#1. DALMINDER VIRK NAMED B.C. NOTARY OF THE YEAR
Dalminder Virk has been named BC Notary of the Year by the Society of Notaries Public of BC. He was presented with his award by Ken Sherk, president of the society, during the BC Notaries Annual Conference held this past weekend in Whistler.
This prestigious award was given to Virk because of his years of dedicated service to his community and to his profession.
Virk was honoured in a video presentation that included comments from community leaders and BC notaries.
MLA Dave Hayer said BC notaries could not have chosen a more deserving person than Virk. "Over the years, Mr. Virk has been a tireless worker, in both the Indo-Canadian community and the community of Surrey. He has served on many boards and provided many, many hours of his personal time to community issues."
Former MLA Dr. Gulzar Cheema noted that Dal has for many years been an advocate for the notary profession and all BC notaries.
Former MLA Brenda Locke said she has known Dal for over 17 years and during that time, he has always been involved with and committed to his family, his community and his profession.
G. W. (Wayne) Braid, Executive Director and Secretary of the society, congratulated Virk on behalf of all BC notaries, commending Dal for his outstanding professionalism and exceptional service to his clients. Braid noted that Virk is only the third notary to ever receive this award in the society's 80-year history.
The Society of Notaries Public of BC is a self-governing organization that represents notaries public in the province.
#2. DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY PROBLEMS: PUNJABI EDUCATION DAY IN SURREY
If you felt depressed or anxious to a degree that it started to impact your life, would you seek professional help? In a new poll of British Columbians, slightly less than half (46%) indicated they definitely would. The Mustel poll is being released by the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information to launch the 13th annual Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day, during national Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Among remaining respondents, 25% predict that they probably would seek help, 15% say they're not likely to seek professional help (5% definitely wouldn't, 10% probably wouldn't), and another 14% are unsure either way or refused to answer. Men and younger adults were less likely to say they would seek help.
"The good news is that we have almost three-quarters of people who are inclined to get help, some more sure than others. That in itself is a huge breakthrough and tells us that most people see these as treatable health conditions," says Sarah Hamid-Balma, Director of Public Education for the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division and provincial coordinator for Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day. "The bad news is that we know from the last national mental health survey by Statistics Canada that only a third of people - so basically only half of those who say in our poll that they're inclined - will actually end up seeking professional help for their mental health problem. So there's a gap there. We hope Beyond the Blues can help."
Beyond the Blues is an annual awareness day to engage people to learn more about mood disorders which affect about 1 in 15 in any given year and anxiety disorders which affect 1 in 6. For Beyond the Blues 2007, around 65 local events will be set up across BC this October 4 and throughout October. Since 1995, this high-profile community education event has reached out to more than 30,000 British Columbians. In 2006, more than 3700 people attended BC-wide, and more than 700 were screened for depression, and 300 for anxiety disorders. Roughly half of attendees have never before been treated for these conditions.
There will be a Surrey Punjabi Event at Canadian Singh Sabha Gurdwara Society, 8115 132 Street, Surrey, with Punjabi information and screenings. English, Hindi and Urdu materials and screenings are available as well.
* Thursday, October 4, 5:30-8 p.m. Focus on screenings.
* Sunday, October 7, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Focus on education. There will be several Punjabi language workshops, with screenings available by request.
At an education and screening site, you can learn more about mood and anxiety disorders, in their various forms, as well as treatments that have been proven to help. Event visitors then have the option to fill out two short questionnaires to see if symptoms of depression and/or anxiety are present, talk privately with a clinician about the results and next steps, and find out about resources and supports in their community. The events are free, anonymous, confidential and walk-in.
"A huge focus of Beyond the Blues is to help people think through next steps and provide them with community treatment and support resources so we can try and break down barriers that are preventing people from getting the help that can improve their mental health and quality of life," says Hamid-Balma.
There are specially-tailored screening forms available for adults, seniors, children, teens, South Asian communities, new or expectant mothers, and people who are concerned about a friend or family member. Anyone is welcome to attend-whether you want to fill out a self-test or not.
"This event is for anyone, even if you don't think something is not quite right. Last year, only half of those screened for depression were likely to have symptoms, meaning that more and more, people are coming out to educate themselves so that they can be recognize the signs and symptoms and what to do next if they or someone they care about is affected down the road."
Last year, for the first time Beyond the Blues sites had information on risky drinking and talked more about the link between alcohol, depression and anxiety. This year, several dozen sites will offer risky drinking screening in addition to depression and anxiety screens. The Mustel poll found that 1 in 5 British Columbians admit that they have had the occasion - some more frequently than others - where they felt depressed or anxious as a result of consuming alcohol. And one in four admit that there has been a time or times when they consumed alcohol because they felt depressed or anxious.
"It's encouraging to see that a significant minority of people do notice the links between alcohol use and their emotional states," says Hamid-Balma. "We hope that people who come to our Beyond the Blues site and do drink alcohol learn more about low-risk drinking habits because drinking can complicate the picture when it comes to managing mood or anxiety problems."
To see all BC sites or learn about telephone screening if you can't attend your local site, call the provincial event hotline: it's a free call at 1-866-917-HOPE (4673) or visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca/events.
#3. SIKH RETREAT IN TORONTO: BECOMING ONE SPIRIT
From September 14 to 16, the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) held a Grihast Retreat in Toronto. There were 12 couples, married less than six years, who attended from Toronto and its vicinity. The event was inspired by the Sikh goal of marriage as articulated in Guru Granth Sahib: "Those who are one-spirit in two bodies are to be considered the husband and the wife."
According to Gurpreet Kaur, the program coordinator, "The Grihast Retreat was a three-day event for young married couples to strengthen their values in marriage and family relationships. It incorporated diverse themes that are at the foundation of a married life. New perspectives provided insights on building meaningful relationships while workshops and discussions offer a glimpse of the Guru's vision and ideals on marriage."
Grihast offered a contemplative and reflective environment to work on personal development through various activities, educational presentations, and group discussions. The event started on Friday evening with Rahiras Sahib and a foundational presentation on "Grihast: Deciphering the Guru's Recommendation." Saturday and Sunday mornings started with a divan and a themes sabad, followed by several sessions: "Grow Your Dream", "Interpreting Grihast", "Key Ingredients for Great Marriage, "Understanding Your Spouse", and "From Ungraceful to Noble." Saturday evening ended with a hysterical Newly Wed Game that left couples laughing for days to come.
Sunny Singh and Rapinder Kaur from Brampton, Ontario, shared their experience: "I highly recommend this workshop not only for young married couples but for all couples. It gives you insight into how to foster a great relationship with your spouse and your Gurus. It induces you to challenge, reflect and facilitate charge in your married life." Amritpal Singh from Guelph, Ontario, added, "It opened my eyes to may important aspects of "great" relationship. How conflict is important and how to resolve a conflict from the point of view of the Guru."
Gavinder Kaur, the Toronto area program lead mentioned that throughout the sessions couples were given insight on the direction of what marriage should be according to the Sikh vision of the 'householder living' as demonstrated by the Guru. Outlooks are derived from the text and spirit of the Guru Granth Sahib as well as from personal reflections and experiences. The retreat was facilitated by two couples: Gurvinder Pal (GP) Singh and Parvinder Kaur have been married for 30 years and have raised four boys; Harinder Singh and Gurpreet Kaur have been married for five years and recently had a son.
#4. RBC STUDY QUANTIFIES EXPERIENCES OF NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES
A new study from RBC and Ipsos Reid shows a large majority (87 per cent) of new immigrants from South Asian countries are happy to be in Canada and hopeful about their future (90 per cent), but more than half (62 per cent) feel they are still in the process of settling into their new lives here.
"We initiated this study of immigrants who have been in Canada 10 years or less because we have many customers who have been through the immigration experience. We wanted to develop a deeper understanding of that experience and learn more about what makes newcomers feel settled into their new lives," said Mark Whitmell, RBC's Director, Cultural Markets. "For instance, having a better appreciation of how important something like home ownership is to people going through this significant life transition, gives us a better perspective on how we can hopefully help make that goal happen faster."
Stages of settling in Canada:
According to South Asian survey respondents, 17 per cent still feel new to Canada, 62 per cent feel they are getting settled and 21 per cent feel truly established. While length of time living in Canada is a good indicator of feeling established, this is not always the case. Eleven per cent of new South Asian immigrants who have been in Canada for less than three years already feel established, while the same percentage who have been here for five to ten years still feel new to Canada.
"We have learned that regardless of a person's country of origin, age or economic situation, most newcomers go through a common immigration experience - from feeling new, to getting settled, to becoming truly established," explained Whitmell. "Each stage has a different focus and each individual moves through those stages on their own unique timeline."
Demographic profile of new immigrants:
The RBC study shows the majority of new immigrants from South Asian countries are young, with 73 per cent of them being between 25 and 49 years of age. This data is particularly relevant as only 46 per cent of Canadians overall are represented by people in this age range. New immigrants from South Asian countries also tend to be well educated, with 62 per cent saying they have at least some university education. Fifty-one per cent come to Canada as "skilled workers"; followed by "family sponsored" (31 per cent); and "investor/business" (eight per cent).
Indicators of feeling settled:
The top two indicators of feeling settled for all new immigrants are having a good job and owning a home. For South Asian new immigrants who already feel established in Canada, 31 per cent say owning their own home is the true signifier of being settled; while 17 per cent say it is having a good job. For South Asian immigrants who do not feel settled, 41 per cent rank having a good job as the primary signifier of being established, while one in five (20 per cent) says it is owning their own home.
