British Columbia Chamber of Commerce

Legislative Watch

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

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

Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the 2008 Electoral Boundary Redistribution
Office of the Ombudsman, Annual Report 2008/2009