Vancouver residents can expect earthquake reminders, a closely watched election campaign on the island and a possible direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Two Overnight Earthquakes Remind Vancouver Island Residents to Prepare for Disaster
Residents of northern Vancouver Island and nearby areas of British Columbia were reminded once again that they live in one of North America’s most seismically active zones. Two earthquakes struck off the island’s west coast overnight Sunday and Monday. Fortunately, they caused no damage or injuries, but they once again drew attention to the need to prepare for a potentially major earthquake.
According to Earthquakes Canada, the first tremor, measuring 4.9, was recorded on Sunday, September 27, at 9:41 p.m. local time. Its epicentre was 166 kilometres west-southwest of Port Hardy, a small community at the northern tip of the island. Several hours later, at 2:13 a.m. on Monday, September 28, a stronger magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurred in the same area. Its epicentre was 148 kilometres west-southwest of Port Hardy, with its focus at a depth of about 10 kilometres.
Experts say these events are part of the normal tectonic activity along the coast, where the interaction between the Pacific and North American plates continually generates seismic activity. However, even moderate earthquakes like these serve as important reminders of the need to remain prepared for more destructive natural disasters—including earthquakes, tsunamis and extreme weather events—that are an unavoidable part of life in the region.
Through the Prepared BC program, British Columbia authorities recommend that residents review and replenish their emergency kits twice a year. This includes replacing expired food, water, medication and batteries; updating important documents; and checking that clothing and personal items still meet the needs of every family member.
Having a so-called “grab-and-go bag” can be crucial during the first hours after a disaster, before help arrives. These recommendations are especially relevant as the province’s Shake Out BC drills approach. They will take place on October 15 at 10:15 a.m.
During the drills, residents are encouraged to practise the key actions to take during an earthquake: “drop, cover and hold on.” This simple but vital sequence helps reduce the risk of injuries from falling objects and debris.
According to Shake Out BC, all of British Columbia is considered a high seismic-risk area compared with the rest of Canada. A historic example is the catastrophic magnitude-9 earthquake that occurred on January 26, 1700. The shaking was felt throughout the province and in Washington, Oregon and California, while a powerful tsunami struck the coast.
Known as the Cascadia earthquake, the event remains one of the strongest in the history of North America’s West Coast and serves as a grim warning of what could happen in the future.
People who want to learn more about preparing for an earthquake and what to do during and after one are encouraged to visit shakeoutbc.ca. As article author Christine van Reuvwyk notes, such reminders are not merely a formality but a genuine necessity for the millions of people living in a seismically active region. Greater Victoria residents who wish to share their story or leave a message are invited to contact the newsroom by email.
What lies behind these events, and why are they important? Earthquake magnitude is measured on a logarithmic scale that quantifies the energy released at the focus. The difference between magnitudes 4.9 and 5.2 may seem small, but each increase of 0.1 corresponds to approximately 1.4 times more energy released. As a result, the second earthquake released roughly one and a half times as much energy as the first.
A focus at a depth of 10 kilometres is considered relatively shallow, which generally makes shaking more noticeable at the surface. In this case, however, the epicentres were far offshore, so residents of Port Hardy and other communities likely felt only slight shaking—or none at all.
Even so, such distant events are important to seismologists because they help refine fault maps and model the behaviour of tectonic plates. British Columbia lies in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the oceanic Juan de Fuca Plate is being forced beneath the continental North American Plate. This process accumulates enormous pressure, which is periodically released through earthquakes ranging from minor tremors to catastrophic events.
That is why preparedness programs such as Shake Out BC and Prepared BC are so important. They not only inform the public but also foster a culture of safety in which everyone knows what to do when the ground begins to shake.
For example, “drop, cover and hold on” means immediately dropping to the floor, taking cover under a sturdy table or other reliable piece of furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops. This significantly reduces the risk of injuries from falling objects, which are the main cause of earthquake-related injuries.
Preparedness also includes knowing evacuation routes, having a communication plan with loved ones and understanding what to do when there is a tsunami threat—particularly important in coastal communities.
