Capital Report~December 12, 2008
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Ida Chong, Minister of Technology, Trade and Economic Development, applauds as Renfrew elementary school students Reena Parmar (left) and Gloria Sun, unveil a poster announcing the Province’s latest grant to Science World BC. The $10.5 million will be used to help renew Science World’s aging facilities and to help build a new outdoor science park.

Government Provides $10.5m for Science World BC Renewal

A $10.5-million investment by the Province will help Science World BC undergo much-needed upgrades and develop an outdoor science park.

  • Science World aims to use the 7,803-square-metre park to explore themes of science and sustainability – such as clean energy, earth science and water stewardship.
  • The facility needs upgrades to its building systems, including foundations and structure, to remain usable on an ongoing basis.

Click for more information.

Agreement Extends Full Labour Mobility Across Canada

Full labour mobility between provinces was confirmed today by agreement among Canada’s labour and trade ministers, breaking down economic barriers and allowing Canadians and their families to move freely throughout the country.

  • On April 1, 2009, people with a specific profession in one province or territory will be recognized as qualified to practice their profession in all provinces and territories where their skill is regulated.
  • The agreement was approved by the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT), which is made up of federal, provincial and territorial internal trade ministers.

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New Web Cams Help Prepare for Winter Driving

Four new highway web cameras have been added to the DriveBC website to let drivers see current road and weather conditions before travelling.

  • The new web cameras are located on: Highway 3 at 14th Avenue in Castlegar, Highway 3B at the Highway 22 junction near Rossland, Highway 24 near Sheridan Lake (east of 100 Mile House) and Highway 16 at Kasiks (approximately 60 km west of Terrace).
  • Travellers can also get B.C. highway information from anywhere in North America by calling the toll-free DriveBC line (1-800-550-HWYS).

Click for more information.

There are currently no interviews scheduled.

Quotes This Week

“It’s a challenging time and I think the Premier has got it exactly right—that what we have to do is keep our eye on the horizon, make sure that we’ve got our long-term strategic priorities identified.”
David Emerson, Chair of Premier’s Economic Advisory Council. CKNW, December 10, 2008.

“This contribution from the province announced yesterday, $10.5 million, is the leadership contribution that really gets us on our way.”
Bryan Tisdale, CEO of Science World. CBC Early Edition, December 9, 2008.


Did You Know?

  • The Province will match $273,300 in private donations raised at the B.C. Canada Pavilion in Beijing for victims of the May 12 earthquake in China. The BC Government previously contributed $2 million to the Red Cross for immediate earthquake relief.
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  • The December sale of oil and gas rights resulted in a total of over $91.7 million in bonus bids, bringing the 2008 calendar year total to a record high $2.66 billion and building on this year’s record of $2.38 billion.
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