BC government

Rental Protection Fund CEO Katie Maslechko (from left) speaks Tuesday (May 21) as Vernon becomes the first community in B.C.’s Interior to receive funding through the provincial Rental Protection Fund. Looking on are Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu, Julia Payson, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District Branch, Margaret Clark, head of CMHA Vernon’s restorative justice program and B.C.’s Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. (Roger Knox/Vernon Morning Star)

B.C. government announces next purchase with rental protection fund

Rental Protection Fund CEO Katie Maslechko calls loss of affordable rentals a province-wide problem

Rental Protection Fund CEO Katie Maslechko (from left) speaks Tuesday (May 21) as Vernon becomes the first community in B.C.’s Interior to receive funding through the provincial Rental Protection Fund. Looking on are Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu, Julia Payson, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District Branch, Margaret Clark, head of CMHA Vernon’s restorative justice program and B.C.’s Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. (Roger Knox/Vernon Morning Star)
Digital literacy and Internet safety education specialist Brandon Laur, CEO of The White Hatter says B.C.’s agreement with four big social media around preventing online harm and sharing information about wildfires “probably” represents the “best outcome.” But he also acknowledges problems with the future role of social media companies in sharing information about wildfires, given that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, continues to block Canadian news. (AP Photo/Paula Ulichney)

B.C.’s deal with social media giants ‘probably’ represents ‘best outcome’: expert

Brandon Laur, CEO of The White Hatter, acknowledges problems with agreement’s impact on local news

Digital literacy and Internet safety education specialist Brandon Laur, CEO of The White Hatter says B.C.’s agreement with four big social media around preventing online harm and sharing information about wildfires “probably” represents the “best outcome.” But he also acknowledges problems with the future role of social media companies in sharing information about wildfires, given that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, continues to block Canadian news. (AP Photo/Paula Ulichney)
The rise of grocery prices slowed down in April 2024, according to new figures from Statistics Canada, which show annual inflation for April at 2.7 per cent. B.C.’s rate was 2.9 per cent. But economists suggest that the Bank of Canada could cut interest rates as early as June, meaning British Columbians could be paying less for mortgages and credit card bills. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston)

B.C.’s inflation rate remains higher than Canada’s, but relief on horizon

B.C.’s year-to-year-inflation in April 2024 was 2.9 while Canada’s rate was 2.7 per cent

The rise of grocery prices slowed down in April 2024, according to new figures from Statistics Canada, which show annual inflation for April at 2.7 per cent. B.C.’s rate was 2.9 per cent. But economists suggest that the Bank of Canada could cut interest rates as early as June, meaning British Columbians could be paying less for mortgages and credit card bills. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston)
The law implementing the Rising Tide’ Haida Title Lands Agreement between B.C. and the Haida First Nation Thursday received Royal Assent as perhaps the most significant piece of legislation to emerge from this spring’s legislative session. (Government of B.C./YouTube)

B.C. legislature gives royal assent to Aboriginal title law for Haida Gwaii

Supporters say law historic in advancing Reconciliation, critics question effect on property rights

The law implementing the Rising Tide’ Haida Title Lands Agreement between B.C. and the Haida First Nation Thursday received Royal Assent as perhaps the most significant piece of legislation to emerge from this spring’s legislative session. (Government of B.C./YouTube)
B.C. Premier David Eby speaks Thursday (May 16) ahead of the final sitting of day of the provincial legislature and the upcoming fall election. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

B.C. premier marks last day of legislature with campaign-style rally speech

B.C. gearing up for provincial election in the fall

B.C. Premier David Eby speaks Thursday (May 16) ahead of the final sitting of day of the provincial legislature and the upcoming fall election. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
UBC political scientist Stewart Prest says it is unlikely for B.C. United led by Kevin Falcon and the provincial Conservatives led by John Rustad to arrange a formal merger between now and the election in October, but does not rule some unspecified informal cooperation. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito)

