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close menu Office of the Premier

B.C. throne speech outlines plans to build a stronger, more secure future

February 6, 2023 2:18 PM
Lieutenant governor Janet Austin has delivered a forward-looking speech from the throne, laying out actions the provincial government will take to tackle today’s biggest challenges and build a stronger, more secure future for everyone who calls B.C. home.
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B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Supporting B.C. jobs, food security through agritech

January 26, 2023 11:30 AM
Four B.C. businesses that are developing solutions to help ensure the province’s food systems remain secure, resilient and sustainable are the first to receive funding through the recently launched B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI).
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Planning underway for new B.C. plant and animal health lab

January 26, 2023 9:45 AM
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close menu Attorney General

New premier delivers action to expand housing supply within first days

November 21, 2022 10:43 AM
New premier delivers action to expand housing supply within first days
To help deliver more good homes for people, the Province is introducing new laws to build the homes people need, make it possible for homes that are vacant to be rented and remove discriminatory age and rental restrictions in stratas that hurt young families.
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Increased funding for Human Rights Tribunal will make justice more accessible

January 4, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Operators announced for pilot family connections centres

January 5, 2023 9:30 AM
Families of children and youth with support needs can soon access supports and services through newly established pilot family connections centres in four B.C. communities.
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First rent supplements begin for youth from care in B.C.

December 21, 2022 8:30 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

Access to high-speed internet available in Ruth Lake, Deka Lake in time for holidays

December 22, 2022 10:00 AM
More than 700 households in the Deka Lake and Ruth Lake communities can now access quality, reliable high-speed internet with the completion of a fibre-to-the-home network.
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Streamlined registry services make B.C. businesses easier to operate

November 24, 2022 1:30 PM
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close menu Education and Child Care

B.C. launches anti-racism action plan for K-12 students

January 23, 2023 11:15 AM
Anti-racism action plan for more inclusive schools in B.C.
Empowering students and educators to identify and take action against racism and discrimination in British Columbia schools is the aim of a new provincial K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan launched on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
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Students learning in new classrooms at Dover Bay Secondary

January 18, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Large-scale emergency exercise simulates Lower Mainland earthquake

February 3, 2023 2:30 PM
Large-scale emergency exercise simulates Lower Mainland earthquake
The Province and Public Safety Canada are kicking off a large-scale emergency preparedness training exercise in British Columbia with a simulated alert sent to Exercise Coastal Response 2023 participants.
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Communities benefit from disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation funding

February 3, 2023 12:10 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
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Remote First Nations communities advance clean-energy projects

January 16, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
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Province adds more items to B.C.’s recycling system

January 6, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Finance

New protections in place for homebuyers in B.C.

January 3, 2023 9:30 AM
New protections in place for homebuyers in B.C.
Homebuyers in B.C. now have better protection in the real estate market as the homebuyer protection period takes effect on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.
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Help with costs arrives for British Columbians

January 5, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Forests

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

January 20, 2023 9:05 AM
Photo of mill workers 
Text reads: Support workers in Crofton
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
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Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
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close menu Health

Nurses receive support to join B.C.’s health system more quickly

January 9, 2023 12:46 PM
Photo of a nurse and her patient. Text reads: Helping more nurses practice in BC, faster
The Province is making it easier for internationally educated nurses to work in B.C.’s health-care system with new financial supports and a faster, more efficient assessment pathway.
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Province provides update on respiratory illness season

January 13, 2023 12:55 PM
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close menu Housing

New permitting strategy will help build homes faster

January 16, 2023 9:48 AM
New permitting strategy will help build homes faster
The Province is taking another step to tackle the housing crisis by creating a one-stop-shop approach to provincial permitting to help speed up approvals and construction to build more homes.
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New fund will protect thousands of renters in B.C.

