The government of British Columbia is extending its financial contribution for a Farmers Advocacy Office (FAO) so landowners can continue to receive information and support in northeast B.C. for compensation and mitigation discussions related to proposed oil and gas activities on residential land.

Energy, Mines and Natural Gas Minister Rich Coleman announced that James P. Hatton has been appointed to the BC Hydro board of directors.

People who are homeless or at risk will soon have access to supportive housing and onsite health services now that renovations have started at Chilliwack Health and Housing Contact Centre.

A new affordable housing development for young adults with developmental disabilities broke ground today in North Vancouver.

The BC Oil and Gas Commission and members of both the Professional Employees Association and the BCGEU have now ratified their agreements reached under the 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate.

BC Hydro, IBEW Local 258 and COPE Local 378 members have now ratified two-year agreements under the 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate.

BC Hydro has installed 93 per cent or 1.73 million of 1.87 million smart meters. To ensure the final seven per cent of smart meters can be installed, the Province is extending the deadline under the Clean Energy Act from Dec. 31, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2013.

To help small businesses become more energy efficient, the Province is providing new incentives on high-efficiency natural gas and propane boilers, and commercial water heaters until March 15, 2013.