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close menu Office of the Premier

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

XY Ranch celebrates 100 years of raising livestock

August 4, 2023 1:15 PM
The Bouffioux family of Fort St. John is being honoured with a Century Farm Award, recognizing its contribution and dedication to agriculture in British Columbia since 1916. 
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B.C., Canada help farmers with climate adaptation, drought

August 2, 2023 2:00 PM
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close menu Attorney General

Input from sheriffs to strengthen access to court services

September 27, 2023 10:00 AM
Input from sheriffs to strengthen access to court services
B.C.’s justice system will be strengthened by the B.C. Sheriff Service’s (BCSS) comprehensive plan to support sheriffs and make sure people have consistent, safer access to court services.
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New chair appointed to Building Code Appeal Board

August 24, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Vancouver Island camp expansion will serve more children with disabilities

July 20, 2023 10:15 AM
Vancouver Island camp expansion will serve more children with disabilities
More children and youth with disabilities will be able to go to camp thanks in part to a $7-million grant from the Province of B.C.
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Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

More grant recipients promoting BC Demographic Survey

August 25, 2023 11:15 AM
More grant recipients promoting BC Demographic Survey
More community and Indigenous groups are receiving grants to help their communities participate in the BC Demographic Survey. 
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High-speed broadband access expanded to 6 Kootenay communities

August 3, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Education and Child Care

Elementary school expansion provides more classrooms for Nanaimo students

September 11, 2023 9:15 AM
École Hammond Bay Elementary
Students have more space for learning at École Hammond Bay Elementary this fall after the completion of an expansion that added 12 new classrooms to the school. 
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Child care savings make returning to school more affordable for more B.C. families

August 31, 2023 1:30 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

State of emergency ends, fire response continues

September 14, 2023 3:43 PM
Based on advice from emergency management and wildfire officials, British Columbia’s provincial state of emergency will expire at the end of the day on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
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Financial assistance for local governments, First Nations affected by wildfire

September 6, 2023 1:50 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Electric planes, motorcycles, boats showcase B.C. clean-transportation innovation

August 2, 2023 8:30 AM
A high-tech revolution is dramatically changing how British Columbia moves people and goods in the air, on the land and over the water, supported by government funding for companies that specialize in inventing and advancing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies. 
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Columbia River Treaty talks move forward after constructive Seattle session

August 15, 2023 3:08 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Province sets single-use plastic requirements

July 14, 2023 11:15 AM
Province sets single-use plastic requirements
A new provincial regulation will expand B.C.’s efforts to tackle hard-to-recycle single-use and plastic items.
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Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais guardians appointed with park ranger authority

July 25, 2023 2:30 PM
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close menu Finance

Increased BC Family Benefit here to stay

July 18, 2023 10:15 AM
Increased BC Family Benefit here to stay
More than 285,000 families throughout B.C. will see bigger payments in their bank accounts starting this month, thanks to the permanently increased BC Family Benefit.
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Tax-credit lift puts more money in more people’s pockets

July 5, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Forests

Use caution, be fire safe this long weekend

August 31, 2023 2:30 PM
Be wildfire safe this long weekend
Residents and travellers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant this Labour Day long weekend as ongoing elevated drought conditions in much of British Columbia increase the potential for wildfires.
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B.C. acts to protect fish in Koksilah, Upper Cowichan rivers

August 24, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Health

Actions protect people, B.C. communities this respiratory illness season

September 28, 2023 12:25 PM
Practice healthy habits, flu season has arrived
The Province and public-health officials are taking actions to continue protecting people, communities and the health-care system this fall and are encouraging people in B.C. aged six months and older to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
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Expanded travel programs benefit patients needing cancer care

September 27, 2023 3:15 PM
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close menu Housing

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

Safe housing for women leaving violence opens in Campbell River

September 12, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Annual report updates collective efforts to achieve objectives of UN Declaration

June 28, 2023 12:45 PM
Detailed reporting on progress to improve lives of Indigenous Peoples now available
B.C. is providing detailed reporting about progress to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) through the 2022-23 Declaration Act Annual Report.
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Ts’uubaa-asatx, B.C. reach reconciliation goal

July 7, 2023 12:00 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 7, 2023 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people who have made an outstanding provincial, national or international impact will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition and an official part of the Canadian Honours System.
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Submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship

July 25, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

B.C. supports research to protect coastal ecosystem

August 16, 2023 9:15 AM
B.C. supports research to protect coastal ecosystem
New funding for the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Experimental Ocean Climate Change Lab (EXCEL) will support research on the impact of climate change on the environment and the promotion of resilience and sustainability for B.C.’s marine sector.
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Minister’s statement on July Labour Force Survey results

August 4, 2023 8:40 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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Work continues around improved protections for app-based workers

August 3, 2023 11:15 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. secures measures to ensure families feel safe accessing public spaces

September 14, 2023 9:22 AM
Keeping child-focused spaces safe
To help ensure kids and families feel safe in their communities, the Province has received approval from the federal government to prohibit the possession of illegal drugs at playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks.
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New recovery beds will support healthier communities in northern B.C.

