As the sun sets tonight, Jewish communities in BC and around the world will welcome Rosh Hashanah - the beginning of the Jewish New Year and the start of the 10 Days of Awe. We wish all those who celebrate a happy, healthy and sweet year ahead. Shanah Tovah! (1/2)

Child care fees for children aged 0–12 have been cut nearly in half thanks to ChildCareBC programs. Since 2018, more than $3 billion has stayed in the pockets of hard-working BC families. Learn more: gov.bc.ca/ChildCare

Starting this school year, Kindergarten students in BC will be screened for early signs of reading challenges, so they can get the support they need. This is part of a $30M investment in literacy supports to help every child thrive in school and beyond. Learn more: News.gov.bc.ca/32754

Sexual violence is never okay. This Consent Awareness Week, we're reminded that building a culture of safety, respect, and inclusion starts with understanding consent. Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/32753

Firefighters show up when it matters most—rushing toward danger to protect people, homes, and communities. On National Firefighters Memorial Day, we honour their bravery and mourn the firefighters who lost their lives keeping people in BC safe.

Soon, more people will receive care closer to home. With 65 new nurse practitioner seats at UBC, UNBC & UVic, more care's coming to communities across BC. Training has expanded from 100 to 165 seats/year. Future nurse practitioners, future care. Right where it's needed.

Meet Dr. Saad Khan and Samantha Khan. They moved from the UK to BC after spotting a BC health recruitment ad. They're not alone. This year: • 660 new int'l trained docs registered to practise in BC, as of Jul 31 • 2,950 US healthcare professionals have expressed interest in working in BC since March

Dust off your cowboy boots - the biggest week in Canadian country music is coming to Kelowna for the first time ever! CCMA Country Music Week 2025 starts today, showcasing everything Kelowna has to offer. CCMA.org/Kelowna-2025

Does your child get the back-to-school jitters? Many families experience this, and small steps at home can make a big difference. Swipe for tips to help your child feel calm and ready for the year ahead, and find more resources: ow.ly/J7Cc50WSjjI

We hosted an AMA with Pharmacist Stefanie Black—and you showed up with great questions. From managing multiple medications to how pharmacists can help with birth control, she shared helpful, trustworthy info every British Columbian should know. Check out the highlights. 👇 (1/6)

Have you heard? CPR and AED learning is now part of the Grade 10 Physical and Health Education curriculum - empowering students with the knowledge to respond confidently in emergencies and help save lives in their communities. Learn more: Curriculum.gov.bc.ca

Wildfire smoke and heat are impacting many parts of BC. Reduce time outdoors, close windows when you can, and take steps to stay cool. Seniors, children, pregnant people, and people with preexisting health conditions should take extra precautions. BCCDC.ca/WildfireSmoke

An Air Quality Warning is in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley due to elevated fine particulate matter (small particles in the air that may impact health). This warning is expected to last a few days or until there is a change in weather: ow.ly/sgsc50WQCu1

Child care on school grounds is a game changer for busy parents. Most recently, we've opened 640 spots in 12 communities, bringing the total to 6,400 spots now open on school grounds, with more to come. gov.bc.ca/Childcare

Reminder: kids are back in school. • Slow down in school zones • Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing • Always yield to pedestrians Learn more at RoadSafetyBC.ca

Labour Day is a time to reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead. We give thanks to the working people of BC for their dedication to making our province a better and more prosperous place to live and work. (1/5)

Detox wait times in the Vancouver Coastal Health region have dropped. Some get same-day access. Through a made-in-BC model of addictions care, people now connect with care faster with just one phone number, finding support with detox, treatment, peer help, and recovery programs.

