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close menu Office of the Premier

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
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close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
New centre to support Indigenous youth
A concept plan for a new Indigenous centre is moving forward on the territories of the Coast Salish peoples in Vancouver.
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Student housing triples in Abbotsford

May 13, 2022 12:15 PM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

New funding sprouts more growth for B.C. seeds

May 5, 2022 8:15 AM
The Province is increasing support for B.C. seed growers to enhance and expand their operations, bolster food security and create a thriving food economy.
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B.C. Land Matching Program reaches new milestone

April 13, 2022 9:15 AM
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close menu Attorney General

Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
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New accessible, affordable homes underway in Vancouver

May 16, 2022 1:30 PM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
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Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
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close menu Citizens' Services

BC Data Catalogue improved, updated to serve British Columbians better

May 16, 2022 10:30 AM
From data about wildfires and floods to natural resource and tech-sector insights, finding a wide variety of key information has become easier and more secure for British Columbians with the launch of an improved and updated BC Data Catalogue.
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Modernized, streamlined registry makes registering personal property easier

April 15, 2022 8:30 AM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds

April 29, 2022 11:15 AM
Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds
More than 7,000 B.C students will have access to new, safe and accessible playgrounds as the Province invests in the Playground Equipment Program (PEP) for the fifth year in a row to support healthy and active lifestyles.
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Minister’s statement on child care month

May 1, 2022 9:30 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
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New oil and gas royalty system ending inefficient subsidies

May 19, 2022 1:15 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

May 16, 2022 10:45 AM
Supporting local climate action
Stronger collaboration, planning and action to reduce climate pollution and build protection for local communities will result from the new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action Program.
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Earth Day spurs action on plastic pollution

April 22, 2022 2:00 PM
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close menu Finance

Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC

February 22, 2022 1:40 PM
Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC
Budget 2022 reflects the choices government is making that are needed to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people, by investing in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.
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More than $530,000 raised in support of Ukraine

March 22, 2022 8:00 AM
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close menu Forests

B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
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Forest employment program provides jobs, supports communities

May 13, 2022 11:35 AM
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close menu Health

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
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New primary care centre opens in Chilliwack

May 13, 2022 11:50 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
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B.C., First Nations leadership help communities recover

April 21, 2022 2:00 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
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Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Trade mission will showcase B.C.’s strong reputation

May 19, 2022 3:00 PM
Trade mission will showcase B.C.’s strong reputation
As the next step in the StrongerBC Economic Plan and as part of bringing good-paying jobs for people and families back to British Columbia, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, will embark on a 10-day trade mission to Europe.
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Major partnership with the Netherlands signed to better support B.C. food security

May 24, 2022 10:45 AM
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close menu Labour

Single-step certification will protect right to join a union

April 6, 2022 1:51 PM
Single-step certification will protect right to join a union
Changes that make collective bargaining more accessible will help protect workers who want more say about workplace safety, compensation and benefits.
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B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
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close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.

April 21, 2022 11:15 AM
Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.
An ongoing effort to restore watersheds and wetlands in the province is creating a healthier future for British Columbians by mitigating the impacts of climate change on communities, strengthening ecosystems and securing quality drinking water.
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Ministers’ statement on Invasive Species Action Month

May 6, 2022 3:00 PM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act

April 28, 2022 10:18 AM
New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act
The Province has introduced legislation that will help people experiencing a mental-health crisis better understand their rights and the supports available to them.
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Expanding access to mental-health supports for health-care, social service workers

May 6, 2022 11:00 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
  Read More

Pandemic relief funds help libraries adapt to changing needs

May 17, 2022 12:30 PM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
  Read More

B.C. seeks public input on consumer experiences

May 16, 2022 10:00 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria

May 12, 2022 1:00 PM
Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria
Residents with limited income living in Greater Victoria will soon have improved access to local and nutritious food.
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Helping more British Columbians visit the dentist

May 4, 2022 2:00 PM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Province bolsters support for live music events

May 18, 2022 1:00 PM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement

May 9, 2022 12:00 PM
Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement
The public is invited to have their say on the first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years.
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New commercial inspection station near Terrace will improve road safety

May 4, 2022 8:00 AM
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Office of the Premier

Evicting dirty money from B.C. homes

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Premier John Horgan

Premier John Horgan

Premier John Horgan

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Email: Premier@gov.bc.ca

close menu Office of the Premier

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
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Evicting dirty money from B.C. homes

https://news.gov.bc.ca/20361

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Opinion-Editorial

Thursday, May 23, 2019 12:00 PM

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Opinion-Editorial

Thursday, May 23, 2019 12:00 PM

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Many British Columbians were shocked when they heard the findings of the Expert Panel on Money Laundering in Real Estate. More than $7 billion in dirty money was laundered in B.C. last year alone. About $5 billion of that went through B.C.’s real estate market, driving housing prices up and hurting families, seniors and students.

It is wrong that British Columbians are carrying the costs of crime.

Everywhere I go, people tell me the same thing: the rising cost of housing weighs heavily on their minds and pocketbooks. Our government refuses to let B.C. remain a hotbed for criminal activity. We are taking action to get dirty money out of our province, and we’re working to make sure British Columbians can find a secure, affordable place to call home.

Since the day we formed government just under two years ago, we have worked to tackle the housing crisis and fraud that was ignored for over a decade. We have taken decisive action to stop these problems, but questions remain about how we got here, and people deserve answers.

This is why we announced last week that we are launching a public inquiry into money laundering in B.C.

This inquiry will be led by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Austin F. Cullen and will look at the full scope of money laundering in B.C., including real estate, gaming, financial institutions and the corporate and professional sectors. He will have the ability to interview witnesses and compel people to cooperate.  

The fact that dirty money in B.C. real estate could be responsible for raising housing prices by 5% across the boards is unacceptable. That number could be as high as 20% in Metro Vancouver. This inflation could stand in the way of someone’s ability to secure a down payment or get approved for a mortgage.

We also know that money laundering has contributed to drug trafficking, and the overdose crisis, which has taken the lives of so many loved ones.

The work we’ve done so far through the Expert Panel on Money Laundering in Real Estate and Peter German’s work has shone a light into the dark well of money laundering in B.C. We have only scratched the surface. This inquiry will deepen our work to uncover answers about who knew what, and when, and who is profiting from money laundering in our province.

The inquiry will help us identify better protections to shut out money laundering and keep our economy strong and working for people, not organized crime. While it is underway, we will continue to engage with federal partners, enact legislation, work with the RCMP and implement solutions now.

I am optimistic that tackling money laundering in B.C. real estate will help make housing more affordable, but this inquiry is not a silver bullet. That’s why we’re tackling the housing crisis in a number of ways.

We implemented the Speculation and Vacancy Tax to target foreign and domestic speculators who own residences in B.C. but don’t pay taxes here. We have passed world-leading legislation to establish Canada’s first public registry to tackle hidden land ownership in B.C. And, we continue to implement our 30-point plan for housing affordability, in addition to making the biggest investment in housing in B.C.’s history.

Money laundering is not a victimless crime. It has hurt, and is hurting, people in B.C. every day.

Since day one, our government has been working to make life better for people in B.C. Cracking down on money laundering is part of that work. Public safety, housing affordability and the strength of our economy is at stake, and we are committed to steering our province in a better direction.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/20361

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