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

January 6, 2023 8:30 AM
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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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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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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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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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Education and Child Care

$122M for next round of school seismic upgrades

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Honourable Rachna Singh

Honourable Rachna Singh

Honourable Rachna Singh

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Email: ECC.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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January 23, 2023 11:15 AM
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Education and Child Care

British Columbia News

$122M for next round of school seismic upgrades

https://news.gov.bc.ca/02014

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News Release

Vancouver
Friday, May 11, 2012 10:00 AM

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News Release

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Friday, May 11, 2012 10:00 AM

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As part of its ongoing Seismic Mitigation Program, the Province has committed more than $122 million to address structural upgrades at 14 high-priority schools.

The 14 projects are spread throughout 12 B.C. school districts. Schools were selected from most-recent district capital plans and represent top-ranked projects based on an updated assessment of seismic safety risk.

School projects approved for funding:

  • Aberdeen Elementary, Abbotsford (SD 34)
  • South Delta Secondary, Delta (SD 37)
  • Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith Elementary, Vancouver (SD 39)
  • Dr. George M. Weir Elementary, Vancouver (SD 39)
  • Sir Wilfred Grenfell Community school, Vancouver (SD 39)
  • Alpha Secondary, Burnaby (SD 41)
  • Banting Middle school, Coquitlam (SD 43)
  • Argyle Secondary, North Vancouver (SD 44)
  • Quadra Elementary, Victoria (SD 61)
  • Sangster Elementary, Sooke (SD 62)
  • Deep Cove Elementary, Saanich (SD 63)
  • Georges P. Vanier Secondary, Comox Valley (SD 71)
  • C.E. Barry Intermediate, Fraser-Cascade (SD 78)
  • École des Pionniers, Conseil scolaire francophone (SD 93)

School districts will work with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) and the Ministry of Education's Seismic Mitigation Program to confirm scope, schedule and budgets for these projects prior to Ministry of Education approval of individual project agreements.

Since 2005 a technical team led by APEGBC, working with its partners at the University of British Columbia, has continued to refine the risk assessment and mitigation strategies through experience in actual seismic upgrade projects, extensive laboratory testing at UBC's world-class Earthquake Engineering Research Facility and peer review by leading international structural experts. This work resulted in new technical guidelines and assessment methodology that refined the list of high priority schools to be addressed under the School Seismic Mitigation Program.

Capital Plan instructions for new project approvals, expected to follow this month, will direct school districts to review and prioritize requirements for future seismic projects based on the latest assessment results.

Quotes:

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"This is the next step in our ongoing and comprehensive program to make B.C. schools safe in the event of a major earthquake. With today's announcement, we now have 167 projects that are completed, in progress or moving through initial planning."

Patti Bacchus, Vancouver board of education chair -

"Moving forward with our seismic program is critical to the safety and security of our students. The Province's approval of funding for seismic upgrades to Grenfell, Kingsford-Smith and Weir will help us make these schools safe as quickly as possible."

"We have an unprecedented level of planning and construction underway in Vancouver as we work in partnership with the Ministry of Education to upgrade our seismically at-risk buildings to ensure safe learning and working environments."

Franci Stratton, North Vancouver board of education chair -

"We are greatly appreciative of the ministry's inclusion of Argyle Secondary in their latest commitment to the Province's School Seismic Mitigation Program. Argyle was built over 50 years ago, at a time when seismic risk was not as well-understood and schools were not built to the safety standards of today."

"We are now in a position to move forward, establish a formal project agreement, and address this high-priority building on behalf of present and future students, staff and families of Argyle Secondary and the North Vancouver community."

Quick Facts:

  • These 14 priority projects are part of a revised list of 152 high-priority schools to be addressed under the School Seismic Mitigation Program at an estimated total cost of $1.3 billion.
  • The announcement today brings the number down to 138 high-priority schools still to be addressed through the program.
  • Government is exploring options to provide additional funding for non-structural safety improvement in medium- and low-ranked schools starting in 2013-14.
  • Since 2001, government has spent more than $790 million on school seismic upgrades in 37 B.C. school districts.
  • With 14 projects announced today, there are now 30 supported projects working towards formal project agreements and 137 projects that have been completed, are under construction or are proceeding to construction.

Learn More:

Ministry of Education, Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/capitalplanning/seismic/

APEGBC's work on the Seismic Mitigation Program:

http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/ssup.html

UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility: http://www.civil.ubc.ca/about/facilities/eerf.php

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963


https://news.gov.bc.ca/02014

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