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Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
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Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
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Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
New centre to support Indigenous youth
A concept plan for a new Indigenous centre is moving forward on the territories of the Coast Salish peoples in Vancouver.
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Student housing triples in Abbotsford

May 13, 2022 12:15 PM
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New funding sprouts more growth for B.C. seeds

May 5, 2022 8:15 AM
The Province is increasing support for B.C. seed growers to enhance and expand their operations, bolster food security and create a thriving food economy.
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B.C. Land Matching Program reaches new milestone

April 13, 2022 9:15 AM
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Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
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New accessible, affordable homes underway in Vancouver

May 16, 2022 1:30 PM
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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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BC Data Catalogue improved, updated to serve British Columbians better

May 16, 2022 10:30 AM
From data about wildfires and floods to natural resource and tech-sector insights, finding a wide variety of key information has become easier and more secure for British Columbians with the launch of an improved and updated BC Data Catalogue.
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Modernized, streamlined registry makes registering personal property easier

April 15, 2022 8:30 AM
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Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds

April 29, 2022 11:15 AM
Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds
More than 7,000 B.C students will have access to new, safe and accessible playgrounds as the Province invests in the Playground Equipment Program (PEP) for the fifth year in a row to support healthy and active lifestyles.
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Minister’s statement on child care month

May 1, 2022 9:30 AM
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Low-carbon fuel expansion cuts emissions, creates jobs

May 9, 2022 12:35 PM
Low-carbon fuel expansion cuts emissions, creates jobs
Parkland Corp. has announced an expansion to produce low-carbon fuel at its Burnaby refinery, creating new jobs and economic opportunities for British Columbians, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Canadian negotiators share latest on Columbia River Treaty

April 28, 2022 11:30 AM
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B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

May 16, 2022 10:45 AM
Supporting local climate action
Stronger collaboration, planning and action to reduce climate pollution and build protection for local communities will result from the new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action Program.
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Earth Day spurs action on plastic pollution

April 22, 2022 2:00 PM
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Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC

February 22, 2022 1:40 PM
Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC
Budget 2022 reflects the choices government is making that are needed to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people, by investing in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.
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More than $530,000 raised in support of Ukraine

March 22, 2022 8:00 AM
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B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
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Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
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Forest employment program provides jobs, supports communities

May 13, 2022 11:35 AM
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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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New primary care centre opens in Chilliwack

May 13, 2022 11:50 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
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B.C., First Nations leadership help communities recover

April 21, 2022 2:00 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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B.C. forestry industry to benefit from trade office in Vietnam

April 20, 2022 10:05 AM
B.C. forestry industry to benefit from trade office in Vietnam
A new Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) office in Vietnam will help drive trade opportunities and sustainable jobs in B.C.’s forestry sector while offering greater protection from market volatility and other global challenges.
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People in Merritt will benefit from rural development supports

May 13, 2022 7:45 AM
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Single-step certification will protect right to join a union

April 6, 2022 1:51 PM
Single-step certification will protect right to join a union
Changes that make collective bargaining more accessible will help protect workers who want more say about workplace safety, compensation and benefits.
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B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
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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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Ministers’ statement on Invasive Species Action Month

May 6, 2022 3:00 PM
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New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act

April 28, 2022 10:18 AM
New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act
The Province has introduced legislation that will help people experiencing a mental-health crisis better understand their rights and the supports available to them.
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Expanding access to mental-health supports for health-care, social service workers

May 6, 2022 11:00 AM
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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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Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
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B.C. seeks public input on consumer experiences

May 16, 2022 10:00 AM
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Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria

May 12, 2022 1:00 PM
Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria
Residents with limited income living in Greater Victoria will soon have improved access to local and nutritious food.
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Helping more British Columbians visit the dentist

May 4, 2022 2:00 PM
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Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
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Minister’s statement on Vancouver being confirmed as candidate host city for FIFA World Cup 2026

