BC Daily Digest — March 2, 2026

Beach takeover: Hundreds of noisy California sea lions have crowded Deep Bay on Vancouver Island, across from Denman Island. Marine biologist David Rosen says they’re finishing a six‑month northern fish tour and waiting for the herring run, and are expected to stay until late April or early May; by law people and dogs must stay at least 100 metres away.

Tax‑season scam alert: Cybersecurity experts warn AI is making Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scams much more convincing this tax season. Miles Walker says lifelike AI voice calls and believable emails will rise before and after the April 30 filing deadline; CRA reminds taxpayers it will never ask for e‑transfers or threaten arrest, and everyone should use multi‑factor authentication.

Time change rethink for Alberta: Premier Danielle Smith says B.C.’s move to permanent daylight time (announced by Premier David Eby) means Alberta should again consider ditching the twice‑yearly clock change. A 2021 referendum narrowly rejected permanent DST (50.2% to 49.8%); Alberta has used daylight time since 1971 and clocks “spring ahead” this Sunday at 2 a.m.

Musqueam agreement: The Musqueam First Nation signed three agreements with Ottawa recognizing Aboriginal rights in Metro Vancouver and boosting roles in fisheries, stewardship and marine emergency management. Legal experts like Thomas Isaac criticise limited public consultation, while Musqueam and Crown say the deals don’t affect privately owned land and set a framework for future talks.

Extortion shootings charges: Three foreign nationals — Avtar Singh (22), Sandeep Singh (28) and Jagdeep Singh (24) — face charges linked to South Asian extortion shootings in B.C. and Alberta. Avtar and Sandeep are in custody; Jagdeep is wanted Canada‑wide after multiple shootings and is charged in Alberta with extortion, firearms offences and disguising with intent.

Canadians in the Middle East feel tense: About 85,000 Canadians and permanent residents are registered in the Middle East as tensions rose after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Travellers in places like Doha and Kuwait describe sirens, cancelled plans and a tense atmosphere, and Global Affairs Canada updated advice to avoid travel to several countries.

Pipeline pitch after Iran attack: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the Iran conflict underscores the need for a new pipeline to the West Coast so Alberta’s oil can reach Pacific shipping lanes if Strait of Hormuz exports are disrupted. She adds that a rebound in oil markets could shrink this year’s expected $4.1‑billion deficit; the UCP had projected a $9.4‑billion deficit next year.

Worker rescued after 6‑metre fall: A construction worker fell down a six‑metre hole at the Langley Events Centre site on Monday (responders called at 8:13 a.m.) and was rescued by firefighters and taken to hospital in stable condition. RCMP say no criminality is apparent and WorkSafeBC is investigating; witnesses can call Langley RCMP at 604‑532‑3200, file 2026‑6538.

B.C. goes to permanent daylight time: Premier David Eby announced B.C. will spring forward one last time on Sunday and then stop seasonal clock changes, adopting year‑round Pacific Time (UTC‑7). The change will align B.C. with some neighbours March–November but leave it one hour ahead of Washington/Oregon/California in winter; business groups warn the unilateral move risks cross‑border confusion.

‘Blood moon’ this week: NASA says a total lunar eclipse will redden the moon across Canada overnight into early Tuesday, with penumbral phase starting 3:44 a.m. ET, totality from 6:04–7:04 a.m. ET (3:04–4:04 a.m. PT) and the eclipse ending by 9:23 a.m. ET. No special gear is needed and totality will last about an hour; the next total lunar eclipse is expected in late 2028.

Father brings son home to Zambia: Abel Mwansa Jr., 12, who was shot in Tumbler Ridge on Feb. 10, was repatriated and arrived in Kitwe by plane Saturday for a funeral planned Monday; his father thanks Zambia, Canada and MP Bob Zimmer. The Mwansa family moved from Zambia to Tumbler Ridge in 2023 and the attack left eight victims killed.

Snowmobiler killed in avalanche: A 23‑year‑old man died after an avalanche at Kootenay Pass on Saturday (an SOS from a Garmin led responders to the scene); the slide was rated size 2.5 behind Camel’s Hump and two snowmobilers were involved. Other riders and emergency crews assisted; this is one of six avalanche‑related fatalities in Western Canada this winter.