Five B.C. multicultural champions were recognized Nov. 18, 2016, before friends, family and their peers at the seventh British Columbia Multicultural Awards. The awards recognize British Columbians whose exceptional work helps bring diverse cultures together by embracing diversity and promoting multiculturalism.

School District 39 in Vancouver will receive $40,000 in funding for the Youth Work in Trades program to boost trades training for young people in district schools.

Vancouver communities will benefit from one-time targeted funding of $320,655 for Capilano University and $78,000 for Vancouver Community College to support adult-literacy programs.

This winter, Vancouver’s most vulnerable individuals will have access to a warm and safe place to stay at a number of additional shelters.

Multiculturalism Week in British Columbia is Nov.13-19, 2016, a time to celebrate B.C.’s rich, cultural mosaic. Jorge Salazar is one of five multicultural champions profiled this week.

A new commemorative licence plate is available in British Columbia for recipients of the Memorial Cross.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, Canada’s Minister of Health, and Terry Lake, British Columbia’s Minister of Health announced a major investment in research that will strive to improve patient care for those living in British Columbia.

Association of Neighbourhood Houses British Columbia will receive $4,500 in funding to help challenge racism and celebrate diversity. This organization is among 33 community groups throughout British Columbia working to address racism through the B.C. Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) program.

Getting more students into seismically safe schools is the goal of the announcement by Education Minister Mike Bernier and Vancouver School Board official trustee Dianne Turner that they are directing the Vancouver Project Office (VPO) to look for ways to fast-track seismic upgrades or replacements in Vancouver.