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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

Supporting B.C. jobs, food security through agritech

January 26, 2023 11:30 AM
Four B.C. businesses that are developing solutions to help ensure the province’s food systems remain secure, resilient and sustainable are the first to receive funding through the recently launched B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI).
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Planning underway for new B.C. plant and animal health lab

January 26, 2023 9:45 AM
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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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Large-scale emergency exercise simulates Lower Mainland earthquake

February 3, 2023 2:30 PM
Large-scale emergency exercise simulates Lower Mainland earthquake
The Province and Public Safety Canada are kicking off a large-scale emergency preparedness training exercise in British Columbia with a simulated alert sent to Exercise Coastal Response 2023 participants.
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Communities benefit from disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation funding

February 3, 2023 12:10 PM
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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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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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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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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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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

B.C. trains more paramedics for emergency health care

February 2, 2023 1:30 PM
B.C. trains more paramedics for emergency health care
British Columbians will have improved access to emergency health services as the Province invests approximately $2 million into expanding paramedic training programs in communities around the province.
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Skills Roadmap helps people in the mining sector

January 20, 2023 8:00 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

Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation

February 3, 2023 3:35 PM
Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation
Approximately $5 million in grants have been committed to 23 Indigenous-led non-profit organizations from the Indigenous Resilience and Recovery Grant Initiative.
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Medical lab assistant training opens doors to in-demand jobs

January 30, 2023 8:30 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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New funding supports more accessible taxis

February 1, 2023 11:15 AM
New funding supports more accessible taxis
British Columbians who use wheelchairs or have other accessibility needs will soon see more accessible taxis on the road with the launch of the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP).
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Safety improvements ahead for Highway 5A

January 20, 2023 1:05 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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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Agreements bring benefits to two First Nations in northwest B.C.

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Honourable Murray Rankin

Honourable Murray Rankin

Honourable Murray Rankin

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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

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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

British Columbia News

Agreements bring benefits to two First Nations in northwest B.C.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03607

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News Release

Terrace
Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:45 PM

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News Release

Terrace

Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:45 PM

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The Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations have signed agreements that will bring economic and cultural benefits to B.C.'s Northwest, as well as marking a significant step forward in the treaty process.

The two First Nations, members of the Tsimshian First Nations Treaty Society, have signed Incremental Treaty Agreements (ITAs) with the B.C. government that will create near-term economic opportunities in the community of Terrace and surrounding area, as well as offer lands for community and/or cultural purposes.

Kitsumkalum and Kitselas will own the lands in fee simple. They will remain under the jurisdiction of municipal government until a final treaty is reached with each First Nation. Post-treaty, the ITA lands will become treaty settlement lands.

The signing of the ITA agreements follows the initialling of treaty Agreements-in-Principle (AIPs) by chief negotiators for Kitsumkalum, Kitselas, B.C. and Canada. The AIPs lay the framework for final negotiations toward legally binding treaties.

The next stage will be community votes in which Kitsumkalum and Kitselas members will vote on whether they wish to proceed with the AIPs. The ITA lands will be transferred following successful ratification of the AIPs by each of the communities.

Quotes:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong -

"Land is an important component of treaties and allows First Nations to plan far earlier than they would otherwise be able to. Incremental Treaty Agreements provide a key tool for First Nations to take advantage of economic and cultural opportunities in the shorter term, while laying the foundation for a treaty and providing greater certainty for the whole region."

Kitsumkalum Chief Donald T. Roberts -

"We've reached a crucial moment in our Kitsumkalum history and future. This signing of the Incremental Treaty Agreement will support Kitsumkalum in immediately regaining some of our land rights that we've striven to retrieve for decades. This is a chance for "Su-sit' Aatk" (a new beginning) of a mutually respectful relationship with the Province of B.C. Our negotiators will continue to work towards achieving what our community strives for - a push forward in positive development, economic growth and social progress. We look forward to continuing a healthy relationship with B.C."

Kitselas Chief Judy Gerow -

"I'd like to thank the provincial government for entering into this Incremental Treaty Agreement with Kitselas. This will provide a foundation for the rest of treaty negotiations and allows Kitselas the potential to begin developing our lands before final negotiations are completed. With these ITA lands, Kitselas will have the opportunity to expand and increase our ability to progress in our economic initiatives."

Quick Facts:

  • ITAs provide benefits and create immediate opportunities to First Nations in advance of a final treaty while building trust between the parties, building momentum toward further milestones and providing increased certainty over land and resources.
  • These benefits are considered an advance by B.C. of a portion of the provincial share of a future treaty settlement package.
  • In 2011, B.C. signed Forest and Consultation Revenue-Sharing Agreements (FCRSAs) with both Kitsumkalum and Kitselas that allow the communities to see more direct economic benefits from harvest activities taking place in their traditional territory.

Learn More:

For more information on Incremental Treaty Agreements, visit www.treaties.gov.bc.ca/itas.html or www.gov.bc.ca/arr.

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Kitsumkalum and Kitselas ITAs:

Under the terms of the Kitsumkalum ITA, the First Nation will receive two parcels of provincial Crown land, totalling approximately 148 hectares.

Under the terms of the Kitselas ITA, the First Nation will receive three parcels of provincial Crown land, totalling approximately 250 hectares.

Both ITAs will support the BC Jobs Plan by increasing certainty and facilitating immediate development opportunities for the First Nations.

The Kitselas ITA lands will be used to anchor a partnership with the City of Terrace for industrial development adjacent to the Terrace Airport. The ITA also includes land parcels for community, cultural purposes and for recreational tourism.

Kitsumkalum has partnered with CN Rail to develop a spur line on one of the parcels that will expand their markets and support the expansion of an existing Kitsumkalum quarry operation. Housing will be built on the other land parcel.

Kitsumkalum and Kitselas AIPs:

The Kitsumkalum AIP includes provisions for approximately 44,809 hectares of provincial Crown land and a capital transfer of $44.2 million, once a final agreement is reached.

The Kitselas AIP includes provisions for approximately 35,090 hectares of provincial Crown land and a capital transfer of approximately $34.7 million, once a final agreement is reached.

Contact:

Robin Platts
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204
250 213-6451 cell

Gerald Wesley
Chief Negotiator
Tsimshian First Nations Treaty Society
250 635-5511 office

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03607

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