VICTORIA - April 11, 2008 -  Community Services Minister Ida Chong (centre) and UBCM's President Susan Gimse (right) and Past President Brenda Binnie join project architect Tony James at the groundbreaking ceremony for Municipal House, the Union of BC Municipalities' new headquarters in the provincial capital.

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WESTBANK - March 17, 2008 -  Community Services Minister Ida Chong (centre), federal Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day,  and UBCM president Susan Gimse signed a $1-billion extension for the Gas Tax Fund between 2010 and 2014. The fund supports environmentally sustainable local government infrastructure projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water, or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Read March 17 news release.

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VANCOUVER - Jan. 25, 2008 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong (left) and Union of BC Municipalities President Susan Gimse encourage local governments to submit their 2008 Green City Awards nominations by April 18 deadline. Read Jan. 25 news release. 

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VANCOUVER - Jan. 15, 2008 - Minister Ida Chong congratulates one of the Lower Mainland's silver award recipients at the first regional Premier's Awards for Innovation and Excellence held to recognize achievements of public service employees. The Premier's Awards acknowledge the outstanding work of public service employees through a series of four regional award presentations in January and February, with the Provincial Awards taking place March 10. Read the Jan. 16 news release.  Photo details.

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SALT SPRING ISLAND - Jan. 7, 2008 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong (second on the right) joined residents of Salt Spring Island and funding partners as they celebrated the launch of the Salt Spring Island Transit System. Funds to purchase two minibuses were provided by the Public Transit Infrastructure Program which delivers $52.5 million to B.C. communities. Photo details. Read the Jan. 7 BC Transit news release.

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WESTSIDE - Dec. 6, 2007 - B.C.'s newest municipal council is sworn in during inauguration ceremonies attended by Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe. The council was elected Nov. 17. About 27,000 people live in the community, located near Kelowna. Clearwater and Barriere also voted for municipal status earlier this year. They held their first council meetings the same week as Westside's.

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Community Services Minister Ida Chong was in China Nov. 17-27 to promote twinning opportunities between local governments.

• Read the Minister's trip journal.

VANCOUVER - Nov. 14, 2007  - B.C.'s Minister of Community Services Ida Chong will be in China Nov. 17-27 to promote twinning opportunities between local governments in China and local governments in British Columbia. She met with Vancouver media to brief them on her trip. Read the minister's trip journal.
 

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VICTORIA - Nov. 9, 2007  - Ida Chong, B.C.'s Community Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues, attended the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony at the provincial Legislature.

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VICTORIA - Oct. 30, 2007  - Women and children seeking refuge from violence will soon have 24/7 access to all provincially funded transition houses, thanks to a $6-million boost over three years to the Province’s violence intervention supports. Read the news release and backgrounder. Photo details.

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VANCOUVER - Sept. 26, 2007 - Premier Campbell presented the province's inaugural Green City Awards during the Union of BC Municipalities meeting.  Pictured are the winners in the various categories with the Premier and Community Services Minister Ida Chong. Read the news release and backgrounder. Photo details.

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SAANICHTON - June 4, 2007 - Ida Chong, B.C.'s Minister Responsible for Seniors' Issues and Minister of State for  ActNow BC Minister Gordon Hogg keep an eye on Nancy Mundy's progress on the exercycle at Legion Manor during one of many events held across the province during Seniors' Week, June 3-9.
 

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GOLDEN - April 27, 2007 - B.C.'s Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Golden Mayor James Doyle display the formal agreement signed between the province and the town under the Resort Municipality Revenue Sharing Agreement program. Under the agreement, it is estimated that Golden and area will receive $2.25 million, over five years.  Photo details. Read the April 27 news release.

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GOLDEN - April 27, 2007 - B.C.'s Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Rossland Mayor Gordon Smith sign a resort municipality revenue sharing agreement. Under the agreement, Rossland will receive an estimated $70,000, over five years.  Photo details. Read the April 27 news release.

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VANCOUVER - April 25, 2007 - One British Columbian who will benefit from the Province's move to end mandatory retirement is Margery Loverin, office manager with the Dease Lake branch of the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Photo details. Read the April 25 news release and backgrounder.

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VANCOUVER - April 23, 2007 - British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell hosted the province's first congress on women's safety at the Wosk Centre on Dialogue.
Photo details. Read the April 23 news release .

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QUALICUM BEACH – April 13, 2007 - Mayor Teunis Westbroek of Qualicum Beach shows Community Services Minister Ida Chong the area to be developed as a walking trail, linking the downtown area to beach access. It's part of the first round of grant announcements in the $40 million LocalMotion program. Photo details. Read the April 11 news release and backgrounder.

