National News
‘You can’t go to 11’: Expert sees ‘escalating strategy’ in B.C. public service strike
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
The range of British Columbia public service staff that could potentially be impacted by job action that began this week is wide, from scientists and social workers to liquor and cannabis distribution and retail staff. But a labour expert says the BC General Employees’ Union’s actions have so far been limited to allow for an ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Metro Vancouver issues air-quality warning as smoky shroud envelopes Western Canada
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
VANCOUVER — The Metro Vancouver regional district has issued an air-quality warning as a dense shroud of wildfire smoke descends over much of Western Canada. Environment Canada has also expanded air-quality bulletins to more than 30 areas stretching from the Lower Mainland to the far northeastern corner of British Columbia, while higher-level warnings are in ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Head of BC Ferries supports Canadian shipbuilding, but it must be free of politics
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
VICTORIA — The head of BC Ferries welcomes plans to expand Canada’s shipbuilding industry, but says future vessel procurements must be “free from political interference” after lessons learned from the so-called fast ferry scandal of the 1990s. Nicholas Jimenez, BC Ferries president, says his organization always prefers to build new ferries at home, but any ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Parks Canada visits increased by 10 per cent with Canada Strong Pass, Ottawa says
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
OTTAWA — The federal government says the Canada Strong Pass it introduced this summer succeeded in boosting rail travel and visits to museums, historic sites and parks. The Canada Strong Pass, which took effect on June 20 and was available until Sept. 2, offered free national museum admission to children 17 and under, and a ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Metro Vancouver issues air-quality warning as shroud of smoke envelopes B.C.
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
VANCOUVER — The Metro Vancouver Regional District has issued an air-quality warning for the Lower Mainland as a dense shroud of wildfire smoke descends over large parts of British Columbia. Environment Canada has expanded air-quality advisories to more than 30 locations including the Vancouver area and Fraser Valley, as well as most of the B.C. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!ICBC services hobbled in Surrey, B.C., as government workers’ strike action continues
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
SURREY — The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia says strike action by the BC General Employees’ Union has hobbled driver licensing services in Surrey, B.C. The public auto insurer says all appointments at its Guildford location are cancelled today, but drivers can rebook online or visit the company’s other location on 78th Ave. The insurance ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Quebec auto board scandal: Former top civil servant denies being told of cost overrun
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
MONTRÉAL — The former right-hand man of Premier François Legault has denied being informed in September 2022 that the online platform for the auto insurance board was more than $200 million over budget. Yves Ouellet, former secretary-general of the executive council, testified today at a public inquiry examining how the online portal known as SAAQclic ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Integrity commissioner’s office struggling to keep up with complaints, disclosures
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
OTTAWA — The office of the public sector integrity commissioner says it’s being overwhelmed by its workload and that eliminating the backlog of files would require more analysts and lawyers. Commissioner Harriet Solloway says the office has received 380 submissions so far this year, including 78 reprisal complaints and 302 disclosures of wrongdoing. Solloway says ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!B.C. village ties Canadian heat record for September, as mercury climbs to 40 C
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
LYTTON — A spate of extremely hot weather in parts of British Columbia has seen one Interior community tie the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in Canada in the month of September. Environment Canada says temperatures in Lytton, B.C., hit 40 C on Tuesday, matching the September record previously set in Manitoba, while ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Five things to know about public service job action in British Columbia
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
VICTORIA — Job action affecting public service workers in British Columbia got underway this week, after a strike notice issued by the B.C. General Employees’ Union expired on Tuesday. Here are five things you need to know about the dispute. WHAT’S BEHIND THE JOB ACTION? The union says talks over a new contract broke down ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Carney says there’s hope for trade deals with U.S. but ‘don’t expect white smoke’
By Canadian Press on September 3rd, 2025
TORONTO — Canada is making progress on “small” tariff deals with the U.S. for key sectors, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday after revealing he’d had a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney disclosed the call during a scrum with reporters outside a cabinet retreat in Toronto, saying he spoke with Trump ... Read More »
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