Suspect Among Ten Killed in Shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
A small community in British Columbia is mourning today after a deadly shooting at a local high school that left 10 people dead and dozens more injured.
RCMP in Tumbler Ridge say they were called to the school yesterday where 8 people were found dead – including the female suspect.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd says two other people found dead at a home in the community is believed to be in connection with the attack.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School (Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark)
B.C. Premier David Eby says the tragedy is devastating and impossible to comprehend.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to ask British Columbians, to ask all Canadians, to wrap the people of Tumbler Ridge, (and) wrap these families with love.”
Premier Tony Wakeham is sending his condolences to those impacted by the tragedy.
He says Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are standing with residents “during this moment of profound loss.”
Canadians Waiting Longer for Drug Approvals Than Americans and Europeans
A new report out of the Fraser Institute says Canadians are waiting significantly longer for new medications to get approved than Americans and Europeans.
The report states that there were 194 drugs approved in both Canada and the United States in the five year period leading up to 2025.
On average, they say drugs were approved 90 weeks earlier in the U.S.
During that same time period, 174 drugs were approved in Canada and Europe, and Europeans received approvals on average 65 weeks earlier.
The report states the main reason for the delays are the dates on which manufacturers submit new drugs to Health Canada for approval.
They argue that lag suggests that companies are “reluctant” to launch new drugs in Canada because of our “smaller market size, weaker intellectual property protections, and the federal government’s strict pricing policies.”
Show Added for Buddy Wasisname and The Other Fellers Concert
Demand for Buddy Wasisname and The Other Fellers’ shows at the JAG Soundhouse has been so great that another performance has been added.
The legendary trio will now be doing four shows at the venue – the newest one being a matinee. The first three are completely sold out.
Shawn Basha of Brigus Productions says the newest show will be unique in that some all ages tickets will be available.
He says the upstairs area will be an all ages area. Basha says the show is on Sunday, April 12th at 3 p.m. “So, a good old fashioned matinee. It’s gonna be wicked.”
Tickets go on sale at noon.
Holy Heart Choir to Deliver ‘Love Notes’
Holy Heart is once again offering what’s become a popular idea for those looking to hit a romantic note this Valentine’s Day.
Holy Heart of Mary Choir Director and recent Juno nominee, Robert Colbourne, says “Love Notes” is a 30-year tradition involving singing telegrams performed by his students.
He says they go around the city, stopping in on businesses, homes and schools to sing a medley of popular love songs. He calls it a great bit of fun, and the students love it.
This year, the Love Notes will be performed on Friday, the 13th, because the students involved are performing in Mamma Mia! on Valentine’s Day, Saturday.
The deadline to order Love Notes is today. Orders can be made through Holy Heart of Choral Music on Facebook or Instagram, or through the school’s website.
$70 Million for MUN Maintenance a ‘Start’ of What’s Needed, Says Student Federation
The local Chair of the Canadian Federation of Students is pleased that Memorial is dedicating $70 million to address deferred maintenance, however he believes both the provincial and federal governments have roles to play to keep the cost of education down while supporting MUN.
Nicholas Keough says funneling provincial debt relief from the Core Science Building to finish work on refurbishing Memorial’s aging tunnel system is good news, but more needs to be done.
“It’s definitely a start, but it doesn’t go far enough because anyone can see that $70 million is not going to fix anything if $500 million is needed, especially over eight years. I’m sure in eight years’ time it will be more than $500 million.”
Education falls under the jurisdiction of provincial governments, however Keough believes Ottawa has a role to play in supporting post-secondary institutions.
“I think that Canada as a country should step in and have sustainable, reliable funding for post-secondary education.”
Premier Not Planning to Shuffle Cabinet Ahead of Spring Session
Premier Tony Wakeham has ruled out the idea of having a cabinet shuffle before the legislature reopens for the spring session.
The House of Assembly is set to reopen on March 2nd, and there have been rumblings that a cabinet shuffle may be in the offing before that happens.
Wakeham has flatly denied that is something he is considering, telling reporters a simple “no” when asked.
