News & Events - Legislative Watch
March 10, 2009
Issue: 6
Government Announcements
- Forests Minister Pat Bell released an action plan to remake B.C.’s forest sector. Prepared by the Working Roundtable on Forestry, the plan identifies six priorities for the industry and 29 recommendations to move forward. These include a commitment to using wood first and creating a globally competitive, market-based operating climate. Read more
- The new Asia-Pacific Business Centre was opened by Small Business, Technology and Economic Development Ida Chong in Vancouver’s Robson Square. The operation is first point of contact for B.C. businesses seeking strategic information on doing business in Asia and will help Asian investors connect with opportunities in British Columbia. Read more
- Total motion picture production spending and numbers of projects in British Columbia were up almost 30 percent last year over 2007. Read more
- Minister of Healthy Living Sport Mary Polak announced that B.C. is the first Canadian province to restrict trans fat in all prepared and served foods in restaurants. The regulation applies to restaurants, delis, cafeterias, educational institutions, health care institutions, schools, special events, and bakeries. Read more
- Primary site lung cancer for non-smokers was added to the list of cancers already recognized as occupational diseases for firefighters in legislation introduced by Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Iain Black. Read more
- Premier Gordon Campbell rolled out the welcome mat for visitors to B.C. by lighting the 45-foot tall Olympic rings logo that will greet visitors at Vancouver’s YVR airport. The entire project was completed by B.C. firms. Read more
Question Period Topics
- Government action on homelessness
- Minimum wage
- Regulation of septic systems
- Budget provisions for Partnerships B.C.
- Economic benefits of Olympic Games
- Jumbo Glacier resort
- Fairness report on B.C. Rail sale
- Government action on care standards for addiction recovery homes
- Federal funding for mountain pine beetle strategy
- Layoff of Hastings Racecourse Workers for Olympic Games
- Olympic Games Security Costs
- Olympic Games Security Costs For Rural B.C.
Opinion Leader Roundup
- Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer looks at the Provincial Government’s plan to almost double the timber-cutting rights of First Nations in B.C. as part of an overarching plan to rebuild and revamp the forest sector. Read the article
- A Vancouver Sun editorial calls on the Province to ensure municipalities don’t place a disproportionate tax burden on their industrial ratepayers. Read the article
- The global economic slowdown may have people worried, but the Globe and Mail reports on one sector that is still hiring in British Columbia – health care. The Vancouver Island Health Authority has an average of 400 openings every day. Read the article
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED
Government Bills
- Bill 3: Supply Act, 2008-2009 (Supplementary Estimates)
- Bill 4: Ministerial Accountability Bases Act, 2008-2009
- Bill 5: Supply Act (No. 1), 2009
- Bill 6: Police (Misconduct, Complaints, Investigations, Discipline and Proceedings) Amendment Act, 2009
- Bill 7: Police (Police Complaint Commissioner) Amendment Act, 2009
- Bill 8: Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2009
Member Bills
- Bill M201: First Nations Heritage Protection and Conservation Act, 2009
- Bill M202: Consumer Protection in Ticket Sales Act, 2009
BILLS DEBATED
Government Bills
- Bill 2: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2009
- Bill 3: Supply Act, 2008-2009 (Supplementary Estimates)
- Bill 5: Supply Act (No. 1), 2009
BILLS PASSED
Government Bills
- Bill 2: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2009
- Bill 3: Supply Act, 2008-2009 (Supplementary Estimates)
Reports Tabled
- Office of the Auditor General, report No. 16, 2008-2009, Homelessness: Clear Focus Needed
- British Columbia Legislative Library, Annual Report 2008