BC STORIES

National Roundup: Alberta Proposes New B.C. Pipeline Amid Tribal Tensions and Stampede Kickoff

Alberta proposes a new B.C. pipeline as the Calgary Stampede kicks off. Plus, high airfares fail to deter travelers and U.S. tech dominates Canada’s cloud.

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Alberta Pushes New Pipeline Project to Pacific Coast

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has formally submitted a proposal for a new bitumen pipeline to the British Columbia coast, signaling a potential shift in Canada’s energy landscape. The announcement, made alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney in Calgary, outlines a route that closely parallels the existing Trans Mountain path. While Smith emphasized that the project would generate billions in revenue and provide ‘transformational wealth’ for partnering Indigenous communities, the proposal arrives during a period of high friction. Relations between the Alberta government and several First Nations have been strained for over a year due to disputes regarding the duty to consult on constitutional matters and legal battles over provincial sovereignty.

The Calgary Stampede Begins with Olympic Flair

The city of Calgary has officially transitioned into festival mode with the launch of the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Leading this year’s parade are Olympic medalists Mikael Kingsbury and Courtney Sarault, who served as parade marshals for the downtown procession. Despite the early morning start, thousands of residents and tourists lined the streets to celebrate the region’s western heritage. The 10-day event remains a cornerstone of Alberta’s cultural and tourism economy, drawing international attention even as the province navigates complex political and industrial debates.

Economic Resilience: Travel Demand and Tech Dominance

Despite domestic airfares sitting 11 per cent higher than last year, Canadian travelers are showing remarkable resilience. Major carriers like Air Canada report that demand for summer flights remains in the ‘green,’ even as fuel costs fluctuate and international conflicts shift travel patterns. Meanwhile, a new report from the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project reveals that U.S. tech giants Amazon, Microsoft, and Google currently control 85 per cent of Canada’s cloud infrastructure. This data arrives just as the federal government prepares to launch a national AI strategy focused on ‘sovereign compute infrastructure’ to ensure Canadian data and innovation remain under domestic governance.

Sports: Switzerland Advances at BC Place

On the pitch, Switzerland secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria at BC Place, keeping their World Cup aspirations alive while eliminating the North African side. The win ensures the Swiss team will remain in Vancouver for their third consecutive match next Tuesday. The tournament has drawn significant local support, highlighting the city’s role as a key host in the international soccer landscape.

BC STORIES

Discover the Hidden Beauty of New Brunswick’s Waterfalls Through Drone and On-the-Ground Video

CBC videographer Roger Cosman explores New Brunswick’s hidden waterfalls using drone and ground footage, with tours including Walton Glen Gorge Falls.

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Exploring Provincial Waterfalls

CBC videographer Roger Cosman is traveling across New Brunswick this summer to document the province’s hundreds of natural cascades. His journey relies on drone footage and on-the-ground exploration to capture these often-secluded scenic spots.

Featured Locations and Next Destinations

Cosman’s tour has covered multiple sites, including Pabineau Falls, Sand Brook Falls, Tetagouche Falls, Lepreau Falls, Wallace Falls, Welsford Falls, Little Sheephouse Brook Falls, and Fall Brook Falls. His latest footage highlights Walton Glen Gorge Falls along the Fundy coast, with Fuller Falls scheduled as the next stop on the itinerary.

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BC STORIES

Lower Mainland Illegal Gaming Investigation Leads to Charges and Cash Seizure

Two Lower Mainland residents face criminal charges after a B.C. illegal gaming house investigation yields cash, gaming gear, and illicit tobacco seizures.

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Joint Investigation Uncovers Multiple Gaming Locations

An enforcement operation targeting illicit gambling in the Lower Mainland has resulted in criminal charges against two individuals. On Aug. 26, the B.C. Prosecution Service approved charges following an extensive probe by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s joint illegal gaming investigation team. The investigation originally launched in March 2023 at a single site before expanding into inquiries regarding several gaming operations.

Thousands in Cash and Illicit Goods Confiscated

Executing multiple search warrants across properties located in Burnaby and Vancouver, officers gathered substantial evidence. Police seized approximately $240,000 in Canadian currency, around 145 kilograms of illegal tobacco products, gaming equipment, gaming tables, and various electronics, such as tablets, mobile phones, laptops, and digital video recorders. Officials confirmed that all confiscated equipment and illicit proceeds have been forfeited to the province.

Court Appearances Pending for Accused

Facing charges under section 201(1) of the Criminal Code for keeping a common gaming house are Shahrouz Younesi, 54, of Burnaby, and Xiaoyi Karen Zhang, 46, of Vancouver. In addition to the gaming charge, Younesi is charged with selling unstamped tobacco products. Both individuals are expected to appear in court on a future date.

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BC STORIES

Police Warn Ontario Homicide Suspect Believed to Be Hiding in Remote B.C. Backcountry

First-degree murder charges issued for Joseph Madore and Brayton Kennedy in Ontario homicide. Madore is believed to be hiding in remote B.C. backcountry.

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Upgraded Charges and Active Search

Two men wanted in connection with an Ontario homicide are now facing upgraded charges of first-degree murder as they remain on the run, according to an announcement by the Ontario Provincial Police on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Joseph Madore, 34, and Brayton Kennedy, 28, both hailing from Ottawa, were previously facing second-degree murder charges. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of both men, and authorities are warning the public that they remain at large.

Potential Locations and Local Connections

Investigators believe Madore may be in British Columbia, potentially camping or travelling through remote backcountry regions. He is reported to have ties to several B.C. communities, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Terrace, and Richmond. Kennedy is believed to potentially be in New Brunswick.

The search has previously touched B.C. soil. Following a search of a rural property in Terrace this past June, the RCMP alongside Ontario Provincial Police confiscated two firearms connected to the investigation. Arrest warrants for Madore and Kennedy were initially granted during the same month.

Homicide Investigation Details

The investigation began after Lanark County OPP responded to an incident at Last Duel Park in Perth, Ont., at 3:15 p.m. on April 12. Officers located 34-year-old Ottawa resident Christo Allison Richards suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a trauma centre, where he later died. Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News reported that the victim was found with life-threatening wounds in Last Duel Park in Perth, Ontario.

Two additional individuals have already been charged in relation to the case. A 46-year-old Perth resident was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in May, and 32-year-old Lyna Du of Ottawa was charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

Public Safety Warning

Police advise anyone who spots either suspect not to approach them and to call 911 immediately. Anyone holding information about the whereabouts of Madore or Kennedy is urged to contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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