Justice Minister Reiterates Importance of Police Oversight Board Following Claims Made by NDP
The Minister of Justice says she has no plans to scrap the idea of creating a police oversight board, despite statements from the NDP claiming the idea was quashed.
Earlier this week, the NDP stated that Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer had plans to scrap plans for a police oversight board, something the PCs long called for while in opposition.
She reiterated the importance Tuesday evening, stating she plans to draft legislation in the House of Assembly.
“It is very disappointing that we have not had a strong police oversight system in our province,” she told VOCM News.
“I don’t think that’s something that we can be proud of in our province, that we have not got a system that has a police oversight board, for example. So that is something that really propels me to want to get meaningful legislation.”
The NDP, meanwhile, are continuing their calls for the PC government to implement the board.
RCMP Conducting Explosives Training in Paradise Today
No need to worry about an increased police presence in Paradise today.
RCMP is conducting explosives training near the old city sand and gravel facility off Topsail Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents may notice an increase in RCMP vehicles and officers in tactical gear during the duration of the exercise.
Those nearby or driving on the Outer Ring Road may also hear explosives.
The public is asked to avoid the area as there is no risk to public safety.
Despite Trump’s Threats, Ontario Premier States Gordie Howe Bridge Will Open as Planned
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has come out swinging after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor and Detroit.
Trump took to his Truth Social network to demand that the bridge not open until the United States owns “at least one half” of the bridge and the revenue it generates.
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with the president on the situation this week, and explained that Canada spent $4 billion on the bridge and that its ownership is shared between Canada and the state of Michigan.
Premier Ford says President Trump’s assertion that the bridge was built with “no U.S. content” is not true.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford (CPAC)
“Seventy-five per cent yes, were Canadian steel and concrete because we’re paying for it. Twenty-five per cent was U.S. steel and concrete, and the interchange going on from the Michigan side was all American steel, all American concrete. So again, there’s fiction where President Trump says, and then there’s true facts that people can look up.”
Ford says the bridge will open, because it has to. He says if Trump wants to fix things, then he has to drop the tariffs.
“He’s hurting the American people and the American economy,” says Ford.
Animal Rescue Group Scrambling to Find Ways to Help Cats and Dogs in Cuba
A group rescuing animals from Cuba to Canada is still trying to find ways to save several cats and dogs after Canadian airlines cancelled flights to the island nation.
Earlier this week, Air Canada announced it was cancelling flights to Cuba, with WestJet and Air Transat following suit with additional restrictions.
Sandra Shaw says that both she and other vacationers used to bring bags of medication and food for the animals in Cuba. However, the decline in tourism has left these animals stranded without the essential supplies they need.
(Sandra Shaw/Facebook)
This situation also means that cats and dogs, which would typically be rescued and brought to Canada, will remain in Cuba.
“There’s a lot that is not available there, there’s a lot of shortages of food and there’s definitely not meds really there,” she told VOCM News.
“They rely on our assistance here because we’re able to thankfully do that there, but we need those tourists in order to get those things down there.”
Shaw says she has raised money to buy medication in Cuba, but shortages of the supplies are hampering those efforts.
MUN Associate VP Believes Infrastructure Students Will ‘See and Feel’ Benefits of Deferred Maintenance Program
Memorial University’s associate vice president of facilities is calling the new deferred maintenance program an “impressive investment” to go towards that issue.
MUN announced the details of the program yesterday. Over eight years they will make use of $70-million from the province in debt relief on the Core Science Building.
The money will go towards things like the demolition of Coughlan College and water-proofing and other renovations to the tunnel system.
Rayna Luther says the new initiative supplements existing funding for deferred maintenance, which is about $7.5-million annually.
She believes students will be able to “see and feel” the benefits of the new program.
Luther states that the issue of deferred maintenance will never fully go away.
She says it is similar to owning a car in that every year there are new issues that come in to play. She says there will always be a number for deferred maintenance, it’s just that it will change and evolve over time.
