BC Ombudsperson finds gaping holes in BC emergency relief programs
In a report released today, the BC Ombudsperson finds emergency support programs are outdated, under-resourced, inaccessible for vulnerable evacuees and poorly communicated and calls on government to take urgent action to better support people who are increasingly being displaced from their homes for long periods by extreme weather events. The report Fairness in a Changing […]
BC Wildlife Federation's BC Rivers Day: The New Normal is anything but normal
September 24, B.C. Rivers Day highlights the decline of the province’s vital arteries It is tempting to shrug off the latest catastrophic wildfire season as The New Normal and throw up our hands about the damage that incinerated forests do to B.C. rivers and fish habitat. Forest fires are normal, natural, and even rejuvenating for […]
State of emergency for BC ends, fire response continues
Based on advice from emergency management and wildfire officials, British Columbia’s provincial state of emergency will expire at the end of the day on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. The work of firefighters from B.C., Canada and abroad, as well as wildfire risk diminishing in much of the Province as temperatures cool, has led to many […]
BCGEU faculty agreements ratified under Shared Recovery Mandate
Five BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) faculty agreements reached at the common table under the Province’s Shared Recovery Mandate have been ratified by the board of the Post-Secondary Employers’ Association (PSEA). These agreements cover nearly 950 BCGEU faculty members, most of whom teach vocational programs. The PSEA and the BCGEU tentatively settled the common agreement […]
Five Tips to Protect Your Grandparents’ Privacy & Money Right Now
In today’s world, where technology keeps changing and scams are getting trickier, it’s really important to help our grandparents keep their private information safe and their money secure. BBB serving Mainland BC & Yukon recognizes that National Grandparents Day, celebrated on September 10, is a timely reminder of how important it is to spark a conversation […]
Young people with mental-health challenges get more support
Teens and young adults struggling with stress and anxiety will benefit from a mental wellness training program that will support them on their journey to well-being. The Province is investing $3 million over the next three years to support the continued delivery of YMCA’s Y Mind and Mind Medicine programs in 30 communities across B.C. […]
Province extends state of emergency due to wildfire risk
With continued fire risk in many regions, and tens of thousands of people still under evacuation order and alert, the Province is extending the provincial state of emergency until Sept. 14, 2023, to ensure public safety and support the response to B.C.’s worst-ever wildfire season. “While many people have returned home, tens of thousands of […]
At least 198 lost to toxic drugs in July as public health emergency continues
For the 13th consecutive month, more than 190 British Columbians have lost their lives to the toxic, unregulated drug supply, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. “I am saddened to once again report that British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis shows no signs of abating,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “We are […]
Safety tips as children prepare to head back to school
As children return to school soon, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of BC) is sharing important tips for drivers, parents and caregivers to help children get a safe start to the school year. Every month in B.C., 30 children are injured in crashes while walking or riding their bike — in the Southern Interior two children walking […]
BC announces expanded graduate scholarship funding to support students
Increased scholarship funding will support graduate students during their studies and prepare them for in-demand careers. The Province is investing approximately $15 million in graduate scholarships over three years, adding $2,500 to each new graduate scholarship award. This funding will accelerate talent development and innovation, along with recruiting and retaining talent, and support graduate students’ […]