VICTORIA – This week the environment is taking centre stage as British Columbia continues to preserve and protect the environment and celebrate Canadian Environment Week June 2 to 8, as well as Clean Air Day and World Environment Day on June 5.

VICTORIA – British Columbia has made its final written submission to the Northern Gateway Pipeline Joint Review Panel. In the submission, the Province states that it cannot support the project as presented to the panel because Northern Gateway has been unable to address British Columbians’ environmental concerns.

VICTORIA – It is the time of year when bears come out of hibernation and other wildlife become more active in British Columbia. Those animals that have become conditioned to non-natural food sources, like garbage or composts, will return to communities to help themselves.

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s natural resource officers, park rangers and conservation officers will be busy over the Victoria Day long weekend helping residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday.

VICTORIA – For the second year in a row, the gravel access road from Highway 14 to the parking lot at the Sombrio Beach trailhead will be temporarily closed to help prevent unauthorized activities, like large parties and vandalism, over the Victoria Day long weekend.

VICTORIA – Many BC Parks still offer first-come, first-served campsites for visitors without reservations.

VICTORIA – Environment Minister Terry Lake issued a ministerial order today to Teck Coal Limited, requiring the company to submit a plan to address the high levels of selenium and other contaminants in the Elk Valley watershed as a result of decades of coal mining activity.

VICTORIA – The Province is providing $240,000 and a new group insurance program to support volunteers in BC Parks across province, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake.

VICTORIA – While NGP has not yet demonstrated how they will meet the five key requirements BC has established for any heavy oil pipeline project, the Joint Review Panel’s (JRP) release of 199 potential conditions will assist the Province in preparing final arguments at the JRP hearings.

NORTH VANCOUVER – The Province is providing $225,000 to Bear Aware, an effective educational program designed to reduce and prevent human-bear conflicts and the number of bears that have to be destroyed each year.

DELTA – An abandoned landfill has been transformed into prime industrial land and is now home to a local business in Delta.

COURTENAY – The B.C. government is partnering with Vancouver Island University and the Comox Valley Project Watershed Society to better understand how coastal communities can combine action on climate change and improvements to coastal ecosystems, and at the same time potentially benefit economically from these activities.

VANCOUVER – Environment Minister Terry Lake and Lake Babine Nation Deputy Chief Frank Alec signed an agreement today, outlining how parks and conservancies are managed on the Nation’s traditional territories.

MAPLE RIDGE – The B.C. government is investing $500,000 for trail upgrades and a new bridge at Golden Ears Provincial Park to enhance recreational experiences for the over 615,000 visitors the park sees annually, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake.

VANCOUVER – Ten members of the Conservation Officer Service have been awarded the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal by the Honourable Judith Guichon, lieutenant-governor of British Columbia and Environment Minister Terry Lake.

VICTORIA – A new report showcasing a range of strategies for dealing with flood risks associated with sea level rise was released today.

KAMLOOPS – Interior renovations at Wells Gray Information Centre are nearing completion and work continues outside to provide a better experience for the anticipated 150,000 visitors this season, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake.

KAMLOOPS – The Province is protecting an additional 2,800 hectares of important and sensitive grasslands in Kamloops announced Environment Minister Terry Lake.

VICTORIA – The Province is providing $40,000 to support youth engagement and foster a strong connection between youth and BC Parks.

VICTORIA – The report on carbon neutral government released this week by auditor general John Doyle has sparked debate about climate action and in particular, about the policy tools government can use in building its response.