Police say a suspect is facing weapons and mischief charges after an incident that prompted a lockdown at the University of Ottawa on Friday evening.

Ottawa police say they responded to the area of Nicholas Street and Laurier Avenue following reports of a suspicious person.

The university had issued a notice on its emergency alert website at around 5:18 p.m. ET Friday, urging students to avoid the area and shelter in place if they were on campus.

“Take cover and remain silent until authorities instruct otherwise,” the school said, ordering students to find an enclosed area, lock and barricade the door, turn off the lights and mute their electronic devices.

“If a violent attacker is close by, be ready to run, hide or, if your life is in imminent danger, defend yourself by any means necessary until you can get away.”

Nearly two hours later, the lockdown was lifted, with police saying a suspect had been arrested at the downtown Ottawa campus and that there were “no injuries to report.”

In a Saturday news release, police also say the suspect was found in possession of a replica firearm.

According to police, the accused has been charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, as well as mischief — preventing the lawful enjoyment of property.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court Saturday and the investigation remains ongoing, police add.

–with a file from Sean Boynton 

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The association representing police officers in New Brunswick disputes claims from the police chief in Saint John that complaints against him are union tactics.

In a statement last week, Chief Robert Bruce called the complaints, made last year, “disappointing and predictable” and said most were dismissed.

He alleged the police union used similar tactics to discredit police management and city officials before his arrival to the force. The chief, who has held the position since 2021, also claimed the complaints were timed to coincide with a challenging labour relations process last year.

In a statement, the New Brunswick Police Association said it became aware of multiple workplace harassment complaints against Bruce in September 2025.

The complaints were filed with the New Brunswick Police Commission and are also before the courts.

The association said two of the nine workplace harassment complaints were from non-unionized employees.

“The central issue is that the majority of the workplace harassment allegations against Chief Robert Bruce and the toxic workplace he caused have not been investigated on their merits, but rather summarily dismissed,” wrote Bob Davidson, the association’s labour analyst.

“Moreover, the allegations that were investigated were substantiated but resolved informally and no action taken.”

Davidson said the association has previously asked the provincial government’s public safety minister to investigate. He said they are now requesting the minister to “take whatever action is necessary” to investigate the chief’s “demoralizing, disgraceful, destructive statements and actions.”

— with a file from The Canadian Press

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The United States and Iran began negotiations Saturday in Pakistan, days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week.

Iran’s state-run news agency said three-party talks had begun after Iranian preconditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, were met, and after U.S. and Iranian officials met separately with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. There were no immediate further details, nor U.S. comment.

The U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf were discussing how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israel’s continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“I cannot say whether they are sitting in the same room or in separate rooms, but talks have started and are progressing well,” said one Pakistani official with knowledge of the peace efforts, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Iran sets ‘red lines’ including compensation for strikes

Iran doubled down on parts of its earlier proposal, with its delegation telling Iranian state television it had presented some of the plan’s ideas as “red lines” in meetings with Sharif. Those included compensation for damage caused by the U.S.-Israeli strikes that launched the war on Feb. 28 and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.

The war has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 1,953 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Iran’s chokehold on the vital Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring. Attacks have caused lasting damage on infrastructure in half a dozen countries in the Middle East.

In Tehran, residents told The Associated Press they were skeptical yet hopeful about the talks after weeks of airstrikes left destruction across their country of some 93 million people. Some said the path to recovery would be long.

“Peace alone is not enough for our country, because we’ve been hit very hard, there have been huge costs,” 62-year-old Amir Razzai Far said.

Meanwhile, Israel pressed ahead with strikes in Lebanon after saying there is no ceasefire there. Iran and Pakistan have disagreed. The Lebanese state-run news agency reported at least three people killed. There were no reported strikes in the afternoon.

Officials posture over key issues ahead of talks

U.S. and Iranian officials claimed leverage and issued new demands and preconditions as talks approached. President Donald Trump posted repeatedly on social media leading up to Saturday, saying Iranian officials “have no cards” to negotiate with.

“The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!” he wrote.

He accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy supplies, for extortion, and told reporters Friday it would be opened “with or without them.”

