Capital Report ~ July 30, 2007
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Premier Gordon Campbell visited the Tsawwassen First Nation July 26 to congratulate Chief Kim Baird for her leadership following the landmark treaty vote in which the Tsawwassen First Nation ratified the Final Agreement. July 26, 2007. 

Premier Campbell Congratulates Tsawwassen First Nation on Landmark Treaty Vote

"Chief Kim Baird and the entire Tsawwassen First Nation have shown tremendous leadership by taking this historic step forward and ratifying the Final Agreement," said Premier Campbell. " Tsawwassen First Nation members have worked hard to ensure that the terms of the Final Agreement will help build a brighter future for their community. I commend them and the federal government for the leadership and commitment they are demonstrating by moving this agreement forward."

On July 20, 23 and 25, Tsawwassen First Nation members voted on the Final Agreement. The ratification process required a positive endorsement from 50 per cent plus one of the members on the registered voters list. Of 187 registered voters, 69.5 per cent voted in favour of the treaty that provides a cash transfer of $13.9 million and a land transfer totalling 724 hectares.

Over the coming months, the Province of British Columbia will introduce Tsawwassen settlement legislation.

Click for more information.


Four-Lane Project Completes Coquihalla Highway System

A new four-lane section of the Okanagan Connector has been finished, completing the Coquihalla Highway system and celebrating the 30th anniversary since its construction was first announced.

An $18.25-million investment has four-laned a nine-km stretch of Highway 97C between Garcia and Courtney lakes, just east of Merritt. It was the last two-lane section on the 300-km Coquihalla system. The upgrade improves efficiency by allowing drivers to maintain the highway's normal speed of 100 km per hour, instead of adjusting to 90-km/hr.

In addition to improving efficiency, the project also:

  • Improves safety;
  • Provides assured passing opportunities;
  • Improves local access to the highway;
  • Supports enhanced tourism and economic opportunities; and
  • Provides two underpasses for movement of cattle and farm equipment.

Click for more information.



Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transportation and MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, will be a guest on CKNW's Bill Good Show from 9:40-10:00 am.

Quotes This Week

"This is a huge step for the Tsawwassen First Nation and a step forward for the treaty process. It means that treaties are possible in B.C."
Judith Sayers, Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation, celebrating the historic ratification vote by the Tsawwassen of the country's first modern urban treaty. The Globe and Mail, July 27, 2007.

"The future is really extraordinarily positive; the opportunity for mining is quite significant. There's a fair bit of money and interest nurtured there to encourage companies to come and look in the region for minerals that might be in the ground."
Michael McPhie, president and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia and Nanaimo Port Authority properties manager, commenting on the soaring growth of seaplane business in British Columbia. 100 Mile House Free Press, July 25, 2007.


Did You Know?
  • Effective immediately, people who cause environmental damage to public forest and range lands through recreational activities such as mudbogging will be subject to financial penalties and prosecution.

  • New land-use decisions in partnership with the Squamish Nation will protect cultural areas through the establishment of new conservancies and create a framework for collaborative and sustainable land management.


    • © 2007 Government Caucus of British Columbia. All Rights Reserved.