The Province and the Legal Services Society (LSS) have announced a one-time grant of $7.9 million to support the development of a new framework for legal aid funding. The funding – $4 million from the government and $3.9 million from …
News
More parents, kids to get help from free mental health service
Parents and caregivers in B.C. whose children have anxiety impacting their development and day-to-day happiness at home, school and in the community will soon have access to a new, free intervention program. The program includes access to educational videos and weekly …
Legislation introduced to eliminate MSP premiums
Government has introduced legislation that sets the stage for the elimination of Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums on Jan. 1, 2020, making life more affordable for British Columbians. “After years of MSP premium increases, our government is proud to be …
Education awards nomination deadline extended
The nomination deadline for the 2019 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education has been extended to April 30. With spring break here, it is a great opportunity for children, parents, school administrators and community members of all ages to take advantage …
B.C. government doubling grant funding to provide low-cost dental care to more people
Twenty-four not-for-profit dental clinics around the province will have their annual operating support from the British Columbia government doubled, helping them provide a mix of free and low-cost dental care to people living in poverty. The $3.6 million in funding …
Province to launch catch-up immunization program to protect against measles
The Province is launching a measles immunization catch-up program to help B.C. families ensure their children are protected from measles. The program will run from April through June 2019. “With outbreaks of measles occurring globally and here in B.C., we …
Province launches first poverty reduction strategy, TogetherBC
British Columbia’s first poverty reduction strategy, TogetherBC, outlines programs and initiatives that will help reduce overall poverty in the province by 25%, and cut child poverty in half, over the next five years. “Together, we can build a fairer province …
Over 80% of speculation and vacancy tax declarations complete
More than 80% of declarations for the speculation and vacancy tax (SVT) have been completed and of those, more than 90% were completed securely online in just a few minutes. Over 99% of British Columbians are exempt from the SVT. …
Funding provides thousands of students with new school playgrounds
The B.C. government is building 50 new playgrounds in 34 school districts this year, delivering healthier, more accessible learning environments for kids, while reducing pressure on parents to fundraise, announced Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “As a parent, I understand …
UBC students applaud elimination of interest on B.C. student loans
Students at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are celebrating the Budget 2019 announcement to eliminate interest from B.C. government student loans, resulting in debt relief for about 200,000 people. As of Feb. 19, 2019, all B.C. student loans stopped accumulating …