LOCAL

New Medical School in Surrey Aims to Tackle B.C.’s Doctor Shortage

Published

1 year ago

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British Columbia has announced the launch of a new medical school at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Surrey — the first new medical school in Western Canada in more than half a century. The facility, expected to cost about $520 million, is being developed in partnership between the provincial government and SFU, with the first class of 48 students set to begin in 2026 at an interim location.

The new program will expand to a permanent, purpose-built campus by 2030. Provincial officials say the school is a crucial step toward solving B.C.’s doctor shortage, which has left hundreds of thousands of residents without regular access to primary care.

Training the Next Generation of Doctors

Health experts and policymakers have called the announcement a major milestone, though they note that the benefits may take time to materialize. Training new physicians is a lengthy process, and existing bottlenecks in residency placements and licensing could delay workforce entry.

The government plans to collaborate with health authorities to ensure clinical placements are distributed across both urban and rural regions. Advocates from smaller communities in the North and Interior hope the new medical school will include strategies to attract and retain doctors in underserved areas.

Boosting Innovation and Regional Growth

The Surrey campus represents not only an investment in healthcare but also in economic development. Local leaders believe the project will drive innovation in medical research and technology, strengthening a health sciences corridor between Surrey and Burnaby.

However, critics warn that unless systemic issues such as burnout, administrative red tape, and pay disparities are addressed, producing more graduates may not be enough. As B.C. works to stabilize its healthcare system, this new medical school could prove a defining test of whether long-term investments can lead to meaningful, province-wide change.

 


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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

on

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

on

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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