Capital Report ~ July 6, 2007
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On Canada Day, Premier Campbell launched the ActNow BC Road to Health Community Tour in Surrey. The interactive, activity-based tour provides fun ways to learn about living healthier and accessing local sport and recreation activities. Two tractor-trailers packed with games, hands-on exhibits and informative displays will visit 22 B.C. communities by Nov. 25. July 1, 2007. 

Premier Campbell Launches Provincewide Healthy Living Tour

British Columbians will learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and physical activity through an interactive, activity-oriented tour launched this week by Premier Gordon Campbell and Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for ActNow BC.

The tour consists of two tractor-trailers that unfold to feature interactive games, hands-on exhibits and informative displays for audiences of all ages. Between now and Nov. 25, the tour will travel to 22 communities throughout B.C. to promote ActNow BC and the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, elimination of tobacco use and healthy choices during pregnancy.

The travelling exhibit will be staffed by a team of 14 young British Columbians who will promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, assisting visitors in finding easy, personal and practical tips for better health and nutrition and connecting visitors to resources in their communities, including health, sport, parks, recreation and physical activity-related organizations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to register for the ActNow BC Activity Challenge, an online incentive program to track daily activity progress.

Click to visit the ActNow BC website for more information.

B.C. Invests In Active Commuting Options

New pathways for cycling will be established across British Columbia, thanks to a provincial funding contribution of $1.7 million towards cycling infrastructure.

The Province is also investing in cycling in other ways. The Gateway Program will provide an investment of $50 million in cycling infrastructure and an additional $10 million investment in municipal cycling network connections through a separate cost-sharing program. Through the LocalMotion program, the Province is providing $40 million over four years for investment in capital projects including bike paths, walkways, greenways, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. LocalMotion funds are also available for projects that support community playgrounds and children's parks activities.

Click for more information.

Province to Reforest Beetle-Attacked Areas

Next summer, the Province will plant 3.2 million tree seedlings in the Williams Lake and Quesnel areas in response to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, adding to the significant amount of reforestation being conducted by forest companies.

In 2008, an estimated 4,000 hectares will be planted by the Province in the Williams Lake and Quesnel timber supply areas. Preparation of planting sites, including danger tree falling, will occur this summer. As well, another 8,000 hectares of beetle-attacked stands will be surveyed during 2007 in preparation for planting in future years.

Click for more information.

 

Friday, July 6, 2007
Mary Polak, Parliamentary Secretary for the Conversation on Health and MLA for Langley, will be a guest on Nightline BC from 7:30-8:00pm.

Thursday, July 12, 2007
Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands and MLA for Prince George North, and Kevin Krueger, Minister of State for Mining and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, will be guests on the Shaw TV's Voice of BC from 8:00-9:00pm.

Quotes This Week

“We have burgeoning high-tech and software industries and a globally envied quality of life and our cities represent exactly the kind of environment that leading information workers want to live in. This centre will help Microsoft remain globally competitive while providing strong economic benefits to B.C. and Canada.”
Phil Sorgen, president of Microsoft Canada, explaining why Microsoft has chosen to locate its new development centre in British Columbia. The Province, July 6, 2007.

“We've got members who have been in business 35 years and they've never been this busy in their working lifetimes. It's exciting for all of us.”
Greg Bayton, president of the Construction Association of Victoria, discussing Victoria's continued building boom. Victoria Times Colonist, July 6, 2007.


Did You Know?
  • British Columbians who experience severe breathing conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema will benefit from newly expanded PharmaCare coverage for the medication tiotropium, also known as Spiriva.

  • Women in more British Columbia communities wanting to start their own business will benefit from an additional $95,000 grant to the Women's Enterprise Centre for its Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship program.

  • During the first half of 2007, B.C. outpaced the national average for provincial job growth, again ranking amongst the highest in Canada, with 1.9% growth.
    • © 2007 Government Caucus of British Columbia. All Rights Reserved.