Category: Vancouver, BC

Proposed class action against B.C. argues foreign-buyers’ tax unconstitutional

A 15-per-cent tax on foreign homebuyers in Metro Vancouver is unconstitutional and unfairly discriminates against people from Asia, a proposed class-action lawsuit against the British Columbia government argues. An amended document filed in B.C. Supreme Court last week argues the so-called foreign-buyers’ tax is unconstitutional because it violates equality rights by making an “arbitrary” distinction between those who are citizens and permanent residents of Canada and those who are not.

Most asylum seekers slip into B.C. through Peace Arch Park

Approximately 80 per cent of refugee claimants to B.C. cross the Canada-U.S. border through Peace Arch Park, in Surrey. The surge of asylum seekers walking across the Canada-U.S. border, in Surrey B.C., accounts for 80 per cent of the people who have made refugee claims in Vancouver, B.C., since April 2016.

LETTERS: Tracking our political leadership

Hooray! Another big step taken toward the rail-relocation goal. Thanks to Todd Stone, B.C.’s transportation and infrastructure minister, for his letter of support to Marc Garneau, federal minister of transportation, for the next step of moving the railway line off our beautiful beaches on this peninsula.

Researchers call this year’s flu vaccine effectiveness ‘decent’

This season’s influenza vaccine is estimated to have been more than 40 per cent effective in preventing illness with the dominant H3N2 viral strain in Canadians who got their shots, a national network of infectious diseases experts says. The Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network determines vaccine effectiveness by analyzing how many inoculated people tested positive for the flu virus compared to those who were unvaccinated.

Researchers call this year’s flu vaccine effectiveness ‘decent’

This season’s influenza vaccine is estimated to have been more than 40 per cent effective in preventing illness with the dominant H3N2 viral strain in Canadians who got their shots, a national network of infectious diseases experts says. The Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network determines vaccine effectiveness by analyzing how many inoculated people tested positive for the flu virus compared to those who were unvaccinated.

Winter wreaks havoc on B.C. roadways

The Ministry of Transportation is placing an advisory in effect for Highway 1 in both directions, between Craigalachie to the Alberta border. Accumulations of up to 30 cm are expected, followed by warming temperatures and rain in some areas, leading to slippery driving conditions.

Census 2016: Canada’s big cities home to big share of 35 million Canadians

In some ways a victim of his own success, the mayor of Kelowna h as been struggling in recent years to rein in his city as it slowly spreads across the B.C. interior, testing his ability to provide core municipal services and build badly needed infrastructure. Nor is the city’s middle-aged spread at all unique, according to the 2016 census data released Wednesday: Canada’s population of 35.15 million is settling in the bigger cities, ensuring they and their suburban neighbours keep growing, while small cities get smaller.

Canadians holding dual citizenship with countries targeted by immigration ban can’t enter U.S.

Zawenawedian Dawdian, 2, was one of a group of sponsored Syrian refugees who arrived in Toronto yesterday gathered at the Armenian Cultural Centre where they were paired up with their sponsored families on Wednesday December 16, 2015. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets 16-month-old Madeleine Jamkossian, right, and her father Kevork Jamkossian, refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war, during their arrival at Pearson International airport, in Toronto, on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015.

Rad 5k Brings Color to 2017

Last year, 42,000 racers enjoyed the colorful 5K course and 2017 promises to be better than ever as event organizers challenge racers to “Run Rad.” “Color Me RadA is an excuse to let loose!” said Color Me RadA spokesman Maxwell Christen.

Shuswap MLA satisfied with 2016

We are on track to have our entire operating debt written off in 2019, and that’s the first time since 1954. “It’s been a great year, with significant highway and infrastructure improvements,” he said, noting he was particularly pleased with the Malakwa Bridge project, which was on time and on budget, as well as the advancement of the Perry River bridge project.

Vancouver hotel manager guided newcomers into Canadian life

The families endured a frustrating period waiting to start their lives in a new land, but Mr. Ali and his staff tried their best to make the hotel feel like a home. The families endured a frustrating period waiting to start their lives in a new land, but Mr. Ali and his staff tried their best to make the hotel feel like a home.

Trudeau promises two emergency towing vessels for West Coast

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says two emergency towing vessels that were promised as part of a federal plan to protect Canada’s oceans will operate on the West Coast. The vessels will help the coast guard tow large commercial ships that are in distress and pose a hazard to navigation and the marine environment.