News by Ministry
Office of the Premier
Premier’s statement on agreement with BC Greens
Premier David Eby has released the following statement about an agreement with the BC Greens:
Read More
Action! B.C. sets the scene to attract more film, TV productions
Increased tax incentives for British Columbia’s motion picture sector will help attract more major productions and ensure that good-paying film and TV industry jobs stay in B.C.
Read More
Agriculture and Food
New funding helps bring more veterinarians to rural B.C.
A new program to help attract and retain livestock veterinarians in rural parts of the province will mean timely and better access to animal care for ranchers and farmers.
Read More
B.C. puts plans in motion for careers in agriculture, food sector
New support is available to help the B.C. farming, seafood and food-processing sectors address labour-market needs.
Read More
New funding supports Indigenous food sovereignty, security
Indigenous farmers, communities and governments can access new funding to help strengthen food security and sovereignty, and increase Indigenous participation in B.C.’s agriculture and food sectors.
Read More
Attorney General
B.C., creditors approve plan to resolve long-standing tobacco litigation
A significant milestone has been reached in the long-standing legal battle with tobacco companies.
Read More
New changes help people make claims in French under Divorce Act
Amendments to divorce laws and rules will allow people to use both official languages in B.C. Supreme Court divorce matters.
Read More
Chair of BC Labour Relations Board, Employment Standards Tribunal reappointed
Jennifer Glougie has been reappointed by Niki Sharma, Attorney General, as chair of the BC Labour Relations Board and the Employment Standards Tribunal following a merit-based recruitment process.
Read More
Children and Family Development
New accord on child well-being signed by First Nations Leadership Council, Province
The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Province have signed a child well-being accord that recommits how the parties work together to support First Nations children and families.
Read More
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations reach historic agreement with Canada and British Columbia to support First Nations-led child and family services
From Indigenous Services Canada: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/gwa-sala-nakwaxda-xw-nations-reach-historic-agreement-with-canada-and-british-columbia-to-support-first-nations-led-child-and-family-services-896454858.html
Read More
Coming into force, Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation’s child wellbeing law, T'k̓wenm7íple7tens re Kíkwe
From Indigenous Services Canada: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/coming-into-force-tsqescen-first-nation-s-child-wellbeing-law-t-kwenm7iple7tens-re-kikwe-856700245.html
Read More
Citizens' Services
High-speed internet available in Upper Viewmount
People in Upper Viewmount near Smithers now have access to reliable high-speed internet, unlocking faster access to digital services and economic opportunities.
Read More
Government collaboration will further enhance cybersecurity
As part of British Columbia’s ongoing work to protect government information systems, the Province is entering an agreement with the Government of Canada to enhance collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre).
Read More
Robson Square ice rink opens for the season
Robson Square ice rink is now open for another holiday season of skating and fun in the heart of the Vancouver.
Read More
Education and Child Care
Further expansion of $10-a-day child care will benefit B.C. families
Starting on Oct. 1, 2024, applications will be accepted from child care providers to join the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program, which will create more low-cost child care options for families throughout B.C.
Read More
Special adviser appointed to Greater Victoria School Board
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has appointed Kevin Godden, former superintendent of the Abbotsford School District, as a special adviser to the Greater Victoria School District 61 to help the board of education revise and improve its previously submitted safety plan.
Read More
Construction underway for New Westminster elementary school expansion
Students and families of Queen Elizabeth Elementary will benefit from more classrooms with an addition now under construction.
Read More
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
People encouraged to stay avalanche aware
People in B.C. intending to explore the backcountry are encouraged to be mindful of potential hazards, have a plan and be informed about avalanche safety and forecasts.
Read More
Financial assistance expanded for people affected by flooding
Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) eligibility has been expanded for more people, businesses and communities affected by flooding due to the atmospheric river event from Oct. 18-20, 2024.
Read More
B.C. reflects on another year fighting wildfires, building climate resiliency
In 2024, the BC Wildfire Service worked with people and communities to fight wildfires and build climate resiliency throughout B.C.
Read More
Energy and Climate Solutions
New wind projects will boost B.C.’s affordable clean-energy supply
BC Hydro has selected nine energy projects through its 2024 call for power that will supply clean, affordable electricity to serve B.C.’s growing communities and housing needs, as people and businesses choose clean energy in their lives, homes, vehicles and businesses.
Read More
Remote First Nations transitioning from diesel to clean energy
Seven remote First Nations in B.C. are getting support from the Province to launch clean-energy projects focused on lowering emissions, helping to save energy costs and protecting the environment.
