British Columbia Archives - Page 5 of 10

05 Feb

Unseasonal warmth grips British Columbia as February temperatures smash records

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia, Canada

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): British Columbia is experiencing an unusually warm February, with temperatures soaring into spring-like territory and setting new daily records across much of the province, prompting fresh concern over the future of winter weather. A stretch of persistent high-pressure systems has pushed daytime highs well above seasonal averages, with record-breaking warmth reported in more than a dozen communities, ranging from coastal areas to the Interior and the North. Cities including Vancouver, Cranbrook and Dawson Creek have all logged temperatures rarely seen this time of year. One of the most striking readings came from Bella Bella on the…

31 Jan

B.C. Introduces Competitive Power Allocation for AI and Data Centres to Manage Rising Demand

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canadaartificial intelligence, B.C. Hydro, British Columbia, data centres, electricity supply

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): The British Columbia government has rolled out a new electricity allocation system requiring data centres and artificial intelligence (AI) companies to compete for power as demand from energy-intensive industries continues to grow. Under the new framework, B.C. Hydro will distribute electricity to high-load sectors through a competitive bidding process. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the move is aimed at ensuring the stability of the provincial power grid while supporting sustainable economic growth. B.C. Hydro president and CEO Charlotte Mitha said a structured process is essential to manage the surge in large power requests from AI firms and…

31 Jan

B.C. Introduces Competitive Power Allocation for AI and Data Centres

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): The British Columbia government has announced a new competitive system to allocate electricity to artificial intelligence firms and data centre developments, a move aimed at managing rapidly rising demand for power while prioritising projects with long-term benefits for the province. Under the new framework, companies will compete for access to a fixed pool of 400 megawatts of electricity over the next two years. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the approach is designed to ensure that limited power resources are directed toward projects that deliver strong economic returns, environmental responsibility, community benefits and data sovereignty for B.C.…

29 Jan

Eby Calls Alberta Separatists’ U.S. Outreach “Treason” Ahead of Premiers’ Meeting in Ottawa

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, British Columbia, CanadaAlberta Prosperity Project, Alberta separatism, Canada sovereignty, David Eby, U.S. administration

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): British Columbia Premier David Eby on Wednesday strongly condemned reports that Alberta separatists have sought support from the United States, calling such actions an act of “treason” as Canada’s premiers gather with the prime minister in Ottawa. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Eby said appealing to a foreign government for help in breaking up Canada crosses a clear line. “To go to a foreign country and to ask for assistance in breaking up Canada — there’s an old-fashioned word for that, and that word is treason,” he said. Eby was responding to reports that members of U.S.…

29 Jan

Federal government reinforces policing as extortion wave intensifies in Surrey

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingSurrey

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma): Ottawa has announced a fresh round of law enforcement support to address a sharp rise in extortion-related crimes in Surrey and neighbouring communities in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, as authorities warn the situation is spiralling rapidly. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the federal government would move quickly to strengthen frontline policing, calling the growing pattern of threats and violence “completely unacceptable.” In a public statement, he stressed that dismantling the criminal networks behind the extortion schemes would require close coordination between federal, provincial and local agencies. Under the new measures, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)…

28 Jan

Surrey Urges Ottawa to Declare Federal Emergency as Extortion Cases Surge

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaBrenda Locke, federal state of emergency, organized crime, RCMP, Surrey extortion

Surrey, B.C, January 28, 2026: The City of Surrey is calling on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in response to a sharp rise in extortion cases, with police recording 35 suspected incidents in the city so far this month alone. Surrey city council unanimously approved a motion brought forward by Mayor Brenda Locke during a public hearing Monday night, citing growing concerns over organized crime, intimidation and targeted shootings. “The City of Surrey is experiencing an acute and escalating crisis of organized extortion, intimidation, and targeted shootings resulting in fear, trauma, and economic harm to residents…

28 Jan

B.C. paramedics’ union to hold strike vote after contract talks stall

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaAmbulance Paramedics of B.C., B.C. paramedics, contract talks, staffing shortages, strike vote

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): The union representing British Columbia’s ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers has announced it will hold a strike vote early next month after negotiations with the provincial government over a new collective agreement reached an impasse. Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. (APBC) said in a news release on Tuesday evening that the electronic strike vote will be conducted over a two-week period beginning February 2. The announcement follows contract talks last week that the union described as yielding “no positive progress.” APBC president Jason Jackson said the government’s current offer fails to address the ongoing challenges faced by paramedics…

25 Jan

Rescue teams brave subzero cold to save stranded family in British Columbia

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A family of four was brought to safety after becoming stranded overnight in freezing conditions along a remote forest road in British Columbia’s Central Okanagan region, officials confirmed. Volunteers from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) were mobilised in the early hours of January 24 following a distress call from the group, whose vehicle became immobilised on Bear Main Forest Service Road near Islaht Lake. The area, known for rugged terrain and limited connectivity, posed significant challenges for rescuers. According to COSAR, active logging operations had left the roadway coated in ice, making it treacherous to navigate.…

25 Jan

Winter storm disrupts air travel across Canada, leaving thousands stranded

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, Trending

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Severe winter weather sweeping across large parts of Canada has thrown air travel into disarray, forcing airlines to cancel or delay hundreds of flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded at major airports. Operations were heavily affected at key hubs in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Halifax as bitter cold, strong winds and heavy snowfall created hazardous conditions for aircraft movements and ground handling. According to airport authorities and flight tracking data, more than 225 flights were cancelled while over 300 departures and arrivals faced delays through the day. Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded the highest number…

25 Jan

India emerges as key partner as British Columbia seeks deeper trade ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): British Columbia Premier David Eby has said that major Indian corporations are showing strong interest in investing in Canada’s energy and mineral sectors, signaling a significant shift in bilateral economic engagement as relations between the two countries begin to stabilize. Speaking after a trade mission to India, Eby said he held discussions with senior executives from companies including Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum, focusing on opportunities in liquefied natural gas (LNG), clean energy and critical minerals. The delegation also met India’s energy minister and representatives from leading industrial groups such as…