Five conditions secure coastal protection and economic benefits for all British Columbians
Following the Trudeau government’s approval of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline Project, the Province’s clear, consistent and principled position on its five conditions has resulted in tangible and significant investments that will protect British Columbia’s environmental and economic interests. “The five conditions ...
Gitxsan chiefs add fourth lawsuit opposing Pacific Northwest LNG
Inland B.C. hereditary First Nations chiefs joined coastal ones in announcing a fourth federal lawsuit against Ottawa’s approval of the Pacific Northwest LNG project, at a press conference in Vancouver. They claim that the gas export terminal is an infringement of their Aboriginal fishing rights. Two Gitxsan Nation hereditary...
Government lends helping hand to families with property taxes by increasing home owner grant
The Province is increasing the home owner grant threshold to $1.6 million, helping keep property taxes affordable for families and ensuring most home owners will continue to receive the full grant this year, Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced Monday. “This is a 33% increase over last year,” said de Jong....
B.C. extends free HPV coverage to boys
Beginning this September, British Columbia will become the latest province to provide the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to boys, as part of B.C.’s publicly funded immunization program, Health Minister Terry Lake announced Friday. “We need to do everything we can to help girls and boys grow up to be healthy adults,”...
First step after BCTF's landmark court win sees Province provides $50 million to hire teachers
Surprisingly, two sides that have battled tooth and nail for more than a decade have reached an agreement to inject some life, and much needed funding, into the public school system. The BC Teachers Federation has reached agreement with the BC Public School Employers' Association and government on an interim measure to...
No more Alberta advantage —corporate rates now lower in Ontario, Quebec, B.C.
Corporate and personal income tax hikes in Alberta last year have wiped away crucial tax advantages that helped fuel the province’s economic prosperity for years, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank....
Strategy putting B.C. foods on the global menu
A new international market development strategy is the latest item on the menu offering B.C.’s agrifood and seafood products to the world. The strategy aims to build on the record $3.5 billion worth of B.C. products exported in 2015. The strategy focuses on providing programs and services that support three key areas: market...
Steady growth continues for B.C.’s tourism sector
In the first 10 months of 2016, nearly 4.9 million international visitors came to British Columbia. The latest international overnight visitor numbers from Statistics Canada from January to October 2016 indicate a 12.2% increase over the same 10-month period last year, which translates to 531,431 more visitors to the province....
Give the Gift that Keeps On Giving — register as an organ donor
The B.C. government is urging all British Columbians to get in the holiday spirit and consider giving the greatest gift of all – the gift of life – by registering as an organ donor. Since Service BC and BC Transplant launched their unique awareness partnership in April 2015, 30,485 new donors have registered through Service...
Changes to camping reservation system take effect in January
With the 2017 camping season just around the corner, those looking to experience BC Parks are reminded to become familiar with new changes to the Discover Camping Reservation Service. The Province announced significant changes to the Discover Camping Reservation Service in November 2016, to enhance fair access for everyone ...
