The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has closed the cougar hunting season in the East Kootenay.

The government of B.C. is investing $443,842 in new skills training equipment at the College of the Rockies.

The nurse-call system at East Kootenay Regional Hospital is being upgraded, improving patient safety.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong is inviting East Kootenay residents to participate in a regional telephone town hall on balancing the 2013-14 provincial budget and supporting affordability for B.C. families.

Students at the College of the Rockies will benefit this fall from improved and upgraded campus facilities. This is thanks to over $936,000 in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

Representatives from industry, economic development organizations, Aboriginal communities, post-secondary institutions, local employers, labour and others participated in a Regional Workforce Table Open House Forum today in B.C.'s Kootenay region.

Premier Christy Clark announced a $50,000 community gaming grant to the Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C., which opened the doors of its new Kootenay Child Development Centre (KCDC) in Cranbrook earlier this year.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources staff will team up with RCMP officers and other provincial officials in the Lake Koocanusa area May 17-21, to enforce an Open Fire Prohibition Order and help residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful long weekend.

Cranbrook has been identified as one of seven communities to participate in a pilot project where poverty-reduction strategies will target the unique needs of families struggling to get out of poverty.