BC Gov News

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, announced that 51 new community projects worth over $8.5 million will increase the capacity of communities to support the integration of immigrants in B.C.

Statistics Canada released year-end export figures for 2012. British Columbia exported $31.7 billion worth of goods last year, recording sizable increases to China and India, two key markets as the province looks to diversify and expand markets for its products.

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, the Fast Track nomination option in the business immigration stream of the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is being suspended pending a review in order to ensure the program is working effectively to support job creation and economic development in B.C.

More skilled immigrants will be able to fully utilize their skills in the B.C. economy, as the B.C. government invests in projects and programs to speed up and improve the process for immigrants to get their credentials and qualifications recognized to work in B.C.

Investors who recognize British Columbia as a safe harbour for investment can take advantage of the new online tool OpportunitiesBC.

If you know of a deserving individual, business, organization or youth doing exceptional work in multiculturalism in B.C., nominate them for the 2012 Provincial Nesika Awards. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012.

WelcomeBC's online resources helped approximately one million clients last year - a 63 per cent increase in visits over the previous year. WelcomeBC is one of the most-visited provincial government websites.