B.C. is making plans to offer everyone 12+ a fall booster dose
Office of the Premier
News by Ministry
Office of the Premier
Premier's statement on five years of delivering results for people
Monday, July 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the five-year anniversary of forming a government that puts people first:
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Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city
Thursday, June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver has been chosen as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
A new collaborative post-secondary campus will be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities so more students can access education close to home for in-demand jobs.
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Advanced Education and Skills Training
British Columbia trains, recruits more allied health professionals
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 9:00 AM
British Columbians will soon benefit from as many as 322 more allied health professionals supporting their health-care needs as new training seats are added to public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C.
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Turning the page on adult literacy with increased funding
Monday, July 25, 2022 12:00 PM
People will have an opportunity to write the next chapter of their lives with funding for adult learning programs to improve literacy, math and digital skills in 128 communities this fall.
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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
A new collaborative post-secondary campus will be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities so more students can access education close to home for in-demand jobs.
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Agriculture and Food
BC Fairs launches Buy BC agriculture trivia contest
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 10:30 AM
BC Fairs are taking British Columbians on a journey this summer with an online Buy BC-themed trivia challenge that explores local products made in the province.
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New funding supports farmers, takes action on climate resiliency
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 9:00 AM
To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Pop the cork! Kelowna vineyard wins major national wine award
Thursday, August 4, 2022 2:30 PM
A family-owned winery with a strong commitment to organic farming is the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards winery of the year.
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Attorney General
Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
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New homes for women, children open in Prince George
Thursday, July 14, 2022 11:45 AM
Women and children leaving violence have access to 55 new safe and affordable homes, including supports, with the opening of My Sister’s Place in Prince George.
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Supportive homes for youth coming to Kamloops
Thursday, August 4, 2022 1:45 PM
Construction is underway on Katherine’s Place, a new supportive housing building for youth and young adults in Kamloops, named after the late Katherine McParland, a local youth advocate.
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Children and Family Development
Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
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
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
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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B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students
Thursday, August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
More students in grades 11 and 12 will be able to earn both high school and post-secondary credits toward careers in early childhood education with the introduction of 30 new dual-credit programs at school districts throughout B.C.
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Citizens' Services
Fast, reliable internet, cell coverage coming to Nass Valley
Tuesday, July 12, 2022 2:30 PM
More than 500 households in multiple Indigenous communities in the Nass Valley are set to benefit from a project that will bring high-speed internet and cellular coverage to the area.
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Connectivity achievements celebrated on Haida Gwaii
Monday, July 4, 2022 2:00 PM
The Province, the Government of Canada, Coastal First Nations and Haida Nation are coming together to honour the passing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to celebrate the economic achievements unlocked through digital connectivity investments for coastal and island First Nations.
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High-speed connectivity cable arrives in Haida Gwaii
Monday, July 4, 2022 10:45 AM
The $45.4-million Connected Coast project has reached a new milestone with 87 kilometres of fibre-optic cable stretching across the seabed of Hecate Strait, which will bring high-speed connectivity to Haida Gwaii.
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Education and Child Care
Four BC First Nations conclude self-government agreements regarding education
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 1:55 PM
From the First Nations Education Steering Committee: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/four-bc-first-nations-conclude-self-government-agreements-regarding-education-834404859.html
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Cultural learning can give students grad credit
Thursday, June 30, 2022 11:35 AM
Students in B.C. will now have new possibilities to earn credits for First Nations language and culture programs through the expansion of the External Credentials Program (ECP).
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B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students
Thursday, August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
More students in grades 11 and 12 will be able to earn both high school and post-secondary credits toward careers in early childhood education with the introduction of 30 new dual-credit programs at school districts throughout B.C.
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Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
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Minister’s statement on Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference 2022
Wednesday, July 6, 2022 7:30 AM
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, is representing British Columbia at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) between July 6 and 8 in St. John’s, Nfld., and has released the following statement to advance B.C.’s priorities:
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Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
The Province is improving accessibility to electric vehicles (EVs) by increasing maximum rebate amounts and ensuring they are going to people who need them most.
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain
Thursday, July 14, 2022 10:45 AM
The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.
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B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy
Monday, June 20, 2022 1:15 PM
People in British Columbia will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the actions included in the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.
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Nelson Civic Centre gets energy-efficiency upgrade
Thursday, August 4, 2022 12:15 PM
The Nelson Civic Centre is getting a substantial upgrade to improve energy efficiency, decrease climate pollution and improve the comfort and lifespan of the building.
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Finance
Speculation and vacancy tax will help housing affordability in new communities
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 9:45 AM
The expansion of the Speculation and Vacancy Tax will help eliminate speculative real estate practices and turn empty units into homes for people in additional communities in B.C. struggling with housing affordability.
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B.C. enhances consumer protection for homebuyers
Thursday, July 21, 2022 9:30 AM
A new homebuyer protection period will protect people in B.C. looking to buy a home from being pressured into high-risk sales.
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Supporting sexual-assault survivors informs work on gender-based violence
Monday, August 1, 2022 12:45 PM
As part of the Province’s work to develop an action plan to end gender-based violence, staff at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) presented its trauma informed, wraparound supports and services available in Greater Victoria.
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Forests
Hupacasasth First Nation tapping trees for sticky gold
Monday, July 18, 2022 1:00 PM
Using an innovative approach, the Hupacasath First Nation in Port Alberni is benefiting from nearly $112,000 in funding from the B.C. government as part of the Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program.
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Backcountry road closures still active for wildlife recovery
Friday, July 15, 2022 10:00 AM
Motor Vehicle Closures established under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation of the Wildlife Act in October 2021 are still in place.
