15 extortion suspects are seeking refugee status, Canada's border agency says
The Canada Border Services Agency says 15 foreigners facing extortion charges have applied for refugee status in Canada.
Wolfgang Depner
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 Wolfgang Depner.
B.C. Housing Minister Boyle rejects calls for repeal of high-density housing laws
VICTORIA -- A coalition of municipalities in British Columbia is calling on the province to repeal housing legislation designed to increase supply through higher density, but the housing minister says there's no going "backward."
Former B.C. premier Clark says Conservatives cannot be 'kooky' if they want to govern
VICTORIA -- Former British Columbia premier Christy Clark says "nobody wants to elect a government that is kooky" as the B.C. Conservatives embark on a leadership contest, urging them to focus on economic issues.
Eby rejects a recall of the legislature, will amend, not repeal UN Indigenous Act
VICTORIA -- Opposition politicians and a business group are urging the British Columbia government to recall the legislature in order to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples Act after the province's Appeal Court ruled in favour of Indigenous groups over the mineral claims regime.
Indigenous Act can be repealed in days if Eby recalls legislature: Opposition leader
VICTORIA -- The interim leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. says the Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples Act can be repealed in a few days, if Premier David Eby immediately recalls the provincial legislature.
Soccer official with Iranian ties says he is shocked national team won't play in B.C.
VICTORIA -- Babak Shabazi says he and others in B.C.'s Iranian community were "shocked" when he saw that Iran's national soccer team won't play in Vancouver during the next year's World Cup, and many are worried about travelling to the United States to see their favourite team because of political tensions.
Some B.C. Conservatives say 'incapacitated' Rustad out as leader. But others disagree
VICTORIA -- The B.C. Conservative Party announced that John Rustad was "removed" as leader of the Opposition on Wednesday and a caucus vote had installed Trevor Halford as interim leader after 20 MLAs representing a caucus majority said they had lost confidence in Rustad and wanted him out.
B.C. Conservatives say 'professionally incapacitated' Rustad removed as leader
VICTORIA -- The B.C. Conservative Party says John Rustad has been "removed" as leader of the Opposition and a caucus vote has installed MLA Trevor Halford as interim leader.
Confidence bill on Mental Health Act passes through B.C. legislature
VICTORIA -- The B.C. New Democrat government has survived a confidence vote over its changes to the Mental Health Act that reduce the legal exposure of health care workers who deliver involuntary care to patients.
B.C. requires witness for those using supply drugs to stop diversion to streets
VICTORIA -- Rules are being tightened for British Columbia's overdose-prevention safe supply program to require a witness when a user takes their drugs in an effort to stop the pills from being sold on the streets.
Review of B.C.'s emissions strategy says LNG push threatens to wipe out cuts
VICTORIA -- A report commissioned by British Columbia's government says its pursuit of new natural gas projects "threatens to set back progress" reducing greenhouse emissions, with B.C. set to fail its 2030 target.
Premier Eby tells Carney it's unacceptable B.C. has been cut out of pipeline talks
VICTORIA -- For a project he says "doesn't actually exist," there was a lot British Columbia Premier David Eby had to say about a potential pipeline from Alberta to B.C.'s northern coast, in a phone call with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday.
Speaker's vote gets northern power line through B.C. legislature by slimmest margin
VICTORIA -- Legislation to fast-track construction of a northern power line has squeaked through the British Columbia legislature thanks to the speaker's deciding vote, after Premier David Eby staked his government on the bill.
B.C. abandons EV rebates to the Feds as it scraps sales mandate of 100% by 2035
VICTORIA -- British Columbia has abandoned a rebate program for electric vehicles that it paused six months ago and is scrapping a mandate that every new vehicle sold in the province must be zero-emission by 2035, as Energy Minister Adrian Dix shifted goal-setting, cash incentives and blame for high electric-vehicle prices to Ottawa.
B.C. redrawing EV sales mandate, scraps goal of 100% by 2035, leaves rebates to Feds
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's energy minister says the province will reduce targets for electric-vehicle sales, scrapping a mandate that every new vehicle sold in the province must be zero-emission by 2035, while announcing any rebates for electric-vehicle buyers will be a federal responsibility.
B.C. to redraw EV sales mandate, scrapping goal of 100 per cent by 2035
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's energy minister says the province will reduce targets for electric vehicle sales, effectively scrapping plans mandating that every new vehicle sold in the province must be zero-emission by 2035.
B.C.'s NDP vote against leadership review for Premier David Eby
VICTORIA -- Almost 83 per cent of delegates attending a convention of British Columbia's New Democrats signalled their support for Premier David Eby by not asking for a leadership review.
Eby says B.C. is at a 'pivot point' as he promises future based on natural resources
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby says the province finds itself at a "pivot point" between an "old order that is fading" and a "new one that has yet to be defined."
NDP convention delegates call on their own government to build ferries in B.C.
