New funding will help businesses grow, access new markets, and protect, create B.C. jobs
The Government of British Columbia announced a $90 million support package to help businesses and communities affected by U.S. tariffs, with a focus on protecting jobs, expanding markets, and strengthening economic resilience. The funding includes additional investments in the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, Integrated Marketplace initiative, Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, and an expanded BuyBC program to help businesses reach new customers. Forestry-sector businesses and communities impacted by U.S. tariffs will receive priority access to funding and expedited reviews. The measures are part of B.C.’s broader Look West strategy to diversify markets, reduce reliance on the U.S., and support long-term economic growth.
CentreBC and centre-right groups announce merger
CentreBC and other centre-right groups announced a merger, with Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar taking over as leader of the party from Mike Bernier. The merged party will have eight MLAs and aims to provide an alternative to the B.C. Conservatives ahead of a possible election. Milobar said the party will focus on health care, public safety, affordability, and economic issues. Several former B.C. Conservative MLAs have joined CentreBC following recent divisions within the party.
Additional announcements
- Province, Surrey advance planning for museum honouring Canadians of South Asian heritages
- Premier’s statement on Firefighters’ National Memorial Day
- Building wildfire resilience throughout B.C.
- Supporting earlier resolution in civil, family B.C. Supreme Court matters
- Community forests expanding in McLeod Lake/Mackenzie, north Island
- B.C. economy shows resilience in first quarterly report
- First candidate area announced for Working Forest Landscape Model
- Province names SkyTrain extension in honour of former premier Dave Barrett
- Advancing patient care with 3D-printed splints
- Updating BC Parks day-use pass reservation service
- Projects promoting anti-racism, multiculturalism eligible for new grants
- One million people connected to primary care in B.C. since 2018
- 23 new, improved schools opening in B.C., including one in Langley
- No falling back with B.C.’s new time zone code, Pacific Time: PCT
- Recruiting more doctors, nurses, allied health professionals
- Expanding skilled-trades training opens doors in Thompson-Okanagan
- Construction begins on new Peardonville Road crossing of Highway 1
- Upgrading Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge to improve safety, reliability and service life
- Supporting literacy for children, families
- Improving health care for people in Surrey
- B.C. pauses PST expansion to professional services amid ongoing trade uncertainty
- New supports for businesses, communities affected by U.S. tariffs
Standing committees
Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
No upcoming meetings.
Special Committee to Review the Lobbyists Transparency Act
No upcoming meetings.
Staff changes
Ministry of Environment and Parks
Meaghan Hoyle is appointed as an Acting Associate Deputy Minister with the title of Acting Chief Executive Assessment Officer, Environmental Assessment Office, Ministry of Environment and Parks
Ministry of Transportation and Transit
Adrienne Melody Lillian MacCoy is appointed as an Administrative Coordinator in the Office of the Minister of Transportation and Transit