The overnight earthquakes near Port Hardy did not result in an emergency, but they provided a timely and vivid lesson for everyone in the region. They served as a reminder that nature is unpredictable and that preparedness is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process that can save lives.
As experts emphasize, it is better to spend a few hours each year checking an emergency kit and taking part in drills than to be helpless when a real disaster strikes.
Who Will Compete for Votes on Vancouver Island? The 2026 B.C. Election
With just weeks remaining before British Columbia’s provincial election, the political landscape on Vancouver Island—one of the province’s key regions—is gradually taking shape.
The Times Colonist has published a preliminary list of candidates who have declared their intention to run in the election scheduled for October 24, 2026. According to the article, the contest will cover 93 ridings across the province, with nominations closing on October 3, 2026. The list reflects the situation as of September 28, 2026, and, the newspaper notes, will be updated as new candidates register.
The defining feature of this campaign on the island is that the New Democrats (B.C. NDP) have traditionally been strong here, while the Conservatives are clearly determined to challenge that dominance. In nearly every riding represented by a sitting NDP member, the Conservative Party has nominated a candidate.
Moreover, Conservatives are incumbents in several northern and central ridings—for example, Anna Kindy in North Island and Brennan Day in Courtenay-Comox. This shows that the island’s political map is no longer unambiguously “orange” and has instead become a battleground for an intense two-party contest involving several smaller forces.
The third force is CentreBC, a relatively new party fielding candidates in several ridings, including Ladysmith-Oceanside, Langford-Highlands and Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
The latter race is particularly notable because Andrew Weaver, the former leader of the B.C. Green Party, is running for CentreBC. His participation adds another layer of intrigue. Weaver was one of the most recognizable figures in provincial politics for many years, and his move to a new political party could significantly affect the distribution of votes in the capital region.
The Greens also remain present, with David Evans running in Juan de Fuca-Malahat, Emily Lowan in Saanich North and the Islands, and Raj Sagota in Victoria-Beacon Hill.
Interestingly, Richard Zussman, a well-known figure in journalism circles, is running for the NDP in Saanich South, which could attract additional media attention to the race.
In Victoria-Swan Lake, meanwhile, incumbent Nina Krieger currently has no declared opponents on the published list, making her position the most comfortable.
Overall, the distribution of forces shows that the main contest on the island will not simply be between the left and right. Rather, it will pit the established NDP political machine against a growing Conservative movement and an ambitious CentreBC, which is seeking to occupy the political centre.
Several terms help explain the context. An incumbent is the current holder of an office or seat—in this case, a legislator who already represents the riding and is seeking re-election. The word “incumbent” indicates that the candidate has the advantages of name recognition and an established support base.
A riding is an electoral district, or territorial unit, that elects one representative to the provincial legislature. British Columbia’s provincial legislature is elected under a first-past-the-post system: the candidate who receives the most votes in each riding wins, while the party that wins a majority of seats forms the government.
The nomination deadline is the date after which applications to run in the election are no longer accepted. It determines the final list of names on the ballot.
The key figures from the published list are as follows: 93 ridings across the province; an election date of October 24, 2026; a nomination deadline of October 3, 2026; and the latest list update on September 28, 2026.
Several of Vancouver Island’s most competitive ridings stand out. In Courtenay-Comox, NDP candidate Will Cole-Hamilton will face incumbent Conservative Brennan Day in a classic re-election battle.
In Mid Island-Pacific Rim, incumbent NDP MLA Josie Osborne will face Conservative Joshua Daling. In Oak Bay-Gordon Head, incumbent independent Diana Gibson and Conservative Stan Sipos will be joined by Andrew Weaver of CentreBC, making the riding one of the most unpredictable on the entire island.
The practical conclusions for observers and voters are clear.
First, the NDP is fielding a strong slate, relying on incumbents in nearly all southern and central ridings. This indicates a focus on stability and continuity.
Second, the Conservatives are showing that they intend to contest every riding, leaving no “orange” territory unattended. This is a sign of a serious provincial and national strategy.
