The British Columbia government is awarding three research universities with over $5.2 million to support a variety of innovative research projects in B.C. with the potential to save lives, solve crime, reduce green house gas emissions and improve wildlife management.

Environment Minister Mary Polak and Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett have issued an environmental assessment certificate to AuRico Metals Inc. for the Kemess Underground project, an underground copper-gold mine, which is located approximately 250 kilometres north of Smithers, and 430 kilometres northwest of Prince George in the Peace River Regional District.

To celebrate the second annual Red Tape Reduction Day, the Province is highlighting the elimination of over 1,000 regulatory requirements and showcasing progress on more than 200 red-tape reduction initiatives.

The Province, in partnership with the BC Community Bat Program and other concerned groups, are asking the public to be on the lookout for dead or sick bats that may have contracted an invasive fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome.

More than 180 Aboriginal learners in the Vancouver Island – B.C. Coast Region are receiving training in their communities through programs that will prepare them for jobs in sectors such as construction, forestry and eco-tourism.

The BC Wildlife Health Program is once again asking for help assessing the effects of winter ticks on the province’s moose population as part of its annual moose winter tick surveillance program.