The province is calling a news conference for tomorrow morning, where officials will outline its position on "heavy oil pipeline proposals." The conference comes as the government faces continued criticism over refusing to take a hard stance on Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline. Premier Christy Clark said Friday is a "very large … [Read more...]
Province comes through with shelter funding
July 6, 2012 by
The provincial government is providing some extra cash to extend the life of the First United Homeless Shelter in Vancouver. Existing funding was set to expire at the end of this month, but the government says it'll provide up to one million dollars to keep the shelter open for one more year. The government says 240 people have been housed through … [Read more...]
Tentative deal reached, but teachers’ union continues fight against province
June 27, 2012 by
If you think a tentative deal between the BC Teachers Federation and their employer meant the start of a new relationship between the union and the province, you’d be wrong. The battle is going back to the courtroom – a civil challenge from the union on Bill 22. Lambert says the bill infringes on teachers' charter-protected right to … [Read more...]
Province issues warning over 7 vessels in Fraser River
June 27, 2012 by
BC environment minister Terry Lake has issued an environment emergency declaration for seven improperly secured vessels in the Fraser River near Mission.The derelict vessels include the BC Ferry, former "Queen of Sidney."The ministry of environment says if the water conditions were to cause the vessels to break free, the vessels could put public … [Read more...]
Province spent more than $250,000 on failed deal to rename BC Place
June 16, 2012 by
The B.C. government spent more than $ 250,000 on negotiations for the naming rights to BC Place. That was revealed by Liberal Jobs Minister Pat Bell, in a letter to his NDP counterpart. Spencer Chandra-Herbert says it's not so much the figure that troubles him as much as the government's inability to agree to a naming deal. "The liberals … [Read more...]
Province moving ahead on “concept plan” for St. Paul’s
June 13, 2012 by
The government has announced the second hospital revitalization announcement in as many days.Premier Christy Clark was at St.Paul's Hospital this morning. "I'm so excited today, to announce, with a firm commitment that we are moving ahead on developing a concept plan for redevelopment of St. Paul's Hospital as part of our budget 2012." But a … [Read more...]
Province could play pipes of peace over Patullo
June 7, 2012 by
As Translink and the City of New Westminster battle over replacing the Pattullo Bridge, the Province is prepared to play peacemaker. Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom concedes New West has a point over traffic clogged roads with a new 6-lane span, "Part of the discussion I had with them were based on that. What we could do to actually bring … [Read more...]
The province is preparing for what they call a pending boom in tourism jobs
June 4, 2012 by
The BC Tourism Industry's Human Resource Association is rolling out a plan to address a big anticipated growth in the number of tourism jobs over the next eight years. Go-2 chair Ian Powell says the key is to recruit, train, and not just employ new workers but also retain them once they have the job. "All indication are that in this … [Read more...]
Province announces new mining strategy
May 16, 2012 by
The BC government has announced what it's calling a new "mining strategy" to promote growth in what is already a booming industry. Energy and Mines Minister Rich Coleman says the plan includes further streamlining of regulations, and building partnerships with first nations. His government hopes to see eight new mines up and running in BC by … [Read more...]
The Province clears the way for a gondola up the Stawamus Chief
May 7, 2012 by
The provincial government is removing about two hectares of land from Stawamus Chief Provincial Park near Squamish. Environment Minister Terry Lake says the land will instead be classified as a protected area and that will allow construction of a proposed gondola to the top of the landmark rock-face. He says "One of the … [Read more...]