Attitudes towards life in Canada:
When it comes to attitudes towards life in Canada, new immigrants from South Asian countries have mostly good things to say about their experiences. Eighty-six per cent agree people make them feel welcome, while 81 per cent say they feel connected to people and activities outside their own ethnic or immigrant community.
"The survey results also illuminate the challenges of the immigration experience," added Whitmell. "Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of immigrants from South Asian countries say they feel overwhelmed and almost half (45 per cent) are likely to feel lonely and disassociated from Canada. It's indicators like these that truly make us stop and think about the personal side of starting over in a new country. Given the important role immigration plays in Canada's future, helping newcomers achieve their settlement goals is really a priority for all of us."
Note: These are the findings of an RBC /Ipsos Reid survey conducted between March 15 and April 30, 2007. The poll was based on a randomly selected sample of 400 new South Asian immigrants who are 18 years of age or older and have been in Canada for 10 years or less. With this sample size, the overall results are considered ±4.9 percentage points, 19 time out of 20, of what they would have been if all new immigrants had been surveyed. The survey was conducted by telephone and the interviews were held in Hindi, Punjabi, and English. The findings were weighted to reflect the actual regional distribution and ethnic composition of new Canadians immigrating to Canada within the past 10 years.
#5. CANADA CONCERNED ABOUT ARRESTS IN PAKISTAN
Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier earlier this week issued the following statement on the arrests of opposition members in Pakistan:
"Canada is concerned about the recent arrests of large numbers of opposition party members in Pakistan. Such activity undermines the democratic process in Pakistan in the lead-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections, which must be conducted under free, fair and transparent conditions.
"Canada values the close relationship it enjoys with Pakistan, but we are watching carefully as the government of Pakistan prepares to hold elections later this year.
"We urge the government of Pakistan to adhere to the rule of law and to respect the Pakistani constitution. We also call upon the government of Pakistan to immediately release the political detainees and give the people of Pakistan a real choice in the upcoming elections.
"Be it at home or abroad, we will continue to stand up for the values that define Canada - democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law."
#6. PUNJABI DENTAL SOCIETY HONORS DR. HARINDER SANDHU IN CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA - The Punjabi Dental Society conducted its quarterly meeting and conference in Brea with over 500 dentists from all over California in attendance.
Dr. Harinder S. Sandhu, Professor and Director of Dentistry Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada, was the guest speaker.
Dr. Sandhu received his initial dental education from Government Dental College and Hospital, Amritsar, Punjab. He was a recipient of prestigious doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships of the Medical Research of Canada. He was awarded the Ontario Ministry of Health Career Scientist Award in 1985.
Dr. Sandhu shared his knowledge and experience with the general dentists. He spoke on the latest developments in the field of periodontal dentistry and its applications in the clinical setting. The Punjabi Dental Society honored him as one of the most powerful speakers.
Punjabi Dental Society Chairman Dr D.P. Singh Nagra on behalf of the society endorsed the candidacy of Harry Sidhu for 33rd state senate district. Harry is an experienced and trusted leader. He currently serves as Orange County Republican Party's Deputy Chairman, City of Anaheim, and Republican Convention delegate. Harry continues to be deeply involved in community and civic affairs. He is a member of the City of Anaheim Audit Committee; director of the Orange County Sanitation District; board member, Boys and Girls Clubs of Anaheim; board member, Anaheim; advisory board member, Anaheim Family YMCA; charity fundraiser and sponsor of children's sports; Anaheim youth soccer coach; and supporter of the arts and arts education. Harry is committed to safeguarding and improving oral health services in the state of California.
Dr. Ranjeev Salwan, president of the society, thanked the sponsors for their continuing support.
#7. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON BIRTH CENTENARY OF BHAGAT SINGH
Dave S. Hayer, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Immigration and MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, on behalf of the provincial government of British Columbia, made the following statement in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Shaheed Bhagat Singh this week:
Bhagat Singh grew up in a patriotic atmosphere at a time when the struggle for India's freedom was all around him. From a young age he wondered why so many Indians could not achieve freedom from foreign occupation, and dreamed of a free India. That dream led him to create a revolutionary movement destined to not only to make India an independent nation, but also to conceive a country free of discrimination and oppression.
Since then, it is amazing at how far India has come in its 60 years of independence, and I can only imagine the thoughts of Bhagat Singh if he lived today, to see what his martyrdom began in 1931. Bhagat Singh gave his life for the ideal of a free and better India, and that India he fought for is now flourishing. That success is a tribute to those responsible for pursuing an independent India, and I know that the contribution of Bhagat Singh will be remembered and will be for many, many years to come.
The stories of his courage and patriotism were an inspiration for many young Indians at that time who wanted to see India independent. Even today Shaheed Bhagat Singh's memory continues to inspire our youth and many poems and songs have been written about his courage and undying patriotism.
The South Asian community is an important part of the multicultural fabric of the province of British Columbia. We salute your contribution to this province and we are proud to celebrate this great time with the community. Please accept our best wishes as we all come together to honour the memory of a legendary hero of India.
#8. NDP STATEMENT ON BIRTH CENTENARY OF BHAGAT SINGH
NDP Leader Carole James and Burnaby-Edmonds MLA Raj Chouhan issued a joint statement on the 100th birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh:
As Leader of the Official Opposition and Multiculturalism and Human Rights Critic, we are pleased to join the South Asian community in celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh this week.
In the face of suppression of Indian freedom by the British and systemic police brutality, Bhagat Singh stood up bravely for the rights of his fellow citizens. Not only did he fight against oppression of the British Empire in India but he also fought for human rights for everyone.
Bhagat Singh's commitment to social justice is legendary - and his work continues to inspire people in India as well as abroad. His personal story has left an indelible mark on the psyche of an entire community and his achievements will be remembered by generations to come.
As we honour the life of Bhagat Singh, who fought discrimination and oppression in India, we should also remember the struggles of those here in our own province who fought for the human rights for everyone.
We are proud to celebrate this very special occasion with you. And we are proud that NDP and its predecessor, the CCF, have long stood shoulder to shoulder with the Indian community in the struggle for human rights and the fight against discrimination.
We are also proud of the work the NDP did to pass laws protecting the rights of farm workers, introducing the Human Rights Commission, and introducing the first initiatives to teach Punjabi in our public schools.
The Indo-Canadian community is an important part of our multicultural fabric and the New Democrats are proud to celebrate our shared history and values with the community. Please accept our best wishes as we all come together to honour the memory of a true hero.
#9. UCFV HELPS PANJAB UNIVERSITY CELEBRATE GOLDEN JUBILEE
Panjab University, located in Chandigarh, Punjab, is marking its 60th anniversary and UCFV's vice-president, external, Robert Buchan is there meeting with politicians, dignitaries, faculty, and students. While in India, he will participate in a number of events to celebrate the university's diamond jubilee.
"Over a relatively short period of time, Panjab University has built an enviable standing in the global academic community," Buchan said, before leaving.
UCFV and Panjab University have a strong relationship and friendship. In 2004, UCFV signed a memorandum of understanding with Panjab University that has paved the way for a number of innovative projects and partnerships between the two universities. In 2005, for example, UCFV provided the initial grant to Panjab University to launch its Canadian Studies Centre (CSC), sister organization to UCFV's thriving Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies. The CSC has since hosted numerous lectures and presentations on the topics related to Canada-India relations.
Earlier this month, two UCFV students left for internships at the CSC, where they will help coordinate the 2008 Child Friendly City conference. This international event will address child poverty issues around the world. To coincide with that conference, which will be held at Panjab University, UCFV has also organized a three-week study tour to India next February, led by UCFV geography instructor Cherie Enns. Enns has done much of the background work on child-friendly cities and gave a major presentation in Chandigarh in 2005.
UCFV is also now in its second year of delivering a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Chandigarh at SD College, which is an affiliate of Panjab University. Thirty-seven students are enrolled in that program.
"UCFV is extremely proud of its collaboration with Panjab University," Buchan said. "Together we are committed to enhancing the welfare of the communities we serve and have great reasons to celebrate our joint successes and Panjab's diamond jubilee."
Panjab University was established in the late 1800s but after India's partition and independence in 1947 the university was re-established in Chandigarh and is now rated as one of the top 10 in India.
#10. RATH YATRA AT STATE OF NEVADA DAY PARADE
CARSON CITY, Nevada - Rajan Zed, well-known Hindu chaplain, will lead the Rath Yatra (chariot procession) of Lord Jagannath as a part of the Nevada Day Parade in the capital, Carson City, on October 27.
This will be the first time any Rath Yatra will be held in Nevada, according to Annabelle Younger, organizer of the Yatra event.
Younger says that the rath (chariot) will be trucked in from Los Angeles in California, covering about 450 miles. About 60 devotees will be pulling the chariot with two ropes and about 20 devotees will be behind the chariot holding two ropes for applying brakes to it. A Jagannath statue will be shipped in from California to be placed inside the chariot temple, she said.
