Death toll in B.C. Truth and Reconciliation Day crash rises to three
Police in Delta, B.C., say a third woman has died as a result of a truck crashing into pedestrians outside a mall on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The death of 64-year-old Gwenyth Brigit Dwyn of South Delta, B.C., comes after two Tsawwassen First Nation elders were killed at the scene of the crash outside the Tsawwassen Mills mall on Sept. 30.
Delta police say a fourth person who was injured has been released from hospital.
Police say the possibility the driver of the pickup experienced a medical event remains under investigation, and officers have no evidence the collision was targeted or ideologically motivated.
The crash happened around when the Tsawwassen First Nation was hosting a community walk in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and people had been invited to meet at the mall's entrance for the unveiling of four traditional carvings.
Delta police say if the evidence establishes criminality, potential charges will be forwarded to prosecutors for assessment.
"We understand that the community has questions and wants answers about what occurred," Delta police Staff Sgt. Mike Whiteley says in a statement.
"Our responsibility is to ensure those answers are based on a complete and objective examination of the evidence. Investigators are working through a significant amount of information, and it is important that we not reach conclusions before that work is complete.”
Statements shared by the nation on social media say that wilapiya, also known as Barb Joe, and Virginia Splockton died at the scene.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
July and August drug deaths in B.C. fall to lowest levels since 2019
Toxic drug deaths in British Columbia in July and August have fallen to their lowest levels in those months since before the pandemic.
Data from the BC Coroners Service shows that 113 people died in July, and 126 people in August, with those figures down 50 per cent and 40 per cent from their respective peaks.
Deaths from January to August reached 1,015, down 41 per cent from the same period in 2023 when deaths peaked across the province, and down 18 per cent from last year.
The data shows there were 3.6 unregulated drug deaths per day in July and 4.1 in August, hitting their lowest levels since 2019.
It shows the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities each suffered 68 deaths in July and August combined, the highest number in B.C.
Toxic drug deaths in B.C. have been in steep decline since peaking at 2,591 in 2023, mirroring a phenomenon being experienced across much of North America.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Some Farm Boy, L'Ancêtre and Life Smart cheeses recalled due to possible listeria
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling some Farm Boy, L'Ancêtre and Life Smart organic cheeses because of possible listeria contamination.
In a notice issued Wednesday, the agency says the recall was triggered by test results and there have been no reported illnesses.
It says people should throw out or return any of the affected cheeses and contact a health-care provider if they think they have become sick.
The affected products include Farm Boy organic Swiss, medium cheddar, old cheddar, extra sharp and 3 Year Old cheddar cheeses with a best before date of July 30, 2027.
Life Smart organic part skim mozzarella cheese with a best before date of March 30, 2027 is also affected.
The recalled products also include several shredded organic cheeses made by L'Ancêtre with best before dates of this December, next January and next July.
L'Ancêtre's organic Swiss cheese with a best before date of July 30, 2027 is also included in the recall.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is conducting an investigation that may lead to recalling more products.
The agency says that food contaminated with listeria bacteria can make people sick even if it doesn't smell or look spoiled.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says symptoms of listeriosis — the infection caused by listeria — can include fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain and headaches.
It can also cause a stiff neck, confusion, seizures and loss of balance.
In severe cases, people can die.
Most people infected with listeriosis experience mild illness and recover on their own. However, older adults, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
Even if pregnant women only experience mild, flu-like symptoms, the illness can lead to premature delivery or infect the newborn baby.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.
Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
By Nicole Ireland | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.