Between Jan. 18 and Feb. 28, 2019, people who own residential property in areas subject to the speculation and vacancy tax (SVT) will receive a letter with clear instructions for how to complete a declaration and register an exemption. By completing …
News
More supportive homes for Indigenous peoples in need in Vancouver
New Beginnings, a new modular housing project, is opening its doors and offering Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness a place to call home. The Province and the City of Vancouver have partnered on the 98-unit supportive housing project, which is a …
Lower income families benefiting from Fair PharmaCare investment
For 240,000 British Columbian families, the new year brings the help they need with prescription drugs, thanks to a three-year $105-million investment that is reducing or eliminating deductibles and co-payments for lower-income households. “No one should have to make the …
Post-secondary students to get 24/7 mental-health support
Work is underway to develop a virtual mental health counselling, information and referral service for post-secondary students of all ages throughout British Columbia. A notice of planned procurement has been posted to BC Bid, advising of plans to develop a …
Reducing asbestos risks for workers, public and environment
The B.C. government has released a report that includes a wide range of draft recommendations on ways to reduce exposure to asbestos, to protect workers, homeowners, the public and the environment from the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos poses serious long-term …
Education funding model review focuses on more equitable services for students
As the next phase of renewing the Province’s education funding model, B.C.’s Minister of Education is asking parents, teachers, support staff, school administrators and others to help shape the path forward to make education funding work better for students in …
British Columbians invited to share ideas for future Chinese Canadian museum
British Columbians are invited to share their ideas about the plan to establish a Chinese Canadian museum through the Province’s latest public engagement process. “Our commitment to the creation of a Chinese Canadian museum reflects the great value of this …
New graduation program will better prepare students for the future
Beginning in September 2019, British Columbian students entering their final years of secondary school will benefit from a modernized graduation program, as well as an innovative new curriculum. Students will learn to look at the world in different ways, including Indigenous …
Despite steps taken, homeless counts show challenges ahead
The first-ever provincewide homeless-count report shows that while B.C. has taken important first steps to house British Columbians, more work needs to be done to prevent and address homelessness in B.C. communities. According to the report — which brings together …
B.C. to lead Canada in economic growth
New projections from the Economic Forecast Council show that British Columbia’s strong economy will outperform Canada over the next three years. Carole James, Minister of Finance, made the announcement at the Economic Forecast Council’s annual meeting. “The Economic Forecast Council …