News by Ministry
Office of the Premier
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.
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Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward
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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Premier's statement on family doctors in B.C.
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement following a meeting with representatives from Doctors of BC:
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Advanced Education and Skills Training
Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward
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
More students at the University of the Fraser Valley's (UFV) Abbotsford campus will be able to live on campus with the construction of new student housing that will triple the number of beds available and expand dining facilities.
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New gathering place supports Indigenous culture on campus
Indigenous students, faculty and staff have a new culturally relevant space for connection and celebration with the official opening of the Indigenous Gathering Place at North Island College’s Campbell River campus.
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Agriculture and Food
New funding sprouts more growth for B.C. seeds
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
The B.C. Land Matching Program (BCLMP) delivered by Young Agrarians has achieved more than 200 matches, bringing farmers and landholders together to strengthen the province’s food supply.
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Small flock in Comox Valley tests positive for avian influenza
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that a small poultry flock in the Comox Valley has tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, which is the first case on Vancouver Island.
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Attorney General
Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders
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
New affordable homes will soon be available for people with moderate and low incomes, seniors and families in Vancouver, with construction underway on 82 rental homes in Mount Pleasant.
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Supportive housing review shows benefit to residents
An independent review of supportive housing sites in Penticton found that residents are benefiting from having a stable home with access to supports.
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Children and Family Development
Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth
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
Service providers supporting children and youth with support needs are invited to submit proposals to operate the province's first-ever family connections centres in early-implementation areas in northwest B.C. and the central Okanagan.
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Simpcw First Nation signs first co-created child welfare agreement in B.C. history
The Simpcw First Nation now has its unique practices, customs, laws, language and traditions integrated into a new child welfare agreement, Tcwesétmentem: Walking Together Agreement, the first of its kind in B.C.
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Citizens' Services
BC Data Catalogue improved, updated to serve British Columbians better
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
People in B.C. can now register their personal property online with the launch of a new, modernized personal property registry.
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High-speed internet coming to 10 communities along Similkameen Highway 3
More than 1,200 homes in seven First Nations communities and three towns along Highway 3 in the Similkameen now have access to high-speed internet services.
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Education and Child Care
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
Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care, has released the following statement for the child care month of May:
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Pitt Meadows families benefit from child care on school grounds
A new child care facility at Davie Jones Elementary school will provide dozens of families and children in and around Pitt Meadows with convenient child care on school grounds.
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Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
Low-carbon fuel expansion cuts emissions, creates jobs
Parkland Corp. has announced an expansion to produce low-carbon fuel at its Burnaby refinery, creating new jobs and economic opportunities for British Columbians, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Canadian negotiators share latest on Columbia River Treaty
The Province is hosting a virtual public information session to provide an update and answer questions about Canada-U.S. negotiations on the Columbia River Treaty.
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Vancouver Island’s first public hydrogen-fuelling station open
People on Vancouver Island with hydrogen-powered vehicles can fuel up easier with the first public hydrogen-fuelling station on the Island open in Saanich.
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy
B.C. launches new program to accelerate 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
People throughout British Columbia continue to take positive action to prevent plastic waste and those efforts could be further strengthened as the Province moves to regulate more single-use and plastic products.
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Fine issued for Coastal GasLink project
The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has issued a second administrative penalty to Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. (CGL) for non-compliance with conditions and orders related to erosion and sediment control under its environmental assessment certificate.
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Finance
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
In less than three weeks, BC Liquor (BCL) and BC Cannabis stores (BCCS) customers have donated more than $530,000 in support of the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
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Parliamentary secretary’s statement on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, has issued the following statement recognizing International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia:
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Forests
B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship
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
Forestry workers and communities in the Thompson Okanagan region are benefiting from economic opportunities created through the Province’s Forest Employment Program (FEP).
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Ongoing backcountry road closures protect wildlife, environment
Backcountry road users are advised that the roads closed in October 2021 across the Thompson Okanagan region, following 15 severe wildfires, will remain closed.
