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Province stops museum plan, will consult public on museum’s future

June 22, 2022 12:45 PM
Royal BC Museum project is stopped
The Province is halting plans announced last month to rebuild the Royal British Columbia Museum.
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Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
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close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey

June 23, 2022 10:15 AM
Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey
More people in Surrey and the Fraser Valley will be able to pursue careers in physical therapy at a new training space coming to Surrey.
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Investing in biomedical engineering will bolster British Columbians’ health

June 13, 2022 11:15 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

B.C. ramps up support for agritech

June 24, 2022 8:30 AM
Two Vancouver-based agritech businesses are paving the way for stronger food security through B.C.’s Agritech Ramp-Up Pilot Program (Ramp-Up) with robotics and technology to support B.C.’s agriculture sector.
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Agriculture advisory group to help create more resilient food supply

June 14, 2022 8:30 AM
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close menu Attorney General

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
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Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
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Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
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More Cariboo communities connected to high-speed internet

June 23, 2022 9:00 AM
More than 1,200 households in 15 communities, including four First Nations communities, have access to high-speed internet services in the Cariboo, thanks to the installation of new fibre to the home.
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Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families

June 20, 2022 12:02 PM
Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families
Applications are being accepted from child care providers to join the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program this year, which will enable them to offer low-cost child care, making life more affordable for thousands more families in B.C.
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Nisga’a students will benefit from new gymnasium

June 20, 2022 2:30 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
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B.C. supports EV adoption from purchase through repair

June 1, 2022 12:55 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy

June 20, 2022 1:15 PM
B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy
People in British Columbia will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the actions included in the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.
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Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
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close menu Finance

Heat pump demand heats up in northern B.C.

June 20, 2022 11:52 AM
Heat pumps are more affordable than ever in B.C. with a provincial sales tax (PST) exemption and the launch of a new incentive to help people switch to the cleaner, energy-efficient technology that works in warm and cold climates.
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Rating agencies validate B.C.’s financial plan to support people, businesses

June 10, 2022 11:23 AM
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close menu Forests

Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season

June 3, 2022 9:15 AM
Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season
British Columbians can expect cooler and wetter conditions in June, which means the fire hazard is anticipated to remain low through the early summer, as shown in the BC Wildfire Service’s latest seasonal outlook.
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Province launches public engagement on strengthening Great Bear Rainforest

June 9, 2022 9:00 AM
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Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital

May 30, 2022 11:10 AM
Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital
People in one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C. are one step closer to expanded patient care as construction begins on the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.
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BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act
Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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B.C. invests in First Nations language, arts, culture and heritage revitalization

June 14, 2022 1:15 PM
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Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
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Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure

June 16, 2022 1:30 PM
Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure
A new agreement signed between the Province of B.C. and the group Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) will help deliver innovative and clean solutions for future transportation projects and priorities.
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Tŝilhqot’in Nation will benefit from forest-to-frame project

June 22, 2022 10:46 AM
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close menu Labour

B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers

May 31, 2022 8:30 AM
B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers
As of June 1, 2022, B.C.’s lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, which is the highest of any province.
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B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
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close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.

April 21, 2022 11:15 AM
Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.
An ongoing effort to restore watersheds and wetlands in the province is creating a healthier future for British Columbians by mitigating the impacts of climate change on communities, strengthening ecosystems and securing quality drinking water.
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Minister’s and parliamentary secretary’s statement on federal decision about salmon farms

June 22, 2022 4:20 PM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
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New Foundry will provide services to youth in northeastern B.C.

June 14, 2022 12:30 PM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
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Summer Reading Club will keep kids and families reading

June 27, 2022 12:15 PM
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Joint statement on the first anniversary of the Lytton wildfire

June 30, 2022 8:00 AM
First anniversary of the Lytton wildfire
Premier John Horgan and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, have released the following statement marking one year since the Lytton wildfire:
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Toxic drug supply continues to devastate communities throughout B.C.

June 9, 2022 10:00 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
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Network helps people with disabilities focus on mental, physical wellness

June 3, 2022 8:30 AM
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Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city
FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver has been chosen as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Grants help youth in and from government care get in the game

May 30, 2022 12:30 PM
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Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1

June 16, 2022 8:00 AM
Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1
Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway, protecting the safe movement of people and goods in British Columbia.
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Major progress on Kicking Horse Canyon Project in first year of construction

June 8, 2022 9:00 AM
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Children and Family Development

$250,000 for educational fund to help youth from care

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Honourable Mitzi Dean

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close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

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Children and Family Development

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$250,000 for educational fund to help youth from care

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08588

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News Release

Surrey
Monday, June 8, 2015 10:30 AM

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News Release

Surrey

Monday, June 8, 2015 10:30 AM

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Government is contributing $250,000 to the Youth Futures Education Fund, which will be available to help cover expenses beyond tuition that may be a barrier to post-secondary education for former youth in care.

The fund was initiated in 2014 with a $200,000 investment by Coast Capital Savings, and is held in trust by the Vancouver Foundation.

Living expenses for a post-secondary student - including rent, utilities, food and transportation - are estimated at $10,000 for an eight-month school term, in addition to other significant costs, such as student fees and books. Many former children and youth who have been in care lack the traditional family supports that might help them overcome such financial obstacles.

The fund is intended to work in concert with existing programs. The Youth Education Assistance Fund, the Agreements with Young Adults program, Post-secondary Tuition Waivers and a number of cross-government services and supports are available to help youth transitioning from care pursue education or vocational training, and gain the life and work skills they need to become independent.

Details for the fund, including eligibility criteria and application procedures are being established by an advisory council with representation from:

  • Coast Capital Savings Credit Union
  • The BC Federation of Foster Parent Association
  • The Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents
  • The Office of the Representative for Children and Youth
  • The Ministry of Children and Family Development
  • The Ministry of Advanced Education
  • The BC Colleges consortium
  • The BC Association of Institutes and Universities
  • The Research Universities’ Council of BC
  • The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks
  • The Public Guardian and Trustee

The announcement of government’s contribution to the Youth Futures Education Fund aligns with the spirit of B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week (June 1-8), which celebrates the individuality, accomplishments, resilience, talents and contributions of all B.C. children and youth in care, including youth engaged in out-of-care options, such as Youth Agreements. Increased awareness and recognition can help combat the negative stereotypes and social stigmas that many of these children and youth face.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development -

“This government is proud to work with our partners in the social and private sectors to ensure young people have the tools and supports they need to give them the best chance when they transition to adulthood. This new fund will be a welcome complement to the range of services and supports that are available to help former children and youth in care achieve success.”

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, Representative for Children and Youth -

“I am pleased to see today’s government contribution to the Youth Futures Education Fund and I encourage the private sector to step up and participate in this important initiative started by Coast Capital Savings. I am also happy to note that, to date, 10 B.C. post-secondary institutions have accepted my challenge and are now offering tuition-waiver programs for former youth in care. I call on all B.C. post-secondary schools to step forward. It is important to do all we can to help these youth to a brighter future.”

Don Coulter, president and CEO, Coast Capital Savings -

“We applaud the government for their contribution to this vitally important fund. Coast Capital’s community promise is to help build a richer future for youth in our community, and that is absolutely the aim of this fund.”

“We need to work together to help improve post-secondary participation for youth formerly in care. All young people deserve an opportunity to better their future, and investing in these youth is good for them, it is good for our communities and it is good for the future of our province.”

Kevin McCort, president and CEO, Vancouver Foundation -

“Vancouver Foundation is committed to strengthening the support systems available to youth as they leave government care and transition into adulthood. We know that getting a good education is about more than tuition and books - it's about creating and supporting a stable environment for students to thrive. The Youth Futures Education Fund helps ensure that young people leaving foster care can cover basic costs of living during their studies."

Quick Facts:

  • The Youth Educational Assistance Fund (YEAF) supports post-secondary education and training for former youth in care through bursaries of $5,500 per educational year, up to a maximum of four times, to assist with tuition, books and fees.
  • Since the fund was created in 2002, the ministry has contributed $12.6 million to the program and more than 1,475 youth have received YEAF bursaries.
  • Agreements with Young Adults provide financial assistance to youth formerly in care or on a Youth Agreement to upgrade their education or take part in a rehabilitative program.
  • More than 1,950 young adults have benefited from Agreements with Young Adults since the program was established in 2008.
  • On June 1, 2015, The Ministry of Children and Family Development along with the Adoptive Families Association of BC and the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks launched a new website, Agedout.com - https://agedout.com - with resources designed to help current and former youth in care with the transition to adulthood.
  • On May 29, 2015, MCFD provided $315,000 to support the establishment of a youth and young adult mentorship program that will be delivered through Covenant House Vancouver.
  • On May 22, 2015, MCFD provided a further $250,000 to extend and expand the YWCA’s Strive program, which offers underemployed former youth in care, between the ages of 17 and 24 years, with hands-on guidance in life skills like financial literacy, time management, decision-making and problem-solving that are key to living independently.
  • Tuition waivers are now available at many B.C. post-secondary institutions for eligible students who have been in government care.
  • Changes are being made to better serve vulnerable children and to streamline the implementation of the new BC Training and Education Savings Program (BCTESP) grant of $1,200 paid into a Registered Education Savings Plan to help families plan and save early for their education after high school. These changes will include the creation of a separate fund to provide for the training and educational needs of former children in care and other vulnerable children.

Learn More:

Youth Futures Education Fund: www.vancouverfoundation.ca/YouthFutures

B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week: www.bcchildandyouthincareweek.com

MCFD youth programs and services: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth/index.htm

Youth Education Assistance Fund: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/yeaf/index.htm

Covenant House Vancouver: www.covenanthousebc.org

Agreements with Young Adults: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth/aya.htm

Strive: http://www.ywcavan.org/programs/employment-programs-services/employment-programs/strive

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-0543

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08588

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