Legislative Watch
February 26, 2008
Issue: 1
Government Announcements
- To address BC’s labour and skills shortage, the provincial and federal governments signed two new Labour Market Agreements that will invest over $2-billion in BC during the next six years. The two agreements aim to help British Columbians improve their skills and employability. Read more
- The fourth session of the 38th BC Parliament was launched February 12th with the speech from the throne that highlighted the government’s agenda to create safe communities, provide excellence in education, strengthen the New Relationship with First Nations and combat climate change. Read more
- Public health care initiatives from the Throne Speech emphasized patient choice, enhanced access, quality, professional opportunities, prevention and accountability. Read more
- On February 19th, Finance Minister Carole Taylor released Balanced Budget 2008, which announced $1.85-million in carbon tax revenues over three years, as well as $1.85-million in personal and business tax cuts over the same period. Read more
- Health authority budget allocations over the next three years will reach $9-billion in 2010/11, announced Health Minister George Abbott. Read more
- The Province is increasing the amount of Hotel Room Tax provided to Tourism British Columbia to three points from 1.65 points of the eight per cent collected. Read more
- The sale of oil and gas rights on Feb. 20, 2008 brought BC’s fiscal year total to $1.07 billion. Read more
- The Province plans to open an office in India to help foster BC businesses opportunities, announced Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen. Read more
- Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell announced that the BC Agriculture Plan would focus on promoting local BC food products, reducing the industry’s climate change impact. The plan has been designed to take advantage of new and existing markets and ensure that the industry meets the needs of the environment. Read more
- The Province and the First Nations Leadership Council released a joint report, “Journey to Economic Independence: BC First Nations’ Perspectives,” at the Chiefs Regional Leadership Economic Opportunities Forum in Vancouver. The report focuses on how BC First Nations are creating economic opportunity for their communities. Read more
- Former interim BC Lotteries president and CEO Dana Hayden was appointed vice-chair of the Working Roundtable on Forestry and will help lead the Province’s review of forest sector regulations. Read more
- Forty flood protection projects in various communities across the province are now under the first phase of a 10-year, $100-million British Columbia Flood Protection Program. Read more
- Northern Lights College will receive $1-million from the Province to update and enhance trades training equipment and support the Oil and Gas Centre of Excellence. Read more
- The Premier introduced plans for the creation of a new $4.6-million Peace Arch Gateway Visitors Centre beginning February 2009. Read more
- The Province has purchased another six single room occupancy hotels with 330 units in Vancouver. Read more
- British Columbia and Quebec have signed an agreement to co-operate on the development of justice information systems, announced British Columbia and Quebec attorneys general Wally Oppal and Jacques Dupuis. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Budget priorities
- Impact of fuel tax on taxi industry
- Child Poverty In BC
- Education funding and closing of BC schools
- Safety of 15-seat vans
- Paramedic services in Invermere, BC
- Ambulance services in rural BC
- Disclosure of documents in BC Rail court case
- Fallowing of salmon farms in Broughton Archipelago
- Definition of revenue-neutral
- BC Hydro and independent power producers
- TransLink board remuneration and transit rates
- Ferry fares
- ICBC rate structure
- TimberWest logging operations
- Protection of forest industry jobs
- Government action on mental health beds
- Report on decommissioning of Riverview Hospital
- Proposed TransLink routes in Coquitlam
- Government action on forest worker safety
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED
Government Bills
Reports Tabled
- BC Electoral Boundaries Commission’s amendments report
- Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, second report
- Budget and Fiscal Plan 2008/09-2010/11 Government’s service plans and strategic plan
