Eby defends debt as required to build for the future, improve infrastructure
British Columbia Premier David Eby is defending his approach to the government's record budget deficit, comparing it to buying a home for a family's future.
Ashley Joannou
While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Ashley Joannou.
B.C. tables treaty legislation after 30-year negotiation with K'omoks First Nation
A First Nation in British Columbia is one step closer to a fully ratified treaty after the province tabled implementation legislation on Tuesday, about 30 years after negotiations began.
18,000 lives later, B.C. marks 10 years since declaring overdose emergency
Events are planned across British Columbia today to mark 10 years since the province declared a public health emergency related to the overdose crisis that has since killed more than 18,000 people.
Decade of death: With 18,000 lives lost, B.C. counts cost of 10-year drug emergency
VANCOUVER -- Brandon Jansen's mother says he was a warm and inviting "health nut" who enjoyed time at the gym.
Small population, big infrastructure needs: Northern Canada facing power struggles
Representatives from all three Canadian territories say the need to improve their aging electricity grids has reached a critical level requiring billions of dollars from the federal government to update, and in some cases, keep the lights on.
Coalition says Vancouver's World Cup rights plan won't tackle 'FIFA-related harms'
VANCOUVER -- Months before the international spotlight lands on Vancouver as one of the host cities for the soccer World Cup, Jason Grund says he is already hearing concerns from people living in the Downtown Eastside about what it could mean for them.
Coalition says Vancouver's World Cup rights plan not to tackle 'FIFA-related harms'
VANCOUVER -- A coalition of about 20 organizations working in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and Chinatown say they're worried the city isn't adequately addressing human rights implications and "FIFA-related harms" of the upcoming soccer World Cup.
Federal officials express 'disappointment' after OpenAI meeting over B.C. shooting
Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon says federal officials expressed "disappointment" to representatives of OpenAI after a meeting in Ottawa about the company's failure to warn law enforcement about Tumbler Ridge shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Why forcing AI firms to report online threats may not be simple
A cybersecurity law expert says Canada could introduce laws requiring artificial intelligence companies to notify police of online threats, but the process would not be a simple one, since reporting every suspicion is "just not workable."
As portables arrive in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., expert says feeling safe a priority
The co-founder of a group that supports victims and their families after mass shootings says a top priority when bringing students back to school in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., is to make them feel safe again.
B.C. organization enters debate on government-run grocery amid rising food costs
VANCOUVER -- When Elizabeth Osinde arrived in Canada about two years ago as a refugee from Kenya, pregnant with her son, she remembers being able to buy a bunch of kale for $2 or $3 dollars.
B.C. to end drug decriminalization project, after 'challenging' three-year-experiment
British Columbia won't be renewing its agreement with Health Canada that allowed for the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs for personal possession, officially ending a three-year program that was hailed as a groundbreaking experiment before critics blamed it for fuelling public disorder and failing to rein in the overdose crisis.
B.C. Ombudsperson flags hour-long waits for income, disability calls to be answered
British Columbia's ombudsperson says people calling the government with questions about income and disability assistance are facing long waits, sometimes of more than an hour, creating barriers to accessing essential services.
Pulled '60 Minutes' segment surfaces on web with Canadian broadcaster's branding
A segment of the American news program "60 Minutes," pulled by CBS News prior to its U.S. airing, began circulating online Monday with the branding of Canadian broadcaster Global TV. Multiple media reports say the program was uploaded to StackTV, Global's streaming platform, though it was not available to watch as of late Monday. Global TV and its parent company...
Pulled '60 Minutes' segment surfaces on web with Canadian broadcaster's branding
A segment of the American news program "60 Minutes," pulled by CBS News prior to its U.S. airing, began circulating online Monday with the branding of Canadian broadcaster Global TV.
B.C. First Nation meets with Alberta minister to oppose changing tanker ban
Cameron Hill was six or seven years old in the 1970s when he and his father took to the water in a wooden skiff to help form a blockade to stop a ship of oil executives who were looking for a tanker route through Gitga'at First Nation territory on B.C.'s northern coast.
First Nations leader says pipeline MOU changes nothing, tanker ban is non-negotiable
The president of the Coastal First Nations in British Columbia says the signing of a memorandum of understanding by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on an proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast "does nothing" to increase the chances it will happen. Marilyn Slett says in a statement that a tanker ban on the north coast...
Eby, coastal First Nations call on Ottawa to maintain oil tanker ban
VANCOUVER -- British Columbia Premier David Eby and coastal First Nations have signed a declaration calling on the federal government to maintain an oil tanker ban off the province's north coast.
Yukon Party's premier-designate Currie Dixon says their election 'generational shift'
The Yukon's premier-designate says he's ready to start implementing key promises from his election campaign but stopped short of pledging electoral reform even after residents voted in favour of changing to a ranked ballot.
