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close menu Office of the Premier

Premier's statement on five years of delivering results for people

July 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the five-year anniversary of forming a government that puts people first:
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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
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close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore
A new collaborative post-secondary campus will be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities so more students can access education close to home for in-demand jobs.
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Turning the page on adult literacy with increased funding

July 25, 2022 12:00 PM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Pop the cork! Kelowna vineyard wins major national wine award

August 4, 2022 2:30 PM
A family-owned winery with a strong commitment to organic farming is the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards winery of the year.
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New funding supports farmers, takes action on climate resiliency

July 27, 2022 9:00 AM
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close menu Attorney General

New Kitimat homes provide safe housing for women, children

August 8, 2022 1:15 PM
Women and children leaving violence will soon have access to safe and secure homes as construction begins on a 44-unit housing development in Kitimat.
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Supportive homes for youth coming to Kamloops

August 4, 2022 1:45 PM
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close menu Children and Family Development

B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
More students in grades 11 and 12 will be able to earn both high school and post-secondary credits toward careers in early childhood education with the introduction of 30 new dual-credit programs at school districts throughout B.C.
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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

Expansion of cellular coverage makes driving safer in the Cariboo

August 9, 2022 11:30 AM
Cellular coverage is available for the community of Wells, northwest of Barkerville, bringing safer driving conditions to that section of Highway 26 and the Jack-of-Clubs rest area.
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Fast, reliable internet, cell coverage coming to Nass Valley

July 12, 2022 2:30 PM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals

August 3, 2022 9:04 AM
Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals
More early childhood educators (ECEs) are furthering their education goals with financial support from the ECE Education Support Fund.
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B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
The Province is improving accessibility to electric vehicles (EVs) by increasing maximum rebate amounts and ensuring they are going to people who need them most.
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Minister’s statement on Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference 2022

July 6, 2022 7:30 AM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Funding boost gives used plastics new lease on life

August 9, 2022 9:45 AM
Group photo of four people at an announcement
A $10-million investment in the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund will help grow made-in-B.C. solutions to reduce plastic pollution, create new products and increase job opportunities.
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Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
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close menu Finance

Supporting sexual-assault survivors informs work on gender-based violence

August 1, 2022 12:45 PM
As part of the Province’s work to develop an action plan to end gender-based violence, staff at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) presented its trauma informed, wraparound supports and services available in Greater Victoria.
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B.C. enhances consumer protection for homebuyers

July 21, 2022 9:30 AM
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close menu Forests

Wildfire activity in B.C. will continue through August

August 4, 2022 10:45 AM
British Columbians should remain alert to the threat of wildfire throughout August as conditions remain hot and dry.
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B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
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close menu Health

B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine

July 14, 2022 2:05 PM
B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine
Approximately 208,000 eligible infants and children in British Columbia between six months and four years of age will soon be able to receive vaccine protection against COVID-19.
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Vancouver Coastal Health welcomes back 283 hospital food-service workers

July 22, 2022 11:30 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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First Nations clean-energy projects funded on Vancouver Island

July 28, 2022 12:36 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

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

August 1, 2022 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition.
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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

Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results

August 5, 2022 8:30 AM
Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for July 2022:
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Province launching new centre for agritech innovation

July 21, 2022 9:35 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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Report received on successorship, transfer of timber harvesting rights

July 28, 2022 1:00 PM
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close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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Conservation Officer Service achieves largest-ever invasive mussels decontamination

July 9, 2022 9:00 AM
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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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Investment enhances mental-health services in Greater Victoria

July 28, 2022 12:00 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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B.C. investing in healthy northern communities

August 3, 2022 8:00 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province launches direct payment for evacuees

July 27, 2022 11:00 AM
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
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Survey shows significant decrease in illegal cannabis store use

August 2, 2022 8:30 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians

July 26, 2022 11:15 AM
Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians
A new investment of $2 million will support the development and growth of British Columbia’s co-operative businesses, while expanding services for people who use them.
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Provincial funding helps grow a more food secure future

August 5, 2022 10:00 AM
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Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship

July 28, 2022 9:30 AM
Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship.
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Province, viaSport partner to take abuse out of the game

July 6, 2022 2:00 PM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain

July 14, 2022 10:45 AM
Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain
The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.
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Public invited to share input on Taylor Bridge's future

August 9, 2022 8:45 AM
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Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Times of India Film Awards bring big benefits to B.C.