September 13, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities
The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.
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Children empowered with lifelong learning through reading

September 22, 2023 9:15 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Provincial Tuition Waiver Program expanded to former youth in care of all ages

September 14, 2023 8:00 AM
Provincial Tuition Waiver Program expanded to former youth in care of all ages
People looking to enrol in post-secondary education, who are former youth in care, will benefit from an expansion of the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program, which has launched for the fall semester.
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Expanded graduate scholarship funding will support students

August 22, 2023 12:00 PM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province provides support to strengthen local fire departments

September 22, 2023 11:37 AM
Three firefighters in dirty gear smile at the camera
Communities throughout British Columbia will see improved emergency response from their local fire departments as the Province provides support to strengthen community firefighting capacity.
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Supports expanding for people in mental-health, substance-use crisis

July 17, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty

September 26, 2023 11:00 AM
Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty
First Nations across B.C. will benefit from a $15-million investment from the Province to the First Nation Well Being Fund.
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People with injuries, disabilities supported getting back to work

September 6, 2023 11:45 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

B.C., viaSport take steps to make amateur sport safer

June 20, 2023 3:00 PM
B.C., viaSport take steps to make amateur sport safer
The Province and viaSport are improving safety in sports by continuing to provide education about safe sport, and by taking steps toward an independent complaints process for B.C.’s amateur sport sector.
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Submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship

July 25, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

20-year strategy advances solutions for Central Okanagan transportation

September 28, 2023 11:45 AM
20-year strategy advances solutions for Central Okanagan transportation
A new comprehensive transportation strategy for the Central Okanagan between Lake Country and Peachland examines a range of projects that will help connect people with their communities, promote affordability, support the economy and the movement of goods, and create a cleaner environment. 
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Upgrades to highways 91 and 17 create safer, faster travel

September 28, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

Public input will enhance B.C.’s first-ever coastal marine strategy

August 15, 2023 2:00 PM
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Office of the Premier

Dave Barrett Memorial

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Premier David Eby

Premier David Eby

Premier David Eby

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Email: Premier@gov.bc.ca

close menu Office of the Premier

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
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British Columbia News

Dave Barrett Memorial

https://news.gov.bc.ca/17996

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Victoria
Sunday, March 4, 2018 11:00 AM

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Victoria

Sunday, March 4, 2018 11:00 AM

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CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Thank you everyone for being here today.

I’d like to start by acknowledging we are on the territory of the Lekwungen people including the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.

It is a real honour to speak with you today about Dave Barrett, B.C.’s first New Democrat premier.

Dave focused every single day of his time as Premier, and as leader of the NDP, shining a light on the underdog, on those that did not have a voice.

He had a tremendous influence on me.

I remember the first time I was captivated by his words.

I was just out of university – waiting on tables.

A friend convinced me to go down to the legislature and see what was up.

Out came Dave Barrett onto the steps of the legislature.

He was full of energy. When he spoke he made people feel they could do anything.

I remember saying to a friend at the time, “I bet if that guy says ‘I want you all to pick up this building and throw it in the Inner Harbour, we would have tried to do it”.

That was how powerful his words were.

I couldn’t stop thinking about his speech – I was excited about what I had heard and seen -  and so I became a member of the NDP.

The energy and influence of Premier Barrett’s government is legendary. His government passed 387 bills in just 39 weeks.

We have all benefited from his legacy.

From public auto insurance to the agricultural land reserve, to Hansard and even Question Period

He shaped our province and our government, and he did it by putting people front and centre.

Good government is forged in public service.

Premier Barrett was a social worker. He understood the important role that government plays in people’s lives.

Two of the first acts of his government were raising the minimum wage and increasing supports for seniors.

His government also brought in our modern ambulance service and got rid of for-profit hospitals – bringing them under public control.

In education, they abolished corporal punishment, brought in provincewide kindergarten, and gave teachers collective bargaining rights.

Just imagine how different our lives would be today without his leadership.

We owe Premier Barrett for many of the services we take for granted today.

Our province wouldn’t be the same without his leadership.

Even our parks system was transformed by his government.

Up until the Barrett government mining was allowed in our provincial parks.

They didn’t just increase protection for special places like Strathcona and Wells Grey – they added over 1.5 million acres to B.C. parks.

Premier Barrett was not afraid of controversy.

He didn’t let it stand in the way of doing what was right and what was fair for everyone.

His government’s approach to labour relations is a good example of how they stayed on course.

They brought in a labour code that delivered fairness for both workers and employers.

It didn’t satisfy anyone. Everyone wanted the law slanted in their favour.

But Barrett’s government forged ahead – and transformed labour relations – not just in B.C. but across the country.

A province that was once brought low by labour unrest – became a model of how to balance the needs of workers and businesses.

Despite the rhetoric at the time – Barrett’s government had a truly balanced approach.

Ordinary people had been left behind by Social Credit and the Liberals.

For too long, government was slanted in favour of those at the top, to the detriment of everyone else.

Premier Barrett was fearless in confronting the rich and the powerful – and in demanding fairness for ordinary people.

The fact that so many of his policies remain in place today, is a testament to the balance his government brought to our province.

Dave Barrett transformed our province into a better place for everyone.

He showed the power government has to improve the lives of people.

He showed the role government plays in delivering fairness for everyone.

He did more to improve our province and our country in three years than most of us could hope to do in a lifetime.

His contributions to our province will never be forgotten.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/17996

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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