Additional Stories

Read the 34 additional stories from the past year that highlight how we are making life better for British Columbians. These are in addition to the 27 stories you'll find in the Better Regulations for British Columbians Annual Report 2025/26 (PDF, 3.4MB).

On this page

• Improving the Ease of Doing Business
• Streamlining Services
• Strengthening Health Care
• Making Communities Safer

Improving the Ease of Doing Business

Production of Non-Intoxicating Beverages

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch updated the Manufacturer Terms and Conditions to provide clearer direction on producing non-intoxicating beverages. Manufacturers can now use their licensed facilities to produce non-intoxicating beverages such as soda, tonic, and non-alcoholic and de-alcoholized drinks. This clarification supports ongoing innovation in the sector and aligns the terms and conditions with current industry practices. While manufacturer facilities can be used to produce non-intoxicating beverages, licensees must continue using their establishment for alcohol production to maintain their licence.  

Mt. Milligan Mine Environmental Assessment Amendment (Life Extension to 2035)

Following a joint decision by provincial ministers (Environment and Parks, and Mining and Critical Minerals), an environmental assessment certificate for the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine was issued in January 2026, authorizing the mine to increase production and continue operations until 2035. The amendment extends operations to 2035 and expands production with updated environmental protections, supporting regional employment and economic benefits.

Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension

In June 2025, an environmental assessment certificate was issued for the Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension (HVC) project, extending the mine life from 2028 to 2043, expanding operations and infrastructure, and supporting local communities and First Nations. The mine expansion is expected to produce approximately 900 million additional tonnes of ore and nearly two million additional tonnes of copper. It will increase local employment by adding 200 more permanent jobs, along with 500 to 1,250 jobs during construction. The mine currently employs 1,320 people.

Competitive Process for Clean Power in High Demand Sectors

The Province and BC Hydro are launching a competitive process to manage rising electricity demand and support balanced development of artificial intelligence and data-centre projects. B.C.’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is expanding rapidly, highlighting the importance of data centres to protect and secure Canadian data while balancing critical energy needs. Enabled through the Energy Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 31), the new approach prioritizes clean electricity for projects that deliver the greatest long-term economic, community and environmental benefits for British Columbians. The process opened Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, with successful applicants expected to be notified in September 2026.

Province, First Nations Take Next Step to Grow Economy Through Partnerships, Planning and Conversation in Northwestern B.C.

In partnership with the Province, the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations are kicking off land-use planning in the northwestern corner of B.C. They are engaging with industry, community and other partners to implement world-leading land-use plans that will provide greater certainty for investors, First Nations and communities alike. The Province and First Nation partners are committed to undertake and complete a robust engagement process, ensuring the resulting land-use plans represent a fair and shared vision for northwest B.C.

Streamlining Services

Tŝilhqot’in Nation - Coordination Agreement and Extension

Tŝilhqot’in Nation, British Columbia, and Canada have advanced First Nations‑led child and family services through an amended coordination agreement that extends the previous one-year fiscal arrangement to five years. The agreement strengthens jurisdictional stability and supports service delivery grounded in Tŝilhqot’in law, values and traditions. It clarifies roles and processes, helps prevent delays, and supports better outcomes for children, youth and families. This work contributes to reconciliation and nation‑to‑nation relationships while sustaining governance, accountability, prevention and cultural continuity over the term of the agreement.

Recycling Regulation Amendments

In October 2025, the Recycling Regulation was amended to include additional moderate‑risk products under Extended Producer Responsibility. The changes include new categories such as medical sharps used at home, compressed canisters, and battery‑containing electronics, ensuring these items are collected and recycled safely across the province.

By modernizing requirements and clarifying producer obligations, the amendments support accessible, province‑wide return options and reduce the burden on households managing challenging waste. These updates streamline recycling services, improve safety, and help prevent improper disposal, advancing a more circular and environmentally responsible system for all British Columbians.

Forest and Range Practices Act - Application and Policy Improvements 

New policies, guidelines and a proponent application process were developed for constructing and maintaining a trail or recreation facility under Section 57 of the Forest and Range Practices Act by Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.

