MENU
QUICK LINKS
BC Chamber of Commerce
#1201, 750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T8
T 604.683.0700
F 604.683.0416
E bccc@bcchamber.org
News & Events - Legislative Watch
November 4, 2009
Issue 6 of the 1st Session, 39th Parliament
Government Announcements
- $15 million Workplace Training for Innovation Pilot program opens - The new pilot program provides small business employers in British Columbia with access to funding to support employee training, helping improve skills and productivity. Available to all BC employers, the program offers up to $1,500 per employee – to a maximum of $5,000 per employer – to support employee training. Read more
- New rules for payday loans - New regulations came into effect Nov. 1, 2009 to limit fees and interest rates charged by payday lenders. A payday loan is less than $1,500 borrowed for a maximum of 62 days, and is not secured. B.C.’s Business Practices and Consumer Protection (Payday Loans) Amendment Act and the Payday Loans regulation prohibit lenders from requesting an assignment of wages, charging more than 23 per cent of the amount borrowed in interest and fees and lending more than 50 per cent of a borrower’s take-home pay. Read more
- Lobbyist Registration Act enhanced – Modeled on the Alberta legislation, B.C.’s amended Act will strengthen reporting requirements for lobbyists and grant the registrar new investigative and enforcement authority. The registrar will be able to conduct investigations and compel testimony. Read more
- Province to end reliance on Burrard Thermal Generating Facility - The Province clarified its intention to the British Columbia Utilities Commission to end BC Hydro’s reliance on the Burrard Thermal Generating Facility for energy needs. The decision helps meet the legislative target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by six per cent by 2012, 18 per cent by 2016, and 33 per cent by 2020. Read more
- Legislation to end paramedics strike - The Province is passing an essential services order to end the CUPE 873 strike and restore full emergency care, after seven months of failed attempts to reach an agreement. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Impact of harmonized sales tax on tourism industry
- Government action on open-net fish farming
- Hosting of Olympic Games dignitaries at Terminal City Club
- Distribution of GamesTown 2010 Olympic Games tickets
- Waiting times for surgeries in B.C.
- Responsibility for H1N1 influenza vaccine program
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED (First Reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 18 - Assistance to Shelter Act
- Bill 20 - Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2009
- Bill 21 - Ambulance Services Collective Agreement Act
BILLS DEBATED (Second Reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 14 - Housing and Social Development Statutes Amendment Act, 2009
- Bill 19 - Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2009
BILLS PASSED (Third Reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 7 - Police (Misconduct, Complaints, Investigations, Discipline and Proceedings) 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