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close menu Office of the Premier

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

January 20, 2023 9:05 AM
Photo of mill workers 
Text reads: Support workers in Crofton
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
  Read More

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

New regenerative agriculture project underway in Fraser River estuary

December 4, 2022 9:00 AM
The B.C. government is partnering with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust on a new project that will support local food producers to improve soil health and mitigate the effects of climate change in the Fraser River estuary.
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B.C. government boosts funding for Okanagan apple growers

November 17, 2022 1:30 PM
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New premier delivers action to expand housing supply within first days

November 21, 2022 10:43 AM
New premier delivers action to expand housing supply within first days
To help deliver more good homes for people, the Province is introducing new laws to build the homes people need, make it possible for homes that are vacant to be rented and remove discriminatory age and rental restrictions in stratas that hurt young families.
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Increased funding for Human Rights Tribunal will make justice more accessible

January 4, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Operators announced for pilot family connections centres

January 5, 2023 9:30 AM
Families of children and youth with support needs can soon access supports and services through newly established pilot family connections centres in four B.C. communities.
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First rent supplements begin for youth from care in B.C.

December 21, 2022 8:30 AM
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Access to high-speed internet available in Ruth Lake, Deka Lake in time for holidays

December 22, 2022 10:00 AM
More than 700 households in the Deka Lake and Ruth Lake communities can now access quality, reliable high-speed internet with the completion of a fibre-to-the-home network.
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Streamlined registry services make B.C. businesses easier to operate

November 24, 2022 1:30 PM
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close menu Education and Child Care

B.C. launches anti-racism action plan for K-12 students

January 23, 2023 11:15 AM
Anti-racism action plan for more inclusive schools in B.C.
Empowering students and educators to identify and take action against racism and discrimination in British Columbia schools is the aim of a new provincial K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan launched on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
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Students learning in new classrooms at Dover Bay Secondary

January 18, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Review highlights B.C.’s strong pandemic response, opportunities for enhancement

December 2, 2022 1:15 PM
The Province has released results of the independent review and public consultation of government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
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British Columbians urged to prepare for cold weather, winter conditions

December 16, 2022 12:00 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
  Read More

Remote First Nations communities advance clean-energy projects

January 16, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
  Read More

Province adds more items to B.C.’s recycling system

January 6, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Finance

New protections in place for homebuyers in B.C.

January 3, 2023 9:30 AM
New protections in place for homebuyers in B.C.
Homebuyers in B.C. now have better protection in the real estate market as the homebuyer protection period takes effect on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.
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Help with costs arrives for British Columbians

January 5, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Forests

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

January 20, 2023 9:05 AM
Photo of mill workers 
Text reads: Support workers in Crofton
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
  Read More

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
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close menu Health

Nurses receive support to join B.C.’s health system more quickly

January 9, 2023 12:46 PM
Photo of a nurse and her patient. Text reads: Helping more nurses practice in BC, faster
The Province is making it easier for internationally educated nurses to work in B.C.’s health-care system with new financial supports and a faster, more efficient assessment pathway.
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Province provides update on respiratory illness season

January 13, 2023 12:55 PM
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close menu Housing

New permitting strategy will help build homes faster

January 16, 2023 9:48 AM
New permitting strategy will help build homes faster
The Province is taking another step to tackle the housing crisis by creating a one-stop-shop approach to provincial permitting to help speed up approvals and construction to build more homes.
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New fund will protect thousands of renters in B.C.

January 12, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
  Read More

Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Province partner to create Oomiiqsu Mother Centre

November 8, 2022 2:15 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for B.C.’s highest honour

January 6, 2023 9:30 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for B.C.’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
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Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

January 20, 2023 9:05 AM
Photo of mill workers 
Text reads: Support workers in Crofton
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
  Read More

New jobs fund will support employment, resilient economies

January 17, 2023 2:05 PM
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close menu Labour

Reminder to have your say about app-based ride-hailing, food-delivery work

January 3, 2023 9:00 AM
Time is running out to share your thoughts about app-based ride-hailing and food-delivery work in B.C.
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Farm workers who hand-harvest crops get rate increase Jan. 1

December 29, 2022 9:00 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

Richmond offers integrated mental-health, substance-use supports for young people

January 12, 2023 12:00 PM
Richmond offers integrated mental-health, substance-use supports for young people
Children and youth in Richmond facing mental-health and substance-use challenges are beginning to receive new services and supports from the Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams in their community.
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New complex-care housing services will open in Chilliwack

December 13, 2022 10:15 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Province cancels student health fee for people fleeing war in Ukraine

December 19, 2022 5:15 PM
On Dec. 19, 2022, the government enacted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel International Student Health Fee Remission Regulation.
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Grants for Lower Mainland non-profits improve arts, culture, sports access

