BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix and federal NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair held a joint caucus meeting in Vancouver last week. The meeting coincided with the US National Transportation Safety Board report that called attention to the lack of corporate response to an oil spill in the Kalamazoo River in Michigan.

The Northern Gateway proposal is in the midst of a regulatory review by the National Energy Board, scheduled to finish in December, 2013. Liberal Premier Christy Clark has yet to take a position on the Northern Gateway project, and has stated that she wants the regulatory process to further unfold before making comment.

Both Mr. Dix and Mr. Mulcair have stated that the federal and BC NDP parties will work together to prevent the Northern Gateway project from progressing. The two leaders also expressed concern about the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard.

An Angus Reid poll last week suggested that 48 per cent of British Columbians support BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix, and view him the best person to handle healthcare, education, the economy, and crime.

Across the province, 45 per cent of decided voters and 'leaners' support the BC NDP. The BC Liberals are hold 23 per cent support; BC Conservatives 22 per cent; and, the BC Green Party eight per cent.

Similarly, another Angus Reid poll suggests that 40 per cent of British Columbians support the federal NDP party. Support for the Conservative party has decreased from 37 to 34 per cent.

BC is ranked as the leader in Canada in regard to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, programs and practices. EPR Canada was joined by Environ-ment Minister Terry Lake to announce BC's good standing.

Based on a number of criterion, BC obtained an A- grade, the highest in the country. Detailed information and provincial scores can be found in the full report.

Charles Reid was confirmed as BC Hydro's president and CEO last Friday. He was previously acting chief of the organization, and BC Hydro's chief financial officer.

This weekly report produced for the BC Chamber of Commerce by Fleishman-Hillard.  While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication as of the date of issue, events and government policies are subject to frequent change.  Therefore, the BC Chamber of Commerce and Fleishman-Hillard cannot assume any responsibility for actions taken solely or principally on the basis on the information contained herein.