Office of the Premier
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Office of the Premier
B.C. supports collaborative marine conservation, economic development on North Coast
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 9:15 AM
The B.C. government is protecting vital coastal ecosystems, creating new jobs and advancing sustainable fisheries and economic opportunities in the Northern Shelf Bioregion (also known as the Great Bear Sea) in partnership with First Nations, the federal government and donors.
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First-of-its-kind, seamless addictions care available in Vancouver
Monday, December 4, 2023 10:45 AM
People with addiction challenges are getting better, seamless treatment and recovery care through the new Road to Recovery initiative at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
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300,000 have received free contraceptives, expanded pharmacist care
Friday, December 8, 2023 11:45 AM
Nearly 300,000 people have benefited from free contraceptives and being able to see a pharmacist for treatment of minor ailments or contraceptives since government expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists on June 1, 2023.
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Agriculture and Food
Program will help B.C. food processors expand, increase production
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 11:30 AM
B.C. food-processing companies looking to scale up and feed more people are benefiting from a program that is helping them increase their businesses’ productivity and competitiveness by improving their facilities and equipment.
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Canada, B.C. supporting B.C. farmers with access to technology
Friday, November 24, 2023 8:30 AM
B.C. farmers looking to grow their businesses in the face of rising costs are getting support for accessing new technologies from items such as robotic and automated equipment, farm-management software and digital sensors, which will help them increase production, efficiency and profitability.
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Avian Influenza cases increasing in B.C.
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 11:06 AM
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that birds at eight commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley and two small flocks in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Regional District of Mount Waddington have tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus bringing the total to 16 confirmed cases since Oct. 20, 2023.
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Attorney General
Law protecting whistle-blowers now in force in public K-12 schools
Friday, December 1, 2023 8:45 AM
Employees will benefit from new protections when bringing forward concerns about serious wrongdoing as the scope of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) expands to the public K-12 education sector, effective Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
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Government taking action to protect communities against hate, violence
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 2:15 PM
The Province is taking action against hate-motivated violence in British Columbia by supporting community organizations throughout the province and by providing resources to individuals.
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Minister’s statement on the appointment of Chief Justice Leonard Marchand
Friday, December 8, 2023 5:00 PM
Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement to congratulate Leonard Marchand on being appointed the new chief justice of British Columbia and chief justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon:
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Children and Family Development
Emergency shelter for vulnerable youth opens in Maple Ridge
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 2:15 PM
Vulnerable youth in need of a safe place to stay can now access 24/7 overnight accommodation services at a new Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) in Maple Ridge.
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations sign agreement on jurisdiction pathway
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 3:00 PM
Members of Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations celebrated a significant milestone on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, by signing a child and family services agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
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Premier’s, ministers’ statement on Indigenous Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 8:05 AM
Premier David Eby, Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Mitzi Dean, B.C.’s military liaison, have issued the following statement marking Indigenous Veterans Day:
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Citizens' Services
Robson Square ice rink opens for the season
Friday, December 1, 2023 10:20 AM
A tradition celebrating the holiday season brings winter fun to residents and visitors with the opening of the Robson Square ice rink.
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Better data making life better for British Columbians
Thursday, November 23, 2023 9:30 AM
A new provincial data plan is helping government make sure it has the right data at the right time to understand complex issues and make good decisions to deliver modern services to people in B.C.
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Faster internet coming to two qathet communities
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 11:30 AM
People in Lund and sḵelhp (formerly Saltery Bay) on the Sunshine Coast will benefit from two new projects to build infrastructure providing reliable, high-speed internet access.
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Education and Child Care
Thousands of new student spaces coming to B.C. schools faster
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 10:15 AM
Twelve new school additions will mean more student spaces as early as the 2024-25 school year in fast-growing communities across the province.
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New child care centre opens at Ralph Bell Elementary in Kamloops
Monday, December 4, 2023 11:00 AM
Families in Kamloops are benefiting from a new child care centre opening at Ralph Bell Elementary in the Valleyview neighbourhood.
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375 new student spaces coming to Burnaby
Monday, December 4, 2023 1:15 PM
Kitchener Elementary school will have a new school addition with 15 additional classrooms as early as the next school year to help address enrolment growth in Burnaby.
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Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
New emergency management legislation, task force pave way for resilient communities
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 11:22 AM
People and communities in British Columbia will be better prepared for emergencies and disasters under the most comprehensive and progressive emergency management framework in Canada with the introduction of the emergency and disaster management act, and the launch of an expert task force on emergencies.
