Tuesday, December 30, 2025
ADVT 
National

Throne speech starts off B.C. legislature

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Feb, 2023 10:52 AM
  • Throne speech starts off B.C. legislature

VICTORIA - British Columbia's economy will be a key focus for politicians as they return to the legislature for the spring sitting.

Premier David Eby says economists are predicating a "global slowdown and potentially recession" and his government is focused on keeping the economy strong by building trade relationships and supporting businesses.

The session starts with a speech from the throne today, which Eby says will outline the government's key priorities of health care, housing, public safety and the economy.

However, Eby won't be there for the start of the session.

He'll be travelling to Ottawa where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hosting a first ministers' meeting to try to work out an agreement with the provinces and territories for increased funding for health care.

B.C. house leader Ravi Kahlon says the government has plans to introduce more than two dozen pieces of legislation during the session, which is set to conclude in May.

The government will table its budget at the end of the month.

MORE National ARTICLES

'Volatile' patient arrested at B.C. hospital

'Volatile' patient arrested at B.C. hospital
Vancouver Police say an investigation is underway after a patient allegedly armed with a knife chased a doctor at BC Women's Hospital and tried to access a locked nursery as staff hid to protect themselves. Sgt. Steve Addison says he has listened to chilling 911 calls from staff and social workers fearful of the volatile woman, whose child is also a patient at the hospital. 

'Volatile' patient arrested at B.C. hospital

Japanese Yakuza link in B.C. drug bust: RCMP

Japanese Yakuza link in B.C. drug bust: RCMP
A statement from the RCMP's federal serious and organized crime team says the investigation began in August 2019, when the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a 12-kilogram shipment of methamphetamine destined for Japan.

Japanese Yakuza link in B.C. drug bust: RCMP

Charges laid in March 2022 Langley homicide

Charges laid in March 2022 Langley homicide
Following a six-month investigation, IHIT investigators identified Justin Bos as a suspect in the homicide of Mr. Mostat. On September 21, 2022, Bos was arrested by IHIT for the murder and charged with second degree murder of Cody Mostat.   

Charges laid in March 2022 Langley homicide

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week
Merritt’s chief administrative officer says the one-year trial, approved by council on Tuesday, will see city hall closed on Mondays, with operational hours extended Tuesday through Friday to 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., an extra hour and 45 minutes each day.

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to let a cabinet order enforcing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Canadian border expire at the end of this month. The change will also bring an end to COVID-19 border testing, which is currently mandatory for unvaccinated international travellers and random for those who are vaccinated.

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care
Malcolmson says the money will be spread across regional health authorities to provide training and resources for health workers caring for people experiencing a mental health crisis, with the aim of reducing suicide deaths. Malcolmson's ministry says the provincial coroners service investigated 582 suicide deaths last year, down from 597 in 2020 and 634 in 2019.

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care