This project creates province-wide consistency, improves the quality of information collected from proponents, strengthens Natural Resource ministry consistency by utilizing the FrontCounter BC (FCBC) Authorization Tracking System (ATS) for the application process, improving tracking, transparency and consistency for proponents.

Improving Child Care

A new Director of Licensing Standard of Practice for School-Age Care on School Grounds (DOLSOP) came into effect on January 1, 2026. The DOLSOP will provide guidance to health authorities on how to apply specific sections of the Child Care Licensing Regulation, helping reduce confusion and delays. Families will benefit from more consistent care, improved access to spaces, and programs that are better integrated into the daily rhythm of school life.

Reduced/Simplified Forms

Clients of the Ministry of Forests can now obtain a client number within minutes through a streamlined digital submission form. This enhanced process has significantly improved internal workflows while delivering clear benefits to users by reducing the time required to obtain a client number. By minimizing human error in data entry, the system eliminates the need for manual processing, enabling staff to focus on more complex and value-added   work and improving overall service efficiency.

Updated DCC/ACC Installment Regulation

Effective January 1, 2026, amendments to the Development Cost Charge and Amenity Cost Charge (Installments) Regulation authorize the payment of development charges in installments. By deferring most development charges, extending the payment period, and accepting on-demand surety bonds as financial security, the changes reduce upfront costs and improve cash flow for homebuilders and developers, supporting faster housing delivery.

Updates to the Process for Abandoned Items in Rental Buildings

In 2025, the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) streamlined the process for when a tenant abandons their possessions, including increasing the dollar value threshold for when landlords are required to store abandoned property, as well as reducing the time period for storage. The minimum dollar value worth of property for this requirement increased from $500 to $1,000. The duration that landlords must store this property was reduced from 60 to 30 days. These changes provide relief to landlords who are required to store abandoned property when a tenant leaves, aligning B.C. with other provinces.

Streamlining the Nomination and Endorsement Process for General Local Election Candidates

Spring 2026 amendments to the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA) will streamline the nomination process by allowing candidates to submit signed digital copies of their nomination documents instead of “original” hard copies. Candidates will also include a confirmed letter of endorsement from an elector organization (EO), eliminating the need for the EO to file separate endorsement documents.  These changes reduce administrative burdens and simplify compliance, making it easier and more efficient for candidates to participate in local elections.

Guidance for candidates on changes will be available here in the coming months: www.gov.bc.ca/localelections

Rural Initiative

Building on StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, the Rural Initiative supports ministries in assessing how provincial policies impact rural areas, improve service accessibility, and strengthen relationships with rural partners and communities. It supports program design, policy making and decision making by integrating rural perspectives early into processes, ensuring policies reflect the unique needs and opportunities of communities across the province.

British Columbia - Canada Coordination on Permitting for Critical Mineral Projects

British Columbia and Canada aim to accelerate decision-making for critical minerals projects by aligning their respective regulatory processes and requirements wherever possible. Substantial work has been made in aligning federal and provincial environmental impact assessments. This Commitment Statement represents further efforts to align permitting and authorizations, increasing coordination and integration, eliminating duplication, and shortening overall timelines for decisions across all regulatory requirements for critical minerals projects.

GeoBC Base Mapping Regulation

In 2025, the Base Mapping and Geomatic Services Product and Services Price List Regulation was amended to remove fees for certain products and services provided by GeoBC, which can now be accessed at no cost. The amendments will improve access to geospatial data and reduce barriers and regulatory costs for users, including local governments, First Nations, academic researchers, industry, conservation groups, and non-governmental organizations. The amendments further reduce administrative burden for Ministry staff and reduce cost of internal program delivery. 

Removing Barriers for Couples in B.C. Receiving Disability Assistance

Starting December 1, 2025, couples where both partners receive disability assistance now get the same support allowance as they would if they were two single individuals, benefitting more than 6,500 families. As of January 1, 2026, couples where one partner has the Persons with Disabilities designation can earn more without losing assistance, helping about 4,300 families to keep up to $4,000 more each year. Rooted in equity and dignity, these changes remove financial penalties for couples receiving disability assistance who choose to build a life together.

