Author: Andrew Rogers

British Columbia has announced a major cabinet shuffle to focus on jobs, economic growth, and new technologies. Premier David Eby made the changes to build a stronger economy and reduce the province’s reliance on the United States. Rick Glumac is now the new Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies. He will focus on areas like AI, quantum computing, and life sciences. Glumac brings past experience from his time as Parliamentary Secretary for Technology and Minister of State for Trade. Diana Gibson, who served for eight months as Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, has been reassigned.…

Health experts have started a new project in British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky region to monitor mosquito activity and learn more about the diseases they may carry. The three-month study aims to understand the mosquito types living in the area and assess the risks they pose to public health. Special traps have been placed in different parts of the region, including areas near Howe Sound, Whistler, and Pemberton. This comes after four people were diagnosed with mosquito-borne illnesses late last year. All four experienced brain swelling but have since recovered. Experts believe the infections were picked up locally. Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, a…

The British Columbia government has reversed a controversial decision to cut funding for a rare disease drug, following widespread public backlash. This change came after four members of the provincial Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases Committee resigned in protest. Health Minister Josie Osborne announced the reversal on Thursday and apologized to the family of 10-year-old Charleigh Pollock the following day. Pollock is the only known person in B.C. with Batten disease, a rare and incurable condition that causes seizures, loss of motor functions, and blindness. The medication, Brineura, helps slow the disease’s progression and costs nearly $1 million per year.…

A major labor conflict is brewing in British Columbia as the union representing 34,000 public service workers moves toward a strike vote. Months of contract talks have ended without a deal, prompting concerns about staff shortages and service disruptions across the province. The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) says its members are facing growing financial strain. The cost of living continues to rise, but wages have not kept up. Union president Paul Finch says this is causing experienced workers to leave, including wildland firefighters who are essential during wildfire season. Finch warns that without better pay and updated working conditions,…

Many drivers feel confident behind the wheel, thinking they know exactly how to handle speed. That includes those who feel comfortable driving at 50 km/h, even in residential or less busy areas. But even confident drivers are now being urged to rethink their habits as more cities reduce speed limits to 40 km/h or less. The change may seem minor, but the science behind it is strong. Even a small reduction in speed can lead to a major drop in accidents. Experts say that reducing average speed by just 10 km/h can cut the chance of crashes by 20 to…

Several Vancouver beaches are closed to swimmers this weekend due to high levels of E. coli in the water. The closures come just as the city prepares for major events, including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks. Vancouver Coastal Health has marked nine beaches as unsafe for swimming. These are Ambleside Beach, Wreck Beach, English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, Second Beach, Sunset Beach, Third Beach, Lions Bay, and Trout Lake. The unsafe levels of E. coli present a health risk to the public. Three more beaches — Dundarave Beach, Sandy Beach, and Eagle Harbour —…