News by Ministry
Office of the Premier
Premier directs government to cancel American contracts wherever viable
The B.C. government has updated its direction to ministries, health authorities and core Crown corporations to critically review all contracts with United States companies to decrease the Province’s dependence on goods and services from U.S. suppliers.
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New beds improve care for incarcerated people with mental-health, addiction issues
New involuntary care beds are now open at Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, providing people in custody who are in crisis and have overlapping mental-health and addiction challenges, as well as brain injuries due to toxic-drug overdoses, with specialized involuntary care.
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Agriculture and Food
Support helps B.C. tree-fruit growers protect orchards, businesses
B.C.’s tree-fruit growers are working on new projects to help protect their harvests from extreme weather and ensure there is a sustainable supply of local cherries, peaches, apples and other tree fruits this year and in future years.
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B.C. supporting food manufacturing, food security
New support for food and beverage manufacturers throughout the province will create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, establish new B.C.-made products and increase food security for people in British Columbia.
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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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Attorney General
Changes to lobbying rules will make compliance more manageable
Organizations in British Columbia will benefit from simplified reporting requirements when lobbying government.
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Attorney general’s statutes amendment act introduced
Government introduced the attorney general statutes amendment act, 2025, to the legislative assembly on Monday, April 14, 2025.
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Provincial Court chief judge’s term extended
The Ministry of Attorney General is providing an update on the process to appoint the next chief judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia.
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Children and Family Development
CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch opens Youth Emergency Shelter with support of legacy donor
From CMHA-Cowichan Valley Branch: https://assets.nationbuilder.com/cowichancmha/pages/102/attachments/original/1743800294/NR_CMHA_Media_Release_FINAL_updated.pdf?1743800294
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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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Citizens' Services
High-speed internet available in Clinton, Ruth Lake, Deka Lake
People in Clinton, Ruth Lake and Deka Lake in the Cariboo region now have access to high-speed internet, enabling faster, more reliable access to digital services and opportunities.
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Cellular, high-speed internet available in Fort Babine
People in Fort Babine now have access to high-speed internet and expanded cellular services along Fort Babine Road, enabling improved access to emergency services and more reliable access to online services and opportunities.
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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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Education and Child Care
Minister’s statement on Education Week
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has released the following statement in celebration of Education Week 2025:
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New child care spaces, training centre open in North Vancouver
Students and families will have more access to affordable child care spaces and a new centre to train early childhood educators (ECE) at Capilano University (CapU) in North Vancouver.
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Investments will boost child care for families
Families throughout British Columbia continue to benefit from government investments in child care, as more families gain access to $10-a-day spaces and new child care centre projects are funded.
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Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
People in British Columbia encouraged to prepare for seasonal hazards
People in British Columbia are urged to prepare for seasonal hazards as the warming weather increases the likelihood of climate-related emergencies, including spring flooding, wildfires and drought.
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Minister’s statement on Tsunami Preparedness Week
Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement on Tsunami Preparedness Week, April 13-19, 2025:
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Funding will strengthen emergency support for evacuees
Local governments and First Nations throughout the province will receive funding to improve emergency support services (ESS) for people evacuated from their homes during emergencies in British Columbia.
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Energy and Climate Solutions
B.C. makes heat pumps more affordable for people with low incomes
The Province is making electric heat pumps more affordable for low- and moderate-income households, including renters and those who live in multi-unit residential buildings.
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B.C. eliminates carbon tax
The B.C. government is cancelling the carbon tax by introducing legislation to drop the rate to $0, effective Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
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First Nations continue to expand development in clean-energy sector
Twelve First Nations throughout B.C. are receiving provincial funding to support clean-energy projects that will help their members lower energy costs and provide them access to efficient, sustainable sources of energy.
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Environment and Parks
New, adaptive mountain-biking trail opens in Alice Lake Park
A new, beginner-friendly adaptive mountain-biking trail at Alice Lake Park is now open, giving more people better access to local trails and a more inclusive experience.
