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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

B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

May 1, 2023 1:48 PM
B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
New legislation will make it easier for people to get money owed to them following a civil court decision.
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B.C. offers protection for people’s intimate images

May 4, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

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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close menu Citizens' Services

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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close menu Education and Child Care

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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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

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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close menu Finance

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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close menu Forests

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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close menu Health

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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close menu Housing

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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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

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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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

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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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

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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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

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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close menu Municipal Affairs

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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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University

May 19, 2023 9:45 AM
New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of a new residence hall at the Burnaby campus, reducing housing pressures in the community.
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More supports to help people prepare for in-demand careers

June 2, 2023 11:45 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

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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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

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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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

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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Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Aboriginal workers training for in-demand jobs in the Okanagan

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Honourable Sheila Malcolmson

Honourable Sheila Malcolmson

Honourable Sheila Malcolmson

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Email: SDPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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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Social Development and Poverty Reduction

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Aboriginal workers training for in-demand jobs in the Okanagan

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08436

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News Release

Vernon
Friday, May 15, 2015 9:00 AM

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News Release

Vernon

Friday, May 15, 2015 9:00 AM

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More than 50 Aboriginal workers will train for careers as heavy equipment operators through a Community and Employer Partnership between the B.C. government and the Southern Interior Construction Association, worth nearly $1.4 million.

In three different sessions of 18 people, the trainees will get 8.75 weeks of occupational and employability classroom training in road building and heavy construction and 4.25 weeks of hands-on training as operators of bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders and backhoes to prepare for work in the construction industry.

The workers will also get eight weeks of followup support to help them find work as heavy equipment operators in the north and central Okanagan. The project will last one year and is scheduled to finish in March 2016.

Participating First Nations include the Splatsin First Nation, the Okanagan Indian Band and the Westbank First Nation, which will hold the training sessions on their respective lands. The first intake of trainees began with the Splatsin First Nation in the Enderby area on May 4. The second intake starts in August in the Vernon area with the Okanagan Indian Band and the third intake is in November with the Westbank First Nation in the West Kelowna area.

Project-Based Labour Market Training helps groups of people with on- or off-the-job employment training and is a component of Community and Employer Partnerships, which were introduced in April 2012 as part of the Employment Program of BC.

To date, more than 560 job seekers have benefited from work experience and nearly 140 projects have been funded throughout the province.

By 2022, B.C. is expecting one million job openings with more than two-thirds driven by retirements in an aging population. One year ago, government created the B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint to ensure more British Columbians have the skills they need to be first in line for in-demand jobs in B.C.'s diverse, strong and growing economy.

The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. It helps build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom and on-the-job training, while making it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers they need - when and where they need them.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna ─

“Building the future starts with finding a dependable, rewarding job. That’s why we launched the Skills for Jobs Blueprint - to connect people with the in-demand training they need, in the regions that need workers with a particular skillset.”

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation ─

“Community and Employer Partnerships provide practical, hands-on training opportunities for people who are looking for work. This project with the Southern Interior Construction Association is another great example of how our government is meeting the need for in-demand jobs. Fifty people will get the skills they need to find a good job in the construction industry.”

Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan and MLA for Shuswap ─

“This program will give trainees the necessary career-building skills to earn great jobs in the construction trades. These partnerships are invaluable for finding and training the next generation of workers for these in-demand jobs.”

Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee ─

“When we get people trained for jobs that are needed in our communities, such as Vernon-Monashee, everybody wins. Our communities benefit from construction jobs and these trainees will help to fill those needed positions.”

Bill Everitt, chief operating officer, Southern Interior Construction Association ─

“This funding covers three intakes of our heavy equipment operators program and provides an opportunity to engage a segment of our population that often faces employment challenges as well as meet the future skilled trades needs.”

Patrick Thomas, project trainee, Neskonlith Indian Band ─

“One of the reasons I chose to do this course was to do a career change. I have always had an interest in heavy equipment and I am honoured and pleased to be part of something that is positive and exciting. The class of 2015 is going to be awesome and we are all going to be great operators. The teaching that we are receiving is easy to learn from and to understand, so this makes learning enjoyable. The group of women and men that we have in this class is a great group to learn from and work with. I cannot wait to see all of us become operators.”

https://www.facebook.com/BCJobsPlan/posts/10153105871003241:0

Quick Facts:

  • In 2015-16, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
  • The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
  • Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
    • Job Creation Partnerships
    • Labour Market Partnerships
    • Project-Based Labour Market Training
    • Research and Innovation

Who is eligible?

  • Businesses
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
  • Bands/tribal councils
  • Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

For more information on the Southern Interior Construction Association: www.sica.bc.ca

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

For more information on B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

Media Contacts:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08436

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