The Government of British Columbia, in partnership with RADIUS SFU, is honouring extraordinary B.C. youth with the 2017 BC Social Innovation Youth Awards.

If you find yourself scratching your head for last-minute gift ideas this holiday season, consider a gift with a social impact.

In honour of the United Nations' 24th International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation issued the following statement:

The Province has proclaimed November as the second annual Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month in British Columbia, recognizing the unique contributions Indigenous people living with disabilities make to communities throughout the province. 

Following on a strong annual tradition, the Province is commemorating October as Community Living Month, a time to recognize and celebrate community inclusion and the significant contributions people living with developmental disabilities make to British Columbia communities year round.

On Oct. 1, 2016, the Province will make Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits and EI benefits for parents caring for critically ill children fully exempt for people on income and disability assistance.

Thousands of British Columbia parents are building a brighter future for their families, thanks to the Single Parent Employment Initiative (SPEI), a unique government program that was launched one year ago.

Legislation that makes it easier for some people with disabilities to receive disability assistance is now in effect. 

Larger ballots to improve the voting experience for sight-impaired voters, hearing loop technology on BC Ferries and an $800,000 Google grant for LipSync, a mouth-controlled input device for mobile phones created by the Neil Squire Society.

The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation is eliminating the $45 BC Bus Pass annual administration fee for people with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation.