I would like to extend greetings for a joyous Eid al-Adha to Muslims both in British Columbia and all over the world and congratulate those who participated in the holy pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca.

Government has granted a one-month extension to allow the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry adequate time to complete the final report.

Three more tentative agreements have been reached under the Cooperative Gains Mandate with CUPE locals at Thompson Rivers University and CUPE Local 4879, the University of British Columbia and CUPE Local 116, and between the University of Northern BC and CUPE Local 3799, announced Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap.

A four-year collective agreement between the University of British Columbia and CUPE Local 2950 staff has been ratified, providing for modest wage increases within existing budgets, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap announced today.

British Columbia's International Trade and Investment Representatives are hitting the road to continue their tour of communities and regions throughout the province.

Two unique B.C. programs were honoured at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Awards of Excellence in Halifax last week for their work in promoting multiculturalism and challenging racism.

International visitor arrivals' statistics are indicating strong growth in key tourism markets - figures that are especially welcome as Tourism BC shifts its marketing efforts to focus on B.C.'s upcoming ski season.