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close menu Office of the Premier

Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert
The Province is providing $65 million to the City of Prince Rupert to replace crucial sections of its aging water-distribution system to ensure reliable water service for the community.
  Read More

B.C. supports stable, expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver

March 15, 2023 1:20 PM
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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

New legislation will help protect against sharing of intimate images without consent

March 6, 2023 3:00 PM
Sharing intimate images without consent is wrong
To better protect people from the harmful effects of having their intimate images shared without their consent and improve access to justice for survivors of sexualized violence, the Province is introducing the intimate images protection act. 
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Amendments will fight disinformation, make elections more accessible

March 2, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
Expanding access to post-secondary education and skills training for former youth in care
Former youth in care in B.C. of all ages will have their tuition waived for post-secondary education as government takes action to remove age requirements for the Tuition Waiver Program.
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More children will be supported with inclusive child care

February 3, 2023 8:00 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

High-speed internet access coming to residents of Westham Island

March 13, 2023 1:45 PM
More than 130 households on Westham Island will  benefit from a project bringing access to quality, reliable high-speed internet services to the community this year.
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High-speed internet access coming to remote Gitanyow, Stewart

March 16, 2023 11:15 AM
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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
B.C. launches anti-racism action plan for K-12 students
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 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

Province boosts funding for communities to help tackle climate challenge

February 21, 2023 12:22 PM
Province boosts funding for communities to help tackle climate challenge
Historic provincial investments will support communities in preparing for the risk of natural disasters related to climate change, along with a new one-stop online platform to help people and communities better prepare for, mitigate and understand disaster and climate risks.
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Community emergency response enhanced by Indigenous cultural safety

February 16, 2023 8:00 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

New energy action framework to cap emissions, electrify the clean economy

March 14, 2023 2:50 PM
New energy action framework to cap emissions, electrify the clean economy
The Province’s new energy action framework will ensure oil and gas sector projects fit within B.C.’s climate commitments and create new opportunities for people in clean energy and technology.
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B.C., Haisla move forward on historic development project, commit to reduce emissions

March 14, 2023 1:58 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

New energy action framework to cap emissions, electrify the clean economy

March 14, 2023 2:50 PM
New energy action framework to cap emissions, electrify the clean economy
The Province’s new energy action framework will ensure oil and gas sector projects fit within B.C.’s climate commitments and create new opportunities for people in clean energy and technology.
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B.C., Haisla move forward on historic development project, commit to reduce emissions

March 14, 2023 1:58 PM
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close menu Finance

Budget 2023 takes action on issues that matter most

February 28, 2023 1:40 PM
Budget 2023
Budget 2023 invests in improving health and mental-health care, creating more affordable housing, growing a clean economy and delivering more help with costs – especially for families and British Columbians most affected by global inflation.
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Legislation will help close B.C.’s gender pay gap

March 7, 2023 10:20 AM
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close menu Forests

B.C. introduces new measures on old growth, innovation, forest stewardship

February 15, 2023 1:20 PM
Taking more action to care for B.C. forests
The B.C. government is launching new measures to protect more old growth by fast-tracking innovation and co-developing new local plans with First Nations to better care for B.C.’s forests.
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Updated angling fees increase streams of revenue for fisheries conservation

March 14, 2023 3:45 PM
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close menu Health

B.C. launches action plan to better detect, treat, prevent cancers

February 24, 2023 10:25 AM
A photo of a doctor talking to her patient about her x-ray results. White text on a blue banner reads: BC's Cancer Care Action Plan
Cancer patients and their loved ones will benefit from expanded access to care as B.C. launches a new action plan with immediate steps to better prevent, detect and treat cancers, delivering improved care for people now while preparing for the growing needs of the future.
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More than 300 new long-term care beds coming to Colwood

March 16, 2023 1:45 PM
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close menu Housing

Safe, new homes coming for women, children in B.C.

March 9, 2023 9:15 AM
Safe, new homes coming for women, children in B.C.
More women and children will have an affordable, safe and secure place to go, as 150 homes are either opening or are under construction in four different locations throughout the province.
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More than 130 affordable rental homes open in Langford, Victoria

February 17, 2023 11:00 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in B.C. law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.
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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

Minister’s statement on February Labour Force Survey results

March 10, 2023 8:00 AM
Minister’s statement on February Labour Force Survey results
Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for February 2023:
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New legislation will reduce barriers for people

March 8, 2023 1:55 PM
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close menu Labour

B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in B.C. law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.
  Read More

New funds will bolster supports for workers, businesses

February 23, 2023 11:45 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. building historic treatment, recovery services for people struggling with addiction

March 2, 2023 12:15 PM
More addiction treatment and recovery spaces
People struggling with mental health and addiction will have access to more treatment and recovery beds, along with community-based aftercare services through new historic investments through Budget 2023.   
  Read More

B.C. takes action to reduce ER wait times for people in mental-health crisis

February 23, 2023 9:52 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert
The Province is providing $65 million to the City of Prince Rupert to replace crucial sections of its aging water-distribution system to ensure reliable water service for the community.
  Read More

