People in British Columbia are urged to prepare for seasonal hazards as the warming weather increases the likelihood of climate-related emergencies, including spring flooding, wildfires and drought.

“Over the past year, we’ve taken significant action to strengthen our ability to mitigate and respond to emergencies to better support people,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Preparing for emergencies is a team effort, and as warmer weather arrives, it’s equally important that people have their own emergency plan, have a grab-and-go bag ready and know what to do in all types of emergency situations. By being prepared, we will get through whatever this season brings together.”

Warming weather in the coming weeks will cause snowpack to melt, leading to increased spring runoff. When paired with heavy or extended rainfall, this can heighten the risk of flooding in rivers, streams and lakes. The latest snowpack surveys from the River Forecast Centre, released on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, show B.C.’s overall snowpack is at 79% of normal. Comparatively, in April 2024, the provincial snowpack averaged 63% of normal, the lowest it had been in 50 years.

“Even though it’s only April, drier than normal conditions in parts of the province, combined with long-term water supply challenges, mean we already need to be mindful of water use,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “That’s why we continue to update our Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan and invest in long-term water security, including through the $100-million Watershed Security Fund.”

Flooding and drought preparedness:

To prepare for potential flooding, people living in low-lying areas are encouraged to move equipment and other assets to higher ground and clear perimeter drains, eavestroughs and gutters. People should be on alert if they notice a rapid change in water levels, especially a drop, as this indicates a problem upstream. People should call their local fire, police or public works department immediately if they suspect something is out of the ordinary.

The River Forecast Centre snowpack survey also provides insight into how people and communities in B.C. could be affected by drought. In summer 2024, many parts of the province experienced one of the most severe droughts in recorded history. As B.C. continues to get less snow and rain than average, it’s having a lasting impact on water levels and there is potential for prolonged drought this year.

Communities and businesses are encouraged to take steps to use water more efficiently and plan for potential drought conditions. Everyone can help save water. Small changes make a big difference when people do them together.

Wildfire preparedness:

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) forecasts indicates that British Columbia may experience an active spring wildfire season due to persistent drought conditions. This activity is expected to increase if there continues to be limited precipitation over the next several weeks and months. Until significant and sustained rains occur, the risk of ignition will remain elevated.

“Every day, the hard-working members of the BC Wildfire Service are preparing for the 2025 wildfire season,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We don’t know what it will bring, but we are putting in the work each and every day to protect our communities. With warmer weather just around the corner, I urge British Columbians to do their part to help protect their homes and communities through our provincial FireSmart program.”

The Province is working to keep communities safe by focusing on all four phases of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. As part of these efforts, a series of enhancements were made to improve firefighter recruitment and training, step up wildfire-prevention work, expand BCWS contracts for aerial support and incorporate new technologies to better support firefighting.

How people can prepare for emergencies:

To prepare for seasonal hazards, people should put together an emergency kit that includes essentials, such as water, non-perishable food, medication and a first-aid kit. In addition, pack a grab-and-go bag, which is a small emergency kit that’s easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. Having a home emergency plan with important details, such as contact information and emergency meeting places, is also encouraged.

When there is an evacuation order, Emergency Support Services (ESS) will be available to support people with their short-term basic needs, such as accommodation, food and clothing. People can create an Emergency Support Services profile here: https://ESS.gov.bc.ca
In the event you are evacuated, having a profile can make it even easier and quicker to receive support.

In 2024, the Province improved how people are supported by ESS, including introducing the option for evacuees to receive $200 per night for accommodation, providing evacuees with a direct deposit payment option to reduce lineups at reception centres during large-scale emergencies, and establishing the BC Evacuation Helpline to help people get connected to supports remotely.

Having home or tenant insurance is one of the best ways people can protect their families, homes and property in the event of an emergency. In B.C., home insurance that provides coverage for fire damage and losses is readily available in every community in B.C. Both home and tenant insurance policies typically have additional coverage for living expenses if you need to leave your home during an evacuation order.

