The B.C. government is investing another $12 million to assist with the detection and removal of invasive species, as part of its economic recovery plan to support jobs and help communities cope with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, has issued the following statement in response to the expert panel on basic income’s report to government:

The B.C. government is investing $10 million in a new FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund, as part of its economic recovery plan to create jobs and help communities cope with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province and BC Hydro are reducing rates and lowering the costs of connecting to the electricity grid to help industries, public transportation agencies and neighbourhood energy systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attract new clean tech industries to British Columbia.

The Province, through BC Housing, has signed a lease with GSL Group that will allow the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (SOFMC) to be used again for temporary housing beginning in March.

Treatment and recovery providers who have been financially challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic are benefiting from grants to ensure ongoing support for people struggling with addictions throughout B.C.

A report that has been released by the Ministry of Health provides independent analysis and recommendations to support the Province’s management of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the long-term care sector.