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B.C. supports land stewardship at Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park
A temporary closure will take place at Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park to provide time and space for members of the Líl̓wat Nation and N͛Quatqua to reconnect with the land and carry out cultural and spiritual practices.
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Finance
B.C. eliminates carbon tax
The B.C. government is cancelling the carbon tax by introducing legislation to drop the rate to $0, effective Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
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Advancing the relationship on emergency management with the First Nations Leadership Council, Government of Canada, and Government of British Columbia
From Indigenous Services Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2025/03/advancing-the-relationship-on-emergency-management-with-the-first-nations-leadership-council-government-of-canada-and-government-of-british-columbia.html
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Parliamentary secretary’s statement about Prevention of Violence Against Women Week
Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, has released the following statement in recognition of Prevention of Violence Against Women Week:
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Forests
B.C. supports advanced manufacturing of forestry products
New support for forestry-sector manufacturers in the province is creating sustainable jobs, strengthening local supply chains, establishing new made-in-B.C. products and reinforcing B.C.’s position as a leader in mass-timber innovation.
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More than 60 projects will reduce wildfire risk, support forestry in B.C.
Communities and workers throughout British Columbia are benefiting from 64 new Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that reduce wildfire risk, enhance forest health and get more fibre into the hands of mills and energy producers.
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People in British Columbia encouraged to prepare for seasonal hazards
People in British Columbia are urged to prepare for seasonal hazards as the warming weather increases the likelihood of climate-related emergencies, including spring flooding, wildfires and drought.
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Health
Sick notes restriction will leave more time for patient care
Changes to the Employment Standards Act will leave health-care providers with more time to spend with patients by eliminating the need for workers to get sick notes for short-term absences from work.
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New beds improve care for incarcerated people with mental-health, addiction issues
New involuntary care beds are now open at Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, providing people in custody who are in crisis and have overlapping mental-health and addiction challenges, as well as brain injuries due to toxic-drug overdoses, with specialized involuntary care.
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More, better home-care supports coming for B.C. seniors
Seniors in B.C. will have better supports to age at home in their community with expanded and improved services as part of a five-year agreement with United Way BC for popular programs, such as Better at Home.
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Housing and Municipal Affairs
BC Builds speeds up timelines, delivering more homes in North Vancouver
One year after the launch of BC Builds, more affordable housing options are on the way for North Vancouver and throughout B.C., with faster timelines benefiting families, seniors and individuals.
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New affordable homes open in Castlegar
Thirteen new rental homes are now available for families, seniors and individuals, including adults with developmental disabilities, in Castlegar with the opening of Eagle Estates.
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Fifty-two affordable homes open for First Nations in Merritt
First Nations elders, families and youth in Merritt now have access to new affordable homes with the opening of a 52-unit building.
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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Minister’s statement on Kitselas Treaty, Constitution vote outcome
Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has issued the following statement in response to the “yes” vote by eligible voters on the ratification of the Kitselas Treaty and Self-Government Constitution:
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Ratification vote pending on Kitselas Treaty, Constitution
Eligible voters are voting on whether to ratify the Kitselas Treaty and self-government Constitution. While voting has been in progress online and through mail-in ballots, the in-person vote is being held on April 10, 2025.
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Sacred land return, agreement advance reconciliation between Semá:th First Nation and B.C.
Sumas First Nation (Semá:th) and the Province are strengthening their relationship through the return of the sacred Lightning Rock site.
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Infrastructure
New child care spaces, training centre open in North Vancouver
Students and families will have more access to affordable child care spaces and a new centre to train early childhood educators (ECE) at Capilano University (CapU) in North Vancouver.
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More playgrounds coming for B.C. students, families
More children can play and exercise at safer, more-inclusive school playgrounds throughout B.C., through Budget 2025 funding.
