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close menu Office of the Premier

Hundreds of clean, highly skilled jobs coming to Maple Ridge

November 14, 2023 1:52 PM
New manufacturing plant will bring hundreds of jobs to BC
A $1.05-billion partnership between E-One Moli and the governments of B.C. and Canada will bring lithium-ion battery cell production to Maple Ridge and create 450 high-quality, permanent jobs that are key to growing the province’s clean economy.
  Read More

New act streamlines credential recognition for internationally trained professionals

November 9, 2023 6:30 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Federal-provincial support helping disaster-affected farmers

October 20, 2023 10:30 AM
After an intense summer of wildfires and drought, B.C.’s farmers and ranchers are receiving additional support to repair or replace damaged infrastructure and to help with the expenses they incurred to keep their animals fed, sheltered and safe during these emergencies.
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Canada, B.C. helps farmers mitigate, adapt to climate change

October 5, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Attorney General

Celebrate advocates for anti-racism, multiculturalism

October 30, 2023 8:45 AM
Celebrate advocates for anti-racism, multiculturalism
People throughout B.C. are encouraged to submit nominations for annual awards that recognize outstanding work in strengthening multiculturalism and fighting racism.
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Process updating Money Judgment Enforcement Act complete

November 1, 2023 2:05 PM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Simpcw expands prevention services to urban families through new agreement

October 5, 2023 12:15 PM
Simpcw First Nation is partnering with the Province on a two-year project focused on keeping families together through connections to their culture, language, families and traditional decision-making for members who live away from home.
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Minister’s statement on Foster Family Month

October 6, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

Better data making life better for British Columbians

November 23, 2023 9:30 AM
Better data making life better for British Columbians
A new provincial data plan is helping government make sure it has the right data at the right time to understand complex issues and make good decisions to deliver modern services to people in B.C.
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Faster internet coming to two qathet communities

October 10, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Hundreds of new student spaces coming to Coquitlam

November 15, 2023 2:30 PM
New student spaces coming to Coquitlam
A new school addition is on track to deliver more student spaces as early as the next school year in the fast-growing Coquitlam School District.
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Hundreds of new student spaces coming to Surrey

November 14, 2023 1:15 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

New emergency management legislation, task force pave way for resilient communities

October 3, 2023 11:22 AM
A group of firefighters gather around a helicopter
People and communities in British Columbia will be better prepared for emergencies and disasters under the most comprehensive and progressive emergency management framework in Canada with the introduction of the emergency and disaster management act, and the launch of an expert task force on emergencies.
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Governments come together to build flood resilience in Nooksack, Sumas watersheds

October 20, 2023 1:00 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

B.C. making it easier to buy zero-emission vehicles

October 24, 2023 12:45 PM
B.C. making it easier to buy zero-emission vehicles
British Columbia is accelerating its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and helping more people go electric.
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Canada, U.S. make progress toward Columbia River Treaty agreement-in-principle

October 17, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Provincial environmental assessment certificate granted for Cariboo Gold

October 10, 2023 2:00 PM
Gold mine will bring hundreds of jobs to central BC - Two people on a worksite consult a clipboard
A B.C. environmental assessment certificate has been issued to Osisko Development Corp. for the Cariboo Gold project in central British Columbia, following a joint decision by provincial ministers.
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Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais guardians appointed with park ranger authority

July 25, 2023 2:30 PM
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close menu Finance

Speculation tax expanding to new communities to deliver more homes for people

November 22, 2023 12:15 PM
Expanding BC's speculation and vacancy tax to bring more homes to people, faster
The Province is taking action to fight real estate speculation and turn more empty units into homes for people by expanding the speculation and vacancy tax to 13 new municipalities.
  Read More

More transparent job postings mean fairer work environments

October 30, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Forests

Province launches made-in-B.C. conservation tool, takes further action on old-growth forest

October 26, 2023 12:30 PM
Taking further action on old-growth forest
The Province is accelerating protection of B.C.’s oldest and rarest trees while benefiting communities and wildlife by launching a new $300-million Conservation Financing Mechanism – $150 million from the Province, matched by a commitment to raise an additional $150 million from the BC Parks Foundation.  
  Read More

Value-added wood manufacturing expanded through collaboration

October 12, 2023 1:00 PM
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close menu Health

Actions protect people, B.C. communities this respiratory illness season

September 28, 2023 12:25 PM
Practice healthy habits, flu season has arrived
The Province and public-health officials are taking actions to continue protecting people, communities and the health-care system this fall and are encouraging people in B.C. aged six months and older to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
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New long-term care home coming to Nanaimo

October 19, 2023 3:40 PM
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close menu Housing

