Office of the Premier
News by Ministry
Office of the Premier
More access to health care coming for people in the Comox Valley
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 1:00 PM
Everyone in the Comox Valley, including those in Cumberland, Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation, who wants to be connected to a family doctor will soon have access to one, thanks to the recruitment of dozens of family doctors in partnership with the local primary-care network.
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Province strengthens gynecological cancer care
Friday, July 19, 2024 12:20 PM
Women will have improved access to cancer care as the Province expands gynecological oncology surgical services to new regions and strengthens the teams providing care with more staff, including new gynecological oncologists.
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More people will benefit from training grants
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 1:19 PM
People training for good paying, in-demand careers will be able to access grants that cover most, or all, of their tuition thanks to the next intake of the StrongerBC future skills grant.
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Agriculture and Food
Indigenous program strengthens long-term rural food supply
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 10:30 AM
Indigenous communities, organizations and businesses throughout the province are working to strengthen local food systems to ensure a more sustainable and affordable food supply for people in rural and remote areas.
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Canada, B.C. increasing food chain transparency
Thursday, May 9, 2024 11:15 AM
B.C. producers, food processors and seafood businesses can now receive funding to help improve product tracing, meet consumer demands for greater transparency and protect public health.
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Automation, robotics help farmers strengthen food security
Thursday, June 13, 2024 10:15 AM
B.C. farmers are accessing new technology through federal and provincial government funding to grow their businesses and increase production to help strengthen food security in the province.
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Attorney General
Parliamentary secretary’s statement on Filipino Heritage Month
Monday, June 3, 2024 7:45 AM
Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, has released the following statement in celebration of Filipino Heritage Month:
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Whistleblower legislation expands to public post-secondary institutions
Monday, June 3, 2024 8:00 AM
Employees will benefit from new protections when bringing forward concerns about serious wrongdoing as the scope of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) expands to public post-secondary institutions.
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B.C. appoints judicial justice to Provincial Court
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 11:45 AM
The Government of British Columbia has appointed a new judicial justice to the Provincial Court to ensure timely and effective access to justice.
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Children and Family Development
B.C. strengthens Indigenous jurisdiction in child, family services
Monday, April 8, 2024 2:08 PM
Amendments to the Adoption Act and the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) will expand the scope for joint and consent-based decision-making agreements in Indigenous child and family services and will create a full pathway for dispute resolution through the provincial courts under Indigenous law.
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Province takes new direction for vulnerable children, families
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 11:37 AM
Keeping children, youth and families safe and connected to the supports they need will be the focus of a new government-wide approach that reimagines how services are delivered throughout the province.
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Citizens' Services
Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Atlin getting high-speed internet
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 11:45 AM
Taku River Tlingit First Nation and Atlin community members are one step closer to high-speed internet access with the construction of new connectivity infrastructure.
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New connectivity funding will benefit rural communities
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 9:30 AM
A fifth intake of the Connecting Communities BC funding program is open for project applications to increase access to high-speed internet services in rural and remote communities.
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Rural connectivity benefits people, economy
Thursday, June 27, 2024 7:45 AM
A new report by BC Stats has found that connecting underserved rural and remote communities to high-speed internet brings significant economic benefits to people throughout British Columbia.
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Education and Child Care
Surrey schools will get boost in classroom space
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 1:45 PM
Families in Surrey will have 875 more student spaces in their community as part of the government’s plan to expand schools faster.
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Construction begins on Eric Langton Elementary expansion in Maple Ridge
Monday, June 17, 2024 1:15 PM
Students will soon have a new, seismically safer and expanded learning space as the replacement project begins at Eric Langton Elementary school.
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New child care centre coming for Lumby families
Monday, July 22, 2024 10:15 AM
Lumby families will have more access to affordable and quality child care as the Province invests in 103 licensed child care spaces at J.W. Inglis Elementary school.
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Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Campfire bans coming into effect this weekend throughout B.C.
Thursday, July 11, 2024 10:49 AM
Following a stretch of high temperatures and several heat warnings throughout the province, and with potentially challenging wildfire weather forecast, the BC Wildfire Service is implementing a campfire ban in all parts of B.C., except Haida Gwaii.
