Families across the province are going to get additional financial relief through the BC Family Benefit Bonus, arriving in bank accounts starting in July. Global inflation and high-interest rates have made everything from housing to groceries more costly. Getting a …
News
Anti-racism legislation to remove systemic barriers for racialized and Indigenous people
Indigenous and racialized people will face fewer barriers when accessing public programs and services with new legislation introduced on April 11, 2024 at the Legislative Assembly of B.C. The legislation aims to remove systemic racism from provincial institutions. The anti-racism …
Annual awards honour B.C. anti-racism advocates
Nearly 80 people and organizations were nominated for the 2024 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards, honouring their efforts to combat racism and create a more inclusive B.C. There were five Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism award recipients and six honourable mentions, many …
BC Builds will deliver affordable rental homes faster
The Province has launched BC Builds to lower construction costs, speed up timelines, and deliver more homes that middle-income people who live and work in B.C. can afford. BC Builds is a new initiative that leverages government, community and non-profit …
Changes to family law will help B.C. families, including those with pets
Changes coming into effect Monday, January 15, 2024, will reduce some of the difficulties for families going through separation or divorce in B.C., These include families with pets. British Columbians will also have the opportunity to provide input into further …
2024 B.C. homeowner grant provides tax relief
The homeowner grant reduces the amount of property taxes property owners pay each year on their principal residence. Most eligible property owners qualify for the regular grant, which is also called the basic grant. The regular grant amount is $570 …
Join us in renewing our commitment for human rights
The world on December 10, 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma and I, as the province’s Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, issued the following joint statement: “Today marks the …
Let’s honour our advocates of anti-racism and multiculturalism
Do you know someone who is working to make our communities more inclusive and welcoming? If you do, you and other people throughout B.C. are encouraged to submit nominations for the annual awards that recognize outstanding work in strengthening multiculturalism …
Early childhood educators to receive wage increase
Early childhood educators (ECEs) will receive another hourly raise, starting on January 1, 2024, to support the essential work they do to educate and care for young children. New annual grants recognizing ECEs with specialized training will be available in …
B.C. secures measures to ensure safe public spaces for families
To help ensure kids and families feel safe in their communities, the B.C. provincial government has received approval from the federal government to prohibit the possession of illegal drugs at playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks. Effective Monday, …