Yukon opposition parties unveil campaign platforms with less than two weeks to vote
Yukon's opposition parties unveiled their campaign platforms with the territorial New Democrats pledging millions in new programming if they're elected next month, and the Yukon Party promising a prospering private sector.
Yukon NDP unveils campaign platform, pledges to cover tuition, tax outside workers
Yukon's New Democrats are promising millions of dollars in new programming if they are elected next month, including covering tuition for health care and education students, as long as they work in the territory for five years after graduation.
Motion for City of Vancouver to create new rental housing corporation fails
VANCOUVER -- A motion on the recommendation that Vancouver city council create a new corporation tasked with developing an estimated 4,000 units of rental housing on six city properties has failed to secure the votes it needed to pass.
Yukon Liberals roll out platform as common election promises emerge between parties
The Yukon Liberals have unveiled their campaign platform, hoping to be re-elected on promises of a $300-million hospital expansion and a dramatic reduction in the wait-list for government housing.
Canada Post strike prompts Elections Yukon to make changes ahead of vote
Elections Yukon is making changes to how some people can vote in the upcoming territorial election in response to the ongoing Canada Post strike.
B.C. First Nations want meeting with Carney about salmon, need for open-net farm ban
VANCOUVER -- First Nations in British Columbia are calling for a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss protecting and reviving wild salmon.
Ione Christensen, famed for Yukon politics, century-old sourdough starter, dies at 91
A powerhouse politician who broke glass ceilings in Canada, Ione Christensen is being remember both for the trails she blazed and the international acclaim she earned for the century-old sourdough starter she protected in the back of her refrigerator.
Trail-blazing Yukon politician Ione Christensen dies at 91
Former senator and the first woman to be mayor of Whitehorse, Ione Christensen, has died at the age of 91.
No current Yukon ministers are seeking re-election in upcoming vote
The Yukon's governing Liberals will be starting with a near-empty slate in the upcoming territorial election, with no ministers deciding to seek re-election.
Asked about Chinese ferry deal, Gregor Robertson says 'Buy Canada' policy needs work
COQUITLAM -- Gregor Robertson, the minister responsible for the federal agency that helped fund a BC Ferries contract to buy ships from China, says Canada needs to "catch up" with the United States when it comes to protecting domestic jobs and the economy.
Racial profiling of customers a neglected human rights issue, report says
Heiltsuk Tribal Council Chief Marilyn Slett says no one in her community is immune to the small acts of racial profiling that can embed themselves in the everyday life of an Indigenous person in Canada.
Consumer racial profiling a neglected human rights issue, report says
BELLA BELLA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- Heiltsuk Tribal Council Chief Marilyn Slett says no one in her community is immune to the small acts of racial profiling that can embed themselves in everyday life for an Indigenous person in Canada.
B.C. to appeal landmark Aboriginal title ruling over land in Metro Vancouver
British Columbia's attorney general says the government will appeal a landmark Aboriginal title ruling that grants a claim by the Cowichan Nation over land on the Fraser River in Metro Vancouver.
U.S. in final decision to hike Canadian softwood duties, tells officers to collect
The U.S. Department of Commerce says it has made a final decision to more than double countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports, a move business groups in British Columbia say will harm communities on both sides of the border. A statement from the American department said the duty for most Canadian companies is being increased to 14.63 per cent...
U.S. in final decision to hike Canadian softwood duties, tells officers to collect
The U.S. Department of Commerce says it has made a final decision to more than double countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports, a move business groups in British Columbia say will harm communities on both sides of the border.
Three workers trapped in B.C.'s Red Chris mine have air, food, water, operator says
Vancouver -- Three workers trapped underground in a refuge area at the Red Chris mine in northwestern British Columbia have enough air, water and food for an "extended stay," the mine's majority owner said Wednesday.
Yukon prepares for vote on possible switch to ranked-ballot elections
The last time Yukon residents voted in a territorial plebiscite it was about allowing the sale of alcohol, this time the vote will be on the equally dizzying question of electoral reform.
Advocate says progress being made since B.C. child torture death, more work required
British Columbia's representative for children and youth says some progress is being made to improve the child welfare system, but she's concerned "fiscal limitations" will prevent timely help from getting to those most in need.
Mike Pemberton wins Yukon Liberal leadership race, will be next premier
Mike Pemberton has been named the new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will be the territory's 11th premier. A local businessman and longtime party insider, Pemberton won the leadership race by 13 votes over former Kwanlin Dun First Nations Chief Doris Bill.
Race for Yukon's next premier between business insider and former chief
A new premier of Yukon is expected to be chosen by the governing Liberal party on Thursday, leaving the winner with just months to make their mark before a territorial election has to be called.
