PRINCE GEORGE – Libraries across B.C. are celebrating Family Literacy Day with events that promote the importance of reading as a family, announced Education Minister Shirley Bond.

RICHMOND – Grant’s Law demonstrates how governments can show their commitment to making workplaces safer, Olga Ilich, Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services, has told her federal and provincial colleagues at a national meeting of Labour Ministers.

PARKSVILLE – Federal, provincial and community funding partners gathered today to celebrate the completion of Cokely Manor, a $5.4-million facility conversion and upgrade that provides 30 affordable assisted living units for Parksville area seniors.

SURREY – Representatives from the Province and Fraser Health celebrated the official groundbreaking of Rosemary Heights Seniors Village, a new 151-unit campus of care in Surrey, scheduled to be completed in February 2008.

VICTORIA – The provincial government has appointed Gordon Barefoot as the new chair of the Fraser Health Authority.

VICTORIA – Changes that will benefit fish habitat have been approved for BC Hydro’s Seven Mile hydroelectric operations, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced.

VANCOUVER – Investment in mineral exploration in B.C. has soared to a record-high $265 million, making 2006 the best year ever in B.C.’s mining history, Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett announced.

VANCOUVER – The Province has launched the $27-million first phase of ReadNow BC, an action plan to help British Columbians improve their reading skills, Premier Gordon Campbell announced at a literacy summit to mark Family Literacy Week.

FORT ST. JOHN – The Jan. 17, 2007 sale of oil and gas rights in northeastern British Columbia generated $44 million in bonus bids.

COQUITLAM – Patients from across Fraser Health with mental health challenges will get the best support possible with the provision of a supportive and home-like environment, announced Health Minister George Abbott at the official opening of Cottonwood Lodge.

VANCOUVER – British Columbians who experience stroke-related symptoms will now have better access to care thanks to a $500,000 government grant awarded to the Heart and Stroke Foundation to launch their innovative Stroke Charter in emergency rooms across the province.

OKANAGAN FALLS – Penticton-Okanagan Valley MLA Bill Barisoff joined parents, preschoolers and school district officials to celebrate Family Literacy Week by officially opening a new StrongStart early learning centre at Okanagan Falls elementary school.

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s upcoming budget will commit an additional $885 million to health funding next year, including a new $100-million fund to promote innovation within the health-care system, Finance Minister Carole Taylor announced.

VICTORIA – The provincial government has appointed David Thompson as the new chair of Vancouver Coastal Health.

VICTORIA – With most British Columbia property owners seeing an increase in their 2007 assessments, Rick Thorpe, Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform, is reminding seniors of the advantages of the Property Tax Deferment Program.

KAMLOOPS – The Province is contributing $65,000 to the First Nations Agriculture Lending Association (FNALA) to further agricultural programs benefiting First Nations in B.C., Kamloops MLA Claude Richmond and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger announced today on behalf of Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell.

VICTORIA – Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong will join the Victoria school board, district staff and community leaders this evening for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Gordon Head middle school to the students and community.

VICTORIA – The Cornerstone Project officially opened its doors today, offering support services and affordable housing for families with children and youth at risk.

VICTORIA – The Province will sponsor a new book award for British Columbian and Canadian children’s authors and give a free copy of the winning book to every B.C. kindergarten student, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today at the start of Family Literacy Week in B.C.

VICTORIA – The provincial government is providing nicotine patches and gum to British Columbians on income assistance who want to “butt out” through a $1.27-million pilot program called Quit Smoking Now!, Employment and Income Assistance Minister Claude Richmond announced.

VANCOUVER – The School Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program will expand to include a total of 50 schools, Minister of State for ActNow BC Gordon Hogg announced today. Hogg also announced that the Fridges in Schools Program has reached a milestone, with over 70 fridges delivered to date.

VANCOUVER - The federal government has signaled it will match provincial funding of $30 million for the Conservation Investments and Incentives Initiative fund to support economic and environmental sustainability on B.C.'s Central Coast and North Coast.

VICTORIA – Maxine McLean, deputy treasurer with the Village of Gold River, is being recognized for her valued skills and experience and has been awarded a certificate in Local Government Service Delivery by the provincial Board of Examiners.

VICTORIA – Kevin Cormack, city manager with the City of Nelson, is being recognized for his valued skills and experience and has been awarded an intermediate certificate in Local Government Administration by the provincial Board of Examiners.

VICTORIA – Glen Macpherson, operations manager with the City of Chilliwack, is being recognized for his valued skills and experience and has been awarded a certificate in Local Government Service Delivery by the provincial Board of Examiners.

VICTORIA – Martin Dalsin, clerk / administrator with the Village of Cache Creek, is being recognized for his valued skills and experience and has been awarded a senior certificate in Local Government Administration by the provincial Board of Examiners.

VICTORIA – Michelle Ferraro, deputy corporate administrator with the City of Trail, is being recognized for her valued skills and experience and has been awarded an intermediate certificate in Local Government Administration by the provincial Board of Examiners.

VICTORIA – Kelly Kenney, city clerk with the City of Port Moody, is being recognized for her valued skills and experience and has been awarded an intermediate certificate in Local Government Administration by the provincial Board of Examiners.

VICTORIA – Helen Koning, chief administrator officer with the Town of Osoyoos, is being recognized for her valued skills and experience and has been awarded a certificate in Local Government Statutory Administration by the provincial Board of Examiners.

VICTORIA – Bonnie Sprinkling, corporate services manager / deputy city clerk with the District of Sooke, is being recognized for her valued skills and experience and has been awarded a certificate in Local Government Service Delivery by the provincial Board of Examiners.