Greetings!
This newsletter is the first in what will be weekly instalments designed to give you insight and analysis on current Public Affairs issues in BC and Canada. We are very pleased to be able to provide this service to our member Chambers and businesses around the province, and believe that enhancing the dialogue in this area can help strengthen the advocacy efforts of the Chamber Network in BC. As such, please do not hesitate to circulate this newsletter to your own members and board. Sincerely, John Winter President & CEO BC Chamber of Commerce - the Voice of Business in BC |
| Province Announces Justice Reform |
Last week Premier Christy Clark announced several reforms to BC's justice system. The Hon. Shirley Bond will now serve as Justice Minister and Attorney General, while responsibility for the Public Sector Employers Council and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia will fall under the Ministry of Finance, and responsibility for liquor and gaming will be with Minister of Energy and Mines Hon. Rich Coleman.
Minister Bond also has appointed Geoffrey Cowper, QC, to chair a justice system review that aims to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of the province's court system. Mr. Cowper will consult with judiciary, Crown counsel, the legal profession, police and others to identify the top issues that affect the public's access to justice, based on a Green Paper released by the Ministry. Cowper will develop recommendations and report to the government by July 2012.
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BC and Washington State Strengthen Cross-Border Partnership
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Premier Christy Clark and Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire have announced that Washington State and British Columbia have concluded a series of agreements to strengthen their cross-border partnerships, attract investment and create new jobs.
Key features of the 2012 Action Plan on Jobs include:
- Actions to better align and maximize opportunities for energy efficiency, clean transportation, and low-carbon energy, including natural gas;
- Developing a regional jobs and investment strategy to leverage "clean economy" opportunities across West Coast jurisdictions; and
- Measures to enhance regional transportation co-ordination and efficiency.
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Alberta Government Looking to Win Support for Pipeline Through BC
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The Alberta government is looking at ways to build support for oil pipeline infrastructure through B.C., by increasing the economic benefit to the province - including the option of giving funds that would modernize and expand West Coast ports.
Alberta Premier Alison Redford emphasized that there were no formal discussions underway, but that the Alberta government acknowledges that BC will need to see tangible benefit if the province is to bear the risks of an oil pipeline and associated West Coast tanker traffic headed to Asia.
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Legislature Returns This Week
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The BC Legislature returns tomorrow, Tuesday, February 14, resuming the session from last fall. Budget Day will be on the following Tuesday, February 21.
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