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close menu Office of the Premier

Hundreds of clean, highly skilled jobs coming to Maple Ridge

November 14, 2023 1:52 PM
New manufacturing plant will bring hundreds of jobs to BC
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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New act streamlines credential recognition for internationally trained professionals

November 9, 2023 6:30 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Federal-provincial support helping disaster-affected farmers

October 20, 2023 10:30 AM
After an intense summer of wildfires and drought, B.C.’s farmers and ranchers are receiving additional support to repair or replace damaged infrastructure and to help with the expenses they incurred to keep their animals fed, sheltered and safe during these emergencies.
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Canada, B.C. helps farmers mitigate, adapt to climate change

October 5, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Attorney General

Celebrate advocates for anti-racism, multiculturalism

October 30, 2023 8:45 AM
Celebrate advocates for anti-racism, multiculturalism
People throughout B.C. are encouraged to submit nominations for annual awards that recognize outstanding work in strengthening multiculturalism and fighting racism.
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Process updating Money Judgment Enforcement Act complete

November 1, 2023 2:05 PM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Simpcw expands prevention services to urban families through new agreement

October 5, 2023 12:15 PM
Simpcw First Nation is partnering with the Province on a two-year project focused on keeping families together through connections to their culture, language, families and traditional decision-making for members who live away from home.
  Read More

Minister’s statement on Foster Family Month

October 6, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

Better data making life better for British Columbians

November 23, 2023 9:30 AM
Better data making life better for British Columbians
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

October 10, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Hundreds of new student spaces coming to Coquitlam

November 15, 2023 2:30 PM
New student spaces coming to Coquitlam
A new school addition is on track to deliver more student spaces as early as the next school year in the fast-growing Coquitlam School District.
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Hundreds of new student spaces coming to Surrey

November 14, 2023 1:15 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

New emergency management legislation, task force pave way for resilient communities

October 3, 2023 11:22 AM
A group of firefighters gather around a helicopter
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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Governments come together to build flood resilience in Nooksack, Sumas watersheds

October 20, 2023 1:00 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

B.C. making it easier to buy zero-emission vehicles

October 24, 2023 12:45 PM
B.C. making it easier to buy zero-emission vehicles
British Columbia is accelerating its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and helping more people go electric.
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Canada, U.S. make progress toward Columbia River Treaty agreement-in-principle

October 17, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Provincial environmental assessment certificate granted for Cariboo Gold

October 10, 2023 2:00 PM
Gold mine will bring hundreds of jobs to central BC - Two people on a worksite consult a clipboard
A B.C. environmental assessment certificate has been issued to Osisko Development Corp. for the Cariboo Gold project in central British Columbia, following a joint decision by provincial ministers.
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Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais guardians appointed with park ranger authority

July 25, 2023 2:30 PM
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close menu Finance

Speculation tax expanding to new communities to deliver more homes for people

November 22, 2023 12:15 PM
Expanding BC's speculation and vacancy tax to bring more homes to people, faster
The Province is taking action to fight real estate speculation and turn more empty units into homes for people by expanding the speculation and vacancy tax to 13 new municipalities.
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More transparent job postings mean fairer work environments

October 30, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Forests

Province launches made-in-B.C. conservation tool, takes further action on old-growth forest

October 26, 2023 12:30 PM
Taking further action on old-growth forest
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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Value-added wood manufacturing expanded through collaboration

October 12, 2023 1:00 PM
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close menu Health

Actions protect people, B.C. communities this respiratory illness season

September 28, 2023 12:25 PM
Practice healthy habits, flu season has arrived
The Province and public-health officials are taking actions to continue protecting people, communities and the health-care system this fall and are encouraging people in B.C. aged six months and older to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
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New long-term care home coming to Nanaimo

October 19, 2023 3:40 PM
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close menu Housing

Legislation introduced to deliver more homes near transit hubs

November 8, 2023 1:50 PM
Taking action to build more homes near transit
Building more homes near transit hubs is the focus of new proposed legislation aimed at speeding up the delivery of homes and encouraging more communities near the transit, services and amenities that make life better for people.
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New affordable homes coming to West Kootenays

