News & Events - Legislative Watch
November 24, 2009
Issue 9 of the 1st Session, 39th Parliament
Government Announcements and News
- HST Implementation Agreement signed - The Province and the federal government signed an agreement on the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia, which will come into effect on July 1, 2010. The Comprehensive Integrated Tax Coordination Agreement (CITCA) contains the terms and conditions under which B.C. will participate in the HST with the federal government. Read more
- Second Quarterly Report released - The global economic downturn continues to have a negative impact according to the Province’s Second Quarterly report. Total revenue is projected to be $37.4 billion in 2009-10, a decrease of $232 million compared to the September Budget Update. Total expense is projected to be $40 billion. B.C.’s projected deficit is unchanged from the September Budget Update and remains at $2.8 billion for 2009-10. Read more
- Major construction projects up - The value of major construction projects planned or underway across B.C. has risen to $189 billion, setting a record for the 20th time in a row. Read more
- Farm Assessment Classification changed - The Province is reducing the tax burden on farm properties by eliminating the split classification of farm properties on the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) that are not used for other purposes; and eliminating the split classification for non ALR properties where at least 50 per cent of the property is in or contributes to production, or 25 per cent is in production and meets a higher income threshold. Read more
- New parliamentary session scheduled - The Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Parliament will commence on February 9, 2010. The House shall stand adjourned during the weeks of February 15, February 22, March 15, April 5, and May 10, 2010. Click here for schedule
Question Period Topics
- Impact of harmonized sales tax on tourism industry
- Government action on child poverty
- Construction contractor rates for truck operators
- Government handling of security breach involving personal information.
- Impact of Olympic Security on airports and businesses
- Freedom of information request fees
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED (first reading)
Members' Bills
- Bill M205 - Food Safety Amendment (Farm Gate Sales) Act, 2009
- Bill M206 - Cosmetic Pesticide and Carcinogen Control Act, 2009
- Bill M207 - Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act, 2009
BILLS PASSED (third reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 22 – Supply Act, 2009-2010