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Health
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
More people in the Chilliwack and Fraser Health Rural region will have better access to quality, team-based health care with a primary care centre opening May 17, 2022, at 7955 Evans Rd. in Chilliwack.
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Investing in stronger surgical care
People needing surgery at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) will have increased access to care as the provincial government has approved the business plan for the second phase of expansion, adding 13 new operating rooms (ORs) and 39 new perioperative patient bays at the facility.
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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship
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
First Nations governments financially challenged by the pandemic and natural disasters will benefit from a one-time provincial grant that makes up for the loss of shared gaming revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Joint statement on Moose Hide Campaign Day
Premier John Horgan; Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; and Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, have issued the following statement in support of Moose Hide Campaign Day:
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Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
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
Thirty-one people from throughout B.C. and one group are being honoured with the Medal of Good Citizenship, recognizing outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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March 20 proclaimed B.C. Francophonie Day
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, has issued a proclamation to mark the 20th annual B.C. Francophonie Day.
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Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
B.C. forestry industry to benefit from trade office in Vietnam
A new Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) office in Vietnam will help drive trade opportunities and sustainable jobs in B.C.’s forestry sector while offering greater protection from market volatility and other global challenges.
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People in Merritt will benefit from rural development supports
The Province is providing a series of rural development grants in the Nicola Valley to support economic development and diversification.
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Minister's statement on April's Labour Force Survey results
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for April 2022:
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Labour
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
B.C. firefighters will soon have easier access to workers’ compensation benefits and support services in recognition of their higher risk of developing work-related cancers.
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Premier’s statement on International Workers’ Day
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in recognition of International Workers’ Day:
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Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
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
Josie Osborne, Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship, and Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, have released the following joint statement during Invasive Species Action Month:
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Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia make a significant investment in salmon research and restoration projects
From Fisheries and Oceans Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2022/04/government-of-canada-and-province-of-british-columbia-make-a-significant-investment-in-salmon-research-and-restoration-projects0.html
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Mental Health and Addictions
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
Health-care and community social services workers throughout British Columbia will be able to access more mental-health supports as the province expands tailor-made programs for the sector.
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Minister’s statement on 165 lives lost to poisoned drugs in March
Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths for March 2022:
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Municipal Affairs
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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Pandemic relief funds help libraries adapt to changing needs
People will see improvements at their local public libraries, including expanded digital collections, upgraded, barrier-free spaces, enhanced programming, improved air circulation and 24-hour access to the internet.
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B.C. government provides more support for newcomers
Newcomers arriving in British Columbia now have better access to labour-market services, trauma counselling and co-ordinated community connections through a one-time investment of $15 million to settlement-service organizations across the province.
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Public Safety and Solicitor General
Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders
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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B.C. seeks public input on consumer experiences
British Columbians are invited to share their feedback about buying products and services, which will help inform potential improvements to B.C.’s consumer protection laws.
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First Nations, communities benefit from emergency preparedness fund
More than 50 First Nations and local governments are receiving their share of more than $1.9 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to help improve emergency support services (ESS) in their communities.
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction
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
The Province is helping more British Columbians with low incomes receive much-needed dental care.
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Poverty-reduction grants address local needs on Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast
People who are vulnerable and and have low incomes will be supported with more than $440,000 in government funding for local poverty-reduction projects on Vancouver Island and in coastal communities.
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Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
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.
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Minister’s statement on Vancouver being confirmed as candidate host city for FIFA World Cup 2026
Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, has issued the following statement in response to FIFA’s recent announcement:
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Province seeks proposals to upgrade museum warehouse
The Province and Transportation Investment Corporation (TI Corp) have issued a request for proposals (RFP) for construction management services of leased storage space on behalf of the Royal BC Museum (RBCM).
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Transportation and Infrastructure
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
Construction will begin this spring on a new commercial vehicle inspection station east of Terrace, which will improve safety for drivers along the highway corridor.
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Drivers reminded to expect more horses, riders on roads
As warm weather draws more people outdoors, drivers in rural areas are reminded to stay vigilant and share the road with others, including horses and their riders.
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