On Saturday, Trump said on social media that the U.S. had begun “clearing out” the strait, but it was unclear whether he was referring to the reported use of mines there or Iran’s broader ability to control the area.

Islamabad was deserted as security forces sealed roads and authorities urged residents to stay inside.

Vance said Friday that the U.S. was optimistic about the talks, but warned: “If they’re going to try and play us, then they’re going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said Tehran was entering negotiations with “deep distrust” after strikes on Iran during previous rounds of talks. Araghchi, who is part of Iran’s delegation in Pakistan, said Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.

Iran and the United States outlined competing proposals ahead of the talks reflecting the wide gulf on key issues.

Iran’s 10-point proposal called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Iran’s “regional allies,” explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

The United States’ 15-point proposal includes restricting Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the strait.

Israel and Lebanon will have direct negotiations

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s office said Friday, after Israel’s surprise announcement authorizing talks despite the countries lack of official relations.

Israel wants the Lebanese government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But it is unclear whether Lebanon’s army can confiscate weapons from the militant group, which has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Israel’s insistence that the ceasefire in Iran does not include a pause in its fighting with Hezbollah has threatened to sink the deal. The militant group joined the war in support of Iran in the opening days. Israel followed up with airstrikes and a ground invasion.

The day the Iran ceasefire deal was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

Strait of Hormuz remains a sticking point

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. Commercial vessels have avoided the strait, effectively blocking the passage of oil, natural gas and fertilizer.

The spot price of Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was above $94 on Saturday, up more than 30% since the war started.

Before the conflict, around a fifth of the world’s traded oil typically passed through the strait on more than 100 ships a day. With the ceasefire in place, only 12 have been recorded transiting.

Iran has floated the idea of charging ships passing through as part of a peace deal, though the idea has been widely rejected by countries including the United States and Iran’s neighbor Oman.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Mark Carney will address party members on the last day of the Liberal national convention in Montreal.

Carney’s address is set for 2 p.m. eastern time this afternoon.

Liberal party grassroots are also preparing to debate and vote on a series of policy resolutions, although they are non-binding.

Some resolutions call for age restrictions on access to social media accounts or AI chatbots.

Several others present competing visions for reforming the electoral system.

The convention comes after five opposition MPs joined the Liberal ranks in as many months — and just ahead of a set of byelections on Monday that are expected to give the Liberals a majority government.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

WINNIPEG – Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is planning to go to Ottawa next week for a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Kinew says it’s part of a plan the two men have to meet roughly every three months, primarily to discuss the possibility of a northern trade corridor through the Port of Churchill on Hudson Bay.

The project recently made a list of projects being considered as “transformative” by the federal government.

Studies are underway to gauge private-sector interest and examine the use of icebreakers to extend the port’s short shipping season.

Kinew says interim findings from those reports are promising, and private-sector companies in areas such as energy and critical minerals will put money down if the two levels of government move forward.

Manitoba has long touted Churchill, a town of 900 people on the shore of Hudson Bay, as a port with huge potential to ship goods via the Arctic Ocean to Europe and elsewhere.

The trade dispute with the United States, and growing calls to find new ways to ship energy from Western Canada, has renewed interest in the idea.

“We know that energy and critical minerals are the business opportunity here, and in order for that … to be the best chance that we have to grow our economy, we need icebreaking capacity in the north,” Kinew said Friday.

“There is a clear ability to keep Hudson Bay open to shipping lanes if we have the necessary icebreakers in the region, so this will be one of the points of discussion with the prime minister.”

A full trade corridor would require upgrades to the long rail line that crosses remote areas in northern Manitoba before arriving at Churchill. A pipeline has been floated as a possibility as well.

Kinew announced $51 million for improvements to the rail line last year and a new critical-minerals storage facility at the port.

The project would also require a Crown-Indigenous corporation to guide the work, which the province has yet to establish.

Kinew said his trip to Ottawa will also include meetings with the federal cabinet ministers. A delegation of Manitoba businesses is also set to meet with federal politicians.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 10, 2026

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The first sign of spring is a breath of fresh air. Overcast days transition into hours of sunshine and blue skies, bird songs return, and new buds begin to pop up and blossom. Our moods begin to lift as we spend more time outdoors to enjoy the warm weather.

