Legislative Watch
Issue: 6 - March 10, 2009
Printable Version (PDF)
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
Member Bills
BILLS DEBATED
Government Bills
BILLS PASSED
Government Bills
Reports Tabled
- Office of the Auditor General, report No. 16, 2008-2009, Homelessness: Clear Focus Needed
- British Columbia Legislative Library, Annual Report 2008
