Latest from Brenna Owen
B.C.'s low snowpack and early melt signal drought, raising concerns for hydro power
Drier, warmer weather in much of British Columbia last month has contributed to an early melt, raising concern for widespread drought this summer, the province's latest snowpack and water supply bulletin says.
Grey whale Little Patch mesmerizes, sparks connection in Metro Vancouver
Researchers first identified Little Patch in 1991, making him about 35 years old. This spring marks his first-known visit to Vancouver.
Planned burn could have killed trapped firefighters, says B.C. safety report
Inspection reports by WorkSafeBC say a planned burn by the province's wildfire service in 2023 could have killed or injured multiple firefighters from Brazil who became "trapped by extreme fire behaviour" that cut off their escape.
Pace of rent increases slows, but housing costs still rising in Metro Vancouver
The pace of rent increases in Metro Vancouver slowed last year compared with 2023, and the rental stock is growing, but there's a shortage of units for families, and the wait-list for social housing is getting longer, a new report has found.
Tŝilhqot'in Nation at UN calls for government help battling toxic drug crisis
Tsilhqot'in National Government Vice-Chief Francis Laceese said the crisis is a "continuation" of threats Indigenous Peoples have faced in the form of residential schools and the smallpox epidemic that devastated Indigenous communities in B.C. in the early 1860s.
Poilievre proposes letting judges order drug treatment for addiction
The Conservative Party Leader says his government would give judges the option to order mandatory drug treatment as a substitute for incarceration in some criminal cases.
'Sign of hope' for endangered killer whales as research centre confirms newborn calf
The Centre for Whale Research says the newborn was spotted swimming alongside a whale known as J40 near Victoria on Sunday. It's thought to be the orca's first calf.
Poilievre stands by B.C. candidate called out for residential school posts
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre told a news conference in Osoyoos, B.C., that accusations about North-Island Powell River candidate Aaron Gunn are "misinformation," after he was called out over posts he made stating that the residential school system did not constitute genocide.
B.C. NDP fast-tracking end of consumer carbon tax; premier says gas to drop 17 cents
B.C.'s government is fast-tracking the end of its consumer carbon tax ahead of the lifting of the federal equivalent on Tuesday, with Premier David Eby saying consumers should expect immediate price relief at the gas pumps.
B.C. launches spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign as respiratory season comes to a close
British Columbia's top doctor says respiratory illness season has come to an end, but the province will soon launch a spring COVID-19 immunization campaign and encourages everyone to ensure they're fully protected against measles.