British Columbia is the westernmost province of Canada, with a population of more than four million people. It is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. British Columbia is also a component of the Pacific Northwest and the Cascadia bioregion, along with the U.S. states of Alaska, Idaho, western Montana, Oregon, and Washington state.In 1866, Vancouver Island became part of the colony of British Columbia, and Victoria became the united colony's capital. In 1871, British Columbia became the sixth province of Canada. Its Latin motto is Splendor sine occasu ("Splendour without Diminishment"​).British Columbia's elected leaders and public servants are here to serve the citizens of B.C. and they're held accountable for their actions and decisions that impact residents. Learn about the different government bodies, the people that staff them and the work that they do. The Government of B.C. is made up of ministries, agencies and Crown corporations. Browse ministry, agency and Crown corporation websites for the latest news, service plans, publications and more.