National

China leaves Canada off list of countries approved for group tours

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Aug, 2023 11:29 AM

China has lifted a pandemic ban on group tours to several countries, including the United States and Australia, but tourists are still be barred from group visits to Canada.

The change announced by China's culture and tourism ministry last week allows Chinese and online travel agencies to book group tours and packages for Chinese tourists in 70 more countries all over the world.

Canada was quietly left off the list.

The reason is related to Canada's recent focus on foreign interference, as first reported by CBC News.

In a statement to The Canadian Press about the snub, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa says that lately, Canada has repeatedly hyped up alleged interference by Beijing.

The embassy also points to what it describes as a rise in rampant and discriminatory anti-Asian acts and words.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. firefighter numbers increase to more than 2,500, with 100 Brazilians here today

BC Wildfire Service spokesman Cliff Chapman says about 500 international firefighters are already in B.C., boosting the ranks of the more than 2,000 provincial wildfire service personnel on the front lines battling hundreds of blazes.

B.C. firefighter numbers increase to more than 2,500, with 100 Brazilians here today

Uncertainty at B.C. ports continues as possible deal emerges in labour dispute

A statement on the website of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada Local 502 says that a tentative agreement has been reached with the BC Maritime Employers Association, and the ILWU will hold an "emergency contract caucus" today to decide if the deal will be sent to the full union membership for ratification.

Uncertainty at B.C. ports continues as possible deal emerges in labour dispute

Liberal government looking for input on new law to improve safety in long-term care

The Liberals promised during their 2021 election campaign to table a Safe Long-Term Care Act, after widespread COVID-19 outbreaks drew attention to the struggle many homes faced to provide basic care to residents.

Liberal government looking for input on new law to improve safety in long-term care

4 stolen vehicles recovered in Kelowna

Police say they have recovered four stolen vehicles and arrested one male suspect after an operation in Kelowna. R-C-M-P say officers from its target team along with canine units executed a search warrant at a property in the 28-hundred block of Appaloosa Road on July 14th.

4 stolen vehicles recovered in Kelowna

Parched conditions push B.C.'s wildfire battle south, as rain brings relief in north

The BC Wildfire Service website reported 380 active wildfires Thursday with 22 listed as fires of note and 232 out of control. There have been 1,246 wildfires so far this year, burning a record 14,500 square kilometres.

Parched conditions push B.C.'s wildfire battle south, as rain brings relief in north

To Teach or Not to Teach: The Question of Drug Overdose Education in BC Schools

While advocates argue that providing comprehensive education about drug overdoses can empower students with life-saving knowledge and help them make informed decisions, opponents express concerns that discussing drug overdose education in schools may inadvertently normalize or encourage drug use among students.