Legislative Watch
1st Session, 39th Parliament
Issue 4 - October 13, 2009
Printable Version (PDF)
Government Announcements
- New Deputy Minister announced- Allan P. Seckel, Q.C., has been appointed Deputy Minister to the
Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the British Columbia Public Service, replacing Jessica
McDonald who has served in the role since 2005. Seckel previously held the position of Deputy
Attorney General since 2003. Read more
- Cross-border opportunities with Washington State - Premier Gordon Campbell and Washington
Governor Chris Gregoire signed a framework agreement that will see B.C. and Washington cooperate
on several initiatives, including a high-speed rail service, direct harbour-to-harbour air
service between Vancouver and Seattle, and expansion of reciprocal credential recognition of
regulated trades or professions. Read more
- Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act introduced - Bill 13, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment
Act, 2009, was introduced. The bill makes minor technical or housekeeping amendments to a
number of other statutes, including: Adult Guardianship and Planning Statutes Amendment Act,
2007, Assessment Act, College of Applied Biology Act, Health Professions Act, Interpretation Act,
Judicial Compensation Act, Ministry of Environment Act, Medicare Protection Act, Municipalities
Enabling and Validating Act, Notaries Act, Public Guardian and Trustee Act, Sheriff Act, Treaty First
Nation Taxation Act, Manufactured Home Tax Act, Tourist Accommodation, University Act, Royal
Roads University Act, Thompson Rivers University Act and College and Institute Act, Vancouver
Charter and Wildlife Act. Read more
- Funding for skilled immigrants - The B.C. and federal governments are investing $12 million for the
continued delivery of the BC Skills Connect program, which has helped more than 5,500 immigrants
find jobs with B.C. employers. Since 2006, Skills Connect assists skilled immigrants in connecting
with employment in the construction, energy, health, tourism/hospitality, and transportation
sectors. Read more
- New name for Ombudsman - The office of B.C.’s ombudsman will change its name to the office of
the ombudsperson under new legislation. Kim Carter is the second woman to serve in the position. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Impact of harmonized sales tax on tourism industry
- Labelling of B.C. wines and wines with Olympic logo
- Actions of Olympic Games security unit
- Education funding
- Cowichan Tribes and VANOC Olympic clothing line
- Report on child labour regulations in B.C.
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED (First Reading)
Government Bills
Member's Bills
Private Bills
BILLS DEBATED (Second Reading)
Government Bills
BILLS PASSED (Third Reading)
Government Bills
Reports Tabled
- Office of the Representative for Children and Youth, annual report, 2008-2009
- Statement of 2008-2009 borrowings
- Forest Appeals Commission, annual report, 2008
