Members of the Community Social Services Bargaining Association have ratified the agreement reached with the Community Social Services Employers' Association under the government's 2010 mandate, announced Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

The Province and Community Living BC (CLBC) are investing an additional $8.9 million to help provide priority services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Province has expanded its orthotics supplement for income assistance clients to ensure basic mobility needs are addressed.

Now that Canada Post is back to work, the Ministry of Social Development is mailing out the cheques it held back from distribution during the postal disruption.

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate British Columbia's diverse people and communities.

If you know someone who is a champion for multiculturalism in their community, nominate them for a 2011 Provincial Nesika Award. Nominations are now open for the awards, which recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that make outstanding contributions to promoting cultural diversity and Aboriginal heritage in B.C.

In response to the ongoing Canada Post labour situation, the Province is implementing an alternate distribution plan for June income-assistance payments.

The Province is closely monitoring the Canada Post labour situation to ensure that British Columbians who are on income assistance will receive their June cheques on time.

The Ministry of Social Development is mailing income assistance cheques one week early this month, in case Canada Post experiences a work disruption.

The Province has changed its shelter allowance rules for income assistance to provide extra support to families trying to heal and change for the better.