LOCAL

British Columbia Aligns with Ottawa on U.S. Softwood Lumber Tariffs

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12 months ago

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VANCOUVER — British Columbia Premier David Eby announced that the province will not independently run anti-tariff advertisements targeting the American public. Instead, B.C. will align its communications with the federal government to present a unified front on U.S. softwood lumber tariffs.

Unified Strategy on Canada-U.S. Trade Relations

Speaking alongside Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister responsible for U.S. trade, Eby explained that the decision reflects a broader effort to coordinate messaging with Ottawa. The aim is to maintain a consistent strategy as Canada continues discussions with Washington on long-standing softwood lumber disputes.

Eby noted that the idea for an anti-tariff ad campaign was raised during a Vancouver summit focused on stabilizing B.C.’s forest industry, which has faced challenges due to ongoing American duties and fees.

Shift Toward an Integrated Federal-Provincial Approach

According to Eby, LeBlanc and his federal trade team emphasized the importance of an “integrated approach” to communications with the United States. British Columbia will now ensure that any future outreach or advocacy efforts regarding the lumber trade are consistent with federal objectives.

Response to U.S. Political Pressure

The decision follows recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who cited Ontario’s anti-tariff campaign as a reason for halting trade talks with Canada. Eby said that British Columbia’s priority is to avoid actions that could complicate federal negotiations.

Background: Ongoing Tariffs on Canadian Lumber

In September, the Trump administration imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Canadian lumber producers, with rates ranging from 26% to more than 47%. The administration later threatened an additional 10% tariff, claiming that Canada’s forestry sector poses a risk to U.S. national security.

These measures have intensified pressure on Canada’s forestry-dependent regions, particularly British Columbia, where lumber exports play a vital economic role. Industry leaders have called for stronger diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute and stabilize cross-border trade.

By Current News Room

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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

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October 25, 2026

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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.

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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

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October 25, 2026

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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.

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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

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October 21, 2026

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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.

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