Capital Report~ July14, 2006

Premier Gordon Campbell joined B.C. Regional Chief Shawn Atleo at the Annual Summit of the Assembly of First Nations where he spoke about the B.C. Government's commitment to closing the social and economic gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians and continuing to develop a New Relationship with First Nations.  July 12, 2006.

$4 Million Preserves Haida Culture and Builds Tourism

The B.C. Government has contributed $4 million towards the Haida Heritage Centre at Qay-llnagaay project, announced Premier Gordon Campbell.

  • The Centre is expected to become an international tourism destination showcasing Haida art and culture.
  • The one-time funding contribution will support research, design and construction of cultural exhibits at the estimated $26-million centre.
  • The 50,000 square-foot facility is scheduled to open in 2007 and will house an international teaching centre, a new oral history and archives centre, a canoe house, performing arts theatre and headquarters for the world-renowned Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

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Increased Local Government Grants for B.C. Communities

British Columbia communities will receive $33 million this year in local government grants from the provincial government, an increase of $8.3 million from last year, announced Community Services Minister Ida Chong.

  • $30.8 million is being awarded in Small Community Grants for small and medium-sized municipalities to fund local services.
  • $2.5 million is being awarded in Regional District Grants based on population.
  • This announcement is the first step in the B.C. Government’s commitment to doubling these unconditional grants over the next four years, announced by Premier Gordon Campbell at the 2005 Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting.

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Government Boosts Student Grant Funding by $4 Million

An added $4 million a year in grants for adults upgrading their basic education and for post-secondary students with dependants will help British Columbians build futures for themselves and their families, Premier Gordon Campbell announced.

  • Students at public post-secondary institutions taking developmental programs – which include adult basic education and English as a second language – will have access to $1 million more in grants to pay for books, supplies and tuition where applicable.
  • $3 million has also been added to the B.C. loan reduction program, which will be used to forgive extra debt incurred by students with dependants.
  • Last year the adult education student assistance program provided $4.3 million in grants to about 8,000 post-secondary students.

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Survey Shows More B.C. Students Feel Safe at School

More B.C. students are feeling safe at school and fewer students report being bullied, teased and picked on, says Education Minister Shirley Bond.

  • The sixth annual survey shows 78 per cent of Grade 12 students said they feel safe at school most of the time or all of the time.
  • That is an increase of one per cent from last year and four per cent from 2001-02.
  • The survey is the largest of its kind in Canada and represents the views of people who are directly involved in the education system.

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Friday, July 14
Finance Minister Carole Taylor joins Terry Moore on CFAX 1070 from 4:10-5:00pm.

Thursday, July 20
Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld joins Paul Willcocks on Shaw TV - This Week in B.C. at 6:00pm.

Thursday, July 20
Labour and Citizens' Services Minister Mike de Jong joins Vaughn Palmer on Shaw TV – Voice of BC from 8:00-9:00pm.  

Quotes This Week

“Premier Campbell in his Throne Speech last year provided full political recognition of title and rights, which essentially undid 140 years of denial.  So while we’ve made progress on the provincial front, we certainly want to work with the Premier and his colleagues here in B.C. and turn our attention to engaging with their federal counterparts because we do need this to be tripartite discussion table.”

Shawn Atleo, BC Regional Chief Assembly of First Nations. CKNW, July 11, 2006.


“I think that Gordon Campbell has learned a heck of a lot about aboriginal people and Indian people, in particular, in the country, and he is responsible for the Kelowna Accord. He did the 18 months’ work, but Indian leaders and other people are standing by after the job is done and taking credit for that.”

Bill Wilson, First Nations Activist. CKNW, July 11, 2006.


"Rising employment levels, historically low unemployment rates and rising wage levels are contributing to strong housing demand on Vancouver Island…Most of the buildings under construction have strong presales -- about two-thirds of what's under construction…We are seeing very strong economic indicators helping to boost demand for all types of housing.”

Peggy Prill, CMHC senior market analyst. Times Colonist, July 12, 2006.


Did You Know?
  • The province is currently experiencing record oil and gas drilling activity.
  • The newly renovated Single Room Maternity Care Unit at BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre will accommodate approximately 2,200 births per year.
  • July 15 is BC Parks Day and there will be activities for children taking place in many parks around the province.




 

 

 
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