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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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B.C.’s graduate scholarships help students excel

May 24, 2022 2:30 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.
  Read More

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.
  Read More

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. investing more than $2.4 billion in Metro Vancouver transit improvements

May 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of a busy Skytrain station
Text reads: Better transit for people in Metro Vancouver
The Province is supporting public transit expansion for people in Metro Vancouver through a significant investment in TransLink that will mean better and more convenient service, lower emissions, and healthier, more livable communities
  Read More

Canada and British Columbia invest in 14 CleanBC infrastructure projects across the province to create cleaner, stronger communities

May 27, 2022 9:50 AM
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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.
  Read More

BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 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.
  Read More

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

Minister’s statement on trade mission

May 27, 2022 11:15 AM
Minister’s statement on trade mission
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has released the following statement on the trade mission to Europe to support good jobs in B.C., explore new economic opportunities and build on B.C.’s reputation as a leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards:
  Read More

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.
  Read More

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.
  Read More

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

New task force will help end period poverty

May 27, 2022 10:15 AM
New task force will help end period poverty
A new task force backed by $750,000 in provincial funding will support the Province’s goal to end period poverty and remove the stigma associated with menstruation.
  Read More

Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria

May 12, 2022 1:00 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

Business case released for modern, new museum

May 25, 2022 1:15 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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Contract awarded for Highway 1, Malahat Tunnel Hill permanent repair

May 26, 2022 7:30 AM
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

FACTSHEET: Air and water quality in B.C.

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Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

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Contact

Email: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. investing more than $2.4 billion in Metro Vancouver transit improvements

May 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of a busy Skytrain station
Text reads: Better transit for people in Metro Vancouver
The Province is supporting public transit expansion for people in Metro Vancouver through a significant investment in TransLink that will mean better and more convenient service, lower emissions, and healthier, more livable communities
  Read More

Canada and British Columbia invest in 14 CleanBC infrastructure projects across the province to create cleaner, stronger communities

May 27, 2022 9:50 AM
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia News

FACTSHEET: Air and water quality in B.C.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04379

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Factsheet

Monday, April 15, 2013 12:52 PM

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Factsheet

Monday, April 15, 2013 12:52 PM

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Featured Topics

  • Climate Preparedness and Adaptation
  • Plastics Engagement
  • Towards a Clean Growth Future
  • Climage Change and Climate Action
  • Environmental Assessment Revitalization
  • Professional Reliance

Featured Services

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  • Environmental Protection & Sustainability
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  • Recreation Sites and Trails
  • Conservation Officer Service
  • Report All Polluters & Poachers
  • Environmental Assessment Office

Air Quality:

The B.C. government has taken a number of bold steps to ensure air quality in British
Columbia, including:

  • Invested $17.5 million in the BC SCRAP‐IT Program, which has taken 33,000 older
    (pre‐1995), polluting vehicles off the road.
  • Providing incentives of up to $5,000 on qualified new battery electric, fuel cell,
    plug‐in hybrid electric, extended range battery and dedicated compressed
    natural gas vehicles.
  • Supporting airshed activities in several areas of the province, including: Metro
    Vancouver, Prince George, Bulkley Valley‐Lakes District, Sea to Sky, Williams Lake
    and the Fraser Valley.
  • Partnering with the BC Lung Association to run the Provincial Wood Stove
    Exchange Program. Since 2008, the Province has put $2 million towards the
    program, which has resulted in more than 5,000 old wood stoves successfully
    replaced.
  • Embarked in June 2012 on a three‐year air monitoring and community
    engagement program in Northeast B.C. with partners from the oil and gas
    industry and other stakeholders. The air monitoring program is in response to
    growth in the oil and gas industry, and concerns from residents over its potential
    impact on air quality, and parallels a concurrent human health risk assessment in
    the Northeast by the Ministry of Health.
  • Undertaking revisions to the regulations governing wood stoves and open
    burning, which when complete, will reduce wood smoke in B.C. communities.
  • Partnering with Metro Vancouver and other agencies to protect visual air quality
    in the Lower Fraser Valley.
  • Led the development of the BlueSky Western Canada Wildfire Smoke
    Forecasting System, an on‐line tool that has been producing wildfire smoke
    forecasts since 2010.

Launched in June 2008, the B.C. Air Action Plan set out 28 actions to reduce air pollution
by promoting clean transportation, clean industry and clean communities - 26 of the 28
actions are now fully in place. These actions included:

  • Promoting a province‐wide, anti‐idling campaign;
  • Encouraging companies to use the cleanest available technologies;
  • Supporting people in replacing old wood stoves with cleaner alternatives; and,
  • Greening B.C.'s heavy‐duty vehicle fleet through Green Fleets BC and enhancing
    programs such as the BC SCRAP‐IT Program and the AirCare ON‐ROAD heavyduty
    vehicle testing program.

Water Quality:

The Province has taken a number of strong measures to ensure water quality in British
Columbia, including:

  • Implemented a comprehensive drinking water protection plan that included
    investing more than $300 million in municipal projects such as drinking water
    and wastewater infrastructure, as well as $14 million to improve source‐to‐tap
    drinking water protection and enhance water quality testing.
  • Limiting the duration of new water licences for water power projects to 40 years.
  • Increasing water rental fees in to improve cost recovery of managing the water
    resource.
  • Developed Living Water Smart, an action plan for sustainable water stewardship.
    Some accomplishments include:
    • Strengthening flood protection and investing in flood mitigation projects
      across B.C.
    • Ensuring wetlands and waterways are protected and rehabilitated.
    • Making mandatory ultra low‐flow toilets and other water‐saving
      plumbing fixtures and fittings in new construction and renovations in B.C.
    • Providing information about how to be more water smart to more than
      40,000 homes around B.C.
    • Setting strong water efficiency targets and working with all sectors to
      reduce consumption.
    • Adopting a water efficiency labelling system for water consuming
      products in partnership with industry.
  • Living Water Smart also commits to modernizing the Water Act. To‐date, the
    Province has received more than 2,250 submissions from individual citizens, First
    Nations organizations and stakeholder groups. The B.C. government continues to
    refine the legislative proposals, seek to better understand sector concerns and
    work out the details of implementing the proposed new Water Sustainability Act.
  • The Ministry of Environment is planning to further engage the public,
    stakeholders and First Nations through a consultation draft of the proposed new
    Water Sustainability Act.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04379

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