Upgraded wastewater plant will better protect people, environment

March 3, 2023 9:45 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
Expanding access to post-secondary education and skills training for former youth in care
Former youth in care in B.C. of all ages will have their tuition waived for post-secondary education as government takes action to remove age requirements for the Tuition Waiver Program.
  Read More

Province invests in maternity care, expands UBC midwifery program

February 17, 2023 12:15 PM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Repeat violent offending teams strengthen public safety

March 14, 2023 10:45 AM
The Province is creating dedicated police-prosecutor-probation officer teams to help keep communities safe by focusing on repeat violent offending throughout British Columbia.
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Investment in 911 network supports safer communities

March 1, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

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.   
  Read More

Truck-driving program helps women change gears for new careers

February 17, 2023 8:15 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Contract awarded for RBCM collections, research building

February 23, 2023 2:30 PM
Contract awarded for RBCM collections, research building
Construction will begin this summer on the Royal BC Museum’s (RBCM) collections and research building as part of a long-term plan to protect the Province’s collections that include more than seven million artifacts and the BC Archives.
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Support to host sport events will benefit B.C. athletes, tourism

March 12, 2023 1:30 PM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

B.C. supports stable, expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver

March 15, 2023 1:20 PM
B.C. supports stable, expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver
The Province is taking action to address TransLink’s urgent financial needs to protect transit service levels and investment plans, while providing reliable, affordable public transit that connects people to jobs, schools and essential services, enabling the transportation authority to plan for the region’s future.
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New funding will keep ferry fares affordable

February 26, 2023 1:46 PM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Marine Protected Area Network partners endorse plan to protect British Columbia’s North Coast

February 5, 2023 10:45 AM
Marine Protected Area Network partners endorse plan to protect British Columbia’s North Coast
From Fisheries and Oceans Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2023/02/marine-protected-area-network-partners-endorse-plan-to-protect-british-columbias-north-coast.html
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Watershed strategy co-developed with First Nations, $100 million invested

March 6, 2023 9:15 AM
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ARCHIVED: Natural Gas Development

Building Act modernized for efficiency, productivity, innovation

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Email: MNGD.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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ARCHIVED: Natural Gas Development Note: This News Release has been archived - the Ministry no longer exists

British Columbia News

Building Act modernized for efficiency, productivity, innovation

https://news.gov.bc.ca/07849

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News Release

Victoria
Thursday, February 12, 2015 1:45 PM

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News Release

Victoria

Thursday, February 12, 2015 1:45 PM

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The Province has introduced a new Building Act to establish more consistent building requirements throughout B.C.

The construction sector has been asking for a standard approach for years as differing building requirements between jurisdictions can slow development and add costs. With a more streamlined and modern building regulatory system, the act would reduce costs and improve efficiency, productivity and innovation in the construction sector.

The Building Act proposes to:

  • Streamline Building Requirements - ensuring building requirements are the same throughout B.C. by establishing the Province as the sole authority to create building requirements.
  • Establish Mandatory Qualifications for Local Building Officials - improving the interpretation, application and enforcement of the BC Building Code by making sure building officials have standard qualifications.
  • Expand Provincial Review - furthering the Province’s ability to review innovative building proposals (such as the Wood Innovation Design Centre in Prince George).

The Building Act amendments are based on extensive consultation with industry and other stakeholders. Should the act be passed, a two-to-four-year transition period will give local governments and building officials time to adapt to the new provisions.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing -

“The Building Act balances the consistency the construction sector desires with the flexibility local governments need and paves the way for greater innovation. Streamlining building requirements will also help reduce construction costs and improve housing affordability.”

Anne McMullin, president and CEO of Urban Development Institute -

“We are pleased to see the B.C. government adopt a more modern approach to building regulations. Building requirements across B.C. are currently far from consistent and often complicate construction and increase costs. This new act will give builders and developers the certainty they need to move forward with projects.”

Manjit S. Sohi, president of the Building Officials’ Association of BC -

“Whether it’s reviewing plans or buildings under construction or issuing permits, building officials play a key role in monitoring Building Code compliance. Establishing mandatory qualifications will help increase the professionalism of building officials and support a more consistent interpretation of the BC Building Code.”

Quick Facts:

  • The Building Act is not about new or different building codes. It’s about streamlining how the existing code is used.
  • The B.C. government has been working toward modernizing the building regulatory system since 2004.
  • Having a stand-alone act for building construction is common in Canada. Eight other provinces have legislation similar to B.C.’s proposed Building Act.
  • Building requirements are technical methods, materials and processes for the construction, repair, and demolition of buildings. They are set by provincial building regulations, primarily the BC Building Code.
  • The construction sector is an important contributor to B.C.’s diverse economy. In 2013, the construction sector generated $9.6 billion in provincial gross domestic product and employed more than 110,000 people.

Learn More:

Building Act: www.leg.bc.ca/40th4th/1st_read/index.htm

Media Contacts:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
and Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617

https://news.gov.bc.ca/07849

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