Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has released the following statement to mark World Refugee Day on Sunday, June 20, 2021:

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot will become a permanent feature of the BC PNP, providing B.C.-based tech companies and offices with the continued ability to recruit international talent and support government’s work to build a strong, sustainable recovery.

Not-for-profit groups that deliver social services to people and families throughout the southern Vancouver Island region are receiving support through B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

New legislative amendments will give local governments more flexibility to better serve communities and people, as special authorities granted during the pandemic become permanent.

A wave of connectivity investments this year will bring improved internet performance and reliability to people living in many of B.C.’s coastal communities.

The Province and the City of Victoria have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that formalizes their commitment to work together to end current homeless encampments and help prevent encampments in the future.

Regional districts in B.C. will receive $10 million to support local services and operations, building on the historic COVID-19 relief and recovery supports provided to communities.

A new program supporting local governments to improve their development approvals process builds on the Province’s commitment to help people and communities get the homes they need built faster. 

Local governments and First Nations in 28 communities have been approved to receive their share of more than $1 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support evacuation route planning.