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Province supports climate-emergency project in Rossland
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 8:12 AM
To help strengthen resilience against climate-related hazards, the Province is providing funding to the City of Rossland for a project to help build climate resilience in the community.
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People in British Columbia advised to prepare for a storm
Monday, December 4, 2023 2:02 PM
The Province is encouraging people to prepare and be vigilant as several weather warnings have been issued for a storm that will bring heavy rain, strong winds and snow to some areas. The storm will impact B.C. on Monday, Dec. 4, and should ease on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
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Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
B.C. making it easier to buy zero-emission vehicles
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 12:45 PM
British Columbia is accelerating its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and helping more people go electric.
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Province creating new opportunities in hydrogen economy, commercial trucking
Thursday, November 16, 2023 11:15 AM
A new, first-of-its-kind pilot program that uses hydrogen to power commercial trucking will help accelerate B.C.’s transition to a clean economy and create new opportunities for people and businesses with the support of provincial funding.
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Ministers’ statement on new federal emissions cap framework
Thursday, December 7, 2023 12:02 PM
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, have released the following statement regarding the Government of Canada’s announcement about capping emissions from industrial emitters.
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy
New plastic requirements will give people better choices
Friday, December 1, 2023 2:30 PM
The Province continues to take action to support the clean economy by preventing plastic waste and pollution.
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Day-use passes in effect at Mount Seymour Park
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 7:45 AM
This winter, visitors will need to reserve a free vehicle day-use pass to visit Mount Seymour Park from Dec. 14 until Jan. 8, 2024, and on weekends and holidays until March 31, 2024.
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Ministers’ statement on new federal emissions cap framework
Thursday, December 7, 2023 12:02 PM
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, have released the following statement regarding the Government of Canada’s announcement about capping emissions from industrial emitters.
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Finance
B.C.’s economy forecast to slow in 2024, followed by steady growth
Monday, December 4, 2023 12:08 PM
Private-sector forecasters expect B.C., like Canada, to see slower economic growth through 2024 due to high interest rates and a softening global economy before growing steadily in the medium term.
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Speculation and vacancy tax continues to support homes for people
Monday, December 4, 2023 11:45 AM
The speculation and vacancy tax is helping turn empty units into homes and creating affordable housing in communities throughout the province, new data confirms.
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B.C.’s strong fiscal foundation supports people through global challenges
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 1:45 PM
British Columbia’s economic and fiscal plan remains stable in the face of a slowing global economy and high interest rates as the Second Quarterly Report forecasts a lower deficit than in the previous fiscal update.
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Forests
Province launches made-in-B.C. conservation tool, takes further action on old-growth forest
Thursday, October 26, 2023 12:30 PM
The Province is accelerating protection of B.C.’s oldest and rarest trees while benefiting communities and wildlife by launching a new $300-million Conservation Financing Mechanism – $150 million from the Province, matched by a commitment to raise an additional $150 million from the BC Parks Foundation.
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Changes to lumber regulation will drive local manufacturing, job growth
Monday, December 4, 2023 2:45 PM
Amendments to B.C.’s lumber regulations will open the door for more wood products to be manufactured in the province, strengthening the forestry sector and creating more family-supporting jobs.
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Forestry sector taps into growing wood products demand in Japan
Thursday, December 7, 2023 9:30 AM
Representatives from British Columbia’s forestry sector, led by Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, are embarking on a mission to Japan, showcasing the innovation of B.C. wood products.
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Health
Province expands health-care workforce and increases patient access
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 12:00 AM
More people are getting care faster and closer to home, and the health-care workforce is better supported as the Province makes significant progress on expanding the health-care workforce and strengthening B.C.’s public health-care system.
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Province supports allied health workforce, improves patient care
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 1:00 PM
The Province continues to put people first by launching the new Allied Health Strategic Plan (AHSP), which focuses on recruitment, retention, training and redesigning of the allied health workforce, to ensure people have access to the health-care providers they need.
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300,000 have received free contraceptives, expanded pharmacist care
Friday, December 8, 2023 11:45 AM
Nearly 300,000 people have benefited from free contraceptives and being able to see a pharmacist for treatment of minor ailments or contraceptives since government expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists on June 1, 2023.
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Housing
New regulations make EV charging requests easier in strata developments
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 10:30 AM
New regulations will make it easier for people living in strata developments to request electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations where they live.
