Finance Minister Michael de Jong will be hosting a telephone town hall for residents in and around the Fraser Valley on Monday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., to get their input on the 2017 provincial budget.

The legendary Kermode bear found only in British Columbia, the snow-capped Purcell Mountains and a stunning view from Porteau Cove overlooking Howe Sound – these are the iconic images emblazoned on the new BC Parks commemorative licence plates.

On behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender, Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes congratulates the Island Mountain Arts Society for receiving $40,000 as part of the 2016-17 Collaborative Spaces program, which encourages co-operation between arts organizations through the sharing of space and specialized equipment.

On behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender, Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness congratulates the Hope and District Arts Council for receiving $40,000 as part of the 2016-17 Collaborative Spaces program, which encourages co-operation between arts organizations through the sharing of space and specialized equipment.

On behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender, Vancouver-False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan congratulates the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Society for receiving $40,000 as part of the 2016-17 Collaborative Spaces program, which encourages co-operation between arts organizations through the sharing of space and specialized equipment.

North Island parents can mark Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, on their calendars to share their thoughts on student progress reporting, including report cards.

Emergency stabilization work at the Ten-Mile Slide on Highway 99 northeast of Lillooet is now underway, providing immediate short-term stabilization that will allow the highway to be opened to two lanes, improving safety and mobility for the local communities and the traveling public.

British Columbians looking to purchase their first home can apply to the B.C. Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program, which helps first-time homebuyers create secure and stable futures for their families through home ownership.

Permitting and compliance are under the purview of dedicated Ministry of Environment staff who make evidence-based decisions based on best available science.

Ten B.C. mobile gaming companies will showcase their products and services on the international stage at the upcoming Pocket Gamer (PG) Connects conference Jan. 16-17, 2017, in London, England, reinforcing British Columbia’s global reputation as a hub for mobile gaming.