News by Ministry
Office of the Premier
New guidance on Mental Health Act will help keep young people safe
The Province is taking action to improve care for young people who suffer from severe, overlapping mental-health and substance-use challenges by providing guidance about how involuntary care can be provided for people younger than 19, when they are unable or unwilling to seek care themselves.
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Agriculture and Food
B.C. helps farms with solutions for water storage
Farmers and communities throughout B.C. are becoming better equipped for drought with ongoing support to help improve their management, delivery and storage of water for agricultural purposes.
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Fund supports next generation of B.C. farmers
Farmers beginning operations in British Columbia are getting help to plan and grow their agricultural businesses so they can succeed and offer B.C. families fresh and local food.
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Funding will help growers adapt to climate change with orchard, vineyard renewal
B.C. berry, wine grape and tree fruit producers will receive more support to replant their farms, vineyards and orchards with climate-resilient fruit that will increase regional food supply, grow the economy and ensure people in British Columbia continue to enjoy fresh, local fruit and wine.
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Attorney General
New Indigenous court opens in Chilliwack
Providing a holistic, restorative-justice approach to sentencing, supporting reconciliation
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Minister’s, parliamentary secretary’s statement on new federal gender-based violence bill
Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement in response to the introduction of new, proposed Criminal Code amendments by the federal government to protect victims of gender-based and intimate-partner violence:
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Minister’s statement on Province’s civil claim against JUUL
Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement on the Province’s civil claim against JUUL Labs, Inc.:
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Children and Family Development
Funding expands programs to prevent family violence
Families throughout B.C. will have access to new and expanded programs that support healthy relationships and prevent domestic violence, thanks to new funding that enhances community-led intervention services.
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Safety planning updated to better support children, families
The Province is strengthening safety planning, helping families stay connected, while mitigating safety concerns for children and youth.
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Citizens' Services
Robson Square ice rink opens for holiday season
The Robson Square ice rink is now open, and people are invited to lace up their skates and enjoy winter fun in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
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New intake for connectivity funding application open
The seventh intake of the Connecting Communities B.C. funding program is open for applications until Feb. 26, 2026.
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Education and Child Care
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
People urged to remain vigilant, be prepared as flood, slide risks remain
Rainfall will intensify in next several days, increasing likelihood of flooding in low-lying areas
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Energy and Climate Solutions
Regulatory package continues work of Energy Statutes Amendment Act
On Oct. 20, 2025, government tabled the energy statutes amendment act (Bill 31), a series of regulatory and legislative measures introduced to streamline the approvals and permitting process.
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Climate Change Accountability Report shows lower emissions, more work to do
The Province has released the 2025 Climate Change Accountability Report, reaffirming its commitment to climate action and affordability while highlighting progress in cutting emissions and advancing clean energy throughout B.C.
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Province releases independent review of CleanBC
The Province has released the final report from the independent review of CleanBC, B.C.’s climate plan.
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Environment and Parks
BC Parks day-use passes in effect this winter at Mount Seymour Park
Beginning Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, people will need to reserve a vehicle day-use pass to visit Mount Seymour Park during the winter.
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Reservations open for two popular BC Parks backcountry adventures
Reservations will soon open for two well-known backcountry adventures in BC Parks – the world-renowned Berg Lake Trail and the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit.
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Finance
Making homes available for people with speculation and vacancy tax
Facilities Bargaining Association and Health Employers ratify agreement
The Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA), which represents approximately 67,500 people delivering health services throughout B.C., has ratified a new agreement reached with Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC).
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Forests
Historic agreement will strengthen forestry-sector stability on north Island
‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation, B.C. sign joint decision-making agreement, support operations, jobs
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B.C. hosting national wildfire symposium
An opportunity for leaders, experts to help shape future of wildland firefighting in Canada
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2025 a banner year for wildfire salvage
Quicker permitting, stronger partnerships for wildfire salvage means protecting forestry jobs.
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Health
Minister’s statement on mental-health supports during holiday season
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement on mental-health supports for the holiday season:
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Province provides second report on community-based primary care services
As part of the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord 2025 (CARGA), the Province and BC Green Caucus are releasing the second of two reports highlighting shared findings and recommendations to strengthen primary care throughout British Columbia.
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Provincial health officer’s statement on getting immunized before holiday season
Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has issued the following statement on immunizations for the holiday season:
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Housing and Municipal Affairs
Minister’s statement on CMHC’s 2025 Rental Market Report, short-term rentals
On Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released its 2025 Rental Market Report showing that vacancy rates throughout the province have increased substantially over the past year.
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More than 100 new homes for families, seniors open in Vancouver
Seniors, families and individuals in Vancouver have access to 114 new affordable homes and community services with the opening of Powell Horizons, a new mixed-use building in the Downtown Eastside community.
