The British Columbia government is awarding three research universities with over $5.2 million to support a variety of innovative research projects in B.C. with the potential to save lives, solve crime, reduce green house gas emissions and improve wildlife management.

The provincial government is providing $298,000 to the Northwest Invasive Plant Council to help manage invasive plants in the Prince George region announced local MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris.

Environment Minister Mary Polak and Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett have issued an environmental assessment certificate to AuRico Metals Inc. for the Kemess Underground project, an underground copper-gold mine, which is located approximately 250 kilometres north of Smithers, and 430 kilometres northwest of Prince George in the Peace River Regional District.

To celebrate the second annual Red Tape Reduction Day, the Province is highlighting the elimination of over 1,000 regulatory requirements and showcasing progress on more than 200 red-tape reduction initiatives.

The Province, in partnership with the BC Community Bat Program and other concerned groups, are asking the public to be on the lookout for dead or sick bats that may have contracted an invasive fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is funding partnerships that connect Aboriginal students with education and training programs in their communities. These programs provide Aboriginal learners with work-ready skills such as basic computer literacy, as well as skills needed for jobs in sectors such as construction, tourism and education.