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Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
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Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
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Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
New centre to support Indigenous youth
A concept plan for a new Indigenous centre is moving forward on the territories of the Coast Salish peoples in Vancouver.
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B.C.’s graduate scholarships help students excel

May 24, 2022 2:30 PM
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New funding sprouts more growth for B.C. seeds

May 5, 2022 8:15 AM
The Province is increasing support for B.C. seed growers to enhance and expand their operations, bolster food security and create a thriving food economy.
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B.C. Land Matching Program reaches new milestone

April 13, 2022 9:15 AM
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Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
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New accessible, affordable homes underway in Vancouver

May 16, 2022 1:30 PM
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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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BC Data Catalogue improved, updated to serve British Columbians better

May 16, 2022 10:30 AM
From data about wildfires and floods to natural resource and tech-sector insights, finding a wide variety of key information has become easier and more secure for British Columbians with the launch of an improved and updated BC Data Catalogue.
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Modernized, streamlined registry makes registering personal property easier

April 15, 2022 8:30 AM
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Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds

April 29, 2022 11:15 AM
Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds
More than 7,000 B.C students will have access to new, safe and accessible playgrounds as the Province invests in the Playground Equipment Program (PEP) for the fifth year in a row to support healthy and active lifestyles.
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Minister’s statement on child care month

May 1, 2022 9:30 AM
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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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New oil and gas royalty system ending inefficient subsidies

May 19, 2022 1:15 PM
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B.C. investing more than $2.4 billion in Metro Vancouver transit improvements

May 27, 2022 12:45 PM
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Text reads: Better transit for people in Metro Vancouver
The Province is supporting public transit expansion for people in Metro Vancouver through a significant investment in TransLink that will mean better and more convenient service, lower emissions, and healthier, more livable communities
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Canada and British Columbia invest in 14 CleanBC infrastructure projects across the province to create cleaner, stronger communities

May 27, 2022 9:50 AM
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Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC

February 22, 2022 1:40 PM
Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC
Budget 2022 reflects the choices government is making that are needed to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people, by investing in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.
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More than $530,000 raised in support of Ukraine

March 22, 2022 8:00 AM
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B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
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Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
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Forest employment program provides jobs, supports communities

May 13, 2022 11:35 AM
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Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
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BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 AM
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B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
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B.C., First Nations leadership help communities recover

April 21, 2022 2:00 PM
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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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Minister’s statement on trade mission

May 27, 2022 11:15 AM
Minister’s statement on trade mission
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has released the following statement on the trade mission to Europe to support good jobs in B.C., explore new economic opportunities and build on B.C.’s reputation as a leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards:
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Major partnership with the Netherlands signed to better support B.C. food security

May 24, 2022 10:45 AM
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close menu Labour

Single-step certification will protect right to join a union

April 6, 2022 1:51 PM
Single-step certification will protect right to join a union
Changes that make collective bargaining more accessible will help protect workers who want more say about workplace safety, compensation and benefits.
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B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
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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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Ministers’ statement on Invasive Species Action Month

May 6, 2022 3:00 PM
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New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act

April 28, 2022 10:18 AM
New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act
The Province has introduced legislation that will help people experiencing a mental-health crisis better understand their rights and the supports available to them.
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Expanding access to mental-health supports for health-care, social service workers

May 6, 2022 11:00 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
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Pandemic relief funds help libraries adapt to changing needs

May 17, 2022 12:30 PM
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Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
  Read More

B.C. seeks public input on consumer experiences

May 16, 2022 10:00 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New task force will help end period poverty

May 27, 2022 10:15 AM
New task force will help end period poverty
A new task force backed by $750,000 in provincial funding will support the Province’s goal to end period poverty and remove the stigma associated with menstruation.
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Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria

May 12, 2022 1:00 PM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
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Business case released for modern, new museum

May 25, 2022 1:15 PM
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Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement

May 9, 2022 12:00 PM
Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement
The public is invited to have their say on the first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years.
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Contract awarded for Highway 1, Malahat Tunnel Hill permanent repair

May 26, 2022 7:30 AM
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New online eyewear option for those on assistance

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Honourable Nicholas Simons

Honourable Nicholas Simons

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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New task force will help end period poverty

May 27, 2022 10:15 AM
New task force will help end period poverty
A new task force backed by $750,000 in provincial funding will support the Province’s goal to end period poverty and remove the stigma associated with menstruation.
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Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria

May 12, 2022 1:00 PM
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction

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New online eyewear option for those on assistance

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03645

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News Release

Vancouver
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 9:00 AM

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News Release

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013 9:00 AM

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Links to eyewear information, updated April 15, 2013

VANCOUVER - Government is making changes to ensure people receiving income and disability assistance will be able to purchase their eyeglasses online without being out of pocket, announced Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell, M.D.

Effective early March, the Ministry of Social Development will be launching a pilot program that will give individuals and families on income and disability assistance the option to purchase eyeglasses online and have the claims submitted to Pacific Blue Cross for payment on behalf of the ministry. Upon the completion of the pilot, the opportunity to participate as a supplier will be extended to other online eyewear companies, provided they meet government criteria for providing services.

Criteria for service providers include the requirement to have an optician, optometrist or an ophthalmologist on staff, licensed to practice in B.C.

Ministry partners in the pilot project are Pacific Blue Cross, the insurer that delivers benefits to recipients of B.C. Employment and Assistance on behalf of the ministry, and B.C.-based Clearly Contacts, the largest online retailer of eyewear in North America.

This change aligns with recent Ministry of Social Development policy changes aimed at helping to improve financial outcomes for vulnerable individuals and families, including restoring some medically necessary equipment and supplies.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell, M.D. -

"When British Columbians said they wanted more choices for buying eyewear, we listened. This pilot project will ensure we can offer people on income and disability assistance the choice and convenience of purchasing their eyewear online without creating undue financial hardship."

Leza Muir, senior VP claims, Pacific Blue Cross -

"Pacific Blue Cross is proud to administer benefits to British Columbians on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development. Access to an online supplier represents another option available for people on income and disability assistance when they're looking to buy eyewear."

Quick Facts:

  • The Ministry of Social Development provides specified optical services, including eye exams, to all recipients of income assistance, disability assistance and hardship assistance.
  • Adults are eligible for glasses once every three years and children are eligible once a year, with a valid prescription.
  • Lenses may be replaced within that timeframe when there is a change in prescription.
  • More than 45,000 adults and 33,000 children have received assistance to pay for eyewear over the last three years at a cost of more than $12 million.

Learn More:

For more information on online eyewear: http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2005/optical.htm

For a link to Pacific Blue Cross: http://www.pac.bluecross.ca/corp

For a link to Clearly Contacts: www.clearlycontacts.ca

Contact:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development
250 387-5635
Grant.Kerr@gov.bc.ca

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03645

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