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National Observer
8 hours ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Eby says explosive 'deliberately' set outside BC minister's office
An explosive device damaged and blasted open the front door of British Columbia Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma's office on Friday morning, police said, and they are investigating whether the "jarring incident" was linked to an earlier blast nearby. While politicians decried the explosion at Ma's constituency office in North Vancouver — with interim federal NDP leader Don Davies calling it a "blatant act of terror"— neither Ma nor Cpl. Mansoor Sahak with North Vancouver RCMP gave any indication of the possible motive. "I don't know if it's politically motivated. We're not calling it that, but we're investigating all possible avenues at this point," Sahak told a news briefing. Sahak said the 4:15 a.m. blast "breached the door and damaged the door frame." He said the blast was "indicative of an explosive device detonation" and no one was injured. 'This was a jarring incident that undoubtedly startled sleeping residents in the area,' said Sahak. Scorch marks were visible on the door at the office where there was a heavy police presence Friday afternoon. Ma said in statement that she was "grateful for the outpouring of support from community members and people across B.C., including MLAs from all sides of the House." "My staff, my family, and I are okay," Ma said. She said police are taking the incident seriously, and she had "full confidence in their ability to conduct a thorough investigation." Ma's constituency office on West Esplanade Street, not far from the Lonsdale Quay Seabus station, was cordoned off with police tape as investigators examined the damaged door. People who work in the building said Friday afternoon they were unaware of what occurred, and building management sent out an email about media coverage of the reported explosion without any additional information. Sahak said a previous explosion had been heard in the nearby 100 block of West 1st Avenue at 2:45 a.m. and police were looking into whether the blasts were connected. But no residue of the earlier explosion was found and Sahak said it wasn't known "if it was an explosive device or a firecracker or anything." Premier David Eby said police told him an explosive device had been "deliberately set" at Ma's office. He said the incident was "profoundly concerning" and struck at the heart of how elected officials performed their duties. "I am deeply concerned about trend lines, which basically mean an increasing separation of elected officials from the people they're meant to serve, which doesn't benefit anybody at all," Eby told an unrelated news conference. Eby said a "routine safety review" was being conducted for all MLA offices across the province, through the legislature's Sergeant-at-Arms. Sahak said police were seeking witnesses who were in North Vancouver near West Esplanade Avenue or who may have captured dashcam or CCTV footage from 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. on Friday. Ma said all meetings and appointments at the office had been cancelled for the day. "Thankfully, nobody was injured, but incidents like this can be quite frightening," she wrote. Ma didn't describe the incident and said that due to the active police investigation, she would not be able to provide more details about what happened, although she wanted to thank the officers who responded. "I appreciate the concern expressed by community members and am grateful to serve such a caring and compassionate community," she said. NDP leader Davies said on social media that he was "deeply alarmed" by the incident. "This blatant act of terror is an affront to democracy and has no place in our nation. We are grateful no one was hurt and hope those responsible are apprehended as soon as possible," Davies wrote. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad said on social media that all members of the legislature "must stand with NDP MLA Bowinn Ma and her constituency office staff." "The idea that someone would set off a device to damage or somehow threaten an MLA's (constituency) office is deeply concerning," he said. City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan said in a statement that the explosion "understandably caused concern in our community and I know residents may feel alarmed and uneasy. " She said the city is working with police as they investigate "all possible avenues," and said she is grateful to people who called police to report the blast.
Global News
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Global News
Security incident prompts closure of BC NDP MLA's office
North Vancouver RCMP are at the scene outside NDP MLA Bowinn Ma's constituency office on Friday morning. In a statement, Ma confirmed that a 'security incident' has prompted the closure of her office and all meetings and appointments have been cancelled. The incident took place in the early hours of the morning. 'Thankfully, nobody was injured, but incidents like this can be quite frightening,' Ma said in a statement. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'I appreciate the concern expressed by community members. I am grateful to serve such a caring and compassionate community. I'd also like to thank the officers who responded for their diligence and professionalism. Due to the active police investigation, I will not be able to provide more details at this time.' Some damage can be seen to the front door of the office but RCMP has not provided any details about the incident. Story continues below advertisement Ma is the MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale and also B.C.'s infrastructure minister. The BC NDP has called an emergency caucus meeting on Friday and urges all MLAs and staff to be cautious. More to come.
