News by Ministry
Office of the Premier
Premier’s statement on tariffs imposed by the U.S.
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump:
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Premier announces new measures to defend B.C. from Trump tariffs
Premier David Eby has announced new tariff-response measures with the intention of bringing forward legislation that will defend British Columbians, workers and businesses from U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and energy.
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New tools allow B.C. to rapidly respond to U.S. tariffs
Legislation has been introduced to strengthen B.C.’s ability to respond quickly to threats of tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States, to grow a more self-reliant economy, and to defend workers and businesses.
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Agriculture and Food
New provincial task force will focus on food security, growth, economy
To ensure B.C.’s food supply and food economy continues to grow in the face of U.S. tariff uncertainty, and to help farmers find new markets, a new Premier’s task force on agriculture and food economy has been formed.
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New support benefits B.C. tree fruit growers
In response to significant challenges faced by the tree fruit sector during the past four years, and the current threats to growers and food businesses from proposed U.S. tariffs, the Province is investing in farmers to help them recover from consecutive years of crop loss and market issues.
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B.C. helps fruit growers prepare for extreme weather
New funding is available to help tree-fruit growers prepare their orchards for extreme weather so people can continue to enjoy the B.C. peaches, cherries and apples that so many farming families and communities depend on.
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Attorney General
New committee begins work to dismantle systemic racism
A new provincial committee has begun work to remove systemic barriers that make access to government programs and services challenging for racialized people in British Columbia.
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Stronger consumer protections coming for people in B.C.
Proposed amendments to consumer protection laws in B.C. will crack down on predatory sales practices and ensure people are better protected when making new purchases.
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New tools allow B.C. to rapidly respond to U.S. tariffs
Legislation has been introduced to strengthen B.C.’s ability to respond quickly to threats of tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States, to grow a more self-reliant economy, and to defend workers and businesses.
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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.
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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
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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
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Citizens' Services
New intake open for connectivity funding applications
The sixth intake of the Connecting Communities BC funding program will be open for applications until June 30, 2025.
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High-speed internet available in central coast communities
People in Nuxalk Nation, Bella Coola and Hagensborg on the central coast now have access to high-speed internet, enabling faster, more reliable access to digital services and opportunities.
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High-speed internet available in Lax Kw’alaams
People living in Lax Kw’alaams off the northwestern coast of B.C. have access to reliable high-speed internet, enabling people to access online services and opportunities.
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Education and Child Care
Minister’s, parliamentary secretary’s statement about federal government’s investment in ChildCareBC
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, and Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care, have released the following statement about the extension of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with British Columbia:
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New child care centre will support families in Kamloops
Families and children will soon benefit from a new child care centre with 36 licensed child care spaces in downtown Kamloops.
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Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Funding supports culturally safe emergency responses for Indigenous Peoples
To ensure inclusivity and respect for Indigenous Peoples during emergencies, First Nations communities and local governments throughout B.C. will receive funding to strengthen cultural safety in local emergency-management practices.
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Financial assistance coming for people affected by October floods
Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for eligible people and businesses in the City of Maple Ridge and Township of Langley affected by flooding due to the atmospheric river from Oct. 18-20, 2024.
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Minister Sajjan announces funding to British Columbia for 2024 wildfires
From Public Safety Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2025/03/minister-sajjan-announces-funding-to-british-columbia-for-2024-wildfires.html
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Energy and Climate Solutions
New legislation will accelerate B.C. renewable energy projects
To ensure rapid permitting and robust regulation of renewable energy projects, the Province will introduce legislation in spring 2025 allowing the regulation of renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, to move under the authority of the BC Energy Regulator (BCER). Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, made the announcement in the presence of successful First Nations and clean-energy partners who gathered to celebrate the signing of their electricity purchase...
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B.C. will strengthen biofuel industry with Canadian-content requirements
The Province is taking action to strengthen British Columbia’s energy resilience and support local biofuel producers, ensuring cleaner transportation fuels and greater energy security for people in B.C.
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Columbia River Treaty negotiations paused, information session will answer questions
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, and Minister responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, will host a virtual information session to provide an update about the status of the Columbia River Treaty modernization process and answer questions in light of new developments from the U.S.
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Environment and Parks
Legislation helps expand parks, recognize Indigenous history
Legislation has been introduced to expand three existing provincial parks and rename two parks to recognize Indigenous connections.
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Camping reservations opening soon at Golden Ears Park
With storm repairs well underway, people will soon be able to start reserving campsites at Golden Ears Park.
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Finance
Standing strong for B.C.: Budget prepares to defend British Columbians
The provincial government has released Budget 2025: Standing Strong for B.C., a measured plan to protect jobs and the public services people rely on, while preparing British Columbia’s economy to withstand the unpredictable impacts of unjustified tariffs.
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Do your taxes, get benefits
Every year, thousands of people in B.C. leave money on the table by not claiming the benefits for which they are eligible.
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Premier’s, parliamentary secretary’s statements on International Women’s Day
Forests
Minister’s, California Building Industry Association’s statement on softwood duties, tariffs
Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, and Dan Dunmoyer, CEO, California Building Industry Association, have released the following statement on B.C. lumber and softwood duties:
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More than 70 projects will strengthen wildfire prevention, support forestry
Workers and communities throughout B.C. are benefiting from Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that reduce wildfire risk and increase fibre supply, keeping local mills and energy plants running in the face of U.S. tariff threats and unjustified softwood lumber duties.
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New B.C. council will advocate for forestry workers
The Province has formed a new council to advance British Columbia’s interests in the long-standing softwood lumber dispute with the United States.
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Health
British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S.
