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B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
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New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

XY Ranch celebrates 100 years of raising livestock

August 4, 2023 1:15 PM
The Bouffioux family of Fort St. John is being honoured with a Century Farm Award, recognizing its contribution and dedication to agriculture in British Columbia since 1916. 
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B.C., Canada help farmers with climate adaptation, drought

August 2, 2023 2:00 PM
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Input from sheriffs to strengthen access to court services

September 27, 2023 10:00 AM
Input from sheriffs to strengthen access to court services
B.C.’s justice system will be strengthened by the B.C. Sheriff Service’s (BCSS) comprehensive plan to support sheriffs and make sure people have consistent, safer access to court services.
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New chair appointed to Building Code Appeal Board

August 24, 2023 8:30 AM
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Vancouver Island camp expansion will serve more children with disabilities

July 20, 2023 10:15 AM
Vancouver Island camp expansion will serve more children with disabilities
More children and youth with disabilities will be able to go to camp thanks in part to a $7-million grant from the Province of B.C.
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Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
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More grant recipients promoting BC Demographic Survey

August 25, 2023 11:15 AM
More grant recipients promoting BC Demographic Survey
More community and Indigenous groups are receiving grants to help their communities participate in the BC Demographic Survey. 
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High-speed broadband access expanded to 6 Kootenay communities

August 3, 2023 10:00 AM
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Elementary school expansion provides more classrooms for Nanaimo students

September 11, 2023 9:15 AM
École Hammond Bay Elementary
Students have more space for learning at École Hammond Bay Elementary this fall after the completion of an expansion that added 12 new classrooms to the school. 
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Child care savings make returning to school more affordable for more B.C. families

August 31, 2023 1:30 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

State of emergency ends, fire response continues

September 14, 2023 3:43 PM
Based on advice from emergency management and wildfire officials, British Columbia’s provincial state of emergency will expire at the end of the day on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
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Financial assistance for local governments, First Nations affected by wildfire

September 6, 2023 1:50 PM
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Electric planes, motorcycles, boats showcase B.C. clean-transportation innovation

August 2, 2023 8:30 AM
A high-tech revolution is dramatically changing how British Columbia moves people and goods in the air, on the land and over the water, supported by government funding for companies that specialize in inventing and advancing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies. 
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Columbia River Treaty talks move forward after constructive Seattle session

August 15, 2023 3:08 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Province sets single-use plastic requirements

July 14, 2023 11:15 AM
Province sets single-use plastic requirements
A new provincial regulation will expand B.C.’s efforts to tackle hard-to-recycle single-use and plastic items.
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Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais guardians appointed with park ranger authority

July 25, 2023 2:30 PM
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Increased BC Family Benefit here to stay

July 18, 2023 10:15 AM
Increased BC Family Benefit here to stay
More than 285,000 families throughout B.C. will see bigger payments in their bank accounts starting this month, thanks to the permanently increased BC Family Benefit.
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Tax-credit lift puts more money in more people’s pockets

July 5, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Forests

Use caution, be fire safe this long weekend

August 31, 2023 2:30 PM
Be wildfire safe this long weekend
Residents and travellers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant this Labour Day long weekend as ongoing elevated drought conditions in much of British Columbia increase the potential for wildfires.
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B.C. acts to protect fish in Koksilah, Upper Cowichan rivers

August 24, 2023 11:15 AM
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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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Expanded travel programs benefit patients needing cancer care

September 27, 2023 3:15 PM
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close menu Housing

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

Safe housing for women leaving violence opens in Campbell River

September 12, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Premier’s and minister’s statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

September 30, 2023 7:30 AM
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
Premier David Eby and Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, issued the following statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day:
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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

B.C. supports research to protect coastal ecosystem

August 16, 2023 9:15 AM
B.C. supports research to protect coastal ecosystem
New funding for the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Experimental Ocean Climate Change Lab (EXCEL) will support research on the impact of climate change on the environment and the promotion of resilience and sustainability for B.C.’s marine sector.
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Minister’s statement on July Labour Force Survey results

August 4, 2023 8:40 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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Work continues around improved protections for app-based workers

August 3, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. secures measures to ensure families feel safe accessing public spaces

September 14, 2023 9:22 AM
Keeping child-focused spaces safe
To help ensure kids and families feel safe in their communities, the Province has received approval from the federal government to prohibit the possession of illegal drugs at playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks.
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New recovery beds will support healthier communities in northern B.C.