CTV News
16-06-2025
- CTV News
Police seek witnesses after ‘potentially life-altering' crash in North Vancouver
The Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver is shown in an image from June 2019. (CTV News Vancouver's Pete Cline in Chopper 9) Mounties in North Vancouver are searching for witnesses to a crash that left a motorcyclist in hospital with serious injuries. A statement from the North Vancouver RCMP says the department received multiple reports of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Lonsdale Avenue and 14th Street just before 4 p.m. Sunday. Investigators believe the motorcycle was travelling north on Lonsdale when it was struck by a white Tesla attempting to make a left turn onto 14th Street. 'Several bystanders rushed to help the motorcyclist, who sustained serious, potentially life-altering injuries and was transported to the hospital by paramedics,' the statement said. The area was closed to traffic for several hours while investigators gathered evidence from the scene. Police are asking anyone with dash-camera video from the area at the time of the crash to come forward. Authorities are also looking to speak with the driver of a second white Tesla that was seen travelling south on Lonsdale Avenue at 14th Street just prior to the crash. 'The vehicle's dash cam may contain crucial footage that could assist in the investigation,' the statement said. Anyone with information related to the collision is urged to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311. 'Police would also like to commend the bystanders who quickly rushed to the aid of the injured motorcyclist,' the statement concluded. 'Understandably, the incident was quite traumatic for witnesses. Anyone affected and wishing to speak with Victim Services is encouraged to call 604-969-7540.'
Global News
10-06-2025
- Global News
After deadly speedboat crash, Tsleil-Waututh Nation calls for stiffer enforcement
The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation says it wants to be part of increased enforcement on the water in the wake of a speedboat collision on Saturday that killed a 10-year-old boy and left a second child with critical injuries. The tragedy happened in the waters of Burrard Inlet, just off North Vancouver's Cates Park and in Tsleil-Waututh territory. 'Speed is definitely an issue. The number of boats are an issue,' elected Chief Jen Thomas said of the boating activity near the park. 'Enforcement is key. Tsleil-Waututh Nation uses these waters every single day. We have our boats that go up ndian Arm, … our members out in the canoes training every single day.' 2:19 Suspect in Cates Park boat incident released from custody Thomas said the area is often crowded with vulnerable water users, including kayakers and paddleboarders, but that boaters in the area are frequently reckless. Story continues below advertisement 'The boats just go whipping on by. We see it all the time. They don't adhere to the five knot speed limit,' she said. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The deadly collision happened around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday as the children were being towed in the water on an inner tube. The victim has been identified as Lionel Klassen-Hall, who would have turned 11 next month. The speedboat operator was arrested at the scene and has since been released on conditions. North Vancouver RCMP says it is investigating speed and alcohol as possible factors in the collision. 1:58 Child killed in Cates Park boat incident Thomas said she fears a similar tragedy could happen again in the future, and that she wants to see officials at the Cates Park launch checking to ensure people have proper boat licences. Story continues below advertisement She also believes there should be a place for the nation in keeping the water safe. 'This is something our nation is going to talk to the government about,' she said. 'Let us have a little bit of jurisdiction in our territory and do some enforcement ourselves, especially if our members are on the water every single day.' Bruce Heyne, executive director of Boating B.C., said the number of accidents on the water remains statistically small, but that tragedies do happen and that education and enforcement remain critical. 'We encourage municipalities and local police forces to do as much as they can with marine safety,' he said. He added that recent federal changes have made it easier for municipalities to approach Transport Canada to ask for speed limits or other vessel restrictions in specific areas. 'But really, what it comes down to is people operating pleasure craft need to be responsible and need to be respectful of the people around them,' he said. Thomas, meanwhile, wants to see a visible enforcement presence on the water. 'There should be somebody down here every single day watching these boaters, especially this time of year,' she said.
Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
Family shares love for B.C. boy, 10, killed when speed boat hit raft: 'Generous of heart'
Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall, with mother Shelley Klassen. Photo by Photos courtesy of the Klassen-Hall family Shelley Klassen says her 10-year-old son Lionel and his best friend since kindergarten were 'super excited' on a hot, sunny Saturday to spend the afternoon tubing on the waters off Cates Park in North Vancouver. 'We thought it was a great, fun day for the kids,' said the grieving mother over the phone on Monday — while she and the family come to grips with Lionel's death when the inflatable raft they were being towed on was hit by a speed boat, a catastrophic crash that also left his friend in critical condition. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account North Vancouver RCMP say the driver of the boat that hit them was arrested and released on conditions until an Aug. 27 court date, and police allege speed and alcohol are likely factors. Klassen said they thought they did their 'due diligence' and knew the family well who were towing the boys behind their boat. 'The mother was an experienced boater and she had taken the kids out many times. … It was going to be a great day of fun out on the water. 'We did not think in a million years something like this would happen.' Klassen said the boys and the adults with them were due home around 9 p.m. When they failed to show up, she texted, then called the other boy's mother. 'She answered the phone, but she was incoherent,' said Klassen. 'She couldn't tell me, she just was mumbling and crying, and saying, 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.'' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After frantically calling 911 and hospitals, Klassen and her husband, Jason Hall, were told police were coming to see them. Their youngest child was dead. 'We've been told that he was killed on impact, thank god,' said Klassen. 'I'm praying that he didn't see it coming and he went out joyfully.' Lionel's parents say he took the slightly younger boy under his wing early in their school days. 'Lionel always kept his best friend close to him,' said Hall. 'He was generous of heart like that. He always tried to take care of everybody.' Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall, with mother Shelley Klassen. Photo by Photos courtesy of the Klassen-Hall family 'He was that kid where everybody loved him, and he was always for the underdog,' said Klassen. 'He was full of life and light, he was that guy, joyful, dancing, non-stop funny, great sense of humour,' she said. 'We were so ridiculously blessed to have him.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Klassen and Hall say Lionel's friend is not doing well. They've been told he has a brain injury and several skull and limb fractures. 'He's in an induced coma and he's non-responsive,' said Klassen. Klassen said Lionel was a budding sports phenom who liked everything, including track, rugby and soccer, but especially soccer. 'He got to see Lionel Messi play when he came (to Vancouver). He got to go to the game.' Police say the investigation continues. 'We expect to forward charges at a later date,' said RCMP Cpl. Mansoor Sahak on Monday. After the collision, many people reported seeing a speed boat that matched the description of the vessel that police towed — a Scarab 33 cigarette boat — speeding around Indian Arm that day. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Just after 6 p.m., John Belisle and his wife were in their kayaks when they spotted a boat leaving Deep Cove at speeds of about 80 km/h. It was initially beside with another watercraft, said Belisle, and he wasn't sure if they were racing or travelling together. But within seconds, the Scarab left the other boat behind in its wake. 'We've never seen a boat going at that speed that close to shore,' he said. 'We were just dumbfounded.' The scene at Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, after a child was killed and another critically injured in a boating crash. Photo by Shane MacKichan Belisle and his wife visually followed the boat until it disappeared around the bend as it approached Cates Park. 'Both of us were going 'I hope that person doesn't get a kayaker.'' They paddled along, enjoying the busy waterway on a sunny and warm spring evening. Then, about 20 minutes later, they heard sirens pierce the air. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Police have not identified the operator of the boat, but friends and acquaintances who know him told Postmedia the man is a 38-year-old North Vancouver resident, and an avid boater. He also likes riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and knows how to fly helicopters. At the time of the crash, the man was with his girlfriend, a male friend and a fourth person. Parents Klassen and Hall say they're telling Lionel's two older siblings the family must 'live big' now, as Lionel did. 'We were telling them, this is for us to live big and be big, and not shrink and crumble,' says Klassen. 'We've got him under our wings, he is still with us. He is the biggest, brightest light and we are always still connected. 'He wants us to go big, and we're going to do it. We're going to be strong as a family and we're going to live the best lives we can live.' jruttle@ chchan@ Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall , left, in a photo in church with his mother, Shelley Klassen, his dad Jason Hall and his two older siblings, Julius and Abigail — was killed in a speed boat crash off Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, 2025. His friend since kindergarten, who was riding in the same inflatable that got hit, is in critical condition. Photo by Handout / Klassen-Hall family Toronto Blue Jays Editorial Cartoons World Ontario Olympics
