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Premier's statement on five years of delivering results for people

July 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the five-year anniversary of forming a government that puts people first:
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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
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Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore
A new collaborative post-secondary campus will be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities so more students can access education close to home for in-demand jobs.
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Turning the page on adult literacy with increased funding

July 25, 2022 12:00 PM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Pop the cork! Kelowna vineyard wins major national wine award

August 4, 2022 2:30 PM
A family-owned winery with a strong commitment to organic farming is the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards winery of the year.
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New funding supports farmers, takes action on climate resiliency

July 27, 2022 9:00 AM
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New Kitimat homes provide safe housing for women, children

August 8, 2022 1:15 PM
Women and children leaving violence will soon have access to safe and secure homes as construction begins on a 44-unit housing development in Kitimat.
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Supportive homes for youth coming to Kamloops

August 4, 2022 1:45 PM
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close menu Children and Family Development

B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
More students in grades 11 and 12 will be able to earn both high school and post-secondary credits toward careers in early childhood education with the introduction of 30 new dual-credit programs at school districts throughout B.C.
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Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
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Expansion of cellular coverage makes driving safer in the Cariboo

August 9, 2022 11:30 AM
Cellular coverage is available for the community of Wells, northwest of Barkerville, bringing safer driving conditions to that section of Highway 26 and the Jack-of-Clubs rest area.
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Fast, reliable internet, cell coverage coming to Nass Valley

July 12, 2022 2:30 PM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals

August 3, 2022 9:04 AM
Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals
More early childhood educators (ECEs) are furthering their education goals with financial support from the ECE Education Support Fund.
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B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students

August 4, 2022 8:00 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
The Province is improving accessibility to electric vehicles (EVs) by increasing maximum rebate amounts and ensuring they are going to people who need them most.
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Minister’s statement on Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference 2022

July 6, 2022 7:30 AM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Funding boost gives used plastics new lease on life

August 9, 2022 9:45 AM
Group photo of four people at an announcement
A $10-million investment in the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund will help grow made-in-B.C. solutions to reduce plastic pollution, create new products and increase job opportunities.
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Rebate improvements make electric vehicles more accessible

August 2, 2022 1:00 PM
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close menu Finance

Supporting sexual-assault survivors informs work on gender-based violence

August 1, 2022 12:45 PM
As part of the Province’s work to develop an action plan to end gender-based violence, staff at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) presented its trauma informed, wraparound supports and services available in Greater Victoria.
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B.C. enhances consumer protection for homebuyers

July 21, 2022 9:30 AM
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close menu Forests

Wildfire activity in B.C. will continue through August

August 4, 2022 10:45 AM
British Columbians should remain alert to the threat of wildfire throughout August as conditions remain hot and dry.
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B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
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close menu Health

B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine

July 14, 2022 2:05 PM
B.C. encourages parents to register children under 5 for COVID-19 vaccine
Approximately 208,000 eligible infants and children in British Columbia between six months and four years of age will soon be able to receive vaccine protection against COVID-19.
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Vancouver Coastal Health welcomes back 283 hospital food-service workers

July 22, 2022 11:30 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
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First Nations clean-energy projects funded on Vancouver Island

July 28, 2022 12:36 PM
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B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 1, 2022 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition.
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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

Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results

August 5, 2022 8:30 AM
Minister’s statement on July’s Labour Force Survey results
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for July 2022:
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Province launching new centre for agritech innovation

July 21, 2022 9:35 AM
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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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Report received on successorship, transfer of timber harvesting rights

July 28, 2022 1:00 PM
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close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

B.C., shíshálh Nation will negotiate joint decision-making agreement

August 2, 2022 10:21 AM
shíshálh and BC to negotiate landmark shared decision-making agreement
The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first joint decision-making agreement to be negotiated under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
  Read More

Conservation Officer Service achieves largest-ever invasive mussels decontamination

July 9, 2022 9:00 AM
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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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Investment enhances mental-health services in Greater Victoria

July 28, 2022 12:00 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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B.C. investing in healthy northern communities

August 3, 2022 8:00 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province launches direct payment for evacuees

July 27, 2022 11:00 AM
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
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Survey shows significant decrease in illegal cannabis store use

August 2, 2022 8:30 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians

July 26, 2022 11:15 AM
Supporting co-ops will deliver more services to British Columbians
A new investment of $2 million will support the development and growth of British Columbia’s co-operative businesses, while expanding services for people who use them.
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Provincial funding helps grow a more food secure future

