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Province stops museum plan, will consult public on museum’s future

June 22, 2022 12:45 PM
Royal BC Museum project is stopped
The Province is halting plans announced last month to rebuild the Royal British Columbia Museum.
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Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
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Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey

June 23, 2022 10:15 AM
Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey
More people in Surrey and the Fraser Valley will be able to pursue careers in physical therapy at a new training space coming to Surrey.
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Investing in biomedical engineering will bolster British Columbians’ health

June 13, 2022 11:15 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

B.C. ramps up support for agritech

June 24, 2022 8:30 AM
Two Vancouver-based agritech businesses are paving the way for stronger food security through B.C.’s Agritech Ramp-Up Pilot Program (Ramp-Up) with robotics and technology to support B.C.’s agriculture sector.
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Agriculture advisory group to help create more resilient food supply

June 14, 2022 8:30 AM
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Anti-racism data legislation becomes law

June 3, 2022 8:00 AM
Anti-racism data legislation becomes law
Indigenous and Black people, and people of colour, are another step closer to having better access to government programs and services as the historic Anti-Racism Data Act is enshrined in B.C. law.
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Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
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Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
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Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
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More Cariboo communities connected to high-speed internet

June 23, 2022 9:00 AM
More than 1,200 households in 15 communities, including four First Nations communities, have access to high-speed internet services in the Cariboo, thanks to the installation of new fibre to the home.
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Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families

June 20, 2022 12:02 PM
Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families
Applications are being accepted from child care providers to join the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program this year, which will enable them to offer low-cost child care, making life more affordable for thousands more families in B.C.
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Nisga’a students will benefit from new gymnasium

June 20, 2022 2:30 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
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B.C. supports EV adoption from purchase through repair

June 1, 2022 12:55 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy

June 20, 2022 1:15 PM
B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy
People in British Columbia will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the actions included in the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.
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Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
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Heat pump demand heats up in northern B.C.

June 20, 2022 11:52 AM
Heat pumps are more affordable than ever in B.C. with a provincial sales tax (PST) exemption and the launch of a new incentive to help people switch to the cleaner, energy-efficient technology that works in warm and cold climates.
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Rating agencies validate B.C.’s financial plan to support people, businesses

June 10, 2022 11:23 AM
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close menu Forests

Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season

June 3, 2022 9:15 AM
Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season
British Columbians can expect cooler and wetter conditions in June, which means the fire hazard is anticipated to remain low through the early summer, as shown in the BC Wildfire Service’s latest seasonal outlook.
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Province launches public engagement on strengthening Great Bear Rainforest

June 9, 2022 9:00 AM
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Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital

May 30, 2022 11:10 AM
Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital
People in one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C. are one step closer to expanded patient care as construction begins on the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.
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BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act
Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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B.C. invests in First Nations language, arts, culture and heritage revitalization

June 14, 2022 1:15 PM
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Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
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Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure

June 16, 2022 1:30 PM
Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure
A new agreement signed between the Province of B.C. and the group Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) will help deliver innovative and clean solutions for future transportation projects and priorities.
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Tŝilhqot’in Nation will benefit from forest-to-frame project

June 22, 2022 10:46 AM
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close menu Labour

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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B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
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close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.

April 21, 2022 11:15 AM
Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.
An ongoing effort to restore watersheds and wetlands in the province is creating a healthier future for British Columbians by mitigating the impacts of climate change on communities, strengthening ecosystems and securing quality drinking water.
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Minister’s and parliamentary secretary’s statement on federal decision about salmon farms

June 22, 2022 4:20 PM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. receives exemption to decriminalize possession of some illegal drugs for personal use

May 31, 2022 11:15 AM
A photo of a support group sitting in a circle
Text reads: Helping reduce drug stigma through decriminalization
British Columbia is taking a critical step toward reducing the shame and fear associated with substance use as the federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health announced the granting of a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) to remove criminal penalties for people who possess a small amount of certain illicit substances for personal use.
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New Foundry will provide services to youth in northeastern B.C.

June 14, 2022 12:30 PM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
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Pandemic relief funds help libraries adapt to changing needs

May 17, 2022 12:30 PM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

New funding helps prepare for Lytton rebuild

June 23, 2022 1:30 PM
The Province is committing $21 million to help re-establish essential infrastructure and services, and sustain ongoing municipal and community-led recovery efforts.
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Toxic drug supply continues to devastate communities throughout B.C.

June 9, 2022 10:00 AM
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Funding helps immigrants fight food insecurity, get connected

June 8, 2022 1:15 PM
People facing food insecurity in B.C. will benefit from new government funding for community-based programs.
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Network helps people with disabilities focus on mental, physical wellness

June 3, 2022 8:30 AM
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Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city
FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver has been chosen as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Grants help youth in and from government care get in the game

May 30, 2022 12:30 PM
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Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1

June 16, 2022 8:00 AM
Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1
Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway, protecting the safe movement of people and goods in British Columbia.
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Major progress on Kicking Horse Canyon Project in first year of construction

June 8, 2022 9:00 AM
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Government and industry engage on world-leading spill plan

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Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

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Email: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy

June 20, 2022 1:15 PM
B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy
People in British Columbia will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the actions included in the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.
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Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia News

Government and industry engage on world-leading spill plan

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03539

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News Release

Vancouver
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 8:00 AM

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News Release

Vancouver

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 8:00 AM

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Thirteen key stakeholder organizations, including representatives from the railway, petroleum, transportation and business sectors, are meeting face-to-face today to begin building what will become a made-in-B.C., world-leading spill response plan.