Quick Facts:

• The Province issues BC Emergency Alerts to cellphones, radio and television for wildfires, floods, extreme heat and tsunamis.
• Natural Resources Canada issues emergency alerts for earthquakes.
• Since 2017, the Province has provided approximately $500 million to First Nations and local governments for approximately 2,600 disaster-preparedness and mitigation projects through Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness funding programs.
• For wildfire-prevention initiatives through BCWS, FireSmart initiatives and the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), $90 million has been allocated in 2025.
• There are 88 cultural and prescribed burn projects planned for 2025, 48 were completed in 2024.

The Province has introduced legislation to improve graduated licensing programs to create a simpler, more accessible process for new drivers, while improving safety standards for motorcycle drivers.

“These changes are intended to improve road safety for new drivers and motorcyclists by ensuring they gain more on-road experience, and improve licensing accessibility by addressing barriers experienced by Indigenous and rural and remote communities,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By removing unnecessary barriers for new drivers and strengthening safety measures for new riders, we’re making the licensing system more accessible, while helping to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.”

If approved, the changes will update the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) to remove the requirement for a second road test to obtain a Class 5 licence. Instead, for those drivers eligible to move to a Class 5 licence, government will be creating a new 12-month restriction period, during which they must demonstrate safe driving behaviour to progress.

Research indicates that age and inexperience contribute to crash risk. As new drivers get more experience, their crash risk decreases. Evidence shows that having an extended period with restrictions and enhanced driver-record reviews builds the necessary skills and behaviours to promote safe driving. The changes remove requirements not proven to increase road safety, which will reduce wait times for those seeking a road test to earn their Novice (Class 7) licence.

The proposed legislative changes will also establish a new Motorcyclist Licensing Program (MLP) that all new motorcycle riders will need to complete. This approach ensures new riders gain the unique skills required to ride safely. The new MLP will also have a restriction period and enhanced safety measure requirements for protective gear, which will be established through regulations. These changes will help reduce fatalities and serious injuries resulting from motorcycle-related crashes.

Proposed changes to the GLP and MLP will continue to be informed by engagements with key partners, including Indigenous communities, driver training schools and health authorities, with implementation planned for early 2026.

Quotes:

David Wong, president and CEO, ICBC – 

“Since its introduction more than 25 years ago, our graduated licensing programs have helped improve road safety in our province. We’re looking forward to working with government and our partners to both build on those improvements and ensure new drivers and riders are confident and ready to safely travel on our roads.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) – 

“We are working with the Province to implement recommendations from the UBCIC’s Road to Reconciliation report, which identifies the profound impacts that the driver licensing regime has on First Nations, as well as the current barriers many First Nations face. We welcome the amendments to the GLP and MLP as important steps to help remove barriers that prevent First Nations from accessing driver licenses.”

Denise Lodge, C.O.R.E.Y (coalition of riders educating youth), CoreySafe Society – 

“As someone who’s dedicated to rider safety, I fully support these changes. When learning to ride, introducing changes like zero drugs and alcohol, as well as protective gear, are common-sense measures that will help save lives. Giving new riders more time to learn is an investment in a safer future. It will help riders gain the skills and awareness they need to stay safe and be seen by all road users.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s graduated licensing programs for passenger vehicles and motorcycles has not been significantly updated in the past 25 years.
• The decision to update provincial licensing programs is guided by a commitment to road safety and aligns with most other jurisdictions.
• Ontario will be the only province that requires a second road test to exit the Graduated Licensing Program.
• Removing the second road test will make the process more efficient while drivers continue to develop safe driving habits.
• Motorcycle riders are over-represented in fatal crashes in B.C.
• They make up 3.7% of insured vehicles yet are involved in 14.2% of all road fatalities.
• Of motorcycle crashes where licensed riders were at fault, 46% involved a licensed rider with less than five years of riding experience.

The Province is taking action to adapt B.C.’s forests to ensure long-term sustainability and good-paying jobs by enlisting BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to play a larger role in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest and community resilience through its operations.

This work is increasingly urgent given the threat of sector-specific tariff threats coming from the United States.