November 10, 2023 1:45 PM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Landmark agreement supports First Nations participation in forestry

October 24, 2023 11:15 AM
The Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations, and Western Forest Products Inc. have reached an agreement for the Nations to acquire a 34% interest from Western in a newly formed limited partnership for $35.9 million.
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Annual report updates collective efforts to achieve objectives of UN Declaration

June 28, 2023 12:45 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 7, 2023 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
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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Submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship

July 25, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Hundreds of clean, highly skilled jobs coming to Maple Ridge

November 14, 2023 1:52 PM
New manufacturing plant will bring hundreds of jobs to BC
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.
  Read More

Rural communities will be boosted through value-added manufacturing

November 6, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Labour

Fairness coming for gig workers

November 16, 2023 1:15 PM
Taking action to improve working conditions for app-based gig workers
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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B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest-paid workers

May 29, 2023 6:45 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

Hospital care improving for young people in crisis in Fraser Health

November 24, 2023 10:15 AM
Hospital care improving for young people in crisis in Fraser Health
Young people in crisis will be better supported in hospital and when they return home through two new response teams that co-ordinate care for youth experiencing mental-health or substance-use crises in the Fraser Health region.
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Enhanced mental-health, addictions services will help First Nations in Cowichan Valley

November 27, 2023 2:15 PM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities
The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.
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Children empowered with lifelong learning through reading

September 22, 2023 9:15 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Labour Market Outlook offers exciting look into the future

November 24, 2023 11:15 AM
Everyone can find their path to succeed in BC's workforce
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 act streamlines credential recognition for internationally trained professionals

November 9, 2023 6:30 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Enhanced support coming for British Columbians impacted by crime

October 18, 2023 3:25 PM
Enhanced support coming for British Columbians impacted by crime
To support British Columbians impacted by crime, government is adding services for survivors of sexual violence and violent crime, and updating the Crime Victim Assistance Act to properly address victims’ needs.
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B.C. takes critical step to address public use of illegal drugs

October 5, 2023 10:53 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

People in B.C. to benefit from healthier, stronger communities through boost to non-profits

October 30, 2023 12:30 PM
Non-Profit Recognition Day
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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Northern B.C. getting better access to nutritious food

October 12, 2023 9:45 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Influx of tourists for 111th Grey Cup will bolster B.C.’s economy

October 20, 2023 12:45 PM
Influx of tourists for 111th Grey Cup will bolster B.C.’s economy
To support the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver, the Province is providing $3.5 million for a six-day fan festival and to create legacy projects that will benefit the tourism sector and local communities.
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More infrastructure support creates resilient tourism sector, communities

October 27, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Legislation introduced to deliver more homes near transit hubs

November 8, 2023 1:50 PM
Taking action to build more homes near transit
Building more homes near transit hubs is the focus of new proposed legislation aimed at speeding up the delivery of homes and encouraging more communities near the transit, services and amenities that make life better for people.
  Read More

Permanent climate-resilient bridges completed on Coquihalla Highway

November 15, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Province launches made-in-B.C. conservation tool, takes further action on old-growth forest

October 26, 2023 12:30 PM
Taking further action on old-growth forest
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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Advanced aerial mapping program delivers better public data

October 6, 2023 8:45 AM
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Children and Family Development

Caring for youth a community-wide effort

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Honourable Mitzi Dean

Honourable Mitzi Dean

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Email: MCF.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Children and Family Development

Simpcw expands prevention services to urban families through new agreement

October 5, 2023 12:15 PM
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Children and Family Development

British Columbia News

Caring for youth a community-wide effort

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01567

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News Release

Williams Lake
Saturday, February 25, 2012 8:00 AM

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News Release

Williams Lake

Saturday, February 25, 2012 8:00 AM

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Sometimes it takes an entire community to make a difference. That's the approach being taken to prevent risky youth behaviour in Williams Lake and Anahim Lake, two of only 500 communities across the globe taking part in the Communities That Care program (CTC).

