Capital Report~December 5, 2008
Capital Report is for anyone who would like to keep up-to-date on the B.C. Government Caucus. To subscribe to Capital Report click here rather than replying to this email. To learn more about the B.C. Government Caucus click here.

Premier Gordon Campbell joins dignitaries in Kamloops to break ground on the new Thompson Rivers University library and House of Learning.

Premier Breaks Ground for $32m TRU House of Learning

Premier Gordon Campbell was joined by Thompson Rivers University (TRU) president and vice-chancellor Kathleen Scherf and Board of Governors chair Ron Olynyk in a dramatic start to site preparation for a new $32-million climate-friendly library and House of Learning at the university.

  • The Province is investing $18 million towards the $32-million building – first announced in April 2008.
  • Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $1.5 billion in campus capital expansion, opened six new universities, added 32,000 seats, and increased operating funding to post-secondary institutions by 40 per cent.

Click for more information.

Government Kicks off 33% Reduction in Ferry Fares

December 5th marked the first day of the provincial government’s 33 per cent reduction in coastal ferry fares for December and January.

  • The Prince Rupert to Skidegate ferry route will receive the 33 per cent discount for December, January and February.
  • The plan also includes the restoration of full service on major routes and the Sunshine Coast route.
  • Thanks to the reduction, a family of four travelling from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen on BC Ferries in a vehicle one way will save $31.40, and save $62.80 for a round trip.

Click for more information.

$17-Million LiveSmart Investment for Low-Income Housing

The Province is investing $17 million in energy efficiency retrofits for low-income housing that will help put more money in the pockets of low-income British Columbians and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

  • This funding is part of the $60-million, three-year LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program.
  • These projects will fully fund the cost of energy efficiency assessments and retrofits for participants. The typical cost is approximately $2,000 per house or residential unit.

Click for more information.

Monday, December 8

Premier Gordon Campbell will be a guest on CKNW’s Bill Good Show from 8:35am to 9:30am.

Tuesday, December 9

Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell will be a guest on CHNL Kamloops with Jim Harrison from 9:05am to 9:30am to discuss the state of the forest industry.

Wednesday, December 10

Agriculture and Lands Minister Stan Hagen will be a guest on CKNW’s Bill Good Show from 9:00am to 9:30am to discuss buying local products.

Quotes This Week

"As economic uncertainties continue to hamper the housing market, we are not surprised to see a continued decline in residential building permits, especially multi-family projects. However, the increase in building permits for the commercial sector does show that B.C. may be better positioned than other provinces to weather the storm ahead."
Philip Hochstein, President of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), ICBA New Release December 4, 2008.

"With the federal government and several provinces openly talking about recession the provincial government must be congratulated for its responsible fiscal management thus far. While there are significant challenges ahead, our foundation of low taxes, reduced regulation and an increasingly diverse economy are going a long way towards mitigating the impact of the financial storms that are raging around us."
John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, BCCC New Release November 24, 2008.

"Pretty good news today: we’ve got a new ship into service, the project is complete and under budget and fuel surcharges go to zero shortly."
David Hahn, President of BC Ferries. Times Colonist, November 22, 2008. (Commenting on the reduction in Ferry Fares)


Did You Know?

  • The latest Major Projects Inventory shows that construction projects across B.C. have increased for the 21st consecutive quarter, with 863 major capital projects, worth an estimated $174.7 billion planned or underway.
    •
  • Since September 2007, Interior Health has helped to recruit over 70 new doctors – including 43 family practitioners – to serve the health-care needs of people in the region.
    •
  • Pine Star Logging has started grinding wood waste for Pacific BioEnergy’s wood pellet market after investing $750,000 in a new wood grinding machine. When used to generate energy, wood waste is considered carbon-neutral because it releases no more carbon into the atmosphere than it absorbs during its lifetime. As a result, bioenergy can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere if it replaces non-renewable sources of energy.
    •
    © 2007 Government Caucus of British Columbia. All Rights Reserved.