The Government of British Columbia is providing $150,000 to help B.C.'s diverse artists, including First Nations, participate in a national arts and culture festival celebrating Canadian talent during the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George.

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for British Columbia, the Honourable Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for British Columbia, and Rhona Martin, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, celebrated today an agreement for the renewed federal Gas Tax Fund that provides predictable, stable funding for public infrastructure across British Columbia.

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, issued the following statement today in recognition of Local Government Awareness Week.

The Government of British Columbia has granted a boundary extension to the City of Prince Rupert.

The Government of British Columbia has renewed its commitment to community development through sport by providing $192,000 in funding for Hosting BC programs.

Thirteen B.C. communities will benefit from government grants aimed at breaking down barriers to participation in sport.

Schools and school districts can now apply for $1.5 million in grants to help bring artists into classrooms.

Key community cultural organizations and events, including local arts councils, art galleries, theatres, museums and arts festivals throughout British Columbia shared nearly $13 million in BC Arts Council grants.

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, issued the following statement in recognition of the 15th annual BC Arts and Culture Week.