Capital Report~June 27, 2008
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Premier Campbell announced changes to the provincial cabinet, including five new members: Joan McIntyre, Bill Bennett, Iain Black, Mary Polak and Blair Lekstrom.

Climate Plan Takes B.C. 73 Per Cent Towards 2020 Target

British Columbia's Climate Action Plan outlines comprehensive strategies and initiatives that will take B.C. approximately 73 per cent towards meeting the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020, Premier Gordon Campbell announced this week.

  • The plan describes how the Province will make significant progress toward meeting emission reduction goals.
  • It provides information on the many ways British Columbians can reduce energy consumption and save money while reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The plan's wide range of initiatives includes $1.8 billion in innovative tax cuts funded by the revenue-neutral carbon tax.

Click for more information.

Distribution of the Climate Action Dividend

British Columbians have started to receive their $100 Climate Action Dividend. As announced in Budget 2008, the Climate Action Dividend is a one-time payment for each person - including children - residing in British Columbia on Dec. 31, 2007.

  • The Climate Action Dividend will help British Columbians choose their own paths to a lower-carbon lifestyle.
  • The vast majority of Climate Action Dividend cheques are expected to arrive in British Columbians' mailboxes by Monday, June 30.
  • Filing a 2006 or 2007 income tax return is the fastest and most straightforward way to receive the Climate Action Dividend.

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Premier Campbell Announces Cabinet Changes

This week Premier Gordon Campbell realigned the provincial cabinet to provide more integrated services across government. The changes include five new ministers and new portfolios for seven of the current ministers.

  • New ministry portfolios will enhance programs focused on training and skills development and provide new and ongoing opportunities and supports for children, seniors, women, new British Columbians and those most vulnerable.
  • This new cabinet will continue to enhance partnerships and services that build strong, safe communities in both rural and urban British Columbia.

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Tuesday, July 1

Finance Minister Colin Hansen will be a guest on CKNW’s The Christy Clark Show to discuss the Carbon Tax.

Wednesday, July 2

Finance Minister Colin Hansen will be a guest on CBC Early Edition with Mark Forsythe from 12:10-12:50pm to discuss Carbon Tax and his new portfolio.

Thursday, July 3

Finance Minister Colin Hansen will be a guest on CHNL’s Jim Harrison Show from 9:35-9:45am to discuss the Carbon Tax.

Quotes This Week

"The Liberal provincial government in British Columbia introduced both a revenue neutral carbon tax and a cap-and-trade system to fight the crisis and strengthen their economy. Their plan is very successful and serves as a model for the rest of Canada. Their positive experience proves that taking action against climate change can be balanced with strengthening the economy. The Government of British Columbia is on the right side."
Brent St. Denis, MP, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing. Guest Editorial, Midnorth Monitor, June 25, 2008.

"I think [the B.C. Climate Action Plan] is a big step forward. It's a very good plan."
Ian Bruce, climate change specialist, David Suzuki Foundation, Vancouver Sun, June 27, 2008.


Did You Know?

  • Premier Gordon Campbell and Washington Governor Chris Gregoire will co-lead a mission to Ottawa and Washington to present a new joint Border Action Plan, signed at the third annual B.C.-Washington Joint Cabinet Meeting. The plan calls for the Canadian and U.S. federal governments to work together to streamline cross-border travel and trade to avert mounting border line-ups as the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games approach.

  • British Columbia and India will provide $1 million each to support research, development and commercialization in life sciences and environmental technologies. This new funding will help position B.C. and India to work together to increase the economic, social and environmental benefits that can be realized from a strong life sciences sector.

  • An additional 99 StrongStart BC early learning centres will open during the 2008/09 school year, doubling the number of centres around the province. StrongStart BC is a free drop-in early learning program for preschool-aged children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The Province has committed $38 million to fulfil a 2008 throne speech commitment to expand the StrongStart BC program to 400 centres by 2010.


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