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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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close menu Attorney General

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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close menu Children and Family Development

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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close menu Citizens' Services

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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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

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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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

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.
  Read More

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

January 6, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Finance

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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close menu Health

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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close menu Housing

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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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. takes action to save lives, build new connections of care with drug decriminalization

January 30, 2023 10:38 AM
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The Province is taking a critical step to end the shame and stigma that prevents people with substance-use challenges from reaching out for life-saving help as B.C.’s decriminalization of people who use drugs comes into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.
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Richmond offers integrated mental-health, substance-use supports for young people

January 12, 2023 12:00 PM
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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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Attorney General

Online civil dispute tools to save time, money

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Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

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Email: AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Attorney General

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.
  Read More

Increased funding for Human Rights Tribunal will make justice more accessible

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British Columbia News

Online civil dispute tools to save time, money

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01992

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News Release

Victoria
Monday, May 7, 2012 2:02 PM

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News Release

Victoria

Monday, May 7, 2012 2:02 PM

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B.C. plans to create the first-ever tribunal in Canada that offers a full array of online tools to allow British Columbians to solve common strata and small civil claims outside of courts, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond announced.

If passed, the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act will create an independent tribunal offering 24/7 online dispute resolution tools to families and small business owners as a speedy and cost-effective alternative to going to court. The tribunal would address disputes by providing parties with information that may prevent disputes from growing and resolve disputes by consent or, where necessary, by an independent tribunal hearing. Resolving a dispute through the tribunal is expected to take about 60 days, compared to 12 to 18 months for small claims court.

Giving families alternatives to seeking solutions in court is among the B.C. government's justice reform initiatives to achieve efficiencies and deal with growing resource pressures. The February 2012 Green Paper, Modernizing British Columbia's Justice System, identified tribunals as a simple and less expensive solution to easing delays in the court system.

Quote:

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Both individuals and business owners will find this a convenient and affordable way of reaching agreements. Few people want to go to court to solve a legal dispute, which can be costly, intimidating and time consuming. A tribunal offers an innovative alternative to settling a dispute in a faster, more amicable way."

Quick Facts:

  • The new service is the first of its kind in Canada and is expected to be in place by 2013-14. It will use mainly online web technologies, with some assistance by phone or mail.
  • Tribunal fees would be less than small claims court and overall costs significantly less than court proceedings because the legal resources used would be proportionate to the dispute's complexity.
  • Final decisions and tribunal orders could be enforced by filing them with the Provincial or Supreme Court.
  • Today's legislation aligns with an international trend towards using tribunals, mediation and other dispute resolution models to reduce reliance on adversarial styles of litigation.

Learn More:

Information on the tribunal:

www.ag.gov.bc.ca/legislation/civil-resolution-tribunal-act/index.htm

Information on strata property and the tribunal: www.housing.gov.bc.ca/strata

Justice reform: www.justicebc.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 387-4962 or 250 889-5945

BACKGROUNDER

Online dispute resolution explained

Resolving disputes in less adversarial ways benefits people who see each other regularly, such as neighbours in strata properties. For rural British Columbians, the online tribunal would reduce legal fees and travel costs. In addition, families who need child care, newcomers with limited English and business owners who want convenient and quick solutions would also benefit from the anytime, anywhere services.

Civil Resolution Tribunal:

  • The service would use proven online technologies and be voluntary, except for strata corporations, which could be compelled to participate for certain strata disputes. Once online dispute resolution is started, ongoing participation would be mandatory until a voluntary or binding settlement was reached.
  • The service would have four stages, with participants progressing to the next stage only if they were unable to reach agreement:
    • The first phase would be an interactive dispute resolution guide, with information, tips and templates to help the parties reach a settlement.
    • Stage two would be party-to-party negotiations, using online tools to make contact and exchange information. The tribunal would monitor and intervene in the discussions if necessary.
    • Stage three would involve a case manager, who would contact the parties by phone or online to discuss the issues and attempt a facilitated settlement.
    • If that failed, the final stage would be a tribunal hearing. A tribunal member would discuss the issues with the parties online, by phone, videoconference or occasionally in person and give a binding decision on the dispute.
  • Tribunal members would be subject experts in the disputes they hear and be selected based on merit. Members would be appointed by cabinet.
  • Several Australian states have mandatory civil administrative tribunals for small claims.
  • Alternatives to online resolution, such as telephone, mail and even in-person hearings, would be available to people unable to access the online tools. British Columbians would still have the alternative of going to court.

Strata dispute resolution:

  • Last year, the Province consulted extensively on an alternative strata dispute resolution model. The consultations wrapped up with a discussion paper and online survey.
  • The public consultation results demonstrated strong support for a tribunal, with 95 per cent of respondents to the online survey indicating they favoured a tribunal model.
  • The tribunal will make dispute resolution services available to strata owners and offer an accessible, efficient and lower-cost alternative to the current arbitration and court system.
  • There are more than one million strata property owners and residents in the province. Approximately 29,000 strata corporations make decisions under the Strata Property Act.

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 387-4962 or 250 889-5945


https://news.gov.bc.ca/01992

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