Man Charged in Connection with Gas and Dash Thefts at St. John’s Station
A man has been charged following an investigation into a series of gas and dash incidents at a service station in the west end of St. John’s.
Employees phoned the RNC around 9:30 last night saying the man had filled up his vehicle on three separate occasions in the past and failed to pay.
He was arrested at the store.
The 35-year-old, who initially provided a fake name to police, also had a warrant out for his arrest.
He faces three charges of theft and breach of release order, as well as a single charge of public mischief.
Capital City Offering Seniors Tips and Info on Avoiding Scams and Fraud
The city of St. John’s is launching some new resources to help protect seniors against fraud and scams.
The city’s new educational resource toolkit was developed with support from the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
It is designed to help seniors and older adults recognize, prevent, and report potential scams.
To that end, the city is also hosting a series of information sessions to further educate people on what they can do to protect themselves.
There are in-person sessions being held at the Mews Centre on March 2nd and 3rd, and an online session is happening on March 26th. Advance registration is required.
Online session registration form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PQZTSN
Those who are interested can also register by calling 709-576-8411.
Seven Olympians Previously Played Hockey at Mary Brown’s Centre
At least seven hockey players currently competing in the Olympics in Milano-Cortina have played on the ice in this province.
Broadcaster and sports journalist Chris Ballard has done some digging and found seven players, representing a total of six different countries, who have previously taken to the ice at the Mary Brown’s Centre, either as a Growler, IceCap, or with the Baby Leafs.
Ballard says the best known by far is one of the best goalies in the NHL; Team USA’s Connor Hellebuyck who played in the 2014 IceCaps’ Calder Cup run.
“He only played the one season here, his first ever season of pro hockey here in Newfoundland in Labrador and since then he’s only evolved into arguably the greatest goaltender on the planet, maybe even a future Hall of Famer, with three Vezina trophies and he’s the reigning NHL MVP” says Ballard.
Other former St. John’s players identified by Ballard at this year’s Olympics include:
Kristians Rubins (Growlers) and Ralfs Frieberg (IceCaps) – Team Latvia
Matt Bradley (Growlers) – Team Italy
Joel Armia (IceCaps) – Team Finland
Sven Andrighetto (IceCaps) – Team Switzerland
Josh Morrissey (IceCaps) Team Canada
MINEx Conference and Trade Show Underway in Labrador West
The Labrador West Chamber of Commerce is playing host to a major mining and economic development conference starting today.
MINEx 2026 is bringing industry, government and community leaders together at what is being called a “transformative period for Labrador.”
Speakers include Energy and Mines Minister Lloyd Parrott, Labrador Affairs Minister Lela Evans and the keynote is being delivered today by Premier Tony Wakeham.
The MINEx conference and trade show runs through to Thursday, February 12th.
RNU says Challenges Remain with Nursing School and Placements
The province’s nurses union says some challenges remain with the province’s Nursing School and what jobs nursing graduates are being offered.
President of the Registered Nurses Union, Yvette Coffey says she’s hearing from nursing graduates who are applying for positions in certain areas, but are being offered nursing seats far from home.
“The stories that we hear from students; ‘I applied for St. John’s because I live in St. John’s area, I work as a PCA, or a home car worker or and LPN while I’m going to school, to bridge to do my Bachelor of Nursing, and they’re telling me that I can’t get into St. John’s campus, I actually have to go out to Gander or Grand Falls.'”
“And then I have other students who live in central Newfoundland being told they have to go school in St. John’s, they can’t stay out in central.”
She says the admissions program needs changes.
“The admissions program just does not make sense to me” says Coffey. “I’ve had conversations with my colleagues at the university and the Centre for Nursing Studies, they don’t control the admissions, but there’s something (that’s) got to be done with that.”
“There’s opportunities, but people still can’t even get to the place they want to go to school in.”
Memorial University says:
Memorial follows the same process it always have: students are asked to rank their choices for admission. The highest-qualified candidates will get first preference, and so on. If a student in central requests central as their first choice, they will generally get it, as we strive to give students their preferences.
