Following an investigation by the Kelowna RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation unit (ICE), 46-year-old Patrick Micheal Waldrum has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code and Luring a Child, contrary to section 172.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code. [Child luring charges require evidence that the offender communicated via telecommunication […]

Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking the new year: “Tonight, people in British Columbia and around the world will celebrate the year gone by and welcome the year ahead. If your family is like mine and has small children (or very tired adults), it may begin with a celebration closer to bedtime […]

Move over, Noah. Oliver is the most popular name for babies born this year in British Columbia. Oliver is followed by Olivia, Liam, Noah, Theodore, Charlotte, Lucas, Isla, Amelia and Leo, according to the Vital Statistics Agency’s preliminary figures for 2024. In 2023, the top names for babies born in B.C. were Noah, Oliver, Olivia, […]

In 2024, the BC Wildfire Service worked with people and communities to fight wildfires and build climate resiliency throughout B.C. Since April 1, 2024, a total of 1,688 wildfires resulted in approximately 1.08 million hectares burned. More than 70% of wildfires this season were caused by lightning, while slightly fewer than 30% were attributed to human activity. A […]

More than 280 million trees were planted in B.C. forests in 2024 due to the Province’s efforts. “2024 was a banner year for tree planting in B.C., including celebrating 10 billion trees planted since 1930,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Our government’s commitment to sustainable forests has seen us lead the country by planting […]

BC Hydro has added a new solar-energy project to the clean-energy projects selected to advance from its call for power. On Dec. 9, 2024, the Province announced that BC Hydro has selected nine wind-energy projects through its 2024 call for power that will supply renewable, affordable electricity to growing communities throughout B.C. While BC Hydro […]

Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to the Province repealing Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act: “From the beginning, our goal has been to make it easier for people struggling with addiction to get the help they need. Although the number of deaths from […]

Since 2019, the BC SPCA has seen a 350 per cent increase in the number of disputes against animal removals resulting from animal protection investigations, at a huge cost to both the organization and the animals’ welfare. Further to this, approximately 50 per cent of the BC SPCA’s “no-return” dispute decisions are being appealed to […]

Jennifer Blatherwick, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, has released the following statement in recognition of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers: “This day, also known as Red Umbrella Day, was founded by sex workers and community advocates to call for an end to hate crimes and violence against sex workers worldwide. “This […]

BC Hydro has selected nine energy projects through its 2024 call for power that will supply clean, affordable electricity to serve B.C.’s growing communities and housing needs, as people and businesses choose clean energy in their lives, homes, vehicles and businesses. “Clean and affordable electricity is key to powering economic growth and unlocking private-sector investment that […]