Newcomers, including international students and foreign workers, will soon receive enhanced supports to help them thrive in their new communities as they contribute to B.C.’s economy.

Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has released the following statement in response to the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine:

People will have better access to health and safety services, recreational opportunities and social programs in their communities as Community Gaming Grants will help not-for-profit organizations buy equipment and build or renovate their facilities.

One billion dollars in new grants will be going to local governments in B.C. to help build community infrastructure and amenities to meet the demands of unprecedented population growth.

New incentives for skilled immigrants to settle in communities outside of the Metro Vancouver Regional District will help business owners throughout B.C. access the international talent pool.

People in 44 communities throughout British Columbia will have access to more local services that respond to the effects of homelessness during extreme weather.

Local authorities and First Nations are implementing their heat response plans, including opening cooling centres in communities, following heat warnings throughout British Columbia.