“The U.S. President is threatening our softwood lumber industry even more than the Americans already have with their unfair duties on our products,” said Premier David Eby. “Tariffs and duties drive up the cost of housing in the states and will cost jobs on both sides of the border. We stand with forestry workers, and this is just one of many actions we are taking to support the forestry industry as we get through this.”

BCTS manages forest harvesting on more than 20% of B.C.’s public land. In January 2025, the Ministry of Forests initiated a review of BCTS, undertaken by an expert task force, to create pathways for a stronger, more resilient forestry sector. A progress update was announced at the Council of Forest Industries convention on Friday, April 4, 2025.

“We have all witnessed the impacts of wildfire on B.C.’s communities, and we are uniting all parts of my ministry to tackle this challenge head on,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Feedback from the review has made it clear: BCTS is more than just a market-pricing system. It has the expertise and the tools to play a bigger role in active forest management and addressing climate change, and British Columbians want to see that happen.”

BCTS will work shoulder to shoulder with all divisions within the Ministry of Forests, including the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), local communities, First Nations and industry partners to:

• reduce fuel loads in high-risk areas;
• remove health-damaged trees to improve recreational site safety and ecosystem resilience;
• expand the use of commercial thinning to maintain forest health while supplying fibre to the market;
• rehabilitate rangelands to restore productive landscapes; and
• strengthen its partnership with BCWS to expand the use of prescribed fire as a key forest-management tool.

As this work progresses, the Province will determine how an expanded role for BCTS fits into a broader strategy to protect communities from wildfire and support healthy, resilient forests that meet the needs of people in British Columbia.

During the Council of Forest Industries conference in Prince George, the Premier and minister of forests outlined government’s goal to have forest and wildfire salvage permits turned around in 25 days instead of 40. To address the cost of transporting B.C.’s wood products to market, the Premier also announced the approval of the nine-axle lumber truck and trailer combination for use on some logging routes in B.C.

Government is also committed to improving infrastructure projects in the province to get more B.C. goods, such as lumber, to international markets. As the Province continues to build the schools, hospitals and facilities people need, there is a renewed commitment to explore every opportunity to build with B.C. wood.

Premier David Eby has released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce announcement that it plans to raise softwood duties against Canadian producers to 34.45%:

“The U.S. Department of Commerce announced yesterday that they are going to more than double countervailing duties imposed on Canadian softwood lumber, driving up housing costs for Americans who voted for a President who promised to lower costs.

“This is an attack on forest workers and British Columbians. I know that during hard times it is often the workers who pay the price. To every forestry worker in British Columbia hearing the news of this impending increase to softwood lumber duties, know this: We have got your back and your government will fight for you.

“In Canada, the continued unjustified softwood lumber duties, combined with additional U.S. tariffs and other trade actions, have united Canadians. We have friends and family in the United States who need Canadian lumber to build or rebuild their homes, and both Canadians and Americans need an end to this trade dispute.

“We will, as always, work with the other provinces and territories, the forest sector and the federal government to fight this most recent decision through all avenues available to us, at the first possible opportunity.

“I am meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday, April 7, 2025, and I plan on raising this issue with him directly. B.C. workers and their families depend on the jobs that these tariffs are targeting, and we hope to see the same Team Canada approach to protecting them, just like with the automotive and steel industry jobs in Ontario and Quebec.

“We will continue to work with business, labour and First Nations leaders to seek approaches to defend the hard-working forestry workers of B.C., their families and the industry as a whole from the increasingly hostile actions of our largest trading partner.”

One year after the launch of BC Builds, more affordable housing options are on the way for North Vancouver and throughout B.C., with faster timelines benefiting families, seniors and individuals.

“Just over one year ago, we launched BC Builds to help more people access affordable homes in the communities they love,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Now, we’re breaking ground on several projects, including the first-announced project in North Vancouver. Through BC Builds, we’ve streamlined development approvals, built solid partnerships and are delivering homes people can afford.”

