Online Memorial Launched Following Trans-Canada Highway Collision

An online fundraising campaign has been established to assist a grieving Kamloops family after a two-vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Chase claimed two lives. The crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, involving a Honda Civic and a Mercedes SUV.

First responders reported that 47-year-old Denise Sellars and her 11-year-old son, Kayden, were traveling in the Honda and died in the crash. The driver of the Mercedes sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for medical care.

Community Honors Victims

Organized by Trinity B to assist the surviving family members in the coming months, the GoFundMe campaign set a goal of $11,000 and had collected nearly $7,500 shortly after publication. Sellars and her son leave behind her partner Luther, along with her older children, Tristan and Malia.

“Denise was a bright, beautiful light, with an infectious laugh and smile,” organizer Trinity B wrote. “She inspired us to lighten up and be the best version of ourselves. She was a spiritual warrior, a knowledge holder and a language warrior, too.” The organizer added that Sellars’ classmates selected her as valedictorian, noting, “We knew you were the bravest of us all.” Her loss has had a profound impact across her community and Secwepemcúl̓ecw.

Trinity also shared memories of 11-year-old Kayden, describing him as a boy with a large heart who was “the [first] to go without if he wants to share with [you],” and noted that “Those who knew him remember a sweetheart who always made sure to say, ‘Good morning.’”

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fatal incident. BC RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Brett Urano offered condolences in a statement, noting, “The loss of life in any incident is tragic, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the event or captured video footage along that stretch of highway between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 to contact the Chase RCMP at 250-679-3221, citing file 2026-2282.

Kamloops Candidate Supports Public Option Alongside Market Competition

B.C. Conservative candidate Ward Stamer says he wants to keep the majority of auto insurance coverage under ICBC, even as his party outlines plans to introduce private market competition. Stamer, the incumbent MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, noted that while he lacks full details on how private insurers would fit into the system, he hopes most coverage stays with the public provider while giving residents more choices.

The proposed hybrid model would open certain segments of the auto insurance market to private companies while maintaining ICBC as a public option. Additionally, the plan would allow individuals with serious injuries to sue for compensation through the legal system, which Conservatives say preserves most litigation-related savings while offering fuller recovery options for victims.

Debate Over Rates and System Implementation

Addressing potential risks, Stamer expressed that private insurers should not be allowed to “cherry-picking” low-risk drivers and leave remaining motorists with fewer alternatives. He acknowledged mixed outcomes in other public-private jurisdictions, noting costs increased in some places, but felt confident a better model can be designed for B.C. “I don’t know all the details, and once we’re government, we’ll be able to iron out those details, but many people are very upset with the no-fault insurance,” he said.

The proposal drew scrutiny during the campaign following a letter sent by B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson to legal and insurance groups, mentioning that replacing no-fault coverage and opening competition were under consideration. The NDP criticized the letter as a “secret” plan that could potentially double insurance premiums. Stamer dismissed claims of a hidden agenda, stating, “When the NDP calls it a secret, it wasn’t a secret. It was put out into the public.” He added that NDP warnings about doubled insurance rates are exaggerated.

National and Provincial Jobless Figures

Canada recorded a national unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent in September, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Oct. 9, 2026.

Across Western Canada, British Columbia’s jobless rate shifted to 6.4 per cent from 6.5 per cent in August. Alberta recorded a rate of 6.4 per cent, down from 6.8 per cent the previous month, while Saskatchewan dropped to 5.4 per cent from 6.0 per cent. Manitoba’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.0 per cent.

In Central Canada, Ontario’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 7.0 per cent from 6.9 per cent in August, while Quebec’s rate reached 6.0 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent.

Atlantic Canada and Regional City Data

In Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest provincial figure at 9.1 per cent, up from 8.6 per cent in August. New Brunswick saw a minor increase to 7.4 per cent from 7.3 per cent, and Nova Scotia rose to 6.3 per cent from 6.1 per cent. Prince Edward Island experienced a decline, moving to 7.3 per cent from 7.9 per cent.

Statistics Canada also tracked seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average rates for major urban areas. However, the agency cautioned that these municipal figures are subject to wide fluctuations due to smaller statistical sample sizes.