But for many Canadians, springtime is also synonymous with seasonal allergies, which can range from mild congestion to chronic coughing, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes that can be unbearable.Thankfully, along with antihistamine medications, there are several of ways to help manage allergy symptoms, including some natural aids.

We spoke with Dr. Tanya Lee, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, who shared insights on the relationship between the gut microbiome and allergies, and common nutraceuticals used to help keep symptoms at bay.

 

The link between seasonal allergies and gut health

Our gastrointestinal tract, otherwise known as the gut, influences our entire immune system and so when gut health is compromised, it can contribute to inflammation that can manifest into a myriad of conditions, including seasonal allergies.

“Your microbiome can influence the way the immune system may react to allergens, foods, whatever it is that person might be sensitive to,” says Lee. The more regular and severe the symptoms, the more possibility there may be a link to gut imbalance.

Examining why the immune system may be more hypersensitive, and treating the root cause, may help prevent bothersome allergic reactions from occurring. Lee says that one method that may help prevent or reduce symptoms is to take note of the type of allergens that you are reacting to, and then remove cross-reactive foods from your diet. For example, if someone has a birch pollen allergy, it may be helpful for them to avoid cross-reactive foods like apples and almonds.

 

Natural ways to help manage seasonal allergies

Suppose you’re considering managing allergy symptoms with nutraceuticals. In that case, it’s always best to consult a naturopathic doctor for individualized recommendations based on your unique needs, for contraindications, and particularly if taking other medications or supplements to avoid adverse effects.

Here are some of the nutraceuticals commonly used to help manage seasonal allergies. And note, we’ve paired each remedy with a product suggestion that The Curator independently sourced.

 

Honey

It makes sense that honey may help with some pollen allergies. Honey can be used as an immunotherapy treatment to improve tolerance to certain allergens. Consuming small doses of local honey may help as a complementary tool in the overall prevention and treatment of allergy symptoms.

 

Made in Canada, Oneroot Honey is a premium honey product bottled sustainably from the purest of sources in the Canadian wilderness. They are the only North American brand that bottles 100 percent natural, antibiotic-free and chemical-free honey.[/product_listing]

 

Nettle Leaf

Looking for an herbal alternative to decongest? Nettles have long been used in traditional herbal medicine to help alleviate nasal congestion and sneezing and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Bonus: Nettles are also rich in quercetin to help inhibit histamine release.

 

If you’re new to trying nettles, a low dose option in the form of a tea may be just the ticket to help ease you into its herbal properties. Steep and then chill, adding a bit of honey, mint and lemon slices, to turn it into a flavourful iced tea.[/product_listing]

 

Vitamin D

If you don’t have healthy Vitamin D levels, your immune system won’t function very well. And since allergies is an overactive immune response to substances, adequate Vitamin D levels that help balance the immune system may help reduce allergy symptoms.

 

Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D with this quality supplement by Organika. The liquid product is high potency, more easily absorbable and non-GMO.[/product_listing]

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine (trying saying that fast five times!), is the supplement form of the amino acid cysteine, which aids in antioxidant defense, detoxification, and immune function. One great benefit of NAC is that it acts as a decongestant by breaking down and thinning mucus.

 

Free of common allergens and non-GMO, this premium supplement can help enhance the immune system and reduce allergy symptoms. Bonus: It also provides antioxidants to support healthy skin, tissues, and organs.[/product_listing]

 

Humidifier

When spring pollen fills the air, a humidifier comes to the rescue—easing sneezes, soothing dry sinuses, and helping you enjoy the season without the sniffles.

Vitruvi’s Cloud Humidifier fills the air with gentle moisture to help calm coughs and clear congestion. It supports glowing skin, better sleep, and easier breathing.[/product_listing]

 

Eyebright

Watery eyes getting in the way of your daily functioning? Eyebright may help. The anti-inflammatory herb is commonly used alongside other allergy treatments to help with eye irritations, including pollen.