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Construction begins on centre for children with health complexity
Children and youth with complex care needs throughout B.C are closer to having access to a dedicated BC Children’s Hospital facility, as construction is now underway.
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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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Final list of King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients
The following individuals have been awarded The King Charles III Coronation Medal, representing the final recipients from the Government of British Columbia’s partner allotment.
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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
B.C. supports advanced manufacturing of forestry products
New support for forestry-sector manufacturers in the province is creating sustainable jobs, strengthening local supply chains, establishing new made-in-B.C. products and reinforcing B.C.’s position as a leader in mass-timber innovation.
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Minister’s statement on March 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 March 2025:
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B.C. tech companies will be on display at world’s largest tech show
Twenty-two B.C. companies and universities will promote the province’s unique technology products and services in Germany at Hannover Messe 2025, the world’s largest tradeshow for industrial and energy technologies.
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Labour
Sick notes restriction will leave more time for patient care
Changes to the Employment Standards Act will leave health-care providers with more time to spend with patients by eliminating the need for workers to get sick notes for short-term absences from work.
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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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Minister’s statement on Kootenay Lake ferry dispute
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, has issued the following statement on the Kootenay Lake ferry labour dispute:
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Mining and Critical Minerals
New framework introduced for First Nations consultation on mining claims
The Province is introducing new tools and guidance to support changes to B.C.’s mineral tenure system, required to address a 2023 court ruling.
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Ministers’ statement on Mt. Polley tailings facility
Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, and Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, have released the following statement regarding the approval for the Mt. Polley Mine to raise its tailings storage facility by four metres in advance of the spring freshet:
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Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
B.C. nominee program focused on meeting workforce priorities
The Province is updating the BC Provincial Nominee Program to do what it can to best meet its workforce priorities, and provide as much fairness and clarity as possible, following the federal government’s decision to reduce the nomination allocation spots.
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Investment in adult education paves pathways to high-priority careers
Adults looking to upgrade their academic skills to access high-priority post-secondary career programs will continue to benefit from tuition-free Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) pathway programs across B.C.
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Minister’s statement on Education Week
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has released the following statement in celebration of Education Week 2025:
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Public Safety and Solicitor General
Graduated licensing changes improve accessibility, safety
The Province has introduced legislation to improve graduated licensing programs to create a simpler, more accessible process for new drivers, while improving safety standards for motorcycle drivers.
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Attorney general’s statutes amendment act introduced
Government introduced the attorney general statutes amendment act, 2025, to the legislative assembly on Monday, April 14, 2025.
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B.C. officers honoured for valour, commitment to public safety
The 40th annual Police Honours Night recognized 241 deserving women and men of law enforcement in British Columbia for their bravery and dedication.
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Provincial funding boosts support for deafblind people
Deafblind people in B.C. will continue to receive vital intervener services thanks to more than $654,000 in additional funding to support the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Deafblind Community Services and the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility.
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Boost to community food infrastructure will help build food security
More people in North Okanagan will soon have better access to healthy, fresh food as funding bolsters support for critical food infrastructure.
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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
Province is on the right track toward safer roads in B.C.
People in British Columbia will benefit from further road and pedestrian safety measures in their communities through the Vision Zero Grant Program.
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Northern Community Shuttle Program approves services
People in the northern rural communities of the province will have access to reliable, safe and affordable regional transportation options with eight community shuttles.
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Overnight closure Saturday on Highway 1 northbound at Colquitz River Bridge
Drivers are advised of an overnight closure on Highway 1 over the northbound Colquitz River Bridge from 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, until 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
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Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
People in British Columbia encouraged to prepare for seasonal hazards
People in British Columbia are urged to prepare for seasonal hazards as the warming weather increases the likelihood of climate-related emergencies, including spring flooding, wildfires and drought.
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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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Urban deer removal complete in Cranbrook, Kimberley
The Province, with the support of the ʔaq’am and the cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley, has completed the removal and testing of urban deer to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).
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