BC's Energy minister is welcoming news the federal government has allowed the sale of two Canadian gas and oil giants to Asian state owned companies. Rich Coleman says the Petronas takeover of Progress Energy Resources is great for BC as they have a stake in a liquified natural gas plant proposal in Prince Rupert. Colemans ays the company had … [Read more...]
Justice Minister concerned about hit and runs
December 4, 2012 by
BC's Justice Minister says a spate of hit and runs -- several of them fatal -- in Metro Vancouver have her very concerned. Shirley Bond says the issue is on her radar and she has asked her staff to see what can be done. When asked if the law should come down hard on those who are convicted in a hit and run accident, especially one where someone has … [Read more...]
Mayors urging Transportation Minister to commit to funding plan pre-election
December 3, 2012 by
BC Transportation Minister Mary Polak will meet with the Mayor’s Council for Translink this week to tackle the thorny issue of transit funding shortfalls. The council is seeking long-term funding to help deal with a multimillion dollar budget shortfall without raising taxes. Langley Mayor and Vice Chair of the Council Peter Fassbender says he … [Read more...]
We need a response to possible oil spills, says Minister
November 29, 2012 by
BC's Environment Minister says the Federal Government has a part to play in BC's effort on an industry led oil spill response program. Terry Lake says any oil spill or emergency response on land is clearly a provincial responsibility, but on the water, "That is kind of a shared responsibility. The Federal Government takes the lead in the … [Read more...]
Advanced Education Minister saying little about job action
November 19, 2012 by
As faculty and unionized staff strike at Vancouver Community College and BCIT, the minister responsible is saying little. Advanced Education Minister John Yap calls the job action just another part of the bargaining process. But when asked if the government will consider recent deals reached with university staff as a pattern for colleges, … [Read more...]
Advanced Education minister responding to criticism over apprenticeship programs
November 17, 2012 by
BC's minister of advanced education is hitting back at NDP criticism of the Liberal Government's handling of the province's apprenticeship programs. Following accusations from NDP Finance Critic Bruce Ralston that the Liberals are only investing in apprenticeship programs because of May's election, John Yap says that couldn't be further from the … [Read more...]
BC Finance Minister sees reason for optimism
November 16, 2012 by
BC's FInance Minister came out of an economic forecast council meeting feeling somewhat hopeful. Mike de Jong says the economists and big bank representatives sounded a note of cautious optimism on the BC and Canadian economy. He says they also expressed optimism about our neighbours to the south. "Something that may have surprised me a … [Read more...]
First Nations could help fill doctor shortages in rural B.C.: minister
November 12, 2012 by
B.C.’s health minister says First Nations could play a big role to help fill the shortage of health care workers. Margaret MacDiarmid says UBC’s aboriginal medical student program has graduated more than 30 students, with another 30 currently in the program. She says with First Nations in many areas of B.C., the students can play a role … [Read more...]
BC Health Minister not disclosing plans for Burnaby Hospital
November 11, 2012 by
BC's Health Minister is staying mum on plans for Burnaby Hospital. Margaret MacDiarmid acknowledges the facility is out-dated and needs to be redeveloped, but the government will wait for a report from the Fraser Health Authority before moving forward. "There are a number of hospitals, and I know of a handful more, that are around that 50-60 years … [Read more...]