December 8, 2022 9:24 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

New SFU medical school moves forward to train family doctors of tomorrow

November 28, 2022 1:25 PM
New SFU medical school moves forward to train family doctors of tomorrow
A new medical school on the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Surrey campus is taking a significant step forward with the hiring of an interim dean and provincial funding to support its development.
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B.C. making changes to support good trades jobs, tackle labour shortages

December 1, 2022 10:45 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years

December 12, 2022 10:19 AM
ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years
Government reforms to ICBC are paying off with affordable, steady rates and fiscal stability for people.
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Review highlights B.C.’s strong pandemic response, opportunities for enhancement

December 2, 2022 1:15 PM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

More people can train to become cyber systems security specialists

December 19, 2022 8:30 AM
More people can train to become cyber systems security specialists
Up to 30 eligible participants will receive skills training to prepare them for jobs as cyber systems security specialists on the Lower Mainland through a new government-funded Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) project.
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The Province helps people with sight loss find jobs

December 2, 2022 8:15 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service
The Government of B.C. has selected 15 British Columbians to receive the Medal of Good Citizenship for their dedication and selfless service to their communities.
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Province supports inclusive, diverse arts sector with $2.7 million

December 15, 2022 1:30 PM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Highway 91/17 upgrades near completion

December 19, 2022 6:30 AM
Highway 91/17 upgrades near completion
With all lanes now open on the Highway 91 at Nordel Way interchange, the Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project is nearing completion, improving traffic flow and saving drivers time south of the Fraser River.
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Surrey Langley SkyTrain takes another step

January 3, 2023 3:00 PM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
  Read More

New permitting strategy will help build homes faster

January 16, 2023 9:48 AM
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

New monitoring station helps clear the air

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Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Minister responsible for TransLink

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Contact

Email: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
  Read More

Province adds more items to B.C.’s recycling system

January 6, 2023 8:30 AM
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia News

New monitoring station helps clear the air

https://news.gov.bc.ca/00353

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News Release

Courtenay
Monday, June 6, 2011 3:15 PM

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News Release

Courtenay

Monday, June 6, 2011 3:15 PM

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A new air quality monitoring station is giving families in the Comox Valley access to real-time information to help them protect their health on low air quality days, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced today as part of Canadian Environment Week celebrations.

The air quality station is a partnership between the Ministry of Environment and the Comox Valley Regional District and monitors the effects of industrial, residential and commercial activities on the air shed. Live air quality readings are available online through the webpage: bcairquality.com

The station was installed near Courtenay Elementary school this spring at a cost of about $100,000. Ministry technicians have been fine-tuning the equipment to ensure air quality readings are accurate. Ongoing maintenance and operating costs of about $10,000 per year will be jointly funded by the CVRD and the Ministry of Environment.

The new station gathers air quality information in Courtenay that will be used to create the Air Quality Health Index for the Comox Valley, which is a public information tool that helps Canadians protect their health daily from the negative effects of air pollution. The information also supports local initiatives to reduce the impact of wood stoves and open burning on air quality.

The monitoring station measures fine particulate matter in the air from smoke, transportation exhaust and other sources. It also measures ground-level ozone and nitrogen oxides, which are two key indicators of air quality.

Quotes:

Minister of Environment Terry Lake -

"The Comox Valley asked for better information about air quality, and we're delivering on that request with a permanent monitoring station. The new station is an important tool for education and awareness, and provides vital information about air quality in the Comox Valley."

Comox Valley Regional District chair Edwin Grieve -

"The CVRD has been working with the province for some time, helping to gather data on the quality of the air in our region. Last September we endorsed the installation of a permanent air quality monitoring station and we are pleased to see that it has come to fruition."

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae -

"The Comox Valley is known for its gorgeous scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. The new air quality monitoring station will help people protect their health on days with lower air quality. People can look at live air quality readings and decide for themselves whether or not it's a good day for outdoor physical activity."

Quick Facts:

This is the first provincial air quality monitoring station in the Comox Valley and is part of a network of 150 stations that monitor and assess air quality throughout B.C. The Ministry of Environment uses a number of methods to measure air quality, including permanent monitoring stations in communities, mobile instrumentation (e.g., on a truck or airplane), and industrial stack monitoring at industrial sites.

Canadian Environment Week runs June 5 to 11 and aims to celebrate achievements in tackling climate change and reducing air pollution.

Learn More:

Live data on general air quality in Courtenay and communities all around B.C. is available on the BC Air Quality website at: www.bcairquality.com

Contacts:

Suntanu Dalal

Communications

Ministry of Environment

250 387-9745

Michael Zbarsky

Manager of Transit and Sustainability

Comox Valley Regional District

250 334-6037

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

https://news.gov.bc.ca/00353

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