March 29, 2024

Updated: Jobs Minister changes stance on temporary foreign worker controversy

  BC's Jobs Minister is admitting people have lost confidence in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program after the HD Mining controversy.  Pat Bell says it is clear the company fell short in looking for qualified Canadian miners before bringing in Chinese workers. "The public needs to have confidence that any jobs that are allowed to be … [Read more...]

Energy Minister says NDP have it wrong on BC Hydro

BC's Energy Minister says it is just another case of NDP math after the opposition said BC Hydro is spending hundreds of millions of dollars for power it doesn't need.  Rich Coleman says the argument the ndp is making ignores long term fluctuations, like the price of electricity in the spot market.  He also denies the NDP claim those … [Read more...]

BC’s Energy Minister talks election

BC's Deputy Premier is making a bold prediction about the upcoming BC election.  After controversies involving the south surrey casino among others, Rich Coleman was asked if the public is seeing the wheels come off a BC government teetering on the brink before the spring election. "Well that is just nonsense that is just all it is I … [Read more...]

Alberta Energy Minister speaks in Vancouver

"We're friends,we're neighbours." That is the message from Alberta's Energy Minister as he speaks to the Vancouver Board of Trade about challenges Alberta faces in moving its oil products. Ken Hughes says he is here to collaborate and work with British Columbians when  it comes to moving bitumen from Alberta  through BC. And what is he … [Read more...]

McRae didn’t know-Education Minister in the dark

A surprising admission from Education Minister Don McRae - he says he didn't know the B-C Teachers Federation and the Public School Employers Association were reaching a deal on how to carry out bargaining for a new contract, at the same time his government was coming up with its 10-year contract plan. McRae told CKNW's Bill Good this morning, "We … [Read more...]

Minister of Canadian Heritage won’t get involved in push to save BC film

The Federal Minister responsible for the arts says British Columbians shouldn't expect additional tax cuts for film in the upcoming budget. James Moore says he's not going to get involved in the debate between the Provincial Government and local film industry workers over saving BC film.  "We also should be mindful as well that it's not just … [Read more...]

Transportation Minister asking other operators to fill Greyhound’s holes

Now that a major commercial bus operator is cutting service to rural parts of BC, the Transportation Minister is encouraging other companies to fill the void. Mary Polak says she can't force Greyhound to cancel cuts, but she's still working to improve service across the province. "There are private carriers who are expressing interest to us. … [Read more...]

Minister responds to Green concerns about new municipal watchdog

BC's new Auditor-General for Local Government reports to the public, and the public only - that's what BC's Minister of Local Govenment says, after Green Party leader Jane Sterk raised concerns about political interference. Bill Bennett says Basia Ruta does not report to him. Says Bennett, "I just didn't want the impression left with the public … [Read more...]

BC’s Health Minister says province is doing well on prevention

Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid is defending the government's record on preventative health care.  This after a report by the Auditor-General suggested flat funding for prevention measures did not match the lofty rhetoric on the issue in recent throne speeches.  MacDiarmid says BC compares well to Alberta. "They spend significantly … [Read more...]

Unions taking Federal Minister to court

Unions are heading back to court over claims HD Mining is refusing to follow a judge's order to turn over documents relating to the hiring of temporary foreign workers. And unions say Federal Human Resouces Minister Diane Finley isn't even aware of what's going on in the case involving a new mine in northern BC. BC federation of labour … [Read more...]