The Great Bear Rainforest (Forest Management) Act is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2017, following the enactment of regulations that bring the act into force and fulfill government’s commitment to ecosystem-based management in the Great Bear Rainforest.

British Columbia public service employees were recognized for the outstanding work they do on behalf of the Province at the Premier’s annual Innovation and Excellence Awards ceremony.

A new $1-million trust will be established to commemorate the visit of Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and celebrate the endorsement of the Great Bear Rainforest under The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative.

The Great Bear Rainforest (Forest Management) Act, supports a strict new ecosystem-based management regime created through unprecedented collaboration for the globally unique region along British Columbia’s north and central coast.

The public is reminded that the public review and comment period on proposed land use changes in the Great Bear Rainforest closes Monday, Aug. 10, 2015.

Another milestone was reached with environmental groups and forest companies jointly submitting proposals to increase conservation, while maintaining economic activity in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong recognized government's success in signing 18 non-treaty agreements with First Nations, surpassing goals set out in the BC Jobs Plan.