Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in July 2022:

The illicit drug supply in British Columbia continues to devastate communities throughout the province, with at least 192 lives lost to toxic substances in July, according to preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service. 

The Province and the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) are committed to listening to rural and northern voices to better understand the growing needs of the region’s communities.

The Province is providing $62 million to the City of Abbotsford to build a new well and water-treatment system to ensure a reliable, resilient water service for more than 165,000 people in response to growing climate-related threats.

Thirty-six communities, including First Nations and local governments, throughout B.C. will receive provincial funding to help prepare for extreme heat and keep people safe.  

The Province is investing in projects that will reduce climate pollution, create job opportunities for people in the clean economy, and support innovation in industry.

Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in response to the federal government declaring a national holiday to mark the Queen’s funeral:

The Province is supporting the feasibility of a high-speed rail service connecting Vancouver, Seattle and Portland with a $300,000 investment in the next phase of the Ultra High Speed Ground Transportation Project.