 

A natural eye drop with eyebright that is contact lens-friendly and helps treat red, irritated and inflamed eyes.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat – $5. 47

Sleep Essential Oil Blend – $19.95

Claritin Allergy Medicine, 24-Hour Non-Drowsy Relief – $18.74

Elderberry Gummies with Vitamin C – $24.86

Levoit Humidifier – $44.99

 

Quercetin

You may have already heard of the benefits of quercetin, including its anti-allergic effects. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine and antioxidant that has been shown to help reduce inflammation and inhibit the release of histamine. Lee typically recommends taking quercetin at least two weeks before allergy season is expected to start.

 

The combination of quercetin and bromelain work together to increase absorption and inhibit histamine response. Organika uses vigorous third-party testing for quality assurance of their products, including Health Canada-specific parameters relating to heavy metals, pesticides, micro-contaminants, and algal toxins.
[/product_listing]

 

Astragalus

This herb traditionally used in Chinese Medicine has been commonly used for stress reduction–which can trigger inflammatory responses–as well as respiratory health, including relieving symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, and coughing.

 

A natural herb liquid supplement to support your body’s defenses, keep your respiratory system in balance, and help build your body’s resilience.[/product_listing]

B Vitamins

B vitamins play essential roles in various bodily functions. Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and folate, in particular, can help with histamine metabolism and immune system function to help reduce reactions.

Made with high-quality ingredients and tested for potency and purity, these B-complex vitamins by this premium brand include the necessary B vitamins to help keep allergy symptoms at bay.[/product_listing]

 

Perilla Seed

Rich in antioxidants and containing anti-inflammatory properties, this traditional herbal medicine has been used for anti-allergic effects and may help regulate histamine release and response.

This supplement packs a 3-in-1 punch with perilla seed extract, along with NAC and quercetin for optimal effect. [/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Beekeepers Naturals Propolis Throat Spray – $13.59

Ultra-Luxe Cloud Socks – $17.58

Organika Electrolytes Powder – $25.49

Stanley Quencher H2.0 – $52

Vital Proteins Bovine Collagen Peptides Powder – $59.99

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

When it comes to denim, the search for ‘the one’ is often a game of trial and error. Discovering the perfect pair of jeans takes time–think of them as soulmates for your wardrobe. If you’re feeling impatient in your pursuit, we hear you. From premium-quality Levi’s jeans to more affordable options like GAP, read on for nine top denim jeans (and some added denim finds you’ll love!) that are sure to captivate your heart and leave you floating on cloud nine.

 

These ’90s-inspired baggy jeans exude vintage charm with a comfortable fit. Cut with a loose, draped silhouette and finished in a softly faded light wash, they deliver that coveted lived-in feel from the very first wear. The slouchy fit sits just right on the hips, making them a go-to for off-duty styling.[/product_listing]

 

Barrel jeans can be tricky to master, but this pair gets it just right. Designed with a sculpted, curved leg that tapers at the ankle, they create a fashion-forward silhouette that still feels wearable. True to Yoga Jeans’ ethos, the denim is soft, flexible and made to move with you, offering all-day comfort without sacrificing structure.[/product_listing]

 

Utility meets street style with these perfectly slouchy cargo jeans. Designed with a mid-rise waist and relaxed leg, they channel major cool girl vibes. Oversized pockets add a functional edge–and major style points–while the soft denim makes them endlessly wearable.[/product_listing]

 

These boot cut jeans are thoughtfully designed with a curvier fit in mind. With extra room through the hips and thighs and a subtle flare at the hem, they create a beautifully balanced silhouette that elongates the legs. The premium denim has just enough stretch to hug in all the right places–don’t mind if we do![/product_listing]

 

Believe it or not, skinny jeans are back–and this pair proves why they never really left. Cut in a sleek, high-rise silhouette, they pair effortlessly with everything from oversized knits to tailored blazers. The dark wash and soft stretch denim makes them an easy closet staple.[/product_listing]

 

The gold standard of denim, Levi’s 501s are as iconic as it gets. With their signature straight leg, button fly and universally flattering fit, they’ve defined denim for generations. Crafted with a hint of stretch for added ease, they maintain that authentic, vintage-inspired structure while feeling comfortable enough for everyday wear. If there’s one pair to anchor your wardrobe, it’s this.[/product_listing]

 