Super Senior Clinics

B.C. is partnering with the Government of Canada to support seniors as they move from provincial to federal benefits, helping those who may find the process complex or difficult. The program connects seniors currently on income assistance directly with Service Canada and Canada Revenue Agency to make sure they receive all benefits they are entitled to, including help filing taxes to access back payments. In some communities, the program also connects seniors to local community services, such as recreation programs, to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.

Mobile Offices

The Province is bringing services directly to rural and remote communities, encampments and emergency situations though a Mobile Office. Equipped with cheque printers and outreach supplies, the Mobile Office allows staff to deliver Employment and Assistance services and financial supports outside of traditional offices, reaching underserved communities, remote areas and encampments. It can also be deployed during emergencies and natural disasters, to ensure vulnerable people receive timely support where it is needed the most and are connected to community services they need to be well.

Designated Policing and Law Enforcement Units Complaint Regulation

In June 2025, the Ministry amended the Designated Policing and Law Enforcement Units Complaints Regulation to align with the Police Amendment Act, 2024. The changes ensure that the complaint process for designated policing and law enforcement units flow and work in the same manner as it does for municipal police. It helps police and the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) to have a clear and consistent process. It provides a streamlined and straight forward process for enforcement officers in B.C., while ensuring the public benefits from a consistent oversight process.

Police Oath/Solemn Affirmation Regulation

The Ministry amended Police Act regulation to requires that oaths/affirmations of designated constables and enforcement officers be filed with the chief officer of the designated unit to which they are appointed. This change aligns with the filing process for oaths/affirmations of municipal police officers and reduces administrative burden on both the Ministry and the designated units. Previously, the oaths/affirmations were filed with the Ministry.

Gaming Enforcement Reporting Streamlining

Under the Gaming Control Act and Gaming Control Regulation, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Gaming Service Providers (GSPs) must immediately notify the General Manager of certain criminal, regulatory, and gaming‑related incidents.

In 2025/26 GPEB's Enforcement team streamlined those reporting requirements by reducing low‑value regulatory reporting, clarifying which incidents must be reported, and introducing a risk-based assessment framework that focuses enforcement capacity on higher-risk and higher-impact incidents. Implemented through updated General Manager guidance, these changes support the transition to the Gaming Control Act, 2022, improving regulatory efficiency while maintaining oversight of matters that require enforcement attention.

Commercial Passenger Vehicle Operator Record Check Review

In November 2025, Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) updated and simplified their Record Check Review web content and form. The website now clearly explains the process, including what a Record Check Review is, who can apply, how to apply, what happens next, and possible decision outcomes. An online form is also available for applicants to complete. These changes improve clarity for applicants and make easier for the public to navigate, enhancing accessibility and user experience.

Vehicle Inspection Regulation Schedule - Vehicle Inspection Manual

In September 2025, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) implemented the 2025 Vehicle Inspection Manual (VIM), replacing the previous version as the mandatory standard for conducting vehicle inspections and applying mechanical criteria in B.C.

Key updates include improved public access, with the manual freely accessible at  https://www.vsis.ca/, and no login or subscription fee required – removing the previous $25 access fee. The manual consolidates heavy, light, 3-wheeled, and motorcycle inspection manuals into a single streamlined document, available in an interactive, searchable HTML format, with an optional PDF for printing. It also includes hyperlinks, appendices, and illustrations to enhance navigation and clarity, while enhancing consistency across vehicle types to support a more standardized inspection process.

Commercial Transport Permitting - Extraordinary Load Review

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit's commercial vehicle permitting system is transitioning to a new platform called onRouteBC. In 2025, updates included Term Oversize and Term Overweight permits payable by credit card only, enabling self-permitting capabilities for onRouteBC users, and allowing Provincial Permit Centre staff to focus on other permit types.

