Legislative Watch
3rd Session, 39th Parliament
Issue 3 - May 27, 2011
More details on these topics are available at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia website - 'Documents and Proceedings' or 'Hansard (Debates)' sections.
Government Announcements and News
- HST referendum
- The Province announced sweeping improvements to the Harmonized Sales Tax that will lower the rate by two percentage points for all consumers and provide transition cheques for children and seniors. Read more
- Independent review into rising BC Ferry fares
- The government of British Columbia has introduced legislation to support the review of the province's coastal ferry system by independent B.C. Ferry Commissioner Gord Macatee in light of public concern about rising ferry fares.
Read more
- The government of British Columbia has introduced legislation to support the review of the province's coastal ferry system by independent B.C. Ferry Commissioner Gord Macatee in light of public concern about rising ferry fares.
- Infrastructure investment in Peace Region
- The Province is investing over $54 million in South Peace highways and roads in 2011-12, creating jobs for local workers and improving the condition and safety of local roads for South Peace families. Read more
- Trade and investment education in BC
- The Province is bringing its nine trade and investment representatives, who work in seven countries around the world, to communities throughout B.C. where they will help businesses wanting to expand into overseas markets. Read more
- Green technology
- Premier Christy Clark promoted BC's green technology to Seattle area-based clean technology companies and discussed innovative ways to build the green economy with Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire during her first cross-border mission. Read more
- Cross-border economy growth
- Washington State Gov. Chris Gregoire and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark met for the first time on May 19, 2011 and engaged in a productive discussion about how the state and province could work together to support job growth and forge even closer cross-border ties. Read more
Question Period Topics
- HST referendum
- Announcement by Premier and government information on HST referendum
- Government changes to HST
- Government tax policies after HST referendum
- Impact of HST reduction
- Impact of HST on families
- Impact of HST on restaurant industry
- Impact of HST on housing sector
- Impact of HST on cyclists
- Impact of log export policy on forest industry
- Potential use of Delta lands for foreign trade zone
- BC Ferry fares
- Pricing model for prescription drugs
- Business plan for B.C. Care Card Initiative
- Funding for programs at Capilano University
- Province-wide camping fees
- Vancouver floatplane terminal contract
Status of Bills
BILLS INTRODUCED (first reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 1 – An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament - Read more
- Bill 2 – Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill 11 – Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act - Read more
- Bill 12 – Police (Independent Investigations Office) Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill 13 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011 - Read more
- Bill 14 – Coastal Ferry Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill 15 – Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act (No. 4) - Read more
Members’ Bills
- Bill M201 - Recall and Initiative Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill M202 – Legislative Assembly Management Committee (Public Disclosure of MLA Expenses and Accountability) Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill M203 – Cosmetic Pesticide and Carcinogen Control Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill M204 – Fall Fixed Election Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill M205 - Residential Tenancy Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill M206 – Election Transparency Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
SECOND READING
Government Bills
- Bill 8 – International Interests in Mobile Equipment (Aircraft Equipment) Act - Read more
- Bill 9 – Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill 10 – Wills, Estates and Succession Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
BILLS PASSED (third reading)
Government Bills
- Bill 3 – Supply Act (No. 1), 2011 - Read more
- Bill 4 – Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Initiative Vote and Referendum Act - Read more
- Bill 5 – New West Partnership Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Read more
- Bill 6 – Civil Forfeiture Act, 2011 - Read more
- Bill 7 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011 - Read more
Reports Tabled
- Auditor General's 2011-2012 report 2, Audit of the Academic Ambulatory Care Centre Public Private Partnership: Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, and the Annual Report of the British Columbia Legislative Library 2010.
- Elections B.C. Service Plan for 2011-2012.
- Interim report of the Office of the Merit Commissioner.
