Here are Black Press Media鈥檚 top stories for Thursday, April 25.
1. Two in critical condition, several still in hospital after Aldergrove deck collapse
A number of people remain in hospital after last weekend鈥檚 deck collapse that left close to 40 people injured.
2. 鈥楤.C. cannot wait for action鈥�: Top doctor urges province to decriminalize illicit drugs
In her report Wednesday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the country鈥檚 approach in its war on drugs has criminalized and stigmatized drug users 鈥� arresting and punishing them 鈥� instead of treating the current state of drug use as what is ultimately a health issue.
The federal government has said they won't change any drug policy time and time again. But Henry says she believes B.C. can do more.
鈥� Ashley Wadhwani (@ashwadhwani)
" Law enforcement and health officials recognize that BC cannot arrest its way out of the overdose crisis."
3. 鈥楢larm bells鈥� raised by footage allegedly from Abbotsford pig farm, SPCA says
Video allegedly shot at an Abbotsford pig farm that shows the corpses of dead piglets among live animals 鈥渞aises alarm bells鈥� and will trigger an investigation, according to the B.C. SPCA.
4. Busy days continue on BC Ferries routes
Both the 7 and 9 a.m. Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay sailings were 100 per cent full Thursday morning, and the ferry scheduled for 11 a.m. is sitting at 78 per cent full, as of 7 a.m.
5. SPCA investigating after newborn kittens found in Vancouver dumpster
The animal shelter was alerted to the kittens when a passerby heard sounds coming from the dumpster located inside a secured parking area at 1040 Pacific Street on Friday, the organization said in a statement on Wednesday.
