The British Columbia government is helping build communities and local economies through sport with a renewed investment of $500,000 to support the hosting of sporting events throughout the province, announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Health Minister Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid announced $500,000 of funding over the next two years to further support Healthy Minds/Healthy Campuses in promoting wellness on campuses throughout the province.

First Nations students will receive specific training and be better skilled, thanks to a new two-year educational support program that will help ensure they have the opportunity to participate successfully in British Columbia's forest sector.

As students continue the return to lecture halls and laboratories throughout the month, the B.C. government has added $1.4 million to a bursary fund for B.C. youth formerly in government care.

The B.C. government is providing $28 million under B.C.'s Skills and Training Plan to expand and renovate trades training facilities at the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College, ensuring future welders, heavy-duty mechanics, electricians, plumbers and other skilled workers will get the training they need.

The public is invited to learn more about bugs and their relationship with our province's forests during National Forest Week.