The Government of British Columbia announced close to $5.6 million for 27 community-based education and training programs for Aboriginal learners around B.C.

Aboriginal learners in British Columbia's Interior region are training for careers in fields ranging from the hospitality and health-care industries to business and governance through local partnership agreements that provide hands-on and classroom training.

Aboriginal learners on Vancouver Island are gaining new skills that will prepare them for possible careers that include the hospitality sector, forest stewardship, or the pulp and paper industry.

A community-based approach to education and training will enable Aboriginal learners in the Lower Mainland to access training that will help prepare them for further education, and develop skills for careers in the trades.

Aboriginal learners in British Columbia's northern communities are developing their job skills in a wide variety of fields - including construction and mining - with support from community-based education and training partnership programs.

The Province of British Columbia recently began a process of consultation to discuss the wording, delivery and legacy efforts for a formal apology to the Chinese community for historical wrongs.

Premier Christy Clark has released the following statement: This holiday season is time to spend time with families, friends and with the ones we love.