September 13, 2023 8:30 AM
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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

Provincial Tuition Waiver Program expanded to former youth in care of all ages

September 14, 2023 8:00 AM
Provincial Tuition Waiver Program expanded to former youth in care of all ages
People looking to enrol in post-secondary education, who are former youth in care, will benefit from an expansion of the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program, which has launched for the fall semester.
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Expanded graduate scholarship funding will support students

August 22, 2023 12:00 PM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province provides support to strengthen local fire departments

September 22, 2023 11:37 AM
Three firefighters in dirty gear smile at the camera
Communities throughout British Columbia will see improved emergency response from their local fire departments as the Province provides support to strengthen community firefighting capacity.
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Supports expanding for people in mental-health, substance-use crisis

July 17, 2023 10:15 AM
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Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty

September 26, 2023 11:00 AM
Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty
First Nations across B.C. will benefit from a $15-million investment from the Province to the First Nation Well Being Fund.
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People with injuries, disabilities supported getting back to work

September 6, 2023 11:45 AM
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B.C., viaSport take steps to make amateur sport safer

June 20, 2023 3:00 PM
B.C., viaSport take steps to make amateur sport safer
The Province and viaSport are improving safety in sports by continuing to provide education about safe sport, and by taking steps toward an independent complaints process for B.C.’s amateur sport sector.
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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 Transportation and Infrastructure

20-year strategy advances solutions for Central Okanagan transportation

September 28, 2023 11:45 AM
20-year strategy advances solutions for Central Okanagan transportation
A new comprehensive transportation strategy for the Central Okanagan between Lake Country and Peachland examines a range of projects that will help connect people with their communities, promote affordability, support the economy and the movement of goods, and create a cleaner environment. 
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Upgrades to highways 91 and 17 create safer, faster travel

September 28, 2023 11:30 AM
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B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
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Public input will enhance B.C.’s first-ever coastal marine strategy

August 15, 2023 2:00 PM
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Health

Kamloops residents safer with access to defibrillators

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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

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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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Health

British Columbia News

Kamloops residents safer with access to defibrillators

https://news.gov.bc.ca/06354

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News Release

Kamloops
Friday, June 6, 2014 2:15 PM

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News Release

Kamloops

Friday, June 6, 2014 2:15 PM

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In the past five weeks, four automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were placed in the Kamloops area, increasing the chance of a good medical outcome for residents who may suffer a sudden cardiac arrest.

The AEDs were donated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation to the Kamloops Airport, Singh Street Soccer Bowl, Tournament Capital Ranch and Sun Peaks Sports Field as part of the Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) program.

Provided through funding from the B.C. government and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the program supports the installation of up to 750 AEDs in public venues, such as community centres, arenas, recreation centres, playing fields and parks, throughout B.C. by 2017.

“Sudden cardiac arrest can affect any one of us, anywhere, at any time,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Government’s continued support of the Public Access to Defibrillation program ensures that AEDs are in place in busy public venues to help provide all of us with the ability to save a life or the chance to survive a sudden cardiac arrest.”

For many, the thought of sudden cardiac arrest affecting their lives is a remote possibility, but over 2,000 British Columbians experience a sudden cardiac arrest each year. The current survival rate for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is only about 5%. When CPR is used with defibrillation, or an electrical shock to the heart, this survival rate jumps up to 75%.

An AED is a safe, portable device anyone can use to deliver an electric shock to restart a heart in sudden cardiac arrest. The AED reads the heart rhythm and only delivers a shock if needed.

The Public Access to Defibrillation program was officially launched in February 2013, with $1 million from both the B.C. Ministry of Health and the Heart and Stroke Foundation to install 450 AEDs provincewide. Additional funding from both parties will bring the total support for the program up to $4 million, and 300 more AEDs to British Columbians by the end of 2017. To date, more than 185 AEDs have been placed in over 80 communities throughout the province.

“Last week, government announced an additional $1 million in funding to increase public access to defibrillators,” said Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone. “Today, we get to see first hand what this means for the residents in the Kamloops region.”

The Heart and Stroke Foundation has partnered with the BC Ambulance Service to implement the PAD program, with paramedics providing on-site orientation and ongoing program oversight for each AED installation. Paramedics train staff and volunteers at each location to learn the chain of survival – Call 9-1-1, Do CPR and Use an AED.

Every venue that receives an AED through the PAD program registers their device in a registry, which is linked to the BC Ambulance Service’s ambulance dispatch system. This registry enables a bystander who calls 9-1-1 to be directed by a dispatcher to the nearest AED. The BC Ambulance Service dispatchers also can assist bystanders on how to use the AED during a medical emergency.

“The goal of our PAD program orientation sessions is to empower bystanders to feel confident performing CPR and using an AED during a medical emergency,” said Paul Swain, BC Ambulance Service’s director of Interior Region. “We want as many people as possible to understand that early intervention gives sudden cardiac arrest patients their best shot at survival and that the ability to save someone’s life is in their hands.”

“We’re placing AEDs where there is the greatest chance they’ll save a life,” said Shelley Parker, PAD program manager, Heart and Stroke Foundation. “Through this program, we will donate hundreds of AEDs to public places across the province and give bystanders the tools to help someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.”

Over 100 paramedics participate in the BC PAD program and have conducted educational orientations for 186 venues to date. Hundreds of British Columbians have learned CPR and how to apply an AED since the program began in February 2013.

Learn more:

For more information about the PAD program, visit: www.BCPADProgram.ca

To learn more about AEDs and sudden cardiac arrest, visit: www.aedinyourhands.ca

Media Contacts:

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

Lisa Pilling
Communications Officer
BC Ambulance Service
778 679-5641

https://news.gov.bc.ca/06354

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