News & Events - Legislative Watch
October 27, 2009
Issue 5 of the 1st Session, 39th Parliament
Government Announcements
- HST transition rules released - The B.C. Government released proposed general transitional rules to help guide businesses and consumers in a smooth changeover to the Harmonized Sales Tax. Read more
- Successful SkillsPlus program expanded - An additional $2 million was committed to skills training for mid-sized businesses (50 to 500 employees) under the SkillsPlus program. The expansion of SkillsPlus to include mid-sized businesses is intended to increase the number of people accessing essential skills and in turn increase economic productivity. Read more
- Two reports confirm strength of small business sector - Two recent reports, the Small Business Profile 2009 and the Small Business Roundtable 4th Annual Report to Government, reinforce the conclusion that B.C.’s small business sector is leading the economy.
- October B.C. Oil and Gas Rights sale peaks for 2009 - B.C.’s economy received a shot in the arm with the October 2009 land rights sale, resulting in $370 million in bonus bids, the sixth-largest sale on record. This brings the calendar year to date total to $700.6 million. Read more
- New act restricts sale and possession of body armour - Gang members and organized criminals will no longer be able to hide behind body armour, Solicitor General Kash Heed announced in introducing Canada’s first act that sets up a licensing and criminal record check regime for the sale and purchase of body armour. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Government purchase of Olympic Games tickets and hospitality suites
- Provision of traffic fine revenues to local government
- Government action on gambling and organized crime
- Funding for carbon reduction initiatives in school districts, residential care and mental health services
- Ferry fares
- Manufacturing of Olympic Games flags
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED (First Reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 14 - Housing and Social Development Statutes Amendment Act, 2009
- Bill 15 - Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2009
- Bill 16 - Body Armour Control Act
- Bill 17 - Health Statutes (Residents’ Bill of Rights) Amendment Act, 2009
Private Bills
- Bill Pr401 - Verigin Memorial Park Amendment Act, 2009
BILLS PASSED (Third Reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 9 - Wood First Act
- Bill 10 – Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2009
- Bill 11 – Labour Mobility Act
- Bill 12 - Ombudsman Amendment Act, 2009
- Bill 13 - Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2009
Reports Tabled
- Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the 2008 Electoral Boundary Redistribution
- Office of the Ombudsman, Annual Report 2008/2009