BC

BC


Escalation of B.C. public service strike hits citizens’ services and gaming branch

Public service workers in British Columbia are again escalating job action, picketing a citizens’ services office that issues services cards, processes freedom of information requests and facilitates the BC Bids procurement system. The BC General Employees’ Union says that in addition to the Ministry of Citizens’ Services office in Victoria, pickets have also gone up […]

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‘Devastating’ court ruling rejects B.C. ostrich farm’s bid to prevent avian flu cull

The Federal Court of Appeal has rejected a bid by a British Columbia ostrich farm to prevent the culling of its flock that had been infected with avian flu, in a case that has drawn international attention and protests about government overreach. But a spokeswoman for Universal Ostrich Farms Inc. said they would fight on […]

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B.C. Ombudsperson says whistleblower protection law ‘falling short’ in some areas

New reports by British Columbia’s ombudsperson on a whistleblower protection law show that it is “falling short” in some areas in its first five years. The four reports released by BC Ombudsperson Jay Chalke say that while the law has “worked well in many aspects,” some public sectors and their employees are still not covered […]

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Open net salmon farm exodus expected in BC, documents reveal

Internal documents reveal Ottawa is bracing for major industry players to walk as it phases out open-net pens, leaving closed containment ventures scrambling for salmon eggs. The federal government is preparing for the possible exit of international salmon farm operations on the BC coast following the government’s promise last summer to phase out open-net pen […]

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Ombudsperson’s report says BC prisons fail to meet inspection standards

None of the 10 correctional facilities run by Corrections BC is fully compliant with Corrections Act or international standards outlined in the Nelson Mandela Rules (NMRs), according to the BC Ombudsperson’s 2024 Under Inspection Update report. The 10 adult correctional centres in B.C. house an average of 1,800 individuals at secure, medium and open security […]

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