Lauren Collins

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Forests Minister Bruce Ralston speaks in Vancouver on Jan. 22, 2020. Ralston addressed some of the concerns in Westwold around a fish protection order during the province’s update on the wildfire and drought situation Sept. 13, 2023 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. forests minister asks for people to comply with fish protection orders

Ralston says salmon run would be wiped out without protection order in Westwold

Forests Minister Bruce Ralston speaks in Vancouver on Jan. 22, 2020. Ralston addressed some of the concerns in Westwold around a fish protection order during the province’s update on the wildfire and drought situation Sept. 13, 2023 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Emergency Health Service paramedics are reminding drivers on what to do if an emergency vehicle has its lights and sirens on. (Contributed photo).

‘Every minute counts’: B.C. drivers reminded to pull over for ambulances

Paramedics say they deal with drivers not obeying the rules daily

B.C. Emergency Health Service paramedics are reminding drivers on what to do if an emergency vehicle has its lights and sirens on. (Contributed photo).
An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. North Vancouver RCMP is warning both teens and adults to be aware of ongoing online sexual extortions, while also excouraging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of these scams. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Sexual extortion scams can happen in 20 minutes, B.C. RCMP warn

North Vancouver RCMP planning presentations to educate students on the dangers of it on social media

An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. North Vancouver RCMP is warning both teens and adults to be aware of ongoing online sexual extortions, while also excouraging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of these scams. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. B.C. Prosection Service won’t be approving charges against a VPD officer in connection with a 2021 arrest where the suspect suffered facial injuries that needed sutures and staples, as well as a fractured arm. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Vancouver Police officer won’t face charges after use of force

B.C. Prosecution Service says suspect was showing ‘dangerous and unpredictable behaviour’

A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. B.C. Prosection Service won’t be approving charges against a VPD officer in connection with a 2021 arrest where the suspect suffered facial injuries that needed sutures and staples, as well as a fractured arm. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Fraser Health has launched its virtual psychiatric unit September 2023. It’s the first of its kind in B.C. and had admitted and discharged 140 patients so far. (Fraser Health)

Fraser Health launches 1st virtual psychiatry unit in B.C.

It operates the like a brick-and-mortar hospital, but patients are in the comfort of their own home

Fraser Health has launched its virtual psychiatric unit September 2023. It’s the first of its kind in B.C. and had admitted and discharged 140 patients so far. (Fraser Health)
B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside steps away from the podium after speaking during a news conference in Vancouver, on Monday, January 30, 2023. Whiteside was at the Metro Vancouver’s mayors council on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 to discuss the issues around public drug use. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Decriminalization meant to save lives in toxic drug crisis: Whiteside

Mental Health and Addictions Minister speaks to Metro Vancouver mayors committe on public drug use

B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside steps away from the podium after speaking during a news conference in Vancouver, on Monday, January 30, 2023. Whiteside was at the Metro Vancouver’s mayors council on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 to discuss the issues around public drug use. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Prince George RCMP is investigating an arson at a logging site that damaged approximately $1 million worth of equipment. Police say it happened sometime over the 2023 Labour Day weekend. (Prince George RCMP)

$1M worth of equipment damaged in Prince George logging-site arson: RCMP

Employees found 3 machines burned beyond repair

Prince George RCMP is investigating an arson at a logging site that damaged approximately $1 million worth of equipment. Police say it happened sometime over the 2023 Labour Day weekend. (Prince George RCMP)
North Vancouver RCMP say in three weeks it has received three anonymous thank-you letters including a cash donation. Const. Mansoor Sahak said the detachment is asking people to refrain from mailing money to the detachment. (Mike Davies/Campbell River Mirror)

Someone keeps anonymously mailing cash to this B.C. RCMP detachment

North Vancouver RCMP asks people to not include a cash donation in thank-you cards

North Vancouver RCMP say in three weeks it has received three anonymous thank-you letters including a cash donation. Const. Mansoor Sahak said the detachment is asking people to refrain from mailing money to the detachment. (Mike Davies/Campbell River Mirror)
Debris blew up the block from the explosion that utterly destroyed the long abandoned Achillion Restaurant in downtown Prince George on Aug. 22, 2023. (Frank Peebles photo - Quesnel Cariboo Observer)

Damaged natural gas line led to Prince George explosion: RCMP

Investigators say people broke into the building overnight, were unaware of natural gas buildup

Debris blew up the block from the explosion that utterly destroyed the long abandoned Achillion Restaurant in downtown Prince George on Aug. 22, 2023. (Frank Peebles photo - Quesnel Cariboo Observer)
The Bush Creek East wildfire in the Shuswap has burned an estimated 43,084 hectares as of Aug. 31, 2023. Because of severe drought conditions, if regions get too much rain too quickly this fall it could lead to flooding, but if there’s not enough rain the drought season could continue into 2024. (BC Wildfire Service)

Drought conditions in B.C. a ‘sleeping giant of a natural disaster’

But too much rain too quickly could lead to similar issues following the 2021 atmospheric rivers

The Bush Creek East wildfire in the Shuswap has burned an estimated 43,084 hectares as of Aug. 31, 2023. Because of severe drought conditions, if regions get too much rain too quickly this fall it could lead to flooding, but if there’s not enough rain the drought season could continue into 2024. (BC Wildfire Service)
B.C.’s ombudsperson Jay Chalke has released his latest report, “Misinformed,” which details the experience of a former youth in care who was removed from her home by the Children and Family Development Ministry before being transferred into her aunt’s custody at the age of 17. She was ultimately given incorrect information that she would be entitled to financial help for post-secondary school. (Office of the Ombudsperson/Special to Langley Advance Times)