Some devotees will be performing devotional dances, playing Hindu traditional music and chanting Krishna bhajans (hymns) en route. Laddus (a famous Indian sweet), almonds, and dry fruits will be distributed as prasad (blessed food which has first been offered to the Lord) to the spectators on the way out of this mobile temple. This chariot will meander its way down Carson Street, starting from Williams Street and ending in Stewart Street, and passing in front of Nevada State Capitol (which houses the Nevada State Senate and Assembly) and Nevada State Museum, Annabelle Younger added.
Nevada will be commemorating 143 years of statehood during this celebration. There are about 2,000 Hindu families in the state of Nevada, mostly in Las Vegas and Reno.
#11. B.C. STUDENTS LAUNCH NEW CAMPAIGN FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT
Representatives of the Canadian Federation of Students launched a new campaign this week to improve public transit service throughout B.C. "We Ride: Student Action for Public Transit" will gather the real personal stories of transit riders to motivate decision-makers to fix the problems students face when relying on public transit.
"For too many of BC's college and university students, quality of public transportation service is a day-to-day frustration affecting our ability to travel to and from campus efficiently," said Shamus Reid, BC Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "Problems with public transit affect our ability to get to and from campus and take valuable time away from work and studying."
In the Lower Mainland, ridership continues to climb every year, but bus and Skytrain service is not keeping pace. Outside of the Lower Mainland, rider-ship has jumped 31% over the past few years, but service has only increased 13%. Students' demand for better public transit funding is widely supported, with three-quarters of Canadians in agreement that the federal government must do more to support public transit infrastructure across the country. (Ipsos Reid, December, 2006)
"Students fall into two basic groups," said Reid, "Those of us who ride transit, but know that we deserve better, and those of us who can't ride because the public transit system is failing us."
The We Ride: Student Action for Public Transit Campaign is calling for a freeze on U-Pass fees and bus fares, more frequent trips and late night service, campus express routes, and downtown shuttles.
#12. POLAK CALLS ON SURREY NDP MLA'S TO SUPPORT PORT MANN TWINNING
It's time for Surrey's NDP MLAs to stand up for their constituents and denounce NDP leader Carole James's opposition to the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge, says BC Liberal MLA Mary Polak.
"By opposing the Port Mann twinning, Carole James is sending a clear message that she doesn't care about Lower Mainland commuters stuck in gridlock away from their homes and families," said Polak. "Well I know for a fact people living in communities like Surrey and Langley are tired of traffic and want this bridge twinned. It's time for NDP MLAs like Harry Bains, Bruce Ralston, Sue Hammell and Jagrup Brar to start speaking up for the people they are supposed to represent and denounce Carole James's ill-conceived opposition to this important project."
After refusing to take a position on the Port Mann bridge twinning for over a year-and-half, James finally announced her opposition to the project at the UBCM annual convention in Vancouver Thursday.
But at least one Surrey NDP MLA has spoken in favour of twinning the bridge. Just last week, Surrey-Newton MLA Harry Bains told the Surrey Now: "We are not opposed to the twinning of the bridge." (Surrey Now, September 21, 2007)
Bains also said: "My constituents believe the twinning of the bridge is part of the solution [to traffic congestion]." (Surrey Leader, September 14, 2007).
"Constituents want to see this bridge twinned. Our government wants to see this bridge twinned. Even NDP MLAs like Harry Bains want to see it twinned. The only one who is against twinning the Port Mann seems to be Carole James. It's time for the Surrey NDP to start speaking up for the residents they are supposed to represent, reject Carole James's opposition to Gateway, and support this project," said Polak.
Twinning will mean transit across the Port Mann Bridge for the first time in 20 years, and a cycle route across the Port Mann for the first time ever.
#13. JAMES: TRANSIT NOW TO REDUCE CONGESTION, GREENHOUSE GASES
In her annual address to the Union of B.C. Municipalities, New Democrat Leader Carole James this week called on the Campbell government to stop stalling on solutions for gridlock and immediately invest in transit.
"Gordon Campbell wants to wait until a new bridge is finished seven or eight years from now before doing anything about traffic congestion. Commuters are sick and tired of sitting in traffic jams, and they need immediate action. That means a serious investment in transit," said James.
James called on Campbell to immediately fund and begin work on the Evergreen Line and start planning a new transit line up the Fraser Valley to serve B.C.'s fastest growing communities, noting that half of British Columbians live in the Greater Vancouver Regional District on both sides of the Fraser River.
"If we really want address the traffic congestion that drives commuters crazy, and if we want to do so while reducing the greenhouse gases that are ruining our planet, then transit has to be our first priority," said James.
"We need to be looking to the future for solutions, not the past. The B.C. Liberals want to spend billions of infrastructure dollars on yesterday's solution to tomorrow's problem."
James noted that public transportation has suffered under the Liberals.
"Gordon Campbell has the wrong priorities. At a time when we should be investing in public transit, a lack of provincial government investment is making it increasingly difficult for communities like Surrey to provide basic transit service. Meanwhile, fares are soaring, making transit even less affordable for working families," said James.
James called for the purchase of additional buses and SkyTrain cars, and the establishment of more transit routes.
"The Campbell government can't even get around to building the Evergreen line on the north side of the Fraser, and they have no plans for Rapid Transit or light rail for the Valley," said James.
#14. HARPER: MAJOR REDUCTION IN FEDERAL DEBT WILL ENABLE TAX CUTS
Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Thursday announced one of the largest reductions in the federal debt in Canadian history and said the resulting effective interest savings will be used to reduce personal income taxes as required by law under the Government's Tax Back Guarantee.
"Less debt means interest savings," said Harper. "And under the Tax Back Guarantee our government legislated in Budget 2007, every time we reduce the debt, the interest savings will go back in the pockets of hardworking Canadians - where it belongs."
The announcement coincided with the release of the government's 2006-07 Annual Financial Report. The report showed a $14.2 billion reduction in the federal debt. Canada's federal debt as measured against the economy fell to its lowest level in 25 years. It stood at $467.3 billion at the end of 2006-07, down $95.6 billion from its peak of $562.9 billion in 1996-97. Canada is on track to eliminate total government net debt by 2021.
The reduction in the federal debt in 2006-07 means tax payers will benefit from personal income tax cuts of approximately $725 million per year ongoing under the Tax Back Guarantee that passed into law earlier this year.
Harper was joined at the announcement by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, who said: "The Tax Back Guarantee is giving Canadians a direct stake and a direct benefit in how we manage government finances on their behalf."
He said Canadians should be proud of the country's strong economic performance over the past year. Governments across Canada, federal, provincial and territorial, have benefited from this solid economic growth and thanks to sound financial management are in surplus.
"We have to keep our spending prudent, keep reducing the debt and keep lowering taxes," said Harper. "That's why we are moving forward with today's good news for taxpayers, which is even better news for the taxpayers of tomorrow, our children and grandchildren."
#15. LIBERALS' RESPONSE: SURPLUS ANOTHER BROKEN ELECTION PROMISE
The Conservative government's massive under-estimation of this year's surplus is just another broken promise in a long line of Conservative failures according to Liberal Finance Critic John McCallum.
"This is a prime minister who has promised repeatedly to budget close to the bone and to ensure 'truth in budgeting' by giving Canadians the real deal on the size of the federal surplus," said McCallum. "Today's announcement proves that he is either incapable of doing this or that he simply lied to Canadians about his intention to do so."
McCallum was reacting to the Conservative government's announcement on Thursday that it had accumulated a $13.8-billion surplus.
During the 2006 election, Harper promised to forecast budget surpluses accurately and wrote in his platform that, "governments cannot be held to account if Parliament does not know the accurate state of public finances."
"If you take the 2005 version of Stephen Harper at his word, then today's Stephen Harper has just admitted that he is running an unaccountable government by deceiving Parliament about the size of the federal surplus," said McCallum. "This is another abhorrent example of the promises this prime minister made in order to get into power with absolutely no interest in honouring them when he assumed office."
McCallum also accused the government of deceiving the public by frequently touting their tax back guarantee, which has so far not funded any broad-based tax relief to Canadians.
"The Finance Minister may like to brag about his tax back guarantee but the reality is that he is deceptively using it to fund targeted tax measures and program spending that benefit certain Canadians while giving absolutely nothing to others," said McCallum.
"If you ask him to point to any spot in Budget 2007 that cut general income tax rates in order to satisfy the spirit of his 2006 tax back guarantee all you'll get is obfuscation and no answers. In fact, the only change this government has made to the general personal income tax rate since coming to power was to raise the lowest bracket from 15 per cent in 2005 to 15.25 per cent in 2006 and again to 15.5 per cent in 2007."
#16. RUBY DHALLA SLAMS CONSERVATIVES FOR BROKEN CHILDCARE PROMISE
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government's admission that it cannot deliver the 125,000 child care spaces it promised is a betrayal of Canadian families who deserve more than broken promises from their government, said Liberal Social Development Critic Ruby Dhalla on Thursday.
"Human Resources Minister Solberg's admission that his government won't honour its child care commitment shows a complete lack of understanding of the child care needs of Canadian families," said Dhalla.
She was referring to Solberg's public admission on Wednesay that the Conservative's election commitment may no longer materialize, blaming the provinces for their failure.
"It is shameful that the minister would point the finger at the provinces when the only new money allocated for the creation of new child care spaces is a $250 million transfer to the provinces and territories. That's $1 billion less than what was promised to Canadians in the Liberal federal-provincial child care agreements," said Dhalla.
During last year's election the Conservatives pledged to make up for the shortfall through a plan to use tax incentives to create 125,000 new child care spaces.
