In her speech from the throne, Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon outlined how British Columbia has navigated challenging times to lead Canada, thanks to a plan – and hard-working British Columbians.

In recognition of the challenges faced by British Columbians with Parkinson’s disease, the Ministry of Health will be working with the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre to identify and prioritize patients for coverage of the medication Duodopa.

Visitors will soon be able to book more backcountry adventures at Garibaldi Provincial Park, a favourite backcountry destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The B.C. government is providing an additional $5 million to the Community Gaming Grants program, bringing the annual total to $140 million. This annual funding supports not-for-profit organizations in the services they provide to enrich communities throughout British Columbia.

The Province, in partnership with the BC Community Bat Program and other concerned groups, are asking the public to be on the lookout for dead or sick bats that may have contracted an invasive fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome.

Ministry crews are preparing to re-open Highway 5 (Coquihalla) by 2 p.m. today. In anticipation of this, the ministry wants to ensure motorists are aware of conditions and:

British Columbia’s Quarterly Environmental Enforcement Summary for the first quarter of 2016 outlines four orders, 15 administrative sanctions, 279 tickets and 25 court convictions for a combined total of over $3.5 million in penalties. 

Environment Minister Mary Polak and Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender have issued an Environmental Assessment Certificate to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for the George Massey Tunnel Replacement project, which includes: