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Setting the foundation for decades of renewed economic growth, protecting vital services, adding to British Columbia’s competitiveness and building on the tremendous momentum of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are core elements of the 2010 provincial budget tabled in the B.C. Legislature today by Finance Minister Colin Hansen.

“We are enhancing support for B.C.’s families, meeting our financial targets, maintaining our commitments to health and education, and we are on track to return to balanced budgets in 2013,” said Hansen. “Recognizing the many opportunities resulting from the global exposure provided by the Olympics, we are also furthering our investments in areas such as clean energy, arts and culture and international commerce while ensuring future job growth across B.C.”

Prime Minister, Premier Announce 15 New Projects (highway, bridge, road upgrades to enhance safety, create jobs)

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Gordon Campbell today announced support for fifteen new infrastructure projects across British Columbia. Provided for by investments from both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, these projects will improve highways, local roads and bridges throughout the province, resulting in safer travel for residents and visitors alike.

 

The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that it has signed an Agreement of Cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce in Krasnodar, the Russian region holding the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. 

According to Visa Inc. spending by international visitors on Visa at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and in British Columbia exceeded US$20 million on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, an increase of 118 percent over last year.

Between Friday 19 and Sunday 21 February 2010, international Visa cardholders in British Columbia spent US$21.8 million on their Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards.

During British Columbia’s Forestry Day at the 2010 Olympic Games, mayors of the seven municipalities that have passed Wood First Resolutions in their communities signed a memorandum of understanding with the Province of B.C., announced Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell. 

“I want to congratulate the mayors and councils for their vision and leadership,” said Bell. “This co-operation will strengthen our forest dependent communities, help us achieve our climate action goals, and serve as a great example to other provinces and the federal government as we work towards a pan-Canadian Wood First policy.” 

(Photo:  Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell.)

In response to media enquiries, Vancouver Coastal Health, provincial and federal health officials have advised that a crew member aboard a cruise ship in Vancouver that houses law enforcement and Canadian Forces personnel for the 2010 Winter Games was diagnosed February 18 with Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy. 

There is no public health risk associated with this case and the crew member, who did not work in a service or passenger support role, is undergoing treatment. The worker is not a Canadian resident. 

Hansen's disease is curable and is not considered highly contagious. The worker had no contact with law enforcement or Canadian Forces personnel on board the ship, and they are not considered at any risk, nor are the public at risk. The chances of passing the disease to others are low. 

Personnel with questions are being asked to consult with their occupational health physician.

If you have a child in the public school system, then you have probably heard about the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) for grades 4 and 7. I want to take this opportunity to explain to parents why the provincial government believes this assessment is important for your children’s future.

The FSA is a set of reading, writing and numeracy tests, developed by B.C. teachers, administered each winter to B.C. students.

 

Premier Gordon Campbell issued the following statement today on the death of Georgian athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili today in Whistler: 

“On behalf of all British Columbians, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the people of Georgia and to the family and teammates of Nodar Kumaritashvili in the wake of this terrible accident. 

The Province is moving the operations and management of the British Columbia Railway Company (BCRC) into the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, reducing administrative costs and ensuring maximum value for taxpayer dollars, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond announced.  

The Ministry of Health Services has launched a consultation with stakeholders to determine the best model to deliver ambulance services in British Columbia.  

The consultation follows the release of a report from industrial inquiry commissioner Chris Trumpy, who was appointed by Minister of Labour Murray Coell to come up with options to improve service delivery and the structure of collective bargaining for the Emergency and Health Services Commission and the union representing paramedics, CUPE Local 873.