Proof that great denim doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, these high-waisted jeans deliver on both style and substance. The elevated waistline complete with cutesy button detail offers a flattering, elongated effect–a staple for shorter gals.[/product_listing]

 

Low-rise is officially back, and this western-inspired pair leans all the way in. Sitting lower on the hips with a classic boot cut leg, they channel vintage rodeo style with a modern twist. The durable cotton blend is built to last, while the added stretch ensures comfort and flexibility. Finished with Wrangler’s signature stitching, they bring just the right amount of attitude to any denim lineup.[/product_listing]

 

For those who like their denim with a statement edge, these wide-leg jeans deliver. Crafted from premium materials with impeccable tailoring, they drape beautifully for a long, elongating silhouette that serves legs-for-days energy.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Denim Indigo Hobo Cross Body Bag – $23.90

Women’s Denim Romper – $44.01

Women’s Casual Stretch Denim Overalls – $80.78

 

 

 

Ok, how cute? This denim shirt features a cinched waist that creates a flattering, feminine shape. Easy to dress up or down, it’s the ultimate denim staple.[/product_listing]

 

Clean lines and a structured silhouette make this denim skirt a standout. Pair it with everything from basics to statement tops.[/product_listing]

 

A timeless essential, this men’s denim jacket offers a relaxed fit with durable construction. Perfect for layering year-round, it only gets better with wear.[/product_listing]

 

Lightweight and breathable, this longline vest brings a refined, tailored feel to warm-weather dressing. It’s a chic alternative to traditional denim layering pieces.[/product_listing]

 

Italian summer, anyone? These mid-rise denim shorts are practically begging for a European vacay, courtesy of its relaxed fit that still feels put together.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Cicy Bell Women’s Round Neck Denim Waistcoat Vest – $53.03

Nine West Women’s Pumps – $80.52

Agolde Parker Jean Short – $178.50

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The snowpack in the Okanagan is at its lowest level in at least four decades.

Newly released data from the B.C. River Forecast Centre shows a stark contrast across B.C. While northern and eastern regions are above normal, the Okanagan is sitting at just 58 per cent, a record low since tracking began in 1980.

“Of note in particular, the Okanagan had several very long-term stations at all-time record low measurements for April 1,” Jonathan Boyd, a hydrologist with the B.C. River Forecast Centre, said.

Since we’ve got a historical record of the snow basin indices, which start about 1980, it was the lowest snow basin index for the Okanagan at 58 per cent of normal and the previous was 1981 at 67 per cent. So in particular, the Okanagan is an area that highlights just how incredibly low it is this year compared to previous years.”

The chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board says as drought fears ramp up, so too does planning as the region braces for what could be a very dry summer.

“Everybody’s talking about that,” said Blair Ireland with the Okanagan Basin Water Board.

“Every community is looking at how they’re going to put in water restrictions or what they’re going to do to address this drought.”

A limited water supply could significantly affect daily life and have wide-reaching impacts on agriculture, tourism and the environment.

“Typically, what snow acts as is, it’s like a savings account, and it’s something that essentially saves that moisture to be released later in the season,” Boyd said.

“And if we have it all right now, that might mean that we’re in a deficit once we get into the later spring in June, or into the summer.”

While a low snowpack is worrisome, it’s the amount of moisture in the coming weeks that will really be the deciding factor.

“Snowpack alone doesn’t necessarily guarantee drought one way or the other,” Boyd said. “The overarching weather conditions for the spring and the summer really are indicative of whether drought does or doesn’t occur.”

With spring’s potential to bring heavy rainfall, there is still a chance Mother Nature could help avert a drought disaster.

“I don’t own rain boots,” Ireland said.

“But I don’t care. I want to see it rain. I think we all do.”

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

BC Ferries is finding itself in a bit of a public relations pickle.

William Fraser and his family like to visit Vancouver Island and the 12-year-old loves to get a traditional White Spot burger on board.

“Legendary burger, no tomatoes, no cheese, extra pickle and fries with honey mustard for the fries,” William said.

The family was on the Queen of Cowichan on April 6. William ordered his usual, but the kitchen mixed up his order.

