More than 1,000 lives lost to toxic unregulated drugs in first five months of 2023
Though the risk of death posed by the unregulated drug supply remains extremely high, the number of deaths in British Columbia due to drug toxicity decreased from near-record levels in April to 176 lives lost in the month of May. “BC Coroners Service findings confirm that this public-health emergency continues to be driven ...
FortisBC reminds customers to prepare ahead to minimize summer energy bills
With B.C.’s southern interior expected to experience extremely hot summer weather, FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) would like to remind its customers that taking proactive measures to reduce energy use can help minimize higher bills during periods of extreme heat, while still keeping you and your household safe and comfortable....
Man dies in Quesnel crash
On June 14 at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Hwy 97 near Lansdowne Road in Quesnel, BC, Quesnel RCMP and BCHP – Williams Lake responded to a report of a fatal collision between a commercial Ford F-150 pickup truck and a Dodge Ram pickup truck that had been hauling a trailer. One male driver is deceased and a female passenger was...
Province expands access to opioid agonist treatment medications
British Columbia is taking action on the toxic drug crisis by being the first province in Canada to provide universal coverage for eligible medications used for the treatment of opioid-use disorder. “Improving access to medication is an important part of strengthening the public health-care system,” said Adrian Dix, Minister...
Agreements address Columbia River Treaty impacts on Indigenous Nations
The Ktunaxa, Secwépemc and Syilx Okanagan Nations and their members will benefit from new interim agreements that share revenue generated from the Columbia River Treaty. Through the three separate interim agreements, the Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation and Syilx Okanagan Nation will each receive 5% of the revenue generated...
Op/Ed:Outdated forest practices the blame for high-intensity wildfires
A long, destructive summer is coming to B.C. forests British Columbia is poised to suffer a historically ruinous fire season and we have only ourselves to blame. Warm, dry weather early in the season is part of the problem, to be sure. Climate change is likely making things worse. But B.C.’s history of fire suppression and...
SCRAP-IT® Launches New Income Qualified E-Bike Rebate Program
Starting today, BC residents have the opportunity for a rebate when they purchase a new electric bike – and because the rebate amount is based on income, the program will make e-bikes a clean transportation choice that is more affordable and accessible for everyone. There are four easy steps associated with accessing the ...
SCRAP-IT® Launches New Income Qualified E-Bike Rebate Program
Starting today, BC residents have the opportunity for a rebate when they purchase a new electric bike – and because the rebate amount is based on income, the program will make e-bikes a clean transportation choice that is more affordable and accessible for everyone. There are four easy steps associated with accessing the ...
Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. “We are delivering on our commitment to give pharmacists the power to provide prescriptions,”...
RCMP 9-1-1 dispatch centers see large increase in abandoned 911 calls
BC RCMP is reminding people to check their phones as dispatch centers have experienced a significant increase in dropped 911 calls. Over the past weeks, RCMP 911 dispatch centers throughout the province have seen an increase in abandoned or dropped emergency calls. These calls are being attributed to the ‘Emergency SOS’ feature...