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More than 1,000 new affordable homes coming for Indigenous people
Friday, December 1, 2023 10:30 AM
More Indigenous people will soon have new affordable rental homes on and off reserve as the Province is inviting Indigenous housing providers, First Nations and other Indigenous organizations to submit proposals for the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF).
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Regulations, policy manuals issued to help deliver more homes for people faster
Thursday, December 7, 2023 1:35 PM
Regulations and policy manuals have been issued to further support local governments as they work in partnership with homebuilders to deliver more homes for people.
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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
B.C., First Nations leaders gather to advance relationships
Thursday, November 2, 2023 8:00 AM
XʷMƏƟKʷƏY̓ƏM (MUSQUEAM), SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH (SQUAMISH) AND SƏLILWƏTAɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) TERRITORIES / VANCOUVER – First Nations leaders and provincial officials from across B.C. are coming together for the eighth B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, working together to recognize, respect and advance government-to-government relationships.
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Annual report updates collective efforts to achieve objectives of UN Declaration
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 12:45 PM
B.C. is providing detailed reporting about progress to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) through the 2022-23 Declaration Act Annual Report.
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Minister’s statement on Louis Riel Day
Thursday, November 16, 2023 7:30 AM
Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has issued the following statement to mark Louis Riel Day:
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Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Monday, August 7, 2023 6:15 AM
Fourteen exceptional people who have made an outstanding provincial, national or international impact will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition and an official part of the Canadian Honours System.
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Funding supports three francophone initiatives in B.C.
Saturday, November 4, 2023 5:32 PM
Three non-profit provincial organizations will receive funding to enhance services and resources for French-speaking residents in British Columbia.
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Grants will help international, francophone educators join child care sector
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 3:30 PM
Early childhood professionals educated in languages other than English will have reduced costs and more support to become certified to work in British Columbia’s child care sector, as a result of financial support to translate educational documents into English.
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Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Hundreds of clean, highly skilled jobs coming to Maple Ridge
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1:52 PM
A $1.05-billion partnership between E-One Moli and the governments of B.C. and Canada will bring lithium-ion battery cell production to Maple Ridge and create 450 high-quality, permanent jobs that are key to growing the province’s clean economy.
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Minister’s statement on November Labour Force Survey results
Friday, December 1, 2023 9:37 AM
Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada‘s Labour Force Survey for November 2023:
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B.C. supporting wood-product manufacturers
Thursday, November 30, 2023 2:15 PM
New funding for six wood-product manufacturers will grow B.C.’s value-added wood sector, fortifying local economies and creating and protecting hundreds of forestry jobs.
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Labour
Fairness coming for gig workers
Thursday, November 16, 2023 1:15 PM
App-based ride-hailing and food-delivery gig workers will soon have better working conditions with new protections, including basic employment standards.
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Legislative changes will bring fairness to app-based gig workers
Monday, November 20, 2023 10:55 AM
App-based ride-hailing and food-delivery gig workers will soon have better working conditions, thanks to new legislation that was introduced.
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Mental Health and Addictions
First-of-its-kind, seamless addictions care available in Vancouver
Monday, December 4, 2023 10:45 AM
People with addiction challenges are getting better, seamless treatment and recovery care through the new Road to Recovery initiative at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
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More supports coming to Vernon for mental-health, substance-use crises
Friday, December 1, 2023 12:30 PM
To help people in crisis and to free police resources to focus on crime, a new crisis response is now in Vernon.
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Minister’s statement on lives lost to poisoned drugs in October
Thursday, November 30, 2023 11:45 AM
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in October:
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Municipal Affairs
Governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in wastewater infrastructure improvements in Kimberley
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 4:00 PM
From Infrastructure Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2023/12/governments-of-canada-and-british-columbia-invest-in-wastewater-infrastructure-improvements-in-kimberley.html
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More child care spaces, health-care supports for people in northern B.C.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 8:30 AM
People in northern B.C. will have access to more services, including health-care supports and child care spaces, with an investment of more than $3 million from the Northern Healthy Communities Fund (NHCF).
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The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in a wastewater treatment strategy in the Village of Daajing Giids
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 10:10 AM
From Infrastructure Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2023/11/the-governments-of-canada-and-british-columbia-invest-in-a-wastewater-treatment-strategy-in-the-village-of-daajing-giids.html
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Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Labour Market Outlook offers exciting look into the future
Friday, November 24, 2023 11:15 AM
With approximately one million job openings expected, the Labour Market Outlook and Find Your Path tool provide British Columbians with information to identify and access future educational and career opportunities in an exciting decade.
