Legislative Watch
Issue: 11 - November 24 - 27, 2008
Government Announcements
- The Province’s second quarterly financial report shows an estimated surplus of $450 million in the 2008/09 provincial budget, down from $1 billion projected in the last quarterly report. The government reported an $804-million decline in provincial revenues for 2008/2009. The decrease in projected revenues reflects weakening economic growth and a decline in commodity prices. Private-sector estimates now project B.C.’s annual real GDP growth will be 1.4 per cent in 2008 and 1.3 per cent in 2009. Read more.
- The latest Major Projects Inventory shows that construction projects across B.C. have increased for the 21st consecutive quarter, with 863 major capital projects, worth an estimated $174.7 billion planned or underway. This is an increase of 30% in estimated value from this time last year. Read more.
- The BC government announced that 63 local governments will benefit from $15.9 million in provincial grants-in-lieu of property taxes. Read more.
- Western Canadian Coal Corp. has received an environmental assessment certificate for its Hermann Coal Mine Project west of Tumbler Ridge. The project is an open-pit coalmine with a capacity to produce up to 1.1 million tonnes per year of metallurgical coal over 10 years. Read more.
- Ferry rate reductions kicked in on December 1, 2008. The BC government announced in November that coastal ferry rates would be reduced by 33% for the months of December and January. The purpose of the temporary rate reduction is to help the coastal communities and the retail and tourism sectors during the upcoming holiday season. Read more.
- The province is launching a comprehensive transit study for the Fraser Valley. The study builds on a commitment by Premier Campbell to assess all transit options in the Fraser Valley, including the existing Southern Rail corridor. Read more.
- The B.C. Government has accepted the recommendations of the Climate Action Team (CAT) for interim greenhouse gas reduction (GHG) targets, establishing a GHG reduction target of six per cent below 2007 levels by 2012 and 18 per cent by 2016, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today. Read more.
- Former federal cabinet minister David Emerson is the new executive chair and CEO of the British Columbia Transmission Corporation. Read more.
- Kelly McCormack is the latest member to join the Small Business Roundtable. McCormack is a business leader from the Bulkley Valley. Read more.
- In the lead up to the May 12, 2009 provincial election, both the BC Liberals and the BC NDP launch new interactive campaign websites: www.bcliberals.com and www.bcndp.ca.
Question Period Topics
- Lobbyists registration legislation
- Gaming industry contributions to Liberal Party
- Government spending on advertising
- Government action on forest industry
- Compensation for tree farm licence land removals on Vancouver Island
- Availability of long-term care beds
- Workers Compensation Board coverage for esophageal cancer
Status of Bills:
BILLS INTRODUCED
Members’ Bills
BILLS DEBATED
Government Bills
BILLS PASSED
Government Bills
Reports Tabled
- Office of the Auditor General, report No. 10, 2008-2009, A Major Renovation: Trades Training in British Columbia
- Office of the Auditor General, report No. 11, 2008-2009, Public Participation: Principles and Best Practices for British Columbia
- British Columbia Ferry Commission, annual report, fiscal year ended March 31, 2008
- British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, annual report, ending 2007-08
- Report on multiculturalism, 2005-06 and 2006-07
- Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia, annual report, 2007-2008
- British Columbia Utilities Commission, annual report, 2007-2008
