Canada and B.C. have targeted funding that supports business development, innovation, food safety, and sustainability under the Growing Forward Agreement in the fourth quarter of 2011-12. Growing Forward is a five-year framework that co-ordinates federal, provincial and territorial agriculture policy.

British Columbia's provincial parks now have more places to sit and enjoy an amazing view - each with their own special stories and wonderful memories. The 100 for 100 Park Bench Challenge launched in 2011 to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of British Columbia's provincial parks system was so successful that all 100 benches are sold.

The BC Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS) has been awarded a one-time $75,000 provincial grant to support its lake monitoring program, which contributes to the effective environmental stewardship of B.C.'s water resources and ensures the collection of high-quality lake-monitoring data.

The Province will extend the submission due date for BC Hydro's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) from Dec. 3, 2012 to Aug. 3, 2013.

Stephen Bellringer has been appointed chair of the BC Hydro board of directors, Energy, Mines and Natural Gas Minister Rich Coleman announced today.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick released the following statement on the release of the Cohen Commission's final report:

Small businesses throughout B.C. are 'staying out of the red' by going green, said Environment Minister Terry Lake to wrap up October as small business month.

British Columbia's oil and gas sector is regulated with modern legislation that includes public and environmental safety as top priorities. The protection of human health is a vital aspect of our commitment to world-leading practices. Our health assessment will ensure our province remains a responsible oil and gas resource developer

While Ministry of Environment officials remain confident that there is no risk to public health or the environment, the ministry is launching a formal investigation in response to concerns around the approximately 1,800 tonnes of potentially hazardous fly ash shipped to the Cache Creek Landfill from the Burnaby waste-to-energy facility in July and August, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake today.

Visitors to Goldstream Park near Victoria are advised that parking at the day-use area will be extremely busy for the next several weeks during the annual Goldstream salmon run. Visitors are also asked to please use caution when parking outside of the designated areas.