April 14, 2022 9:00 AM
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Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement

May 9, 2022 12:00 PM
Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement
The public is invited to have their say on the first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years.
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New commercial inspection station near Terrace will improve road safety

May 4, 2022 8:00 AM
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia winds up questioning at Northern Gateway pipeline hearings

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Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

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B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

May 16, 2022 10:45 AM
Supporting local climate action
Stronger collaboration, planning and action to reduce climate pollution and build protection for local communities will result from the new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action Program.
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Earth Day spurs action on plastic pollution

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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

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British Columbia winds up questioning at Northern Gateway pipeline hearings

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04036

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News Release

Victoria
Friday, March 22, 2013 9:45 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Friday, March 22, 2013 9:45 AM

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British Columbia has concluded its cross-examination at the Northern Gateway Pipeline Joint Review Panel hearings. The Province has been asking pipeline representatives questions that reflect British Columbians' very real concerns about the project, Environment Minister Terry Lake said.

"We've always said we respect the environmental assessment process," Lake said. "Through our cross-examination, we didn't get as much information as we hoped to from NGP on how they intend to deliver the world-leading spill prevention, response and remediation that we require. That is something we feel the panel will give due consideration."

Provincial legal counsel cross-examined NGP representatives at the JRP hearings throughout the fall and winter. In Edmonton, the questions focused on financial arrangements, such as the ability of NGP to access sufficient funds, including insurance funds, to cover cleanup costs.

During cross-examination in Prince George on land-based spill preparedness and response, NGP did not demonstrate how they would be able to access or respond to spills in remote areas or how they would locate and recover sunken oil. The Province's cross-examination also revealed that NGP will not have a spill response plan finalized until six months before pipeline operations begin.

In Prince Rupert, during questioning on marine emergency preparedness and response, NGP made it clear that the actual spill response plans required to assess their ability to meet commitments will not be developed until the project has been approved. The Province's final round of questioning - also in Prince Rupert - was on shipping and navigation, where discussion focused on: the use of tug escorts, tanker vetting and inspection, navigation routes, and the company's work in assessing the potential for tanker spills. It was confirmed that NGP would not be requiring tankers to exclusively use the routes identified in its application. NGP also confirmed that it would not be providing a dedicated rescue tug.

BC has established five key requirements that must be met before the Province will support any heavy oil pipeline - including NGP. Those conditions are:

  • Successful completion of the environmental review process. In the case of NGP, that would mean a recommendation by the National Energy Board Joint Review Panel that the project proceed;
  • World-leading marine oil spill response, prevention and recovery systems for B.C.'s coastline and ocean to manage and mitigate the risks and costs of heavy-oil pipelines and shipments;
  • World-leading practices for land oil spill prevention, response and recovery systems to manage and mitigate the risks and costs of heavy-oil pipelines;
  • Legal requirements regarding Aboriginal and treaty rights are addressed, and First Nations are provided with the opportunities, information and resources necessary to participate in and benefit from a heavy-oil project; and
  • British Columbia receives a fair share of the fiscal and economic benefits of a proposed heavy-oil project that reflects the level, degree and nature of the risk borne by the province, the environment and taxpayers.

The province's next step is to assess the differences between what Northern Gateway has proposed and what B.C. requires to be satisfied that marine and land-based spill response is world-leading. The final arguments phase of the Joint Review Panel process is scheduled for May-June 2013.

"We have made it clear that B.C. will only support the Northern Gateway pipeline if it satisfies our five conditions," Lake said.

Over and above the NGP hearing process, the province continues to pursue world-leading spill prevention and preparedness policies on both land and water. British Columbia is contracting Nuka Research and Planning Group to review, evaluate and prepare a report on the current marine oil spill prevention, preparedness and response regime for the coast and will be hosting a symposium in Vancouver on March 25-27, where over 200 delegates will help shape future policy around world-leading practices for spill preparedness and response.

Contact:

Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04036

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