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close menu Office of the Premier

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians

March 7, 2023 10:55 AM
Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians
The Province is investing more than $200 million in food security to ensure people have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.   
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Farmers, ranchers, processors supported by new Canada-B.C. partnership

March 15, 2023 9:00 AM
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B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

May 1, 2023 1:48 PM
B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
New legislation will make it easier for people to get money owed to them following a civil court decision.
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B.C. offers protection for people’s intimate images

May 4, 2023 9:00 AM
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Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood
Youth and young adults who have been in government care in British Columbia are receiving expanded supports through the newly named Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program.
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Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
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B.C. promotes equity with anti-racism research priorities

May 29, 2023 12:45 PM
BC's anti-racism research priorities
The Province takes another step improving access to government programs and services for Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities, with the release of 12 priorities for anti-racism research.
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More cell connectivity means safer travel on Highway 14

May 4, 2023 12:45 PM
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School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids

April 4, 2023 12:30 PM
School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids
More children and youth will have access to healthy meals and snacks at school through the Province’s new Feeding Futures funding, which invests in building and expanding local school food programs.
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Students get improved air quality in B.C. schools

March 15, 2023 2:30 PM
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Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer

May 24, 2023 2:00 PM
Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer
More than 100 local governments and First Nations will benefit from provincial funding to support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres.
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Financial assistance available for people affected by flooding

May 16, 2023 10:45 AM
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B.C. drives industry shift to cleaner heavy-duty transportation

April 27, 2023 9:45 AM
British Columbia’s commercial vehicle sector is accelerating toward the clean transportation economy with provincial support to help organizations achieve their climate goals, reduce costs and remain competitive.
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B.C. expands EV charging, leads country in going electric

April 11, 2023 1:45 PM
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B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost

May 30, 2023 12:15 PM
B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost
The Province is helping protect and restore B.C.’s marine environment with a further investment in the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund.
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Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
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Safe money services protect people from money laundering

March 29, 2023 2:05 PM
Safe money services protect people from money laundering
People in B.C. can be confident that money services businesses they use will have greater oversight by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) as a new provincial regulator.
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Public registry would end hidden ownership in private businesses

March 29, 2023 1:55 PM
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Be prepared, help prevent wildfires this long weekend

May 19, 2023 8:45 AM
Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.
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Backcountry access restored after wildfire closures

May 2, 2023 3:30 PM
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Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments

May 31, 2023 4:25 PM
See a pharmacist for minor ailments and contraceptives
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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Enhanced safety, quality for care-home residents

May 29, 2023 9:10 AM
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Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected

May 31, 2023 11:00 AM
Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected
As part of the actions government is taking to deliver homes for people faster, the first cohort of municipalities for housing targets have been selected, paving the way for building more good homes in areas with the greatest need throughout British Columbia.
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New affordable rental homes open in Coquitlam

May 26, 2023 10:45 AM
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Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation

May 9, 2023 12:45 PM
Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation
New provincial legislation supports the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance by recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) as the government of the Haida Nation in provincial law.
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Clean energy powers Indigenous-led projects in Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior

April 27, 2023 8:36 AM
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Premier’s statement on the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

May 6, 2023 7:15 AM
Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the Coronation of King Charles III, King of Canada and Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Camilla:
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Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
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Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries

May 17, 2023 1:00 PM
Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries
A new B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy will chart the course for a more competitive, modernized marine sector with reduced carbon emissions, and creating more highly skilled jobs to meet growing demands.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1

April 5, 2023 12:30 PM
Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1
On June 1, 2023, B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a pay raise with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour.
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Gig work ‘what we heard’ report available online

April 11, 2023 2:45 PM
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New program helps people with overdose-related brain injuries

May 25, 2023 12:15 PM
Supporting people with brain injuries with a first-of-its-kind program
British Columbians living with brain injuries related to substance use now have access to specialized supports through a first-of-its-kind program in Canada.
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B.C. enhances access to addictions support for women and girls

May 17, 2023 9:30 AM
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Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province

March 24, 2023 10:45 AM
Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province
Public library users in communities throughout B.C. will benefit from modernized technology, enhanced programs and services, and better access to information through $45 million in provincial funding.
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Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
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Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning

June 6, 2023 8:30 AM
Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning
More people will have access to work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, practicums and community-service-learning opportunities as the Province partners with 13 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
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More supports to help people prepare for in-demand careers

June 2, 2023 11:45 AM
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Unexplained wealth orders crack down on organized crime

March 30, 2023 11:25 AM
Cracking down on the proceeds of organized crime
The B.C. government is targeting organized crime by creating a new suite of tools to seize proceeds of crime, such as fast cars, glamourous homes and luxury goods, making gang life unprofitable.
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Dedicated hubs target repeat violent offending to build safer communities

April 12, 2023 12:30 PM
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New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food

May 18, 2023 10:45 AM
New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food
A new Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank warehouse will help people get access to fresh, nutritious food, and boost food recovery and delivery services across Vancouver Island.
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New training prepares people for more jobs in social services sector

May 4, 2023 8:15 AM
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Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
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Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable

May 25, 2023 10:15 AM
Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable
In time for GoByBike Week, the Province is offering rebates on the purchase of eligible new e-bikes for people who want to add some power to their pedal and start commuting by bike.
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Aviation investments support essential services, economic growth

May 19, 2023 10:15 AM
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Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery

June 1, 2023 10:45 AM
Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery
To mark B.C. Wild Salmon Day, government is providing more than $17 million for wild salmon restoration throughout the province to ensure present and future generations of British Columbians enjoy the benefits of this iconic species.
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Communities along Fraser River benefit from increased flood resilience

May 2, 2023 11:30 AM
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Attorney General

BC Coroners Service releases report on youth suicide

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Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

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Attorney General

British Columbia News

BC Coroners Service releases report on youth suicide

https://news.gov.bc.ca/05038

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News Release

Burnaby
Thursday, September 26, 2013 1:15 PM

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News Release

Burnaby

Thursday, September 26, 2013 1:15 PM

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The BC Coroners Service has released the report and recommendations of a Death Review Panel into child and youth suicide in British Columbia.