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear sensible shoes, bring life jackets and carry a first aid kit. Be the one who's ready, informed and looking out for others. Check these before you go: • PreparedBC.ca • EmergencyInfoBC.ca • DriveBC.ca • Weather.gc.ca • BCWildfire.ca and the BC Wildfire app

The drug supply is poisoned and not safe. Any dose can be deadly. BC is helping campuses prepare for emergencies by supporting overdose response plans and making nasal naloxone available at all public post-secondary schools and First Nations-mandated institutes. RespondToOverdose.gov.bc.ca

BC schools will have over 3,000 additional student spaces to support growing communities like Surrey, Langford, Chilliwack, Delta, Fort St. John, Richmond, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge and more. And, there's more on the way! news.gov.bc.ca/32700

Thinking about college or university? You might be eligible for up to $8,000 with the BC Access Grant. Over the past 5 years, it has helped tens of thousands of students afford to continue their education. Learn more at StudentAidBC.ca

School supplies ☑️ New shoes ☑️ Vaccines 🔲 Protect your kids from measles, mumps, polio, chickenpox, whooping cough, & more. Unsure if your child is up to date on routine immunizations? You can check their immunization records online. Learn more at HealthLinkBC.ca

BC is fast-tracking US doctor & nurse recruitment — and it's working. • Since March, 2,962 healthcare professionals have expressed interest in moving to BC • No extra exams for many international MDs Know someone ready for a change? Their next chapter starts here: bchealthcareers.ca

Happy National Potato Day! From farm to fork, BC potatoes are packed with flavour and grown with pride. Choosing to buy local isn’t just a trend — it’s a meaningful way to support our communities and the hardworking people behind our food.

Big news for BC’s wild salmon! The Fraser River sockeye salmon return is estimated at 6.3 million fish, more than 13x last year's. Partnerships with First Nations and the federal government to help wild salmon are showing promising signs of success.

Remind your kids not to use the “save password” function when using a public computer at a computer lab or school library – and to always sign out. #backtoschoolprivacy

With peak summer holidays and camping winding down in the next few weeks, remember to dispose of any empty propane tanks responsibly. 👉 Not sure what goes where? Download the Waste Wise app at Kamloops.ca/WasteWise. #Kamloops #WasteReduction_Wednesday

Wondering how to navigate the digital landscape with your children? Our guidance document www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/in... provides some great tips for families when they encounter “deceptive designs” that target children. #backtoschoolprivacy

Smoke levels are high in East and Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Sometimes our watersheds need a little extra help to stay healthy in the driest months. You can take steps year-round to help make sure drought doesn't become water scarcity in your community. Learn more: gov.bc.ca/Drought

Coldstream is now home to the largest solar rooftop in the province. It's the size of two football fields! With 2,460 high-efficiency solar panels on the former Lavington Glass Plant, it will help power the Okanagan Eco Industrial Park.

☀️Heat Advisory – August 11 & 12 ☀️ It’s going to be a hot one in #RichmondBC! 🏠 All Richmond Public Library locations are designated Cooling Centres, open on Aug 11 & 12, 9:00am-9:00pm 💦 Find water fountains & cool spots using the Richmond Cooling Map: 👉 richmond.ca/heat

With high temperatures in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast and Sea-to-Sky region, the risk of heat-related illnesses increases. Read our public service announcement to learn who’s at risk, how to stay cool and where to get care: www.fraserhealth.ca/news/2025/Au...

Small changes can make a big difference during extreme heat: 💨 Install a window air conditioner in at least one room. 🌙 Use thermal curtains or window coverings to block the sun. 🌡 Keep a digital thermometer handy. 31°C+ indoors is dangerous for vulnerable people. 👇

Heat warnings have been issued for many areas in BC. These areas have temperatures that can pose a risk to health and safety. Take steps to stay cool, and watch for signs of heat-related illness, like dizziness, headaches, nausea and more. gov.bc.ca/ExtremeHeat

It’s National Book Lovers Day! To celebrate, BC authors are sharing their must-reads.  First up, Eddy Boudel Tan, author of three novels, including The Tiger and the Cosmonaut and After Elias. He recommends Danny Ramadan's memoir Crooked Teeth. More below 👇

Stay up to date with the latest emergency info in BC: • EmergencyInfoBC.ca  • BCWildfire.ca or the BC Wildfire app • DriveBC.ca  • PreparedBC.ca  • ESS.gov.bc.ca  • Weather.gc.ca  Check with your local government, First Nation and health authority for more.

Good morning! Is the sky really bluer here? Let's find out!