Author: SKEENA NEWS

TERRACE, B.C. – For a quarter of a century, Skeena Diversity has been the welcoming heart of the Northwest, helping thousands of newcomers navigate the challenges of building a new life in a new country. As the organization marks this major milestone, its work has become more critical than ever amid shifting national immigration policies. What began 25 years ago as a small community initiative has grown into a vital hub. Today, Skeena Diversity offers a comprehensive suite of services, including settlement support to help with housing and healthcare, language classes, employment assistance, and programs designed to fight isolation and build…

TERRACE, B.C. – Coast Mountain College is making it easier for residents across the Northwest to pursue business education with the launch of a new, flexible “Business Administration – Open Studies” option. This new pathway allows community members and local professionals to take individual business courses without having to commit to a full diploma or certificate program. “The new Business Administration – Open Studies option allows Coast Mountain College to better serve the needs of community members and local businesses,” explained the college’s Executive Director of External Relations in the announcement. “Rather than committing to a full diploma or certificate program,…

KITIMAT, B.C. – Signalling the start of sustained, regular operations, the second major cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) departed from the LNG Canada terminal in Kitimat today, Monday, July 7. The LNG carrier vessel, the Puteri Sejinjang, is now on its way to Japan. This marks the first shipment for PETRONAS, the Malaysian state energy firm that holds a 25 percent partnership stake in the LNG Canada project. The departure comes just one week after the historic first-ever Canadian LNG cargo shipped out from the facility on Canada Day. The quick succession of the two massive tankers demonstrates that the plant…

TERRACE, B.C. – After a busy first few months of connecting with communities from Kitimat to the Hazeltons, the new MLA for the Skeena riding is set to officially open her constituency office in Terrace tomorrow, July 8. The grand opening, scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 104-4710 Lazelle Avenue, marks the establishment of a permanent local headquarters for residents to seek assistance with provincial matters. In a post inviting the public, the new MLA emphasized that her goal is to be accessible to the community she represents. Since the election, she has maintained a very active presence across the…

VICTORIA, B.C. – In a landmark decision that could reshape the gig economy across the country, more than 500 Uber drivers in Victoria have successfully unionized, becoming the first group of ride-hailing drivers in Canada to win official union certification. The BC Labour Relations Board has certified the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1518 as the official bargaining agent for the drivers. The union is calling it a “massive win” for platform workers who have been organizing for years for better pay, improved safety measures, and fair treatment. This historic certification gives drivers a legal seat at the negotiating…

TERRACE, BC. – The Government of Canada is urging Canadians planning a trip to Thailand to be aware of ongoing political tensions and specific regional dangers, issuing an official advisory to “Exercise a high degree of caution” for the country. For four specific southern provinces—Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala—the government has issued its most serious warning: “Avoid all travel.” This is due to a long-standing and unpredictable security situation, where separatist insurgents periodically carry out violent attacks. Here are more details every traveller should know: Political Situation and Demonstrations While most of the country is stable, sporadic political demonstrations can occur in major cities like…

SKEENA REGION, B.C. – As the climate crisis reshapes the Arctic, a strange paradox is emerging: less ice is creating more danger, prompting Canada to rush the construction of a new generation of icebreakers to assert its sovereignty in the increasingly contested North. For decades, thick, multi-year ice in the high Arctic acted as a natural barrier. But as the climate warms, that ice is breaking up into massive, unpredictable chunks that now clog once-impassable channels. The Canadian Coast Guard has found that this new, mobile ice is often more dangerous to navigate than the old, stable ice pack was. To…

SKEENA REGION, B.C. – A series of bomb threats targeting Canada’s air navigation service provider temporarily halted ground operations at six major Canadian airports on Thursday morning, including Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the primary hub for travellers from the Skeena region. NAV Canada, the agency that operates the country’s civil air navigation system, confirmed it received threats early on July 3 for its facilities in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, and Ottawa. As a safety precaution, a “ground stop” was immediately put in place, preventing planes from departing at the affected airports. For travellers from Northwest B.C., the ground stop at…

KITAMAAT VILLAGE, B.C. – The Haisla Nation is inviting all communities to join them in a historic celebration on Saturday, July 19, marking the beginning of a new annual tradition to commemorate the return of the geps gáulex̄ mortuary pole. The celebration is a powerful story of resilience and repatriation. It honours the homecoming of a culturally significant pole that was taken from Haisla territory for 77 years. The free, family-friendly event begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Haisla Nation Recreation Centre (1538 Jassee Street) and will feature cultural performances, a variety of food options, and local vendors. The Story of the Pole…

KITIMAT, B.C. – For years, Kitimat residents needing to rent a moving truck or trailer faced a long drive. But now, a new U-Haul dealership has officially opened in the community, saving locals a 120-kilometre round trip to Terrace. The new U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer is now operating out of the Transdev Canada office, located at 780 Lahakas Blvd S. This new service is a significant convenience for the community. Previously, anyone in Kitimat who needed to rent U-Haul equipment had to travel to the nearest location in Terrace. With the new local dealership, residents can now rent a range of trucks, trailers,…