B.C. failed youth in care with bad info, may have failed others: report

Jay Chalke says the Children and Family Development has rejected 3 of 5 recommendations

B.C.’s ombudsperson Jay Chalke has released his latest report, “Misinformed,” which details the experience of a former youth in care who was removed from her home by the Children and Family Development Ministry before being transferred into her aunt’s custody at the age of 17. She was ultimately given incorrect information that she would be entitled to financial help for post-secondary school. (Office of the Ombudsperson/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Kookipi Creek wildfire, near Boston Bar, Boothroyd and Nahatlach Lake. Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston provided the latest update on the wildfire and drought siuation in the province Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (BC Wildfire Service/Facebook)

Disaster relief available for communities impacted by 2023 B.C. wildfires

It comes as more than 2.2 million hectares have burned in the province since April 1

Kookipi Creek wildfire, near Boston Bar, Boothroyd and Nahatlach Lake. Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston provided the latest update on the wildfire and drought siuation in the province Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (BC Wildfire Service/Facebook)
Mental Health Minister Jennifer Whiteside speaking in Surrey May 5, 2023. Whiteside announced the province would be funding $3 million over the next three years toward the YMCA B.C.’s Y Mind and Mind Medicine programs for people aged 13 to 30 to learn strategies to cope with stress and anxiety (Photo: Anna Burns)

B.C. funding $3M toward YMCA mental health program in 30 communities

Y Mind is aimed at teaching people strategies to cope with stress and anxiety

Mental Health Minister Jennifer Whiteside speaking in Surrey May 5, 2023. Whiteside announced the province would be funding $3 million over the next three years toward the YMCA B.C.’s Y Mind and Mind Medicine programs for people aged 13 to 30 to learn strategies to cope with stress and anxiety (Photo: Anna Burns)
A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver on January 9, 2021. Vancouver Police say two people have been charged in what they say was a “brazen and violent” home invasion Aug. 24, 2023 that left a grandmother injured and nine teens “badly shaken.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Man, teen charged in ‘violent’ Vancouver home invasion that left grandma injured

17-year-old from Vancouver was also apprehended, but later released

A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver on January 9, 2021. Vancouver Police say two people have been charged in what they say was a “brazen and violent” home invasion Aug. 24, 2023 that left a grandmother injured and nine teens “badly shaken.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The Kookipi Creek wildfire is an estimated 18,045.3 hectares as of Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 and remains out of control. (BC Wildfire Service)

Evacuation orders downgraded for Kookipi Creek, Stein Mountain wildfires

Kookipi Creek is an estimated 18,045.3 ha., while Stein Mountain is 4,667.3 ha.

The Kookipi Creek wildfire is an estimated 18,045.3 hectares as of Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 and remains out of control. (BC Wildfire Service)
There are 66 firefighters responding to the Upper Park Rill wildfire, including two danger tree fallers. While B.C. isn’t yet in the clear for this wildfire season, the BC Wildfire Service’s operations director says the agency is already starting to plan out what the fall and next season could look like. (BC Wildfire Service)

BC Wildfire Service already planning for the fall, next season

Crews will be ready to respond for off-season hazards, if needed

There are 66 firefighters responding to the Upper Park Rill wildfire, including two danger tree fallers. While B.C. isn’t yet in the clear for this wildfire season, the BC Wildfire Service’s operations director says the agency is already starting to plan out what the fall and next season could look like. (BC Wildfire Service)
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, 2019. (Black Press Media files)

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to stay open over Labour Day weekend

It will then be inaccessible starting Sept. 5 as the province, Lil’wat Nation have ongoing talks

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, 2019. (Black Press Media files)
This undated photo provided by NOAA Fisheries shows a yelloweye rockfish. Fisheries and Oceans Canada says conservation and protection officers are concerned about what they claim is “rampant illegal fishing” of rockfish populations in Metro Vancouver. (NOAA Fisheries via AP)

‘Rampant illegal fishing’ near Vancouver compromising rockfish populations: DFO

Rockfish Conservation Areas are closed to all fishing for finfish

This undated photo provided by NOAA Fisheries shows a yelloweye rockfish. Fisheries and Oceans Canada says conservation and protection officers are concerned about what they claim is “rampant illegal fishing” of rockfish populations in Metro Vancouver. (NOAA Fisheries via AP)
An orphaned black bear cub is recovering after being injured in wildfires in the Shuswap area. BC Conservation Officer Service said the bear was first spotted in the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw First Nation community near Chase. (BCCOS)

Orphaned black bear rescued in Shuswap area now recovering in Smithers

BC Conservation Officer Service says bear’s sibling was put down due to severe injuries

An orphaned black bear cub is recovering after being injured in wildfires in the Shuswap area. BC Conservation Officer Service said the bear was first spotted in the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw First Nation community near Chase. (BCCOS)
The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police “E” Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Fri, April 13, 2018. Prince George RCMP say 23-year-old Zain Wood has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 22-year-old woman Thursday (Aug. 31, 2023). THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Man charged in homicide of 22-year-old Prince George woman: RCMP

Zain Wood, 23, charged with 1st-degree murder

The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police “E” Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Fri, April 13, 2018. Prince George RCMP say 23-year-old Zain Wood has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 22-year-old woman Thursday (Aug. 31, 2023). THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck