Katya Slepian

RCMP crest. (Black Press Media files)

UPDATE: Lockdown lifted after man with pellet gun found in Mackenzie, B.C.

RCMP say anyone who sees the man should call 911 and not approach

RCMP crest. (Black Press Media files)
(VPD)

Man charged more than 30 years after teen girl sexually assaulted in Vancouver

Joseph Richardson charged with sexual assault, assault, uttering threats, forcible confinement, theft

(VPD)
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry looks on as Health Minister Adrian Dix speaks about the COVID-19 vaccine card set to arrive in mid-September as they discuss details about the process during a press conference at provincial legislature in Victoria, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

3,300 unvaccinated B.C. health-care workers placed on unpaid leave following mandate

Vaccine mandate for health-care staff went into effect Oct. 26

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry looks on as Health Minister Adrian Dix speaks about the COVID-19 vaccine card set to arrive in mid-September as they discuss details about the process during a press conference at provincial legislature in Victoria, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
The B.C. Legislature flies the Canadian flag at half mast in Victoria, Friday, April 9, 2021 in honour of the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who died today at the age of 99. The flag will remain at half mast until after his funeral. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Unvaccinated B.C. public service staff to be placed on unpaid leave as of Nov. 22

Partially vaccinated employees will have 35 days to get their second dose

The B.C. Legislature flies the Canadian flag at half mast in Victoria, Friday, April 9, 2021 in honour of the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who died today at the age of 99. The flag will remain at half mast until after his funeral. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities in Sicamous B.C., on Thursday July 29, 2021. British Columbia is gearing up to respond to another heat wave by taking several steps including opening civic centres that would otherwise be closed so people can escape to a cool place if they lack air conditioning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Nearly 600 people died due to summer heat waves: BC Coroners Service

Vast majority occurred during June 25 to July 1 heat dome

Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities in Sicamous B.C., on Thursday July 29, 2021. British Columbia is gearing up to respond to another heat wave by taking several steps including opening civic centres that would otherwise be closed so people can escape to a cool place if they lack air conditioning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
FILE – Bell Canada head office is seen on Nun’s Island, Wednesday, August 5, 2015, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Monday mix-up: Some Bell customers saw their phones incorrectly fall back 1 hour

Customers took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the company

FILE – Bell Canada head office is seen on Nun’s Island, Wednesday, August 5, 2015, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
(Greyhound)
(Greyhound)
FILE – A syringe is loaded with COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic run by Vancouver Coastal Health, in Richmond, B.C., Saturday, April 10, 2021. (Canadian Press photo)

36 times more likely to die: B.C. CDC data lays out risks of COVID for the unvaccinated

Unvaccinated are nine times more likely to become infected

FILE – A syringe is loaded with COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic run by Vancouver Coastal Health, in Richmond, B.C., Saturday, April 10, 2021. (Canadian Press photo)
FILE – A costumed trick or treater turns after being given candy during Halloween celebrations in Toronto, on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Switching to LEDs could prevent frightening bills for Halloween mega displays: BC Hydro

More and more British Columbians are putting up ‘mega displays’ to make up for last year’s lacklustre holidays

FILE – A costumed trick or treater turns after being given candy during Halloween celebrations in Toronto, on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
FILE – A vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is seen at a one-day pop-up vaccination clinic at the Muslim Neighbour Nexus Mosque, in Mississauga, Ont., on Thursday, April 29, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Confused about COVID-19 booster shots? Here’s what you need to know

All British Columbians will be eligible to get a booster shot by the end of May 2022

FILE – A vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is seen at a one-day pop-up vaccination clinic at the Muslim Neighbour Nexus Mosque, in Mississauga, Ont., on Thursday, April 29, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
FILE – A woman wearing a face mask holds a sign while attending a rally and march organized by people opposed to COVID-19 vaccination passports and public health measures, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Workers who lose jobs over COVID vaccine mandates will not be eligible for lockdown benefit

Benefit will provide $300 per week for people who cannot work due to government lockdowns

FILE – A woman wearing a face mask holds a sign while attending a rally and march organized by people opposed to COVID-19 vaccination passports and public health measures, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
FILE - This May 16, 2020 file photo shows Air Canada check screens at Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)

Air Canada brings in antigen, molecular COVID self-testing kits for travellers

Test kits will not require going to a laboratory

FILE - This May 16, 2020 file photo shows Air Canada check screens at Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)
FILE – Children walk with their parents to Sherwood Park Elementary in North Vancouver for the first day back-to-school Thursday, September 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Teachers’ union calls for more speed, clarity on COVID-19 exposures

BCTF said teachers noticing ‘significant inconsistencies’ in how outbreaks, clusters, exposures are classified

FILE – Children walk with their parents to Sherwood Park Elementary in North Vancouver for the first day back-to-school Thursday, September 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
FILE – Hockey Canada logo at an event in Toronto on Wednesday Nov. 1, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

All players, coaches, spectators at Hockey Canada events must be vaccinated against COVID

Rules do not apply to minor hockey leagues or associations

FILE – Hockey Canada logo at an event in Toronto on Wednesday Nov. 1, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
FILE – Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has his provincial COVID-19 vaccine card scanned by White Spot restaurant general manager Bill Warwick, before having breakfast in Delta, B.C., on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C.’s vaccine card enters 2nd stage; bars, gyms, ticketed events to require 2 COVID shots

Vaccine card venues will be able to increase capacity to 100%

FILE – Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has his provincial COVID-19 vaccine card scanned by White Spot restaurant general manager Bill Warwick, before having breakfast in Delta, B.C., on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
(Pxhere)

Should B.C. have paid sick leave laws? Can employers afford it? Not everyone agrees

Countries like Germany have as many as 30 employer-paid sick days

(Pxhere)
B.C. Premier John Horgan speaks after the B.C. Lions CFL football team announced they would recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 at their Sept. 24 game against Saskatchewan, in Vancouver, on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Orange t-shirts with an Indigenous B.C. Lions logo by Kwakwaka'wakw-Tlingit artist Corrine Hunt will be handed out to 10,000 people at the game and tickets will be provided to 350 residential school survivors to attend. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Making travel plans? Pack your federal and B.C. vaccine cards, Horgan says

Federal vaccine card has information the B.C. version does not

B.C. Premier John Horgan speaks after the B.C. Lions CFL football team announced they would recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 at their Sept. 24 game against Saskatchewan, in Vancouver, on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Orange t-shirts with an Indigenous B.C. Lions logo by Kwakwaka'wakw-Tlingit artist Corrine Hunt will be handed out to 10,000 people at the game and tickets will be provided to 350 residential school survivors to attend. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has his provincial COVID-19 vaccine card scanned by White Spot restaurant general manager Bill Warwick, before having breakfast in Delta, B.C., on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. British Columbia’s COVID-19 vaccine card system went into effect Monday. Anyone who wants access to a range of non-essential indoor services must show proof of at least one dose of vaccine, with a second shot required by Oct. 24. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

18 tickets issued, 1,266 COVID-related complaints received in B.C. over vaccine cards

Many discretionary businesses must check vaccination status of customers prior to letting them in

Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has his provincial COVID-19 vaccine card scanned by White Spot restaurant general manager Bill Warwick, before having breakfast in Delta, B.C., on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. British Columbia’s COVID-19 vaccine card system went into effect Monday. Anyone who wants access to a range of non-essential indoor services must show proof of at least one dose of vaccine, with a second shot required by Oct. 24. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland holds a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Current COVID benefits to end Oct. 23, but new targeted aid will be available until May: Freeland

Aid will be targeted towards regions under lockdowns or for businesses with heavy losses

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland holds a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
FILE – Travellers pushing luggage on carts walk through Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., on Friday, July 30, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Trudeau unveils Canada’s new COVID vaccine passport for domestic, international travel

Proof of vaccination will show which vaccines Canadians received, and when

FILE – Travellers pushing luggage on carts walk through Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., on Friday, July 30, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck