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Premier's statement on five years of delivering results for people

July 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the five-year anniversary of forming a government that puts people first:
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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore
A new collaborative post-secondary campus will be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities so more students can access education close to home for in-demand jobs.
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Turning the page on adult literacy with increased funding

July 25, 2022 12:00 PM
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Pop the cork! Kelowna vineyard wins major national wine award

August 4, 2022 2:30 PM
A family-owned winery with a strong commitment to organic farming is the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards winery of the year.
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New funding supports farmers, takes action on climate resiliency

July 27, 2022 9:00 AM
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New Kitimat homes provide safe housing for women, children

August 8, 2022 1:15 PM
Women and children leaving violence will soon have access to safe and secure homes as construction begins on a 44-unit housing development in Kitimat.
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Supportive homes for youth coming to Kamloops

August 4, 2022 1:45 PM
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B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
More students in grades 11 and 12 will be able to earn both high school and post-secondary credits toward careers in early childhood education with the introduction of 30 new dual-credit programs at school districts throughout B.C.
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Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
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Expansion of cellular coverage makes driving safer in the Cariboo

August 9, 2022 11:30 AM
Cellular coverage is available for the community of Wells, northwest of Barkerville, bringing safer driving conditions to that section of Highway 26 and the Jack-of-Clubs rest area.
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Fast, reliable internet, cell coverage coming to Nass Valley

July 12, 2022 2:30 PM
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Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals

August 3, 2022 9:04 AM
Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals
More early childhood educators (ECEs) are furthering their education goals with financial support from the ECE Education Support Fund.
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B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
The Province is improving accessibility to electric vehicles (EVs) by increasing maximum rebate amounts and ensuring they are going to people who need them most.
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Minister’s statement on Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference 2022

July 6, 2022 7:30 AM
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Funding boost gives used plastics new lease on life

August 9, 2022 9:45 AM
Group photo of four people at an announcement
A $10-million investment in the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund will help grow made-in-B.C. solutions to reduce plastic pollution, create new products and increase job opportunities.
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Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
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Supporting sexual-assault survivors informs work on gender-based violence

August 1, 2022 12:45 PM
As part of the Province’s work to develop an action plan to end gender-based violence, staff at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) presented its trauma informed, wraparound supports and services available in Greater Victoria.
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B.C. enhances consumer protection for homebuyers

July 21, 2022 9:30 AM
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Wildfire activity in B.C. will continue through August

August 4, 2022 10:45 AM
British Columbians should remain alert to the threat of wildfire throughout August as conditions remain hot and dry.
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B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
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B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine

July 14, 2022 2:05 PM
B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine
Approximately 208,000 eligible infants and children in British Columbia between six months and four years of age will soon be able to receive vaccine protection against COVID-19.
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Vancouver Coastal Health welcomes back 283 hospital food-service workers

July 22, 2022 11:30 AM
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B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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First Nations clean-energy projects funded on Vancouver Island

July 28, 2022 12:36 PM
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B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 1, 2022 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition.
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Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
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Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results

August 5, 2022 8:30 AM
Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for July 2022:
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Province launching new centre for agritech innovation

July 21, 2022 9:35 AM
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B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers

May 31, 2022 8:30 AM
B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers
As of June 1, 2022, B.C.’s lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, which is the highest of any province.
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Report received on successorship, transfer of timber harvesting rights

July 28, 2022 1:00 PM
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close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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Conservation Officer Service achieves largest-ever invasive mussels decontamination

July 9, 2022 9:00 AM
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Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
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Investment enhances mental-health services in Greater Victoria

July 28, 2022 12:00 PM
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B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
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B.C. investing in healthy northern communities

August 3, 2022 8:00 AM
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Province launches direct payment for evacuees

July 27, 2022 11:00 AM
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
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Survey shows significant decrease in illegal cannabis store use

August 2, 2022 8:30 AM
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Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians

July 26, 2022 11:15 AM
Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians
A new investment of $2 million will support the development and growth of British Columbia’s co-operative businesses, while expanding services for people who use them.
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Provincial funding helps grow a more food secure future

August 5, 2022 10:00 AM
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Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship

July 28, 2022 9:30 AM
Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship.
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Province, viaSport partner to take abuse out of the game

July 6, 2022 2:00 PM
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Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain

July 14, 2022 10:45 AM
Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain
The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.
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Public invited to share input on Taylor Bridge's future

August 9, 2022 8:45 AM
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Advanced Education and Skills Training

Discover trades 'first hand' throughout B.C.

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Honourable Anne Kang

Honourable Anne Kang

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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore
A new collaborative post-secondary campus will be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities so more students can access education close to home for in-demand jobs.
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British Columbia News

Discover trades 'first hand' throughout B.C.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03751

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News Release

Victoria
Thursday, February 21, 2013 10:30 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Thursday, February 21, 2013 10:30 AM

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Students and apprentices throughout B.C. are gearing up for the 2013 season of Skills Canada BC competitions.

Hundreds of young spectators at the events, including middle and high school students, will have the opportunity to get some hands-on experience in skilled trades and technology careers.

Skills Canada BC hosts 13 regional competitions and one provincial competition every year. This June B.C. will play host to the national competition. Each competition brings together secondary, post-secondary and apprenticeship students to compete in Olympic-style contests. From baking to welding to 3D computer animations design, competitors put their skills in math and science to the test, and challenge their problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking skills.

The competitions celebrate and reward students for excellence in their mastery of skilled trade and technology skills in a manner that directly involves industry in evaluating student performance and that helps keeps training relevant to employers' needs. They also create an interactive and engaging environment for the thousands of young people who will attend the competitions as spectators.

The new Discover Trades and Technologies First Hand program offers students between the ages of 11 and 18 who are exploring future career options an opportunity to try a variety of interactive, challenging and fun activities in a safe and engaging environment. Professional industry representatives and educators will be on hand to guide spectators through a variety of activities while answering questions and sharing their experiences about skilled trade and technology careers.

Winners of the regional competitions in March advance to the provincials in April, where they have the chance of advancing to the Skills Canada National Competition and potentially the WorldSkills competitions. From June 5 to 8, Vancouver will host the national event at BC Place, with over 500 competitors competing in 40 contest areas each vying for a chance at a coveted gold medal.

The national competition, the only event of its kind in Canada, helps to raise the profile of careers in trades and technology, a key element of both the BC Jobs Plan and BC Skills and Training Plan - supporting continued growth of B.C.'s economy.

Skills Canada BC received financial support from the B.C. government this past fall to prepare British Columbia secondary and post-secondary students and apprentices for the 2013 competition season and to provide transportation to the competitions this spring. This is one element in a $1.2-million provincial effort aimed at getting more young people interested in the trades.

This supports several key themes government heard last fall as part of its engagement with British Columbians on Skills and Training, including the need to ensure that today's students will have the skills they need to fill the jobs of tomorrow.

In addition to hosting regional and provincial competitions, Skills Canada BC links industry, educators and students through annual trade and technology career fairs, the largest of their kind in B.C.

This follows a government announcement yesterday for the YES 2 IT (Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training), a community-based, highly interactive program that gives young students in B.C. a chance to experience skilled trades and make connections with tradespersons in their communities. It is sponsored by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and participating school districts to introduce students to trades at an early age in anticipation that more students will pursue trades training in their senior grades as they work towards graduation. Read more: http://bit.ly/WUma4I

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap -

"The BC Jobs Plan depends on the energy and talent of a strong, skilled workforce. The accomplishments of all of the competitors serve as a testament to the quality of the post-secondary education and training here in B.C. I'm excited for B.C. to host the 2013 national competition, offering our many talented B.C. students to compete and demonstrate their skills on home turf."

"The First Hand program is a great opportunity for more students in the K-to-12 system to be thinking about - and get a taste for - careers in the trades."

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell -

"From bakers, chefs and automotive technicians to heavy equipment operators and construction workers, trades will be in high demand over the coming decade. Our Skills and Training Plan promotes the trades and aims to get more students into technical programs."

"By 2020, there will be one million job openings and 43 per cent will require trades or technical training. We are investing $75 million in upgrading training facilities, equipment and access to teachers and this will put BC students first in line for jobs that are close to home."

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"Congratulations to all of the students who will be taking part in this year's competitions, and to their teachers. It's great to see this year's events will also be providing hands-on trades experiences for younger students who are not competitors. Early exposure to the trades can open up whole new career pathways for young learners and lead to exciting, well-paying jobs in the future."

Skills Canada BC executive director Amber Papou -

"Skills Canada BC and our many partners, including the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C. and the ITA, are incredibly excited to be able to offer a wide variety of opportunities for B.C.'s youth to experience skilled trade and technology careers."

"These experiences act as important stepping stones for students by providing them with an environment in which they can engage with industry and educators and at the same time explore skilled trade careers for themselves with hands on activities."

Learn More:

BC Skills and Training Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills/bc-skills-and-training-plan/

BC Jobs Plan - Skills and Training: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills/

Skills Canada BC: http://www.skillscanada.bc.ca

Skills Canada and the national competition: http://www.skillscanada.com

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca

Discover Trades: http://www.discovertradesbc.ca

The Industry Training Authority: http://www.itabc.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400

BACKGROUNDER

Skills Canada BC competition dates and locations


  • Island South:
  • March 1, Camosun College, Victoria
  • March 8, Belmont Secondary, Victoria
  • March 28, Pacific Design Academy, Victoria
  • Kootenays: March 1, College of the Rockies, Cranbrook and David Thompson Secondary, Invermere
  • Lower Mainland Northwest:
  • March 1, Eric Hamber Secondary, Vancouver
  • March 6, Templeton Secondary, Vancouver
  • March 12, Vancouver Community College, Vancouver
  • March 14, Howe Sound Secondary, Squamish
  • Online: March -8, three competitions run virtually provincewide - Mechanical CAD, TV Video Production and Website Design. Students have a five-day window to complete the projects and send them in to the Skills BC office.
  • Lower Mainland Central:
  • March 1, Hugh Boyd Secondary, Richmond
  • March 6, Burnaby Central Secondary, Burnaby
  • March 8, Cambie Secondary, Richmond
  • March 9, Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary, Maple Ridge
  • Peace: March 6 and 7, Northern Lights College, North Peace Senior Secondary, and Dawson Creek Secondary School, Dawson Creek
  • Cariboo: March 8, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops
  • Central Okanagan:
  • March 8, Okanagan College, Kelowna
  • March 7, Mt. Boucherie Secondary, West Kelowna
  • Northwest: March 8, Northwest Community College, Terrace
  • Island Central: March 8, Vancouver Island University and Nanaimo District Secondary, Nanaimo
  • Lower Fraser Valley:
  • March 1, Clayton Heights Secondary, Surrey
  • March 7, L.A. Matheson Secondary, Surrey
  • March 8, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Cloverdale and Enver Creek Secondary, Surrey
  • Upper Fraser Valley March 14, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack
  • Island North: March 15, North Island College and Timberline Secondary, Campbell River
  • Provincial competition: Abbotsford, April 17, Tradex
  • National competition: BC Place, Vancouver, June 5-8, 2013

Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03751

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