Foundational to the discussion will be the provincial government's recently released policy intentions paper (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/spr_eep/response.htm), which outlines how government will work with industry to establish a world-leading spill response regime that deals with all hazardous materials spills that may occur on land in B.C. Today's meeting is the first of several discussions between government and industry to lay the groundwork for future policy development.

The Ministry of Environment receives approximately 3,500 notifications of environmental emergencies per year; this includes oil-tank leaks, home-based oil spills, overturned tanker trucks, oil and fuel spills on water, rail accidents and chemical spills. While approximately 90 per cent of these are considered minor, the projected increase in the movement of hazardous materials throughout B.C. necessitates a well-co-ordinated response and preparedness plan.

Environment Minister Terry Lake will give an overview presentation on the intentions paper, highlighting the need for policy change in support of a full polluter-pay system where the costs associated with a spill rests with business and industry and not taxpayers. Among the topics discussed will be spill management in neighbouring coastal jurisdictions that include key concepts such as: industry funding into government program budgets and spill response funds, increased emergency-response staff and membership in a collective spill-response organization.

Representatives from each of the 13 stakeholder organizations will then be given an opportunity to give direct input on the content of the paper to government.

The 13 organizations represented at today's roundtable include:

  • Canadian Fuels Association
  • Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
  • Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
  • Railway Association of Canada
  • Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
  • BC Oil and Gas Commission
  • Transport Canada
  • Environment Canada
  • Canadian Coast Guard
  • Chamber of Shipping British Columbia
  • BC Business Council
  • BC Environmental Industry Association
  • BC Trucking Association

The industry organizations represent the sectors responsible for the transportation, storage, and use of significant volumes of hazardous materials which present risk to public safety and the environment should a spill occur.

Engagement and discussion on the intentions paper will continue between ministry staff and industry representatives. Comments received in these meetings, as well as through the web-based consultations, will be summarized and posted on the ministry's website.

A land-based spill prevention and response symposium is planned for March 25-27 in Vancouver. Here, spill-response experts from around the world will give presentations and discuss best practices to build and shape B.C.'s policy going forward.

Quotes:

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"Our number-one priority is to protect the environment, and we know how important this is to British Columbians, as evidenced by the response to public hearings on NGP. This is why we are not stopping at the establishment of five key conditions for heavy oil pipelines, and are developing world-leading policy that deals with all land-based hazardous materials spills including those from trucks, railcars, home oil tanks and chemical spills. Today's meeting and the future symposium represent a great opportunity for industry to demonstrate to its customers, clients, shareholders and the public its commitment to sustainability."

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas -

"Our government has shown leadership when it comes to safety practices in protecting our environment. Working with major stakeholders, we must strengthen oversight and management as we look at the prospects of new industrial projects coming forward. Together, we are working to keep B.C.'s coastline and wildlife safe."

Michael Bourque, president and CEO, Railway Association of Canada -

"The Railway Association of Canada is anxious to work co-operatively with the government of British Columbia and other stakeholders on its spill preparedness and response regime for land-based spills. Regardless of which mode is used to transport crude oil and other regulated commodities, transporters must be prepared and capable of doing so responsibly and safely."

Brian Ahearn, vice president, Western Division, Canadian Fuels Association -

"We endorse this review by the B.C. government. It is consistent with our members' commitment to safe handling of petroleum fuels that reflects best practices, including emergency preparedness plans and response capabilities. Canadian Fuels members continually strive for leading-edge industry performance with a focus on continuously improving environmental, health and safety performance of all facets of their operations."

Quick Facts:

  • The policy intentions paper "Land Based Spill Preparedness and Response in British Columbia" builds on one of the five requirements the B.C. government has set out as being necessary for support of heavy-oil projects - world-leading practices for land-oil spill prevention, response and recovery systems to manage and mitigate the risks and costs of heavy-oil pipelines.
  • The key elements outlined in the paper include:
  • Establishing a world-leading regime for land-based spill preparedness and response.
  • Developing effective and efficient rules for restoration of the environment following a spill.
  • Ensuring effective government oversight and co-ordination of industry spill response.
  • The Ministry of Environment is currently requesting an abstract for possible presentations at the March symposium; the deadline for submissions is Jan. 25.
  • The symposium will bring together people and organizations from diverse backgrounds who all have an interest in seeing a strong spill response program in B.C. - representatives from government, First Nations, industry, response organizations, key stakeholders, environmental organizations and academia from around the world are expected to participate in the symposium.
  • B.C.'s Environmental Emergency Program currently has 16 full-time staff and about $2.4 million per year in dedicated funding. In the event of a major spill, the program can also draw on support from technical specialists from, and funded by, other government programs.
  • The Environmental Emergency Program covers the inland areas and coastal shoreline of B.C. (an area of 947,800 kilometres squared, with a coastline of 27,000 kilometres).

Learn More:

BC Newsroom - Ministry of Environment: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/environment-1

Land Based Spill Preparedness and Response in British Columbia: Policy Intentions Paper for Consultation: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/spr_eep/response.htm

Contact:

Ministry of Environment Communications
250 953-3834


https://news.gov.bc.ca/03539

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