In 2024, the BC Builds program, delivered by the Province through BC Housing, was launched alongside the announcement of 179 new homes and a community-services facility in North Vancouver. In the year since, the program, which fast-tracks developments, has reached significant milestones, including the official start of construction on these new homes and the community-services facility.

The development at 120 St. Georges Ave. went from concept to construction in 14 months and shows how BC Builds works with partners to speed up projects. Instead of following the usual step-by-step approval process that can take three to five years, BC Builds runs multiple stages of a project at the same time, allowing it to move from idea to construction in 12 to 18 months.

Since the program started, approximately 1,400 homes are underway throughout the province, with nearly 2,500 more in various stages of early development. It is anticipated more than 9,000 homes for middle-income households will be built through this program.

The 18-storey mass timber building will include the new North Shore Neighbourhood House, a community services provider, on the lower levels and rental housing on the floors above. The rental homes will range in size from studios to three-bedroom units.

“Breaking ground on the new North Shore Neighbourhood House affirms our commitment to creating affordable, inclusive communities,” said Linda Buchanan, mayor, City of North Vancouver. “Rising housing costs have made it harder for people to live where they work. This redevelopment is a transformative solution – delivering affordable homes, while enhancing vital services, ensuring a thriving community for years to come.”

The North Shore Neighbourhood House will provide an extensive range of community services, including 37 child care spaces, food programs such as the North Shore Food Bank, wellness and recreation activities, and youth and seniors’ programs. This facility will ensure these crucial services will continue to support people and families.

The new building, part of the second phase of the North Shore Neighbourhood House Hub development, is a partnership between the Province (through BC Housing), the City of North Vancouver, and Catalyst Community Developments Society. The Province, through BC Builds at BC Housing, is investing $24.5 million in construction through a BC Builds grant, while the City of North Vancouver is contributing the land and $49.5 million in funding for the North Shore Neighbourhood House.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including nearly 1,200 homes in North Vancouver.

Quotes:

Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale –

“Even as personal circumstances change and families grow, people in North Vancouver have told me they want to stay in their communities in homes they can afford. That’s why our government is playing an active role in enabling affordable homes in North Vancouver. This development is an example of how BC Builds is meeting this moment by fast-tracking developments so people in North Vancouver and across the province can be delivered the homes they need.”

Scott Dutchak, president, Catalyst Community Developments –

“Catalyst is thrilled with our continued role on this project and in partnerships that leverage city-owned land and provincial investment vital to developing housing affordable to the incomes of diverse communities like the city of North Vancouver.”

Lisa Hubbard, executive director, North Shore Neighbourhood House –

“Our new homes will result in better supports for all individuals and families; combining child care, housing, food services, health programs and a welcoming, safe space for all will benefit everyone in this community.”

Quick Facts:

• The funding information shows only part of the budget for each project and does not include other funding sources.
• Catalyst Community Developments Society has a long-term lease with the City of North Vancouver for the rental housing and will operate the homes.
• Construction is expected to complete in 2028.

The Province is launching its health authority review to ensure resource allocations are supporting critical patient services and minimize unnecessary administrative spending.

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) has been selected as the first health authority to undergo review due to its provincewide role providing services and an array of additional shared services, such as information technology and lab services, across the health system. The PHSA provides provincial services through BC Cancer, BC Children’s Hospital, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, BC Emergency Health Services, BC Mental Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

“Government is committed to ensuring health authorities are functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible, and that programs and governance make sense when tackling the complex challenges facing health care today,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “That’s why we’re reviewing each health authority to confirm patients, their families and health-care providers are benefiting from the most possible and the best use of resources directed to front-line patient care.”

Last week, PHSA’s president and CEO, David Byres, accepted a secondment reporting to the Minister of Health to work in partnership with the ministry and Indigenous leaders to amplify reconciliation efforts focused on eliminating Indigenous-specific racism in health care.

Dr. Penny Ballem has been asked to step out of her role as Vancouver Coastal Health board chair to take on the role of PHSA’s interim president and CEO. In this role, Ballem will lead the review and make recommendations and associated changes as needed to reposition, streamline and optimize resources at the PHSA to support patients and health-care providers throughout the province.