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Honourable Ravi Kahlon

Honourable Ravi Kahlon

Honourable Ravi Kahlon

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close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results

August 5, 2022 8:30 AM
Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for July 2022:
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Province launching new centre for agritech innovation

July 21, 2022 9:35 AM
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Times of India Film Awards bring big benefits to B.C.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04178

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Vancouver
Thursday, April 4, 2013 2:05 PM

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Vancouver

Thursday, April 4, 2013 2:05 PM

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An estimated 400 million viewers in India and around the globe will be focused on Vancouver as the inaugural Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) takes place this weekend.

The Province of B.C. has committed a set amount of $9.5 million for TOIFA production. In return, British Columbia is receiving international attention and gaining recognition as a trade and travel destination in India, home to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The Times Group is India's largest media conglomerate, reaching 90 million people per day. The Province's agreement with the Times Group stipulates media coverage across its network, including in their flagship financial daily, The Economic Times, which is second only to the Wall Street Journal in terms of global readership.

While the majority of international coverage of B.C. will take place during TOIFA events this week, B.C. has already gained significant value from tourism and trade promotions in India, which started in November, 2012.

  • The Ministry of Jobs Tourism and Skills Training has developed promotional trade inserts to be featured in The Economic Times. Three inserts will be featured. The first went out in December 2012, second was in March and the last will be in June 2013.
  • The Times Group hosted a media reception when Finance Minister Michael de Jong was in Mumbai in December 2012 to open B.C.'s two new Trade and Investment Offices. The event included an impressive list of high level corporate decision makers and helped to build B.C. trade recognition through associated news coverage.
  • Approximately 30 stories on B.C. have been featured in The Economic Times Travel section, including a four-page tourism spread.
  • The Canadian Tourism Commission estimates the approximate value of earned media for British Columbia in The Economic Times Travel section between November 2012 and February 2013 to be nearly $4 million.
  • Several of India's largest travel agencies are actively promoting British Columbia as a destination for the upcoming India travel season. Ten joint marketing programs have been negotiated with Indian travel agents and commenced in late March in order to take advantage of the awareness created by TOIFA.
  • 60 billboards in high-traffic, international airports in India have featured B.C. as a desirable travel destination.
  • Familiarization tours for approximately 30 Indian media attending TOIFA, as well as tourism operators and agents specializing in the Indian market include organized, guided tours of Vancouver.
  • Extensive promotional material, including B.C. tourism and trade information, was provided on the TOIFA website.
  • At least one Bollywood film is slated to shoot in B.C. as a result of TOIFA. Amit Kapoor's Cynozure Networkz, along with Abhay Deol's IE Films, has announced they will shoot a film called "Kaneda" in Vancouver.

The Province has also budgeted an additional $1.5 million for promotional activities. This budget includes:

  • Providing a three minute promotional video about B.C as TOIFA's opening act.
  • Producing a 30-second TV commercial promoting British Columbia as a preferred tourism destination and inviting Indian travellers to consider B.C. for their next vacation, to run during the TOIFA broadcast and re-broadcasts and be re-purposed for future tourism promotions.
  • Hosting the BC-India Global Business Forum on March 12, 2013.
  • The BC-India Global Business Forum attracted over 450 delegates for an event exploring mutually beneficial opportunities in key sectors.
  • Some of India's top investors travelled to Vancouver for the event, including Praveen Kadle, CEO of Tata Capital, part of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate.
  • B.C.'s trade and investment opportunities were promoted to prominent Indian business leaders - many of whom expressed an interest in B.C. as a source for clean technology, alternate energy, and renewable energy.
  • These leads are being further pursued by B.C.'s overseas Trade and Investment Representatives based in India.
  • TaraSpan Inc., a leading service provider that helps Canadian technology companies enter into the India market announced at the Forum that it will open an office in Vancouver to accelerate technology trade from B.C. into the Indian market.

