British Columbia Archives - National Times

15 Apr

Decade of Drug Deaths: Canada Faces Deepening Crisis as Punjab Battles Smaller but Persistent Challenge

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, Punjab, TrendingCanada, Punjab

Chandigarh/British Columbia (Gurpreet Singh/Rajeev Sharma): A decade-long comparison of overdose fatalities reveals a striking disparity between Canada and Punjab, with Canada confronting a far more extensive and deadly drug epidemic. Since 2016, when British Columbia declared a public health emergency over rising overdose deaths, the country has lost approximately 18,000 people to drug-related causes. The province continues to remain at the centre of the crisis, marking the 10-year milestone with remembrance events and renewed calls for stronger interventions. Community groups such as Moms Stop the Harm and Doctors for Safer Drug Policy have organised public gatherings, awareness drives, and discussions…

14 Apr

Canadian Deportation Case Derails After Gang-Linked Convict Fails to Appear in Hearing

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingAP Dhillon, Canada

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A deportation hearing in Canada involving an accused linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s network was unexpectedly called off after officials were unable to confirm his presence during virtual proceedings, exposing gaps in coordination between agencies. The accused, Abjeet Kingra, had been scheduled to appear before the Immigration and Refugee Board in connection with his removal from the country. However, the session was cut short within minutes when authorities admitted they could not determine his exact location despite him being in custody. Breakdown in Coordination Officials later revealed that Kingra had been shifted between correctional facilities, but the…

12 Apr

Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade Draws Massive Crowds Under Heightened Security Measures

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, TrendingVaisakhi Parade, Vancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): One of Canada’s largest cultural gatherings, the annual Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver, returned on Saturday with a strong turnout, but under noticeably stricter security arrangements and a modified route aimed at ensuring public safety. Organised by the Vancouver Khalsa Diwan Society, the event attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees celebrating Vaisakhi — a festival marking the harvest season and the formation of the Khalsa in 1699, a pivotal moment in Sikh history. This year’s procession saw visible changes, including the deployment of heavy vehicles to block intersections, installation of protective barriers, extensive road closures, and a significant…

12 Apr

Legal Turmoil Sparks Calls to Overhaul British Columbia’s Indigenous Reconciliation Framework

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Mounting legal and political challenges have prompted fresh calls for a major rethink of British Columbia’s reconciliation strategy, with critics arguing that the province’s landmark Indigenous rights legislation now risks creating more uncertainty than progress. At the centre of the debate is the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), introduced in 2019 to align provincial laws with the principles of the United Nations declaration on Indigenous rights. The law was initially hailed as a transformative step toward improving relations with First Nations communities and ensuring their voices are considered in decision-making. However, recent developments…

05 Apr

Warmer, Drier Spring Likely for Metro Vancouver After Rare Snowless Winter

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingMetro Vancouver, Vancouver

Metro Vancouver(Rajeev Sharma): Following an unusually mild winter with no snowfall for the first time in over four decades, Metro Vancouver could be heading into a spring season marked by higher temperatures and below-average rainfall, according to forecasters. Meteorologist Matt Loney from Environment and Climate Change Canada indicated that long-range projections point to a warmer and drier pattern developing through the coming months. While short-term fluctuations are expected, the broader outlook suggests that April’s latter half, along with May and June, may see sustained above-normal temperatures. As the Easter weekend approaches, residents can expect sunny skies and a notable spike…

30 Mar

B.C. Court Dismisses Negligence Claim After $580K Condo Fraud Attempt Blocked

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

Kelowna ( Rajeev Sharma): A sophisticated real estate fraud attempt involving a condominium at Big White Ski Resort was foiled in the final stages of closing, preventing a potential loss of $580,000, according to a recent British Columbia Supreme Court ruling. Unknown individuals, posing as the legitimate property owners, attempted to complete the sale through a fully remote transaction. The deal was halted when a conveyancing lawyer was unable to verify the identities of the purported sellers, stopping the transfer of funds before completion. In a civil lawsuit filed by the legitimate owners and prospective buyers, Realtor Gary Turner and…

27 Mar

Our Global Village Charitable Foundation to Host “Sandhook Sheeshean Wala 2026” – A Ladies-Only Cultural Evening

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingCanada, Surrey

Surrey ( Richa Walia): The Our Global Village Charitable Foundation is set to host a vibrant and culturally rich event titled “Sandhook Sheeshean Wala –2026”, a special ladies-only gathering celebrating tradition, community, and entertainment. The event will take place on March 28, 2026, at the elegant Grand Taj Hall, with doors opening at 5:00 PM. Designed to bring women together in a festive and empowering environment, the evening will feature cultural performances, entertainment, and a delicious dinner, creating a memorable experience for all attendees. This unique celebration aims to highlight cultural heritage while fostering unity and connection among women from…

23 Mar

Happyness & Wellness Community Society Hosts Spiritual “Bhajan Clubbing” Spiritual Concert for the Community

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBhajan Clubbing, Surrey

Surrey (Richa Walia): The Happyness & Wellness Community Society successfully organized the “Unique You – 4th Edition”, featuring a spiritually uplifting and innovative “Shakti Bhajan Clubbing” concert by Bhakti Crew. The event brought together community members for an evening filled with devotion, music, and positive energy, creating a unique blend of spirituality and celebration. The concept of Bhajan Clubbing seamlessly fused traditional devotional bhajans with a contemporary musical ambiance, offering attendees a refreshing and engaging spiritual experience. Participants from all age groups joined with great enthusiasm, singing along and immersing themselves in the vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. The energy in…

20 Mar

Grand Celebration of Holi Milan & Hindu Nav Varsh in Surrey by Bhartiya Kala Evam Sahitya Parishad

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaSurrey

Surrey (Yuvraj Singh): In a vibrant display of cultural pride and community spirit, Bhartiya Kala Evam Sahitya Parishad successfully hosted a grand celebration of Bharatiya Holi Milan and Hindu Nav Varsh, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora for an evening filled with रंग, संगीत, और उत्साह. The event witnessed an impressive turnout, with attendees from across the community gathering to celebrate the festival of colors and the auspicious beginning of the Hindu New Year. The atmosphere was festive and welcoming, reflecting the rich traditions and cultural heritage of India. A key highlight of the evening was the “Karaoke &…

18 Mar

B.C. Attracts Over 400 U.S. Health Workers in Major Recruitment Push

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): The western Canadian province of British Columbia has successfully drawn more than 400 healthcare professionals from the United States over the past year, as part of an aggressive recruitment initiative aimed at strengthening its medical workforce. According to figures released by the provincial health ministry, a total of 414 workers — including doctors, nurses and allied health staff — accepted positions between March 2025 and January 2026. The intake includes 89 physicians, 42 nurse practitioners, 260 nurses and 23 other healthcare specialists. Health Minister Josie Osborne said the influx is already helping improve access to care,…