‘Politics Without Borders’ Questions Raised About American Interference in Domestic Matters
For many, the specter of foreign interference in domestic matters was always associated with countries like Russia or China, but a faction pushing for Alberta independence is gaining greater attention from social media accounts based in the United States.
Tech blogger Kevin Andrews is calling it “politics without borders” and says social media is making local politics increasingly murky.
Andrews says it’s all about shaping opinion, and how easily a person’s attention can be engineered online.
“If it’s coordinated, and the accounts are outside, whether it’s legal or not, it can still pump oxygen into a local issue, and I think that can then flood the comments and everything else.”
FFAW says Assertions That NMCA Would Not Have Impact on Commercial Fisheries ‘Absolutely False’
The Secretary Treasurer of the FFAW says assertions that a marine conservation area off the south coast would not have an impact on commercial fisheries is “absolutely false.”
The FFAW applauded government’s recent decision to halt the process by terminating an MOU on the feasibility of a proposed National Marine Conservation Area off Burgeo.
Jamie Baker told VOCM Open Line the union sought out answers from Parks Canada and says a lot of uncertainty about the impact on local harvesters remained.
“We were told unequivocally, at least one fishery would not be allowed in the NMCA, and that would be scallops. That’s fine and dandy, for other fisheries like lobster, we were told ‘we don’t see any issue here,'”
“However, and there’s always a big caveat on every fisheries question we asked, and the caveat was, that all the details around those fisheries would be worked out at later dates. Well, I’m sorry, that’s just not good enough for people who are investing heavily in enterprises and trying to make a living there.”
Baker says they’re aware of other jurisdictions in Atlantic Canada where harvesters were told not to worry.
“At the end of the day” says Baker “they lost significant portions of their fishing grounds.” He says while harvesters have been assured that their fisheries would be managed by DFO, “the part they’re not telling you, is that yes, they would, but they would have to adhere to any rules that were implemented under any provisions of an NMCA.”
Senate Committee Urges Action on Arctic Defence and Security
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs is making an “urgent call to action” to address Arctic security in a “changing geopolitical and environmental landscape.”
The committee has released its “Arctic Security Under Threat” report after hearing about a range of “significant threats” including climate change, security challenges from increased international shipping through the Northwest Passage, global interest in the region’s natural resources, the presence of foreign submarines in Arctic waters, and the buildup of Russia’s Arctic military bases.
Canadian Arctic Patrol Ship the Robert Hampton Gray Trident in St. John’s Harbour, February, 2026 (VOCM News)
Saying Canada “must not let this moment pass by,” the committee says climate change is also having a dramatic impact on Arctic peoples through receding shorelines, and melting permafrost affecting community infrastructure, housing, roads and runways.
The Senate committee report says Canada is taking some action designed to enhance security and defence, but more must be done. The Senate Committee says its recent trip to the Arctic underscores the risks facing the region, and the urgency needed to address security and defence capabilities in addition to social and economic infrastructure.
The Senate Committee is recommending that Ottawa work with the governments of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway Sweden and the U.S. to identify ways to strengthen cooperation on Arctic security and defence, and outline Canada’s approach to deterring adversaries in the Arctic.
Members of Bay Roberts Fire Rescue Commended for Their Assistance in First-Ever Special Delivery
The volunteer members of Bay Roberts Fire Rescue are used to getting called out to all kinds of situations – not all of them with happy endings – but a call for service they received last month, still has them smiling.
Fire Chief Michael Murphy says his members were called to a medical call by EMS paramedics just before 2:00 on the morning of Wednesday, January 14th.
A 22-year-old woman was in labour and paramedics called in the local fire department to assist because the labour was progressing quickly.
Chief Murphy says the responding crew members Adam Russell, Cole MacDougall, Roy Mercer, Dean Franey, and Andrew Dawe provided “calm, professional care” to the young mother, and at 2:19 Wyatt Jonathan Nicholas Snow was safely delivered by paramedics Chelsea Bradbury and Jennifer Earle who are also members of the fire department.