B.C. United, B.C. Conservative merger ‘pretty unlikely’: political scientist

But Stewart Prest also sees winds ‘blowing’ against left-of-centre governments

UBC political scientist Stewart Prest says it is unlikely for B.C. United led by Kevin Falcon and the provincial Conservatives led by John Rustad to arrange a formal merger between now and the election in October, but does not rule some unspecified informal cooperation. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito)
Construction workers with lifts at the site of the 330-unit Inspire condominium development in downtown Maple Ridge. New figures from Statistics Canada show the value of residential building permits in B.C. dropped by 12.2 per cent in March 2024 compared to February 2024. Compared to March 2023, the value of residential permits dropped by 14.3 per cent. (Neil Corbett/The News)

B.C.’s housing permit drop ‘not encouraging,’ says expert

Volume and value down as municipalities are struggling to meet provincially set housing targets

Construction workers with lifts at the site of the 330-unit Inspire condominium development in downtown Maple Ridge. New figures from Statistics Canada show the value of residential building permits in B.C. dropped by 12.2 per cent in March 2024 compared to February 2024. Compared to March 2023, the value of residential permits dropped by 14.3 per cent. (Neil Corbett/The News)
B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon Tuesday (May 14) confirmed the existence of talks to find “common ground” with the Conservative Party of B.C. to defeat the B.C. NDP government. Falcon was responding to earlier comments from Conservative leader John Rustad. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

B.C. United, B.C Conservatives look for ‘common ground’ to defeat NDP

B.C. United’s Kevin Falcon, Conservative John Rustad confirm talks on how parties can work together

B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon Tuesday (May 14) confirmed the existence of talks to find “common ground” with the Conservative Party of B.C. to defeat the B.C. NDP government. Falcon was responding to earlier comments from Conservative leader John Rustad. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Conservative Party of B.C. Leader John Rustad says new poll showing his party within six points of B.C. shows that his party is building a “strong grassroots movement” across B.C. (Black Press Media file photo)

New Abacus poll shows B.C. Conservatives within six points of B.C. NDP

Poll predicts likely NDP majority government, but says it is becoming less certain

Conservative Party of B.C. Leader John Rustad says new poll showing his party within six points of B.C. shows that his party is building a “strong grassroots movement” across B.C. (Black Press Media file photo)
Victoria completed more housing units in the past six-months than it needed to in year-one of a five-year provincial housing target timeline, but other three other municipalities have fallen short. (Jake Romphf/News Staff)

Missed housing goals proving the need for legislation: B.C. minister

3 out of 4 B.C. municipalities subject to new housing targets failed to meet their goals

Victoria completed more housing units in the past six-months than it needed to in year-one of a five-year provincial housing target timeline, but other three other municipalities have fallen short. (Jake Romphf/News Staff)
Eligible British Columbians could get up to $16,000 and up to $19,000 if they live northern B.C. for converting their oil, propane or natural gas systems to heat pumps under an agreement between B.C. and the federal government. (Black Press Media file photo)

B.C. residents could get up to $19,000 in heat pump rebates

Federal and provincial ministers announce new program Monday

Eligible British Columbians could get up to $16,000 and up to $19,000 if they live northern B.C. for converting their oil, propane or natural gas systems to heat pumps under an agreement between B.C. and the federal government. (Black Press Media file photo)
In 2023, Canfor announced that it would demolish its old mill in Houston and build a new one. But Canfor Thursday announced that it would not go ahead with such plans. The company also announced the permanent closure of its existing sawmill in Bear Lake near Prince George and the indefinite curtailment of a production line at its Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George. (Black Press Media file photo)

Mill closures in northern B.C. blamed on low timber supply, excessive rules

Government acknowledges need for more supply, blames closures on corporate decisions, markets

In 2023, Canfor announced that it would demolish its old mill in Houston and build a new one. But Canfor Thursday announced that it would not go ahead with such plans. The company also announced the permanent closure of its existing sawmill in Bear Lake near Prince George and the indefinite curtailment of a production line at its Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George. (Black Press Media file photo)
Pieces of nephrite jade are shown at a mine site in northwestern B.C. in July 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Tahltan Central Government MANDATORY CREDIT

