Legislative Watch
Issue: 7 - May 3 – May 9, 2008
Government Announcements
- The first quarter results of the Major Projects Inventory state that the number of total major projects in B.C. has increased for the nineteenth straight quarter. According to the report, 850 major capital projects, worth an estimated $163.2 billion were planned or underway in BC between January and March 2008. Read more
- Infusion Health, a construction consortium, was selected as the preferred proponent to enter into negotiations to design, build, finance and maintain the expansion of Kelowna General Hospital and Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Read more
- BC apprentices increase for the fourth straight year. In total, B.C. is home to 39,797 apprentice and youth participants, surpassing the ITA’s goal of 32,000 by 24 per cent. Read more
- The mineral exploration industry was given notice that Amendments to the Mineral Tenure and Coal Acts will be put in force on June 2, 2008, adding requirements to ensure free miners/mineral developers provide notice to private land owners and Crown land leaseholders before they enter the property to start any type of mining or exploration activity. Read more
- In Prince George, the BC Government announced $12.6 million in unconditional grants to local governments in Northern BC. Read more
- In Whistler, the Province announced $3.5 million in unconditional grant funding to smaller communities and regional districts in the Lower Mainland. The grants are an increase of $675,000 over last year’s total. Read more
- Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid says her ministry exceeded its goal of $12.5 million to support the creation of 2,000 additional child-care spaces across BC. Read more
- The Province has appointed three new members to the BC Games Society Board of Directors. They include Ken Wood, who previously served on BC’s parole board; Renne McCloskey, who is the Manager of External Relations with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George; and Kelly Stefanyshyn, who is a member of Canada’s National Swim Team. Read more
- Two directors have been appointed and two more have been reappointed to the Northern Development Initiative Trust. By order-in-council, Lita Powell of Fort St. John and Bruce Sutherland of Prince George were reappointed, and Fred Punko of Prince George and Michael John Tarr of Prince Rupert have been newly appointed to the board of directors. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Government action on forest industry
- Child poverty in BC
- Disclosure of documents in BC Rail court case
- Passenger safety on Sky Train
- Tenancy dispute resolution process
- Tree farm licence land removals on Vancouver Island
Status of Bills:
BILLS DEBATED
Reports Tabled
- Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills, second report