But since coming to power, the Conservative government has made the biggest child care cut in Canadian history, slashing $1 billion in funding for child care services in 2007.
"The Conservative government has received failing grades from families and child care experts for its failure to deliver new child care spaces. In some Canadian cities parents are facing an average wait of two years to get a spot in regulated child care," said Dhalla.
"The Harper government's policy of handing over small amounts of money to individual parents instead of investing in a child care system, is not delivering the support young Canadian families need," she added. "The setbacks are accumulating. Canadian parents and their families deserve better."
#17. NDP: MILLIONS OF CHILDCARE DOLLARS STILL BEING HELD BACK
Families continue to suffer from the Liberals' mismanagement of childcare while $20 million supposed to go towards funding childcare sits in the bank, New Democrat Childcare Critic Claire Trevena said this week.
"It has been almost five months since the Campbell government gave $20 million to the B.C. Council for Families, which was supposed to be distributed to childcare organizations. Instead, it is now almost the end of September and minister Reid has provided no indication of how this money will be distributed," said Trevena, the MLA for North Island.
Under questioning from Trevena in the Legislature last May, Minister of State for Childcare Linda Reid revealed that $20 million in one-time funding was being given to the B.C. Council for Families. Despite repeated requests, no information about how this funding will be distributed has been released.
"It seems like the minister handed out $20 million in taxpayer dollars and then just walked away, without providing any leadership or direction on how the money should be spent," said Trevena.
Trevena called on the minister to explain to those families who are unable to find or to afford childcare why this process has taken so long. She also called on the minister to explain why the process appears to have no oversight, and why the funding is not going directly into the provision of childcare.
"The B.C. Liberals have cut provincial government funding for childcare by over $50 million since 2001, and the effects are very clear. Wait lists are growing, and more and more families are having problems finding affordable, accessible childcare," said Trevena.
"The Campbell government seems more than willing to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into cost overruns on a new Convention Centre in Vancouver, but when it comes to the foundation of our society - childcare - they come up empty handed. It's completely unacceptable."
Childcare is the subject of seven resolutions at this week's Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in Vancouver.
#18. NDP TO OPPAL: STOP DEFENDING FAILURE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Attorney General Wally Oppal's remarks in a letter to the World Journal newspaper show that he continues to be out of touch with the issue of domestic abuse, NDP MLAs Claire Trevena and Nicholas Simons said this week.
Oppal wrote that B.C. has never had a zero tolerance policy on domestic violence.
"Sadly Attorney General Oppal is denying his government has made women and families less secure by cutting key supports," said Trevena, NDP Critic for Women's issues. "In 2002, the B.C. Liberals ended the zero-tolerance policy against domestic violence, which was an important legal safeguard for women. Its elimination left women without protection. To make matters worse, the government didn't even monitor the impact of this change."
In his letter, Oppal also refused to admit that the elimination of the Crown Victims Services program by the Campbell Liberals was a mistake, saying instead, "we know this new approach is working because charge approvals and guilty verdicts remain stable."
"Helping victims isn't just about getting convictions, it's about protecting families," said Simons, NDP Critic for Children and Families. "The Crown Victim Services program was among the first cuts the Campbell government made, replacing it with a less effective and under-funded referral system."
Under the Crown Victim Services program, if a husband was charged with intentionally injuring his wife, a victim services worker from the Crown Prosecutor's office would ensure that the woman and her family had a plan to ensure their safety. They would assess the situation to ensure that no financial, cultural or geographical barriers prevented a family from getting help.
"Whether it's denial or ignorance, Attorney General Oppal's inaction will only hurt children and families," said Simons.
#19. PENNY PRIDDY NEW NDP CRITIC FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
On Thursday federal NDP Leader Jack Layton announced a shuffling of critic portfolios in his caucus and Penny Priddy, MP for Surrey-North, was appointed Critic for Public Safety and National Security and Deputy Critic for Justice. This portfolio includes responsibility for emergency preparedness, national security, and crime prevention, law enforcement, and corrections policy.
Priddy said: "I am pleased that this recognizes the NDP's efforts in bringing issues surrounding crime to the forefront. Earlier this year, Jack Layton and I launched the NDP's crime platform in Surrey and it is only fitting that I continue to address this portfolio in Ottawa.
"It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve as the federal NDP Health critic for the past while. I am proud to have worked to bring the important health related issues such as prescription drug coverage, as well as standing up for universal health care.
"I really want to thank the community for the wonderful support you have shown to me over the years. Please know that I will continue to be your voice in Ottawa in this new critic role which I see as an exciting opportunity."
Priddy has served in provincial cabinet in many portfolios from 1991 to 2001. Combined with her experience in municipal and federal office, Priddy says her time in cabinet will serve her well as Critic for Public Safety and National Security.
Meanwhile, Layton said: "Since the last federal election, we have seen a Harper government that can't be trusted, a weak Liberal opposition that can't be counted on and a Bloc Quebecois that has passed its best before date and can't get anything done in Ottawa. In the upcoming Parliament, the NDP will serve as the effective opposition to the Harper Conservatives by putting the priorities of working families and the middle class first."
Layton announced Thomas Mulcair and Libby Davies (Vancouver East) have been appointed Deputy Leaders of the NDP Caucus. In addition, Mulcair will serve as Finance Critic and Quebec Lieutenant. Davies will continue in her role as NDP House Leader and Labour Critic.
Layton outlined his caucus's three priorities for the coming Parliament: ending the combat mission in Afghanistan, tackling the climate change crisis and closing the prosperity gap by making life more affordable for everyday families.
"Canada must set out a new direction to help the people of Afghanistan with reconstruction, aid and peace," said Layton. He announced Dawn Black (New Westminster-Coquitlam) will continue to serve as NDP Defence Critic and Alexa McDonough (Halifax) will serve as Peace Advocate. Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) will become Foreign Affairs Critic.
"Tackling the climate change crisis is another key priority," said Layton. "Leading our efforts will be Nathan Cullen who will continue to serve as Environment Critic."
"At a time when Canada's economy shows signs of unprecedented growth, working families and the middle class are falling further and further behind. This is not fair and every member of our caucus will be taking on issues in their critic area that address the prosperity gap," said Layton, highlighting two key examples: the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and the manufacturing job crisis. He announced Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North) will take on the role of Health Critic and Peggy Nash (Parkdale High Park) is Industry Critic.
#20. ALBERTA LEADS IN POPULATION GROWTH, B.C.'S NUMBER TWO
Alberta has again led the provinces in population growth, according to preliminary demographic estimates for the year ending June 30, 2007. But indications are that the major component fuelling Alberta's gains - interprovincial migration - has started to ease off, according to Statistics Canada.
Other than Alberta, British Columbia and Nunavut were the only jurisdictions where the population increased faster than that of the country.
Quebec's population grew at a pace similar to that in the previous year despite big jumps in births and the number of immigrants. Ontario's rate of growth was the slowest since 1980/1981.
Three jurisdictions recorded declines in population between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Yukon. After two consecutive years of losses, Saskatchewan rebounded with a demographic increase.
Between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007, Alberta's population increased 3.1%. This growth rate was more than three times greater than that of the country, and the strongest since 1981/1982.
However, during the second quarter of 2007, Alberta's net gains from interprovincial migration were estimated at only 7,400 people - that is 2,100 fewer people than in the second quarter of 2006, and 4,600 fewer than in the same period in 2005. These lower net gains are mainly the result of an increase in the number of people leaving Alberta for other regions of the country.
Nationally, Canada's population hit an estimated 32,976,000, a gain of 326,500 people and a growth of 1% between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. The rate of growth was similar to that in 2005/2006.
Increase in births continues:
An estimated 352,800 babies were born in Canada during 2006/2007, the highest number since 357,300 in 1996/1997 and the sixth consecutive annual rise. Increases in births were especially strong in Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta.
Even though net international migration declined, it continues to be the main engine of population growth in Canada, and accounted for about two-thirds of the demographic increase in 2006/2007.
Canada received 238,100 immigrants during 2006/2007, 16,300 fewer than in the previous year.
For the eighth year in a row, the number of non-permanent residents increased. During 2006/2007, this number rose 17,900 to 439,100, the highest level since 1990.
A changing demographic portrait:
Alberta's population reached an estimated 3,474,000 as of July 1, 2007. Interprovincial migration accounted for about half of the province's population increase of 103,400, a new record. During the year ending June 30, 2007, Alberta gained around 51,200 people from other jurisdictions in Canada, 5,400 more than in the previous year.
However, Alberta's net gains from interprovincial migration are slowing. Net migration peaked during the third quarter of 2006, but it has been decelerating slowly since then.
In the Atlantic region, the demographic situation brightened. In 2005/2006, all four Atlantic provinces incurred a decline in population. In 2006/2007, only Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia incurred decreases.
The populations in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick increased, mainly the result of fewer losses in interprovincial migration and higher numbers of immigrants.
In Quebec, the population grew at a pace similar to that in 2005/2006 despite a big jump in births and immigrants. Roughly 83,200 babies were born in Quebec in 2006/2007, the first time the level surpassed 80,000 since 1996/1997.
The province received 45,100 immigrants, the highest number since 1992/1993. On the other hand, Quebec had a net interprovincial migration outflow of 15,600, the highest since 1997/1998.
During 2006/2007, Ontario's population increased about 0.8%, the lowest rate since 1980/1981. This slower growth was the result of a decrease in immigration and substantial net outflows due to interprovincial migration.
