Premier Christy Clark and MLA Dan Ashton led the official groundbreaking for the new patient care tower and parkade at Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) with hospital staff, community members and health-care partners.

The Province and partners collectively will be investing more than $7.5 million to support youth who are at risk of substance-use and mental-health concerns with the launch of a new, Integrated Youth Services Initiative.

Targeted funding for health-care programs is allowing Camosun College to train more health-care assistants, as well as more mental-health and addiction workers, to meet the growing health-care needs of the region.

Families and individuals with low incomes will benefit from new affordable rental housing in Greater Victoria, thanks to an agreement between the provincial government and the Capital Regional District (CRD).

The Province has provided $500,000 to Turning Point Recovery Society to support those experiencing substance abuse on their path to a better life.

Health Minister Terry Lake has announced the 73 rural and remote B.C. communities that will welcome community paramedicine, a program that offers residents enhanced health services from paramedics.

Health Minister Terry Lake and Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone officially opened a seniors’ centre community kitchen that will provide meals and showcase cooking skills through food preparation classes.

Families with children throughout British Columbia soon will have more help in achieving healthy lifestyles and healthy weights with $2 million to support the expansion of the free Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it! (MEND) program.

As part of the Province’s work to make sure British Columbians have access to high-quality primary care, 11 internationally trained physicians will begin practising in rural and remote communities in British Columbia, including a new family doctor in Campbell River.

The Province will provide an additional 88 units of transitional housing and shelter, as well as 40 rent supplements for campers currently residing at the Victoria courthouse lawns.