Permanent increase to assistance rates helps people in need, with $175 hike for some
More than 300,000 British Columbians will benefit from the largest-ever permanent increase to income assistance and disability assistance rates and the first-ever increase to the senior’s supplement. Starting with payments issued in April 2021, individuals on income assistance and disability assistance will automatically...
Seed production set to grow in regions around B.C.
B.C. seed producers may soon be able to access new seed processing equipment in up to a dozen BC Food Hub Network facilities. This equipment will increase production of high-quality vegetable, grain and plant seed and support B.C.’s food system. FarmFolk CityFolk will lead the ministry-funded BC Seed Hub feasibility study to...
Let’s talk about sex: A look at sex and sexual health services in the time of COVID-19, according to BCCDC
A survey led by the BC Centre for Disease Control’s Clinical Prevention Services highlights challenges in accessing sexual health services during the pandemic and the potential for virtual care. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact us both personally and professionally, altering the way we work, live and play. Everything...
BC announces new measures to curb gun violence
Gang members will have fewer options to buy, transport or possess real and imitation firearms under new legislation devised to make British Columbia’s streets safer. “We are putting expert advice into practice to reduce shootings related to gangs and the drug trade. These new measures targeting illegal and imitation firearms...
COVID-19 outbreak on unit 4B at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)
Interior Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on unit 4B at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). As of Monday morning, four patients and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19. Investigation is ongoing and patients with COVID-19 from 4B are being relocated to the COVID unit. There is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission...
Work experience grant’s third intake expands eligibility
The third intake of the Province’s Work Experience Opportunities Grant has opened to help more British Columbians move toward economic recovery, thanks to broader eligibility requirements. “Based on feedback we received during the first two intakes, we’re broadening the grant’s eligibility criteria,” said Nicholas Simons,...
BC mandates masks at middle and secondary schools, tightens guidelines
Enhanced safety measures and $121.2 million in federal funding are on the way, as the Province continues to strengthen health and safety plans in K-12 schools to keep students, teachers and staff safe during the pandemic. All middle and secondary students and K-12 staff will now be required to wear non-medical masks in all ...
Calgary police reach out to neighbouring provinces to locate murder suspect
Homicide detectives are continuing to search for Michael Elendu, who is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for the murder of Kyreese George Wright. We believe Elendu is still in the Calgary area, however he may have travelled to Winnipeg or British Columbia. At approximately 10:45 a.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, we were called...
Funds support access to addictions treatment, recovery services during COVID-19
Treatment and recovery providers who have been financially challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic are benefiting from grants to ensure ongoing support for people struggling with addictions throughout B.C. Fifty-three eligible grant applications came in and all were awarded, totalling just over $2 million. The grants support...
Minister's statement on basic income report
Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, has issued the following statement in response to the expert panel on basic income’s report to government: “I thank the expert panel for its hard work over the past two years to produce its comprehensive report, Covering All the Basics: Reforms for a More...