The panel, composed of experts from across the spectrum of child-serving agencies, made three recommendations, aimed at: maintaining and improving service co-ordination to children and youth; improving access to mental-health services for youth; increasing knowledge about youth suicide through enhanced data collection by the Coroners Service itself.

Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe thanked the panel members for their commitment to the Death Review process and the prevention of child and youth suicide. "The collaborative nature of this process supports positive engagement and meaningful change."

The panel reviewed in aggregate the circumstances of 91 children and youth who died by suicide between 2008 and 2012. It concluded that child and youth suicide remains a highly complex phenomenon. Although there are a number of factors associated with increased risk of suicide, those factors were not found consistently across the children and youth who died. As such, panel members concluded there is no way of accurately predicting or identifying which young people are at the highest risk for suicide.

"While the panel have concluded that there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will reduce or eliminate child and youth suicide, there are specific things we can be doing to move forward with prevention efforts," said Michael Egilson, director of the BC Coroners Service Child Death Review Unit and panel chair. "These include more proactive co-ordination of services, removing barriers to service access and engaging young people in the process. Ongoing commitment and implementation at the community level will be key."

The panel recommends the Coroners Service work on gaining further information on such issues as bullying, social media and sexual orientation when investigating the youth suicides that do occur.

Lapointe says the Coroners Service fully supports that recommendation. "The Coroners Service is now in the process of determining how to implement those suggestions most effectively," she said.

The full text of the report can be found at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/coroners/child-death-review/docs/death-review-panel-2008-2012.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253 or 250 213-5020

BACKGROUNDER

TEXT OF RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATION 1: Service Co-ordination

School districts continue to bring together key community partners involved in serving youth and families to develop community level risk assessment protocols in support of early intervention and prevention of harmful behaviours, including appropriate information sharing among agencies and proactive follow up with young people and their families.

BC provincial government and school districts continue to ensure local front line staff are provided with education on supporting the mental health and well being of children and youth.

RECOMMENDATION 2: Access to child and youth mental health services

As part of its child and youth mental health services review and partnership with Ministry of Health (MoH) and Health Authorities, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD):

  • Map MCFD and contracted agency mental health services and service levels across the province and make the information easily accessible and publicly available;
  • Identify and address barriers to accessing mental health services, inclulding the perspective of what young people identify as barriers to services;
  • Identify and address barriers to transitioning between community mental health and acute hospital services; and
  • Identify and address barriers to transitioning from child and youth to adult mental health services.

RECOMMENDATION 3: BC Coroners Service practice

The BCCS further contributes to the knowledge base of children and youth suicide by:

  • Proactively providing child death Coroners Reports, when deemed appropriate, to stakeholders for educational purposes;
  • On a trial basis, requesting toxicological analysis and Pharmanet records for all child and youth suicides;
  • Reviewing investigative questions with respect to a young person's sexual orientation to ensure the information is being gathered consistently;
  • Reviewing investigative questions with respect to bullying to see if additional light can be shed on this issue;
  • Ensuring a young person's use of social media is investigated as an information source for all child and youth suicides.

PARTICIPATING MEMBERS ON THE DEATH REVIEW PANEL

  • Dr. Evan Adams - Office of the Provincial Health Officer
  • July Adams - Ministry of Health
  • Dr. Kelly Barnard - BC Coroners Service
  • Michelle DeGroot - First Nations Health Authority (on behalf of Marilyn Oda)
  • Brendan Fitzpatrick - Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.)
  • Shelley Green - Principals and Vice Principals Association
  • John Greschner - BC Representative for Children and Youth
  • Dr. Jean Hlady - BC Children's Hospital
  • Jennifer McCrea - Ministry of Education (On behalf of Sherri Mohoruk)
  • Dr. Shannon McDonald - Ministry of Health
  • Dr. Ian Pike - BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit
  • Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc - School of Nursing, University of British Columbia
  • Alex Scheiber - Ministry of Children and Family Development
  • Dr. Jim Thorsteinson - BC College of Family Physicians
  • Dr. Jennifer White - School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria

MICHAEL EGILSON, chair of the Death Review Panel

Michael Egilson, who chaired the Death Review Panel into Child and Youth Suicide, joined the BC Coroners Service in 2012 as chair of the Child Death Review Unit.

Before joining the Coroners Service, he had worked in the public sector for more than 25 years, with a large proportion of his work devoted to improving the health and well-being of children and youth. Among other roles, he served as:

  • Manager of child and youth health, Population and Public Health Division, Ministry of Health;
  • Associate child and youth officer for the Child and Youth Officer for BC.
  • Program manager for the Children's Commission.
  • Program manager for Alcohol and Drug Services for the province, for both youth and adults.

He received his BA and Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria and his Master of Arts in Social Welfare Policy from McMaster University.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/05038

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