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Ministers’ statement on softwood lumber final ruling
Thursday, August 4, 2022 11:50 AM
Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests; Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation; and George Chow, Minister of State for Trade, have issued the following joint statement in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determination in its third administrative review regarding countervailing and anti-dumping duties applied to Canada’s softwood lumber exports to the United States:
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Health
B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine
Thursday, July 14, 2022 2:05 PM
Approximately 208,000 eligible infants and children in British Columbia between six months and four years of age will soon be able to receive vaccine protection against COVID-19.
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British Columbia trains, recruits more allied health professionals
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 9:00 AM
British Columbians will soon benefit from as many as 322 more allied health professionals supporting their health-care needs as new training seats are added to public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C.
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Statement on prolonged heat warnings throughout B.C.
Friday, July 29, 2022 4:05 PM
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following statement on prolonged heat warnings throughout B.C.:
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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act
Monday, June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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Building momentum: 2021-2022 Declaration Act Annual Report
Thursday, June 30, 2022 1:00 PM
The Province is releasing the third annual report on efforts to ensure B.C. is a place where the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit people can thrive.
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B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Thursday, January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
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
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
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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B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Monday, August 1, 2022 6:15 AM
Fourteen exceptional people will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition.
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Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
British Columbia trains, recruits more allied health professionals
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 9:00 AM
British Columbians will soon benefit from as many as 322 more allied health professionals supporting their health-care needs as new training seats are added to public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C.
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Province launching new centre for agritech innovation
Thursday, July 21, 2022 9:35 AM
A new B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation will further position the province as a world leader in agricultural technology, helping to improve food security in B.C. and around the world, while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs.
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Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results
Friday, August 5, 2022 8:30 AM
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 July 2022:
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Labour
B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 8:30 AM
As of June 1, 2022, B.C.’s lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, which is the highest of any province.
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B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters
Friday, April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
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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Report received on successorship, transfer of timber harvesting rights
Thursday, July 28, 2022 1:00 PM
Government has received a report on successorship when timber harvesting rights are transferred.
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Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
Conservation Officer Service achieves largest-ever invasive mussels decontamination
Saturday, July 9, 2022 9:00 AM
When staff at B.C.’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program were notified that a high-risk watercraft heading for the Lower Mainland appeared to be covered in invasive zebra mussels, inspectors with the Conservation Officer Service (COS) immediately took action.
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Minister’s and parliamentary secretary’s statement on federal decision about salmon farms
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 4:20 PM
Josie Osborne, Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, and Fin Donnelly, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture, have released the following statement in response to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s decision today on salmon-farm licensing in British Columbia.
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B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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Mental Health and Addictions
Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
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New Foundry provides mental-health, substance-use services to youth in the Tri-Cities
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 10:45 AM
Young people in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody will soon have access to much-needed mental-health and substance-use supports as a new Foundry centre comes to the Tri-Cities.
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Investment enhances mental-health services in Greater Victoria
Thursday, July 28, 2022 12:00 PM
More people in Greater Victoria will have increased access to mental-health services designed to help them stabilize their lives.
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Municipal Affairs
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
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Municipalities open cooling centres as heat warnings issued throughout B.C.
Monday, July 25, 2022 3:30 PM
Local authorities and First Nations are implementing their heat response plans, including opening cooling centres in communities, following heat warnings throughout British Columbia.
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B.C. investing in healthy northern communities
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 8:00 AM
New projects supporting social, health and community services in areas experiencing rapid economic growth will benefit people in the province’s North as a result of the Northern Healthy Communities Fund.
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Public Safety and Solicitor General
Province launches e-transfer for evacuees
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 11:00 AM
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
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Minister Blair announces over $870 million to support disaster recovery and climate resilience in British Columbia
Monday, July 18, 2022 1:12 PM
From the Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/news/2022/07/minister-blair-announces-over-870-million-to-support-disaster-recovery-and-climate-resilience-in-british-columbia.html
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Survey shows significant decrease in illegal cannabis store use
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 8:30 AM
A recent survey is showing positive changes in behaviour among B.C. cannabis consumers, including more responsible use and fewer people purchasing from unlicensed sellers.
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 11:15 AM
A new investment of $2 million will support the development and growth of British Columbia’s co-operative businesses, while expanding services for people who use them.
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Funding helps improve food security for women of colour
Monday, July 25, 2022 9:30 AM
Indigenous and Black women, women of colour (IBPOC) and their families will see continued assistance from the local non-profit organization Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC), due to a $50,000 grant from the Province.
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Haida Gwaii, Nuxalk grow more food secure
Friday, August 5, 2022 10:15 AM
Haida Gwaii and Nuxalk Nation will have greater access to nutritious food through grants to local food-security projects.
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Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship
Thursday, July 28, 2022 9:30 AM
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship.
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Province, viaSport partner to take abuse out of the game
Wednesday, July 6, 2022 2:00 PM
The Province is providing $500,000 to viaSport’s Play Safe B.C. program, which aims to prevent and address harassment, abuse, discrimination and other negative behaviours in amateur sport in B.C.
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Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city
Thursday, June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver has been chosen as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Transportation and Infrastructure
Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain
Thursday, July 14, 2022 10:45 AM
The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.
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Five-lane interchange breaks ground in Richmond
Thursday, July 7, 2022 10:50 AM
Ground was officially broken Thursday, July 7, 2022, on the new five-lane Steveston interchange in Richmond as part of the project that will see the George Massey Tunnel replaced with a new toll-free crossing.
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Temporary traffic change for Seymour Lake Road
Friday, August 5, 2022 4:05 PM
Drivers are advised of temporary one-way traffic on Seymour Lake Road until Sept. 4 as part of a trial to reduce congestion.
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