The 50th anniversary of the Trans-Canada Highway and the construction of the new four-lane Donald Bridge was celebrated today by Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and by Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett, representing Mary Polak, British Columbia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

In advance of National Forest Week, Sept. 23-29, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson released the following statement:

The nurse-call system at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is being replaced to continue providing the safest work and care environment possible.

Smoky skies in the B.C. Interior are the result of several large forest fires, including the Entiako Lake fire in the northeast corner of Tweedsmuir Park. The smoke from these fires has drifted down the coast to Bella Coola, east to Prince George and as far south as Kamloops.

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

The fire alarm at Cairnsmore Place is being replaced to ensure continued compliance with code standards and safety measures for those living at the residential-care facility.

The B.C. government is providing $500,000 in support of literacy and this year's Raise-a-Reader campaign, Education Minister Don McRae announced today.

Effective at noon PDT on Thursday, Sept. 20, all open fires and fireworks will be prohibited throughout the Prince George Fire Centre, with the exception of the Prince George Forest District east of Highway 97 and the Fort Nelson Forest District.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died while falling trees near Port Alberni on Sept. 18, 2012.