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close menu Office of the Premier

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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close menu Attorney General

Sixty-eight organizations receive grants to help shape anti-racism legislation

July 27, 2023 8:00 AM
Sixty-eight organizations receive grants to help shape anti-racism legislation
Racialized people can now share their perspectives in culturally safe spaces as 68 organizations across B.C. receive more than $300,000 to engage community members on the development of new anti-racism legislation.
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New chair appointed to Building Code Appeal Board

August 24, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

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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close menu Education and Child Care

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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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

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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close menu Finance

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

Expanded travel programs benefit patients needing cancer care

September 27, 2023 3:15 PM
Improving access to cancer care
Patients around B.C., especially those living in rural and remote areas, will benefit from improved access to life-saving cancer care as the Province provides $20 million to expand medical travel support.
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Physician assistants are one step closer to joining B.C.’s health-care workforce

September 27, 2023 11:00 AM
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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

Annual report updates collective efforts to achieve objectives of UN Declaration

June 28, 2023 12:45 PM
Detailed reporting on progress to improve lives of Indigenous Peoples now available
B.C. is providing detailed reporting about progress to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) through the 2022-23 Declaration Act Annual Report.
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Ts’uubaa-asatx, B.C. reach reconciliation goal

July 7, 2023 12:00 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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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

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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B.C. helps remove barriers for people with disabilities

July 27, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

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

West Fraser Road reopens after washout in 2018

August 23, 2023 11:15 AM
West Fraser Road reopens
People in the Quesnel area can now travel a recently completed new section of West Fraser Road after the old road washed out in 2018. 
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Highway 4 reopens two full lanes for travel

August 31, 2023 2:15 PM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

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

Public input will enhance B.C.’s first-ever coastal marine strategy

August 15, 2023 2:00 PM
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Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

$3.3M investment helps integrate skilled newcomers into B.C.'s workforce

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Honourable Brenda Bailey

Honourable Brenda Bailey

Honourable Brenda Bailey

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Email: JEDI.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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

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$3.3M investment helps integrate skilled newcomers into B.C.'s workforce

https://news.gov.bc.ca/06732

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News Release

Victoria
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 2:45 PM

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News Release

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Wednesday, August 6, 2014 2:45 PM

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More skilled immigrants will be able to have their professional qualifications recognized in B.C. with the renewal of the Foreign Qualifications Recognition (FQR) funding agreement between the federal government and the Province of British Columbia.

Under this agreement, federal funding of $3.3M over three years will help speed up and improve the process for recognizing the foreign credentials and qualifications of immigrants in B.C. With over 280 regulated occupations in the province of British Columbia and approximately 38,000 newcomers to B.C. each year, a fair, efficient process for immigrants to get their certification and/or license to work in these occupations is essential to meeting B.C.’s labour-market requirements.

The federal government in co-ordination with all provinces and territories recently announced 10 additional priority occupations that are part of a national framework to streamline foreign credential recognition. Service standards for priority occupations are established so that internationally trained professionals can have their qualifications assessed within one year, anywhere in Canada.

This agreement supports a key objective of the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a Strong Resource Economy between Canada and B.C. by helping to reduce barriers to labour mobility and foreign credential recognition for workers who relocate for jobs in the resources sector.

British Columbia works collaboratively with the federal government to support FQR investments, including prioritizing B.C.’s high-demand occupations such as the trades, technical occupations, and engineering. In 2013/14, B.C. invested approximately $3.4M in projects to improve FQR processes.

The assessment and recognition of qualifications in B.C. is the responsibility of 68 regulators. B.C. regulatory bodies are mandated to ensure all individuals seeking licensing or certification meet occupational standards that uphold public health and safety.

Funding to make FQR projects possible is provided by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

"Our government is committed to delivering a trained workforce for jobs in the Liquefied Natural Gas industry and other key sectors. This agreement helps ensure that newcomers can use the skills and work experience they have attained outside of Canada to find meaningful work here in British Columbia. Immigration has played a key role in building our country and province, and we want to be sure that we are maximizing the benefit of the skilled individuals who choose British Columbia as their new home.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Advanced Education -

“Immigrants from all over the world have helped build our province, given us culturally diverse communities, and contributed to our success. Renewal of the Foreign Qualifications Recognition agreement will ensure continued support for highly skilled and educated new Canadians to achieve recognition for their qualifications, and enable them to secure meaningful employment in B.C.”

Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada and Minister for Multiculturalism -

“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Today’s funding will help new Canadians realize their dream of finding well-paying jobs and providing for their families, while also helping fill shortages in in-demand jobs in the Canadian economy.  Our Government will continue to work to streamline the recognition of foreign credentials and help new Canadians find jobs in their fields faster.”
 
John Leech, chief executive officer, Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC

"British Columbia has an acute need for skilled professionals, including engineering technologists and technicians. This funding will help assess and recognize foreign credentials that will help newcomers secure full and rewarding employment in these areas of critical need.”

Quick Facts:

  • By 2022, B.C. is expecting one million job openings created by retirements and the province’s growing economy.
  • Immigrants are expected to fill approximately one-third of these openings.
  • More than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 43% will needs skilled trades and technical workers.
  • Based on a scenario with five LNG plants constructed in B.C. between 2015-2024, the LNG sector has the potential for $175 billion in industry investment over the next decade, and up to 100,000 jobs (58,700 direct and indirect construction jobs, 23,800 permanent direct and indirect jobs for operations, and thousands more of induced jobs as a result of households having more income).
  • At peak construction in 2018, the LNG sector will require 58,700 workers.
  • British Columbia has been actively supporting FQR initiatives since 2006 and has invested over $10M in projects that directly support regulatory bodies, employers, post-secondary institutes and other stakeholders to address challenges identified at each step of the FQR process.

Learn More:

For more information on WelcomeBC, visit: http://www.welcomebc.ca

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799

https://news.gov.bc.ca/06732

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