B.C. Independent MLAs start new party to 'combat the globalist assault'
Two former members of the B.C. Conservatives who have been sitting as Independents for months say they are launching a new provincial political party.
Minister flags concern over BC Ferries' deal with Chinese state-owned shipyard
British Columbia's transport minister has raised concerns with BC Ferries about its decision to have a Chinese shipyard build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, amid an ongoing trade conflict between Canada and China. The winning bidder on the contract announced Tuesday is Chinese state-owned China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards. Mike Farnworth said in a statement he was worried...
Minister flags concern over BC Ferries' deal with Chinese state-owned shipyard
British Columbia's transport minister has raised concerns with BC Ferries about its decision to have a Chinese shipyard build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, amid an ongoing trade conflict between Canada and China.
Minister flags concern over BC Ferries' construction deal with Chinese shipyard
British Columbia's transport minister says he has raised concerns with BC Ferries about its decision to have a Chinese shipyard build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, amid an ongoing trade conflict between Canada and China.
CP NewsAlert: Minister flags concern over BC Ferries' deal with Chinese shipyard
British Columbia's transport minister says he has raised concerns with BC Ferries about its decision to have a Chinese shipyard build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, amid an ongoing trade conflict between Canada and China.
BC Ferries picks Chinese shipyard to build four new boats coming in 2029
BC Ferries has chosen a Chinese shipyard to build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, with its CEO saying he's not worried about geopolitical tensions between Canada and China.
CP NewsAlert: BC Ferries picks Chinese shipyard to build four new boats
BC Ferries has chosen a Chinese shipyard to build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, with the first arriving by 2029.
BC Ferries picks Chinese shipyard to build four new boats coming in 2029
BC Ferries has chosen a Chinese shipyard to build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, with its CEO saying he's not worried about geopolitical tensions between Canada and China. CEO Nicolas Jimenez says BC Ferries won't release the cost of the contract with China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards, adding his primary focus was getting the province a good deal.
Review of B.C. home-sharing program for adults with developmental disabilities
The British Columbia government is commissioning an independent review of the province's home-share program, months after an inquest into the starvation death of a woman with Down syndrome in a Port Coquitlam share home.
City cut polling places and staff for Vancouver vote defined by long waits: report
VANCOUVER -- A City of Vancouver report into last month's council byelection says delays caused by a lack of capacity became a "defining aspect" of election day, which saw some voters wait more than three hours to cast their ballots.
Ex-mayor Gregor Robertson gets second shot at housing crisis in Carney's cabinet
Gregor Robertson set himself a bold goal as the newly elected mayor in Vancouver in 2008 - ending street homelessness in the city by 2015.
'We will emerge stronger': Legislator praises resilience after festival attack
British Columbia legislator Mable Elmore says people must "continue to wrap our arms around" the Filipino community as it deals with the burden of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy that claimed 11 lives.
B.C. accepting only 1,100 new immigrant applications, nominations to focus on health
The British Columbia government says the odds of new applications from immigrants looking to be accepted into its nominee program this year have dropped to near zero for anyone other than health workers or entrepreneurs after the federal government slashed the number of available slots.
B.C. premier tells government to cancel American contracts 'wherever viable'
British Columbia's premier says U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pause much of his tariffs for the rest of the world while excluding Canada is "insulting."
B.C. Human Rights Commissioner says guardianship law 'opaque,' lacks oversight
British Columbia's human rights commissioner says the province is the only place that she's aware of in Canada that allows people to be detained by the state without explicit legal authority, timelines or oversight.
Yukon targets Elon Musk's companies in response to U.S. tariffs
The Yukon government says it's ending rebates for all Tesla products, as it targets companies associated with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is also a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Eby says Indigenous teen shouldn't have died' as B.C. government is grilled over care
A teenager who was found blocks from her group home on a cold January night this year "shouldn't have died" British Columbia Premier David Eby said, adding that her death represented a "failure."
B.C. government grilled after January death of Indigenous teen in care
British Columbia Premier David Eby says a youth in government care "shouldn't have died" earlier this year and that her death represents a "failure."
'Wrong direction': B.C. Chamber of Commerce latest group to decry tariff bill
Proposed legislation in British Columbia to give the cabinet sweeping powers to respond to threats from foreign governments amid Canada's tariff fight is getting more pushback from businesses as the Greens meet with the government about their concerns.
B.C.'s legislature could get a new party. Here's what that would mean
VANCOUVER -- Cracks in the Opposition B.C. Conservative Party became cavernous last week when one MLA was kicked out of caucus and another two followed in solidarity.
Three B.C. Conservative rebels will sit as Independents as they 'explore' new party
On the front steps of the B.C. legislature on Monday, three rebel former members of the B.C. Conservatives laid out their case -- Opposition leader John Rustad was beholden to "woke liberals," the party had been infiltrated and it had turned its back on "the truth" about residential schools.