Read More
Minister’s statement on new appointments to BC Hydro board of directors
Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, has released the following statement in response to new appointments made to the BC Hydro board of directors on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024:
Read More
Environment and Parks
BC Parks day-use passes in effect this winter at Mount Seymour
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, people will need to reserve a free vehicle day-use pass to visit Mount Seymour Park during the winter.
Read More
B.C. funding new ways to reduce plastic waste in communities
More B.C. businesses and organizations are receiving funding to provide innovative solutions to recycle and reuse plastic while supporting jobs for people throughout British Columbia.
Read More
Check BC Parks website before visiting Juan de Fuca park
Parts of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park are closed due to recent heavy rain, wind and flooding in the south coast region, which caused significant damage to several areas and infrastructure throughout the park.
Read More
Finance
B.C. focuses on supporting people, economy
As global and national pressures persist, B.C. is expecting modest economic growth this year and next year.
Read More
New measures in place will boost home construction
New actions are being implemented to help more people find affordable homes in the communities where they live and work.
Read More
Cost-of-living supports help with holiday expenses
Eligible people will get some help with their holiday bills with benefits and credits arriving in the new year.
Read More
Forests
Province commits to early pensions for wildfire fighters
B.C. is negotiating earlier pensions for wildland firefighters helping align their benefits with those of other public-safety occupations while they protect communities from increasingly challenging wildfire activity.
Read More
Sustainable forest-sector manufacturing jobs coming
New support for forest-sector manufacturers throughout the province will create jobs, strengthen local economies and promote the transition to high-value, made-in-B.C. forestry products.
Read More
B.C. reflects on another year fighting wildfires, building climate resiliency
In 2024, the BC Wildfire Service worked with people and communities to fight wildfires and build climate resiliency throughout B.C.
Read More
Health
Travel supports increase access to health care
More people living in rural, remote and First Nations communities will benefit from free ferry service when travelling for non-emergency medical specialist appointments through an expansion to the Travel Assistance Program (TAP).
Read More
Minister’s statement on mental-health supports for the holiday season
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement on the holiday season:
Read More
Second urgent and primary care centre now open in Kamloops
People living in Kamloops and surrounding communities will benefit from more access to team-based care with the opening of the new North Shore Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).
Read More
Housing and Municipal Affairs
Partnership between MST Nations, Province will help thousands own their first home in Vancouver
Thousands of first-time home buyers will have the opportunity to purchase a home at an initial 40% below market value at the Heather Lands in Vancouver, made possible through an innovative financing initiative envisioned by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (MST) Nations delivered in partnership with the Province.
Read More
New reports signal progress for B.C. renters as new affordable rentals open in Vancouver
As 337 more affordable rental homes open in Vancouver, new reports are showing positive signs for renters in B.C., including thousands of renters supported through the BC Rent Bank, decreases in rents and record-high rental-home construction starts.
Read More
New temporary supportive housing opening in Campbell River
People who were previously living in shelters and encampments in Campbell River now have a roof over their heads and access to services they need at Homewood, a new 40-unit temporary supportive housing project.
Read More
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Partnership between MST Nations, Province will help thousands own their first home in Vancouver
Thousands of first-time home buyers will have the opportunity to purchase a home at an initial 40% below market value at the Heather Lands in Vancouver, made possible through an innovative financing initiative envisioned by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (MST) Nations delivered in partnership with the Province.
Read More
Funding supports community healing in northern B.C.
Indigenous women and girls in northern B.C. will receive increased community-led support through $1 million from the Giving Voice project.
Read More
Funding supports community healing on Vancouver Island
Indigenous women and girls on Vancouver Island will receive increased community-led support through $1 million from the Giving Voice project.
Read More
Infrastructure
Construction underway on new North Vancouver elementary school
Students and families are one step closer to having a new elementary school in the Cloverley neighbourhood now that construction has started.
Read More
Wonowon Elementary addition, upgrades begin
New upgrades to Wonowon Elementary in northeastern B.C. will lead to an improved, expanded school with better access for people with disabilities.
Read More
New cabinet ready to deliver on the priorities of British Columbians
Premier David Eby has appointed a new cabinet that is ready to listen to British Columbians and deliver on the core challenges people are facing – a team that combines years of experience and fresh perspectives from outside of government.
Read More
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Books of condolences available for former premier John Horgan
Members of the public are invited to share messages of sympathy in memory of John Horgan, British Columbia’s 36th premier.
Read More
Nominate someone for B.C.’s top honours
On this International Day of the Volunteer, the Government of B.C. is highlighting that nominations are being accepted for its two highest honours: the Order of British Columbia, and the Medal of Good Citizenship for 2025.
Read More
Public invited to pay respects to former premier John Horgan
A provincial state memorial service for former premier John Horgan will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the Q Centre in Colwood.
