Minister of Education George Abbott has issued the following statement: "Last week, I introduced Bill 22, which sets a cooling off period and suspends the teachers' union strike action while calling on the assistance of a mediator.

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon has issued the following statement: "The B.C. Teachers Federation has mounted an illegal picket line outside several government buildings in Victoria and is encouraging unionized staff not to enter their workplaces.

As a result of funding increases in Budget 2012, the provincial government is hiring 36 additional probation officers to support the implementation of a new supervision approach that has been proven to reduce the rate of reoffending.

Changes to the Business Corporations Act would allow for a new hybrid type of company - the community contribution company - that combines socially beneficial purposes with a restricted ability to distribute profits to shareholders.

The Province continues to help build local economies through sport by contributing more than $200,000 to support sport hosting events across British Columbia, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Wildfire management initial attack crews based in the Robson Valley will soon be stationed in a new operations centre, thanks to capital funding announced in the 2012-13 provincial budget.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is proceeding to fully enclose the Pat Road pedestrian overpass, to protect motorists on Highway 1 from objects thrown from the overpass.

More new immigrants, refugees and their families living on Salt Spring Island will have access to a free English-language tutoring program, thanks to new funding of $8,000.

More new immigrants, refugees and their families living in Quesnel will have access to a free English-language tutoring program, thanks to new funding of $7,500.