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SAANICH – April 11, 2007 - Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard, Community Services Minister Ida Chong and View Royal Mayor Graham Hill celebrating  at Arbutus Cove Park during the first round of grant announcements in the $40 million LocalMotion program. The San Juan and Gordon Head Coastal Greenway in Saanich and View Royal's Six Mile Bridge are two community projects receiving funding through LocalMotion. Photo details. Read the April 11 news release and backgrounder.

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VANCOUVER – March 9, 2007 - Ida Chong, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, addresses the BC Women's Economic Institute conference, "Starting with Women's Lives: Changing Today's Economy."   Photo details.

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VICTORIA – March 9, 2007 - The Province is providing $15,000 to the Women in Leadership Foundation who will work with industry, employers and educators to develop a strategic plan to help increase the supply of skilled women in the mining and construction industries. Community Services Minister Ida Chong is pictured with  WIL Foundation President Maya Kanigan. Photo details. Read March 9 news release.

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• Read more about Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship.

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VICTORIA – March 6, 2007 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong with Maryann Thomas Chief Andy Thomas of Esquimalt Nation at the one-day conference, "Tools for Success: Using Data in Aboriginal Communities."  Photo details.

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VICTORIA – Feb. 26, 2007 - Patients and health care professionals will benefit from the most advanced ultrasound imaging equipment at 11 facilities on Vancouver Island, thanks to an eight-year agreement between the island's health authority and GE Healthcare.  B.C.'s Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Ida Chong attended the demonstration at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Photo details. Read the Feb. 26 news release.

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MAKING PUBLIC TRANSIT A PRIORITY

VICTORIA – Feb. 23, 2007 - The Union of BC Municipalities released a $5.15 million contribution to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission and local government partners to construct a busway and adjacent bike lanes along Douglas Street, one of the capital city's main traffic arteries. Funding is made possible through the Public Transit Agreement between UBCM and the federal and provincial governments. Photo details.

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VANCOUVER – Feb. 19, 2007 - Premier Gordon Campbell and Community Services Minister Ida Chong celebrate the start of Chinese New Year during the Premier's second annual reception for Chinese community leaders. During the event, the Premier recognized the enormous contribution and growth of B.C.'s Asian communities.

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VICTORIA – Feb. 12, 2007 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong presents a cheque for $10,000 to Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation Executive Director Lori McLeod in support of their work with elderly persons living in the community. In March, the Foundation promotes Embrace Aging Month, which showcases and celebrates seniors, promotes healthy living and positive senior-serving organizations and community resources.

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VICTORIA – Feb. 9, 2007 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong presents Allan Lamb, executive director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation, with $75,000 to enhance the Mature Drivers program. Minister Chong was also presented with a certificate of appreciation from the BCAA in recognition of her commitment to Seniors' Safety, Independence, and Mobility. Photo details. Read the Feb. 9 news release.

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VANCOUVER – Feb. 6, 2007 - The Province's $15,000  contribution to ProMotion Plus will enable the non-profit society to complete "In Her Footsteps...Celebrating BC Women in Sport" on display at the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. 
Read the Feb. 6 news release.

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VANCOUVER – Jan. 29, 2007 - Ida Chong, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, and Hazel Cardinal, executive director of the Helping Spirit Lodge transition house.

• Visit the ministry's Stopping The Violence website.

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PITT MEADOWS – Jan. 16, 2007 - British Columbia's Community Services Minister Ida Chong presents Pitt Meadows Mayor Don MacLean with the Letters Patent to officially change the municipality's designation from a District to a City.

As noted on its municipal website, Pitt Meadows "combines the small-town community spirit and qualities of life with access to big-city services." Read the Pitt Meadows news release.

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VICTORIA – Dec. 6, 2006 - Premier Gordon Campbell and Ida Chong, Minister responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues, observe a moment of silence to honour the memory of all women who have lost their lives to violence. The Premier and Minister Chong were taking part in a ceremony at the legislature in Victoria to mark a Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

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VICTORIA – Dec. 6, 2006 - Minister Ida Chong (left) is joined by Barb Lintaman from Hill House Transition House, Education Minister Shirley Bond and Minister of State for Child Care, Linda Reid, in front of the Reef To Sky stained glass quilt on display at the Legislature. They were joined by Premier Gordon Campbell in a ceremony, December 6, marking a Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Created by women of the Hill House Transition House Outreach program, the stained glass quilt symbolizes the participants' experiences of grief and healing from abuse and loss.

