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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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close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

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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close menu Attorney General

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
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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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close menu Children and Family Development

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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close menu Citizens' Services

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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close menu Education and Child Care

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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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

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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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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Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
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close menu Finance

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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close menu Health

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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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

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.
  Read More

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

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
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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

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
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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

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
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Network helps people with disabilities focus on mental, physical wellness

June 3, 2022 8:30 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

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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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

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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Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Creating venture connections with Community Futures

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Honourable Ravi Kahlon

Honourable Ravi Kahlon

Honourable Ravi Kahlon

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Email: JERI.minister@gov.bc.ca

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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Creating venture connections with Community Futures

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03964

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Port Alberni
Friday, March 15, 2013 10:15 AM

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Friday, March 15, 2013 10:15 AM

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Government has signed a Labour Market Partnership agreement with Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot to support Venture Connection, a project that encourages potential buyers to purchase B.C. businesses, help prepare business sellers to ready their businesses for successful transition and protect and grow local employment.

Venture Connection will build on the successes of the 2011 Venture Connect pilot project, with the goal of reducing the impact that retirements in small businesses can have on communities.

Currently, more than 50 per cent of employment in B.C. is created by small business, and one in seven business owners in rural B.C. is over the age of 55. A recent study indicates that 41 per cent of small business owners are planning on retiring in the next five years. Without proactive projects like Venture Connect that address the impact of business succession on local employment, small rural communities may not be able to retain businesses and expand local employment opportunities.

With a full suite of services being offered to clients, Venture Connection will improve communications and create new linkages to potential buyers in groups most likely to buy B.C. businesses, including immigrants, young people and vacationers aged 50 and over. The program will create new electronic materials to highlight businesses for sale in B.C., with a goal of increasing the number of businesses listed on the Venture Connect website to 200 listings. Venture Connection will also feature presentations at youth events and immigrant investor workshops hosted by the Provincial Nominee Program. As well, business opportunities will be highlighted at tourism accommodation locations.

Small businesses listed for sale on the site may be from across the province. Hands-on services through Venture Connection are limited to areas that have a participating Community Futures organization, including Alberni-Clayoquot, Central Island, Cowichan, Mount Waddington, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Thompson Country, Shuswap and Sun Country. Government's contribution of up to $46,261 will be leveraged by other funding from Community Futures for a total investment of just under $80,000. The project will run until Feb. 28, 2014.

Community Futures organizations across B.C. and Canada provide a variety of programs ranging from business development loans, to training and workshops, to support services designed to help rural communities deal with economic development issues and challenges. Each Community Futures organization tailors its products and services to the community that it serves and involves itself in a wide array of community initiatives.

The Action Plan for Small Business, which covers the years 2010 to 2013, sets out government's strategic approach to continue making British Columbia the most small-business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada, in part by maintaining its strong relationship with industry and supporting an environment in which small businesses succeed. Supporting small business is integral to the well-being of our communities and our economy, and supports government's greater goal of making British Columbia the national leader in jobs per capita.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell -

"In the coming years, we're going to be seeing an unprecedented number of small business owners retire, but few have succession plans in place. That's why our government is partnering with Community Futures to get plans in place to make sure these businesses continue to contribute to their communities - both by supporting the local economy and by keeping valuable jobs in the community."

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our rural and urban communities, because they are responsible for 56 per cent of all private sector jobs. That's why Venture Connection is going to be so important. By ensuring successful transfer from one B.C.-based business owner to another, we know local employment will be supported for years to come."

Lori Camire, executive director of Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot -

"Maintaining strong communities motivates us. Helping business owners to prepare their business for a sale will enable us to market a higher quality inventory to the discerning business buyer and support everyone's efforts to attract buyers to buy B.C. businesses."

Quick Facts:

  • Small business owners help build a stronger British Columbia by creating jobs in their communities for B.C. families.
  • Small business is a key economic driver in B.C. with 98 per cent of all businesses being small businesses.
  • The small business sector provides nearly 56 per cent of all private sector jobs, employs over one million people and generates 29 per cent of the provincial GDP.
  • B.C. also leads the country in the fight against red tape - the B.C. government is the first in Canada to enshrine in law the requirement to publish annual reports about regulatory reform and has reduced regulatory requirements by more than 42 per cent since 2001.
  • The Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) Program, funded by the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), is an employment program that provides financial assistance to organizations to encourage, support and facilitate labour force issues and human resource planning activities that are in the public interest.
  • Through the LMP, government funds projects that encourage and support employers, employee and/or employer associations and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with labour force issues and meeting human resource requirements.
  • In British Columbia, funding under the LMDA is used to support labour market programs and services for residents who are collecting Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or have received them in the last three years, or for parents re-entering the labour force who have collected EI parental benefits in the last five years. It is also used to support employers in addressing human resources challenges.
  • In 2012-13, the $280-million LMDA budget is being used to provide employment assistance services, job-creation partnerships, labour market partnerships, self-employment, skills development and targeted wage subsidies programs.
  • During the month of November, the B.C. government asked for ideas from citizens on the topic of building a skilled workforce. See what government is doing to put ideas into action: www.bcjobsplan.ca/ideas-to-actions/

Learn More:

Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot: www.cfac.ca

Venture Connect: www.ventureconnect.ca

Labour Market Partnerships Programs:www.aved.gov.bc.ca/sector-partnerships/labour-market-partnerships-program.htm

Provincial Nominee Program:www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/immigrate-BC/Provincial-Nominee-Program-Home.aspx

Action Plan for Small Business:

www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/action_plan_for_small_business.pdf

WorkBC skills training programs:

www.workbc.ca/Education-Training/Programs/Pages/Employment-Programs.aspx

Industry Training Authority: www.itabc.ca

BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/

BC Skills and Training Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills/

Ideas2Actions - results of the Skills4BC online discussion:www.bcjobsplan.ca/ideas-to-actions/

Canada-B.C. LMDA: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/employment/partnerships/labour_market_development/bc/transf/bc_lmda_e.pdf

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799

Lori Camire
Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot
250 724-1241

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03964

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