B.C. Daily Digest — Jan. 29, 2026

Heartbreaking neighbourhood violence: On Jan. 4 in Surrey, Jug and Paul Thandi’s 14‑year‑old Havanese‑Maltese dog Lucky was fatally attacked and tossed around on security video, and the owners say the other dog’s owners disposed of Lucky’s body. The attacking dog was able to leave its property, was later surrendered, assessed as dangerous by the City of Surrey and put down; the Thandis say community support has helped them through the ordeal.

Strong words from the province: B.C. Premier David Eby called the extortion violence in Surrey a “terror attack in slow motion” after meeting premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa. Surrey council has unanimously declared a local state of emergency, Mayor Brenda Locke is asking Ottawa for a federal state of emergency and premiers are urging quick passage of Bill C‑14 to toughen bail and increase penalties for serious repeat offenders.

Family questions MAID safeguards after young death: An Ontario family says their 26‑year‑old son, Kiano Vafaeian, who had Type 1 diabetes and mental‑health struggles, received MAID in B.C. on Dec. 30 after being turned down in Ontario for years. They say Track 2 safeguards (a 90‑day assessment and two independent practitioners) weren’t properly followed; Dr. Ellen Wiebe, who signed the death certificate, disputes that, and B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne says the government will learn from experiences.

Camping is getting pricier (for some): BC Parks will raise fees in 59 high‑demand frontcountry parks and 4 backcountry parks, and start a $20 flat surcharge for non‑B.C. residents on May 15, 2026. For B.C. residents the average increase is about $0.40/night in shoulder season and $13.29/night in summer (average nightly rates $30.81 shoulder, $42.91 summer); backcountry parks like Garibaldi, Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes and Mount Assiniboine will see about $13.62 more per night (rates $17–$25); 388 parks stay the same and reservations open three months ahead.

Tragedy by the tracks: A person was struck and killed by a train around 7:45 a.m. near Glover Road and Billy Brown Road in Fort Langley, Langley RCMP said — despite life‑saving efforts the individual died at the scene. Road closures are in effect and investigators ask witnesses to call Langley RCMP at 604‑532‑3200, file 2026‑3084.

Heated politics over separatist talks: B.C. Premier David Eby called reported meetings between Alberta separatists (the Alberta Prosperity Project) and U.S. officials “treason,” after reports the group met U.S. State and Treasury officials and discussed ideas including a US$500‑billion line of credit. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Ontario’s Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney reacted publicly — the row highlights divisions as polls show roughly 29% of Albertans say they’d vote to separate, though support drops when costs are considered.

Kidnapping at a Mexican mine site: Vancouver‑based Vizsla Silver Corp confirmed 10 people were abducted from its Concordia project in Mexico; the company says local authorities and its crisis teams are involved and some site activity is paused. Global Affairs Canada is monitoring, says it’s not aware of Canadian victims so far, and offers emergency consular contacts including +1 613‑996‑8885 (or toll‑free 1‑800‑387‑3124) for Canadians needing help.