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close menu Office of the Premier

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

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
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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.
  Read More

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.
  Read More

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.
  Read More

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.
  Read More

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

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.
  Read More

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

Reminder to have your say about app-based ride-hailing, food-delivery work

January 3, 2023 9:00 AM
Time is running out to share your thoughts about app-based ride-hailing and food-delivery work in B.C.
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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
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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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Richmond offers integrated mental-health, substance-use supports for young people

January 12, 2023 12:00 PM
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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

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.
  Read More

New permitting strategy will help build homes faster

January 16, 2023 9:48 AM
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Attorney General

Correctional centre gives thanks, donates spuds to community

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Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

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Email: AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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.
  Read More

Increased funding for Human Rights Tribunal will make justice more accessible

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Attorney General

British Columbia News

Correctional centre gives thanks, donates spuds to community

https://news.gov.bc.ca/07119

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News Release

Prince George
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 2:45 PM

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News Release

Prince George

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 2:45 PM

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Just in time for Thanksgiving, 700 pounds of potatoes were delivered today to the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, courtesy of a unique gardening program at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC).

The gardening program, which has operated at the PGRCC for more than 25 years, gives inmates the opportunity to grow potatoes, onions, tomatoes and other seasonal vegetables. Once harvested, they are shared with local soup kitchens and food banks. Throughout the growing season, the centre works with numerous community organizations to donate food to people in need, while at the same time provides inmates with new life skills, positive experiences, a chance to give back to the community and a greater sense of purpose.

Inmates work in the greenhouse and garden plots - both of which are located on-site at the correctional centre. Correctional officers supervise and operate the program, assigning duties to the inmates, who are taught basic gardening and horticulture skills by a qualified instructor.

The PGRCC also recently donated a greenhouse built by inmates to the Cedars Christian School gardening program, which teaches children to grow and harvest veggies, sharing the crop with the Prince George Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen.

Quotes:

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice -

“Programs that bring learning, life skills and community service together not only teach inmates to grow their own skills, it allows them to feel the joy that comes from giving back, which is a gift that cannot be underestimated. Through self-esteem-building programs like this, we are able to show inmates a different way of living, which helps reduce the likelihood of re-offending.”

Shirley Bond, MLA, Prince George-Valemount -

“The gardening program gives inmates a sense of satisfaction and makes a positive difference in our community. The inmates are given meaningful work and are taught to look outward, while those in need throughout Prince George have more fresh produce on their plates - a real, tangible connection between members in our community.”

Mike Morris, MLA, Prince George-Mackenzie -

“As a member of the RCMP for more than 30 years, I can tell you that I have seen first-hand what a difference programs such as these have in the community - for many it means the difference between a life of crime and successful re-integration into society. To have a program that enriches lives both on the giving and receiving end really is a win-win for Prince George.”

Phil Chafe, deputy warden, PGRCC -

“I’ve seen both the inmates and our staff get great satisfaction from loading up this huge mound of potatoes onto the truck to give to local charities. It’s a great outcome to share our harvest with people in need at local food banks after all of the hard work the inmates put into learning gardening skills and harvesting the vegetables.”

Neil Wilkinson, corps officer, Prince George Salvation Army -

“The gardening program at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre has been making a real difference in our community, giving back to those in need by putting food on the table for those who may be struggling. I know many families will be giving thanks to the centre’s inmates and staff this Thanksgiving for their efforts and generosity.”

Bernie Goold, chair of the board of directors, Prince George St. Vincent de Paul -

“The fresh produce that we receive from the correctional centre is such a luxury for the people we serve, and goes directly to supplement our daily meal programs, our family food hampers, and our fresh fruit and veggie hampers.”

Quick Facts:

  • A number of work programs across B.C. are providing inmates serving their sentences an opportunity to make a positive, local impact while gaining work experience.
  • In August, the gardening program at PGRCC donated 240 pounds of food to the local Salvation Army to help satisfy the continual need for fresh produce to supplement the donation of canned and packaged goods.
  • The Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre has a greenhouse and gardening program, as well as an arborist program in partnership with Thompson Rivers University. This fall, the centre donated its gardening program’s fall harvest to the Kamloops Food Bank, Women’s Shelter and Canadian Mental Health Society.
  • Nanaimo Correctional Centre provides bike repair services to the Compassionate Resource Warehouse, a volunteer organization that supplies refurbished bicycles to families in impoverished countries.
  • BC Corrections partners with the SPCA to help train inmates at the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in animal handling, in a program that rehabilitates stray dogs for placement in the local community.
  • Recently, inmates working in the tailor shop at Surrey Pretrial Services Centre sewed warm coats for dogs that are sheltered at the Surrey Animal Resource Centre.

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602

https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/photos/a.258924264125873.71392.203652059653094/869450896406537/?type=1
https://news.gov.bc.ca/07119

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