Legislative Watch
Issue: 3 - February 17, 2009
Budget Highlights
- Almost $14 billion in infrastructure projects in every region of the province.
- Projected to create up to 88,000 jobs
- Smaller than expected deficits for two years – and balanced budgets again after that.
- $495 million deficit for 2009/10
- $245 million deficit for 2010/11
- Will create 2,000 apprenticeship seats this year.
- Health spending up by $4.8 billion over three years.
- per-pupil K-12 funding will reach highest level ever.
- post-secondary institutions get an extra $228 million over three years.
Government Announcements
- Finance Minister Colin Hansen delivered Budget 2009, which invests almost $14 billion in infrastructure projects in every region of British Columbia projected to create 88,000 jobs while increasing health spending. Read more
- Building British Columbia’s economic strength by harnessing B.C.’s resource potential to create jobs, stability and confidence for families and capitalize on the opportunities of the new world economy was the focus of the speech from the throne that launched the fifth session of the 38th parliament. Read more
- Premier Gordon Campbell announced an additional 168 police officers and 10 prosecutors as part of a comprehensive initiative to strengthen B.C.’s fight against gang and gun violence. The province is investing $185 million in a seven-point plan to fight crime. Read more
- Minister of Healthy Living and Sport Mary Polak announced that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the government of Alberta to ensure continuing use of Winter Olympic legacy venues in both provinces. The goal is to have greater marketing leverage to host and manage events, as well as to attract athletes from around the world to train and compete here. Read more
- An agreement signed by the Government of Canada, the Province of BC and the Union of BC Municipalities will provide BC with more than $1-billion from the Gas Tax Fund over the next six years to support environmentally sustainable local government infrastructure projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more
- Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Bill Bennett announced the creation of Picture BC – a new online gateway to communities around the province through photos, video and stories. The site was created in partnership with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the Knowledge Network Corporation. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Government action on gang violence
- Call for bail process review
- Tourism Minister communications with constituents
- Olympic Games security costs
- Olympics Games costs
- Redeployment of police and justice system resources
- Impact of Olympic security costs on utility and transit rates
- B.C. Hydro and ICBC purchase of Olympic Games tickets
- Rural agency stores and government liquor retail policies
- Government support for forest workers
- Minimum Wage
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED
Government Bills
BILLS DEBATED
Government Bills
BILLS PASSED
Government Bills
Reports Tabled
- Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, report for the fourth session of the 38th parliament
- Special Committee to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner, report for the fourth session of the 38th Parliament