“So I opened the burger and I’m just like, ‘OK, well this has happened before. This is kind of annoying,'” William said.

“Like literally the last time I went on the ferry, this happened to me. And so I go back, I asked for some pickles.”

He said the staff apologized and gave him some apology pickles on a plate that he could take back to his table.

“As I’m walking past the cashier, the pay, I didn’t think I had to pay, because it’s just pickles. And they forgot to put pickles on my burger,” William said.

“So I go there, and the person’s like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, you need to pay for those. And I’m so confused, because the last time this happened, I didn’t have to pay for the pickles. You shouldn’t have to pay for the pickles if they forgot the pickles on your burger.

“She said nobody gets free pickles on BC Ferries.”

Dad Greg Fraser said he came up to help his son and ended up paying $2.19 for the pickles.

“Mistakes happen,” Fraser said. “Not a problem. And I expected, you know, the outcome would be we’d get the pickle that he was looking for. He didn’t even make a big deal about the tomatoes. He just picked it off the burger. But really, you know, making sure that that first bite tastes the way it needs to.”

He said there was no discussion or debate and the cashier was really rigid in her stance.

“She literally just kind of stared at me and repeated the fact that nobody gets free pickles,” he added.

“You have to pay for these pickles. And I said, well, we don’t even need the full plate of it. Can we just take a pickle? No, it’s $2.19. And again, it would seem to be common sense, but nobody wants to argue over a pickle.”

Fraser ended up posting about the incident on social media, which exploded with thousands of views and hundreds of comments.

“I think it’s more of a commentary on a greater focus to customer service that they need to do so that they can do better next time,” he said.

Fraser said he did send BC Ferries an email first, explaining the situation, but immediately received an auto response asking him to write a letter and mail it to their Victoria office.

But now he said his inbox has been blowing up with people messaging him from across North America.

“Most people seem to just want to share their experience as a commiseration or feeling like, ‘Hey, I know what you’re going through,'” Fraser said.

“It’s been really surprising. And you know, almost a validation that as a passenger on BC Ferries, people want to be heard about what their experience is and be recognized that it didn’t go well and, you know, maybe they’ll do better next time.”

Fraser said BC Ferries has now reached out about the situation.

Jeff Groot, executive director of communications at BC Ferries, told Global News that it is unfortunate that the family had the situation they did.

“I think BC Ferries has a good place in the culture of British Columbia and White Spot is another one of those companies,” he said.

“We obviously place great value on being able to offer White Spot products on board and the pickles are a core part of the burger experience. And so I’m not surprised that it elicited a reaction that people had some feelings about it.”

Groot said they have reached out to the family to make it right.

“Whenever we have these kinds of questions come up about process and policy, we do follow-ups and make sure that the teams are all aware of standard process and policy and how they should be communicating there,” he said. “And so that’s not unusual for us to follow up in this case. And that’s what we’ve done.”

Groot said there are also many ways to contact BC Ferries, not just by physical mail, and that includes a callback or calling customer service directly.

Fraser said that while this story may seem frivolous, it clearly struck a nerve with people.

“This isn’t about the pickle,” he said.

“You know, it’s about a consistent experience that they’re delivering or rather failing to deliver.”

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

B.C. continues to lose jobs, the latest numbers show, as Statistics Canada reports that the province lost 19,000 jobs in March.

The unemployment rate is now 6.7 per cent, which is the highest in a decade, except for the height of the COVID pandemic.

So far this year, B.C. has lost nearly 36,000 jobs.

“We’ve had losses in wholesale trade, we’ve had transportation, warehousing, finance, insurance, a very broad base in terms of our economy right now, it seems, for some of those losses,” Bryan Yu, a chief economist with Central 1, told Global News.

There were, however, jobs gained in manufacturing, services and natural resources.

B.C.’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth said there are still things to celebrate.

“We’ve seen $2 billion in investment to B.C. in mining, we have $50 billion that is in final investment decision, Netflix just opened up a new studio in Vancouver, so we continue to see bright spots in the economy,” Ravi Kahlon said.

“But there are some sectors that are facing real challenges, and we’re going to have to continue to focus on them and find ways for them to continue to be able to survive during these challenging times.”

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.