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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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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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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.
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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.
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Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Province partner to create Oomiiqsu Mother Centre

November 8, 2022 2:15 PM
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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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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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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

Provincial regulations crack down on metal theft

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Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

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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
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Attorney General

British Columbia News

Provincial regulations crack down on metal theft

https://news.gov.bc.ca/02000

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News Release

Victoria
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 7:30 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 7:30 AM

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New regulations will soon come into effect to help reduce thefts of copper wire and other high-value metals, announced Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

The regulations follow the B.C. government's approval of Canada's first provincial metal theft law in November 2011.

Under the new regulations that will come into effect July 23, British Columbians trying to sell metals often targeted by thieves will need to present identification to the scrap purchaser, who will in turn share purchase details daily with police.

As well, purchasers who fail to register with the Province and fulfil record-keeping and sharing requirements under the new law will risk fines of up to $100,000, as well as up to six months' imprisonment.

The new regulations are the result of extensive consultations with utilities, municipalities and scrap metal dealers. They are designed to respond to the significant number of thefts that continue to incur tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to utility and municipal assets across B.C., including copper telephone wire, manhole covers and sign posts. The Province has also worked with municipalities to ensure the law and regulations complement existing bylaws in a dozen B.C. communities.

The July 23 implementation date will allow time to educate metal dealers, recyclers and their customers, and to ensure those who must register have time to do so. An estimated 60 to 70 dealers and recyclers will be affected.

The law aims to greatly limit the resale market for stolen assets, through a strong regulatory regime backed by significant fines for non-compliance, and to ensure metal thieves are identified and prosecuted, through mandatory, strategic collaboration between regulated metal dealers and police.

The Province has also worked with the recycling industry to minimize associated regulatory costs and protect the personal information of those who sell metal to scrap dealers.

Quotes:

Justice Minister and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Effectively deterring metal thieves really is a matter of public safety. Metal thieves interfere with telephone service and emergency communications, and often leave live wires in their wake, posing the threat of electrocution to maintenance and repair workers and other innocent people."

"We've taken time to ensure our law will work - as a deterrent, as something that doesn't impose unnecessary cost or regulatory burden on the recycling sector, and as a complement to existing bylaws that have proven effective at the local level in many communities."

Ken Haertling, vice-president and chief security officer, TELUS -

"When thieves cut live TELUS cables, they are cutting access to 911, putting lives at risk. They also cost our business customers, who rely on our connection for their credit card and Interac machines and force TELUS to send crews out to repair lines, often in the middle of the night in dangerous conditions."

"This happened 380 times last year, and we're seeing a similar pace so far this year."

"The regulations introduced today will be an important tool in the fight against this crime, making it harder for thieves to sell stolen material without imposing an undue burden on the majority of scrap metal dealers who are honest business people offering an important service."

Staff Sgt. Aaron Paradis, Surrey RCMP -

"We support any legislation that works to deter crime, and assists us in identifying and following up with those who continue to break the law."

Quick Facts:

  • Metal theft frequently causes widespread phone service disruption, endangering public safety. Last December, more than 500 Maple Ridge residents lost 911 emergency service after thieves stole copper telephone wire.
  • TELUS has estimated each of the 200 metal theft incidents it dealt with in the Lower Mainland last year cost $50,000 on average to repair.
  • About a dozen Lower Mainland municipalities have metal theft bylaws complementary to the new provincial legislation.

Learn More:

View the news release from the act's introduction in November 2011:

http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2011/11/metal-theft-law-to-protect-public-safety-infrastructure.html

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

BACKGROUNDER

B.C. metal theft regulations

The new regulations:

  • Define the types of metal the law covers.
  • Set out the information dealers and recyclers must collect about the person selling regulated metal with a description of the regulated metal.
  • Require dealers to send a daily report, detailing the regulated metal they have purchased, to police, who will compare these records with reports of stolen metal.
  • Require dealers to share these details daily with their local police and keep them for at least a year. Dealers must also record each seller's full name, current address, telephone number and date of birth, as well as vehicle or pick-up address details.
  • Ensure dealers assign a unique code to each customer who sells them metal, to protect customers' privacy rights. The code will accompany purchase information police receive. Dealers will only release a seller's personal information if police present a court order for that information.
  • Prohibit dealers from buying regulated scrap metal from any seller unable or unwilling to provide required information.
  • Create a dealer registry and appoint inspectors to ensure compliance and enforcement.
  • Curb walk-in traffic by individuals who want quick cash, whom police have identified as a source of metal theft. To close this market for stolen metal, the regulation limits cash transactions of regulated metals to $50.
  • Exempt commercial transactions from the recording and reporting requirements.
  • Authorize police and ministry inspectors to issue violation tickets. Dealers and recyclers covered by the law will not pay a fee to register - but those who fail to do so or fulfil their duties under the law will risk tickets of $100 to $500 for minor infractions. Continuing non-compliance may result in administrative penalties or fines of up to $10,000 for an individual or $100,000 for a company, plus up to six months' jail time, upon conviction.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961


https://news.gov.bc.ca/02000

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