Electronic Development Approvals System Modernization

The Permits, Approvals and Subdivisions portal (PASport), formerly known as eDAS, is the online portal used by the Ministry to track and manage highway‑related permits and approvals. The first phase of the modernized PASport public portal was launched in March 2026. This upgrade enhanced the permitting and approval system with improved workflows, clearer application status updates, and better file management. These changes will reduce processing times and strengthen engagement between applicants and staff, while meeting global accessibility standards and alignment with the B.C. Digital Code of Practice. Standardized data collection positions PASport for future enhancements and emerging technologies.

Reducing Burden on Combat Sport Participants and Health Care System

Amendments to the Ministers Athletic Commissioner Regulations have reduced the number of medical and eye exams required by applicants to participate in combat sports, while maintaining a high degree of safety for those participants. These changes streamline the application process, reduce unnecessary administrative and medical requirements, and make it easier for athletes to compete without compromising health and safety standards.

Strengthening Health Care

The Independent Rights Advice Service - Helping people Understand Their Rights

People experiencing a mental health crisis now have a legal right to meet with an independent rights adviser for free, and in confidence, to better understand their rights and the supports available to them. The Independent Rights Advice Service helps inform people involuntarily admitted under the Mental Health Act of their Charter rights and improves access to justice for vulnerable populations.  Facilities providing involuntary treatment must support patients’ ability to meet with a rights adviser when requested.

The Independent Rights Advice Service is available throughout British Columbia, including in mental-health spaces, such as psychiatric and observation units, and some additional areas (such as medical-surgical sites) at all designated facilities in B.C. It is also available to involuntary patients living in the community on extended leave.

Increased ICBC Coverage Amounts

People in British Columbia recovering from vehicle accidents are benefiting from higher coverage amounts for a range of health‑care practitioners, after the Province updated the rates ICBC pays for health‑care services. These improvements support better access to care for those recovering from accidents. Importantly, these changes do not result in increases to basic insurance rates.

Making Communities Safer

Keeping Huu-ay-aht Children Connected to Their Families: Huu-ay-aht First Nations Child and Family Services Agreement

Huu‑ay‑aht First Nations and British Columbia signed a child and family services agreement that came into force on March 16, 2026. The guiding principles of the bilateral agreement include a commitment to making decisions and providing services in ways that promote keeping children with their families and community, with the goal of ensuring safe, healthy, and connected Huu-ay-aht children and families.

Keeping Lhtako Dene Children Connected to Their Families: Lhtako Dene Nation Community Agreement

Lhtako Dene Nation and British Columbia entered into a community agreement that came into effect on January 6, 2026. The Lhtakoh Ne’uskeh Ink’ez Nenatneke Bayoh agreement, meaning “Our Children and Family House", supports Lhtako Dene children and youth to remain safely connected to their families, culture, and community. The guiding principles of the agreement include connecting children to their culture, traditional language, and teachings, while recognizing the importance of the family unit and the deep interconnection of relationships.

Ventilation Index Forecast

In September 2025, a new ventilation index forecast was launched and made publicly available through the government website and phone service. The ventilation index measures how well the atmosphere will disperse pollutants and is required for compliance with provincial open burning regulations and some local government bylaws. Using advances in weather forecasting, the ventilation index is available 12 hours earlier, allowing clients significantly more time to plan burning activities. The ventilation index forecast is available in three formats:

Map-based - Ventilation Index Interactive Map

Text forecast - Ventilation Index - Province of British Columbia

Phone - 1-888-281-2992 

Detention Guard Regulation

The recently approved Detention Guard Regulation ensures that serious injuries and deaths in police holding cells are thoroughly and independently investigated. The regulation expands the scope of the Independent Investigations Office to include civilian detention guards and requires their cooperation with that agency during investigations. The regulation will ensure a thorough and independent investigation into the actions of both police officers and civilian detention guards who may have been involved in such incidents.

Municipal Police Board Member Code of Conduct Regulation

The Ministry developed a code of conduct for municipal police board members that sets out rules and expectations for board member conduct. Setting standards and oversight mechanisms strengthens accountability and supports effective police governance. This helps police boards carry out their roles more effectively, build trust with communities, and contributes to safer communities across B.C.