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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Minister’s, survivor’s statement on 10th anniversary of the Calls to Action
Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Charlene Belleau, residential school survivor and B.C. First Nations community liaison lead, have released the following statement in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s closing ceremony and the release of its final report, including the 94 Calls to Action:
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More homes coming for Indigenous people
Indigenous people in Cranbrook and Fort Nelson will soon have access to 45 affordable homes as two Indigenous-led housing redevelopments move forward.
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Minister’s statement on Louis Riel Day
Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has issued the following statement to mark Louis Riel Day:
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Infrastructure
New Henry Hudson Elementary seismically safer, has 145 more student seats
Expanded neonatal unit improves care for infants in Kootenays
Celebrating opening of an improved neonatal intensive care unit at East Kootenay Regional Hospital
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Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Fifteen individuals appointed to the Order of British Columbia
Fifteen people who exemplify excellence will be invested into the Order of British Columbia, the province’s highest honour.
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Medals of Good Citizenship mark a decade of honouring selfless service
Eighteen individuals are being recognized for their exceptional contributions as the Medal of Good Citizenship marks 10 years of celebrating community service in British Columbia.
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Government supports six francophone initiatives in B.C.
Government is investing $250,000 to support six non-profit organizations in delivering initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of British Columbia’s francophone communities.
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Jobs and Economic Growth
Labour
New job-protected medical leave in effect for workers facing serious illness, injury
Workers with a serious illness or injury can now take as many as 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period to undergo medical treatment and focus on their recovery.
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New rules on sick notes eliminate unnecessary paperwork
Effective immediately, new rules limit when employers can ask for sick notes and will allow more time for health-care providers to spend with patients.
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Mining and Critical Minerals
Province issues mining permit for Record Ridge magnesium mine
The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has approved Western High Yield Resources’ mining permit for the Record Ridge magnesium mine near Rossland.
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Province issues permit for expansion of Mount Polley mine
The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has approved Imperial Metal’s permit to expand its Mount Polley mine in the Cariboo region, which will extend the mine’s life by eight years, support local jobs and continue environmental monitoring as part of ongoing regulatory requirements.
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Minister’s statement on the rescue of three workers at Red Chris mine
Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, has released the following statement on the successful rescue of three workers at Red Chris mine in northwestern B.C.:
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Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Province reviews public post-secondary system to ensure long-term sustainability
The Province is launching an independent review to strengthen the public post-secondary education system and ensure it is sustainable and well-positioned to support people in British Columbia and B.C.’s economic growth.
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New Indigenous law wing supports learning Indigenous legal traditions
Students at the University of Victoria (UVic) law school now have a dedicated space to learn Indigenous laws and legal traditions with the opening of the new Indigenous law wing.
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Province invests in trades training to power B.C.’s economic future
British Columbia is boosting skilled-trades training throughout the province so people can secure family-supporting jobs created through major projects.
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Public Safety and Solicitor General
BC Coroners Service announces inquest into death of Chase de Balinhard
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Chase de Balinhard will be held in the new year.
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction
External review of CLBC home-sharing program completed
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has received the final report from the external review of Community Living BC’s (CLBC) home-sharing program.
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Barriers removed for couples in B.C. receiving disability assistance
Starting Dec. 1, 2025, couples where both members receive disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people.
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New team members work on accessibility for people in B.C.
Five new members have been appointed to British Columbia’s Provincial Accessibility Committee (PAC), reinforcing the Province’s commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion for all people in British Columbia.
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Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Grants offer more creativity opportunities for people
Community Gaming Grants are empowering organizations, artists and cultural workers by strengthening arts and culture programming and services to increase opportunities for people in British Columbia to participate in the arts and culture sector.
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Medals of Good Citizenship mark a decade of honouring selfless service
Eighteen individuals are being recognized for their exceptional contributions as the Medal of Good Citizenship marks 10 years of celebrating community service in British Columbia.
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Canadians of South Asian heritages contribute to vision for provincial museum
More than 16,000 people of South Asian heritages in British Columbia have provided input for a provincial museum that educates, preserves and celebrates the richness of Canadian South Asian histories, traditions and cultures.
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Transportation and Transit
Plan ahead, take precautions to ensure road safety in winter conditions
With snow flurries in the forecast on the south coast of British Columbia, drivers are reminded to plan ahead and take appropriate precautions for travel in winter weather.
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Highway 8 reopens to two-lane traffic for the first time since 2021
Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge is open to two-lane traffic for the first time since the 2021 atmospheric river, marking a major milestone in B.C.’s flood-recovery efforts.
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From naughty to nice: Highway 3 open between Hope and Princeton
Just in time for the holidays, drivers are advised that Highway 3 has reopened to traffic between Hope and Princeton following a major washout that occurred on Dec. 16, 2025, 42 kilometres east of the Highway 3/5 junction.
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Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
People urged to remain vigilant, be prepared as flood, slide risks remain
Rainfall will intensify in next several days, increasing likelihood of flooding in low-lying areas
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