B.C. limits new jade mining activities in province’s northwest

B.C. limits new jade-mining activities in province’s northwest

Pieces of nephrite jade are shown at a mine site in northwestern B.C. in July 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Tahltan Central Government MANDATORY CREDIT
A state or state-sponsored actor was likely behind a trio of cyber attacks on B.C. government networks. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)

B.C. says state or state-sponsored actor likely behind cyber-attacks

Public service head Shannon Salter did not identify where the attacks originated

A state or state-sponsored actor was likely behind a trio of cyber attacks on B.C. government networks. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)
Several questions about a recent “sophisticated” attack on government networks, including its source and goals, remain unanswered, but government says there is no evidence of sensitive data having been compromised. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)

No evidence of personal data compromised during cyber attack: B.C. minister

Political opposition questions timing of announcement, level of transparency

Several questions about a recent “sophisticated” attack on government networks, including its source and goals, remain unanswered, but government says there is no evidence of sensitive data having been compromised. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth Thursday (May 9) announces the creation of the 18-member-strong Integrated Gang Homicide Team to focus on investigating gang-related homicides. Superintendent Mandeep Mooker of the RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and Surrey Coun. Linda Annis, executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, joined Farnworth in making the announcement in Victoria. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

B.C. brings fresh IGHT to its battle against murderous gangs

New police unit to focus on investigating organized crime-related homicides in B.C.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth Thursday (May 9) announces the creation of the 18-member-strong Integrated Gang Homicide Team to focus on investigating gang-related homicides. Superintendent Mandeep Mooker of the RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and Surrey Coun. Linda Annis, executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, joined Farnworth in making the announcement in Victoria. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Emergency Minister Bowinn Ma Thursday warned of increased wildfire activity as temperatures are set to rise this weekend. (News Bulletin file photo)

B.C. prepares for wildfires as forecasts call for hot weather amid drought

Provincial officials are warning of increased wildfire activity, especially in northeastern B.C.

Emergency Minister Bowinn Ma Thursday warned of increased wildfire activity as temperatures are set to rise this weekend. (News Bulletin file photo)
Cheryl Casimer of First Nations Leadership Council and Political Executive with the First Nations Summit was among several senior First Nations leader speaking during a ceremony marking the tabling of the legislature’s Reconcilation Action Plan. (Screencap)

B.C.’s First Nations to receive formal apology as part of Reconciliation

Legislative Assembly Speaker Raj Chouhan to deliver apology as part of Reconciliation Action Plan

Cheryl Casimer of First Nations Leadership Council and Political Executive with the First Nations Summit was among several senior First Nations leader speaking during a ceremony marking the tabling of the legislature’s Reconcilation Action Plan. (Screencap)
British Columbians took out the least new mortgages in 2023, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s latest survey of mortgage holders. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick)

B.C. residents paying more for mortgages while taking out fewer of them

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Equifax Canada reports find B.C. residents struggling

British Columbians took out the least new mortgages in 2023, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s latest survey of mortgage holders. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick)
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside address the media outside the provincial legislature after Ottawa had announced that it would grant B.C.’s request to amend the terms of decriminalization. They will make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces including parks, hospitals and on transit. Original terms of the pilot project had prohibited police from arresting, charging or seizing adults in possession of up to 2.5 grams of heroin, cocaine, crack, crystal meth, MDMA or fentanyl. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

B.C.’s request to ban public drug use approved by Ottawa

Federal Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks says the change is effective immediately

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside address the media outside the provincial legislature after Ottawa had announced that it would grant B.C.’s request to amend the terms of decriminalization. They will make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces including parks, hospitals and on transit. Original terms of the pilot project had prohibited police from arresting, charging or seizing adults in possession of up to 2.5 grams of heroin, cocaine, crack, crystal meth, MDMA or fentanyl. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)