VICTORIA -- Delegates attending the convention of British Columbia's New Democrats have called on their own government to build ferries in Canada and "prioritize" shipyards in B.C.
B.C. NDP delegates mull resolutions and mandatory review for Premier David Eby
VICTORIA -- Members of British Columbia's New Democrats are meeting this weekend in Victoria with a mandatory leadership review for Premier David Eby and as many as 400 resolutions for delegates to consider.
A shaky coalition and 'near-death' election put Eby under scrutiny at NDP convention
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby received approval from more than 93 per cent of delegates at the NDP's convention two years ago, and he's hoping for another "healthy majority" at this weekend's convention in Victoria.
B.C. Conservative riding executives urge MLAs to show 'courage' and oust Rustad
VICTORIA -- A group of riding executives and former candidates with the Conservative Party of B.C. have become the latest voices to call for an end to John Rustad's leadership, writing to the party's legislators to urge them to oust him.
100 Mile House Mayor says mill closure at the end of 2025 underscores need for reform
VICTORIA -- The mayor of a community in B.C.'s Cariboo region says U.S. tariffs on the softwood lumber industry "are the icing on the cake" for an industry in need of fundamental reforms as it prepares for the closure of a local lumber bill.
100 Mile House Mayor says mill closure at the end of 2025 underscores reform need
VICTORIA -- The mayor of a community in B.C.'s Cariboo region says U.S. tariffs on the softwood lumber industry "are the icing on the cake" for an industry in need of fundamental reforms as it prepares for the closure of a local lumber bill.
Bailey says Ottawa must support B.C. forestry as it supports Ontario's car industry
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's finance minister says she thinks today's federal budget aligns with provincial priorities, but is calling on Ottawa to follow through on supporting forestry and the North Coast Transmission Line.
'Disgusting': Plan to slash B.C. pipelines' taxable value could hit local revenues
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said she would look into a plan by BC Assessment that would cut the taxable value of pipelines and other projects in a move that has angered some local officials who fear a funding shortfall.
B.C. minister weighs in on plan to slash pipelines' tax value, branded 'disgusting'
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Finance Minister Brenda Bailey says she'll look into a plan by BC Assessment that would cut the taxable value of pipeline and other projects in a move that has angered some local officials.
B.C. Green Leader Lowan calls Eby 'greedy' over early election threat
VICTORIA -- B.C. Green Leader Emily Lowan says Premier David Eby's threat of an early election if a bill to fast-track a multibillion-dollar northern power line fails is a "cheap trick" that would leave British Columbians "incredibly disgruntled" if it eventuates.
Eby says he'll call early election in B.C. if northern power line bill fails
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby says he will stake his government on the passage of the bill to fast-track construction of the North Coast Transmission Line to power future resource projects in northwestern B.C.
B.C. presses its case ahead of Cowichan land meeting
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma says the provincial government's argument in the landmark Cowichan Tribes land case was that Aboriginal and fee-simple title "cannot co-exist" on the same land in their full form.
Eby says he'll keep lobbying for slain woman's family, who wanted more from bail law
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby says his government is not done yet advocating for the family of Kelowna woman Bailey McCourt, whose ex-husband has been charged with murdering her hours after he was released on bail in July.
Most members of B.C.'s legislature vote against bill to stop land acknowledgements
VICTORIA -- A bill in British Columbia's legislature to prevent publicly funded employees from making Indigenous land acknowledgements failed to pass first reading, but reveals a schism between provincial Conservative members.
His own executives want him gone. But B.C. Conservative leader Rustad won't quit
VICTORIA -- Almost one year ago to the day, John Rustad was on the brink of becoming premier of British Columbia.
His own executives want him gone. But B.C. Conservative leader Rustad won't quit
VICTORIA -- Almost one year ago to the day, John Rustad was on the brink of becoming premier of British Columbia.
B.C. Conservative Amelia Boultbee quits caucus, leader Rustad questions her 'health'
VICTORIA -- Legislator Amelia Boultbee has quit the British Columbia Conservative caucus and is calling on leader John Rustad to resign, saying he told her to "get the F out."
B.C. Conservative Amelia Boultbee quits caucus, leader Rustad questions her 'health'
VICTORIA -- Legislator Amelia Boultbee has quit the British Columbia Conservative caucus and is calling on leader John Rustad to resign, saying he told her to "get the F out."
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West credits community pressure for school reconstruction
VICTORIA -- Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West says community pressure is responsible for the provincial government's decision to speed up the reconstruction of an elementary school destroyed by fire almost two years ago.
Coquitlam Mayor Brad West credits community pressure for school reconstruction
VICTORIA -- Coquitlam Mayor Brad West says community pressure is responsible for the provincial government's decision to speed up the reconstruction of an elementary school destroyed by fire almost two years ago.
Forests Minister Parmar says workers in B.C. deserve "same treatment" as in Ontario
VICTORIA -- Forests Minister Ravi Parmar says it is "unacceptable" that Ottawa always steps up when it comes to supporting key sectors in Ontario and Quebec, but "continues to drop the ball" when it comes to supporting B.C. forestry.