In addition to the value gained through these, and future, promotions, the immediate economic benefit of hosting The Times of India Film Awards is estimated to be between $13 million to $18 million of direct spending in B.C. during the event.

Quick Facts:

  • No complimentary tickets for the TOIFA awards gala were offered to or accepted by B.C. provincial politicians.
  • Reserved floor seats belonging to the Province have been offered to B.C. business representatives who would benefit from the opportunity to meet officials attending from India.
  • The Province's reserved suite at BC Place has been set aside to ensure local media have an opportunity to report on the Awards event.

Learn More at:

To see promotions for B.C. that have run in India, please visit: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/category/media-center/toifaarticle/18385723.cms

Two backgrounders follow.

Media Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER 1

Times Group media coverage of TOIFA weekend in India

In addition to extended media coverage around the world, the following list includes guaranteed coverage provided on Times Group's media network.

Print

Economic Times Travel

  • One insert on Bollywood's arrival into Vancouver
  • One celebrity travelogue in B.C.

The Economic Times is India's largest financial daily with a circulation of 785,000

Bombay Times and Delhi Times

  • Four inserts
  • One full page coverage
  • Three inserts promoting viewership for telecast

The Bombay Times and Delhi Times are Entertainment papers with a circulation of 7.4 million.

Television

Zoom TV and Times Now

  • 20-minute TOIFA "Curtain Raiser" preview special (plus one repeat broadcast)
  • 20-minute "Making of TOIFA" reality show (plus one repeat broadcast)
  • Countdown show plus one repeat broadcast (one hour each)
  • Telecast of Music Extravaganza plus one repeat broadcast (two hours each)
  • Coverage on Planet Bollywood (totalling 27 minutes)
  • Coverage on B-Tonight (totalling 27 minutes)
  • Telecast of TOIFA and two repeat broadcasts (four hours each)

Zoom TV is India's leading lifestyle channel with a reach of 50 million households.

Times Now is a general news channel and has a reach of 37 million households.

Radio

Radio Mirchi

  • Radio Jockeys will host their shows for three days from Vancouver to cover TOIFA 2013, visit the city and share their experiences with listeners back in India.

Radio Mirchi is India's largest radio network in terms of market share. With 34 stations, their audience reach is over 42 million.

A full accounting of the value and reach of media exposure for British Columbia is being independently tallied and will be made public after all TOIFA events have concluded.

BACKGROUNDER 2

Province of B.C.'s India Market Strategy

The Province's India Market Strategy began during Premier Christy Clark's Jobs and Trade Mission in November 2011. The mission was aimed at raising B.C.'s profile in India, starting the process of building relationships and identifying opportunities for partnerships and promotions for trade. The entire mission resulted in over 60 business deals or partnerships signed or announced.

Other key achievements in this strategy include:

  • New Forestry Innovation Investment office opened in Mumbai, India, July 2012.
  • Increases ability to explore new opportunities for B.C. wood products in the Indian market.
  • Opening of two new B.C. Trade and Investment Offices (Mumbai/Chandigarh), December 2012.
  • Complement existing office in Bangalore.
  • The India-based Trade and Investment Representative network will be tripled, from four managers to 12.
  • Each new office will focus on targeted sectors:
    • Chandigarh will specialize in agri-foods and tourism.
    • Mumbai's focus will be on natural resources, film, education, transportation and financial services. This office will take the lead in attracting Indian corporate investment to B.C.
  • Hosting the BC-India Global Business Forum
  • Enabled B.C. businesses to connect with opportunities in India.
  • Sponsoring the Times of India Film Awards
  • Gained exposure of B.C. to the wider Indian audience for the benefit of increased trade and travel.

Media Contact:

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

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04178

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