During 2006/2007, Ontario incurred a net outflow of 36,200 people to other parts of the country, the highest outflow in recent history. In addition, the province attracted only 48.5% of all immigrants to Canada in 2006/2007, compared with 59.6% in 2001/2002.
Faster demographic growth in West:
Manitoba's population increased about 0.7%, the second fastest rate in two decades. This was due to lower net outflows from interprovincial migration, and to a record-high 10,800 immigrants, which surpassed last year's record of 8,900. For the first time, the province posted the highest annual immigration rate in the country.
After two consecutive years of losses, Saskatchewan gained population, posting a growth rate of 0.9%, the third fastest rate among the provinces behind British Columbia and Alberta. This was also the province's fastest growth rate since 1984/1985.
This increase was due mainly to a net inflow of 4,000 people from interprovincial migration. Saskatchewan's net interprovincial migration was positive for the first time since 1983/1984, reaching the highest level since 1975/1976.
British Columbia posted a population growth rate of about 1.4%, virtually the same as the previous year. This is the second fastest growth rate among the provinces. British Columbia had a net inflow of 10,600 people from interprovincial migration, the highest since 1995/1996. This offset a decline in international immigration to the province.
In the North, Nunavut recorded growth of 2.3%, more than twice the country's pace of increase, the result of its strong fertility rates and the highest net inflows from interprovincial migration in its history.
After two years of decline, the Northwest Territories posted a population gain, thanks to higher net interprovincial migration. Conversely, Yukon was the only territory showing a net population decline, mainly because of larger losses from interprovincial migration.
#21. NEW STAMPS DEPICT ENDANGERED SPECIES NATIVE TO CANADA
To mark Stamp Month 2007, Canada Post will issue the second set of stamps depicting endangered species native to Canada. This set of four domestic rate (52¢) stamps bear images of sea creatures; the Leatherback Turtle, the White Sturgeon, the Atlantic Right Whale and the Northern Cricket Frog. The first set, issued in 2006, featured land creatures while the last set to be issued under this series in 2008 will showcase air creatures.
Species honoured under this series are designated "endangered" or "extirpated" by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) or the IUCN Red Light of Threatened Animals.
Under COSEWIC, the Leatherback Turtle made the list in April 1981. Renowned for being the largest marine turtle in the world and the largest reptile, the Leatherback Turtle population has decreased by more than 60% since 1982. The Northern Cricket Frog was added to the list in 1990. This semi-aquatic species lives in or near water, and while known as tree frogs, lack the prominent footpads to climb trees and as such, leap from branch to branch covering distances of up to two meters at a time. The White Sturgeon joined the list in 2003. With its pre-historic appearance and ghost-like languid movements, it is the largest freshwater fish in the world.
The North Atlantic Right Whale, among the first whale species to be commercially exploited, earned its name simply by being "right" for fishing - slow swimmers who float after death. They were classified as "endangered" by the international body IUCN Red Light of Threatened Animals. At one time, scientists thought the population of right whales in the North Atlantic to be between 10,000 to 50,000 while the current estimate is just 325.
Designers for the endangered species series, David Sacha and Karen Satok of Sputnik Design Partners Inc., wanted to offset the innate beauty of each species with their unfortunate status, specifically in relating to these sea creatures. "The overall idea of this was really to put emphasis on the species itself", explains Sacha, "making each creature stand out against their fading backdrops, which recall their fragile existence and degenerating habitats." Each creature was rendered the same size to remind us of their equal importance and to preserve each one.
These Endangered Species stamps will be available for purchase at post offices across the country on October 1. The stamps measure 50.5 mm x 27 mm (horizontal) and will be sold in booklets of eight stamps or as a souvenir sheet of four stamps. Lowe-Martin printed a little over three and a half million of the self-adhesive stamps and 350,000 souvenir sheets on Tullis Russell paper using lithography in 8 colours. The stamps are general tagged on all four sides with simulated perforations while the souvenir sheet has 13+ perforations. The Official First Day Cover cancellation will read HALIFAX NS.
Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the Newsroom section of Canada Post's website, and downloadable photos of the Endangered Species issue is in the Newsroom's Photo Centre. Stamps and Official First Day covers will be available at participating post offices, and can be ordered online by following the links at Canada Post's website www.canadapost.ca, or by mail-order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA call toll-free: 1 800 565-4362 and from other countries call: (902) 863-6550.
#22. NDP: CAMPBELL SHOULDN'T ALLOW MASSIVE FERRY FARE HIKES
Instead of spending thousands of dollars on expensive parties in Germany, the Campbell government should take action to protect B.C. ferry users and coastal communities from massive fare hikes, New Democrat Leader Carole James said this week.
James also said that Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon's claim to the German media that British Columbians were incapable of building the new German-built ferries is an insult to the B.C. industry and its workers.
"The Campbell Liberals are absolutely out of touch with the coastal communities who depend on ferries," said James. "They're devastating local economies by allowing fares to increase by as much as 30 per cent, and meanwhile they're throwing expensive parties overseas to celebrate the fact that they shipped ferry construction jobs out of B.C."
When Falcon flew to Germany last week to throw a party for German shipbuilders, he told the German press that "Nothing like this could have been built in Canada."
"Of course we can build quality ships in British Columbia, and to claim we can't demonstrates complete disrespect for our industry and the people who work in it," said New Democrat Ferries critic Gary Coons.
Coons, MLA for North Coast, also noted that last week the Ferry Commission approved a fare hike that could see fares rise by 16 per cent on major southern routes, and 30 per cent on minor northern routes.
"The Campbell government is once again showing its lack of support for ordinary people who rely on ferries," said Coons. "And the disrespectful comment that British Columbians are incapable of building the ferries we need is simply incorrect."
#23. LIBERALS WANT LIFTING OF VISA CURTAIN ON EASTERN EU COUNTRIES
The Conservative government must treat all members of the European Union (EU) equally and lift visitor visa requirements for its eight new member states, Liberal MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Centre), Foreign Affairs Critic Ujjal Dosanjh, Citizenship and Immigration Critic Omar Alghabra, and Bryon Wilfert, Chair of the Liberal Caucus Committee on Canada and the World, demanded this week.
"The iron curtain fell almost twenty years ago. Unfortunately, new E.U. states from Central and Eastern Europe still face a 'visa' curtain," said Wrzesnewskyj. "The new E.U. states are free-market democracies that have all dropped visa requirements for Canadian visitors. Why hasn't Canada done the right thing and reciprocated?"
Last week, the Commission of the European Communities issued a report critical of the Canadian government's delay in lifting the visa requirements for EU countries in Eastern Europe. Canada, the United States and Australia are three of 15 countries cited in the report. The Commission urges Canada to show progress by lifting the visa requirements for one or two member states by the end of this year, suggesting that, failing such progress, "appropriate measures could be proposed."
Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic (all of which joined the EU in 2004) have signed and implemented the Schengen Agreement with other European Union countries. Bulgaria and Romania (who joined in 2007) will soon be fully compliant as well. The Schengen Agreement provides for a common policy on the temporary entry of persons, the harmonisation of external border controls and cross-border police co-operation.
"The standards set out in the Schengen Agreement are good enough for us to allow entry to Canada without a visa from countries like France and Germany," said Dosanjh. "Why are the same standards not good enough for the countries of Eastern Europe?"
"Maintaining these obsolete visa restrictions on a democratic country like Poland, a nation that has rapidly and with great success, created a free market economy and is our ally in NATO, does little to boost Canada's international interests or reputation," said Wilfert. "How does this inflexible position help Canada's relationship with the EU? Mr. Harper already caused considerable damage to that relationship when he refused to attend a planned Canada-EU summit in November 2006 because he feared that the Europeans would criticize his climate change policy."
Alghabra said: "Once again, Mr. Harper demonstrates his disregard for Canada's important relationship with the E.U., and in so doing, continues to make it difficult for Central and Eastern European visitors from the E.U. to visit their relatives in Canada."
#24. CTF: SAY NO TO GAS TAX HIKE
By MAUREEN BADER
Canadian Taxpayers Federation
B.C.'s finance minister wants to know if you are willing to pay even higher gasoline taxes to fund greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction subsidies. For sure it would cost more to drive to work or take the kids to soccer practice. What's not so certain is whether these subsidies would actually reduce emissions. It seems incredible, but at a time when the economy is booming and the province is experiencing large surpluses, the government is talking about raising gasoline taxes.
Taxpaying motorists still fuming over the current cost of gasoline may wish to send politicians a message. As part of the 2008 budget consultation process, B.C. households will receive a survey asking, among other things, what tax changes might be acceptable to discourage GHG emissions. Specifically, the finance minister is looking for permission to increase gas taxes, so you may want to take the time to respond to this survey.
B.C. already has low GHG emissions and most proposals floating around - pardon the pun - to reduce them further are unlikely to succeed. Remember, the federal Liberals spent about $6 billion on climate change reduction projects, and GHG emissions increased by 33%. Now, the Conservative government is spending $10 billion, even though Prime Minister Stephen Harper is on record saying the Kyoto Accord, the agreement that committed Canada to big GHG reductions, "is a money sucking socialist scheme." When GHGs became a hot political topic, the prime minister did an about-face on Kyoto. Here in B.C., tax increases and subsidies to pet projects seem to be a product of a similar about-face.
