B.C. is making plans to offer everyone 12+ a fall booster dose 
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Premier's statement on five years of delivering results for people

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

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
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British Columbia trains, recruits more allied health professionals

July 19, 2022 9:00 AM
British Columbia trains, recruits more allied health professionals
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

July 25, 2022 12:00 PM
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BC Fairs launches Buy BC agriculture trivia contest

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

July 27, 2022 9:00 AM
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Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

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

July 14, 2022 11:45 AM
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Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

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

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Fast, reliable internet, cell coverage coming to Nass Valley

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

July 4, 2022 2:00 PM
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Four BC First Nations conclude self-government agreements regarding education

July 13, 2022 1:55 PM
Group photo of event participants and speakers. Seabird Island, BC.
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

June 30, 2022 11:35 AM
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British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
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

July 6, 2022 7:30 AM
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Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain

July 14, 2022 10:45 AM
Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain
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

June 20, 2022 1:15 PM
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Speculation and vacancy tax will help housing affordability in new communities

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

July 21, 2022 9:30 AM
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Hupacasasth First Nation tapping trees for sticky gold

July 18, 2022 1:00 PM
Hupacasasth First Nation tapping trees for sticky gold
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

July 15, 2022 10:00 AM
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B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine

July 14, 2022 2:05 PM
B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine
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

July 19, 2022 9:00 AM
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Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act
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

June 30, 2022 1:00 PM
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Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
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

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
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British Columbia trains, recruits more allied health professionals

July 19, 2022 9:00 AM
British Columbia trains, recruits more allied health professionals
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

July 21, 2022 9:35 AM
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B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers

May 31, 2022 8:30 AM
B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers
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

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
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Conservation Officer Service achieves largest-ever invasive mussels decontamination

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

June 22, 2022 4:20 PM
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Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

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

July 19, 2022 10:45 AM
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B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
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.

July 25, 2022 3:30 PM
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Province launches e-transfer for evacuees

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

July 18, 2022 1:12 PM
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Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians

July 26, 2022 11:15 AM
Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians
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

July 25, 2022 9:30 AM
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Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship

July 28, 2022 9:30 AM
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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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Children and Family Development

Autism Outreach Program reaches out to rural B.C.

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Autism Outreach Program reaches out to rural B.C.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01806

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012 8:30 AM

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012 8:30 AM

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Just in time for Autism Awareness Month, B.C.'s Autism Outreach Program is building on its focus on rural and remote areas of British Columbia as the program moves into its second phase, which incorporates more support for families.

Local, community-based training will be offered for parents and caregivers to incorporate autism intervention methods into their daily routines. The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) will provide up to 24 two-day workshops to families across the province throughout the coming year, with a primary focus on families in rural and remote communities. To help families plan for their child's specific needs within their own communities, the workshops will provide information on autism, intervention planning and give them access to local resources.

In addition, MCFD continues its partnership with Douglas College to offer affordable e-training programs to train an additional 60 behaviour interventionists in rural and remote communities. The online program allows students to train from their communities, without any need to relocate or travel to a bigger city centre to go to school. MCFD funding significantly reduces the cost of the training for students.

In the first phase of the Autism Outreach Program, 30 behaviour interventionists took the e-training program through Douglas College, and approximately 600 child development professionals throughout B.C. received in-person training on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

The ministry provided $150,000 for phase one of the Autism Outreach Program and is providing $250,000 for phase two. This funding comes from within the existing fiscal plan. The program will continue to be developed in phases to ensure that it aligns with changes in provincial demographics and the progression of provincial autism services over time.

The Autism Outreach Program was launched in 2011 in response to families, professionals and community groups who clearly identified the need and desire to improve training and support for service providers, parents and caregivers who live in rural and remote communities.

Quotes:

Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"As we celebrate Autism Awareness Month here in B.C., it's important to value the wonderful partnerships we have with community groups and post secondary institutions - such as ACT-Autism Community Training and Douglas College - where we work together to build public awareness, open up new opportunities for training and continually improve support networks for families affected by autism. We are especially reaching out to those who live in rural and remote communities with quality training opportunities for service providers and families."

Deborah Pugh, executive director, ACT-Autism Community Training -

"Families who live in smaller communities can have difficulties accessing services. ACT is very supportive of this initiative as it can strengthen the training available to rural and remote areas of the province. When families better understand autism, the positive impact on their lives is huge."

Lori Woods, co-ordinator, behaviour intervention program, Douglas College -

"We've been overwhelmed with the positive response from behaviour interventionists across the province who are eager to take advantage of this opportunity and we look forward to a continued partnership with the ministry. We are also very pleased that a number of the participants have decided to continue on this rewarding career path and carry on with their studies towards the behaviour intervention certificate."

Dr. Elizabeth Athens, instructor, behaviour intervention program, Douglas College -

"It has been my sincere pleasure to teach practitioners in the interior of British Columbia. They have all been incredibly dedicated to building on their education and have brought priceless experience and curiosity to course discussions. I am encouraged to see that children diagnosed with autism throughout B.C. are getting access to early intervention implemented by practitioners who have a sound education in the field."

Sana Mohammed, student, behaviour intervention program, Douglas College -

"I absolutely loved this course! It has helped me extensively and it has been such a wonderful learning curve. I was a new behaviour interventionist last June, and I was nervous at the beginning because I knew I did not have any actual training or accreditation. I know for a fact that I will remain in the field of autism for as long as I can!"

Learn More:

  • If you are a parent or caregiver and you would like to know more about workshops for families being offered, please connect with your local Children and Youth with Special Needs Social Worker for more information. A schedule of workshop dates is currently being confirmed.
  • If you want more information or an application form for the Douglas College e-training program, contact Wendy Sashikata at: sashikataw@douglascollege.ca or go to: www.douglascollege.ca\autism-outreach
  • To learn more about B.C. government-funded services for children and youth with autism, go to: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/index.htm

BACKGROUNDER

Facts about Autism and the Autism Outreach Program

  • The Autism Outreach Program family workshops will be organized in collaboration with regional MCFD staff, community partners in each region, and ACT-Autism Community Training.
  • Douglas College has been contracted to deliver the e-training courses for behaviour interventionists because it already has existing online credit courses for this group of professionals.
  • About one in every 110 children and youth is living with ASD - making it one of the most prevalent developmental disorders in the world.
  • ASD is a complex condition that impacts normal brain development and affects a person's social relationships, communication, interests and behaviour.
  • Individuals with ASD vary widely in their needs, skills and abilities, but most have common types of characteristics including difficulties with communication and social interaction, repetitive interests and activities and unusual attachments to objects or routines.
  • Although there is no cure, highly effective research-based treatment and intervention methods are available that can help children and their families address the characteristics of this disorder, particularly in the early years.
  • B.C. is the only province in Canada that has a no-waitlist policy for families to access autism funding once their child or youth has received a diagnosis of ASD. With autism funding, families are able to choose the type of intervention, based on best practice, that best meets the needs of their child.
  • The B.C. government provides more than $165 million annually for programs and services that support approximately 7,500 children and youth with ASDs and their families - including assessments, funding for early intervention, and education funding for students.
  • MCFD's autism budget has increased this year by $2.3 million to $44.5 million. This is more than ten times the 2001 budget level of $4.1 million.

Contact:

Shae Greenfield
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639
250 508-8403 (cell)

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01806

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