Initially funded as a pilot project by the Ministry of Children and Family Development in 2009 in response to a spike in serious crime by youth, the program has just received $80,000 from the ministry so it can continue to make a positive difference in both communities.

Communities That Care brings together community members to understand and address the issues faced by their youth such as substance abuse, violence and teen pregnancy. Communities are then able to focus on prevention efforts and target resources so they can be most effective.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development, along with the Ministry of Health, the City of Williams Lake, the community of Anahim Lake, local schools, Aboriginal leaders, Williams Lake RCMP and community agencies, have worked together to identify and understand the risk factors affecting youth in these communities.

A report surveying more than 1,200 youth in 2009 included several key findings:

  • A significant number of students are struggling with school.
  • There are serious concerns about the early age at which young people experiment with and begin using alcohol on a regular basis.
  • The community has high levels of tolerance toward anti-social behaviour.

As a result of the challenges identified, two evidence-based programs - Positive Outcomes and Roots of Empathy - were implemented in schools in the fall of 2010 and expanded to more schools in 2011. With funding in place for the year ahead, these programs will benefit more than 1,600 youth.

Minister Mary McNeil recently visited Williams Lake to meet with some of the other partners in the Communities That Care program. The Williams Lake and Anahim Lake program is one of two CTC programs funded by the ministry in B.C. The program has also been implemented in the Sea-to-Sky region.

Quotes:

Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"The Communities That Care program is a great example of how governments and communities can work together to ensure that vulnerable children and youth grow up in a healthy and safe environment. These collaborative, community-based approaches are what make real differences in communities."

Donna Barnett, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA -

"The CTC program has brought everyone together to support young people to reach their potential. I'm proud of the work being done by all of the dedicated partners in Williams Lake and Anahim Lake."

Kerry Cook, mayor of

"I am so pleased that Minister McNeil was able to recently visit us in Williams Lake and see first-hand the positive results of the wonderful work Communities That Care performs, and the collaborative approach that leads to successful outcomes."

Will Van Osch, Cariboo-Chilcotin board of education chair -

"The school district is starting to see some reduction in high-risk behaviour and is encouraged with the level of community commitment to improve the prospects for youth in the district. The funding support received from the provincial government will help continue to build a better future for our youth."

Peter Bowman, principal of Sxoxomic Community School -

"The teachers use Positive Action at the beginning of the school day and they've noticed that it really focuses and grounds the kids. They actually have more instructional time in the classroom because they're spending less time on managing behaviour."

Warren Brown, Williams Lake RCMP inspector -

"One of the greatest outcomes to date of the CTC program, in addition to creating a positive learning and social environment for youth, is the strengthened and reinforced relationships amongst the community stakeholders. The program model has encouraged the community 'contributors' to speak openly, share information and ideas, and trust each others' opinions and input. This engagement has also benefitted other committees and projects."

Quick Facts:

  • CTC is a community-based, prevention-focused approach to promoting positive, healthy behaviour among youth while understanding the root causes of negative behaviour.
  • CTC focuses on bringing the community together to address six problem behaviours among youth:
  • Substance abuse
  • Delinquency
  • Violence
  • Teen pregnancy
  • School drop out
  • Depression and anxiety
  • The CTC model was developed at the University of Washington by the Social Development Research Group.
  • It promotes a data-driven approach to decision making about addressing risk factors that increase the likelihood that youth will be involved in problem behaviour.
  • The program is tailored to the needs, issues and resources of each community.

Learn More:

Communities That Care Community Profile Report: http://www.williamslake.ca/index.asp?p=1833

Positive Action Program: http://www.positiveaction.net/

Roots of Empathy Program: http://www.rootsofempathy.org/

Contacts:

Shae Greenfield
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639

Ken MacInnis
Communications Coordinator
City of Williams Lake
250 392-8488

Warren Brown, Inspector
Detachment Commander
Williams Lake RCMP
250 392-6211


https://news.gov.bc.ca/01567

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