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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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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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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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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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Summer Reading Club will keep kids and families reading

June 27, 2022 12:15 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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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

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

Conservation officers receive exemplary service medals

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Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

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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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Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia News

Conservation officers receive exemplary service medals

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04227

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News Release

Vancouver
Monday, April 8, 2013 11:30 AM

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News Release

Vancouver

Monday, April 8, 2013 11:30 AM

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Ten members of the Conservation Officer Service have been awarded the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal by the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lt-Gov. of British Columbia and Environment Minister Terry Lake.

Five of the ten distinguished members of the Conservation Officer Service - inspector Jeff Ginter and conservation officers James Barber, Mike Stern, James Hilgemann and Del Parker - received their awards in the presence of colleagues from around the province today at the Vancouver Police Department's Tactical Training Centre for their annual recertification training.

The Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal recognizes peace officers who have completed 20 years of exemplary service with organizations that employ peace officers, including the Conservation Officer Service. A bar may be awarded for every subsequent period of 10 years of qualifying service.

The Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal was created on June 22, 2004.

The Ministry of Environment's Conservation Officer Service is the Province's primary responder to human-wildlife conflicts where there is a risk to public safety, conservation concerns or where significant property damage has occurred. In addition to regular uniformed members, the Conservation Officer Service's Provincial Investigations Branch conducts large-scale industrial or commercial crime investigations.

Quotes:

Environment Minister Terry Lake -

"Conservation officers are leaders here in British Columbia. Each officer works hard to protect our environment and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Congratulations to those members of the Conservation Officer Service awarded with this great honour. These officers have demonstrated excellence, courage and exceptional dedication to the service."

Chief conservation officer Kelly Larkin -

"Conservation officers are leaders in environmental compliance and enforcement, shared stewardship and public safety. There are many members within the service who go well beyond the call of duty, and I am extremely proud of those honoured with the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal."

Learn More:

For more information on Exemplary Service Medals, please visit: www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14992&lan=eng

For more information about the Conservation Officer Service, please visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/

A backgrounder follows.

Media contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

BACKGROUNDER

Exemplary conservation officers honoured

For the past six years, inspector Jeff Ginter has led the Conservation Officer Service in the Peace region. Previously, the married father of two was the general duty conservation officer for Sechelt and Dawson Creek.

Conservation officer James Barber has cultivated many relationships in Creston over the past 21 years. Barber is fondly known as a conversation officer by many members of the community for his professional communication and problem-solving skills. He is married to his wife Ila.

Mike Stern began his career with the Conservation Officer Service in 1992 working in Nanaimo, Surrey and Port Alberni. He currently serves as a conservation officer in Penticton, the place that it all started when, as a teenager, Stern spent time riding along with the Penticton conservation officers. Stern enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, preparing great meals and creating art. He is also an avid hunter and angler.

Being a dedicated conservation officer has given James Hilgemann the opportunity to work in a number of diverse environments. He has spent 16 years as a conservation officer in Haida Gwaii and currently serves in Campbell River, where he lives with his family.

Del Parker received an exemplary service award after 20 years in the Conservation Officer Service and today he is being recognized for an additional 10 years - making 30 years of exemplary service. Parker currently serves as a conservation officer in Fort St. John where he lives with his family. Parker leads by example and his own son Blake has followed in his footsteps and is also a conservation officer.

An expert in predator attack investigations, Kevin Van Damme is a leader on the Conservation Officer Service Predator Attack Team. As a conservation officer of over 20 years, Van Damme has worked in Surrey, Clearwater and currently serves in Kamloops. He is married with a young family.

Edward Seitz started his career with the service in Nelson in 1992 and currently serves as a conservation officer in Kelowna. Seitz is often referred to as Steady Eddy by his friends and co-workers because of his ability to focus on the positive and put people at ease. Seitz has put these traits to good use as a defensive tactics and firearms instructor. The married father of two enjoys his time in the Chilcotin hunting and fishing.

Over his 20 years with the Conservation Officer Service, Gerry Lister has served in Quesnel and Atlin. Currently, he works as a conservation officer in Powell Rover. Lister also worked with BC Parks for 10 years and is the self-proclaimed historian of the Conservation Officer Service.

Tobe Sprado is a recent recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for over 20 years of experience with the Conservation Officer Service. His postings include the Lower Mainland, New Hazleton, Smithers, Atlin, Castlegar and now Kamloops. Sprado has children ranging in ages from toddler to teens with his wife Theresa. He is currently on the sergeant list for a promotion.

Al Lay has been considered an international expert on human-wildlife conflict and was responsible for setting up the Provincial Predator Conflict Prevention program. Lay began his career in Prince George and transferred to Williams Lake as the problem wildlife control officer for the Cariboo Chilcotin. In 1998, he transferred to the Princeton field office as the district conservation officer. During his 32-year career with the Conservation Officer Service, he was responsible for instructing many new officers in the art of trapping. Lay retired in March 2012 and remains in Princeton with his wife Dawn where he continues to hunt, fish and spend time with his family.

Media contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04227

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