A second EMS crew including Toni Noseworthy, Hiram Snow, and Kyle Riddle Ellsworth were also on the scene to provide assistance.
He says it was the fire department’s first birth in their more than 80 year history, and he’s very proud of his members for playing a part.
The members involved were presented with stork pins in a ceremony at the fire hall last night that was attended by Wyatt, his mom and other family members.
“We gave baby Wyatt a little care package that members put together for him” including “pampers, formula, some bottles, and we gave him a toy ladder truck with Bay Roberts Fire Rescue on the doors – the actual logo.”
He says stork pins are usually presented to EMS members, but the honour was extended to the fire fighters for playing a part in the delivery.
“It’s a pin that you wear on your uniform, actually it’s a blue stork pin…and in the EMS world that signifies that you helped out in the delivery of a baby in the field.”
Captain Murphy calls it a great example of how EMS and fire fighters support each other in the field, and he’s proud to say Bay Roberts Fire Rescue has a new little buddy for life.
Local EV Driver says Province Needs to Bolster Charging Infrastructure
An advocate for electric vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador believes there needs to be more encouragement from the provincial government regarding charging infrastructure.
David Butt says the province has many avenues it can go down to increase the highway charging network.
He points out that NL Hydro has put in a “fair bit of effort” on creating knowledge and infrastructure within their abilities.
However, he says that crown corporation recently ran into a roadblock with the PUB in which they were “blocked” from installing the next phase of their ultra-fast highspeed chargers.
He says those chargers would allow drivers of newer EVs to get a full charge in less than 20 minutes. He encourages Hydro to submit a new application to see if the PUB will accept it.
Local Tourism Operators Calling for Changes to Temporary Foreign Workers Program
Tourism operators on the province’s west coast are calling on the provincial and federal governments to make changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program to reflect the realities of season operations.
The call is being lead by Gros Morne Gatherings on behalf of regional operators.
They say current workforce policies are largely designed for year-round industries, and do not align with the six-month operating cycle of the tourism sector.
The group indicates that federal measures introduced in 2024 have made it more difficult to secure and retain the workforce needed to deliver services during the peak season.
They are calling for four main changes: They want a dedicated seasonal stream or regional exemption tourism operators, multi-year approvals for returning workers with histories of strong compliance, pathways to permanency for essential workers that do not require year-round employment, and predictable processing timelines.
MUN Releases Eight-Year Deferred Maintenance Plan
Memorial University has put together an eight-year deferred maintenance plan to address more than $500 million in needed infrastructure repairs and upgrades.
Debt relief on MUN’s Core Science Building, to the tune of $70 million, was provided to the university by government in the last budget.
That funding will be used to reduce MUN’s outstanding deferred maintenance work.
That’s in addition to other projects which will be funded through the Campus Renewal Fee – amounting to another $7.8 million annually.
MUN’s Board of Regents approved the program which will include the demolition of Coughlan College, water-proofing and interior renovations to nearly one km of academic tunnels, elevator modernization, work on windows, brick and doors, construction of a new primary data centre and an emergency fund.
Onsite work ahead of the demolition of Coughlan College is expected to begin this month. Bids on construction of a new primary data centre are expected to close this month.
Work on the initial phase of refurbishment of MUN’s tunnel system is expected to begin in the spring.
Security Advisor Warning of Rise in Romance Scams in Lead Up to Valentine’s Day
Many people turn to dating apps and social media to find a connection as Valentine’s Day approaches, but a security expert is warning people against falling victim to possible E-dating scams.
Head of Security Advisory at BMO, Larry Zelvin, says fraudsters are now using tools like AI chatbots and celebrity deepfakes to manipulate those looking for love, and they’re banking on a person’s sense of embarrassment and shame to get away with their crimes.
He says some scams are even using local accents to bait potential victims.
“(In past) some of these calls you’re like, ‘this person doesn’t sound like they’re from Canada. They have some sort of, accent or there’s something that doesn’t seem right,'”
“But with AI, they can make it sound like you’ve grown up with them forever and they’ve lived where you’ve lived forever. So the credibility has gone up as the amount of attacks have gone up at the same time.”
