Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, and Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, have released the following statement on closing British Columbia’s digital divide:

As of Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, 90.5% (4,513,284) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.0% (4,284,366) have received their second dose.

People aged 70 years and older will soon have access to rapid antigen tests through community pharmacies at no cost.

Budget 2022 reflects the choices government is making that are needed to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people, by investing in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.

British Columbians will soon be able to enjoy more locally produced food, while farmers will have new opportunities to grow, thanks to regulatory supports from the B.C. government.

Business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of the Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.

Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, has delivered the speech from the throne, outlining government’s plans to build a stronger B.C. for everyone, while continuing to support British Columbians through challenging times.