News
Local News
Three Arrested in Port McNeill Drug Trafficking Investigation After Drugs, Guns and More Than $100,000 Seized
Three people have been arrested following a drug-trafficking investigation in Port McNeill that resulted in the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, firearms, cash, contraband tobacco and vehicles. The investigation was conducted by the Port McNeill RCMP in partnership...
Saanich Woman Missing Near Woss For Two Weeks Found Safe
A 32-year-old Saanich woman who had been missing for more than two weeks has been found safe near Woss Lake, after searchers received reports that she may have been seen at a local boat launch. Taisia Verbitchi was located Sunday on the eastern shore of Woss Lake,...
Online News Act Leaves Rural Canadians Without Reliable Wildfire Information
A report submitted to the House of Commons heritage committee says the federal Online News Act contributed to a loss of credible local news on Facebook during wildfire emergencies, with rural communities particularly affected. The study, conducted by researchers at...
Provincial News
Small Business Group Urges BC Government To Scrap Planned PST Expansion
A multi-party legislative committee is recommending that the B.C. government cancel a planned expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax to a range of professional services, a move welcomed by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The Select Standing...
Human-Caused Wildfire Near Port Alberni Brought Under Control
A small wildfire near Port Alberni has been brought under control after crews responded to a brush fire Sunday. The BC Wildfire Service says the fire was discovered Aug. 9 near Athol Road, just off the Alberni Highway. The blaze was estimated at approximately 0.009...
Helicopter Pilot Injured After Crash During BC Wildfire Operations
A helicopter pilot was hospitalized Tuesday after the aircraft crashed into a lake while taking part in wildfire operations in B.C.’s South Cariboo region. The crash occurred Tuesday morning as crews were working on the Big Bar wildfire complex near 70 Mile House,...
National News
Records Show No Internal Analysis on Crime-Reduction Impact of Federal Firearms Confiscation Program
Newly released access-to-information records have intensified debate over Ottawa's firearms confiscation program after revealing that Public Safety Canada was unable to provide internal analysis assessing whether the initiative will reduce crime or improve public...
Consumer Insolvencies Surge as Canadians Struggle Under Growing Debt Burden
New insolvency figures suggest financial pressures are mounting for Canadian households, with the number of consumers seeking protection from creditors reaching levels not seen since the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis. According to data released by the...
Canadians Face Rising Financial Strain as Debt Pressures Build
A new analysis is raising concerns about the financial health of Canadian households, suggesting that many are under pressure at levels not seen since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. According to recent insolvency and consumer credit data highlighted by...