With graduation season beginning next week, the government of B.C. congratulates students for reaching this important milestone and reminds them and their parents to plan a safe celebration.

In September 2012, the government launched a Skills and Training Plan to expand and align skills training programs with economic opportunities throughout the province to ensure British Columbia has a workforce with the right skills, in the right places, at the right times.

Government has invested $100,000 in a Labour Market Partnerships Program agreement with the Automobile Retailers Association (ARA) and its automotive industry partners to undertake labour market research to identify the future labour needs of the sector.

The B.C. government is providing $900,000 for graduate student scholarships at the province's four research-intensive universities.

The Justice Institute of British Columbia will develop and deliver a new training program for community care licensing officers to support and improve monitoring of private and public community care facilities throughout British Columbia.

A just-signed $22.8-million project agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) lays the groundwork for a replacement for École des Pionniers in Port Coquitlam.

Nathan Barton Elementary will be revitalized with mechanical and electrical system upgrades, thanks to $2.2 million from the B.C. government.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond issued the following statement in recognition of Law Week in British Columbia.

A $5.28-million project agreement was announced by Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad and Nechako Lakes board chair Steve Davis. The rural community of Granisle is receiving new modular classrooms to replace part of Babine Elementary-Secondary.