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VICTORIA — The B.C. government is almost doubling its advertising spending five months before the provincial election, but the minister responsible says it’s to raise awareness of the fentanyl overdose crisis, a new affordable housing program, and other programs.

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson, whose ministry is responsible for communications and advertising, said Wednesday government expects to spend $15 million by the end of the fiscal year, March 31, 2017. That’s up from $8.5 million in the provincial budget.

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Wilkinson said one of main items is a public awareness campaign on the health emergency caused by a fentanyl overdose crisis.

“It’s also important for us to get the message out to people about what is going on, what naloxone is, where they can get it and all of those necessary communications items which people are entitled to know,” he said in an interview.

Wilkinson also cited a new $500-million housing affordability fund, which he said needs to be communicated to vulnerable citizens, such as seniors and people with disabilities. And he said a continuing single-parent employment program — which covers school and daycare costs for some in-demand jobs — needs extra advertising spending as well.