British Columbia's New Democrat government says it plans to put this year's projected budget surplus of almost $6 billion to work helping families and businesses as an economic slowdown looms and extra dollars are expected to dry up.

A refreshed housing plan and health care, public safety, environment and cost-of-living initiatives will be the focus of the British Columbia New Democrat government's political agenda over the coming months, says house leader Ravi Kahlon.

Eby said the New Democrat government's priorities are the same as those of B.C. residents — affordability, cost of living, public safety, health care and housing.

At first, Cory Holland thought government anti-smoking measures were working when he noticed tobacco sales at his British Columbia convenience store started to drop. 

British Columbia Premier David Eby unveiled a new-look cabinet on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, that elevates several first-time ministers to prominent positions, retains veterans in long-held posts and moves the finance minister to a post-secondary education portfolio.

Political pundits are expecting Premier David Eby to appoint new cabinet ministers who have fire in their bellies for the challenging jobs ahead, and the possibility of an early election call.

Plans to make room for patients with respiratory illnesses by cancelling surgeries are in place in British Columbia hospitals, says Health Minister Adrian Dix, as parents worry about long emergency room waits with sick children.

The British Columbia government has introduced sweeping changes to boost the housing supply, and while local governments say they want to do their part, they're concerned about effects the laws will have on their communities. 

British Columbia's incoming premier says he will lead a government push to transform Vancouver's Downtown Eastside from a neighbourhood of desperation into one that's healthy and safe.