The Province is taking new steps to attract more doctors and nurses from the U.S. by fast-tracking credential recognition and launching a co-ordinated, targeted recruitment campaign.
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New Lions Gate Hospital tower opens next month
People on the North Shore and in neighbouring communities will soon have enhanced access to health care services in the new, modern acute care tower at Lions Gate Hospital, opening March 9, 2025.
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Cottonwoods long-term care moves closer to construction
From Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/media/cottonwoods-long-term-care-moves-closer-construction
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Housing and Municipal Affairs
Short-term rental registry will deliver more homes, ensure hosts follow rules
To help more families find a place to live in B.C. and build on actions underway, the Province is launching a new short-term rental (STR) registry.
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Rent support for survivors of gender-based violence in British Columbia
The federal and provincial governments announced an enhancement to the Canada-BC Housing Benefit (CBCHB) that will provide additional support for survivors of gender-based violence. The federal government is investing nearly $37 million over four years, with the Province of B.C. providing an equal cost match.
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Adaptable-dwelling, seismic provisions take effect March 10
New BC Building Code (BCBC) 2024 provisions for adaptable dwellings and seismic design come into effect Monday, March 10, 2025, with adaptable-dwelling requirements being gradually implemented.
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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, B.C. and Canada advance reconciliation with statement
From Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2025/02/history-made-as-eitkenist-i-sewalnonet-sci-a-joint-statement-by-the-wsanec-chiefs-of-tsartlip-tseycum-first-nations-the-minister-of-crown-indigenou.html
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Minister’s statement on racism in Northern B.C.
Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has released the following statement denouncing the recent defacing of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association’s office with racist and anti-Indigenous graffiti:
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Minister’s statement on K’ómoks Treaty and Constitution vote outcome
Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has released the following statement in response to the ‘yes’ vote by eligible voters on the ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty and Constitution:
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Infrastructure
New Lions Gate Hospital tower opens next month
People on the North Shore and in neighbouring communities will soon have enhanced access to health care services in the new, modern acute care tower at Lions Gate Hospital, opening March 9, 2025.
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BCIT begins $48 million renewal of Burnaby Campus
From BCIT News: https://commons.bcit.ca/news/2025/02/south-campus-infrastructure-renewal-scir/
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Cottonwoods long-term care moves closer to construction
From Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/media/cottonwoods-long-term-care-moves-closer-construction
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Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Made-in-B.C.: Throne speech focuses on economic security in face of Trump tariffs
Lt. Gov. Wendy Cocchia has delivered the speech from the throne outlining the B.C. government’s plan to defend British Columbians from the economic impacts of the U.S. presidency and secure a stronger future for the province.
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The Province welcomes new Lieutenant Governor
Premier David Eby offered his congratulations to Wendy Cocchia, CM, OBC, LLD (Hon), on being sworn in on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, as British Columbia’s 31st Lieutenant Governor.
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Journée de la francophonie highlights access to justice in French
The B.C. government marked Journée de la francophonie with a celebration at the Parliament Buildings.
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Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Agritech projects, training will strengthen B.C. agriculture
British Columbia will soon have nearly 200 new jobs and hundreds more people trained in science and technology to enhance food security and strengthen the provincial economy.
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Minister’s statement on February 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 February 2025:
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Minister’s statement on January 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 January 2025:
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Labour
2025 minimum wage increases confirmed
B.C.’s lowest-paid workers will see a 2.6% wage increase on June 1, 2025, keeping pace with inflation.
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Bridging to Retirement Program update
The Bridging to Retirement Program has played a critical role in helping forestry workers and contractors transition to retirement.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Construction begins on new student housing in Nanaimo
Students studying at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Nanaimo campus will have access to more on-campus housing beds and a new dining hall, with construction underway.
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Labour market forecast lands amid tariff threats, immigration cap
B.C.’s new 2024 Labour Market Outlook (LMO) estimates more than one million job openings in B.C. over the next decade.
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Public Safety and Solicitor General
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:
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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.
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Dates announced for coroner’s inquest into death of George Wayne Prevost
The circumstances surrounding the death of George Wayne Prevost will be reviewed during a coroner’s inquest from Wednesday, May 28, 2025, through Friday, June 6, 2025.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Enhanced visitor experiences planned for Barkerville historic site
Visitors can look forward to continuing strong operations, along with expanded hands-on demonstrations and interpretations at Barkerville Historic Town & Park and Cottonwood House Historic Site as part of the site operator’s proposed plan.
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New operator will revitalize historic site experience at Fort Steele
Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society (CAMAL), the new operator of Fort Steele Heritage Town, is planning new, dynamic, interactive and diverse visitor experiences that complement the site’s community traditions.
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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.
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Transportation and Transit
Surrey Langley SkyTrain station, guideway construction reaches milestone
Significant construction is underway along the Surrey Langley SkyTrain alignment and at future station sites, bringing people a major step closer to safe, affordable and convenient travel across the Metro Vancouver region.
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Milestone reached as traffic moves onto new Steveston Interchange
Construction of the new five-lane Steveston Interchange has hit a major milestone with the first half of the new crossing now complete.
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Milestone reached at new ferry terminal in Victoria’s inner harbour
Phase 1 work at the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is complete, marking a significant step toward the construction of a new, state-of-the-art pre-clearance terminal building for Victoria’s inner harbour.
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Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Targeted actions prevent spread of chronic wasting disease in urban deer
The Province, with the support of the City of Cranbrook, the City of Kimberley and ʔaq’am, is taking action to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) by targeted removal and testing of urban deer.
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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.
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Annual burbot recovery resumes in Lower Kootenay
Collaborative teams from the Province, the Ktunaxa Nation Council, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game are working on Moyie Lake to help recovery of the Lower Kootenay burbot population.
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