Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has released the following statement about immediate responses to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for B.C.’s amateur sport sector:

Budget 2020 moves British Columbia forward by building the infrastructure the growing province needs, supporting thousands of new jobs, strengthening investments in health and education and making life more affordable for everyone.

More Indigenous athletes and coaches from around British Columbia will be able to represent their communities and compete at the 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Halifax, thanks to funding from the Province.

Government is boosting funding to the BC Arts Council by $15 million over three years to create new programs that encourage more inclusivity and accessibility in the creative sector, including those that support emerging Indigenous artists.

Budget 2019 is creating opportunities for all British Columbians by delivering a new B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit for kids up to the age of 18, removing interest from B.C. student loans, reducing taxes for businesses and investing in clean energy and climate solutions.