In the news today: B.C. chief on fires, Trump tariffs loom, e-scooter deaths rise

In British Columbia, the chief of the Penticton Indian Band, Greg Gabriel, has called for cooperation to prevent wildfires as the world changes rapidly. The recent wildfire forced thousands of people from their homes in the South Okanagan, prompting Gabriel to suggest looking into logging practices and addressing drought conditions. The province has acknowledged the need for alternative emergency routes during crises, as Highway 97 was cut off by the Bald Range fire near Summerland.

The iconic herd of mountain goats near Summerland may face extinction due to the fire. Biologist Michael Noonan believes many of the animals were lost, as their habitat lies within the Bald Range wildfire boundary that displaced over 20,000 residents. Concerns persist about the impact such fires could have on the species in the region.

As the deadline for U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff increase approaches, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc remains in Washington. These new 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, set to take effect on August 19, would have no exemptions for goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The tariffs are a response to provincial bans on American liquor, Canada's supply-managed dairy system, and quotas on certain U.S. vehicles.

Experts warn that these tariffs may create divisions among Canadian provinces and allow Washington to exploit regional grievances in trade talks.