British Columbia News

1. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Mountain Institution

   On March 27, 2025, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on the perimeter of Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal institution.

2. CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport seize 148 kg of methamphetamine hidden in suitcases 

   Today, the CBSA announced the interception and seizure of a combined 148.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, representing an estimated street value of $500,000, in six separate occasions at Vancouver International Airport.

3. End of lockdown and search at Mountain Institution 

   End of lockdown and search at Mountain Institution

4. Lockdown and search at Mountain Institution - medium-security unit

   On March 21, 2025, a lockdown was put in place at Mountain Institution to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

5. Ontario vacationer fined $5,500 for overfishing oysters without a valid licence

   On February 21, 2025, in Courtenay Provincial Court, the Honourable Judge B. Hutcheson found Scarborough resident Raul Dumelod guilty of catching and retaining oysters over the daily limit, and of fishing without a valid licence in Buckley Bay, British Columbia (B.C.). Dumelod was charged in August of 2024 and fined a total of $5,500.

6. TransLink to receive over $1.5 billion over ten years for public transit projects in the Metro Vancouver region

   The federal government is investing in public transit projects across the country to ensure that more Canadians connected to jobs, services, and their communities. These sustained infrastructure investments are key to growing the strongest economy in the G7.

7. The governments of Canada and British Columbia finalize an agreement for the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund

   The governments of Canada and British Columbia have finalized an agreement under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).

8. Federal government invests in rural transit infrastructure in Whistler

   The Resort Municipality of Whistler will benefit from improved transit infrastructure after a joint investment of $500,000.

9. Ensuring long-term predictable public transit funding for BC Transit with over $189 million through the Canada Public Transit Fund

   By working closely with its partners across Canada, the federal government is ensuring that more Canadians will be able to live near public transit, connecting them to jobs, services, and their communities.

10. Backgrounder: Ensuring long-term predictable public transit funding for BC Transit with over $189 million through the Canada Public Transit Fund

    Through the new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF), the federal government is investing more than $189 million, allocated over ten years beginning in 2026. This annual public transit funding will support 33 transit systems being serviced by BC Transit. Long-term, predictable funding will upgrade, replace, or modernize public transit infrastructure for 33 transit systems serviced by BC Transit, and maintain them in a state of good repair.

11. Media Advisory: Transit Announcement in Squamish

    Members of the media are invited to a transit announcement with Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country, His Worship Armand Hurford, Mayor of the District of Squamish, and His Worship Jack Crompton, Mayor of Whistler.

12. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Richmond, B.C.

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Wilson Miao, Member of Parliament for Richmond Centre, the Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Mike Hurley, Board Chair Metro Vancouver Regional District.

13. Advancing the relationship on emergency management with the First Nations Leadership Council, Government of Canada, and Government of British Columbia

    The First Nations Leadership Council, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness have been working together to advance the development of a new Multilateral Emergency Management Agreement that reflects the unique needs and priorities of First Nations in British Columbia.

14. CBSA firearms investigation in Lumby, B.C. leads to two-years of house arrest

    A CBSA firearms-related criminal investigation in Lumby, BC has resulted in two-years house arrest.

15. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On March 18, 2025, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

16. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution (Regional Treatment Centre)

    On March 15, 2025, Garcia Ribeiro Dias, an inmate from Pacific Institution (Regional Treatment Centre), died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

17. Helping Canadian workers impacted by layoffs reskill and find work  

    Canada is home to a proud, adaptable and robust social safety net. The Government of Canada has worked with local and sectoral partners to implement measures that expand that net to support even more workers, keep more communities and towns resilient and bridge more impacted Canadians and their families to new opportunities.

18. Federal government invests in natural infrastructure enhancements across British Columbia

    Three communities across British Columbia will see improvements to natural infrastructure that will increase their resilience while protecting local environments, after an investment of more than $1.6 million from the federal government.

19. Assault of an inmate at Mission Institution – medium security unit

    On March 8, 2025, an inmate was the victim of an assault in the medium-security unit at Mission Institution.

