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close menu Office of the Premier

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians

March 7, 2023 10:55 AM
Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians
The Province is investing more than $200 million in food security to ensure people have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.   
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Farmers, ranchers, processors supported by new Canada-B.C. partnership

March 15, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Attorney General

B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

May 1, 2023 1:48 PM
B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
New legislation will make it easier for people to get money owed to them following a civil court decision.
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B.C. offers protection for people’s intimate images

May 4, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood
Youth and young adults who have been in government care in British Columbia are receiving expanded supports through the newly named Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program.
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Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

B.C. promotes equity with anti-racism research priorities

May 29, 2023 12:45 PM
BC's anti-racism research priorities
The Province takes another step improving access to government programs and services for Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities, with the release of 12 priorities for anti-racism research.
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More cell connectivity means safer travel on Highway 14

May 4, 2023 12:45 PM
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School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids

April 4, 2023 12:30 PM
School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids
More children and youth will have access to healthy meals and snacks at school through the Province’s new Feeding Futures funding, which invests in building and expanding local school food programs.
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Students get improved air quality in B.C. schools

March 15, 2023 2:30 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer

May 24, 2023 2:00 PM
Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer
More than 100 local governments and First Nations will benefit from provincial funding to support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres.
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Financial assistance available for people affected by flooding

May 16, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

B.C. drives industry shift to cleaner heavy-duty transportation

April 27, 2023 9:45 AM
British Columbia’s commercial vehicle sector is accelerating toward the clean transportation economy with provincial support to help organizations achieve their climate goals, reduce costs and remain competitive.
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B.C. expands EV charging, leads country in going electric

April 11, 2023 1:45 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost

May 30, 2023 12:15 PM
B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost
The Province is helping protect and restore B.C.’s marine environment with a further investment in the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund.
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Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
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close menu Finance

Safe money services protect people from money laundering

March 29, 2023 2:05 PM
Safe money services protect people from money laundering
People in B.C. can be confident that money services businesses they use will have greater oversight by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) as a new provincial regulator.
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Public registry would end hidden ownership in private businesses

March 29, 2023 1:55 PM
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close menu Forests

Be prepared, help prevent wildfires this long weekend

May 19, 2023 8:45 AM
Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.
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Backcountry access restored after wildfire closures

May 2, 2023 3:30 PM
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close menu Health

Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments

May 31, 2023 4:25 PM
See a pharmacist for minor ailments and contraceptives
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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Enhanced safety, quality for care-home residents

May 29, 2023 9:10 AM
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close menu Housing

Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected

May 31, 2023 11:00 AM
Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected
As part of the actions government is taking to deliver homes for people faster, the first cohort of municipalities for housing targets have been selected, paving the way for building more good homes in areas with the greatest need throughout British Columbia.
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New affordable rental homes open in Coquitlam

May 26, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation

May 9, 2023 12:45 PM
Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation
New provincial legislation supports the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance by recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) as the government of the Haida Nation in provincial law.
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Clean energy powers Indigenous-led projects in Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior

April 27, 2023 8:36 AM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Premier’s statement on the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

May 6, 2023 7:15 AM
Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the Coronation of King Charles III, King of Canada and Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Camilla:
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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

Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries

May 17, 2023 1:00 PM
Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries
A new B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy will chart the course for a more competitive, modernized marine sector with reduced carbon emissions, and creating more highly skilled jobs to meet growing demands.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Labour

Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1

April 5, 2023 12:30 PM
Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1
On June 1, 2023, B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a pay raise with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour.
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Gig work ‘what we heard’ report available online

April 11, 2023 2:45 PM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

New program helps people with overdose-related brain injuries

May 25, 2023 12:15 PM
Supporting people with brain injuries with a first-of-its-kind program
British Columbians living with brain injuries related to substance use now have access to specialized supports through a first-of-its-kind program in Canada.
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B.C. enhances access to addictions support for women and girls

May 17, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province

March 24, 2023 10:45 AM
Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province
Public library users in communities throughout B.C. will benefit from modernized technology, enhanced programs and services, and better access to information through $45 million in provincial funding.
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Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning

June 6, 2023 8:30 AM
Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning
More people will have access to work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, practicums and community-service-learning opportunities as the Province partners with 13 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
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More supports to help people prepare for in-demand careers

June 2, 2023 11:45 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Unexplained wealth orders crack down on organized crime

March 30, 2023 11:25 AM
Cracking down on the proceeds of organized crime
The B.C. government is targeting organized crime by creating a new suite of tools to seize proceeds of crime, such as fast cars, glamourous homes and luxury goods, making gang life unprofitable.
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Dedicated hubs target repeat violent offending to build safer communities

