The B.C. government is investing $2.14 million to advance the use of wood in British Columbia with a focus on expanding the use of wood in non-residential construction, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, and positioning B.C. as a global leader in wood design technologies.

After 48 sitting days, representing an estimated 330 hours of debate, government has delivered a successful legislative session that supports throne speech promises to control spending, open new markets and attract new investment, improve infrastructure, protect our environment and modernize B.C.'s laws.

B.C.'s second international conference furthering the prospects of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports set a new record for an industry-focused event in the province.

With the help of an excavator, representatives from the Province, Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), local community and construction partners donned hard hats and officially broke ground to celebrate the construction of the Okanagan Correctional Centre.

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review and Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, on behalf of Pat Pimm, Minister of Agriculture, announced improvements to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) that will protect farmland in British Columbia and maintain the ALC's independence.

Premier Christy Clark announced government will extend the $10-million B.C. mining flow-through share tax credit program for 2014 to support mining exploration investment.