Zelvin says many schemes have a sense of urgency involved, but with romance scams, people are often drawn in over time.
“They will take a longer time to get to know you, establish credibility, to build trust, perhaps even love, and then all of a sudden, there’s going to be some sort of disruption in their life. Either they have a medical issue, or they have someone else who has an urgent kind of need, and they’re going to ask you for money. So, they build up the credibility, they build a friendship or perhaps even love, and then all of a sudden that’s when they…steal your money.”
He suggests people who suspects they have been targeted in such a way to call local law enforcement.
Canada Summer Games Result in $180M Boost to St. John’s Economy
The 2025 Canada Summer Games generated over $272-million in economic activity across the country, $180-million of which was in the City of St. John’s.
The Economic Impact Assessment of the games was released by Sport Tourism Canada.
According to the report, over $40-million was spent by visitors in the province, including $15.4-million in accommodations, $8.3-million in restaurant and food services, and nearly $4-million in retail shopping.
As well, 642 local jobs were supported – including $56.8-million in wages and salaries.
There were over 31,800 visitors to St. John’s because of the games, and nearly 93 per cent indicated they are likely to return.
In total, the games are said to have produced $137.5-million in GDP for the Canadian economy.
Authorities Investigating Disturbance at HMP Friday Night
The RNC has opened an investigation into a disturbance at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary Friday night.
The Department of Justice is providing few details as to what sparked the incident, which resulted in the Emergency Response Team being called.
The department says de-escalation efforts were successful, and the pen returned to regular routine the following day.
No inmates were injured, but a corrections officer did suffer minor injuries.
The department says the disturbance is also under review by the Captain of Security at HMP, as well as the head of the institution, which is standard policy.
Man Registers Warning After Crashing into Snowbank on Bauline Line
A 60-year-old man is without his vehicle after crashing into a snowbank last night.
Officers on patrol near Bauline Line saw the car jammed into the snow just before 10:00 p.m.
The man behind the wheel complied with demands for a breath test, which resulted in a warning.
His licence was suspended for a week and his vehicle was impounded.
WestJet and Air Transat Join Air Canada in Suspending Flights to Cuba
Cuba’s worsening fuel crisis has prompted major Canadian airlines to suspend flights to the island nation – a popular destination for Canadian travellers.
Over the next few days Air Canada will fly empty aircraft to Cuba to pick up some 3,000 customers already there, and bring them back home.
WestJet, which operates flights under the Sunwing Vacations banner, is also suspending flights to Cuba. Air Transat is following suit.
The carriers are acting on projections that there would be no more aviation fuel commercially available on the island as of today.
Air Canada is bringing in extra fuel by tanker and will make refueling stops as necessary.
Julia Kent of CAA Atlantic says the situation in Cuba is changing rapidly.
“It’s escalated to the point of just being quasi-concerned and aware if you’re travelling to Cuba, to maybe rethinking your plans entirely at this time.”
Kent suggests that anyone who already has a Cuban vacation booked, to check with their point of purchase for further instructions.
Man Under Court Orders to Stay Away from Bars Arrested on Duckworth Street
A man under court orders to stay away from establishments that serve alcohol has been charged after a ruckus outside a bar on Duckworth Street.
RNC was called to the business around 7:30. Officers, who recognized the man, attempted to arrest him but he kicked up a fuss.
The 29-year-old was arrested after a brief struggle and charged with assault, resisting arrest and breach of court orders.
He spent the night in the lockup.
PUB Makes Mid-Week Pricing Adjustment to Diesel and Home Heating Fuels
The PUB has made a mid-week adjustment to the price of diesel and home heating fuels.
Diesel on the island is up another 7 cents per litre and jumps by nearly 11 cents in Labrador West.
Furnace oil increases by over 6 cents. Stove oil in Lab West is up by over 9 cents per litre.
The price of the commodities has been steadily increasing over the past few weeks.
There is no change in the price of gas or propane used for home heating.
