They say reading is as easy as A, B, C, but some children continue to struggle with a skill that is vital to a healthy, successful future - and a new partnership will help improve early literacy skills in rural and remote communities.

The Province, in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, has transferred ownership and management of 75 properties for Aboriginal families on Vancouver Island to M'akola Housing Society.

Premier Christy Clark released the following statement today marking Vaisakhi:

"On Vaisakhi hundreds of thousands of British Columbians join millions of people worldwide to celebrate the holiest day of the Sikh calendar.

The new Employment Program of BC will provide unemployed British Columbians with the supports and services they need to do just that - get back to work and be self-sufficient.

Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor Dr. Evan Adams has been appointed Deputy Provincial Health Officer, announced Minister of Health Michael de Jong, the First Nations Heath Council and the interim First Nations Health Authority.

Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, today named this year's recipients of the B.C. Community Achievement Awards.

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, is confident that a free trade agreement with Japan would mean more jobs and increased exports and investment for British Columbia.

The Premier of British Columbia and the governors of Oregon, Washington and California have announced that they will collaborate to manage potential marine debris from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan that may wash up along the West Coast.