Statistics Canada confirms British Columbia’s economy grew by 3.5% in 2016, exceeding last February’s forecast of 2.7% provided by the Economic Forecast Council (EFC). The province’s higher-than-expected economic growth in 2016 triggers the Economic Stability Dividend (ESD), negotiated as part …
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MSP Task Force to advise on eliminating premiums
The Province has established a task force of experts to advise the government on eliminating Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums within four years, Finance Minister Carole James announced today. “People know that MSP premiums are unfair and place significant burden on …
British Columbia to fight softwood lumber duties
Premier John Horgan re-affirmed his commitment today to stand-up for British Columbia workers, families and communities in light of the latest development in the softwood lumber dispute. The United States Department of Commerce has announced its final determination of duties …
Getting to work on B.C.’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy
Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson announced the members of his Advisory Forum on Poverty Reduction as he invited British Columbians to share their ideas to help shape the Province’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy. The 27 …
Provincial Community Gaming Grants boost extracurricular activities for K-12 students
Note from Katrine: “Congratulations to the schools in Kootenay West who received this grant!” Kinnaird Elementary School P.A.C. (Castlegar) Twin Rivers PAC (Castlegar) Southern Zone P.A.C. (Edgewood) Fruitvale Elementary School Parents Advisory Council Nakusp Elementary School PAC Nakusp Secondary Parent …
People with disabilities around B.C. to benefit from new accessibility programs
Accessible, inclusive communities for people with disabilities are the main goals behind two provincially funded programs designed to improve universal access in British Columbia. Through $9 million in provincial funding, the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) has launched two new programs …
Premier kicks off small business, manufacturing weeks with strong support, lower taxes
Premier John Horgan delivered a message of strong support, including lower taxes, to help kick off Small Business Week and Manufacturing Week (Oct. 16 to Oct. 20). British Columbia’s small businesses are showing strong signs of growth and creating jobs …
Childhood empathy leads to long-term fostering commitment
You might say it was one of life’s defining moments. When Ann Bateson was just 12 years old, she made up her mind that she would one day be a foster parent. It all began because of a classmate. “I …
Provincial Child Care Council welcomes new members
The Provincial Child Care Council (PCCC), which will play a key role in supporting the Province’s efforts to introduce universal child care in B.C., is welcoming five new members to its roster. “I am looking forward to working with the …
Province partners with local governments to help with wildfire recovery, take action on overdoses and build affordable housing for people
The British Columbia government is taking action to help communities deal with urgent challenges and partnering with local governments to make life better for people throughout B.C., Premier John Horgan announced today in a speech to the Union of BC …