LOCAL

BC Expands Provincial Nominee Program with New Invitations

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2025

VICTORIA, B.C. — The British Columbia government has issued a new round of invitations under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), targeting both skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs. On October 2, a total of 474 skilled workers and 11 entrepreneurs received invitations to apply for permanent residency, underscoring the province’s ongoing effort to attract global talent and strengthen its labour market.

Supporting Key Sectors and Regional Growth

The latest draw follows an expanded allocation of nomination spots granted by the federal government, giving B.C. more flexibility to select candidates with high-impact skills. Provincial officials emphasized the need to fill roles in health care, technology, and other high-demand industries, while also supporting small business development through the entrepreneur immigration stream. These efforts are designed to enhance long-term economic resilience while addressing immediate workforce gaps.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

The Provincial Nominee Program remains one of B.C.’s most important immigration pathways, enabling the province to handpick candidates who align with regional economic priorities. The PNP allows employers to access international talent more efficiently, ensuring that newcomers can contribute quickly to local industries and communities. By expanding its reach, B.C. aims to make immigration a key driver of sustainable economic growth.

Building the Workforce of the Future

With demand for skilled labour continuing to rise, B.C.’s latest draw signals a strong commitment to both welcome newcomers and strategically shape its future workforce. Officials say that future draws will maintain a focus on priority sectors and regions, ensuring that the benefits of immigration are distributed across the province’s growing and diverse communities.

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LOCAL

Community Safety Highlighted After Gunshots Hit Fort St. John Home

Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after gunshots struck a home on Saturday. Police confirm no injuries were reported in the residential incident.

Published

2 days ago

October 25, 2026

Current Editor

RCMP Respond to Shooting in Residential Area

An investigation is underway in Fort St. John, B.C., after a local home was struck by gunfire on Saturday.

RCMP officers were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple public reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a residence had been hit several times.

Police Warn of Danger to Neighbourhood

No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the severe potential risks associated with the incident.

“Cpl. Brett Urano says it was fortunate no one was injured, but the potential for a tragic outcome can’t be understated,” police stated. Officials added that discharging firearms in a residential area puts innocent individuals and families at serious risk.

LOCAL

Suspect Arrested in North Kelowna Hit-and-Run After Multi-Unit RCMP Search

Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP arrested a hit-and-run suspect after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake on Oct. 24. No injuries reported.

Published

2 days ago

October 25, 2026

Current Editor

Hit-and-Run Incident Causes Traffic Delay on Highway 97

A driver attempting to flee on foot following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake was taken into custody by police on Saturday, Oct. 24. The collision in North Kelowna resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl while emergency responders managed the scene.

Extensive Police Response Leads to Arrest

Witnesses contacted authorities after observing the driver of a black sedan abandon the vehicle and run into a nearby green space. Multiple law enforcement teams were dispatched to track down the fleeing suspect, including the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit, the Kelowna RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, frontline officers, Lake Country RCMP, Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.

According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, officers located and arrested the suspected driver close to the crash site shortly after the search began.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities reported that no injuries occurred as a result of the collision. “Investigators believe alcohol and speed were factors in the collision,” Lang stated.

HEALTH

Coquihalla Highway Reopens Near Merritt Following Morning Crash That Injured Four

The Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt has reopened following a Saturday morning vehicle crash that resulted in four people being taken to the hospital.

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Current Editor

Traffic Resumes Following Serious Morning Incident

Four people were hospitalized, including three in critical condition, after a motor vehicle incident occurred north of Merritt on Saturday morning, October 17.

DriveBC reported that the Coquihalla Highway was reopened in both directions from Exit 290 to Exit 315 at approximately 4:00 p.m., following the earlier closure.

Emergency Responders Deploy Air Ambulances

BC Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources after receiving a call at approximately 8:35 a.m. The response included two air ambulances, three primary care paramedic ambulances, one advanced care paramedic ambulance, and a paramedic supervisor.

According to BCEHS, crews provided emergency medical care at the scene. Two of the three critically injured patients were flown to the hospital via air ambulance, while a fourth patient was taken to the hospital in stable condition.