After eight years as PHSA board chair, Tim Manning has completed his term and retires on March 31, 2025, along with several other board members. An interim board, chaired by Maureen Maloney OBC, KC, has been appointed to support the review. Appointment of a fourth PHSA board member is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Other changes at regional health authorities include vice-chair William Duvall appointed to succeed Ballem as board chair at Vancouver Coastal Health and vice-chair Opreet Kang appointed to succeed Jim Sinclair as interim board chair at Fraser Health as he completes his term and retires after serving seven years in that role.

“On behalf of a grateful province, I would like to thank all out-going board chairs, Tim Manning and Jim Sinclair, as well as all departing board members at the PHSA and regional health authorities for their commitment and dedication to strengthening health care, especially over these past several years, helping lead the system through so many complex challenges,” Osborne said. “I would also like to thank and welcome those newly appointed as they step into important roles supporting the challenging work ahead.”

The B.C. government is cancelling the carbon tax by introducing legislation to drop the rate to $0, effective Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

“British Columbians are doing everything they can to reduce their emissions. But people shouldn’t have to choose between climate action and being able to afford their bills,” said Premier David Eby. “That’s why we are eliminating the consumer carbon tax, which has become divisive at a time we need to be united. We will help people with costs and fight climate change by ensuring big polluters continue to pay, encouraging industry to innovate and giving British Columbians affordable options to make sustainable choices.”

The reduction of the tax to $0 is an immediate step to align B.C.’s carbon tax rate with the new federal carbon tax rate. The elimination of the carbon tax means people in British Columbia will no longer be required to pay the consumer carbon tax, taking approximately 17 cents per litre off the cost of fuel and approximately 15 cents per cubic metre for natural gas on their home heating bill.

The climate action tax credit, developed to help offset the impacts of the consumer carbon tax on people and families, will also be cancelled. The final payment will be distributed in April 2025.

“The carbon tax has been an important tool in B.C. for over a decade and half, but it has become too politically divisive and a distraction from the important issues we are tackling,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “While this is a significant shift for our province, we will offset the impact while focusing on growing the economy during these challenging economic times.”

Cancelling the tax and the credit will have an estimated impact of $1.99 billion in the coming fiscal year. The Province will restructure programs funded by carbon tax revenue to minimize the impact on B.C.’s budget, while supporting people in British Columbia in achieving climate goals.

The Province will continue to ensure big polluters pay through the B.C. output-based carbon pricing system. The system supports decarbonization efforts, incentivizing industry to lower their emissions to avoid paying the tax.

“We remain committed to driving down emissions while making life more affordable,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We are continuing to invest in practical solutions, such as home heat pump rebates for those who need them most and energy-efficiency upgrades, so people can lower their energy costs and reduce emissions without bearing an extra financial burden.”

The Province has made notable progress in promoting the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, expanding public charging infrastructure, and enhancing energy efficiency in homes and buildings. These efforts contribute to emission reductions, support economic growth by creating jobs in clean-energy sectors and help lower energy costs for people in British Columbia.

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s carbon tax will be eliminated the same day as the federal carbon pricing requirement.
• Natural gas retailers will be required to provide credits or refunds to customers who were erroneously charged the carbon tax on or after April 1, 2025.
• The average amount of carbon tax that would have been paid by families in B.C. is approximately $410 in 2025-26.

More people living with substance-use challenges now have access to treatment and recovery with the opening of the new Northern BC Therapeutic Community in Prince George.

The recovery program has 25 publicly funded treatment and recovery beds and opened on March 13, 2025, following building renovations and program updates.

“People living in B.C.’s northern communities need access to treatment and care as close to home as possible,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “As we expand services around the province, it is essential that people in remote communities can also connect with the right recovery options. These new beds in Prince George mean that more people will be able to access treatment and recovery services, while removing some of the significant barriers faced by people living in rural and remote communities.”

The Northern BC Therapeutic Community is located 30 kilometres southwest of Prince George on the former Baldy Hughes site. It provides a safe environment for individuals to build community while focusing on recovery from substance-use challenges, and equips participants with the tools needed to sustain long-term success in their post-care journeys.

