Mental-health and substance-use challenges and disorders can happen to anyone, affecting people of all ages, income levels, professions and social classes.

The illicit drug overdose crisis has taken over 2,000 lives in British Columbia since January 2016, and the province is likely to surpass the 1,500 mark for deaths in 2017 alone. 

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Nov. 25, reminds governments and individuals alike that we have important work to do to advance the safety of vulnerable women – in their homes, on the street and in their daily lives.

By Katrine Conroy

The stories of people taken by the overdose crisis come from every corner of the province. A forestry worker in the North who became addicted to painkillers for a workplace injury and then turned to street drugs. Friends celebrating after a wedding in the Interior. Suburban parents who left behind young children. Middle-aged men who were clean and sober for years.

Last week I met Don, a carpenter who became addicted to painkillers after an injury he got on the job. He ended up on the streets, and says he was in and out of the hospital about 100 times over a period of four years.

The Okanagan Lake Regulation System is a multi-lake, multi-purpose system, owned by the Province and managed and operated by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Buying a home is the largest investment most people will make in their lives. Home buyers in B.C. have more confidence when making that investment, thanks to steps taken by the Province to strengthen home inspector licensing.

BC Housing manages the Housing Registry, a central database of subsidized housing, used by families/individuals applying for units managed by BC Housing and a number of non-profit and co-operative housing providers.