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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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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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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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B.C. boosts payments for children in foster, kinship, out-of-care placements

March 29, 2023 12:30 PM
B.C. boosts payments for children in foster, kinship, out-of-care placements
Foster parents and others who support vulnerable children and youth will soon have more assistance with monthly costs, with an increase to payments that help cover food, clothing and transportation costs for children and youth in their care. 
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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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Data improvements for gender, sex make services more inclusive

May 11, 2023 1:30 PM
New standards for gender and sex data will help make data collection more inclusive and provide more accurate information for programs and services in B.C.
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More cell connectivity means safer travel on Highway 14

May 4, 2023 12:45 PM
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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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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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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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Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
People hiking the popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail on southern Vancouver Island can enjoy enhanced camping facilities with the addition of 50 new elevated tent platforms at five backcountry campgrounds.
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Province enhances support for improved access to outdoor recreation

May 1, 2023 12:30 PM
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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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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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People encouraged to prepare for floods, wildfire risks due to anticipated heat

May 11, 2023 11:33 AM
Prepare for floods, wildfire risks due to anticipated heat
With unseasonably hot weather forecast for most parts of British Columbia this weekend and into next week, people are encouraged to stay informed about potential risks.
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Statement on the World Health Organization declaring end of COVID-19 as global emergency

May 5, 2023 3:00 PM
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New funding will help improve lives of SRO residents in Vancouver

May 18, 2023 2:45 PM
SRO residents in Vancouver
More people living in single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels in Vancouver will be able to access improved services and supports through a provincial grant of $11 million to the Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society (SRO-C).
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Respite centre, 89 new affordable homes coming to North Vancouver

May 12, 2023 11:15 AM
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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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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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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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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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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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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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New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University

May 19, 2023 9:45 AM
New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of a new residence hall at the Burnaby campus, reducing housing pressures in the community.
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Province unveils new process for skilled trades certification

May 11, 2023 8:30 AM
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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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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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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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RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
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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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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Province sign agreements to protect treaty rights

May 3, 2023 9:15 AM
The Province of B.C. and McLeod Lake Indian Band have reached new agreements outlining how co-management and stewardship of the land and natural resources in the Nation’s territory will evolve.
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Communities along Fraser River benefit from increased flood resilience

May 2, 2023 11:30 AM
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Health

B.C. invests $39 million in life sciences

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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

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People encouraged to prepare for floods, wildfire risks due to anticipated heat

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Health

British Columbia News

B.C. invests $39 million in life sciences

https://news.gov.bc.ca/02249

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News Release

Vancouver
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 8:45 AM

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News Release

Vancouver

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 8:45 AM

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BOSTON/British Columbia will invest $39 million in life science that will improve the lives of British Columbia families and support jobs in the life science sector.

"British Columbia is recognized as a leader in life sciences research in part because of our government's support," said Health Minister Michael de Jong. "$29 million will be invested at The Centre for Drug Research and Development to make a difference to British Columbians and beyond as development in drug therapies can have worldwide benefits. As well, $10 million will go toward Genome British Columbia to support cutting-edge genomics research right here at home."

De Jong made the announcement while attending the BIO International Convention in Boston. This convention is regarded as a highlight on the biotechnology community calendar, bringing together more than 15,000 biotechnology companies and academic institutions from Canada, the United States and around the globe.

The funding includes $29 million for The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), which builds on a previous investment of $25 million in the centre. The funding will support the centre's five-year plan and its goal of bringing new drug therapies to the market, benefiting patients and families.

It also includes $10 million for Genome BC, which will be directed specifically to health-related research projects. Specific projects will be determined by an internationally peer-reviewed competitive process - only the best applications get funded. The B.C. government has provided a total of $187.5 million to Genome BC since 2001 including the funding announced today.

"The provincial government has always been a critical and very supportive partner for us, and this investment will further help us advance the work we do in translating academic health research into viable investment opportunities for the private sector, and ultimately into new therapies for patients," said Karimah Es Sabar, CDRD president and CEO. "On behalf of CDRD, I would like to thank the B.C. government for their continued support."

"Research is crucial in making health advances and moving health care forward, and this funding will make a major impact," said Alan E. Winter, president and CEO of Genome BC. "I'm pleased that we are able to continue our positive relationship with the Province, and am excited to see what additional discoveries are made as a result of this funding."

The funding for Genome British Columbia will go to genomics projects that will demonstrate health applications, support B.C.'s scientific community and benefit people here in British Columbia and all over the world.

"Investments in research and development are necessary to keep on the cutting-edge of life sciences here in British Columbia. The funding we are announcing today will ensure that these two organizations continue to innovate and add value to health care in the province," said Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview and Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government.

"These one-time grants are great news for the future of B.C.'s economy," said Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell. "Not only do government investments in health research and innovation create jobs and attract foreign investment, but much more importantly, they help medical professionals save lives."

The B.C. government is committed to investing in health research which will benefit future generations. Since 2001, the provincial government has demonstrated this commitment with an investment of more than $850 million in organizations such as the Vancouver Prostate Centre, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, six Leading Edge Endowment Fund chairs, Genome BC, and the Centre for Drug Research and Development.

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

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

Barry Gee
Director, Communications
The Centre for Drug Research and Development
604 619-4805 (cell)
bgee@cdrd.ca

Sally Greenwood
Vice President, Communications
Genome BC
604 512-5118
sgreenwood@genomebc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Province announces $39 million for life sciences

The Centre for Drug Research and Development

CDRD plays a critical role as a bridge between academia and the private sector.

This includes attracting foreign investment, greater commercialization of B.C. and Canadian innovation, as well as an increase in the number of national and international technologies that are brought to the province.

Since being founded in 2006, the centre has created about 2,209 direct and indirect jobs in the health-research sector and over the next five years expects to create an additional 2,300 jobs.

To date, the CDRD has undertaken over 100 drug development projects stemming from the work of approximately 75 principal investigators from across Canada.

These projects aim to find new therapies for a broad range of diseases.

An example is the work being done around methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA). Dr. Neil Reiner at the University of British Columbia and Dr. Robert Young at Simon Fraser University are working in collaboration with CDRD and have identified a possible MSRA drug target which could give health-care professionals another treatment option against infection.

Genome BC

Genome BC is a research organization that invests in and manages large-scale genomics and proteomics research projects focused on areas such as human health, forestry, bioenergy and the environment.

Previous projects have included an internationally recognized tuberculosis study and a drinking water safety study which have already demonstrated very positive results.

Both studies were initiated with previous funding provided by the Ministry of Health. Since 2001, the provincial government has contributed $187.5 million to Genome BC.

Funding from the provincial government is leveraged four-to-one to enable cutting-edge genomics research that aims to solve challenges in these areas.

Other health-related projects undertaken by Genome BC include using biomarkers to assist in organ transplants, an investigation into the genomics of childhood brain cancer and the use of clinical biomarkers to prevent severe adverse drug reactions.

Genomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of organisms' genomes. This field of molecular biology includes efforts to determine the entire DNA sequence of organisms and how genes interact with each other and the environment.

Media Contacts:

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

Barry Gee
Director, Communications
The Centre for Drug Research and Development
604 619-4805 (cell)
bgee@cdrd.ca

Sally Greenwood
Vice President, Communications
Genome BC
604 512-5118
sgreenwood@genomebc.ca


https://news.gov.bc.ca/02249

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