Legislative Watch
1st Session, 39th Parliament
Issue 2 - September 22, 2009
Printable Version (PDF)
Government Announcements
- Northwest Transmission Line gets green light – The Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) will now go ahead with the announcement of $130 million from the federal government through the Green Infrastructure Fund. The funding is part of the $404 million NTL that will open mining and energy opportunities in the northern part of the province. The new 287-kilovolt line will extend 335 km from Terrace to Meziadin Junction and north to Bob Quinn Lake. Read more
- New amendments to comply with TILMA and reduce trade barriers: New legislation was introduced to improve investor protection, make financial services sector legislation consistent with the Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) between British Columbia and Alberta, and speed up government payments. Read more
- Wills, Estates and Succession law updated: New legislation will streamline the making of wills and administering of estates. Bill 4, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, reduces the number of separate acts that involve estate law from seven to one. The legislation provides a simplified procedure for administering smaller estates. Read more
- Changes to the Insurance Act: Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced legislation to amend and update the Insurance Act. The amendments are in response to insurance industry needs to reduce red tape and improve efficiencies by removing unnecessary requirements and clarifying the legislation. Read more
- 2010 Budget Consultation Paper released: Public consultations are underway to gauge the views of British Columbians for the next provincial budget. The 2010 Budget Consultation Paper provides information concerning B.C.’s tax system, vital services and employment. It outlines the factors that will shape budget decisions in the months ahead. Read more
- $15 Million for apprenticeships: The federal government is kicking in $15 million for the province’s Skills Development Apprenticeship Program. The Skills Development Apprentice program provides financial support to individuals to attend and complete apprenticeship-training programs. Read more
- $55 Million for local communities: The Province is providing more than $55 million to 188 B.C. communities as part of the second installment of the Strategic Community Investment Fund, to support public safety initiatives and local services. Read more
- September oil and gas rights sale nets $8.7 million: The September oil and gas rights sale resulted in over $8.7 million in bonus bids, bringing the calendar year to date total to over $330 million. The key parcels in the sale included three drilling licences and two leases in the Graham River area, and two leases in the Horn River Basin. Read more
- B.C.’S trade office in India now open: B.C.’s newest overseas trade and investment representative office, located in Bangalore, the ‘Silicon Valley’ of India, is now open for business. The Bangalore office helps B.C.’s export-ready companies link to opportunities in India. The Bangalore office is targeting the following sectors: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), biotechnology and life sciences, advanced energy and environmental technology, and advanced education. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Funding for athletes and school sports
- Funding for parent advisory councils
- Funding for public health programs
- Federal funding for infrastructure projects
- Funding for repairs at Johnston Heights Secondary School
- Funding for addiction services
- Funding for arts and culture
- Mining exploration permit in Flathead Valley area
- Appeal of B.C. Supreme Court ruling on election advertising legislation
- Budget Debate
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED
Government Bills (First Reading)
BILLS DEBATED
Government Bills (Second Reading)
Reports Tabled
- Elections B.C. Annual Report 2008/09
- Pre-budget consultation paper
- Guarantees and indemnities authorized and issued, fiscal year ended March 31, 2009
