British Columbia is taking a critical step toward reducing the shame and fear associated with substance use as the federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health announced the granting of a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) to remove criminal penalties for people who possess a small amount of certain illicit substances for personal use.

To meet the increasing demand for nurses in British Columbia, the Province is making it easier for eligible internationally educated nurses (IENs) to enter the province’s health system so they can support British Columbians’ health-care needs sooner.

More B.C. families will benefit from quality child care, thanks to investments that will encourage early childhood educator (ECE) recruitment and retention through better access to bursaries, professional development opportunities and wage enhancements.

B.C. pharmacies are playing a pivotal role in providing more options for people seeking booster shots to protect against COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, 86.6% (4,316,478) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 82.4% (4,105,425) have received their second dose.

People throughout B.C. will be able to enjoy more arts, culture, sports and community occasions as the Province supports more than 680 events.