Bringing back the brand power of this marketing program — popular with B.C. growers and producers, but cancelled in the early 2000s — will make it easier for British Columbians to explore new and different products from around the province.

The relaunch was announced by Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. Popham was joined by Vickey Brown, BC Association of Farmers’ Markets vice-president, and surrounded by local vendors at the Moss Street Market in Victoria, along with market-goers and local vendors.

“The goal is to connect more British Columbians and visitors with the great food and drinks made right here in B.C.,” said Popham. “When people are making their shopping decisions, we want them to reach for B.C. products.

“Much has changed since the program was cancelled more than a decade ago. There are new types of B.C. producers and products that we think British Columbians and visitors will fall in love with. And Buy BC will be instrumental in introducing those products to British Columbians and a global audience.”

The Buy BC Partnership Program involves cost-shared funding that is available not only to agriculture and seafood producers, processors and co-operatives, but also to relevant industry associations, as well as agricultural fairs and markets within B.C., like the Moss Street Market.

As well, logo-licencing agreements will be available for B.C. agriculture and seafood companies that do not require cost-shared funding, but still wish to use the Buy BC logo on products to help consumers easily identify their product as a local product.

“We are thrilled to see this support for B.C. farmers, growers and makers of local food that can be found at over 145 community farmers’ markets across the province,” said Wylie Bystedt, president of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. “More and more British Columbians are seeking out unique, local, in-season foods, and the Buy BC Partnership Program will make it easier to choose these foods, which is an integral part of ensuring a thriving local food sector in B.C.”

The Buy BC Partnership Program will provide $2 million in funding per year, over the next three years, to help eligible applicants with their marketing efforts using the Buy BC logo on their products or promotional materials.

“The Ministry of Agriculture’s three pillars of Grow BC, Feed BC and Buy BC are supporting the province’s agriculture sectors and encouraging British Columbians to choose B.C. products which in turn, support our local farmers and ranchers,” said Stan Vander Waal, president, BC Agriculture Council. “Placing the Buy BC partnership logo on B.C. products strengthens the local brand, and reminds consumers that we grow and raise some of the most trusted and highest-quality product in the world.”

The provincial government’s Buy BC Partnership Program will be administered and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Learn More:

Buy BC website: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/

Applications via Investment Agriculture Foundation: http://iafbc.ca/buy-bc/

Buy BC Eat Drink Local: http://www.eatdrinklocal.ca/

Find a BC Farmers’ Market: http://markets.bcfarmersmarket.org/

“Students often turn to family for support with living expenses while they pursue their dreams and post-secondary education. But former youth in care rarely have that option,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “The Youth Futures Education Fund is about that extra help. The fund is a great example of public and private efforts coming together to support former youth in care, and invest in their bright future.”

The Youth Futures Education Fund is held at the Vancouver Foundation. It is guided by a third-party committee made up of numerous organizations that are experts within the field of youth in care, or helped to establish the fund. The fund helps students with non-tuition expenses while they attend school, helping to reduce the financial burden of living expenses — including textbooks, food and rent.

“We are committed to making sure everyone has the opportunity to achieve their true potential. This funding announcement builds on our commitment to give youth the support they need to thrive, not just survive,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “On top of Budget 2018’s expansion of government’s Agreements with Young Adults, the Youth Futures Education Fund is making the dreams of successful post-secondary education possible for former youth in care.”

This contribution to the Youth Futures Education Fund continues government’s commitment to supporting education and skills training for former youth in care. Budget 2018 expanded the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Agreements with Young Adults program. Effective April 1, 2018, the upper age limit for the Agreements with Young Adults program was raised to a person’s 27th birthday, the maximum needs-based monthly support rate increased to $1,250 and students can now receive year-round funding while on scheduled program breaks.

“Being able to receive an education has completely changed my life. Receiving an education wouldn’t have been possible at all without Youth Futures Education Fund,” said Emily Goncalves, Youth Futures Education Fund recipient.

“We applaud the ministry’s commitment to increasing the opportunities for academic success for former youth in care,” said Lane Trotter, president and CEO, Langara College. “This announcement is well aligned with Langara’s own youth-in-care bursaries, which have made a difference in the lives of over 40 students since the program launched in 2014. We have seen first-hand the success that former youth in care can have, and the impact of reducing financial barriers to education.”

“Because of the vital role that education plays in helping a young person realize their full potential, we are very grateful for the continued contributions and partnership with the ministry in assuring that post-care students have equal education opportunities,” said John Greschner, chair of the Youth Futures Education Fund. “Supporting youth transitioning out of care is an issue that deserves our collective focus. We are counting on more organizations and individuals — both public and private — to follow the ministry’s lead, and generously invest in youth from care as they strive for a brighter future. The pattern is simple: youth who receive the support they need as they transition out of care become adults who are better equipped to support themselves and contribute to their communities.”