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New pilot project supports restaurant industry’s workforce development
Thursday, November 30, 2023 2:00 PM
Employers of small and medium-sized businesses and workers in the restaurant industry will have better workforce support as the Province works with Chefs’ Table Society of B.C. to improve workplace culture, attract and retain workers in B.C.’s restaurant sector.
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Canada, B.C. collaboration improves career opportunities for young adults
Thursday, December 7, 2023 8:30 AM
More than 3,000 people between 16 and 29 in B.C. will benefit during the next two years from skills training and employment as part of a collaborative effort of the governments of British Columbia and Canada.
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Public Safety and Solicitor General
Government supports continued research to reduce gambling-related harms
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:15 AM
The Province and the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) have renewed their investment of approximately $1.4 million in the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC, signalling a dedicated effort to reduce the potential harms associated with gambling for people in British Columbia.
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More supports coming to Vernon for mental-health, substance-use crises
Friday, December 1, 2023 12:30 PM
To help people in crisis and to free police resources to focus on crime, a new crisis response is now in Vernon.
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People affected by crime will soon have better support, access to care
Friday, December 8, 2023 12:30 PM
People who have been affected by crime will soon have improved access to supports and care, with new updates being implemented by the Province on Jan. 1, 2024.
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction
People in B.C. to benefit from healthier, stronger communities through boost to non-profits
Monday, October 30, 2023 12:30 PM
People in B.C. will benefit from community support, arts and culture services, and support to find affordable housing, as the Province provides additional grants for non-profit organizations building healthier, more inclusive and stronger communities.
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Funding for improved public services will benefit First Nations governments, youth
Thursday, November 23, 2023 3:15 PM
First Nations young people and governments will benefit from financial support to the First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) to develop and deliver training for current and future First Nation government administrations, programs to increase youth employment, and mentorship and networking events.
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More people trained to be early childhood educators
Friday, December 8, 2023 2:15 PM
More people are training for jobs as early childhood educators in the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria area thanks to a government-funded Community and Employer Partnership project (CEP).
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Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Dec. 12 proclaimed Christine Sinclair Day
Friday, December 1, 2023 9:30 AM
Dec. 12 will be proclaimed Christine Sinclair Day in B.C. to recognize the extraordinary career and outstanding achievements in sport of the Canadian women’s soccer legend.
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Public engagement begins for new South Asian Canadian museum
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 9:15 AM
A new website will provide British Columbians with opportunities to share their vision for a new museum to highlight the history, culture and contributions to B.C. from Canadians of diverse South Asian heritages.
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Work requires single-lane traffic on Highway 5 at Kamloops New East Bridge
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 3:10 PM
Southbound traffic on Highway 5 will be reduced to one lane at the New East Bridge on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m while crews conduct electrical maintenance on the bridge.
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Transportation and Infrastructure
Modernized Simon Fraser Bridge opening this weekend
Friday, December 1, 2023 2:00 PM
The Simon Fraser Bridge will fully reopen this weekend, with the completion of upgrades that will extend the life of this highway connection for people in and around Prince George.
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Eight new station names announced for Surrey Langley SkyTrain
Friday, December 1, 2023 11:15 AM
The new Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension is one step closer with the announcement of the official names of eight stations.
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Highway contractors celebrated for innovation, excellence
Friday, December 8, 2023 3:00 PM
Contractors who build and maintain British Columbia’s vital roads and transportation infrastructure have been honoured for their work helping to keep people and goods on the move.
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Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
B.C. supports collaborative marine conservation, economic development on North Coast
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 9:15 AM
The B.C. government is protecting vital coastal ecosystems, creating new jobs and advancing sustainable fisheries and economic opportunities in the Northern Shelf Bioregion (also known as the Great Bear Sea) in partnership with First Nations, the federal government and donors.
Read More
More sustainability projects support wild Pacific salmon, recreational fishing
Friday, November 24, 2023 1:45 PM
Three innovative projects that will benefit understanding of salmon and improve the sustainability of recreational salmon fisheries are receiving support from the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.
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B.C. prioritizing ecosystem health, biodiversity
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 8:00 AM
The Province is taking more steps to conserve nature for the long-term health and well-being of communities with the release of a draft biodiversity and ecosystem health framework.
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