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Supporting Okanagan’s resilience against floods
Thursday, June 13, 2024 1:20 PM
From Infrastructure Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2024/06/supporting-okanagans-resilience-against-floods.html
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New funding provided for local emergency operations centres
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 12:45 PM
Residents of nearly 30 communities will be safer during emergencies with provincial funding for emergency operations centres that will enhance local governments’ and First Nations’ response to emergencies.
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Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
Canada, U.S. reach agreement-in-principle to modernize Columbia River Treaty
Thursday, July 11, 2024 8:30 AM
The Government of Canada and the United States have taken an important step in the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty by reaching an agreement-in-principle (AIP). Today’s milestone in the negotiation process provides a clear road map for the negotiation teams to move forward on drafting the renewed treaty and for B.C. to begin engaging with the Columbia River Basin residents to seek feedback on the AIP and on next steps.
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More households saving money with expanded heat-pump program
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 12:30 PM
B.C.’s expanded heat-pump program is now taking applications, helping more households stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter and saving up to $24,000 when making the switch.
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B.C., Halfway River First Nation take steps to heal land, balance industry interests
Monday, July 22, 2024 2:30 PM
The Province and Halfway River First Nation are taking key actions together to protect the Nation’s Treaty 8 rights, heal the land and create more predictability for everyone in northeastern B.C. who relies on resource-industry jobs to support their lives and families.
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Environment and Climate Change Strategy
New plastic regulations will keep more plastic waste out of communities
Monday, July 15, 2024 8:30 AM
People in British Columbia will benefit from a cleaner environment and reduced waste from single-use plastics as new regulations come into effect.
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New path set for collaboration with First Nations in environmental assessments
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 2:00 PM
New rules for dispute resolution will help support settle conflicts between the Province and First Nations about environmental assessments, a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment to reconciliation and environmental stewardship.
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Province planning cleaner drinking water in Elk Valley
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 12:02 PM
Communities in the Elk Valley will benefit from an updated plan that will ensure cleaner, healthier water for generations to come.
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Finance
Boosted BC Family Benefit cheques on the way to thousands more families
Monday, June 24, 2024 9:37 AM
Increased BC Family Benefit payments arriving in bank accounts this summer will help families with rising expenses due to inflation.
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B.C. introduces pay transparency reporting tool
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 9:30 AM
A new, online reporting tool has been created to support B.C. employers with an efficient way to prepare pay transparency reports.
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More help with everyday costs coming for more families
Thursday, July 18, 2024 10:10 AM
More financial relief is coming to more families through the BC Family Benefit Bonus, arriving in bank accounts starting in July.
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Forests
Campfire bans coming into effect this weekend throughout B.C.
Thursday, July 11, 2024 10:49 AM
Following a stretch of high temperatures and several heat warnings throughout the province, and with potentially challenging wildfire weather forecast, the BC Wildfire Service is implementing a campfire ban in all parts of B.C., except Haida Gwaii.
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New Clayoquot Sound conservancies help protect B.C.’s oldest forests
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 1:30 PM
Vancouver Island will soon benefit from more than 76,000 hectares of new conservation areas in Clayoquot Sound.
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New harvest level set for Arrow Lake area
Thursday, July 18, 2024 2:15 PM
British Columbia’s deputy chief forester has set the new allowable annual cut (AAC) level for Tree Farm Licence 23 (TFL), located northwest of Castlegar, near Arrow Lake.
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Health
More access to health care coming for people in the Comox Valley
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 1:00 PM
Everyone in the Comox Valley, including those in Cumberland, Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation, who wants to be connected to a family doctor will soon have access to one, thanks to the recruitment of dozens of family doctors in partnership with the local primary-care network.
Read More
Province strengthens gynecological cancer care
Friday, July 19, 2024 12:20 PM
Women will have improved access to cancer care as the Province expands gynecological oncology surgical services to new regions and strengthens the teams providing care with more staff, including new gynecological oncologists.
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Minister’s statement on World Drowning Prevention Day
Thursday, July 25, 2024 8:30 AM
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has released the following statement in recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day, July 25, 2024:
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Housing
More than 330 homes preserved for Vancouver Island residents
Thursday, July 18, 2024 10:20 AM
Families, individuals and Indigenous people on Vancouver Island will continue to have access to affordable housing with the purchase of 153 homes in Campbell River, 125 homes in Port Hardy and 56 homes in Duncan, through the Rental Protection Fund.
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Affordable homes, health, social services coming to Downtown Eastside
Friday, July 5, 2024 1:15 PM
Plans for a community building are moving ahead in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), and will now include additional supportive and affordable homes, connected to health and social services.