August 5, 2022 10:00 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship

July 28, 2022 9:30 AM
Province seeks nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship.
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Province, viaSport partner to take abuse out of the game

July 6, 2022 2:00 PM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain

July 14, 2022 10:45 AM
Improved transit, connected communities on the way with Surrey Langley SkyTrain
The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.
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Public invited to share input on Taylor Bridge's future

August 9, 2022 8:45 AM
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Office of the Premier

Canada's Premiers collaborate on the economy and call for a better partnership with the federal government

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Premier John Horgan

Premier John Horgan

Premier John Horgan

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close menu Office of the Premier

Premier's statement on five years of delivering results for people

July 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the five-year anniversary of forming a government that puts people first:
  Read More

Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore

August 3, 2022 11:00 AM
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Canada's Premiers collaborate on the economy and call for a better partnership with the federal government

https://news.gov.bc.ca/07774

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Friday, January 30, 2015 12:37 PM

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Friday, January 30, 2015 12:37 PM

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Canada’s Premiers are focused on actions to maintain the strength of the Canadian economy in the current international economic situation. Premiers shared perspectives on commodity prices, the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar, and how these changes will impact their respective fiscal plans.

Provinces and territories continue to adapt to a changing global economic environment. Although the fiscal and economic ground has shifted since Premiers last met, most of Canada’s long-term challenges and opportunities remain unchanged. Priorities continue to be increased infrastructure investments and addressing the wide-ranging needs of an aging population. 

United in their efforts to drive economic growth, Premiers committed to continue investing in strategically important public infrastructure and called for a stronger commitment from the federal government and greater federal funding.

Provinces and territories are facing changing social and economic realities associated with an aging population. Premiers called on the federal government to provide funding in support of provincial and territorial services that enhance the well-being of Canada’s seniors, while meeting the unique requirements of each province and territory.

Premiers remain committed to creating opportunities for Canadians through the following actions:

  • Making strategic investments in public infrastructure.
  • Ongoing collaboration on seniors’ care and aging.
  • Establishing a mobility protocol for apprentices while they complete their certification.
  • Ongoing collaboration on pharmaceuticals that is saving millions of dollars. Premiers are encouraged by the accelerated work to lower drug costs - current annual savings are estimated to be $315 million.
  • Reducing barriers to trade and business within Canada.
  • Continuing to expand our international trade, including in markets such as Asia.
  • Finding solutions to address challenges facing Aboriginal communities.

Provinces and territories are working together to address key issues for Canadians. It is important that the federal government step forward to do its part as a partner in the federation. Recent changes in the fiscal outlook have not changed the fact that, in the medium and long-term, the federal government is in a stronger structural fiscal position than provinces and territories.

Premiers discussed the priorities that need to be addressed to strengthen Canada’s economic union, including fiscal arrangements, health care, jobs and skills, infrastructure, disaster financial assistance and Aboriginal issues (see attached media backgrounder). Noting that this is a federal election year, Premiers called on federal leaders to outline how they intend to support the work of provinces and territories in addressing these priorities.

Contact:

Krista Grant
Government of Prince Edward Island
902 368-4564
Cell: 902 394-4616
klgrant@gov.pe.ca


MEDIA BACKGROUNDER

Fiscal Arrangements

The growing fiscal disparity between the federal government and the provinces and territories is impacting the ability of provinces and territories to deliver health, education, and other vital public services while striving to achieve balanced budgets. According to a report presented by the Conference Board of Canada to Premiers in August 2014, this disparity will continue to grow unless action is taken to modernize Canada’s fiscal arrangements. The Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report of this week indicated that lower oil prices have the potential to further increase the fiscal disparity between federal and provincial/territorial governments. Premiers focused their discussions on funding for seniors care and public infrastructure renewal and development - areas in which the federal government is under-investing. Premiers called on the federal government to reinvest in these areas.

Infrastructure

Investments in public infrastructure support economic growth and create jobs. Premiers called on the federal government to join them by providing additional funding beyond the Building Canada Plan, to support investment in provincial and territorial infrastructure funding priorities which will advance our economic competitiveness now and well into the future. Premiers agreed that federal infrastructure programs must follow a “base-plus per capita” formula that will allow a more strategic investments by all jurisdictions. Premiers also discussed the importance of trade infrastructure and called for increased federal investment in gateways to support greater international trade in key markets.

