By Canadian Press

CP NewsAlert: B.C. cancels $1,000 grocery rebate, pauses hiring over tariff threats

Feb 13, 2025 | 1:24 PM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s finance minister says the government is cancelling the $1,000 grocery rebate it promised during the election and will pause government hiring over U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs.

Brenda Bailey says the impacts of the “reckless” and “destabilizing” tariffs are impossible to predict.

More coming.

The Canadian Press

Youth Mental Health Services

Foundry fundraiser opens to public, hits $5M milestone

1h ago

Ready for Wildfires, Other Situations

City of Vernon urging action under Emergency Preparedness Week

17h ago

Evacuation Preparedness

Pet owners urged to be prepared in case of major wildfire events

19h ago

by Canadian Press

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Youth Mental Health Services

Foundry fundraiser opens to public, hits $5M milestone

The fundraiser in support of the region's new youth mental health services hub has hit a milestone after opening to the public.The Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon) will be building and operating Foundry North Okanagan in downtown Vernon to offer a range of health and me...

1h ago

Arrest

Cops bust suspect with hidden compartment in vehicle

A hidden compartment didn't fool police during a bust of a suspect in the KLO Road and Benvoulin Road area.Kelowna RCMP say they identified a person of interest parked in a vehicle last week, Tuesday.The suspect was part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, with connections to the Lower Mainland and organized ...

13h ago

Ready for Wildfires, Other Situations

City of Vernon urging action under Emergency Preparedness Week

The City of Vernon is asking people prepare for wildfires and other emergency situations.May 4 marked the start of Emergency Preparedness Week in B.C., and the city suggested that could serve as a reminded for people to take action and ensure they are ready for a serious event.Know the Risks: Understand the hazards spe...

17h ago

CMHA Vernon Block Party

Community event to raise support, awareness of mental health programs

A community celebration will be held in support of the agencies that provide local mental health supports.The Vernon and District Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon) will host its annual Block Party Thursday, May 7.The event, held out front of the Museum and Archives building from 12 to 2 p.m...

19h ago

Evacuation Preparedness

Pet owners urged to be prepared in case of major wildfire events

With dry, hot conditions already felt in the Okanagan, the B.C. SPCA is urging pet owners be prepared in case a wildfire does spark. The agency said the unseasonably dry and warm weather have led to many British Columbians being wary of wildfires this summer, and have put forward some tips so people could ensure the sa...

19h ago

Fee Consideration

Kelowna council to debate higher fees, fines for road-use permits

City council is set to consider a series of increases to fees and fines tied to construction and other activity that impacts public roads.A report going to council Monday recommends changes to the Road Use Permit program, which regulates everything from road closures and traffic disruptions to temporary construction fe...

21h ago

Construction Closure

Rail Trail to be closed for erosion prevention work

A major section of the Rail Trail in Coldstream will be temporarily closed later this month.The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) said the trail would be closed between Kick Willie Road and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park from May 19 to June 5."The closure is required to allow important erosion-prevention work...

21h ago

Arrests Made

West Kelowna RCMP make arrests in March break and enter

West Kelowna RCMP say arrests have been made in connection with a break and enter at a local vape shop earlier this year.Police say the incident happened March 25 just before 4 a.m. at Kelowna Vapor Lounge, when two suspects smashed a front window and entered the business for less than two minutes. Investigators say th...

21h ago

Reality Check - Life Without a Home

Vernon couple sleep on street as part of homeless awareness initiative

A pair of Vernon residents have already spent over 24 hours on the streets in a bid to raise awareness about what it's like to be homeless.Tracey and Jimmy Miller of the Packman Open Hearts group are on a 72 hours campaign that sees them staying on the streets and sleeping outdoors from noon Friday to noon Monday, for ...

May 02, 2026

CP NewsAlert: B.C. cancels $1,000 grocery rebate, pauses hiring over tariff threats

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