B.C.'s GHG emissions, at about 67 million tonnes (CO2 equivalent) in 2004, make B.C. the fifth largest GHG emitting province, well below first-place Alberta, at about 235 million tonnes. The sixth largest GHG emitting province, Nova Scotia, emits 23 million tonnes of GHGs, but Nova Scotia only contributes 2.3% to Canada's economy; B.C. contributes 12%. The B.C. government's goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 33% from current levels by 2020. Given B.C.'s already low GHG level, the road to lower GHGs is paved with tax hikes, subsidies and lower economic activity.
About 40% of B.C.'s GHG emissions come from transportation, so it might seem obvious that by raising taxes to discourage driving, GHG emissions could be reduced. Yet, about 33% of price of gasoline is already tax, and people are still driving. Data from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's 2007 Gas Tax Honesty Report show parents still go to work and kids still go to soccer practices, but family budgets increasingly run on empty. Families may have less money in their pockets and bank accounts to spend on other things, but they do not drastically change their energy consumption habits. Of course, at some point, price may change behaviour, but are we really willing to sacrifice our standard of living when no study to-date has positively attributed all or part of climate change to man-made causes?
Government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission will cost taxpayers and consumers a bundle for questionable benefits. The 2008 budget consultation process will give you the opportunity to voice your opinion on government spending priorities. We all care about the environment, but technological advancements that come with economic growth lead to a cleaner environment, not unfettered spending on ill-conceived projects.
The deadline for submissions to the Budget Consultation Panel is Friday, October 19, 2007. Call 1-877-428-8337 to find out how to make your voice heard.
#25. HARPER'S STATEMENT AT UN LEADERS' DISCUSSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday issued the following statement, delivered at the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Event on Climate Change in New York at the session on technology:
We are building on the dynamic created by the G8 and APEC summits to promote international cooperation in the fight against global warming.
There is an emerging consensus on the need for a new, effective and flexible climate change framework, one that commits all the world's major emitters to real targets and concrete action against global greenhouse gas emissions.
Among other things, a new international framework must stimulate the development and deployment of clean, low-carbon energy technologies.
In the near-term, the world will continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels. As a major, reliable producer, Canada will play an increasingly important role in global energy security.
We therefore have a responsibility to find cleaner and more efficient ways to convert hydrocarbons into energy.
Canada is working on a variety of strategies, but one of the most exciting is carbon capture and storage.
It holds great potential for major emission reductions at home and abroad.
Pilot projects are underway in western Canada. CO2 is being pumped deep underground into rock formations that have been drained of their oil and gas.
Trapping it there creates a virtuous energy cycle: We take hydrocarbons out, tap their energy, and put the emissions back.
The Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta have established a Carbon Capture and Storage Task Force that will develop practical options for government and industry to work together to implement this technology on a large scale in Canada.
We are also increasing Canada's supply of renewable energy by investing in energy sources like wind, biomass, low impact hydroelectricity, geothermics, solar photovoltaics and ocean tides.
But the development of clean, alternative energy sources is not solely the responsibility of governments and taxpayers.
Indeed, we will not succeed unless and until the challenge is taken up in the marketplace.
Private capital and entrepreneurial creativity drive technological development.
The commercialization of clean energy is already happening. Government's main role is to design tax and regulatory systems that enable the free market to work.
In Canada, our government has created a clean technology fund as part of a new regulatory framework that sets mandatory emission reduction targets for our major industries for the first time ever.
The Fund will be used primarily to finance investments in technology and infrastructure that are highly likely to result in substantial, near-term emission reductions.
The core principle of Canada's approach to climate change is balance.
We are balancing environmental protection with economic growth.
We are balancing public and private sector involvement in clean energy technology development.
And we are promoting a balanced international approach to emissions reduction that engages all major emitters while respecting the unique characteristics of their economies.
The challenge we face is global. The solution is global.
And Canada is committed to working with the international community and the United Nations to develop the targets and the technologies that will overcome the challenge of climate change.
#26. LIBERALS' REACTION: HARPER SIDESTEPPED CRITICAL ISSUES
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's speech to the United Nations failed to address the critical issue of accepting binding international targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions after 2012, merely reiterating his do-nothing eco-fraud plan, said Liberal Environment Critic David McGuinty.
"When it comes to the climate change crisis, Stephen Harper has a serious fear of commitment," said McGuinty. "This government's continued refusal to accept, or even address the issue of legally binding absolute targets for greenhouse gas emissions is a disgrace."
In his speech to the United Nations, the prime minister not only deliberately avoided committing Canada to a firm target for reductions after 2012, but instead focused on his so-called "balanced approach," which includes merely "aspirational targets" for the reduction of greenhouse gases and variable targets for countries looking to shirk their long term obligations.
Harper's approach aligns Canada with George W. Bush's position and is in stark contrast to the European Union (EU) which has been leading the climate change crisis fight by calling for significant binding targets for all countries in the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol after 2012.
"Scientists have told us that significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are necessary within the next 15 years if we are to avoid an environmental catastrophe," said McGuinty.
Environmentalists and economists have resoundingly rejected the Conservative government's climate change plan. The CD Howe institute has said that the Conservative government's plan would allow emissions to continue to rise until at least 2050. The government's own environment advisory panel - the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy - has found that the government has deliberately misled Canadians by overestimating the benefits of most of its policies.
"Canadians can't trust Mr. Harper to handle the climate change crisis," said McGuinty. "He is being dishonest when he tells Canadians that his policies will reduce emissions. Not one independent analyst says his plan does that. Now he is telling the world that they should follow the Canadian lead in the climate change crisis fight. If the world followed Canada's lead today, severe environmental destruction would certainly occur.
"Canadians want Canada to do all that it can to meet our targets in the first phase of Kyoto and to roll over those obligations for the post-2012 period. Canadians understand that Canada can lead by example in a responsible way and want a government that rejects an overly simplistic debate by embracing smart and effective action beyond 2012. This is the Liberal approach and it's why we have for months called on Prime Minister Harper to end the rhetoric and work with us on the Clean Air and Climate Change Act. We need to put a price on carbon and we need to do it now."
#27. B.C. COMMUNITIES COMMIT TO CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2012
Local governments from across B.C. signed a Climate Action Charter with the Province and the Union of BC Municipalities today, committing to a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2012.
"Our government is committed to taking action on climate change and, by working in partnership with local governments, we will be more effective in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions," Premier Gordon Campbell said today, as he joined with UBCM president Brenda Binnie to sign a memorandum of understanding with the goal of local governments becoming carbon neutral over the next five years. "By signing the BC Climate Action Charter today, we are taking a key step toward improving the quality of life for our residents and communities tomorrow."
Sixty-two communities signed the Charter during Wednesday's UBCM session in Vancouver. In addition to a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2012, local governments pledged to measure and report on their community's greenhouse gas emissions profile and work to create compact, more energy efficient communities. Regional district boards and municipal councils across the province have been considering adoption of the agreement's goals over the two weeks leading up to convention and it is expected more communities will sign on in the coming weeks.
"Local governments have provided a fast, positive response to the premier's invitation to sign on to the BC Climate Action Charter," said Binnie. "The challenges posed by climate change require intergovernmental partnerships at all levels, so we anticipate many more signatories in the near future."
Carbon neutrality involves measuring the greenhouse gas emissions that come from government operations such as buildings and fleet vehicles and then reducing those emissions to net zero. Governments achieve carbon neutrality by reducing emissions where possible, by purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for its greenhouse gas emissions or by developing projects to offset emissions. Such projects may include converting to energy efficient buildings and replacing old fleet vehicles and buses with hybrids.
UBCM and the provincial government will establish a Joint Provincial-UBCM Green Communities committee and Green Communities Working Groups to define a range of actions that can affect climate change, build local government capacity to plan and implement climate change initiatives, support local governments in taking actions to make their own operations carbon neutral by 2012, and share information to support climate change activities.
#28. GREEN CITY AWARDS RECOGNIZE B.C.'S MOST INNOVATIVE COMMUNITIES
Seven outstanding communities have been selected as recipients of the provincial government's inaugural Green City Awards, for demonstrating leadership and action in a range of environmental sustainability initiatives. Premier Gordon Campbell announced the winning communities, sharing up to $500,000 in award funding, at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver.
"This awards program is a challenge to communities to think big; to develop innovative ideas and share those ideas so we can work together to take action on climate change," said Campbell. "With the goal of reducing by a third our current level of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, it is crucial that the province works collaboratively with communities. Clearly, these communities are leading the way, providing incentives and encouragement to other places to think innovatively."
The 2007 Green City Award winners showed excellence across a wide range of sustainability criteria. The winners and highlights from their submissions are:
* Nanaimo Regional District is noted for its development pattern including urban containment and emphasis on regional transit, solid and liquid waste management;
* Capital Regional District - Salt Spring Island's action on its official community plan, which promotes compact, pedestrian-friendly development;
* Town of Oliver is dealing effectively with the challenges of water management, including reclaiming 100 per cent of wastewater and using it for agricultural purposes;
* Resort Municipality of Whistler has exemplary planning and development that balances protection of the natural environment and tourism economy promotion;
* City of Dawson Creek is progressive in its community energy planning and actions including conservation and developing alternative sources;
* City of North Vancouver is implementing its official community plan which is based on smart growth principles; and
* City of Vancouver's quality planning and urban design is resulting in high livability and investment.
