British Columbia

Amazon’s Challenge to B.C. Labour Board Union Ruling Dismissed Again

Amazon’s Challenge to B.C. Labour Board Union Ruling Dismissed Again

Delta, B.C (Richa Walia): In a significant development for labour rights in Canada, the British Columbia Labour Relations Board has dismissed Amazon’s attempt to reverse a decision certifying a workers' union at its Delta facility. The ruling, issued on Tuesday, upholds an earlier decision from July that found the company acted to undermine union efforts through targeted hiring practices. The Labour Board panel supported the conclusion that Amazon deliberately expanded its workforce during the union’s membership drive to reduce the percentage of union supporters, a move the board deemed an intentional effort to obstruct certification. Evidence submitted by Unifor, the…
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Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Strikes Off B.C. Coast, No Damage Reported

Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Strikes Off B.C. Coast, No Damage Reported

British Columbia (Richa Walia): A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was recorded off the coast of British Columbia early Sunday morning, according to Earthquakes Canada. The quake occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. local time and was detected at a depth of 15 kilometres, just west of Haida Gwaii. Authorities confirmed there have been no reports of damage, and at this magnitude, none is expected. The minor quake comes just days after B.C. faced a tsunami advisory earlier this week following a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia, which prompted waves to move across the Pacific Ocean. The advisory was…
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‘Airborne’ Fish Causes Brush Fire and Power Outage in British Columbia

‘Airborne’ Fish Causes Brush Fire and Power Outage in British Columbia

British Columbia (Richa Walia): In an unusual chain of events, a small brush fire and power outage in British Columbia on Wednesday (July 30) were caused by an unexpected culprit, a fish. Fire officials confirmed that the incident did not result from lightning strikes or human negligence but rather from a fish dropped from the sky by an osprey. The fire, which burned less than an acre, was swiftly brought under control thanks to the quick action of Ashcroft Fire Rescue, supported by local ranchers and workers from BC Hydro. After extinguishing the blaze, investigators traced the source of ignition…
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B.C. Jobs Minister Kahlon Urges Ottawa to ‘Negotiate Hard’ Over US Tariffs

B.C. Jobs Minister Kahlon Urges Ottawa to ‘Negotiate Hard’ Over US Tariffs

Victoria (Richa Walia): British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon, has called on the federal government to “negotiate hard” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 per cent. Kahlon said Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc must stay the course. “Keep your head down, stay at the table, and find solutions without getting distracted by the day-to-day swings of the U.S. president,” he urged. Premier David Eby’s office also released a statement emphasizing that his priority remains protecting BC workers and businesses from what he…
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Toxic Drug Deaths in B.C. Fall Sharply, Down 40% from Peak Levels

Toxic Drug Deaths in B.C. Fall Sharply, Down 40% from Peak Levels

Victoria (Richa Walia): British Columbia has recorded a significant drop in toxic drug deaths, with fatalities in May and June down about 40 per cent from their peak levels, according to new data released by the BC Coroners Service. The province reported 145 deaths in May, compared to 181 in the same month last year, and 147 deaths in June, down from 185 in June 2024. This marks a steep decline from the record high of 243 deaths reported in December 2023, reflecting a downward trend that is also being seen across much of North America. The BC Coroners Service…
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BC Puts Tsunami Preparedness to the Test After Massive Quake Near Russia

BC Puts Tsunami Preparedness to the Test After Massive Quake Near Russia

British Columbia (Richa Walia): The anticipated tsunami that reached Tofino, B.C., late Tuesday turned out to be far milder than feared, rising only about 15 centimetres, roughly half the height of a school ruler. Instead of panic, the gentle waves brought relief and even curiosity to about 300 onlookers gathered at Mackenzie Beach just before midnight. Hours earlier, J.J. Belanger, general manager of Crystal Cove Beach Resort, sprang into action after news broke of a powerful 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula — one of the strongest quakes ever recorded. With several hours before any waves could reach Canada’s…
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B.C. Premier Demands Equal Federal Support for Ferry Users After Ottawa Cuts Fares in Eastern Canada

B.C. Premier Demands Equal Federal Support for Ferry Users After Ottawa Cuts Fares in Eastern Canada

Victoria (Richa Walia): Premier David Eby is calling on the federal government to increase its support for ferry users in British Columbia after Prime Minister Mark Carney fulfilled his promise to cut ferry fares by 50% in Eastern Canada. Eby pointed out a stark funding gap: while Ottawa provides approximately $300 per person in subsidies for East Coast ferry users, those in B.C. receive just $1 per person. “We need the federal government to take a serious look at this policy and ensure fair treatment for ferry users in British Columbia,” Eby said Monday. Eastern Canada Gets Big Cuts, B.C.…
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B.C. Man Escapes Cougar Attack with Minor Injuries After Punching Predator

B.C. Man Escapes Cougar Attack with Minor Injuries After Punching Predator

Smithers, B.C. (Richa Walia): A man in British Columbia’s northern Interior is recovering from minor injuries after a dramatic encounter with a cougar that he says ended when he punched the animal in the face. According to a statement from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday near Lake Kathlyn, close to Smithers, approximately 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. The man, who was working in the area at the time, reported that the cougar suddenly approached and struck him in the upper body. Acting quickly, he punched the wild cat in the face, causing…
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Nanaimo Councillor Urges Province to Shut Down Overdose Prevention Site Near City Hall

Nanaimo Councillor Urges Province to Shut Down Overdose Prevention Site Near City Hall

Nanaimo, British Columbia (Richa Walia): A motion set to be introduced at Nanaimo City Council may escalate tensions between the municipality and provincial health officials over a supervised drug use facility located adjacent to city hall. According to the agenda for Monday’s meeting, Councillor Ian Thorpe plans to table a proposal requesting that Island Health formally shut down the overdose prevention site on Albert Street. Thorpe signaled his intent during the council's July 21 session, saying the city must tell the province it has “had enough” of the escalating disorder in the area. The call for closure follows a contentious…
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Three Miners Rescued from Northern B.C. Mine After Hours Underground

Three Miners Rescued from Northern B.C. Mine After Hours Underground

British Columbia (Richa Walia): Three miners who were trapped underground in a remote northern B.C. mine have been successfully rescued, bringing relief to families and the broader mining community. The incident occurred at a mine site in northern British Columbia, where the trio became stranded after what officials described as an “unexpected ground fall” disrupted regular operations. Emergency protocols were activated immediately, and specialized rescue teams were deployed to bring the miners to safety. After hours of intense rescue efforts, all three miners were brought to the surface without serious injury. Medical staff were on-site to assess their condition, and…
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