B.C. Premier Eby says lifting the tanker ban would sink billions in 'real' projects
VICTORIA -- Lifting the oil tanker ban off British Columbia's North Coast for a nonexistent pipeline from Alberta would endanger billions in other real investments that Premier David Eby says will need the support of coastal First Nations.
B.C. tables new law on closed meetings between First Nations and municipalities
VICTORIA -- The president of the group representing local governments in British Columbia says she welcomes proposed changes that would make it easier for First Nations and municipalities to meet behind closed doors.
B.C. has tabled a new law that opens the door on closed meeting with First Nations
VICTORIA -- The president of the group representing local governments in British Columbia welcomes proposed changes that would make it easier for First Nations and municipalities to meet behind closed doors.
B.C. Conservative Leader Rustad confirms search of MLA phones to find leak
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's Opposition Leader John Rustad confirms the cellphones of Conservative members were searched during a meeting this week to find a leak from inside his caucus.
B.C. drafts former federal minister Sajjan as Ottawa fires up military spending
VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government has recruited former national defence minister Harjit Sajjan to help the province secure some of the billions the federal government will spend to boost its military commitment.
British Columbia has tabled historic legislation to smoke out vaping advertising
VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government has tabled what it says is the first law in Canada to recover health care costs from companies that use "deceptive practices" to sell vaping products.
Smith's plan threatens 'fragile' consensus over development of B.C. coast: Eby
VICTORIA -- Premier David Eby says a pipeline plan across northern B.C. by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith threatens community support and social license that would allow other major projects along the provincial coast to move forward.
B.C.'s Dix says it is 'Canadian' to disagree with Alberta Premier Smith over pipeline
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's Energy Minister Adrian Dix has dismissed the latest push by Alberta's premier for an oil pipeline to the West Coast, saying the "definition of being Canadian isn't to agree with everything Danielle Smith says."
Thousands of union members greeted MLAs outside B.C. legislature as it has resumed
VICTORIA -- Thousands of union members representing different sectors filled the lawn outside the British Columbia legislature as politicians inside began the fall session.
B.C.'s legislature resumes with four official parties and two independents
VICTORIA -- The provincial legislature resumes sitting today with four official parties, two independents, and the expectation of searing political debate.
NDP House Leader Farnworth says government plans passing 18 bills during fall session
VICTORIA -- British Columbia house leader Mike Farnworth says the NDP government plans to pass 18 bills in the fall session of the legislature by the time it ends in late November.
B.C. Conservative staffer fired for calling Reconciliation Day flag a 'disgrace'
VICTORIA -- A former spokesperson for the Conservative Party of British Columbia says she has been fired over a social media post in which she called the raising of a flag honouring survivors of Canada's residential school system a "disgrace."
Latest American tariffs on B.C. lumber are 'absurd,' says Premier David Eby
VICTORIA -- Premier David Eby says it is "completely absurd" that softwood lumber exports from British Columbia to the United States face higher duties than the same product from Russia.
Talks off before they began, BCGEU leader says of negotiations with B.C. government
VICTORIA -- The head the union representing British Columbia's 34,000 public sector workers says a government request to get back to the bargaining table appears to have been a "cheap stunt" as it offered little change to end weeks of strike action.
B.C. public service union to escalate job action as talks break off with province
VICTORIA -- Contract talks between the British Columbia government and the union representing public service workers broke off shortly after they began on Monday.
Jobs minister Kahlon says B.C. won't pan away from Trump threat to tariff films
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says the government is taking threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to tariff B.C.-made films by 100 per cent "very seriously," but it's unclear how such a levy would impact the industry, or if it really would be enacted.
Former Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell to oversee provincial efforts on DTES
VICTORIA -- Former senator and past Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell has been appointed as British Columbia's new point-person to improve quality of life for those living in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
B.C. Premier David Eby announces new involuntary care beds, North Coast power line
VICTORIA -- Premier David Eby came prepared with announcements as he spoke to leaders of British Columbia's local governments, promising more involuntary care facilities for those with severe mental illness and addictions, and to bring in legislation to build the North Coast power line.
Premier David Eby announces new involuntary care beds, North Coast power line
VICTORIA -- Premier David Eby came prepared with announcements as he spoke to leaders of British Columbia's local governments, promising more involuntary care facilities for those with severe mental illness and addictions, and to bring in legislation to build the North Coast power line.
Conservative Rustad says private property rights, Indigenous title cannot coexist
VICTORIA -- Conservative Party of B.C. Leader John Rustad says "Indigenous rights and private property rights cannot coexist" and he wants the Supreme Court of Canada to resolve the conflict as soon as possible.
Jobs Minister Kahlon says B.C. will try to capture rising federal military spending
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says the province is joining federal efforts to develop an "industrial strategy around national defence and sovereignty."