Nominated communities were evaluated on criteria including a triple bottom line; livability; climate change; innovation and transferability. The winning communities were chosen from 17 finalist local governments, based on input and review from Ministry of Community Services staff, other provincial ministries and an expert panel of leading specialists in sustainability and the green development sector.
"Making our communities greener and healthier places to live is largely in the hands of the people who live there," said Community Services Minister Ida Chong. "Through the Green City Awards, we are highlighting those communities that stand out for their innovation and commitment to a better environment and who set an example for other B.C. cities and towns."
The Green City Awards program, announced by Premier Campbell at the 2006 UBCM convention, commits up to $500,000 in cash awards each year, over five years, for leading green communities. For more information about the Green City Awards, visit: www.greencityawards.gov.bc.ca/
#29. UNIQUE $39 MILLION LIBRARY OPENS AT LANGARA COLLEGE
A new library and classroom building at Langara College, designed using innovative environmental features unique in North America, was officially opened this week by Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell.
"The new library and classroom building will build on the success of Langara College by providing students, faculty and staff with a modern, environmentally friendly space to study and work," said Coell. "Government funding of $29 million has added more than 7,700 square metres of space for teaching and learning at one of our province's busiest campuses."
The new building is fitted with unique environmentally-friendly features such as 9-metre wind towers that move air into the building while the rooftop weather station gauges the outdoor climate and adjusts the amount of ventilation needed indoors through a number of computer-activated windows. It also houses an innovative heating and cooling system that uses less natural gas and electrical energy than conventional heating.
The province provided $29.3 million for the new library and classroom building, which also contains computer labs, study areas, meeting spaces and a food service area. The Province's contribution will also fund renovations to the old library and upgrading to meet current seismic codes. Langara College provided $10 million to build the underground parkade below the library, with 449 parking stalls and 20 secured bicycle stalls.
"This new library will not only be a benefit to the college but also to the community around it," said Vancouver-Langara MLA Carole Taylor. "It will help to boost the number of library users in the immediate area as Langara actively encourages their neighbours to use this facility."
"I am absolutely thrilled with the award-winning design of this new library and classroom building and I know that the students and employees will be too," said Langara College president Linda Holmes. "It is an example of our environmental responsibility governance policy coming to life and demonstrates our commitment to managing our physical environment in a sustainable manner."
In the past five years, the provincial government has provided more than $1 billion in new funding for 904 capital projects on campuses throughout B.C. and has allocated $700 million in capital funding over the next three years to accommodate further growth.
#30. $5 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN ABORIGINAL TOURISM
The province is investing $5 million over the next four years to help build a culturally rich and sustainable Aboriginal tourism industry throughout B.C., Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts, announced this week.
"In B.C., we are very privileged to have a strong Aboriginal heritage," said Hagen. "There are currently about 200 Aboriginal tourism businesses, ranging from accommodation and adventure attractions to tourism services. These businesses cater to the strong increase in the number of people looking for authentic cultural tourism experiences as part of their vacation. This $5-million grant will help develop Aboriginal cultural tourism into a prosperous, strong, and dynamic sector of our economy in every community of the province."
The $5 million is being provided to the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (ATBC) to support the implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Blueprint Strategy, which is focused on the development and marketing of Aboriginal tourism businesses, training and skills development, in addition to fostering community economic development and cultural preservation.
"Implementing the strategy will create new employment and economic development opportunities in the lead up to 2010 and beyond, while helping to strengthen and preserve the cultural identity of Aboriginal people and communities throughout B.C.," said Brenda Baptiste, chair of ATBC. "I want to acknowledge the longstanding support of the government of B.C., Tourism BC, the First Nations Leadership Council and the federal government. Their guidance and financial support in raising awareness of the growth opportunities in Aboriginal tourism has helped make this plan a reality today."
"Aboriginal tourism is destined to become a driving force and cornerstone for economic development in B.C. First Nations communities," said Chief Judith Sayers, a member of the First Nations Summit and First Nations Leadership Council. "The ATBC is playing a critical role through the implementation of the Blueprint Strategy in creating the path, the support network and the framework to make this a reality for many of our communities. We applaud the government of B.C. for recognizing the strong economic benefits of Aboriginal tourism through the provision of a $5-million commitment to assist in the implementing the Blueprint Strategy."
As a part of the announcement, the B.C. government, the Squamish Nation and the ATBC signed a memorandum of understanding that will expand the highly successful Squamish Youth Ambassador Program as a model for Aboriginal tourism training throughout the province. At the signing, the group announced a goal to train 210 Aboriginal Youth Ambassadors in time for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
"For many years, our Youth Ambassador program has been growing and benefiting our young people," said Chief Gibby Jacob, Squamish Nation. "We are very pleased to be able to share this successful program with Aboriginal youth and communities through the province."
By 2012, the Aboriginal tourism industry is expected to contribute over $50 million to B.C.'s economy, up from approximately $35 million today. A sustainable Aboriginal tourism sector with diverse products in communities in every region of the province is recognized as one of the major focuses for achieving the target set by Premier Gordon Campbell to double tourism revenues in B.C. by 2015.
Key activities of the ATBC over the next four years include:
* Rolling out the Aboriginal Youth Ambassador program across the province.
* Developing consumer advertising campaigns to increase visitation.
* Attending major travel trade marketplaces to increase Aboriginal tour packages.
* Developing career awareness programs.
* Publishing an expanded Aboriginal cultural experiences visitor guide.
* Establishing tourism education and training programs, including FirstHost, to increase market-readiness and identify new opportunities.
* Developing Aboriginal cultural tourism authenticity protocols and certifications.
The ATBC is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and co-operative marketing programs, ATBC is working to realize its vision of a healthy, prosperous and dynamic Aboriginal tourism industry in British Columbia.
For more information on Aboriginal tourism in British Columbia, visit www.aboriginalbc.com.
#31. RICH GET RICHER, OTHERS REMAIN ALMOST THE SAME
An annual income of $89,000 was enough to put an individual among the 1.2 million Canadians who made up the top 5% of the country's taxfiler population in 2004, according to a new study.
Similarly, an income of $181,000 was sufficient to put someone among the 237,000 people in the top 1% of the taxfiler population, according to Statistics Canada.
But to be part of the richest one-hundredth of a percent (0.01%) of taxfilers, Canadians had to have income of more than $2.8 million, the study found.
The study, released today in the September issue of Perspectives on Labour and Income, uses tax returns and survey data to explore trends in the number and characteristics of high-income Canadians, as well as their wealth and the effective income tax rates they face.
Between 1992 and 2004, constant-dollar income for people in the top 20% of the taxfiler population rose substantially, and the gains got bigger the higher up the income distribution. However, individuals in the rest of the population generally saw little improvement in constant-dollar income.
In 1992, Canadians in the top 5% of the taxfiler population accounted for about 21% of total income. By 2004, they accounted for 25% of total income.
Of the 1.2 million Canadians who comprised the top 5% of income recipients in 2004, three-quarters were men, even though men were a minority (48%) of individual income recipients in general.
In 1982, women accounted for one in seven of the top 5% of income earners; by 2004, they accounted for one in four. However, their share of the top 0.01% declined from 12% to 11%.
The study found that the prevalence of high income peaked in the pre-retirement years. In 2004, individuals aged 45 to 64 represented 33% of all income recipients, but they were the majority in the top 5% (54%).
In the top 0.01%, taxfilers aged 45 to 64 accounted for three out of every five individuals.
Taxfilers aged 25 to 44 were the second largest group in the top 5% of high-income recipients. However, seniors were in second place in the top 0.01%, accounting for 23%.
Over three-quarters (78%) of all high-income individuals were married, as were 83% of the top 0.01%.
Almost half (46%) of the top 5% of the taxfiler population lived in Ontario. Quebec was a distant second, at 18%, followed by Alberta (15%) and British Columbia (13%).
Among the top 0.01% of the taxfiler population, more than one-half (51%) lived in Ontario. However, Alberta was second at 23%, while Quebec was fourth at just 10%.
Higher-income families tend to be located in the larger urban centres. Three out of 10 (31%) families with incomes of more than $250,000 lived in Toronto, followed by Montréal (11%), and Vancouver and Calgary (both 8%).
Overall, from 1992 to 2004, each demographic group experienced real increases in income. Some groups, such as individuals aged 45 to 64 and those living in Alberta, experienced much larger changes, both incurring gains of about 60%.
Overall, though, many groups experienced very little change-younger individuals (under 45), older individuals (65 and older), and those living in the smaller provinces.
The study also examined effective income tax rates, an important indicator of the fairness of a tax system. The effective tax rate is the ratio of taxes paid to total income.
The study found that in line with their increasing share of total income, high-income Canadian taxfilers have been paying an increasing share of total personal income taxes. As well, effective income tax rates are clearly higher in the higher-income groups, reflecting the progressive nature of the income tax system. However, effective rates vary widely across the income distribution as well as among individuals within the highest income group.
In 2004, the top 5% of the taxfiler population received 25% of income and paid 36% of taxes. In contrast, the bottom 95% of the taxfiler population received 75% of income and paid 64% of taxes.
For high-income Canadian taxfilers, effective tax rates were about 30%, compared with roughly 12% for non-high-income filers.
Nearly one-third of those in the top 0.01% had an effective tax rate of over 40%, although some paid as little as 10%. Among the top 5% of the taxfiler population, only 2.7% had an effective tax rate of over 40%.
