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close menu Office of the Premier

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians

March 7, 2023 10:55 AM
Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians
The Province is investing more than $200 million in food security to ensure people have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.   
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Farmers, ranchers, processors supported by new Canada-B.C. partnership

March 15, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Attorney General

B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

May 1, 2023 1:48 PM
B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
New legislation will make it easier for people to get money owed to them following a civil court decision.
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B.C. offers protection for people’s intimate images

May 4, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood
Youth and young adults who have been in government care in British Columbia are receiving expanded supports through the newly named Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program.
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Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

B.C. promotes equity with anti-racism research priorities

May 29, 2023 12:45 PM
BC's anti-racism research priorities
The Province takes another step improving access to government programs and services for Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities, with the release of 12 priorities for anti-racism research.
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More cell connectivity means safer travel on Highway 14

May 4, 2023 12:45 PM
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close menu Education and Child Care

School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids

April 4, 2023 12:30 PM
School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids
More children and youth will have access to healthy meals and snacks at school through the Province’s new Feeding Futures funding, which invests in building and expanding local school food programs.
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Students get improved air quality in B.C. schools

March 15, 2023 2:30 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer

May 24, 2023 2:00 PM
Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer
More than 100 local governments and First Nations will benefit from provincial funding to support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres.
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Financial assistance available for people affected by flooding

May 16, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

B.C. drives industry shift to cleaner heavy-duty transportation

April 27, 2023 9:45 AM
British Columbia’s commercial vehicle sector is accelerating toward the clean transportation economy with provincial support to help organizations achieve their climate goals, reduce costs and remain competitive.
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B.C. expands EV charging, leads country in going electric

April 11, 2023 1:45 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost

May 30, 2023 12:15 PM
B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost
The Province is helping protect and restore B.C.’s marine environment with a further investment in the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund.
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Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
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close menu Finance

Safe money services protect people from money laundering

March 29, 2023 2:05 PM
Safe money services protect people from money laundering
People in B.C. can be confident that money services businesses they use will have greater oversight by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) as a new provincial regulator.
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Public registry would end hidden ownership in private businesses

March 29, 2023 1:55 PM
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close menu Forests

Be prepared, help prevent wildfires this long weekend

May 19, 2023 8:45 AM
Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.
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Backcountry access restored after wildfire closures

May 2, 2023 3:30 PM
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close menu Health

Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments

May 31, 2023 4:25 PM
See a pharmacist for minor ailments and contraceptives
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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Enhanced safety, quality for care-home residents

May 29, 2023 9:10 AM
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close menu Housing

Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected

May 31, 2023 11:00 AM
Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected
As part of the actions government is taking to deliver homes for people faster, the first cohort of municipalities for housing targets have been selected, paving the way for building more good homes in areas with the greatest need throughout British Columbia.
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New affordable rental homes open in Coquitlam

May 26, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation

May 9, 2023 12:45 PM
Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation
New provincial legislation supports the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance by recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) as the government of the Haida Nation in provincial law.
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Clean energy powers Indigenous-led projects in Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior

April 27, 2023 8:36 AM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Premier’s statement on the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

May 6, 2023 7:15 AM
Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the Coronation of King Charles III, King of Canada and Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Camilla:
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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

Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries

May 17, 2023 1:00 PM
Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries
A new B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy will chart the course for a more competitive, modernized marine sector with reduced carbon emissions, and creating more highly skilled jobs to meet growing demands.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Labour

Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1

April 5, 2023 12:30 PM
Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1
On June 1, 2023, B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a pay raise with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour.
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Gig work ‘what we heard’ report available online

April 11, 2023 2:45 PM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

New program helps people with overdose-related brain injuries

May 25, 2023 12:15 PM
Supporting people with brain injuries with a first-of-its-kind program
British Columbians living with brain injuries related to substance use now have access to specialized supports through a first-of-its-kind program in Canada.
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B.C. enhances access to addictions support for women and girls

May 17, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province

March 24, 2023 10:45 AM
Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province
Public library users in communities throughout B.C. will benefit from modernized technology, enhanced programs and services, and better access to information through $45 million in provincial funding.
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Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning

June 6, 2023 8:30 AM
Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning
More people will have access to work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, practicums and community-service-learning opportunities as the Province partners with 13 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
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More supports to help people prepare for in-demand careers

June 2, 2023 11:45 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Unexplained wealth orders crack down on organized crime

March 30, 2023 11:25 AM
Cracking down on the proceeds of organized crime
The B.C. government is targeting organized crime by creating a new suite of tools to seize proceeds of crime, such as fast cars, glamourous homes and luxury goods, making gang life unprofitable.
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Dedicated hubs target repeat violent offending to build safer communities

April 12, 2023 12:30 PM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food

May 18, 2023 10:45 AM
New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food
A new Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank warehouse will help people get access to fresh, nutritious food, and boost food recovery and delivery services across Vancouver Island.
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New training prepares people for more jobs in social services sector

May 4, 2023 8:15 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
  Read More

RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable

May 25, 2023 10:15 AM
Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable
In time for GoByBike Week, the Province is offering rebates on the purchase of eligible new e-bikes for people who want to add some power to their pedal and start commuting by bike.
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Aviation investments support essential services, economic growth

May 19, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery

June 1, 2023 10:45 AM
Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery
To mark B.C. Wild Salmon Day, government is providing more than $17 million for wild salmon restoration throughout the province to ensure present and future generations of British Columbians enjoy the benefits of this iconic species.
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Communities along Fraser River benefit from increased flood resilience

May 2, 2023 11:30 AM
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Health

Innovation bends health cost curve, reduces wait times

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Honourable Adrian Dix

Honourable Adrian Dix

Minister of Health and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs

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Email: HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Health

Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments

May 31, 2023 4:25 PM
See a pharmacist for minor ailments and contraceptives
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
  Read More

Enhanced safety, quality for care-home residents

May 29, 2023 9:10 AM
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Health

British Columbia News

Innovation bends health cost curve, reduces wait times

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01575

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News Release

Victoria
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:00 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:00 AM

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B.C.'s use of lean techniques across the health-care system is significantly reducing patient wait times, increasing efficiency and creating the potential to save millions of dollars that will be directed back into patient care.

The Lean in British Columbia's Health Sector Annual Report 2010-11 details the work underway across the health system to increase productivity and efficiency and reduce costs. With more than 125 lean events held by health authorities in the past year, the report focuses on seven case studies, which provide concrete examples of how patients in every region of the province are benefiting.

Highlights of the report include:

  • In the Provincial Health Services Authority's Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders program for children and adolescents, wait times from referral to assessment have been reduced from 66 to 8.5 days, and wait times from assessment to first treatment have been reduced from 48 to 8.5 days.
  • In addition, the program has created two care pathways to better support eating disorder patients.
  • In Northern Health, the lead time from when patients are referred through the Prince George Home and Community Care office until they receive long-term care home support services has been reduced from an average of 68 days to 14 days.
  • In Vancouver Island Health Authority, acute care bed days have been reduced from 7.4 to 3.9 days for patients designated to move from the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to a residential care facility with rehabilitation services.
  • In Fraser Health, Surrey breast cancer patients are now offered three diagnostic tests (imaging, cytology and physical examination) during a single visit to the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, with the intent to reduce time to diagnosis.
  • At B.C. Children's Hospital, the elimination of 2,160 unnecessary blood tests represents better care for patients and is estimated to lead to cost reductions of $32,400 per year.
  • In Vancouver Coastal Health, modifications made to the Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Program for disability management have led to a reduction in absence duration, and a reduction in long-term disability claims, which is estimated to produce savings for Vancouver Coastal Health of $17.6 million (amortized from 2010 until 2020).
  • More than 60 modifications have been made to processes in the pre-surgical screening/operating room booking processes at Kelowna General Hospital in order to make the journey more patient and family-centred, and more efficient.

The lean approach follows a patient's journey through the system to identify steps that benefit patient care in order to eliminate "waste" or those steps that add no value. Examples of waste in health care might include duplicate tests, patient waits and underutilization of staff skills and knowledge.

Once wasteful activities are identified and removed, remaining steps are made more efficient and integrated so that services flow as smoothly as possible. A focus of lean is continuous improvement so the cycle is repeated, helping the processes become more and more streamlined.

The use of lean techniques is just one way that the Province is turning to innovation to ensure a high-quality and cost-effective health-care system. In 2009, Health Shared Services BC launched a shared services program, leveraging their buying power, consolidating supply chains, and working together to increase efficiency and improve outcomes. Projected savings are expected to reach $200 million by 2014.

While recognizing the need to build on innovations and efficiencies, Budget 2012 honours the commitment to protect health care, and in 2014-15 the ministry's budget will be $1.5 billion higher than it is today.

Quote:

Minister of Health Michael de Jong -

"With health costs continuing to rise, looking for ways to cut "waste" in the system and increase efficiency makes sense if we want to ensure a system that continues to provide excellent care in the long term. Thanks to Lean techniques, we are helping to provide better value for public dollars, and patients across the province are benefiting from shortened wait times and more streamlined care."

Learn More:

The Lean in British Columbia's Health Sector Annual Report 2010-11 can be found online at: www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/

Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)


https://news.gov.bc.ca/01575

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