. But I can tell you that on November 25, when then-president-elect Trump posted that there would be 25 per cent tariffs across the board on Canadian goods and services, it changed our financial circumstances.” 

She says that prior to November 25, the province was confident in its predictions of strong economic growth. However, in the face of a tariff war, it became no longer prudent to move forward with the grocery rebate commitment. 

“It is disappointing. We know people are struggling with affordability. It was disappointing for us as well.” 

Budget focuses 

Budget 2025 prioritizes education, healthcare, social services, safety, and housing. At this point, Bailey says there are no significant program or funding cuts. However, she notes that the province is taking a closer look at efficiencies. 

“You see us making decisions, for example, like a hiring freeze in the public service. That’s very important in terms of how we move forward. You’ll see that reflected tomorrow in the budget, along with additional work we intend to do to ensure that every dollar is landing where we intended it to. 

“It’s normal to take time to assess: Have these programs landed where we thought they would? Are there areas where we could be more efficient? Are there places where the dollar isn’t achieving the results we intended? That’s part of the work we’re doing.” 

Bailey couldn’t comment on how significant the province’s deficit is projected to be in Budget 2025, but she didn’t rule out the possibility of it exceeding $10 billion. 

“I’m not going to rule out what the deficit number is—it’s coming soon. We are committed to getting on the road to balance, but it’s going to take time, and it’s going to take a successful budget to get there.” 

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Southern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast were shaken by an earthquake just after 5am this morning.

US Geological Survey says the magnitude 4.5 quake happened at 5:02 am PST and was centred in the San Juan Islands.

Earthquakes Canada says it was 45 kilometres north east of Victoria and by 6am more than 15-hundred people reported feeling it in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver.

The quake was felt as far north as Courtenay and Powell River.

There are no reports of damage and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has not issued a tsunami advisory or alert.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mykootenaynow.com.

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RCMP says distracted has become a serious issue across the province and is now considered one of the deadliest forms of impaired driving, which is why in the month of March, BC Highway Patrol is focusing on “education through enforcement” regarding the double dangers of driving while distracted and failing to wear your seat belt.

Highway patrol corporal Michael McLaughlin says not paying attention to the road is a deadly game and anyone who violates the law during this campaign will be given appropriate attention.  

“Distracted driving, along with speeding and impaired driving, is consistently one of the top three contributors to fatal crashes in BC,” he says. “We often hear drivers ask for a warning, and distracted driving is so risky that your warning will be a violation ticket. 

“The real consequences would be to get hurt or worse.” 

Along with people being made aware of the dangers of distracted driving, McLaughlin says drivers must also be made aware of how important safety devices in the car are, and how they can save your life.  

“If you don’t wear your seatbelt, a totally survivable collision will often become fatal,” he says. “And while securing your child with a car seat requires planning, your child’s life is worth it.” 

According to police, 53 people die each year in BC because of not utilizing seatbelts properly.

The campaign will be launched in March. 

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