April 12, 2023 12:30 PM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food

May 18, 2023 10:45 AM
New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food
A new Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank warehouse will help people get access to fresh, nutritious food, and boost food recovery and delivery services across Vancouver Island.
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New training prepares people for more jobs in social services sector

May 4, 2023 8:15 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable

May 25, 2023 10:15 AM
Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable
In time for GoByBike Week, the Province is offering rebates on the purchase of eligible new e-bikes for people who want to add some power to their pedal and start commuting by bike.
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Aviation investments support essential services, economic growth

May 19, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery

June 1, 2023 10:45 AM
Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery
To mark B.C. Wild Salmon Day, government is providing more than $17 million for wild salmon restoration throughout the province to ensure present and future generations of British Columbians enjoy the benefits of this iconic species.
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Communities along Fraser River benefit from increased flood resilience

May 2, 2023 11:30 AM
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Health

Government expands support for Vancouver's most vulnerable youth

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Honourable Adrian Dix

Honourable Adrian Dix

Minister of Health and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs

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Email: HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Health

Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments

May 31, 2023 4:25 PM
See a pharmacist for minor ailments and contraceptives
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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Enhanced safety, quality for care-home residents

May 29, 2023 9:10 AM
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Health

British Columbia News

Government expands support for Vancouver's most vulnerable youth

https://news.gov.bc.ca/05984

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News Release

Vancouver
Tuesday, April 8, 2014 1:00 PM

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News Release

Vancouver

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 1:00 PM

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It can be hard to find help when you’re on the streets. Youth who are lost, alone and struggling with addictions or mental illness will have more support with the doubling of the Inner City Youth team in Vancouver, Health Minister Terry Lake announced today.

The Inner City Youth team is operated by Providence Health Care and delivered in the community by St. Paul’s Hospital care teams. The program helps homeless or nearly homeless youth (under 24) living with mental illnesses and/or addictions. The team will now have the capacity to support up to 240 youths.

“Vulnerable youth are a key focus of the commitments we made in our recent provincial mental health action plan,” said Minister Lake. “By ensuring access to housing, health care and social supports, we can provide vulnerable youth with a foundation for recovery, stability and self-sufficiency.”

The Inner City Youth team connects with vulnerable youth through outreach work at sites in downtown Vancouver and St. Paul’s Hospital. The Inner City Youth team of psychiatrists, registered psychiatric nurses, a nurse practitioner, social workers, an occupational therapist and rehabilitation assistants find and help youths to get their lives back.

“The expanded Inner City Youth team is a valuable addition to the existing range of government supports for vulnerable youth, including Agreements with Young Adults, employment services, therapeutic and addictions programs, and services dedicated to helping kids transitioning from foster care,” said Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux. “Together, these initiatives move young people away from high-risk activities and into positive life choices on the road to becoming successful and contributing adults.”

The team works to address each person’s entire situation, not just mental illness or substance use. Inner City Youth team members provide mental health and substance use treatment and follow up appointments, as well as group treatment with weekly goal setting, psychosocial rehab, recreation, and cognitive therapy.

“One in five mental health and addiction related visits to St. Paul’s Hospital’s emergency department are by people under the age of 24,” said Dr. Steve Mathias, medical director, Inner City Youth team. “Expanding the Inner City Youth team will help us to reach more vulnerable youth before they present in emergency departments and connect them with the services they need to thrive in the community.”

The Ministry of Health is providing up to $20.25 million in 2014/15 for health authorities to invest in more local programs and supports to improve care for this high needs population, including $750,000 in funding to expand the Inner City Youth team’s capacity by 100%.

Not only are the teams expanding, but the funding will also allow for the creation of a storefront clinic in the downtown eastside, and a psychosocial rehabilitation team to help youth aged 16 to 24 develop skills to go back to school or start job training.

The Inner City Youth team, originally the Inner City Youth Mental Health Team, began in November 2007. It’s currently funded by Providence Health Care, Vancouver Coastal Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation and lead donor, Silver Wheaton.

The Inner City Youth team is one of the strategies outlined by the Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health/Providence Health Care to address the complex needs of people living with severe addictions and/or mental illness.

Quick Facts:

The Inner City Youth team is currently operating in the following downtown Vancouver locations:

  • Covenant House Vancouver
  • St. Paul's Hospital
  • Imuoto
  • Pacific Coast apartments
  • St. Helen's Hotel
  • Marguerite Ford Apartments.

Learn More:

Improving Health Services for Individuals with Severe Addiction and Mental Illness plan: www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/2013/improving-severe-addiction-and-mental-illness-services.pdf

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Dave Lefebvre
Senior Communications Specialist
Providence Health Care
604 682-2344 ext.66987

https://news.gov.bc.ca/05984

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