Legislation introduced to deliver more homes near transit hubs

November 8, 2023 1:50 PM
Taking action to build more homes near transit
Building more homes near transit hubs is the focus of new proposed legislation aimed at speeding up the delivery of homes and encouraging more communities near the transit, services and amenities that make life better for people.
  Read More

New affordable homes coming to West Kootenays

November 10, 2023 1:45 PM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Landmark agreement supports First Nations participation in forestry

October 24, 2023 11:15 AM
The Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations, and Western Forest Products Inc. have reached an agreement for the Nations to acquire a 34% interest from Western in a newly formed limited partnership for $35.9 million.
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Annual report updates collective efforts to achieve objectives of UN Declaration

June 28, 2023 12:45 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 7, 2023 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people who have made an outstanding provincial, national or international impact will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition and an official part of the Canadian Honours System.
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Submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship

July 25, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Hundreds of clean, highly skilled jobs coming to Maple Ridge

November 14, 2023 1:52 PM
New manufacturing plant will bring hundreds of jobs to BC
A $1.05-billion partnership between E-One Moli and the governments of B.C. and Canada will bring lithium-ion battery cell production to Maple Ridge and create 450 high-quality, permanent jobs that are key to growing the province’s clean economy.
  Read More

Rural communities will be boosted through value-added manufacturing

November 6, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Labour

Fairness coming for gig workers

November 16, 2023 1:15 PM
Taking action to improve working conditions for app-based gig workers
App-based ride-hailing and food-delivery gig workers will soon have better working conditions with new protections, including basic employment standards.
  Read More

B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest-paid workers

May 29, 2023 6:45 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

Hospital care improving for young people in crisis in Fraser Health

November 24, 2023 10:15 AM
Hospital care improving for young people in crisis in Fraser Health
Young people in crisis will be better supported in hospital and when they return home through two new response teams that co-ordinate care for youth experiencing mental-health or substance-use crises in the Fraser Health region.
  Read More

Enhanced mental-health, addictions services will help First Nations in Cowichan Valley

November 27, 2023 2:15 PM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities
The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.
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Children empowered with lifelong learning through reading

September 22, 2023 9:15 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Labour Market Outlook offers exciting look into the future

November 24, 2023 11:15 AM
Everyone can find their path to succeed in BC's workforce
With approximately one million job openings expected, the Labour Market Outlook and Find Your Path tool provide British Columbians with information to identify and access future educational and career opportunities in an exciting decade.
  Read More

New act streamlines credential recognition for internationally trained professionals

November 9, 2023 6:30 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Enhanced support coming for British Columbians impacted by crime

October 18, 2023 3:25 PM
Enhanced support coming for British Columbians impacted by crime
To support British Columbians impacted by crime, government is adding services for survivors of sexual violence and violent crime, and updating the Crime Victim Assistance Act to properly address victims’ needs.
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B.C. takes critical step to address public use of illegal drugs

October 5, 2023 10:53 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

People in B.C. to benefit from healthier, stronger communities through boost to non-profits

October 30, 2023 12:30 PM
Non-Profit Recognition Day
People in B.C. will benefit from community support, arts and culture services, and support to find affordable housing, as the Province provides additional grants for non-profit organizations building healthier, more inclusive and stronger communities.
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Northern B.C. getting better access to nutritious food

October 12, 2023 9:45 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Influx of tourists for 111th Grey Cup will bolster B.C.’s economy

October 20, 2023 12:45 PM
Influx of tourists for 111th Grey Cup will bolster B.C.’s economy
To support the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver, the Province is providing $3.5 million for a six-day fan festival and to create legacy projects that will benefit the tourism sector and local communities.
  Read More

More infrastructure support creates resilient tourism sector, communities

October 27, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Legislation introduced to deliver more homes near transit hubs

November 8, 2023 1:50 PM
Taking action to build more homes near transit
Building more homes near transit hubs is the focus of new proposed legislation aimed at speeding up the delivery of homes and encouraging more communities near the transit, services and amenities that make life better for people.
  Read More

Permanent climate-resilient bridges completed on Coquihalla Highway

November 15, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Province launches made-in-B.C. conservation tool, takes further action on old-growth forest

October 26, 2023 12:30 PM
Taking further action on old-growth forest
The Province is accelerating protection of B.C.’s oldest and rarest trees while benefiting communities and wildlife by launching a new $300-million Conservation Financing Mechanism – $150 million from the Province, matched by a commitment to raise an additional $150 million from the BC Parks Foundation.  
  Read More

Advanced aerial mapping program delivers better public data

October 6, 2023 8:45 AM
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Finance

PST returns April 1, help for business still available

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Honourable Katrine Conroy

Honourable Katrine Conroy

Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power Corporation, and the Columbia River Treaty

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close menu Finance

Speculation tax expanding to new communities to deliver more homes for people

November 22, 2023 12:15 PM
Expanding BC's speculation and vacancy tax to bring more homes to people, faster
The Province is taking action to fight real estate speculation and turn more empty units into homes for people by expanding the speculation and vacancy tax to 13 new municipalities.
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More transparent job postings mean fairer work environments

October 30, 2023 8:30 AM
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Finance

British Columbia News

PST returns April 1, help for business still available

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04125

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News Release

Victoria
Friday, March 29, 2013 10:00 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Friday, March 29, 2013 10:00 AM

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With the reintroduction of the Provincial Sales Tax this Monday, April 1, 2013, government will continue to support businesses as they make the transition to the two-tax PST and GST system, Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business, said today.

