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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

Million-dollar boost for emergency public alerting in B.C.

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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

January 4, 2023 10:00 AM
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Attorney General

British Columbia News

Million-dollar boost for emergency public alerting in B.C.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08374

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News Release

Victoria
Thursday, May 7, 2015 9:00 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Thursday, May 7, 2015 9:00 AM

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A $1-million dollar initial investment will help to develop the first phase of a new emergency notification management hub and a mobile alerting app to continue to improve disaster preparedness in B.C.

The funding, made possible by the Province's Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) with TELUS, will help Emergency Management BC (EMBC) to enhance the reach of public alerting by improving the speed that alerts can be sent, automating the distribution of emergency alerting across multiple channels, and increasing the types of alerts that can be delivered to cover a variety of disasters and hazards.

The new and enhanced alert management hub, which is anticipated to be implemented over the next two years, will allow for:

  • Faster creation of emergency alerts by EMBC or another authorized user.
  • The ability to identify the geographic area of the emergency event and focus distribution to ensure the message is delivered only to affected areas.
  • Translation of messages into appropriate formats for distribution over multiple notification channels (e.g. smartphone app, radio, television, etc.).
  • Integration with the national Alert Ready notification system which feeds emergency alerts to radio and television stations which, in turn, immediately broadcast them.

The new system will allow alerts to be open to select third parties, such as Alert Ready and Environment Canada, which will be able to subscribe to alerts and publish them on their own distribution channels.

The mobile alerting app is planned for a variety of different devices, and will be developed to work with multiple operating systems, as well as on all B.C. telecommunication carriers.

The SIF was created to fund provincial government initiatives aimed at transforming and improving government service delivery to families and businesses throughout B.C.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

“With the recent tragedy in Nepal, we were reminded of the devastating impact of a major earthquake. Keeping communities informed quickly with critical emergency information will be an important step in ensuring public safety for British Columbia when the ‘big one’ - or any major disaster - hits here at home. With this new alerting hub, EMBC will be able to ensure that a single message is created faster and delivered consistently to reach more British Columbians directly.”

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk -

“This new investment is an important expansion of our communications and emergency infrastructure. Our Strategic Investment Fund with TELUS helps fund transformative information management and information technology projects, such as this one improving safety and communications in communities throughout the province.”

TELUS chief corporate officer Josh Blair -

“More and more British Columbians rely on their mobile devices for breaking news and alerts. Working with the Province and Emergency Management BC to complement TV and radio broadcast alerts with instant messages on wireless devices will help get critical information out to the public and emergency service providers faster and more thoroughly when seconds count. This project will help save lives.”

Cariboo Regional District chair Al Richmond -

“On behalf of the Cariboo Regional District, I applaud the Province of B.C. for implementing this new mass notification system. I am sure it will be truly beneficial to residents of B.C. and the Cariboo Chilcotin. This program, similar to the new Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System which was launched in our region on May 5, will enhance one and other in providing residents with urgent and vital information during an emergency situation.”

Canadian Red Cross B.C. & Yukon director Kimberley Nemrava -

“Our experience has shown that communications is an essential and life-saving component of disaster response. For several years, TELUS has been supporting the Red Cross TELUS Call Centre, which has activated to support disasters in B.C. and abroad. We applaud this new partnership with TELUS and the B.C. government to allow them to reach British Columbians quickly to help keep them safe.”

Quick Facts:

  • Along with investments in capacity - including additional logistics and operations staff and increased capacity for provincial level emergency exercises and training - the Province continues to improve disaster preparedness in British Columbia by:
    • Recent upgrades to the Provincial Emergency Notification System (PENS).
    • Participating in the development and implementation of the Alert Ready national public alerting system to broadcast alerts through radio and television.
    • Analyzing the future of 911 call answer service throughout B.C. for improved service delivery.
    • Drafting the first iteration of the B.C. Earthquake Immediate Response Plan.
    • Proactively reaching out to the public through EMBC’s social media public education channels.
  • EMBC has also created and updated resources to help British Columbians prepare for a disaster: the Earthquake and Tsunami Smart Manual, the “PreparedBC: Household Preparedness Guide” and the “In it Together: Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide” are all available on the PreparedBC website.

Learn More:

PreparedBC: http://www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC

EMBC’s 2014-15 -2016-17 strategic plan: http://bit.ly/1BnaQjC

Emergency alerts and information are also delivered via:

  • Alert Ready in B.C.: http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/prevention-preparation/
  • Emergency Info BC: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
  • Drive BC: www.drivebc.ca
  • Wildfire Management Branch: www.bcwildfire.ca
  • River Forecast Centre: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/
  • Environment Canada: http://www.ec.gc.ca/
  • Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission: https://lists.unesco.org/wws/subscribe/tsunami-information-ioc
  • Pacific Tsunami Warning Center: http://ptwc.weather.gov/?region=0
  • U.S. Geological Survey: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes

National Emergency Preparedness Week, May 3-9: http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/EPweek

Media Contacts:

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

https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/posts/991626827522276:0
https://news.gov.bc.ca/08374

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