“When people need support in their recovery journey, every barrier removed helps them get closer to reaching their goals,” said Jonny Morris, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association of B.C. “The new publicly funded treatment and recovery beds will help people access the supports they need, while staying closer to home – closing the distance and removing the financial costs that could otherwise hold them back. We are grateful to work with the Province of B.C. and Connective Support Society in providing these accessible, life-changing supports.”

The Therapeutic Community is operated by Connective, a community-based social services non-profit organization working throughout B.C. and Yukon to create safe, healthy and inclusive communities. Program stays will last between six and 12 months, with after-care services available for one year after program completion. This new holistic model focuses on rebuilding physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being using personal and social responsibility within the recovery community as a vehicle for growth and development.

“As the toxic-drug crisis continues to cause tremendous harm in our communities, it is critical that we diversify the range of supports available for long-term recovery and stability,” said Mark Miller, CEO, Connective. “We are eager to offer this vital northern resource to those facing substance-use challenges, and to contribute our experience in response to this urgent and under-served need.”

These 25 beds are part of the 180 publicly funded beds announced in January 2024 and surpasses that for a total of 190 beds. Since 2017, the Province has added more than 750 substance-use beds, bringing the total number of publicly funded substance-use beds throughout B.C. to 3,778.

The Province is expanding treatment and recovery options in all regions of B.C. so more people can find the pathway to recovery that works for them. Adding bed-based services is one part of the government’s work to build up the entire continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for people to get the right support for them.

Quotes:

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

“The network of full-service support and care for people battling substance use is increasing in B.C. The opening of this therapeutic community removes an obstacle for people in northern communities seeking help and relief from substance-use challenges.”

Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health –

“No matter where people live in B.C., they should have access to treatment and recovery care. The opening of the Northern BC Therapeutic Community means that now people in northern B.C. have expanded access to treatment when they are ready to take the first courageous step in their recovery. These 25 beds represent hope and healing for people struggling with substance-use challenges and provide life-saving care for those seeking support.”

Joanna Nefs has been appointed for a six-month term as acting chair of the Mental Health Review Board, starting Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

The review board is an independent tribunal established under the Mental Health Act. The board conducts panel hearings for patients admitted by physicians and detained involuntarily in provincial mental-health facilities in a manner consistent with the principles of fundamental justice and Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Nefs holds a master in public policy degree, 2017-18; a juris doctor, 2008-11; and a bachelor’s degree in political science, 2006-08, all from York University.

From 2020 until 2024, Nefs was the CEO of AIDE Canada, a national initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. It focused on delivering information and resources to people with developmental disabilities and diagnosed with autism and their families.

From 2018 until 2020, Nefs was executive director of the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and at the United Nations, working on projects with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and at the UN Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. From 2012 until 2018, Nefs was the assistant Crown attorney at the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

From January until May 2018, Nefs taught a course at Osgoode Hall law school about representing clients with mental illnesses and addictions.

Since 2020, Nefs has been a member and alternate chair of B.C.’s Mental Health Review Board.

Langley and Victoria, BC / March 24, 2025 – British Columbia farmers and ranchers will gain invaluable human resource (HR) support, courtesy of a new initiative delivered by AgSafe BC.

AgSafe and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) have heard from BC’s agriculture sector that they don’t have the resources and support they need to effectively manage HR. Producers have expressed the need for assistance in areas such as recruitment, retention, performance management, compensation, compliance, and more. Recognizing this gap, IAF proposed the BC Agriculture HR program to AgSafe. Building on an innovative program previously delivered by go2HR in the tourism industry, IAF connected with AgSafe, who work directly with farmers and employers. AgSafe was already hearing similar needs in the sector regarding HR advice, alongside their ongoing work in Agricultural Safety practices.

The BC Agriculture Human Resources Advisory Service, inspired by a successful program in the tourism and hospitality sector, will serve as an “HR on Speed Dial” for the province’s agricultural community. Led by Project Manager Kaitlyn Janzen, who boasts extensive experience in both agriculture and human resources, a team of Regional HR Consultants will be available to agricultural producers for consultations and on-demand assistance via telephone, email, and digital meetings.

