The world is changing and parents expect their kids to be taught the skills they need to succeed in that changing world.

Students in B.C. have even more to look forward to this back-to-school season as free open textbooks hit up to $2 million in overall student savings.

As part of the Province’s commitment to cut red tape and improve access to important programs and services, the Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction announced the release of the Aboriginal Small Business Resource handout. This one-stop reference handout is tailored specifically to Aboriginal entrepreneurs, and includes information on how to access the range of services and supports available to Aboriginal small-business owners.

The Province and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) have been working together on two labour market projects aimed at helping more youth join British Columbia’s workforce and recruiting others who want to work in Aboriginal non-profit organizations.

Over the past year, more than 1,000 First Nations members throughout the province have received skills training through programs supported by B.C.’s Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund and delivered close to home.

In 2004, the Government of British Columbia proclaimed Sept. 3 Merchant Navy Veterans Day. On this day each year, Canadians honour the contribution, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in Canada’s Merchant Navy.

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond has issued the following statement in honour of Labour Day, observed this year on Sept. 5:

As families get ready to send over 600,000 students back to school, there are many great resources available to make the transition to the classroom easier – and to get a head start preparing for life after high school.

Thousands of British Columbia parents are building a brighter future for their families, thanks to the Single Parent Employment Initiative (SPEI), a unique government program that was launched one year ago.