Third, the emergence of CentreBC and the continued presence of the Greens mean that opposition votes could be split in several ridings, potentially benefiting the NDP.
Finally, the candidacies of Richard Zussman and Andrew Weaver show that experienced and high-profile figures are entering the campaign, potentially drawing additional attention to the race.
The Times Colonist emphasizes that the list is not final and will be updated until registration closes. This means new names, withdrawals and other changes are possible in the coming weeks, especially in ridings where only one candidate is currently listed.
For readers following the campaign, it is important to understand that the final ballot will not be known until after October 3. Only then will precise forecasts be possible.
For now, one thing is clear: Vancouver Island will once again be at the centre of provincial politics, and the contest promises to be close and highly varied.
Canada Opens the Skies to Vietnam: What Could Link Vancouver and Ho Chi Minh City Directly
For years, travelling between Canada’s West Coast and Vietnam has meant lengthy connections, most often through Singapore, Seoul or Taipei. For Canada’s Vietnamese diaspora—numbering nearly 300,000—and for growing trade flows, this has been an inconvenience they have had to endure.
Now the situation could change dramatically. Last week, Ottawa announced a major expansion of its air transport agreement with Vietnam, opening the legal path for direct flights between the two countries for the first time.
According to a Daily Hive report, the agreement, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney as part of a new strategic partnership, allows airlines from each country to operate up to 14 passenger flights and seven cargo flights per week.
This removes the main regulatory barrier that had blocked nonstop service, although the final decision to launch a route remains with the airlines themselves.
The leading candidate for the Canadian hub is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which has long positioned itself as North America’s Pacific gateway.
In April 2026, airport president and CEO Tamara Vrooman told the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade that Vietnam was a particularly promising market. According to Vrooman, approximately 58,000 passengers travelled from YVR to Vietnam via Singapore in 2025 alone—enough, she said, to justify a standalone direct route.
One interesting detail is that Air Canada plans to discontinue its own direct service between Singapore and Vancouver in January 2027. The opening of a Vietnam route therefore appears to be a timely replacement for the capacity that will be lost.
Air Canada had reportedly been exploring direct service between YVR and Ho Chi Minh City—the country’s largest city and commercial centre—for years, according to an investor presentation in spring 2024.
Following Ottawa’s announcement, the national carrier publicly confirmed that it is working with authorities to obtain the necessary approvals and hopes to begin flights in 2027.
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, said the airline welcomed the expanded agreement and looked forward to beginning service to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese carriers have also shown interest. In early 2025, Vietnam Airlines listed Vancouver among its promising international destinations, alongside Seattle, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, Dubai and Bengaluru.
The economic context is just as important as tourism. Vietnam is Canada’s largest trading partner within ASEAN. Bilateral merchandise trade reached C$20.6 billion in 2025, while Canadian exports rose 30 percent year over year to more than C$1.3 billion.
Vrooman specifically highlighted the volume of high-value cargo moving between Western Canada and Vietnam, including fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, machinery parts, plastics and technology products. These goods are well suited to transport in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft.
For YVR, the route would support an ambitious goal of doubling the volume of cargo handled by 2030. For the federal government, it fits within a strategy of diversifying trade toward Asia amid Canada’s reliance on the U.S. market.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon called the agreement a step toward new opportunities for investment and cooperation. Ottawa also pointed to demand from Canada’s Vietnamese community, which numbers approximately 275,000 people, for family visits, tourism, education and business travel.
One key nuance is that the agreement is only an authorization, not a guarantee. Opening the skies removes the legal obstacle, but airlines must still make their own commercial decisions based on profitability, aircraft availability and competition.
That is why 2027 is being cited as a target rather than a firm promise, and why Vancouver remains a “highly likely” departure point rather than an officially confirmed one.
Nevertheless, the combination of sustained existing demand, growing trade, interest from carriers on both sides and Ottawa’s strategic focus on Asia makes this route one of Canada’s most likely major aviation launches in the coming years.
If everything comes together, passengers will no longer have to travel via Singapore, while Canadian exporters will gain a direct air corridor to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets.
