British Columbia Archives - National Times

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,…

12 Feb

British Columbia Community Devastated After Teen Gunwoman’s Rampage Leaves Nine Dead

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): A remote town in northern British Columbia is grappling with grief after an 18-year-old carried out a deadly attack that began inside her home and ended at a local school, claiming nine lives including her own. Authorities identified the shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, a transgender woman who had previously attended the school in Tumbler Ridge. Investigators revealed that before heading to the campus on Tuesday, she fatally shot her 39-year-old mother and her 11-year-old stepbrother at their residence. The violence then shifted to the school, where a teacher and several students were killed. Police said…

11 Feb

Mass Shooting at Remote B.C. School Leaves Eight Dead, Community Placed Under Emergency Response

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): Canada was shaken on Tuesday after a deadly shooting unfolded at a secondary school in the northeastern part of British Columbia, claiming the lives of eight people, including the alleged attacker. Authorities later confirmed that two more individuals were found dead at a residence believed to have a connection to the incident, deepening concerns over the scale of the tragedy. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the violence erupted at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small institution serving students from Grades 7 to 12. More than 25 people were injured during the attack, with at…

09 Feb

Quality of Life Keeps British Columbia a Top Choice for Newcomers Amid Security Concerns

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): British Columbia remains Canada’s leading destination for new immigrants, holding its appeal even as parts of the province face heightened concern over organised extortion rackets. Recent livability rankings indicate that newcomers continue to prioritise employment prospects, lifestyle advantages and community support over fears related to crime. An assessment referenced by the Asian Pacific Post shows British Columbia securing a dominant presence in the Globe and Mail’s Most Livable Cities for Newcomers Index 2026. The province accounted for 12 of the top 20 cities, underscoring its popularity among immigrants who have arrived in Canada within the last…

08 Feb

Concerns Grow as B.C. Expands Indigenous Land-Use Agreements, Raising Questions Over Property Control

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBritish Columbia

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): The British Columbia government is facing renewed scrutiny over its approach to land governance after quietly finalizing another land-use agreement with an Indigenous group on Vancouver Island—an agreement critics say further reshapes decision-making authority and adds to uncertainty around property rights in the province. The latest agreement, reached with the ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation, establishes shared management over roughly 166,000 hectares in the Nimpkish Valley on northern Vancouver Island. The arrangement spans multiple land-use areas, including forestry, and represents one of the largest co-management frameworks announced by the province in recent years. The deal comes amid ongoing debate…

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.…

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

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…