As the countdown to a new year begins, here are ten new or reformed laws that will help modernize the justice and public safety system for B.C. families.

Back by British Columbian demand, a new series of 'BC Jobs Start Here' job fairs will come to 22 communities beginning in January to promote current job opportunities, career trends and skills training - with the addition of a new Skills4BC booth.

BC Hydro has installed 93 per cent or 1.73 million of 1.87 million smart meters. To ensure the final seven per cent of smart meters can be installed, the Province is extending the deadline under the Clean Energy Act from Dec. 31, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2013.

More than half of all unionized public sector workers have new contracts under the 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate in time for the holiday season, and more than one-quarter of collective agreements up for negotiation have tentative or ratified settlements in place.

Canada and B.C. targeted funding to support business development, innovation, food safety, and sustainability under the Growing Forward agreement in the first quarter of 2012-13. Growing Forward is a five-year framework that co-ordinates federal, provincial and territorial agricultural policy.

The horse racing industry has received an additional allotment of funding designed to ensure the successful revitalization of the industry.

Communities throughout British Columbia will receive increased support to maximize their economic potential through new partnerships and an innovative suite of tools and resources, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell today.