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close menu Office of the Premier

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians

March 7, 2023 10:55 AM
Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians
The Province is investing more than $200 million in food security to ensure people have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.   
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Farmers, ranchers, processors supported by new Canada-B.C. partnership

March 15, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Attorney General

British Columbians invited to help shape anti-racism legislation

June 5, 2023 8:00 AM
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People are encouraged to share their thoughts through an online questionnaire about how government can best address systemic racism.
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Health-care workers better protected by expanded whistleblower legislation

June 1, 2023 3:00 PM
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Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood
Youth and young adults who have been in government care in British Columbia are receiving expanded supports through the newly named Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program.
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Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
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B.C. promotes equity with anti-racism research priorities

May 29, 2023 12:45 PM
BC's anti-racism research priorities
The Province takes another step improving access to government programs and services for Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities, with the release of 12 priorities for anti-racism research.
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More cell connectivity means safer travel on Highway 14

May 4, 2023 12:45 PM
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School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids

April 4, 2023 12:30 PM
School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids
More children and youth will have access to healthy meals and snacks at school through the Province’s new Feeding Futures funding, which invests in building and expanding local school food programs.
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Students get improved air quality in B.C. schools

March 15, 2023 2:30 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer

May 24, 2023 2:00 PM
Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer
More than 100 local governments and First Nations will benefit from provincial funding to support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres.
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Financial assistance available for people affected by flooding

May 16, 2023 10:45 AM
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B.C. drives industry shift to cleaner heavy-duty transportation

April 27, 2023 9:45 AM
British Columbia’s commercial vehicle sector is accelerating toward the clean transportation economy with provincial support to help organizations achieve their climate goals, reduce costs and remain competitive.
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B.C. expands EV charging, leads country in going electric

April 11, 2023 1:45 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost

May 30, 2023 12:15 PM
B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost
The Province is helping protect and restore B.C.’s marine environment with a further investment in the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund.
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Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
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Safe money services protect people from money laundering

March 29, 2023 2:05 PM
Safe money services protect people from money laundering
People in B.C. can be confident that money services businesses they use will have greater oversight by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) as a new provincial regulator.
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Public registry would end hidden ownership in private businesses

March 29, 2023 1:55 PM
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Be prepared, help prevent wildfires this long weekend

May 19, 2023 8:45 AM
Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.
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Backcountry access restored after wildfire closures

May 2, 2023 3:30 PM
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Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments

May 31, 2023 4:25 PM
See a pharmacist for minor ailments and contraceptives
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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Enhanced safety, quality for care-home residents

May 29, 2023 9:10 AM
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Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected

May 31, 2023 11:00 AM
Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected
As part of the actions government is taking to deliver homes for people faster, the first cohort of municipalities for housing targets have been selected, paving the way for building more good homes in areas with the greatest need throughout British Columbia.
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New affordable rental homes open in Coquitlam

May 26, 2023 10:45 AM
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Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation

May 9, 2023 12:45 PM
Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation
New provincial legislation supports the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance by recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) as the government of the Haida Nation in provincial law.
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Clean energy powers Indigenous-led projects in Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior

April 27, 2023 8:36 AM
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Premier’s statement on the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

May 6, 2023 7:15 AM
Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the Coronation of King Charles III, King of Canada and Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Camilla:
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Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
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Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries

May 17, 2023 1:00 PM
Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries
A new B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy will chart the course for a more competitive, modernized marine sector with reduced carbon emissions, and creating more highly skilled jobs to meet growing demands.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 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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Gig work ‘what we heard’ report available online

April 11, 2023 2:45 PM
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New program helps people with overdose-related brain injuries

May 25, 2023 12:15 PM
Supporting people with brain injuries with a first-of-its-kind program
British Columbians living with brain injuries related to substance use now have access to specialized supports through a first-of-its-kind program in Canada.
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B.C. enhances access to addictions support for women and girls

May 17, 2023 9:30 AM
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Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province

March 24, 2023 10:45 AM
Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province
Public library users in communities throughout B.C. will benefit from modernized technology, enhanced programs and services, and better access to information through $45 million in provincial funding.
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Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
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Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning

June 6, 2023 8:30 AM
Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning
More people will have access to work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, practicums and community-service-learning opportunities as the Province partners with 13 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
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More supports to help people prepare for in-demand careers

June 2, 2023 11:45 AM
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Unexplained wealth orders crack down on organized crime

March 30, 2023 11:25 AM
Cracking down on the proceeds of organized crime
The B.C. government is targeting organized crime by creating a new suite of tools to seize proceeds of crime, such as fast cars, glamourous homes and luxury goods, making gang life unprofitable.
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Dedicated hubs target repeat violent offending to build safer communities

April 12, 2023 12:30 PM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food

May 18, 2023 10:45 AM
New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food
A new Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank warehouse will help people get access to fresh, nutritious food, and boost food recovery and delivery services across Vancouver Island.
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New training prepares people for more jobs in social services sector

May 4, 2023 8:15 AM
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Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable

May 25, 2023 10:15 AM
Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable
In time for GoByBike Week, the Province is offering rebates on the purchase of eligible new e-bikes for people who want to add some power to their pedal and start commuting by bike.
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Aviation investments support essential services, economic growth

