A grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers near a river in the Bella Coola Valley of the Nuxalk Nation on Thursday, resulting in several injuries, some critical. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is working to locate and capture the bear, while authorities have urged residents to avoid the area. According to reports, teachers intervened using bear spray and bear bangers. The Nuxalk Nation chief warned people to stay indoors. The Acwsalcta School announced its closure on Friday due to the incident, and expressed support for those affected.
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Three workers are trapped in the Red Chris gold and copper mine in British Columbia after two rockfalls on Tuesday. A remote-controlled scoop is clearing debris while specialized drones assess underground conditions. The trapped workers have access to air, food, and water in a refuge chamber and were able to relocate there after the initial rockfall. Production has been halted while the rescue efforts continue, and the company is attempting to restore communication with the trapped individuals.
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The British Columbia government announced the termination of funding for nine-year-old Charleigh Pollock’s $1 million-per-year Brineura treatment for CLN2, a rare and terminal disease. This decision, based on Health Minister Josie Osborne’s statement, stems from independent expert review concluding Charleigh’s condition has progressed beyond the point where the drug effectively slows disease progression. While acknowledging the family’s distress, the ministry cited clinical criteria established by Health Canada’s drug agency as the basis for this funding cessation. The family, however, maintains that Charleigh continues to benefit from the medication and urges the province to reconsider.
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In response to U.S. tariffs and Elon Musk’s political affiliations, the British Columbia government has removed Tesla products from its EV charger rebate program. This decision, supported by Premier David Eby and Energy Minister Adrian Dix, reflects a broader strategy to prioritize Canadian-made goods and limit taxpayer subsidies for American products. Purchases made before March 12th remain eligible for rebates, while Tesla products remain available for sale in the province. The move is the latest action taken by the government to counter the effects of U.S. trade policies.
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British Columbia has eliminated government subsidies for Tesla chargers, citing a preference for Canadian goods and targeting Elon Musk’s support for Donald Trump. The decision excludes Tesla from rebates covering up to 50% of home charger installation costs, while other US brands remain eligible. Premier David Eby stated the move is specifically aimed at Musk, due to public opposition to taxpayer funds benefiting him. Tesla’s stock has already fallen significantly amidst weakening European sales and increased competition.
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British Columbia Premier David Eby announced the removal of all U.S. liquor products from provincial stores, escalating the province’s response to perceived economic threats from the United States. This decision follows previous actions targeting goods from specific U.S. states and comes amidst concerns regarding potential tariffs on B.C.’s dairy and lumber industries, along with broader geopolitical tensions. The province will also implement legislation taxing U.S. trucks en route to Alaska and introduce measures to address interprovincial trade barriers. Eby emphasized B.C.’s determination to stand firm against what he characterized as destabilizing tactics from the U.S. government.
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British Columbia is expanding its ban on U.S. alcohol from government stores to all products, not just those from “red states,” in response to escalating trade disputes and tariff threats from the U.S. This decision, announced by Premier David Eby, aims to counter new U.S. threats targeting Canadian industries like dairy and lumber. While local producers are seeing increased demand, the ban presents challenges for B.C. bars and restaurants due to higher costs for substitutes and limited availability of certain products. The province intends to further leverage its economic power through potential new fees on U.S. trucks and a possible tax on U.S. coal exports, albeit while acknowledging potential impacts on Canadian jobs.
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In response to perceived economic threats from the U.S., British Columbia Premier David Eby announced plans to levy fees on U.S. commercial trucks traveling through the province to Alaska. This action, spurred by concerns over potential U.S. annexation, will be implemented via upcoming legislation. While details remain scarce, the move risks retaliatory tariffs and could impact Alaskan communities reliant on Canadian goods and services. The practicality and potential economic ramifications of this plan are yet to be fully disclosed.
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In response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs, Premier David Eby announced immediate countermeasures to protect B.C. businesses and workers. These measures include halting the purchase of American liquor from Republican-led states and prioritizing Canadian goods and services in government procurement. Eby framed the tariffs as an “unprecedented attack” on the Canada-U.S. relationship, threatening further retaliatory actions, including potential export bans, if the situation escalates. These actions follow a provincial analysis projecting significant economic damage—$69 billion in losses and 124,000 job losses—from the tariffs. A delegation of premiers will travel to Washington D.C. to lobby against the tariffs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker