Seniors in Sechelt now have increased access to affordable housing at the Jack Nelson Annex, a new 65-unit building funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners.

As a result of federal and provincial investments in affordable housing, a new program is available to help low-income seniors and people with disabilities finance home modifications for accessible, safe and independent living.

The 2011 recipients of the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC)'s annual awards include the Britannia Mine and renowned geoscientist Dave Lefebure, former chief geologist with the B.C. Geological Survey, who retired last fall.

The Province of B.C. has partnered with a local society to purchase and convert a residential home to provide eight beds for women in need of safe second-stage housing in Surrey.

Seniors and people with disabilities in Parksville now have better access to affordable housing at Hustwick Place, a 33-unit building funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.

The Province is helping employees gain the essential skills they need to succeed while increasing productivity for employers through a $1.5-million investment in essential skills training.

The BC Coroners Service and Office of the Fire Commissioner are urging owners of mobile (manufactured) homes and operators of mobile home parks to take special care to prevent fires in the wake of a calamitous New Year's weekend for fire deaths in British Columbia.

The Province is working collaboratively with communities to provide targeted supports and create jobs for low-income B.C. families.

Implementing Canada's most ambitious housing strategy and building strong partnerships at the community level has enabled the Province to help more than 95,000 people keep the cost of housing more affordable in British Columbia in 2011.