The government of B.C. is delivering $96.2 million to communities throughout the province through the latest instalment of the Strategic Community Investment Fund, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

In January 2012, Premier Christy Clark increased the annual base budget for gaming grants by $15 million to $135 million per year into the future and expanded eligibility to include environmental organizations, as well as adult sport and arts organizations.

Twelve agricultural fairs will share $371,000 in gaming grants from the provincial government, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong announced.

Ninety-one community groups across B.C. are sharing $2,612,000 in gaming grants from the provincial government in the first intake of fiscal year 2012-13, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong announced today.

On behalf of the B.C. government, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong tonight extended congratulations to the Los Angeles Kings, and in particular, to the two British Columbians on the team, Colin Fraser and Willie Mitchell.

The provincial government is providing $50,000 to help the District of Chetwynd make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 50th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong announced.

Four local government employees from British Columbia communities, recognized for their education and work experience in the local government field, are being awarded the following certificates by the provincial Board of Examiners.

The Province extends its warmest congratulations to Victoria's Ryder Hesjedal for his historic and exhilarating victory at the Giro d'Italia this weekend, announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong.

The Province is providing $35.3 million to the Peace River Region through the 2012 instalment of the Peace River Memorandum of Understanding.