May 19, 2023 10:15 AM
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Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery

June 1, 2023 10:45 AM
Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery
To mark B.C. Wild Salmon Day, government is providing more than $17 million for wild salmon restoration throughout the province to ensure present and future generations of British Columbians enjoy the benefits of this iconic species.
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Communities along Fraser River benefit from increased flood resilience

May 2, 2023 11:30 AM
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Minister of State for Trade

Exploring Cumberland's vibrant Chinese historical legacy

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Honourable Jagrup Brar

Honourable Jagrup Brar

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Minister of State for Trade

British Columbia News

Exploring Cumberland's vibrant Chinese historical legacy

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08631

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News You Can Use

CUMBERLAND
Friday, June 12, 2015 2:00 PM

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CUMBERLAND

Friday, June 12, 2015 2:00 PM

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The Village of Cumberland draws its name from Great Britain, but the community’s rich multicultural heritage includes a significant Chinese contribution.  

At one point in the past, Cumberland boasted one of the largest rural Chinatowns in North America. Today, the community is at the forefront of helping British Columbians learn more about this Chinese legacy. The Cumberland Museum and Archives joined a handful of museums to be the first in the province to put their inventory of Chinese historical records and artifacts in a computerized database.

The B.C. government and the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council (LIAC) are working in partnership with the University of Victoria, the B.C. Museums Association and select local and regional museums throughout the province on the pilot project. Inventories from about 10 other museums are expected to be completed in the fall of 2015.

The online database will contain culturally significant artifacts including Chinese coins, scrolls, photographs and historic texts, and will be made available to the public and researchers through library, museum and government online resources.

This coming weekend Teresa Wat, B.C.’s Minister of International Trade and Responsible for Multiculturalism will stop in the Village of Cumberland to see firsthand Cumberland’s rich ethnic and cultural history.

She’ll stroll through Coal Creek Heritage Park, once home to a bustling Chinatown, No. 1 Japanese Town and nearby historic Black settlement as workers in B.C.’s industries and communities were racially segregated. Today, the only structure at the Chinatown site is Jumbo’s Cabin, a rustic one-storey log building that was built in the 1880s and where Hor Sue Mah (aka Jumbo) lived for 50 years.

At the Cumberland Chinese Cemetery local experts will be on hand to explain its important link to the community’s coal mining history. The miners faced terrible working conditions with daily risks that included flooding, cave-ins and exposure to deadly gas.

Quotes:

Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Teresa Wat  - 
“People from many different cultures and ethnicities played important roles in creating the province of B.C. but their stories haven’t always made it into the history books. That’s why it’s so important to preserve and document the heritage sites and artifacts such as those found in Cumberland and throughout the province in order to leave a legacy for all British Columbians. I encourage families to get out and explore these tucked-away places and learn more about the diversity of our history and B.C.’s pioneers.”

Vancouver Island University Department of Anthropology, Chair and Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council member Imogene Lim - 
“When my grandfather arrived in Cumberland in 1890; he came as a laundryman. He did well in the community and became a merchant. Memories and ties still remain strong; on June 28th the Cumberland Chinatown Picnic Reunion Group will celebrate its 40th anniversary.”

Quick Facts:

  • Chinese settlers arrived to Cumberland in 1888 when the first area coal mines opened. They worked in the mines and helped with the construction of the rail line that began operation in 1889 to ship coal from the mines to the deep water shipping port at Union Bay.
  • Chinatown in Coal Creek Historic Park and the nearby Cumberland Chinese Cemetery are just two of 77 places that were nominated by British Columbians to be recognized as historically important to Chinese Canadian history. The B.C. government recently released the full list contained in the Historic Places Nomination Report: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/DownloadAsset?assetId=77A169108FAF4F3293BF789736CFA40B&filename=historic_places_nomination_report_may_15_2015.pdf
  • The Historic Places project is one of eight legacy projects that are the result and inspiration of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Consultations, where many participants advocated the preservation of Chinese Canadian cultural history. The purpose of the legacy projects is to commemorate the apology in the legislature on May 15, 2014, and to celebrate the achievements Chinese Canadians have made to the history, culture and economic prosperity of our province.
  • In May 2014, a formal apology was delivered on behalf of all members of the B.C. legislative assembly to Chinese Canadians for historical wrongs committed by past provincial governments. A consultation report was released at the same time that outlined eight legacy projects, which included a recommendation to preserve Chinese Canadian cultural history.
  • The B.C. government’s implementation of recommendations in The Chinese Historical Wrongs Consultation Final Report is guided with advice from the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council (LIAC).
  • The advisory council also works with Chinese Canadian communities and other key partners to ensure that the projects are known and communicated throughout the province.

Learn More:

Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative Online Resource: http://www.gov.bc.ca/ChineseLegacyBC

Cumberland Museum and Archives: http://www.cumberlandmuseum.ca/

To learn more about Cumberland’s heritage: https://cumberland.ca/topics/heritage/

To view the Chinese Historical Wrongs Consultation Final Report and Recommendations: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/Chinese_Consultation.pdf

Embrace BC - Province of B.C. multiculturalism site: www.embracebc.ca

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade and and Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-7293

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08631

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