Wildfire closes Highway 33 east of Kelowna
DriveBC is reporting Highway 33 20 kilometres east of Kelowna is closed due to an out of control wildfire just north of the community of Joe Rich. "Highway 33 closed in Kelowna due to forest fire," the DriveBC website said. "Closure extends from Big White Rd for Northbound traffic and SB closed at Gallagher Rd. Big White...
Taxes top out as largest Canadian household expense
Despite high housing costs across the country, the average Canadian family spent more on taxes in 2016 than housing, food and clothing combined, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. “Many Canadians may think housing is their biggest household...
Connecting students to trades training throughout B.C.
The Province is supporting increased access to trades training with 562 additional seats at 13 public post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia that offer foundation and apprenticeship programs. “It's been inspiring for me to visit our public post-secondary institutions, and to meet and listen to the trades...
RCMP said pedestrian struck by vehicle at popular pullout area near Field, BC
A 54-year-old woman from Quebec was was pronounced deceased at the scene after being struck by a vehicle on Sunday afternoon at a popular road pullout near Field, BC., Cpl. Dan Moskaluk, District Advisory NCO for the RCMP South East District said in a media release Monday. Moskaluk said the woman suffered fatal injuries during...
Premier issues statement on hate groups organizing in Vancouver
Premier John Horgan released the following statement about a rally by hate groups taking place on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 in Vancouver: "Hate has no place in our province. We reject all forms of racism, discrimination, intolerance and bigotry. "Recent events and images from Charlottesville, Virginia were horrifying, and hateful...
Province extends state of emergency once again
B.C.'s wildfire-driven provincial state of emergency has been formally extended again, through the end of the day on Sept. 1, 2017. This is the third time the state of emergency has been extended, with previous extensions on July 19 and Aug. 4. The state of emergency declaration will continue to apply to the whole province....
Lower interest rates, rising incomes more than doubles amount Canadians borrow for a home
Canadians have been able to qualify for much larger mortgages over the past two decades because of declining interest rates and rising incomes, and that has more than likely translated into higher home prices, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. “Increased...
B.C. sets sights on $15-an-hour minimum wage, reaffirms commitment to a fair wages commission
The provincial government is making its first move toward a $15-an-hour minimum wage for British Columbia by announcing a 50-cent increase for September and renewing its commitment to a fair wages commission. In making the announcement today, Premier John Horgan said moving over time to a $15 minimum wage is long overdue in...
B.C. government announces end to the grizzly bear trophy hunt
The NDP government announced Monday, that effective Nov. 30, 2017, the British Columbia government will end grizzly bear trophy hunting throughout the province and stop all hunting of grizzlies in the Great Bear Rainforest. Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson made the...
Canadian Forces to provide more assistance for B.C. wildfires
With weeks of British Columbia's fire season remaining and no relief from hot, dry conditions in sight, the Province has asked the federal government for additional Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) support through September. "Joint Task Force Pacific is always prepared to support our federal and provincial partners in keeping...