The number of former youth in care benefiting from tuition-waiver programs has increased by 77% since it was expanded in September 2017. About 189 youth benefited from bursaries or waivers between September 2016 and June 2017, compared to 335 former youth in care who benefited from the provincial tuition waiver program between September 2017 and March 2018. Since the tuition waiver program was launched, the Province has reimbursed $1.8 million to post-secondary institutions, and has committed $6 million to the program over the next three years.

Learn More:

For more information about the Youth Futures Education Fund, visit: https://youthfutures.ca

For more information about the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Agreements with Young Adults program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/youth-and-family-services/teens-in-foster-care/agreements-with-young-adults

For more information about the tuition-waiver program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/pay-for-school/provincial-tuition-waiver-program

This is the first program established with the proceeds that were generated from specialty BC Parks licence plate sales.

“We are giving young adults a chance to gain important job skills in some of the most beautiful parks and protected areas British Columbia has to offer,” said George Heyman, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Strategy.  “Student rangers will help protect sensitive ecosystems, while preserving the natural, cultural and historical values that British Columbians cherish.”

Funded by the federal and provincial governments, the Student Ranger Program provides youth training and employment opportunities for 48 young adults in B.C.’s parks and protected areas, with a 30% Indigenous hiring target. The program, which is now accepting applications, offers hands-on work experience in a diverse range of projects related to conservation, recreation, community outreach and Indigenous relations.

“Canada’s future prosperity depends on young Canadians getting the skills and experience they need to succeed. Creating meaningful green job opportunities for young Canadians will help them enhance their skills and save money to pay for their education,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

The Province is contributing annual funding of $610,000 over two years from the proceeds of the BC Parks Licence Plate program. Additional funding of approximately $260,000 through 2019-20 will be provided by a partnership between Project Learning Tree Canada and the Canadian Parks Council, through the Government of Canada’s Summer Work Experience program.

Student rangers will focus on a wide variety of meaningful projects, including:

• Ecosystem restoration and invasive species control;
• Trail building and maintenance;
• Conservation monitoring projects; and
• Public outreach.

Eight teams of student rangers will work in regions around the province, including Prince George, Smithers, Kamloops, Victoria (Goldstream Provincial Park), Black Creek, Manning Park, North Vancouver and Squamish. Crew lead and crew member positions will begin in late May and early June, and will continue work throughout the summer season.

The B.C. government is reinvesting all net proceeds from the sale, and ongoing renewals of BC Parks licence plates, back into provincial parks, to ensure meaningful action is taken to protect the environment and achieve B.C.’s conservation goals. The Student Ranger Program is the first in a series of projects funded through the BC Parks Licence Plate program that will be unveiled in the coming year.

“As the first type of specialty licence plate of its kind, we are proud that, due to the fervent support of British Columbians, the BC Parks plates program has, and will continue to, provide opportunities like this to enhance, protect and conserve our parks and land,” said Nicolas Jimenez, interim president and CEO of ICBC.

Learn More:

For more information on the Student Ranger Program, including job requirements and the application form, visit: http://gov.bc.ca/bcparks-student-rangers

For more information about BC Parks specialty licence plates, visit: http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/licence-plates/Pages/bc-parks-plates.aspx

“People know that MSP premiums are unfair and place significant burden on British Columbian families. Today, we are initiating a process that will eliminate these regressive fees,” James said. “By engaging a panel of respected experts in economics, law and public policy, we will ensure the path we take is fiscally responsible, fair and evidence-based.”

The MSP Task Force will examine the best approach to replacing the revenue from eliminating MSP premiums. Its final report is due to government by March 31, 2018. The task force’s work will include an opportunity for British Columbians, businesses, academics and other stakeholders to express their views. People are encouraged to bring their ideas to this consultation process at: engage.gov.bc.ca/msptaskforce/

Prof. Lindsay Tedds has been appointed as chair of the task force. Tedds is an associate professor in the school of public administration at the University of Victoria. She is a renowned expert in applied economic research and policy analysis, with a particular focus on the design and implementation of tax policy. Paul Ramsey and Prof. David Duff join Tedds on the task force.

The Budget 2017 Update announced the government’s plans to cut MSP premiums by 50%, effective Jan. 1, 2018. This reduction will save individuals up to $450 per year, and families up to $900 per year. The budget update also raised the income threshold below which households are fully exempt from MSP premiums by $2,000.