20. Investing in BC Hydro projects across the province

    The federal government is investing more than $156.8 million in eight electrical infrastructure projects across the province to electrify key infrastructure and support a future with more energy efficient and sustainable communities. This funding is provided through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the expansion of clean energy.

21. Backgrounder: Investing in BC Hydro projects across the province

    The federal government is investing more than $156.8 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support eight BC Hydro projects across British Columbia.

22. The Government of Canada works to protect British Columbia's aquatic ecosystems through projects under the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF)

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced over $7.6 million in funding for four projects in British Columbia under the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF). This fund supports aquatic restoration projects helping to address the root causes of impacts to coastal and marine environments, including Canada’s coastline, estuaries, and inland regions.

23. Musqueam and Canada take a key step forward with self-government agreement initialling

    Chief Wayne Sparrow of Musqueam Indian Band and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced the initialling of the Musqueam Self-Government Agreement. This significant milestone demonstrates progress for Musqueam, moving the First Nation one step closer to re-establishing self-governance and away from federal control under the Indian Act.

24. Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Government of Canada sign a Reconciliation Agreement

    Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, marked a significant milestone towards strengthening their Nation-to-Nation relationship.

25. Healthy meals for kids, savings for families in British Columbia

    School food programs make life easier. They provide healthy meals to kids throughout the school year. They save working families hundreds of dollars in grocery bills. They also support local economies, farmers and producers by sourcing food grown locally, whenever possible.

26. Minister Anandasangaree and Tsleil-Waututh Nation to sign a Reconciliation Agreement

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Chief Jen Thomas of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) will sign a new Reconciliation Framework Agreement to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship.

27. PacifiCan invests $6.4 million to drive business growth and support community economic development initiatives across British Columbia

    Funding will help B.C. companies access the investment capital, customers, and expert advice they need to grow and help communities capitalize on development opportunities

28. NEW funding opportunities: Canada Water Agency invites applications for actions aimed at freshwater protection and sustainability

    Freshwater protection and sustainability start with empowering local initiatives focused on taking action. Investing in partner-led projects for environmental protection, restoration, and conservation bolsters Canada’s clean-growth economy and ensures sustainable freshwater resources for future generations.

29. Minister Anandasangaree and Musqueam announce key milestone on Self-Government Agreement

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, along with Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, will announce the initialling of a Self-Government Agreement.

30. The Governments of Canada and British Columbia support more healthy meals for kids in British Columbia

    The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and the Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care for British Columbia, will make an announcement on the National School Food Program.

31. Minister Sajjan announces funding to British Columbia for 2024 wildfires

    In 2024, British Columbia saw over 1,600 wildfires burn approximately one million hectares of land. Between April 21 and October 7, 2024, over seven thousand residents were evacuated from their homes. Multiple residences, provincial infrastructure, provincial recreation sites and trails, and range fencing were destroyed.

32. Government of Canada signs pharmacare agreement with British Columbia to improve universal access to free medications

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s (BC) Minister of Health, announced the signing of a pharmacare agreement to invest more than $670 million over four years to provide universal access to contraceptive and diabetes medications, devices and supplies for residents of BC.

33. Government of Canada will make an important health care announcement in British Columbia

    The Honourable Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Health, will make an announcement on health care in British Columbia.

34. Government of Canada takes action to protect aquatic species at risk in British Columbia 

    The following 10 projects are receiving funding under the Canadian Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) to support conservation and recovery efforts.

35. PacifiCan announces over $4.8 million in funding to attract more visitors to B.C. and bring B.C. products to more markets around the world

    The Government of Canada is investing in memorable outdoor and cultural experiences across the province, and providing additional support to help businesses diversify export markets

36. Backgrounder: PacifiCan announces over $4.8 million in funding to attract more visitors to B.C. and bring B.C. products to more markets around the world

    The Government of Canada is investing in memorable outdoor and cultural experiences across the province, and providing additional support to help businesses diversify export markets

37. The Government of Canada takes action to protect aquatic species at risk in British Columbia

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced $4.79 million in funding for ten projects as part of the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR). This investment directly supports conservation and recovery for aquatic species at risk in BC.

