A Memorandum of Understanding on Local Government Financial Resiliency

The Province and Union of BC Municipalities will work together to review the local government finance system in B.C. to ensure that municipal governments and regional districts remain resilient in the face of economic changes. Municipal Affairs Minister Josie Osborne, Finance Minister Selina Robinson, and UBCM President Laurey-Anne Roodenburg have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Local…

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Regulations Urged for Short-term Rentals

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has made 13 requests of the province to consider in order to establish a regulatory framework for the short-term accommodations industry, similar to those in place for ride-hailing and other regulated industries.  Read The Report Here

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Grants for BC Small Businesses — a conversation with Minister Ravi Kahlon

Ravi Kahlon

The Hon. Ravi Kahlon, British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation, chatted with BC Rural Centre Communications Director Randy Morse recently. The conversation focused on Covid-19, its impact on small and medium-sized businesses, and steps the BC Government is taking to help those most affected, cope. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant…

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New Support Programs for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses

BC business recovery grant

Help BC small and medium sized businesses bounce back and build for the future with Government of BC non-repayable grants of up to $30,000 for eligible businesses, and up to $45,000 for eligible tourism businesses. Spread the word and apply at gov.bc.ca/businessrecoverygrant.   For more detail information, click here.    

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Government Takes Action on Abbott/Chapman Report

The Government of BC has released its action plan in response to the government-commissioned, independent Abbott/Chapman report on the unprecedented 2017 wildfire and flood seasons in British Columbia. The plan outlines actions taken and underway, and identifies next steps to address the report’s 108 recommendations. It also considers recommendations from other recent reports, such as…

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Website Expands Public Review of Crown Land-Use Applications

A new government website expands access to information and public engagement on applications for Crown land use in B.C. Applications for Crown land use range from recreational to industrial use. Given that 94% of B.C.’s land base is considered Crown land, the public has an important say in how it is managed. The ministry sees…

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Canada, BC Support Agriculture in Indigenous Communities

  The provincial and federal governments have announced a new program to assist Indigneous communities in BC interested in expanding their agricultural businesses and supporting local food security. Under this new initiative, professional and qualified business consultants with experience in building agriculture ventures are able to provide site-specific guidance on the types of crops or…

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Cannabis Clarity from the BC Government

Cannabis clarity

  Cannabis clarity is the goal of the BC Government’s official web page on the new cannabis situation. Given that non-medical cannabis is now legal in Canada, this is a useful resource for anyone in the province unclear about the legal and health implications of the new law for British Columbians.     https://cannabis.gov.bc.ca/  …

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