Read More
Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Minister’s statement on November Labour Force Survey results
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for November 2024:
Read More
Sustainable forest-sector manufacturing jobs coming
New support for forest-sector manufacturers throughout the province will create jobs, strengthen local economies and promote the transition to high-value, made-in-B.C. forestry products.
Read More
New manufacturing jobs coming to Lower Mainland
New support for manufacturing businesses in the Lower Mainland will create jobs and promote the development of made-in-B.C. products while strengthening local economies and communities.
Read More
Labour
Fair pay, basic protections coming for gig workers
The Province has finalized regulations to provide fairness, minimum-wage measures and basic protections for app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers in British Columbia.
Read More
Minimum rates increase on Dec. 31 for farm workers who hand harvest crops
Minimum piece rates for hand harvesting specified farm crops will increase by 3.9% on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
Read More
Mining and Critical Minerals
Permit granted for Cariboo Gold Mine
A provincial statutory decision-maker has granted Barkerville Gold Mines, owned by Osisko Development Corporation, an operating permit under the Mines Act for its Cariboo Gold Mine in Wells, in east-central B.C.
Read More
Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
More health-profession students will train at new UBC facility in Surrey
More people will have the opportunity to train for in-demand careers, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists and midwives, at a new state-of-the-art University of British Columbia (UBC) facility in Surrey.
Read More
B.C. taking action to prevent overdoses, make students safer on campus
The Province is moving forward with new guidelines to protect students and reduce the risks and harms of toxic-drug poisonings.
Read More
New micro-credential program helps boost B.C. rural, remote economic development
A new micro-credential program at North Island College (NIC) will help people living in rural and Indigenous communities build relevant skillsets to foster economic growth in their communities.
Read More
Public Safety and Solicitor General
B.C. launches independent review of E-Comm 911 services
The Province is initiating an independent review of E-Comm and 911 service to ensure that there is a reliable and sustainable model for 911 services in British Columbia.
Read More
Intervention circle offers culturally sensitive supports, enhances safety in Witset
The Witset First Nation is implementing an intervention circle to provide culturally appropriate supports for people at risk of entering the justice system and help build a stronger, safer and healthier community.
Read More
Minister’s statement on public drug use legislation
Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to the Province repealing Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act:
Read More
Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Government taking action to help people out of poverty
People facing complex barriers will have better access to employment opportunities with the launch of wraparound services that support the most vulnerable on their path to employment readiness.
Read More
Provincial exemption means people in B.C. will keep full Canada Disability Benefit
British Columbia continues to take action to help people with the cost of living by deciding that people receiving disability assistance can keep all of the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
Read More
Provincial assistance payments support people despite strike backlog
The Province is working to ensure that people receive the support they need, regardless of challenges presented by the labour dispute at Canada Post.
Read More
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Action! B.C. sets the scene to attract more film, TV productions
Increased tax incentives for British Columbia’s motion picture sector will help attract more major productions and ensure that good-paying film and TV industry jobs stay in B.C.
Read More
Historic water bomber destined for wildfire aviation exhibit
The Province is supporting the preservation of a historic piece of B.C.’s aviation history to ensure its story can be shared with residents and visitors for generations to come.
Read More
Delegation heads to California to promote, grow B.C.’s film, TV industry
A delegation from British Columbia is arriving in Los Angeles to highlight the advantages of partnering with the film and TV industry on Canada’s West Coast and to explore the benefits of staging productions in B.C.
Read More
Transportation and Transit
Travel supports increase access to health care
More people living in rural, remote and First Nations communities will benefit from free ferry service when travelling for non-emergency medical specialist appointments through an expansion to the Travel Assistance Program (TAP).
Read More
Upgrades coming to improve bus travel from downtown Victoria to Westshore
People who rely on transit between the Westshore and downtown can expect faster, easier travel with RapidBus infrastructure upgrades coming to Highway 1 from McKenzie Interchange through to the Six Mile area.
Read More
Drivers can see more of B.C. roads before trips
New technology helped DriveBC add 22 new cameras in 2024, delivering 37 more views to help motorists travel more safely, especially during winter.
Read More
Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
New self-registration system for Sunshine Coast dock, boathouse owners goes live
A new self-registration system is now available for private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, offering a simple way to secure temporary authorization for existing structures.
Read More
Ministers’ statement on new partnership to better protect bears, communities
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, have released the following statement about a new partnership between the Province and the Grizzly Bear Foundation aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts and enhancing the well-being of grizzly and black bears in the province:
Read More
Whirling disease detected in Kootenay Lake
Three trout samples taken from the southern arm of Kootenay Lake have tested positive for the parasite that causes whirling disease in juvenile fish.
Read More
