British Columbia Chamber of Commerce

Legislative Watch

More details on these topics are available at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia website - 'Documents and Proceedings' or 'Hansard (Debates)' sections.

B.C deficit position worsens – On the heels of BC’s Second Quarterly Report, which shows the deficit rising to $3.1 billion, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon softened the BC government’s commitment to balance the provincial budget by 2013/2014. “If international events continue to deteriorate, and that hammers B. C., I am not going to be able to say we can balance at all costs,” Falcon said. The Province’s projected deficit for 2011/2012 deteriorated by $313 million, mainly due to lower corporate income tax revenues.
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Municipal auditor general bill introduced – The primary purpose of the Auditor General for Local Government is to help local governments find efficiencies in spending and improve program effectiveness by providing neutral, non-binding advice. Surrey, BC was chosen as the location for the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government. Read more
4th session of the 39th Parliament comes to a close – The House had its final sitting on Thursday, November 24th. Notable legislation includes the passage of the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act and the Family Law Act. Passage of the Auditor General for Local Government Act and the Workers Compensation Amendment Act will have to wait till the next session before becoming law.
The new Parliamentary Calendar for 2012 is now published. The Throne Speech is scheduled for February 14, 2012 and the Provincial Budget will be tabled on February 21, 2012.

Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills