Canada and B.C. Improve Highway Safety, Create Jobs
An accelerated investment of $174 million for highway improvements in B.C.’s Interior will create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve road safety.
- The funding will allow for engineering for five highway improvement projects along highways 1 and 97A in the Southern Interior region of the province to be accelerated, enabling tendering and construction to advance as quickly as possible.
- These highway projects are part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province to create jobs and vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.
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Motion Picture Production Up $250 Million In 2008
Motion picture production spending in British Columbia in 2008 was $1.2 billion, an increase of more than $250 million over 2007.
- According to data released today by the BC Film Commission, total motion picture production spending and numbers of projects in British Columbia in 2008 are up almost 30 percent over 2007, with the majority of the increase in foreign feature film activity.
- The 2008 provincial budget raised the tax credits rates in the province, while the 2009 budget eliminated the expiry dates and expanded eligibility criteria for domestic credits. These policy changes are the latest moves by a government committed to growing this important industry in B.C.
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$187 Million Upgrade Drives Oil and Gas Investment
The Province is providing $187 million in funding over four years to upgrade the Sierra Yoyo Desan Road to access the Horn River Basin, which will create over 1,150 direct jobs, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Blair Lekstrom announced today.
- The Province is providing funding over four years as follows: $16 million for 2008/09, $21 million in 2009/10, $86 million in 2010/11 and $64 million in 2011/12.
- The upgrades to the Sierra Yoyo Desan Road are required to deal with a significant increase in traffic volume resulting from the development of the Horn River and Cordova Embayment areas.
- This project is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.
Click to view a copy of the report.
Forestry Will Continue to Drive B.C.’S Economy
The Working Roundtable on Forestry released its report and recommendations for a vibrant and successful forest industry for future generations.
- The Working Roundtable on Forestry’s vision is for “a vibrant, sustainable, globally competitive forest industry that provides enormous benefits for current and future generations and for strong communities.
- The Roundtable Report sets six priorities to help achieve the vision: A commitment to using wood first; Growing trees, sequestering carbon, and ensuring that land is available from which to derive a range of forest products; Creating a globally competitive, market-based operating climate; Embracing innovation and diversification; Supporting prosperous rural forest economies; First Nations becoming full partners in forestry.
- Announced at last year’s Truck Loggers Association Convention, the Working Roundtable on Forestry was formed in March 2008 and held meetings in 19 communities around the province.
Click to view a copy of the report.
