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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.
  Read More

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.
  Read More

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Citizens' Services

New technology, better and faster access to government data

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Honourable Lisa Beare

Honourable Lisa Beare

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Email: CITZ.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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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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British Columbia News

New technology, better and faster access to government data

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04931

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News Release

Whistler
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 9:30 AM

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News Release

Whistler

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 9:30 AM

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The Province recently launched iMapBC 2.0, an upgraded version of its popular online mapping toolkit that will provide improved access to thousands of geographical datasets.

Information on the new iMapBC 2.0 will be available for delegates at this week's Municipal Information Systems Association (MISA) Conference in Whistler. Version 2.0 is a significant upgrade to the free, user-friendly web-mapping application, and provides a better experience for developers and end-users who want to use to government map data online.

The new iMapBC 2.0 is faster and compatible with a wider range of web browsers. It incorporates new features to more easily display and understand map data through interactive links. The upgrade also is designed to handle the growing amount of information DataBC continues to add regularly as part of its operations.

iMapBC 2.0 provides tools for a wide range of users including municipal, provincial and federal governments, First Nations groups and companies working in the natural resource and forestry sectors.

For example, iMapBC 2.0's tools can be used to view and analyze government's wide variety of geographic data. This is particularly useful to prospectors in the mining and oil and gas industries, as the data includes up to date information on land use tenures.

Aboriginal communities, including the Maa-nulth First Nations on Vancouver Island, use iMapBC to stay informed about hunting and fishing activity in their traditional territories. When they receive referrals from forestry companies about new logging plans, iMapBC is used to view and assess the planned timber harvest areas along with the location of previously logged areas.

DataBC is part of the continuing work to make wide-ranging government data available to the public for research, analysis or other creative uses. This upgrade is part of a plan to listen to public feedback to continuously improve the delivery of data services to British Columbians.

Quotes:

Minister of Innovation, Technology and Citizens' Services Andrew Wilkinson -

"This new technology will help people find the information and mapping data they need faster and more conveniently."

"Easier access to data means less time searching for information, and more time spent developing projects that will build a stronger economy and create new jobs for British Columbians."

CEO of Latitude Geographics Steven Myhill-Jones -

"This upgrade will make the most of new technology to serve users better, by providing easier access to information and a more streamlined approach to our business."

"We're proud to be a part of this particular chapter in British Columbia's 30-year history of innovation and leadership in the realm of digital mapping."

Maa-nulth Resource Advisor Ron Frank -

"Our members are excited about iMapBC with access to real-time data that is really oriented to our users. It's an eye-opener for some of our members to see how much tenure and activity there has been out on the landscape."

Learn More:

Check out other innovative, mobile and tablet friendly applications on the DataBC website: www.data.gov.bc.ca

Child Care Providers - find a care-giver near you by the type of services they offer: http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/dmf-viewer/?siteid=8583629758344968734

Work BC - find the closest employment services location to help you find a job: http://www.workbc.ca/Work-BC-Centres/Pages/Interactive-Map.aspx

BC Parks - learn more about BC Parks and reserve your desired campsite: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Lara Perzoff
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services
250 387-0172

BACKGROUNDER

Go online to experience open government in B.C.

Quick Facts:

  • On July 19, 2011, the B.C. government launched the Open Information and DataBC sites.
  • Since its launch, DataBC has published an average of one new dataset every day.
  • B.C. already has earned multiple awards for its open government efforts, including a 2012 GTEC Distinction Award, the Institute of Public Administration in Canada's 2011 Public Sector Leadership Award, the Esri Special Achievement award in geographic information systems (GIS) and the Stratford Institute's number-one ranking in Canada for eGovernment in April.
  • British Columbia was the first province in the country to create a catalogue of open data. The catalogue free, searchable and available for anyone to use.
  • In March 2012, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to release its provincial budget data as open data.
  • 3,069 datasets are hosted on the DataBC site, including information from multiple ministries and BC Stats.

DataBC

www.data.gov.bc.ca

British Columbia became the first province in the country to create a site like DataBC, a catalogue of government-held datasets that are free, searchable and available for anyone to use. Currently, more than 3,000 datasets are available to the public.

Contact:

Lara Perzoff
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services
250 387-0172

https://news.gov.bc.ca/04931

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