38. Court fines fishing charter company and guides for harvesting threatened rockfish species

    Canada’s marine species are a precious resource and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s mandate is to help sustain and protect them, now and for the future.

39. Backgrounder: PacifiCan announces $18.3 million to scale up local businesses, boost B.C. exports, and opens new intake for business growth program

    Across British Columbia, ambitious entrepreneurs are growing their companies and creating prosperity, in sectors from agriculture to life sciences. PacifiCan is investing in this growth.

40. PacifiCan announces $18.3 million to scale up local businesses, boost exports, and opens intake for business growth program

    Across British Columbia, ambitious entrepreneurs are growing their companies and creating prosperity, in sectors from agriculture to life sciences. PacifiCan is investing in this growth.

41. Transport Canada announces funding for Indigenous communities to purchase marine equipment and advance training opportunities in British Columbia

    Today, the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Anita Anand, announced funding of $2.3 million to improve vessel safety for 12 Indigenous communities to improve vessel safety through the MSET Initiative. The Ucluelet First Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe (Maa-nulth), Snuneymuxw First Nation, Ditidaht First Nation, Halalt First Nation, and Toquaht Nation (Maa-nulth) are among the communities receiving funding to purchase marine safety equipment and provide training to community members.

42. Government of Canada announces funding for Indigenous communities to purchase marine equipment and advance training opportunities in British Columbia

    Transport Canada’s Marine Safety Equipment and Training (MSET) Initiative provides funding to Indigenous communities along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project marine shipping route to purchase marine safety equipment and provide training to community members. It is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to listen, engage, and work with Indigenous communities to respond to marine safety concerns.

43. Government of Canada to announce multi-million-dollar investment for B.C. business growth and innovation

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan will announce funding for B.C.-based businesses, as well as a new program intake window for B.C. companies seeking support to grow.

44. Government of Canada invests $5 million to boost plant-based food production

    B.C. entrepreneurs and businesses are driving innovation and transforming global industries, including food and beverage production. With a strategic location, talent, and vibrant culinary landscape, Richmond has emerged as a hub for innovative companies in this sector.

45. Federal government invests in shoreline adaptation and restoration for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation

    Erosion and flood protection improvements will help preserve the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) shores after a joint investment of more than $10.1 million from the federal government and the Nation.

46. Government of Canada invests $1.35 million in new airborne sensing lab so local companies can develop cutting-edge technologies

    PacifiCan funding will help local businesses to harness data, test new technologies, and bring innovations to global markets by accessing this ‘lab in the sky’ at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus

47. History made as ŦE,ITḴEN,IST I SȽEW̱ÁL,NOṈET SĆȺ,Í, a Joint Statement by the W̱SÁNEĆ Chiefs of Tsartlip, Tseycum First Nations, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation acknowledge the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation is the beneficiary of and successor to the North Saanich and South Saanich Treaties of 1852

    The Government of Canada, the province of British Columbia, and the Tsartlip and Tseycum First Nations – have signed the ŦE,ITḴEN,IST I SȽEW̱ÁL,NOṈET SĆȺ,Í, a joint statement that’s name translates to ‘Moving Forward and Speaking the Truth and Peace of Mind at Last’.

48. Canada commits to sharing Vancouver (YVR) airport ground lease revenue with Musqueam to boost community development and economic growth

    Today, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, alongside the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade (signing in counterpart), signed an agreement committing the Government of Canada to share a percentage of ground lease revenues with Musqueam Indian Band. These revenues are collected by the Government of Canada from the Vancouver Airport Authority.

49. Government of Canada helps Racial Equity Screen Office succeed on the world stage

    Parliamentary Secretary Taleeb Noormohamed met with representatives of the Racial Equity Screen Office, a recipient of the Creative Export Canada funding program.

50. Minister Anandasangaree and Musqueam to sign historic Vancouver International Airport Revenue Sharing Agreement

    Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, along with Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, will announce the signing of an agreement to share a percentage of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) ground lease revenues.