Minister of Health Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid issued the following statement in recognition of Women's History Month in October, and acknowledged the world's first International Day of the Girl, on Oct. 11, 2012. This year's theme - Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start - is inspired by International Day of the Girl.

B.C.'s most vulnerable families are getting a helping hand thanks to income and disability assistance changes that take effect today. The changes, announced in June as part of the Families First Agenda, are designed to help vulnerable individuals and families attain better financial outcomes, assist people with disabilities to lead more independent lives, and help people capable of work avoid the cycle of income-assistance dependence.

Today marks the start of a month-long celebration of more than 3,200 amazing families in B.C. These families are foster families, and they take on one of society's most important jobs by caring for children and youth whose families are in crisis or unable to care for them.

Do you know someone with a developmental disability? October is Community Living Month, and this is the perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate British Columbians living with developmental disabilities by attending one of the many events happening around the province.

Premier Christy Clark released the following statement in recognition of Small Business Month:

A new law came into force today that blocks yet another avenue for criminals who are trying to profit from crime.

British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has implemented four of the six auditor general's recommendations aimed at increased project oversight and will complete action on the remaining two within seven months, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced today.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond made the following statement in recognition of Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day:

The B.C. government is providing $75,000 to help the District of Mission make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 120th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced today.