Over 70,000 Employees Reach Tentative Agreements

So far, twelve tentative agreements have been reached with 73,694 public sector workers as labour negotiations continue in B.C.

• One significant agreement is with the 44,700 employees of the Facilities Bargaining Association/Health Employees Union. It includes a $3,700 early signing bonus for each employee, a lump-sum payment of $500 to recognize skill enhancements and a cap on contracting out.
• In November 2005, the government announced its new negotiating framework allocating up to $5 billion over five years for public sector compensation increases, plus $1 billion in early signing bonuses.
• The new framework allows for more flexibility and creativity in negotiating.

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Funding Increase for Youth Addictions and Crystal Meth

B.C. is increasing annual funding by $8 million for crystal meth treatment options and youth addictions services.

• $6 million will be dedicated to youth addictions treatment and $2 million will go to crystal meth treatment programs. The funding will be divided between the six regional health authorities.
• The total number of addictions treatment beds available in the province will increase to 1038, with 158 dedicated to youth.
• The new funding builds on: existing youth addictions services, the $7 million crystal meth strategy announced in September 2005 and the $2 million Crystal Meth Secretariat.
• Along with enhanced treatment, B.C.'s crystal meth strategy includes community initiatives, school-based awareness programs and a public education campaign.

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Grants Support Mentoring and More Job Options for Women

B.C. has awarded over $450,000 in grants to assist women re-entering the workforce after a prolonged absence, as well as those entering for the first time through the new mentoring project Empowered to Work.

• Unique training and mentoring programs will be offered across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island to over 400 women between the ages of 18 and 60.
• Three organizations will be receiving the grants: GT Hiring Solutions, Minerva Foundation and YWCA of Vancouver.
• The programs include long-term mentoring, practical trades training and career exploration workshops.

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B.C. Film and Television Production Soars in 2005

Film and television production in British Columbia increased by more than 50 per cent last year, contributing $1.2 billion to the provincial economy.

• The industry experienced a major turnaround in 2005, reaching $1.233 billion, up from $801 million in 2004.
• 200 productions were completed in B.C. in 2005, including 63 feature films, 31 television series, 20 documentaries and 24 animation projects.
• British Columbia is the third-largest film and television service production centre in North America, after Los Angeles and New York.

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Achievement Awards Recognize 44 British Columbians

Forty-four outstanding British Columbians were named by Premier Gordon Campbell and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, as recipients of the third annual B.C. Community Achievement Awards.

• The recipients of the 2006 British Columbia Community Achievement Awards will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony at Government House in Victoria on April 26, 2006.
• The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation, established by an initial endowment of $6 million from the Province, to recognize and celebrate B.C.'s spirit of excellence.
• The Community Achievement Awards, launched in 2003, was the first initiative of the foundation.

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