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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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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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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.
  Read More

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

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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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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Education and Child Care

Provincial funding sparks green upgrades in school districts

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Honourable Rachna Singh

Honourable Rachna Singh

Honourable Rachna Singh

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Email: ECC.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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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Education and Child Care

British Columbia News

Provincial funding sparks green upgrades in school districts

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03864

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News Release

Victoria
Wednesday, March 6, 2013 10:00 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Wednesday, March 6, 2013 10:00 AM

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School districts throughout B.C. are getting a boost from the B.C. government to help reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

A total of $5 million is being provided through the Carbon Neutral Capital Program (CNCP) so 25 districts can undertake electrical and mechanical improvements to their schools.

For example, air source heat pumps will be installed at Palmer Secondary school in Richmond and a sewage heat exchange system will be set up at Hammond Bay Elementary in Nanaimo-Ladysmith. The Cowichan Valley school district is also replacing the boilers at Lake Cowichan Secondary with a new, more efficient biomass boiler.

In total, districts will reduce their emissions by approximately 1,500 tonnes and save $36,000 in carbon offsets as well as $416,000 in operating costs every year. Districts will embark on their projects this year with completion by March 2014.

Not only will these projects provide cleaner air to local communities, they will also help districts lower their energy consumption. As well, as part of the $5 million provincial funding, 43 districts will receive about $10,000 each to identify possible carbon neutral projects in the future.

The Ministry of Education launched the Carbon Neutral Capital Program in 2012 to compensate school districts for the amount they pay to purchase carbon offsets from Pacific Carbon Trust each year. The program was developed in consultations with education stakeholders including the British Columbia School Trustees Association.

Last year, the ministry provided $5 million in CNCP funding to 41 eligible districts. This funding has sparked projects such as a ground source heat pump system at Princess Margaret Secondary in the Okanagan-Skaha school district and an electric car in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, in collaboration with the City of Nanaimo.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"School districts across B.C. have done a tremendous job in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Since the implementation of the Carbon Neutral Capital Program last year, we have seen many innovative initiatives at our K-12 schools."

"Congratulations to our school districts on your environmental achievements, and thank you for continuing to look for ways to become more energy-efficient."

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"These investments reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy costs. More importantly, they demonstrate to children in communities throughout B.C. the types of actions that can be taken to reduce these emissions and show them examples of the clean energy and technologies that will power our future."

Quick Facts:

  • The Carbon Neutral Capital Program was designed by a steering committee made up of representatives from the British Columbia School Trustees Association, BC Association of School Business Officials, Educational Facility Managers Association of BC, Climate Action Secretariat and Ministry of Education.
  • The sewage heat exchange system at Hammond Bay Elementary will allow the Nanaimo Ladysmith school district to tap into the heat produced in the municipal sewer lines and use this as the primary heat source at the school. This unique system will reduce the school's overall carbon footprint by 78 per cent and its operating cost by $4,800 each year.
  • The new heat pumps at Palmer Secondary school in the Richmond school district will lower the school's greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 76 per cent. This new system will allow SD 38 to save more than $19,000 on annual energy costs and $5,000 on annual carbon offsets.
  • By replacing its old boilers with a more-efficient model powered by wood waste, the Cowichan Valley school district will be able to cut the school's greenhouse gas emissions by 168 tonnes and its annual energy costs by more than $54,000, in addition to saving more than $4,000 each year in carbon offsets.
  • The carbon neutral government regulation came into effect in December 2008. It sets out details concerning measurement, reporting and offsetting emissions by public-sector organizations that are required to comply with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act.
  • In 2010, B.C. became the first province or state in North America to become carbon neutral. The B.C. government's approach to carbon neutrality drives down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduces energy costs and produces savings public sector organizations can reinvest in energy saving projects. Those projects, in turn, create jobs in B.C.'s clean energy sector.
  • Since 2008, B.C. has committed $75 million to public sector energy projects through the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) as additional funding for public sector energy projects.
  • Projects across the public sector funded through PSECA are estimated to achieve energy cost savings of more than $12.6 million annually.
  • $28.4 million has been provided to school districts through PSECA, the Energy Efficient Mechanical Upgrade Program and carbon tax rebates.

Learn More:

Information on the Carbon Neutral Capital Program, including funding allocation, is available at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/capitalplanning/resources/welcome.htm

The full carbon neutral report can be found at: http://www.livesmartbc.ca/government/carbon_neutral/index.html

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963


https://news.gov.bc.ca/03864

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