The general business PST enquiry lines will be open during the Easter weekend: Friday, March 29, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 30 through Monday, April 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The convenient online eTaxBC PST registration tool at - www.gov.bc.ca/eTaxBC/register - lets businesses register online from anywhere at any time.

Tools and services available to help businesses prepare for the re-implementation of the PST include:

  • Online webinars covering the general principles of the PST and eTaxBC.
  • PST bulletins and notices.
  • Videos online:
    • Returning to the PST - An Overview for Business
    • PST in B.C. Online Registration
  • Businesses with questions about the PST can call our toll-free general enquiry line - 1 877 388-4440 or email questions to: CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca
  • Final regulations and legislation to re-implement the PST on April 1, 2013 are now available.

A new outreach program is being developed that will allow a business to have a ministry PST specialist do a general review of their accounts and systems to ensure they are set up properly to collect, report, remit and pay the PST. This program replaces the one-on-one tax specialist consultation program that helped businesses leading up to the transition. It will be of particular interest to those with no prior PST experience and small to medium businesses. This program is not an audit and the goal is to promote voluntary compliance with the PST, so businesses will have a chance to correct any errors without penalty initially. More information on this new program will be available soon at: www.gov.bc.ca/pstoutreach

As committed, the PST is being re-implemented with all permanent exemptions. Consumers will again not pay PST on purchases like food, restaurant meals, bicycles, gym memberships, movie tickets, and others, nor for personal services like haircuts.

Consumers and businesses can find a general guide to what's taxable and what's not at: www.gov.bc.ca/pst

Consumers who feel they have been charged the PST in error should see the retailer or service provider for a refund of the tax, or if the value is more than $10.00, complete the refund form at: www.gov.bc.ca/pst

Quotes:

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

"As promised, the PST is returning April 1, with some common-sense improvements to make administration of the sales tax easier for businesses - including access to online registration and payment, moving the due date for remittance and returns to the last day of the month to match the GST, and allowing retailers to refund tax to customers in a broader range of circumstances."

"The re-implementation of the PST will present challenges for some small businesses and there may be some confusion during the initial period, so I ask consumers to please be patient with businesses during the transition period."

"If you're a B.C. business owner and have not yet registered for the PST, please take advantage of the tools and services available to you, and make it a priority to be ready for Monday."

Quick Facts:

  • As of Thursday, more than 74,000 businesses have applied for registration.
  • More than 68,000 questions from businesses have been answered by phone and email.

Outreach activities:

  • Direct phone calls about registration - 116,515 businesses contacted so far.
  • To date, 28 publications that provide plain-language guidance on the application of PST and related exemptions have been released, plus PST regulations and legislation.
  • 35 news releases and information bulletins issued to raise awareness of seminars, webinars, bulletins and notices.
  • 36 webinars held so far, attended by 1,745 people, and two per week are scheduled until the end of April.
  • So far 2,429 requests for one-on-one consultations with a ministry tax specialist have been received and 1,859 consultations have been completed.
  • To date, 105 seminars with chambers of commerce and business associations and other presentations have been held, for 3,578 attendees.
  • Print and online advertising underway.
  • Two mass mailings to businesses (September and December 2012).

Learn More:

Businesses that sell or lease taxable goods, or sell software or taxable services in B.C. must register to obtain a new PST number, even if they have an old PST number.

Businesses can register three ways:

Online - go to: www.gov.bc.ca/etaxbc/register

In person - go to the nearest Service BC Centre. See locations at - www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/ - or visit our office at 1802 Douglas St. in Victoria.

By mail or fax - complete the Application for Registration for Provincial Sales Tax (FIN 418) found at - www.gov.bc.ca/pst - (Go to Forms and Publications.)

Learn more about the services available to businesses to support the transition to PST: www.gov.bc.ca/pstoutreach

Consumers and businesses can find a guide to what's taxable and what's not, including exemptions at: www.gov.bc.bc/pst

The Canada Revenue Agency Business Enquiries line at 1 800 959-5525 will be open on Monday, April 1, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist with questions on the return of the federal GST in B.C.

Media contact:

Jamie Edwardson
Communications Director
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821


https://news.gov.bc.ca/04125

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