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Nearly 90% of B.C. communities have adopted small-scale multi-unit housing legislation
Thursday, July 25, 2024 10:15 AM
Provincial legislation to fix outdated zoning rules and create more small-scale multi-unit homes (row homes, triplexes and townhouses) has now been adopted into local bylaws, or will soon be adopted, by almost 90% of communities throughout B.C., paving the way for more housing options for people with middle incomes.
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Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
K’ómoks First Nation, Canada, B.C. take important step to advance reconciliation by initialling draft K’ómoks Treaty
Monday, July 22, 2024 11:00 AM
Elected Chief Ken Price of the K’ómoks First Nation (K’ómoks); Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and Murray Rankin, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, marked a significant milestone toward renewing their nation-to-nation relationships.
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B.C. returning downtown Nanaimo village site to Snuneymuxw
Monday, July 15, 2024 11:15 AM
Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Province are rejuvenating a prominent property in Nanaimo's downtown while restoring Snuneymuxw's presence on the land.
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Treaty negotiations update for the Comox Valley
Friday, July 12, 2024 12:30 PM
Since 1994, the K’ómoks First Nation, along with Canada and B.C., have been working on a modern treaty.
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Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Throne speech lays out vision of a stronger B.C. that works better for people
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 2:30 PM
Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin opened the final session of the 42nd Parliament by delivering the speech from the throne, laying out the B.C. government’s vision for a stronger province that works better for people.
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Applications open for French-language services funding
Friday, May 10, 2024 3:30 PM
The Province is now accepting applications from eligible non-profit organizations for one-time funding that supports the vitality of British Columbia’s francophone community.
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B.C. celebrates youth at Journée de la francophonie
Thursday, March 14, 2024 12:15 PM
The B.C. government recognized youth as part of this year’s B.C. Francophonie Day, an annual event to celebrate the social, cultural and economic contributions of francophones throughout the province.
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Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
New digital tools being tested to improve people’s health
Monday, July 15, 2024 9:48 AM
Provincial laboratories are testing digital tools and innovative solutions to support more rapid diagnostic services to improve access to testing for people living with diseases, such as cancer, throughout B.C.
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Hundreds of high-quality jobs in bioprinted tissue therapeutics coming to B.C.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 12:45 PM
A nearly $200-million partnership between Aspect Biosystems and the governments of B.C. and Canada will create more than 200 jobs and advance the development of cutting-edge bioprinted tissue therapeutics for people in B.C. and around the globe.
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Mass-timber manufacturing jobs coming to Okanagan Falls
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 10:30 AM
New support for a mass-timber production facility is protecting sustainable forestry jobs in Okanagan Falls and continuing to strengthen B.C.’s position as a leader in mass-timber innovation.
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Labour
Fair pay, basic protections coming for gig workers
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 2:15 PM
The Province has finalized regulations to provide fairness, minimum-wage measures and basic protections for app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers in British Columbia.
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More workers will receive easier access to mental-health supports
Monday, June 10, 2024 8:00 AM
More workers from select occupations will be provided with easier access to workers’ compensation for psychological injuries caused by work-related trauma.
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Income protection options expanded for child actors
Monday, July 8, 2024 9:00 AM
Child actors in B.C.’s recorded entertainment industry will now have a choice between two options for protecting a portion of their income.
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Mental Health and Addictions
Innovative model of addictions care expands throughout B.C.
Monday, July 22, 2024 1:30 PM
A made-in-B.C. model of addictions care, which is improving the way people access services, is expanding.
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More addiction treatment services coming on the Sunshine Coast
Monday, July 15, 2024 11:40 AM
Men living on the Sunshine Coast will soon have access to more addiction treatment options with 12 new supportive recovery beds in Powell River.
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Mental-health crisis team launches in Prince George
Thursday, July 25, 2024 11:00 AM
People experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis in Prince George will soon have access to a new community-led Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) to help them stabilize and find the support they need.
