BC Gov News

Thousands of people and families on assistance will benefit from increased earnings exemptions announced in the September Budget Update.

Due to decreased fire activity, cooler weather and recent progress made by firefighting crews, regional districts in the Southeast Fire Centre and the BC Wildfire Service have made some changes to existing area restrictions and evacuation alerts.

Effective at noon on Sept. 18, 2017, the BC Wildfire Service has rescinded the campfire prohibition that was in effect within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. The use of tiki torches (and similar kinds of torches), outdoor stoves, gas stoves and other portable campfire equipment is also now permitted.

With many streams and rivers in the Lower Columbia, West Kootenay and East Kootenay regions experiencing very low streamflows, Kootenay residents are being urged to reduce water consumption.

Nominations for the honorary designation of Queen’s counsel (QC) open Sept. 15, 2017, and will be accepted until Oct. 27, 2017. The title is bestowed annually by the lieutenant-governor on the endorsement of Attorney General David Eby, QC.

Minister of Labour Harry Bains has issued the following statement today:

British Columbia’s wildfire-driven provincial state of emergency will expire at midnight tonight (Pacific time).

Even as firefighters continue to battle blazes throughout the province, the British Columbia government is already implementing a long-term plan to recover from this year’s unprecedented wildfire activity and support affected British Columbians.

Continuing dry conditions and dropping water levels have prompted the Government of British Columbia to announce a Level 3 drought rating for the East Peace region.