My Canada! My BC! is the theme for this year’s Heritage Week, which runs from Feb. 13 to Feb. 19, 2017, in British Columbia.

Whether you’re sticking close to home or itching to hit the road for Family Day on Feb. 13, various activities beckon – and the Province wants you and yours to get there safely.

British Columbia health authorities and physicians completed thousands of additional surgeries from June 2015 to March 2016, as part of a government strategy to improve access to surgery.

The Cariboo-Chilcotin Region will soon benefit from $2.8 million over two years to crack down on crime through a new Regional Community Safety Model that builds on work underway and promotes enhanced coordination of public safety resources.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is funding partnerships that connect Aboriginal students with education and training programs in their communities. These programs provide Aboriginal learners with work-ready skills such as basic computer literacy, as well as skills needed for jobs in sectors such as construction, tourism and education.

More than 180 Aboriginal learners in the Vancouver Island – B.C. Coast Region are receiving training in their communities through programs that will prepare them for jobs in sectors such as construction, forestry and eco-tourism.

Coquitlam is the newest community in British Columbia to be recognized for its collaborative efforts to reduce human-bear conflicts.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson issued the following statement in response to concerns expressed by the Heiltsuk First Nation with regard to provincial response to a wildfire on Denny Island:

First-time homebuyers are taking advantage of the new BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program, as more than $1.1 million in loans has been conditionally approved since applications opened on Jan. 16, 2017.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong has rescheduled the telephone town hall for residents in and around the Fraser Valley for Tues., Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. to get their input on the 2017 provincial budget.