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Municipal Affairs
Delta Secondary School Track Replacement Project to get underway
Monday, June 10, 2024 2:40 PM
From City of Delta: https://www.delta.ca/community-culture/happening-delta/news/delta-secondary-school-track-replacement-project-get
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Loon Lake Firehall rebuild helps ensure community safety
Monday, June 10, 2024 1:40 PM
From Thompson-Nicola Regional District: https://www.tnrd.ca/loon-lake-firehall-rebuild-supports-community-safety/
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Water infrastructure upgrades in the Sea to Sky Country
Friday, July 19, 2024 1:50 PM
From Infrastructure Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2024/07/water-infrastructure-upgrades-in-the-sea-to-sky-country.html
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Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
More people will benefit from training grants
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 1:19 PM
People training for good paying, in-demand careers will be able to access grants that cover most, or all, of their tuition thanks to the next intake of the StrongerBC future skills grant.
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New student housing coming to Camosun College
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 11:45 AM
Camosun College students will soon have access to on-campus student housing for the first time with funding approved for a new 423-bed student housing project at the Lansdowne campus.
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B.C. sets higher standards, strengthens protections for international students
Monday, July 15, 2024 12:30 PM
The Province is strengthening supports to ensure the highest quality education for international post-secondary students.
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Public Safety and Solicitor General
More than 14,500 lives lost to unregulated toxic drugs, eight years into public health crisis
Thursday, June 6, 2024 11:00 AM
Unregulated toxic drugs claimed the lives of 182 people in April 2024 according to preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service.
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Community funding supports Indigenous-led solutions to violence
Monday, June 3, 2024 10:15 AM
New funding for B.C.’s Path Forward Community Fund will support Indigenous-led solutions to violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and promote community safety, capacity building and self determination in addressing systemic causes of gender-based violence.
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Relief for B.C. wineries protects 2024 vintage, jobs
Thursday, July 25, 2024 11:20 AM
Following this year’s devastating loss of grapes, B.C. wineries will benefit from temporary support that will allow B.C. wines to be made with grapes and grape juice from outside of the province for the 2024 vintage year.
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Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Budget 2024 supports improvements to treatment, recovery services
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 9:23 AM
The Province is significantly increasing the funding many service providers rely on to deliver thousands of registered or licensed treatment and recovery beds throughout B.C. as part of Budget 2024.
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Changes aim to help people out of poverty
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 10:20 AM
The Province is making changes to three laws so it can better help people get out of poverty.
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Government taking action to help people out of poverty
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 9:15 AM
People facing complex barriers will have better access to employment opportunities with the launch of wraparound services that support the most vulnerable on their path to employment readiness.
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Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Province provides updates for FIFA World Cup 26
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 3:15 PM
With seven matches to be played in Vancouver during the FIFA World Cup 26 tournament, the Province, City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have updated their estimates of the costs, revenues and economic benefits for the world’s largest single sporting event.
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Engagement launched for provincial Filipino cultural centre
Friday, May 31, 2024 10:30 AM
A new website and survey will provide British Columbians with opportunities to share their vision for a new provincial cultural centre dedicated to celebrating Filipino Canadians’ heritage and contributions to B.C.’s success.
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Province moves ahead on a safer amateur sport system
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 1:00 PM
The Province, in partnership with viaSport, will establish an independent non-profit organization to oversee a new complaints process for B.C.’s amateur sport sector.
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Transportation and Infrastructure
Highway 17 Keating overpass closer to completion
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 3:00 PM
People travelling along Highway 17 near Keating Cross Road will notice significant progress on the overpass project as steel bridge girders are installed across the highway in the coming weeks.
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Construction advances on new Belleville Terminal in Victoria’s inner harbour
Friday, July 19, 2024 10:00 AM
Visitors to Victoria’s inner harbour can expect to see more activity at Belleville Terminal as Phase 1 construction of the temporary terminal and wharf upgrade advances throughout the summer.
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Upgrades coming to Salt Spring Island roads, making travel easier
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 2:30 PM
People who live on and visit Salt Spring Island can expect smoother, safer travel as significant improvements are coming to a major segment of the island’s highway system.
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Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
More than 300 hectares of land secured to conserve old growth
Friday, June 28, 2024 11:00 AM
At-risk wildlife and critical old-growth habitat will be protected at eight different sites through the Old Growth Nature Fund.
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Protecting more of our marine ecosystems together, for future generations
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 2:50 PM
From the Prime Minister of Canada: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2024/06/25/protecting-more-our-marine-ecosystems-together-future-generations
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Province takes further action to manage chronic wasting disease
Friday, July 19, 2024 8:00 AM
Government is taking further steps to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer populations and to protect elk, moose and caribou that are also at risk of infection.
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