BC Nurses Issue 72-hour Strike Notice
June 29, 2026
BC Nurses Issue 72-hour Strike NoticeHistoric action signals nurses’ growing frustration with pressures facing the profession and health-care system
BC nurses have issued 72-hour strike notice following the rejection of a tentative agreement reached between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) and health employers, marking a significant escalation in nurses’ fight for meaningful improvements to the profession.
The decision follows one of the most powerful displays of member unity in BCNU’s history. Between May 8-11, 50,850 nurses participated in a province-wide strike vote, voting 98.2 percent in favour of job action. This pressure led to a tentative agreement reached May 22, which was rejected by 67 percent of members, signalling a growing belief among nurses that the status quo is no longer sustainable.
"This is fundamentally a conversation about priorities,” says BCNU President Adriane Gear. “Nurses want to know why the health authorities continue to spend millions of dollars on costly short-term staffing solutions, while the nurses who are here for the long-term struggling with workload pressures, unsafe working conditions and staffing shortages are being told the cupboards are empty.”
While the tentative agreement saw improvements to benefits and shift premiums, nurses have made it clear it did not go far enough – particularly when it comes to securing a general wage increase that recognizes the vital role nurses play in sustaining a health-care system that is operating beyond its limits. If the employer fails to return to the table with an offer that meaningfully respects the value of their work, nurses could begin job action later this week.
"This is not a step BC nurses want to take,” says NBA Chief Negotiator and BCNU CEO Jim Gould. “However, many have reached the point where they feel they have no choice but to shine a light on the realities they face every day while caring for British Columbians in crowded hospitals, under-staffed long-term care facilities, community health settings and patient’s homes across the province.” BCNU remains committed to reaching a negotiated agreement. Further details regarding next steps will be communicated to the public as they become available.
Source: www.bcnu.org
Other Souces: https://globalnews.ca/news/11943316/bc-nurses-72-hour-strike-notice/
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Chetwynd's 20th International Chainsaw Carving Championship Celebrates Another Successful Year of Art, Community, and Tradition
Chetwynd, June 10 - 14, 2026 - The 20th International Chainsaw Carving Championship proved once again that Chetwynd is the Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World, drawing world-class artists and thousands of visitors for another memorable celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and community spirit.
The championship officially kicked off on June 10 with the traditional Carvers’ Dinner, where competitors, organizers, volunteers and sponsors gathered ahead of the competition. The evening also featured the much anticipated log assignment when each carver drew and picked the log they would carve for the next several days.
The following morning, the real challenge began.
For the next three days, 12 elite chainsaw carvers spent 35 hours turning huge logs into incredible works of art. The artists worked through varying weather conditions, bringing their unique visions to life through years of experience, creativity and precision.
The 12 Carvers 12 Carvers and their Assistants
A Special 20th Anniversary Championship
The 20th anniversary also saw an increased field of competitors.
A typical year for the championship invites 12 competitors — four international carvers, four American carvers and four Canadian carvers.
For the 20th anniversary, organizers expanded the field to include six international carvers and six North American carvers, making for one of the strongest and most diverse competitions in the event’s history.
The result was a superlative performance of art that captivated the audience for the entire championship.
Ryan Anderson - USA Chris Foltz - USA Abby Peterson - USA
Ryan Villiers - Canada Kamron Garbe - Canada Jake Rhodes - Canada
Micha Reichert - Germany Takao Hayashi - Japan Sam Bowsher - Scotland
Brandon Kroon - Australia Robby Bast - Australia Mike Jones - UK
More Than Just a Competition
While the main attraction was the 35-hour championship carving, visitors also enjoyed several exciting Quick Carve events that demonstrated the artists’ speed, creativity and ability to perform under pressure.Saturday June 13th saw the championship judges leave the judging table to pick up their chainsaws for the Judges’ Quick Carve. The judges had just 90 minutes to come up with impressive sculptures in front of a live audience, giving spectators a chance to watch master carvers at work.On the final day of the championship the excitement was continued with two more Quick Carve competitions.
First, the assistant carvers took on the challenge, each having one hour to complete a sculpture. Immediately afterward, the 12 competing carvers returned for their own 90-minute Quick Carve, producing remarkable carvings despite the limited time.
The Quick Carve competitions have become one of the event's most popular traditions, allowing visitors to experience the artists' creativity and technical skill in a fast-paced, entertaining format.
Following the Quick Carves, many of the sculptures were offered during the live auction, one of the championship's most anticipated events. Visitors had the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind chainsaw carvings, with 100 percent of the auction proceeds going directly to the carvers, providing additional support and recognition for their work.
A Lasting Legacy Throughout Chetwynd
The championship impact is much more than competition weekend.
The community is known for its chainsaw carvings, and you’ll find about 200 of them around Chetwynd today, creating an outdoor art gallery that is one of the community’s claim to fame. Chainsaw carving is woven into the fabric of Chetwynd, with residents and visitors alike finding sculptures in parks, public spaces, businesses and throughout the community.This year’s finished sculptures will soon be added to the ever-growing collection, with the 2026 championship carvings to be installed along Carvers Row so residents and visitors can enjoy these latest masterpieces for years to come. The International Chainsaw Carving Championship would not be the success it is without the help of volunteers, organizers, sponsors, local businesses, judges, assistants and many members of the community working behind the scenes all year long.
2026 Championship Winners
After 35 hours of competition, judges selected this year's top carvings:
🥇 First Place
Brandon Kroon — The Loggo
Also awarded the Carvers' Choice Award and the People's Choice Award, making it the standout carving of the championship.
🥈 Second Place
Chris Foltz (USA) — Spider's Lunch Box
🥉 Third Place
Kamron Garbe (Canada) — The Clever and the Cunning
Community Makes It Possible
The International Chainsaw Carving Championship is not possible without the commitment of volunteers, organizers, sponsors, local businesses, judges, assistants and hundreds of community members who work behind the scenes all year long.
For five days, visitors could see world-class artistry in action. That experience came about because an entire community came together to keep a tradition alive that has helped put Chetwynd on the international map.
With another successful championship coming to a close, the latest carvings will be added to the nearly 200 already dotted across the community, continuing a tradition that has helped shape Chetwynd’s identity for more than two decades and ensuring the Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World will continue to inspire visitors for years to come.
For More event Pictures and Videos Please check out our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122176398668883824&type=3
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New guidance supports local governments to address the unequal impacts of disasters
Vancouver B.C. – B.C’s Human Rights Commissioner has released new guidance for municipalities and regional districts to apply a human rights-based approach to emergency management plans. The Commissioner’s Rights Under Pressure: Guidance on Applying a Human Rights-Based Approach to Emergency Management provides practical guidance on how emergency plans can mitigate the unequal impacts of disasters, address the rise of hate and gender-based violence after times of crisis and improve access to mental health services. The guidance comes in advance of emergency planning requirements in the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) taking effect in January 2027, which includes the requirement for local governments to take measures to mitigate the adverse effects of an emergency on individuals who may experience intersectional disadvantage.
British Columbia has experienced unprecedented disasters since 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadly heat dome and atmospheric rivers in 2021, and the devastating wildfires in 2023. Disasters such as these can create conditions which pose a serious risk to fundamental human rights. “While these disasters impact all of us, crises can also deepen inequities and place the most severe impact on marginalized communities, such as increases in hate, higher rates of gender-based violence and mental health challenges,” said Commissioner Kasari Govender. “Adopting a human rights-based approach to emergency and disaster plans empowers local authorities and governments to develop response measures that prevent inadvertently perpetuating inequality or worsening disaster impacts.”
Today’s release builds on the Commissioner’s inquiry into the rise of hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, which contains 12 recommendations primarily aimed at the Government of British Columbia to take actions against the rise of hate during times of societal crisis. The Commissioner eighth recommendation from the inquiry calls on the Province to incorporate a human rights-based approach to existing emergency response procedures. To be effective, an all-of-society approach is necessary with collaboration between all levels of government and the social sector, including nonprofit organizations, charities, frontline and outreach services. The guidance offers promising practices aimed at helping emergency planners address both the short and long term human rights issues arising from emergency events.
“It is indisputable that hate and violence increase in times of societal crisis; the question is really what we do about it. The upcoming legal requirement for local governments to incorporate an equity lens in emergency response plans recognizes these risks and compels local governments to act. Our Guidance provides practical approaches to implementing this requirement,” said Commissioner Kasari Govender. “With these commitments to human-rights based emergency planning, we can enhance resilience and support recovery grounded in dignity, justice and the full range of human rights.”
Related resources
• Rights Under Pressure: Guidance on Applying a Human Rights-Based Approach to Emergency Management
• From Hate to Hope, BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
• Emergency management legislation, Province of British Columbia
Media contact
For more information or to request interviews with Commissioner Kasari Govender, please contact
Media kit
Visit our media kit for images of Commissioner Kasari Govender, pronunciation guidance, bios and more.
About BCOHRC
BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner exists to address the root causes of inequality, discrimination and injustice in B.C. by shifting laws, policies, practices and cultures. We do this work through education, research, advocacy, inquiry and monitoring. Learn more at: bchumanrights.ca.
About the Commissioner
Kasari Govender began her work as B.C.’s first independent human rights commissioner in September 2019. As an independent officer of the Legislature, Commissioner Govender is uniquely positioned to ensure human rights in B.C. are protected, respected and advanced on a systemic level. Her work through BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner has included public inquiries into experiences of hate in the pandemic and detentions under the Adult Guardianship Act, a report on systemic discrimination in policing, community embedded research about a range of human rights issues experienced by people living in British Columbia, public awareness campaigns about ableism and racism and guidance to government that, among other things, informed the creation of both the Anti-Racism Data Act and the Anti-Racism Act. Commissioner Govender was reappointed for a second term beginning in September 2024.
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Site C Project Nearing Completion as Final Construction Work Continues
By Peace FM / ChetTV News
Update as of June 2026
The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station, formerly the Site C Clean Energy Project, is about 94 per cent complete with just a few construction projects remaining before the large hydroelectric development is fully complete. Work on the Diversion Tunnel Outlet Portals is expected to be completed by July 2026, according to BC Hydro. The Cultural Centre, the final major active construction element of the project, is expected to be completed next year. Several recreational and access improvements are already complete and open to the public, including the D.A. Thomas Road and Day Use Area, giving residents and visitors new opportunities to explore the area around the reservoir.
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“The project has moved from a major construction project to a fully operational generating station that will deliver clean electricity for generations to come,” says BC Hydro. The reservoir behind the dam, called Dreamers Lake, is one of the most prominent features of the finished project. The name reflects the vision and determination of those who helped bring the project to reality, and acknowledges the region’s continuing connection to the Peace River. The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station officially opened its doors on August 8, 2025, nearly a decade after construction began in the summer of 2015.
The facility is the third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River, located in northeastern Britishof 500,000 homes annually across the province. "The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station will provide British Columbia with clean, reliable and affordable electricity for more than 100 years,” BC Hydro says. Columbia. The installed capacity is between 1,100 and 1,230 megawatts and it generates about 5,100 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to power the equivalent
The project secured federal and provincial environmental approvals in October 2014, before construction formally started a year later. Since then thousands of workers have helped build one of the largest infrastructure projects in B.C. history.
As the remaining construction work moves toward completion, the project is entering its final phase, leaving behind a legacy of renewable energy production, new recreational opportunities, and long-term benefits for British Columbia's growing electricity needs.
For more information about the project, visit the BC Hydro Site C Project website.
https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/projects/john-horgan-dam.html?rd=john-horgan-dam
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BC Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect June 1, 2026
British Columbia’s minimum wage officially increased to $18.25 per hour on June 1, 2026, which is a 2.1% increase from the previous rate of $17.85 per hour. The adjustment is linked to the province’s annual inflation rate — a system to help workers keep up with the cost of living as it continues to rise. The hike puts British Columbia among the provinces with the highest minimum wages in Canada and impacts thousands of workers in a broad spectrum of industries.
Supporting Workers Amid Rising Costs
The annual wage increase aims to provide more financial security to lower-income workers still struggling with affordability. The province is linking minimum wage increases to inflation to ensure pay keeps pace with rising prices for basic goods and services.
The increase also applies to a handful of worker groups, including resident caretakers, live-in camp leaders, live-in home-support workers and app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers.
Implications for employers
The rise in wages brings in more money for workers, but many small and independent businesses are finding it difficult to absorb the increased costs of labour. But the effects often ripple beyond minimum wage workers, says the BC Chamber of Commerce. This can put pressure on businesses to increase wages in some positions to keep the gap between entry level staff , supervisors and experienced staff. Higher wages can also lead to increased employer costs in the form of Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, Employment Insurance (EI) premiums, WorkSafeBC premiums, paid sick leave and statutory holiday pay.
Challenges for Small Businesses
For many local businesses operating on slim margins, small increases in labour costs can have a huge impact on day-to-day operations. Higher costs could force some employers to reduce staffing, reduce employee hours, delay hiring plans or postpone business investment.
The BC Chamber of Commerce says many business owners are already facing inflation, rising operating costs and ongoing workforce challenges. Especially hard hit by the cumulative impact of these pressures are independent retailers, restaurants and service-based businesses.
Looking to the Future
Annual indexing of minimum wage to inflation provides predictability for workers and employers. But it also points to the need for continued support of small businesses as they face higher costs, while also remaining competitive and viable.
As British Columbia moves forward, the conversation around affordability, workforce retention, and economic growth will continue to be important for employers, employees, and communities alike.
For more information read: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0002-000191
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