Finance Minister Michael de Jong will be hosting a telephone town hall for residents of the Okanagan on Monday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. to get their input on the 2017 provincial budget.

British Columbia’s Second Quarterly Report continues to forecast increased revenues and reduced debt, demonstrating that government’s ongoing fiscal prudence, economic diversification and debt reduction continue to have a positive impact on the provincial economy.

British Columbia public service employees were recognized for the outstanding work they do on behalf of the Province at the Premier’s annual Innovation and Excellence Awards ceremony.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong has issued the following statement on the passing of Jim Prentice, former Alberta premier and former federal cabinet minister:

The B.C. government is cancelling the planned four-per-cent increase to MSP premiums, and those eligible for Regular Premium Assistance will see a four-per-cent reduction of their premium beyond what was announced with Budget 2016.

Michael de Jong, QC, Minister of Finance and minister responsible for the Public Service Agency, has issued the following statement acknowledging Public Service Week:

With municipal and rural property tax deadlines just around the corner, home owners can look into several provincial programs that may help with some of the financial pressures of home ownership.

The green bond issued to finance Penticton Regional Hospital’s new patient care tower and parkade is one of only two issuances to date for B.C. public-private partnership projects.

British Columbia’s nurses and health employers have voted in favour of a new five-year agreement that aims to improve health care for patients and families.