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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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close menu Agriculture and Food

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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close menu Attorney General

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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close menu Children and Family Development

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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close menu Citizens' Services

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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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

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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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

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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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

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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close menu Finance

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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close menu Forests

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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close menu Health

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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close menu Housing

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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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

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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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

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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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

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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close menu Labour

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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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

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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close menu Municipal Affairs

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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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University

May 19, 2023 9:45 AM
New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of a new residence hall at the Burnaby campus, reducing housing pressures in the community.
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More supports to help people prepare for in-demand careers

June 2, 2023 11:45 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

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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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

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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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

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.
  Read More

RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

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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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

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

Liquor policy engagement a resounding success

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Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

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close menu Attorney General

B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

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B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
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Attorney General

British Columbia News

Liquor policy engagement a resounding success

https://news.gov.bc.ca/05217

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News Release

Victoria
Friday, November 1, 2013 1:00 PM

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News Release

Victoria

Friday, November 1, 2013 1:00 PM

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The consultation on B.C.'s liquor laws - one of the most engaging public consultations ever done by the B.C. government - is now complete. The Liquor Policy Review, led by Parliamentary Secretary John Yap, saw an unprecedented level of engagement with the public, stakeholders and industry groups.

After seven weeks of being live, the Liquor Policy Review website saw 76,255 visits, had 4,364 blog comments and 41,195 ratings. The average time spent on the website per visitor was just over eight minutes, showing a high level of interaction with the site's content. The average amount of time typically spent on a B.C. government website is approximately five minutes.

While the comments are now closed, the site will remain active so British Columbians can continue to review the Liquor 101 content, blogs, comments, and stakeholder submissions.

During the 87-day consultation phase, Yap held 65 face-to-face meetings with diverse stakeholders throughout the province and engaged with thousands of British Columbians on the website and through social media. He also received more than 3,587 private emails and letters and 188 stakeholder submissions for public posting. Between Sept. 14 and Oct. 31, Yap himself tweeted 552 times and #bcliquor was mentioned on Twitter 4,892 times.

Over the next few weeks, as Yap prepares his final report, the B.C. government will more closely examine the idea of allowing the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores by studying a number of retail models in other jurisdictions. This information and all liquor policy review feedback will then be gathered and analyzed leading up to the end of November.

The final report will include recommendations for making common-sense changes that reflect current lifestyles in a way that achieves a responsible balance between greater consumer convenience, growing our economy and protecting public health and safety.

Quotes:

John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Reform -

"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in our Liquor Policy Review through the blog, Twitter, direct emails, letters or sitting down to speak directly with me. Every submission was thoughtful and informative. Now it's my job to sit down to do the hard work of looking at all the input to find recommendations that will improve our laws and grow the economy while keeping health and safety concerns in mind."

"Beyond looking further at models of liquor in grocery stores, I expect my final report to touch on many topics, including allowing craft beer and wine to be sold at farmers' markets, streamlining applications for Special Occasion Licences and allowing children to accompany their parents at liquor primary establishments such as pubs and legions."

Quick Facts:

  • The final days of the consultation saw a surge in participation with more than 19,000 site visits, 2,200 blog comments, and 2,100 emails between Oct. 28 and Oct. 31.
  • Every blog comment, email, letter and tweet has been collected and is being analyzed for themes, sentiment and ideas. The top themes as of 4 p.m. on Oct. 31 were:
    • How liquor is sold in stores in B.C. including at grocery stores, private and government stores.
    • Comparing B.C. with jurisdictions around the world.
    • How liquor is regulated in B.C.
    • Rules for licensed restaurants and pubs.
    • How liquor is priced in the province - from minimum pricing to lowering the cost of alcohol.
    • Concerns about public health and safety.
  • 64 per cent of visitors to the site contributed in some way, from rating posts to commenting on blogs to sending a private email.
  • The number of blog comments (4,364) surpassed the number of private emails (3,567) received.
  • There were a total of 65 stakeholder meetings, and more than 188 stakeholder submissions posted to the web site. This includes more than 100 licensee submissions.
  • The most popular stakeholder submission downloads were:
    • BC Wine Institute
    • Victoria Police Department
    • MADD
  • Of those who identified themselves on the blog, the most popular age category of blog contributors was 30-59; regionally we heard from all parts of the province, with the majority of contributors from the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and Thompson-Okanagan.
  • For context, the web poll component of the Family Day website gathered a total of 31,146 votes, along with 3,069 comments.
  • During the Skills for BC discussion, more than 52,000 visitors went to the BC Jobs Plan website. 500 British Columbians contributed to the discussion and almost 200 ideas were submitted.

Learn More:

Read the comments and blog posts provided on B.C.'s Liquor Policy Review website: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/liquorpolicyreview/

Read about how the Province will be exploring selling beer, wine and spirits in grocery stores: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/10/bc-government-to-study-liquor-in-grocery-stores.html

To read stakeholder submissions to the Liquor Policy Review, visit: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/liquorpolicyreview/stakeholder-positions/

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151971578668114&set=a.388604058113.168657.291140993113&type=1
https://news.gov.bc.ca/05217

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