Seniors Care, Health and Aging

Premiers received updates on ongoing collaboration among provinces and territories through Canada’s Premiers’ Health Care Innovation Working Group to achieve cost savings and improve service delivery in health care. One example is the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) which continues to reduce drug costs for provinces and territories.  Inclusion of four additional generic drugs and six additional brand name drugs will save an estimated $40 million and bring the total annual savings under the pCPA to an estimated $315 million.

Premiers also received an update on the progress being made by the Health Care Innovation Working Group in its ongoing work on seniors’ care and discussed the Task Force on Aging which aims to provide Premiers with evidence based information on the economic and social impacts of an aging population.

Jobs and Skills

A skilled workforce is essential to prosperity and Canadians should have the skills they need to meet the demands of current and future labour markets.

  • Premiers announced an initiative to reduce barriers to labour mobility within Canada. Today’s commitment to develop an apprenticeship mobility protocol will make it easier for apprentices to move between provinces and territories while they complete their certification. Enhanced mobility is good for apprentices, employers and Canada’s economy. Every jurisdiction has major projects on its agenda which depend on skilled labour. A pan-Canadian apprenticeship protocol will facilitate apprentices’ mobility and support the development of these projects in all jurisdictions.

Premiers discussed concerns regarding the shift in the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) proposed by the federal government. While some progress has been made on receiving information, Premiers continue to seek more information on the impacts to Canadians and costs. Key concerns include:

  • Increases to the number of clients served without providing additional funding;
  • Significantly increasing the administrative requirements; and
  • Risks to provinces and territories for continuity of funding if the LMDAs moved to time-limited agreements.

Premiers call on the federal government to expand eligibility so that more unemployed Canadians can receive the skills training they need and to increase as such their investments in LMDAs, while ensuring that no province or territory is adversely affected.

As a way forward, Premiers asked Premiers Clark, Gallant and Wynne to take the lead on engaging the federal government on proposed federal changes to LMDAs. They will report back to Premiers in advance of the 2015 Summer Meeting of Canada’s Premiers.

For its part, Québec indicated that it will concentrate on improvements to the model that it put in place through its current agreement by encouraging an even better alignment between training and labour market needs.

Energy

Premiers acknowledged the global implications of the changing price of oil. Reduced energy prices have impacted budgets across the country. While the dynamics in the energy sector have shifted, energy remains a key economic driver in the Canadian economy. Canada has substantial capacity to supply energy. Energy development and market access for all forms of energy continues to be a priority.

Premiers reiterated their commitment to completing the Canadian Energy Strategy, building on the vision and principles adopted last year.

Climate Change

Premiers discussed action on climate change and agreed to share best practices at the climate change summit in Quebec City that can be the basis for discussion at the COP21 meeting in Paris in December 2015.

Disaster Financial Assistance

Premiers expressed their disappointment with the recent announcement by the federal government to impose changes to the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. The changes, effective Feb. 1, 2015, will reduce the federal share of future disaster assistance costs. At a time when the frequency of extreme weather related events is predicted to increase due to climate change, these modifications will offload additional emergency support and recovery costs onto provinces and territories. Premiers urged the federal government to reconsider its decision.

Premiers also urged that the federal government’s National Disaster Mitigation Program be adequately funded and flexible to meet the need for flood protection projects in all provinces and territories.

National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Premiers discussed the plans, led by National Aboriginal Organizations, for a National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on Feb. 27, 2015, in Ottawa. They reiterated their strong support for the Roundtable and encouraged federal ministers to participate.

Aboriginal Children in Care

Premiers also discussed work underway to address the issue of the disproportionate and large number of Aboriginal children in care in Canada. Provinces and territories will be engaging National Aboriginal Organizations in this work. Premiers will review progress at the summer meeting.

Safety and Security

Premiers remain vigilant following the terrorist attacks in Ottawa this past October and in Paris earlier this month. Premiers consider the security of persons a fundamental right as important as the right to freedom of speech on which rests our democracy. Premiers called for a united resolve to ensure that this right and our fundamental freedoms are protected.

Contact:

Krista Grant
Government of Prince Edward Island
902 368-4564
Cell: (902) 394-4616
klgrant@gov.pe.ca

https://news.gov.bc.ca/07774

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