This means senior couples with a net income up to $35,000 will pay no premiums in 2018. Single parents with two children and a net income up to $32,000 will pay no premiums.

Learn More:

For more about the MSP Task Force and to submit your ideas: engage.gov.bc.ca/msptaskforce/

Two backgrounders follow, including a backgrounder with biographies of the MSP Task Force members.

“Our government is making investments that will make life easier for people and their families,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “This new cable collar system will help ensure the Alex Fraser Bridge stays open – regardless of the weather – so people can get to work on time.”

This cable collar system is manufactured and designed in British Columbia and is similar to the one currently used to clear snow and ice from the cables on the Port Mann Bridge. This system will help ensure the bridge stays open in winter weather conditions.

This system is made up of almost 3,000 collars that clear accumulations when they are released from the top of the cables. To ensure the system’s effectiveness, it will be manually operated by crews of rope access technicians who will physically load and deploy the collars as needed.

“Last winter, thousands of drivers were affected when snow and ice on the Alex Fraser Bridge’s cables forced some closures of this busy crossing. Adding a cable collar system to clear snow and ice will vastly improve the reliability of the bridge when the snow arrives,” said Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon. “For a high-capacity bridge like the Alex Fraser, one closure is one too many, which is why we’re investing in this system.”

Three contractors, all from B.C., have successfully won the contract award to design and install the system. Valid Manufacturing Ltd. from Salmon Arm and Hercules SLR from Langley are the manufacturers of the system’s components. Eurovia B.C. from Surrey will be installing the system. The total project cost is approximately $5 million.

The new system is expected to be in place before the end of January 2018.

“Beginning today, B.C.’s lowest-paid workers will see an increase to their hourly wage by 50 cents, bringing their wage up to $11.35 an hour and up to $10.10 for those who serve liquor. Increasing the minimum wage is one way our government will help make life more affordable for hard-working British Columbians.

“Today’s increase to the minimum wage is significant as it now gives B.C. the third-highest minimum wage among Canada’s provinces – up from seventh position.

“In the coming weeks, we will announce details of the fair wages commission. This commission, through consultation and research, will provide recommendations on how to get B.C. to a $15-an-hour minimum wage with regular, measured and predictable increases that businesses can absorb. The commission will submit its first report within 90 days of its first meeting.

“We’ve listened to business owners, who have told us gradual, predictable increases are the best way to minimize the impact on their businesses. And, they recognize that the move to a $15-an-hour minimum wage is good for employee satisfaction and retention, benefits that are good for B.C. businesses, and good for our economy.

“When you give British Columbia’s lowest-paid workers an increase in wages, every extra dollar received is invested back into their communities, in their local businesses, to pay for life’s essentials. This government is committed to making life more affordable for people.”

“Christy Clark made life worse for ordinary families. And now that an election is coming she wants people to forget everything,” said Horgan. “This government is using their cash surplus to make you forget there’s a deficit in the services people care about.

“She wants people to forget that she hit them with endless hikes to Medical Services Plan premiums, rising hydro bills, skyrocketing housing costs, a crisis in child care affordability, and the worst wage growth in Canada.

“Christy Clark wants British Columbians to forget the $300,000 she took from her wealthy friends, and the billion-dollar tax break she gave to her big money donors in return.

“She wants people to forget that her government doubled MSP premiums and only now, on the eve of an election, she promises to reverse that damage.

“She wants people to forget that their wages haven’t gone up while housing costs have spiraled out of reach for too many people.

“The only thing Christy Clark cares about is winning the next election. After years of neglect why would anyone believe she is going to change now?”

Horgan noted that since Christy Clark was elected the average family is paying more than $1,000 more for Hydro, MSP and ICBC fees alone.

“Fifteen years of cuts from our kids’ classrooms, and robbed an entire generation of children of opportunity — and Christy Clark says ‘Forget about it,’” said Horgan.

“She wants British Columbians to forget that she was forced by the Supreme Court of Canada to restore what she cut from our schools.

“Christy Clark is hoping her ‘forget everything’ budget will distract from the fact that 9 in 10 seniors’ care homes are understaffed.

“She is hoping that if her promises are outrageous enough people will forget all the times she simply made things up.

“One ‘forget everything’ budget isn’t going to change who Christy Clark is really working for. She didn’t work for you after the last election and she won’t work for you after the next one,” Horgan said.

“It’s time to make government work for people again.”

Smyth: B.C.’s taxi industry dismayed at government’s friendly attitude towards Uber

‘The government could bankrupt hundreds of families’

By Michael Smyth, The Province January 24, 2016