Latest from Dirk Meissner
Growth in illegal tobacco sales costing 3 provinces $2.47 billion in taxes: retail report
The governments of British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador lost up to $2.47 billion in tax revenues over four years due to the growth in illegal tobacco sales, says a convenience industry report.
B.C. United MLA Bruce Banman says he needs 'more information' on climate change, defects to Conservatives
A member of the Opposition B.C. United caucus has crossed the floor to join British Columbia's Conservatives.
Williams Lake First Nation purchases former residential school site with province's help
In a written statement on Tuesday, Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars said the return of the St. Joseph's Mission Residential School site to the control and stewardship of Indigenous people is an important step to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system in B.C.
'People in B.C. are already hurting': Premier David Eby urges Bank of Canada to halt rate hikes
In a letter to Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem, B.C. Premier David Eby said further interest rate increases pose a danger not just to homeowners looking to renew mortgages but to renters, students, seniors, families and small businesses looking to pay bills.
How wildfire in B.C.'s Shuswap region is fanning political flames
The wildfire that has been rampaging through the Shuswap region of B.C.'s southern Interior has also sparked a fight over whether local Opposition MLAs have been encouraging residents to disobey firefighters, or if the government is refusing to listen to critics of its response to the fires.
B.C.'s audited budget for 2022-23 shows $704M surplus, contrary to earlier forecast of $5.5B deficit
The B.C. government originally forecast a $5.5-billion deficit before revising the prediction to a surplus of almost $6 billion, then downgrading it to a $3.6-billion surplus. The audited numbers now show a surplus of $704 million.
Evacuated Salvation Army leader supports Kelowna area fire fight with free meals
Jennifer Henson was evacuated from her home in the West Kelowna, B.C., area last week, but that hasn't stopped the Westside Salvation Army captain from feeding firefighters and other evacuees.
B.C. firefighters honour Ont. wildfire fighter Zak Muise at memorial and on frontline
Firefighters on British Columbia's northern wildfire frontline wore black bandanas Wednesday while others carrying helmets and axes marched in Penticton, B.C. during a memorial procession to honour colleague Zak Muise.
Province orders City of Surrey to stick with transition to municipal police force
"͞The Surrey Police Service is the only path forward to ensuring the safety of the people of Surrey, as well as people across the province," said Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
Military begins deployment, highway to Bella Coola closed as hundreds of wildfires burn across B.C.
A working group comprised of members of Public Safety Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces and British Columbia emergency management and wildfire officials are set to meet today as several hundred blazes burn across the province.