January 12, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in B.C. law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.
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Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Province partner to create Oomiiqsu Mother Centre

November 8, 2022 2:15 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for B.C.’s highest honour

January 6, 2023 9:30 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for B.C.’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
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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

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

January 20, 2023 9:05 AM
Photo of mill workers 
Text reads: Support workers in Crofton
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
  Read More

New jobs fund will support employment, resilient economies

January 17, 2023 2:05 PM
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close menu Labour

B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in B.C. law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.
  Read More

Farm workers who hand-harvest crops get rate increase Jan. 1

December 29, 2022 9:00 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. takes action to save lives, build new connections of care with drug decriminalization

January 30, 2023 10:38 AM
Photo of a support group
The Province is taking a critical step to end the shame and stigma that prevents people with substance-use challenges from reaching out for life-saving help as B.C.’s decriminalization of people who use drugs comes into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.
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B.C. expands mental-health, substance-use supports for more young people

February 2, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Province cancels student health fee for people fleeing war in Ukraine

December 19, 2022 5:15 PM
On Dec. 19, 2022, the government enacted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel International Student Health Fee Remission Regulation.
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Grants for Lower Mainland non-profits improve arts, culture, sports access

December 8, 2022 9:24 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

B.C. trains more paramedics for emergency health care

February 2, 2023 1:30 PM
B.C. trains more paramedics for emergency health care
British Columbians will have improved access to emergency health services as the Province invests approximately $2 million into expanding paramedic training programs in communities around the province.
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Skills Roadmap helps people in the mining sector

January 20, 2023 8:00 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years

December 12, 2022 10:19 AM
ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years
Government reforms to ICBC are paying off with affordable, steady rates and fiscal stability for people.
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Review highlights B.C.’s strong pandemic response, opportunities for enhancement

December 2, 2022 1:15 PM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation

February 3, 2023 3:35 PM
Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation
Approximately $5 million in grants have been committed to 23 Indigenous-led non-profit organizations from the Indigenous Resilience and Recovery Grant Initiative.
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Medical lab assistant training opens doors to in-demand jobs

January 30, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service
The Government of B.C. has selected 15 British Columbians to receive the Medal of Good Citizenship for their dedication and selfless service to their communities.
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Province supports inclusive, diverse arts sector with $2.7 million

December 15, 2022 1:30 PM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

New funding supports more accessible taxis

February 1, 2023 11:15 AM
New funding supports more accessible taxis
British Columbians who use wheelchairs or have other accessibility needs will soon see more accessible taxis on the road with the launch of the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP).
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Safety improvements ahead for Highway 5A

January 20, 2023 1:05 PM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Marine Protected Area Network partners endorse plan to protect British Columbia’s North Coast

February 5, 2023 10:45 AM
From Fisheries and Oceans Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2023/02/marine-protected-area-network-partners-endorse-plan-to-protect-british-columbias-north-coast.html
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Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
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Children and Family Development

Update on Victoria youth custody centre closure

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Honourable Mitzi Dean

Honourable Mitzi Dean

Honourable Mitzi Dean

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Email: MCF.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Children and Family Development

Operators announced for pilot family connections centres

January 5, 2023 9:30 AM
Families of children and youth with support needs can soon access supports and services through newly established pilot family connections centres in four B.C. communities.
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First rent supplements begin for youth from care in B.C.

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Children and Family Development

British Columbia News

Update on Victoria youth custody centre closure

https://news.gov.bc.ca/06343

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Information Bulletin

Victoria
Thursday, June 5, 2014 2:00 PM

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Information Bulletin

Victoria

Thursday, June 5, 2014 2:00 PM

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Starting July 3, 2014, the Ministry of Children and Family Development will begin transferring youth from Victoria to Burnaby Youth Custody Services.

Over the next 30 days: 

  • Any long-term sentenced (over seven days) or long-term remanded youth will be transferred directly to Burnaby.
  • Those sentenced youth currently in custody and due for release prior to the middle of August will remain in Victoria to complete their sentence. Those sentenced longer will move directly to Burnaby.
  • Youth short-term remand and sentenced to fewer than seven days will continue to be housed at the Victoria youth custody centre until full closure (date to be determined).
  • There will be ongoing review and assessment of each individual youth's circumstances.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development continues to be in discussions with Vancouver Island justice stakeholders regarding the temporary holding of youth. All youth provincial prisoners are the ministry’s responsibility by law. All future operational decisions will ensure programs and custody arrangements support youth while maintaining community safety.

Effective today, impacted staff are receiving the required 90-day notifications in accordance with their collective agreement. Options for staff could include accepting a pre-layoff canvas to leave government service or reassignment to another position within the public service, among other options. The ministry will continue to work with impacted employees during this transition period to discuss their options and provide access to counselling.

Media Contacts:

Sheldon Johnson
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 213-5811

BACKGROUNDER

B.C. Youth Custody Services

  • Prior to closing Victoria Youth Custody Services, B.C.’s operational capacity is 132 staffed beds (84 in Burnaby, 24 in Prince George, 24 in Victoria).
  • Once the Victoria facility is closed, B.C.’s operational youth custody capacity will be 108 (84 in Burnaby and 24 in Prince George), the average daily count of youth last year was 74.
  • Physical capacity refers to what the operational capacity would be if all beds were fully staffed. After closing Victoria Youth Custody Services, enough physical capacity will remain to support any significant increase of youth in custody up to 171 beds (111 in Burnaby and 60 in Prince George).
  • This means B.C. will retain enough operational capacity for a 58% increase in the average daily count of youth in custody and enough physical capacity for a 130% increase.

Burnaby Youth Custody Services

  • Built in 1990 and became a dedicated youth custody facility in 2007.
  • Physical capacity of 111 beds.
  • Current operational capacity of 84.
  • Had a daily average count of 43 youth in custody in 2013-14.
  • Has both secure and open custody units for both male and female youth.
  • Programs for youth include:
    • Core and elective educational programming. Examples include computers, art, cooking, textiles, vocational and physical education. In addition, learning assistance and English as a second language services are available.
    • Vocational programming may include: resumé building, forklift certification, flagging courses, WHMIS, first aid, etc.
    • Ongoing medical and emergency dental services.
    • Mental health services through both contracted and Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services.
    • Substance use counselling and treatment.
    • Contracted Aboriginal liaison workers.
    • Chaplaincy and advocacy services and life-skills training.
    • Volunteer services such as supportive visits, tutoring or special event planning.
    • Intensive support and supervision (ISSP) in the community for higher risk youth which complements, but does not replace the support and supervision provided by a community probation officer. ISSP supports the young person’s participation in social activities, community reintegration, and monitoring compliance with court orders.
    • Gender-specific rehabilitative programming for female youth including: substance use treatment, Girls’ Circle - Promoting Resiliency & Self-esteem for Girls, Rights to Success for Girls, Aboriginal culture programs for female youth, life-skills, health care, and chaplaincy services.

Prince George Youth Custody Services

  • Opened as a dedicated youth custody facility in June 1989.
  • Physical capacity of 60 beds.
  • Current operational capacity of 24.
  • Had a daily average count of 16.5 youth in custody in 2013-14.
  • Has both secure and open custody units for male youth.
  • Also has short-term housing available for female youth for up to seven days.
  • Programs for youth include:
    • Core and elective educational programming. Electives include, for example, computers, art, cooking, vocational and physical education. In addition, learning assistance and English as a second language services are available to meet the needs of youth.
    • Vocational programming that might include: resumé building, WHMIS, first aid, Food Safe, Wilderness Safety (e.g., bear awareness, compass & GPS programs, fire suppression, etc.), and a new barista program was implemented in April 2014.
    • Ongoing medical and emergency dental services.
    • Mental-health services through both contracted and Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services.
    • Substance use counselling and treatment.
    • Contracted Aboriginal liaison workers.
    • Chaplaincy and advocacy services and life-skills training.
    • Volunteer services such as supportive visits and story-telling.
    • Intensive support and supervision (ISSP) in the community for higher risk youth that complements, but does not replace the support and supervision provided by a community probation officer. ISSP supports the young person’s participation in pro-social activities, community reintegration, and monitoring compliance with court orders.
    • Various Aboriginal culture programs, including sweat lodge, smudge and tipi ceremonies, drum making, traditional food preparation and arts and crafts linked to ceremony.

Media Contacts:

Sheldon Johnson
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 213-5811

https://news.gov.bc.ca/06343

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