The result is HR support services designed specifically for farmers who are also employers. The initiative is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, as part of a suite of Agricultural Labour initiatives delivered through IAF.

Background
A recent study by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council revealed that British Columbia’s agriculture sector has the highest vacancy rate of any province, at 12%, with over 4,800 positions estimated to have gone unfilled in 2021.

In 2024, with the help of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and stakeholders in the agriculture industry, IAF identified a gap in service for BC agriculture producers: Human Resource knowledge and assistance. Utilizing the recently secured Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative funds, the IAF Team identified an HR tool used in the tourism industry during Covid-19, delivered by go2HR. Once the right tool was found, the IAF team realized that AgSafe BC was the ideal organization to collaborate with to deliver the program. Having worked with AgSafe to deliver the Mental Health Supports Program, IAF was confident that AgSafe was uniquely positioned to deliver the BC Agriculture Human Resources Advisory Service.

This project is supported by the Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative, a fund designed to support BC’s agriculture industry in providing a stable and increasing food supply through targeted efforts to recruit and retain a sufficient workforce to meet the labour needs of the industry. Funding for this initiative has been provided by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. The initiative is delivered by IAF.

Other Agricultural Labour Resources
The BC Agriculture Human Resources Toolkit, launching this Spring, will provide essential forms, checklists, templates, and other resources that reflect HR best practices. By leveraging existing resources from go2HR and the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council, the toolkit will aid agricultural employers in recruiting, retaining, and managing employees effectively.

Learn more about AgSafe’s Mental Wellness Resources: https://agsafebc.ca/mental-wellness/

Source: Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council. 2023. B.C. Agriculture labour market information and forecast 2023-2030.

Learn more about the IAF-delivered Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative: https://iafbc.ca/programs/#awdi

Quotes
Wendy Bennett, AgSafe Executive Director:
“AgSafe has provided health and safety resources to B.C. farmers and ranchers for over 30 years. We have heard from employers that they need more human resource support. We are proud to launch this new initiative to give the agriculture industry human resource and staffing advice at their fingertips.”

Paula Baxter, Chair of the British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association, Vice Chair of AgSafe, and Owner of Exemplar Horticulture:
“People are the cornerstone of the landscape and nursery sectors in British Columbia. The HR Support initiative will foster a robust sector by enhancing employee recruitment, training, and retention.”

Jack DeWit, IAF Board of Directors Chair:
“IAF is proud to have been a key part of the development of this critical program for BC agriculture. Through this program, BC’s farmers and ranchers will be able to find the resources they need to support their businesses and, in turn, allow food production to thrive. Our team did a lot of leg work to get this program off the ground and are so pleased to have partnered with AgSafe to deliver it to producers. We are confident AgSafe is the right organization to support producers through this program.”

About AgSafe
AgSafe is the non-profit health and safety association for agricultural producers in British Columbia, providing site-specific consultation and on-site safety education, as well as online workplace safety resources and materials. AgSafe is also the COR Certifying Partner for B.C.’s agricultural and associated industries and offers a Certificate of Recognition (COR) program for large and small employers. For more information about AgSafe services or agriculture-related workplace health and safety, call 1-877-533-1789 or visit www.AgSafeBC.ca. Follow AgSafe on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About IAF
The Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) delivers programs and services to support a thriving agriculture and food sector in British Columbia.

With more than 25 years of experience, IAF is recognized as the leading provider of high-quality and cost-effective program delivery services for the agriculture and food sector in BC. Since 1996, we have committed more than $300 million to industry on behalf of the federal and provincial governments. www.iafbc.ca
Follow IAF on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and sign up for the newsletter: Growing Today

Media Contacts
Cheryl Davie, Communications and Media Specialist, AgSafe BC
604-308-5775 | communications@agsafebc.ca

Kelsi Stiles, Director of Communications and Programs, IAF
250-940-6150 | communications@iafbc.ca