The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, is representing British Columbia at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) between July 6 and 8 in St. John’s, Nfld., and has released the following statement to advance B.C.’s priorities:

The Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project is nearing a milestone with two new interchanges opening this summer.

A new agreement signed between the Province of B.C. and the group Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) will help deliver innovative and clean solutions for future transportation projects and priorities.

Improved transit reliability, travel-time savings for drivers and more effective active transportation connections are on the way in Richmond.

Budget 2022 reflects the choices government is making that are needed to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people, by investing in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.

Business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of the Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.

Nine contracts have been awarded for technical and engineering expertise to support the Province’s delivery of the Highway 99 Tunnel Program to replace the Massey Tunnel, which will improve mobility along the corridor between Richmond and Delta.

B.C.’s latest Labour Market Outlook (LMO) forecasts more than one million job openings into the next decade, creating opportunities for students and jobseekers to develop their skills and find rewarding jobs of the future.