The Province is providing CanAssist at the University of Victoria (UVic) with $4.5 million to expand its services for seniors living with dementia, and children and youth with special needs, building on government’s ongoing efforts to ensure people can access unique technologies that help increase their independence and quality of life.

Following approval from the British Columbia Ferries Commissioner for BC Ferries to acquire a used vessel to provide direct-summer service in 2018 between Port Hardy and Bella Coola, the Government of B.C. has announced it will contribute $15 million to BC Ferries to purchase and operate this vessel.

British Columbia Environment Minister Mary Polak and Yukon Environment Minister Pauline Frost have signed an agreement pledging to co-operatively manage shared water in the Mackenzie River Basin, specifically the Liard River and its tributaries.

The British Columbia government is providing approximately $4.5 million to keep three temporary shelters open in Greater Victoria.

A tentative agreement has been reached between the Province, BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association and the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) on labour succession in 27 highway maintenance service areas, ensuring job security and improved maintenance service levels on the highway network.

A $500,000 investment will establish scholarships at public post-secondary institutions that encourage women to pursue education that aligns with the needs of the growing tech sector in British Columbia.

Skilled trades students in B.C.’s rural regions will benefit from the majority of funding from a three-year, $15-million investment by the provincial government with the purchase of new trades training equipment to support youth trades programs.

Following public consultation on draft regulations, a new college of diagnostic and therapeutic health professions is established and will become fully functional in the next 12-18 months.