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VICTORIA – Nov. 28, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong enjoys a winter moment on the lawn of the Legislature, following Victoria's recent heavy snowfall.

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COLWOOD – Nov. 25, 2006 - Minister of Community Services Ida Chong gets ready to join other BMX enthusiasts to celebrate the province's support of the the 2007 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Championships to be held July 26-29 at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. The three-day event will draw more than 2,500 competitors and 500 officials and coaches from over 40 countries. Read the Nov. 25 news release. View another photo same event.

• Visit BMX World Championships website.

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WHITE ROCK – Nov. 24, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong (left) helps launch Volunteer the Peninsula, a new program offered by the Peace Arch Community Services. Volunteers can find appropriate positions in the community where their skills and talents can be used to augment the services of many social service agencies, healthcare facilities, recreation and sports organizations, environmental groups and special events.  Photo details.

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VICTORIA – Nov. 22, 2006 - Fresh from their league championship victory Sunday over the Montreal Alouettes, members of the B.C. Lions brought the Grey Cup to the provincial legislature. Joining Community Services Minister Ida Chong (top right) are members of the Greater Victoria Football Association.

• Visit ActNow BC website.

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VICTORIA - Oct 23, 2006 - During the opening day of the 2006 Union of BC Municipalities convention, Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Education Minister Shirley Bond joined mayors, councillors, provincial MLAs and Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for ActNow BC, for a fun walk and nutrition break.

• View more UBCM convention photos.
• Read BC Government's UBCM news releases.
• Visit UBCM website.
• Visit ActNow BC website.

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VICTORIA - Oct 17, 2006 - In honour of  Women's History Month, Aboriginal women in B.C. were recognized and celebrated for their contributions to our province by Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Ida Chong (right), representatives of the First Nations Leadership Council and the Métis Nation BC. Photo details.  View another photo from same event.

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KELOWNA - Oct 12, 2006 - Under the program, at least 60 per cent of funding will go to “green” projects helping rural communities and towns address drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs; improving local wastewater and storm-water sewage treatment; enhancing public transit; and supporting environmental energy improvements. Up to 40 per cent of the remaining funding will support local roads, culture, tourism, recreation and connectivity projects.

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SAINT JOHN, NB - Oct 1, 2006 - British Columbia's Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Ida Chong (fourth from right) joined her federal, provincial and territorial colleagues  when the Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women met in New Brunswick recently.

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VICTORIA - Sept. 25, 2006 - Hill House transition house's outreach program unveiled a stained glass "quilt" created by women in the outreach program. Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Ida Chong spoke at the official unveiling. Photo details.

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VANCOUVER - Sept. 15, 2006 - Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Ida Chong took part in a day-long symposium as part of the ministry's Community Action for Women's Safety Grants program. Projects include building strong community networks, mentoring of young people by aboriginal elders, conducting safety audits and holding violence-prevention workshops for new immigrants. Photo details.

• Read the March 8, 2006 news release and backgrounder.

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VANCOUVER - Aug. 24, 2006 - Minister Responsible for Seniors' Issues Ida Chong visited the Simon KY Lee Seniors Care Home to meet with area seniors. The Minister distributed copies of the Chinese version of the updated BC Seniors' Guide. Read the Aug. 24 English news release or Chinese version [PDF].

• Download a copy of the Chinese version (PDF) of the BC Seniors' Guide.

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ABBOTSFORD - Aug. 23, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong lit the ceremonial torch to open the 2006 BC Seniors Games. More than 3,000 participants took part in 25 sports and activities over three days of competition. Photo details.

• 2006 BC Seniors Games results.

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SURREY - Aug. 23, 2006 - Minister Responsible for Seniors' Issues Ida Chong visited the Surrey-Delta Indo-Canadian Seniors Centre to meet with area seniors and to distribute copies of the Punjabi version of the updated BC Seniors' Guide. Print and electronic versions of the popular guide are also available in  Chinese, English and French. Read the Aug. 24 news release.

• Download a copy of the Punjabi version (PDF) of the BC Seniors' Guide.

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SAANICH - Aug. 17, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong had an opportunity to meet celebrated artist and carver Richard Hunt, who designed the medals awarded during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships held Aug. 17-21 at Saanich Commonwealth Place.

The facility — built for the 1994 Commonwealth Games — was upgraded to prepare for the meet, including a new scoreboard funded by the municipality of Saanich and the B.C. government's Olympic/Paralympic Live Site program.

• Visit the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships website.
• Visit Richard Hunt's website.

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QUALICUM BEACH - Aug. 11, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong met with the mayor and other members of the Town of Qualicum Beach council. The Minister has met with local government councils in several towns and cities this summer.

• Visit the ministry's Local Government Dept. website.

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QUALICUM BEACH - Aug. 11, 2006 - As part of the 2010 Olympic / Paralympic Live Sites program, the Qualicum Lawn Bowling Club will receive $142,500 to construct central Vancouver Island's first indoor bowling green.  Photo details. Read the Aug. 11 news release and backgrounder.

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KAMLOOPS - July 27, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Kamloops-area MLAs Kevin Krueger and Claude Richmond held an information session with members of Kamloops city council. Minister Chong met with several municipal councils during her summer travels throughout B.C.

• Visit the ministry's Local Government Dept. website.

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KAMLOOPS - July 27, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong congratulates one of the medal winners at the B.C. Summer Games. More than 3001 participants including 2239 athletes, 478 coaches, and 284 officials took part in the July 27-30 sporting event.

• Read the Kamloops Games July 30 news release.
• Check the B.C. Summer Games results.
   

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KAMLOOPS - July 26, 2006 - It is estimated that the three-day B.C. Summer Games had a $2.8 million economic impact on the City of Kamloops. More than 3,200 volunteers put in thousands of hours to help stage the provincial event. Photo details.

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VICTORIA - July 26, 2006 - The City of Victoria will receive a $330,000 award from the B.C. government’s Olympic/Paralympic Live Sites program to help with upgrades to Royal Athletic Park and an exhibit to honour Victoria Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, Community Services Minister Ida Chong (pictured) announced today. Royal Athletic Park will host the FIFA World Youth (Men’s) Championships in July, 2007. Read the July 26 news release.

• Visit the Olympic/Paralympic Live Sites website.

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VANCOUVER - July 13, 2006 - A healthy start for newborns and their parents is the goal of the expanded Single Room Maternity Care Unit at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, opened today by Health Minister George Abbott and Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors’ and Women’s Issues. Minister Chong had a chance to visit with  Teresa and Mitch Ward and baby Brenna Ward of Richmond during the announcement. Read the July 13 news release.

• BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre.

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WHITE ROCK - July 5, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong, responsible for seniors' issues, presented (left to right) Allen Barnett, Renee Nicholson, Bob Gray with Drive to Save Lives community award certificates of appreciation for their volunteer service with the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation's mature driver's program. Photo details.

• BCAA's Mature Drivers Program website | factsheet.

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SURREY - July 5, 2006 - South Fraser Women's Services Society Executive Director Denise Darrell shows Ida Chong (right), Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, some of the facilities.  The society – known as Women's Place – is a  women-focused organization committed to providing information, resources, support and counseling for women to empower themselves.

• Visit the ministry's Stopping the Violence website.

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VANCOUVER - June 21, 2006 - The UNESCO-designated official arts and culture festival of the World Urban Forum brought artists here from around the globe June 21-25 to share their stories and experiences, and help build awareness of the role of art in creating livable, sustainable and vibrant cities. The Ministry of Community Services was one of the event's sponsors. Photo details.

• World Forum sites: ministry | provincial | federal.

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VANCOUVER - June 19, 2006 - Union of British Columbia Municipalities President Marvin Hunt (left), B.C. Minister of Community Services Ida Chong, federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon and B.C. Minister of Economic Development Colin Hansen at the signing ceremony for the Canada-BC Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund agreement. More details. Read the information bulletin.

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VANCOUVER - June 17, 2006 - Kenyan delegate Ben Omondo met with B.C.'s Community Services Minister Ida Chong during the June 16-18 World Youth Forum -- one of the World Urban Forum events. The youth event offered participants involved in exciting youth-led projects around the world to meet, share best practices, connect and collaborate with each other. Photo details.

• World Youth Forum site.
• World Forum sites: ministry | provincial | federal.

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VANCOUVER - June 6, 2006 - Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister Responsible for Seniors' Issues Ida Chong (far right) met with members of the 411 Seniors Centre Society. News release.

• Read the Seniors' Week on-line materials.
• Use the newly revised BC Seniors' Guide HTML and PDF.

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VICTORIA - June 5, 2006 - Minister Responsible for Seniors' Issues Ida Chong helped kick off Seniors' Week in British Columbia with a visit to Highgate Lodge.

• Read the Seniors' Week on-line materials.
• Government Support for Seniors fact sheet.
• Use the newly revised BC Seniors' Guide HTML and PDF.

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GRAND FORKS - April 29, 2006 - Community Services Minister Ida Chong addresses delegates attending the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Government annual meeting held in Grand Forks.

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