Escalating Trade War Triggers Economic Concerns

As trade tensions worsen between Canada and the United States, British Columbia could face severe economic fallout, with estimates indicating 11,200 jobs in the province are in jeopardy. The situation makes B.C. the most impacted province per capita across Canada, according to the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, which noted that roughly 14 per cent of the province’s overall exports are directly affected.

Provincial Leadership Pushes for Stronger Countermeasures

Speaking from a Vancouver liquor store on Tuesday afternoon—a location highlighting B.C.’s standing ban on American alcohol products—Premier David Eby backed federal countermeasures while pressing for further action. “The only way to deal with a thug and a bully is to stand up to him,” Eby said. “That’s why the prime minister’s step was the right one.”

Eby urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to consider non-tariff pressure tactics, such as restricting U.S. access to thermal coal export terminals located at Roberts Bank. The American energy sector relies on the B.C. facility because shipping coal from domestic U.S. ports remains difficult. Eby mentioned the idea, previously brought forward by former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad, stating, “I think that this is something that the federal government should be looking at as well.”

Tariffs Follow Collapsed Trade Negotiations

The latest bilateral strain follows the breakdown of bilateral talks over the weekend. U.S. President Donald Trump launched a 50 per cent tariff targeting roughly $30 billion in Canadian exports, which went into force on Saturday. In response, Prime Minister Carney announced matching retaliatory duties on American products ranging from 15 to 50 per cent to offset the impact “dollar for dollar.” The Canadian tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 8.

Local Businesses and Supply Chains Face Hardships

Describing the retaliatory actions as a “body blow” for the provincial business community, B.C. Chamber of Commerce President Jen Riley warned that sectors like forestry are facing heightened risks. The industry is already struggling under existing softwood lumber duties that triggered mill closures provincewide. Riley pointed out that damage spreads beyond primary sites to downstream regional industries, such as Delta trucking operations forced to transport reduced freight loads. B.C. firms are also struggling with critical imported inputs, such as specialized agricultural machinery that cannot be easily replaced locally.

Riley plans to meet with federal and provincial representatives to advocate for long-term economic relief and sector-specific supports. Meanwhile, Ryan Mitton of the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses cautioned governments against repeating previous pandemic-era relief errors, where small business owners faced complicated applications and long delays. Mitton cited complex cross-border supply chains, such as local agricultural products exported south for pet food processing before returning to Canadian retail shelves, as examples of operations getting hit from both directions.

Eby signaled agreement with these business concerns, promising that B.C. is advocating for simplified support programs for small and medium enterprises. “They’re going to need additional support, and they don’t need a huge number of complicated processes to go through,” Eby said.

Parole Board Rejects Full Release

The Parole Board of Canada determined on Aug. 19 that releasing David Ennis on full parole would pose an undue risk to the public, concluding his risk of committing another offence remains elevated. Ennis, previously known as David Shearing, is currently serving a life sentence for six counts of second-degree murder.

In its written decision, the board emphasized that Ennis’ release would fail to support public safety or facilitate his safe reintegration into the community as a law-abiding citizen. His prospects for successfully returning to society were rated as low, with officials noting he lacked a submitted community strategy, confirmed housing, or employment plans. Although Ennis expressed a desire to reside near his wife—who, alongside two friends, was recognized as a positive support—these factors were insufficient to mitigate safety concerns.

Psychological Assessment Details Risk Factors

A Psychological Risk Assessment conducted in June 2026 revealed that while Ennis claimed he no longer experiences violent sexual fantasies, he continues to report non-violent sexual role-playing fantasies with dominant themes. During evaluations, the convict admitted that he likely would have carried out similar crimes in the future had he not been arrested.

Psychologists evaluated his risk of sexual violence recidivism as low for escorted absences, low-to-medium for unescorted absences, and moderate regarding full parole. However, the report cautioned Ennis that any future sexual offence could cause severe harm or death, warning that his risk will never be fully eliminated.

Details of the 1982 Crime

Ennis was convicted for the August 1982 murders of six family members visiting from West Kelowna. The victims included Bob and Jackie Johnson, their daughters Janet, 13, and Karen, 11, as well as Jackie’s parents, George and Edith Bentley. Ennis stalked the group for days while they were camping at Wells Gray Provincial Park before fatally shooting all four adults at their campsite.

He then held the two young girls captive for several days, sexually assaulting the eldest, before murdering them both. To destroy evidence, Ennis placed all six bodies into the family vehicle and set it on fire. Following a waiver of his right to a hearing in March, the board conducted a legislative review that culminated in this fourth denial of full parole.

New Court Dates Set Following In-Camera Hearing

A new trial date of February 2027 has been scheduled for Const. Ryan Johnston, a Central Saanich Police Service officer facing a sexual assault charge.

Johnston was originally slated to go to trial on Monday, Aug. 24. However, proceedings before Justice Bradford Smith took place mostly in camera while the court and legal counsel addressed an upcoming hearing regarding the admissibility of undisclosed evidence. Justice Smith scheduled an application hearing on the matter for December.

Background and Involvement of Multiple Agencies

The Vancouver Police Department initially announced charges in December 2024 against Johnston and Sgt. Matthew Ball, alleging each officer had a single count of sexual assault. Ball was additionally accused of breach of trust. According to investigators from the Vancouver Police Department, evidence indicated both officers separately engaged in intimate, inappropriate relationships at different times with a vulnerable woman they encountered through their official duties. Ball died by suicide the day after the charges were made public, as reported by other media outlets.

During Monday’s court appearance, legal representatives attended on behalf of Johnston, the Crown, the victim, the Central Saanich Police Service, the Victoria Police Department, and an unnamed female VicPD officer. The reason for VicPD’s legal representation in the proceedings remains unclear.

According to coverage by the Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, Vernon Morning Star, and Penticton Western News, Johnston was officially charged with one count of sexual assault in 2024.