B.C. prepares for 2026 wildfire season
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has offered specialized training, increased the use of technology and invested in additional equipment to better protect people and communities during the 2026 wildfire season. “The threat of wildfire continues to grow and evolve, but so too does the BC Wildfire Service,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We’re making […]
IHA and Kootenay Boundary among the highest death rates as B.C. sees another 150 lives lost to toxic drugs in January 2026
As the province approaches 10 years of the public health emergency regarding toxic drugs, nearly five British Columbians continue to lose their lives each day, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. While the 150 deaths reported in January represents a decrease of 10% from the total number investigated in January 2025 […]
Environmental Assessment Office seeks feedback on proposed expedited process
B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) is seeking feedback on a newly proposed expedited environmental assessment process designed to reduce assessment timelines and support more efficient decision-making for major projects deemed to be in the public interest. The expedited process has been created for projects that are designated under the Infrastructure Projects Act, so they can […]
DriveSmartBC: The "Me First" Driver
The “Me First!” driver is one whose default attitude is competition rather than cooperation. Their sense of entitlement leads to prioritizing personal convenience over safety. High risk driving behaviours are commonly chosen to accomplish their desire to get ahead and that increases the chance of a collision with the other drivers around them. Me First […]
BC Wildfire Service staff welcomed home from Australia
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) staff have returned to B.C. after supporting Forest Fire Management Victoria in Australia for the past month with wildfire-fighting efforts. “Our world-class BC Wildfire Service has once again stepped up on the global stage,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “As we prepare for the 2026 wildfire season, our BCWS crews consistently […]
Chief coroner’s statement on Tumbler Ridge
Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner, has released the following statement regarding the decision to direct an inquest into the events that occurred in Tumbler Ridge on Feb. 10, 2026: “On the afternoon of Feb. 10, 2026, an entire community was forever changed and multiple families who call Tumbler Ridge home received the catastrophic news that […]
B.C. wildland firefighters press federal government for action during Parliament Hill lobby day
B.C. wildland firefighters, members of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), were on Parliament Hill yesterday to meet with federal decision-makers and call for urgent action on key issues impacting wildland firefighter safety, health, and recognition. The Federal Lobby Day brought together wildland firefighters from British Columbia and Members of Parliament to discuss long-standing concerns, […]
Premier’s, minister’s statements on Pink Shirt Day
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Pink Shirt Day (Feb. 25): “Today, as British Columbians wear pink to stand up against bullying, we do so during a time of deep sorrow. Our thoughts remain with the students, educators and families in Tumbler Ridge, who are marking this day under the weight of […]
Avalanche fatality near Revelstoke
On February 19, 2026, the Revelstoke RCMP was notified by the BC Coroners Service of a fatality resulting from an avalanche in a heli‑skiing area southeast of Revelstoke. Earlier in the afternoon, a skier was airlifted to Queen Victoria Hospital after being recovered from an avalanche in the Selkirk Mountains. The individual had been skiing […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on Budget 2026
Jen Riley, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement in response to the release of Budget 2026 by the Government of British Columbia. “As expected, Budget 2026 provides a sobering economic outlook for the province in the year ahead and over the three-year fiscal plan. “Today’s budget offers little in the way of […]