Capital Report ~ April 13, 2007
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Premier Gordon Campbell (front centre) and Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon joined workers on the Canada Line project to celebrate as the massive tunnel boring machine broke through to complete the first of two tunnels for the Canada Line in downtown Vancouver. April 7, 2007.

Canada Line Reaches Landmark Breakthrough

Canada Line’s tunnel boring machine achieved a milestone this week when it broke through the ground north of Pender Street at Granville, the future site of the Canada Line Waterfront Station.

“This is an important breakthrough for us all,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “The city, the region and the province will all benefit. It shows the power of partnership in opening the Pacific Gateway while we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic growth. Compact and healthy urban development helps make public transit work and it’s estimated that this one project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14,000 tons by 2021.”

When completed, the Canada Line rapid transit system will:

  • Run fully separate from traffic between the transportation hub at Waterfront Centre in Vancouver, the heart of Richmond’s civic precinct and Vancouver International Airport;
  • Comprise 16 stations, two bridges, over nine kilometres of tunnel, parking and bus facilities;
  • Add the transit capacity equivalent to 10 road lanes.

Click for more information.

BC Becomes Greener, Healthier With LocalMotion

Twenty-six communities across British Columbia are receiving $17.3 million in provincial funding to build bicycle paths, trails and walkways, support community playgrounds and improve accessibility for people with disabilities through the first round of the LocalMotion program. The program is part of the Province’s Green Cities project, aimed at making B.C. communities greener and healthier places to live, with reduced greenhouse gases, improved air quality and increased energy conservation.

The LocalMotion program is providing $40 million over four years to communities for capital projects which will:

  • Provide alternate transportation options;
  • Improve physical fitness and safety;
  • Reduce air pollution;
  • Conserve energy.

Click for more information.

Premier Announces $9.5 Million for First Nations Health

The Province has appointed Dr. Evan Adams as its first-ever Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor and is also providing $9.5 million to the First Nations Leadership Council to improve First Nations health, Premier Gordon Campbell announced this week at the opening of the First Nations Health Forum. 

  • Both announcements follow the First Nations Health Plan released in November 2006, which set into action government’s commitments in the Transformative Change Accord to close the health gap between First Nations and other British Columbians.
  • Health Minister George Abbott reaffirmed the Province's intention to close the gap by 2015.

Click for more information.

 

Saturday, April 14, 2007
Dave Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead will be featured on Constituency Report on Shaw Cable 4 from 8:00-8:30am and 5:00-5:30pm.

Sunday, April 15, 2007
Dave Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead will be featured on Constituency Report on Shaw Cable 4 from 8:00-8:30am and 5:00-5:30pm.

Randy Hawes, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission will be featured on Constituency Report on Shaw Cable 4 from 8:30-9:00am and 5:30-6:00pm.

Quotes This Week

“We have all agreed we are going to throw our hats in the ring, leave aside our differences and try to make a change."
Newly appointed Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor Dr. Evan Adams commenting on the challenges facing First Nations communities. Kelowna Daily Courier, April 11, 2007

“Lots of Asian companies and investors want to invest, but when they think of B.C, they have old images of the labour situation with its disputes and strikes. These are the things that are burned on their consciousness. This TILMA agreement will take off some of that edge and send a signal that the environment here is more conducive to business.”
K.C. Sato, research associate with the Asia Pacific Foundation discussing the benefits of the recent TILMA agreement. Vancouver Sun, April 9, 2007. 


Did You Know?
  • A record $11.5 million of provincial funding is being invested this year in marketing initiatives to maintain BC's position as a world leader in forest product exports.

  • Businesses in BC continue to lead the country in terms of optimism, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). 

  • The Province has invested $9 million over three years to establish and operate the British Columbia Conservation Corps. This unique program provides work opportunities for students and recent graduates who may be considering a career in the environmental sector, and contributes to conserving and enhancing British Columbia's environment.
    • © 2007 Government Caucus of British Columbia. All Rights Reserved.