The study found that between 1992 and 2004, the proportion of taxfilers who paid zero taxes declined at almost all income levels. In the top 0.01%, about 100 taxfilers paid no taxes in 2004. Tax deductions, such as business losses and gifts to the Crown, are responsible for a number of these situations.
The study found that differences between Canada and the United States were most striking at the extreme high end of the taxfiler population.
In Canada, the top 5% of individual income recipients in 2004 had an income of at least $89,000. In the United States, this figure would not have placed them even in the top 10% (using purchasing power parity values). The 5% threshold for the United States was $165,000. Further up the income distribution, the thresholds diverged considerably.
The threshold for the top 0.01% of the taxfiler population in Canada was just over $2.8 million; in the United States, it was $9.4 million.
However, these differences paled when comparing average income. In 2004, in Canada, the average income for the top 5% of the taxfiler population was $178,000; in the United States, it was 2.5 times higher at $416,000.
The differences grew even larger higher up the income distribution. For the top 0.01% of the taxfiler population, the average American income was $25.8 million, over four times the Canadian figure of $5.9 million.
#32. NDP: CAMPBELL MUST FILL HOUSING GAP HE CREATED
Premier Gordon Campbell must commit to a comprehensive and sustained housing program to fill the housing gap his government created, B.C. NDP Leader Carole James said this week.
"At this year's UBCM, Gordon Campbell cannot leave mayors and communities empty handed on housing," said James. "The premier says he is committed to building affordable housing, yet he has abandoned a critical Olympic promise to build a housing legacy for British Columbians by 2010."
In 2002, the Campbell government was a signatory of the Inner City Inclusivity Statement. All parties to that statement committed to build an Olympic legacy for Vancouver residents after 2010. Earlier this year, the Inner City Inclusive Housing Table Report recommended that B.C. honour this commitment by building 3,200 units of housing over four years. The province rejected the request.
"If we are to close the housing gap the premier's policies created, the Campbell government must build at a minimum the 3,200 units recommended in this report and introduce a sustained housing program to keep pace with B.C.'s growing housing demand," said James.
Vancouver-Mount Pleasant MLA Jenny Kwan added that while the premier blames municipalities for lack of housing, it is in fact Campbell government's policies that have contributed to an increase in homelessness.
"Last year in his speech to the UBCM, the premier pledged to work with municipalities to address affordable housing," said Kwan. "He failed to deliver on that promise, just as his homelessness task force failed to alleviate homelessness across British Columbia.
"Until the Premier acts on his housing commitments, his speeches will continue to be empty rhetoric," said Kwan. "Gordon Campbell must put his promises into action. Build 3,200 units of affordable housing and commit to an ongoing housing program to ensure that B.C. has a real housing legacy."
The Campbell government cancelled B.C.'s ongoing housing program, Homes B.C. in 2002.
#33. LIBERALS NAME NAMES IN ELECTION FINANCING SCHEME
The Liberal Opposition is releasing the names of 129 Conservative candidates and official agents implicated in court documents as participating in an apparent scheme to violate spending limits and pad candidates' rebates in the 2006 federal election, Liberal MP Dominic LeBlanc said this week.
"Prime Minister Stephen Harper has failed to come clean about mounting evidence that all points toward a shady election financing scheme perpetuated by the Conservative Party, their candidates and official agents," said LeBlanc.
"Two weeks ago I challenged Stephen Harper to come forward with the names of who is involved. If he won't tell Canadians who Elections Canada has implicated in this alleged scheme, then I am prepared to."
LeBlanc noted that Elections Canada has found Conservative financial returns to be in violation of the Elections Act. Instead of coming clean, the Conservatives have chosen to challenge Elections Canada in court.
"It's time for the Conservatives to drop their legal action against Elections Canada. How can they, in good conscience, allow Canadian taxpayers to pay to defend a court case launched by the Conservatives for a scheme that was allegedly designed to bilk taxpayers in the first place?" said LeBlanc.
"It's time for the prime minister to break his silence on this very serious issue. He owes it to Canadians to guarantee that his party will never use questionable advertising practices again," said LeBlanc.
Media reports over the last month revealed that Federal Court documents detail that the Conservatives allegedly funnelled over $1 million in national advertising expenditures through at least 66 of their candidates' campaigns, which were also signed off by their official agents.
The implications of this scam are two-fold. If properly accounted for as part of the Conservative Party's national campaign, then the party that forms the current government exceeded the $18 million national spending limit and broke the law in getting itself elected. And, if that's not enough, we then have the spectacle of scores of Conservative candidates having claimed reimbursement of 60 per cent of the money at issue, money that Elections Canada ruled them ineligible to receive. If these allegations are proven, this would amount to election fraud.
"This scheme should certainly be of concern to voters who live in ridings where the Conservative candidate participated, but it should also be of concern to Canadians who live in ridings where the vote was close and the Conservative candidate may have benefited from additional advertising, potentially giving them an unfair advantage," said LeBlanc.
In a press conference held on August 26, LeBlanc called on Harper to address these mounting concerns. At another press conference on September 5, LeBlanc showed that so-called "local" ads are identical to advertisements that ran nationally, with the exception of a list of Conservative candidates in tiny type at the end of each ad.
#34. CONSERVATIVES: LIBERALS ARE MAKING FALSE CLAIMS
Liberal Member of Parliament Dominic LeBlanc continues to make false claims about the Conservative Party of Canada and Elections Canada, say the Conservatives.
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre said: "Here are the facts without the Liberal spin. In an election, local campaigns purchase advertising, as does the national party. In the last election, some local campaigns used the same media buying agency as the national party. The local campaigns were invoiced for these services by the agency, they paid for these services, and they claimed these expenses as they are required to do.
"These advertisements purchased by the local campaigns were identified as such in the "tag lines" required by the rules for election advertising.
"Mr. LeBlanc has also stated that Elections Canada has found the Conservative Party of Canada to be in violation of the Elections Act. Once again the Liberal Party and Mr. Leblanc are wrong; there has been no such ruling.
"Conservatives candidates spent Conservative funds to run Conservative advertising. Clearly, Mr. Leblanc and the Liberal Party do not let the truth get in the way of a Liberal fable. The Conservative Party and our local campaigns are in compliance with the Elections Act. In fact it is official agents from local Conservative campaigns who have have taken the matter to court for a ruling to confirm that local campaigns may conduct what advertising they want, whether the content is about local, regional or national issues. They believe that they have followed the rules correctly.
"It is time for Liberals to come clean, stop spreading lies about other parties and tell Canadians where the 40 million dollars that is still missing from the Liberal sponsorship scandal is. After the Liberal record on sponsorships and funnelling money, who would even trust them?"
#35. MEASURES TO ATTRACT MORE STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
Changes in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to lower the investment threshold and fast-track the process will make it easier for business immigrants to start up new business ventures, and will give B.C. an edge in the global competition for entrepreneurial talent and investment, Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen announced this week.
"By making these changes, we expect to attract more entrepreneurs and investment into the kinds of innovative and higher value-added sectors that contribute most to sustainable economic development and stronger regional economies," said Hansen.
Recognizing that most business immigrants create small, start-up ventures, new minimum investment requirements have been set for the PNP's three business categories. The new minimum investment is Applicants will still be required to create a minimum number of new jobs for Canadians - three in a Business Skills enterprise, one in a Regional Business enterprise and three for each nominee applicant involved in a Strategic Projects venture.
To encourage more investment outside of the province's fastest growing and most developed region, eligibility in the Regional Business category will now be limited to immigrants who locate their business outside of the Vancouver and Abbotsford metropolitan areas.
The business ventures eligible for the lower investment thresholds are:
* Increasing destination tourism
* Increasing R&D and technology commercialization
* Increasing value-added manufacturing/processing and exporting
* Developing innovative and creative approaches to traditional businesses
* Transferring technology, skills and specialized know-how to the province
* Servicing underserved local or regional markets
Special consideration will be given to business proposals that contribute to:
* Expanding business with the Asia-Pacific region
* Utilizing wood infected by the mountain pine beetle
* Diversifying the economies of communities affected by the mountain pine beetle
* Creating business partnerships with the province's First Nations
* Developing the province's emerging technology industries: clean technologies, information technology, new media, and life sciences
Finally, the program will now offer a fast-track option for entrepreneurs who post a $125,000 performance deposit in return for immediate nomination so that they can move quickly to make their investment and set up their business in British Columbia. This option is available to Business Skills and Regional Business applicants, and the $125,000 performance bond is in addition to the minimum investment for these categories.
Since the PNP was established in March 2001, over 3,394 skilled and business immigrants plus their dependents have made this province their home through the program. Last year alone, the province attracted over 1,300 skilled workers and entrepreneurs - 3,700 new immigrants if PNP includes their family members.
From the time the business category was introduced in 2002, the PNP has approved 330 nominee candidates who have committed to invest over $450 million and create almost 1,700 new jobs.
#36. NEW TOOL HELPS B.C. COMMUNITIES DEVELOP TIES WITH ASIA
The province and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) have unveiled a new 'how-to' tool kit to support local governments in building twinning relationships, strengthen local economies and develop cultural ties with Asian communities.
"We know the Asia-Pacific region presents significant opportunities for British Columbia," said Community Services Minister Ida Chong, as she helped introduce The BC Asia Tool Kit: Opening B.C. Communities to the World at the 2007 UBCM convention in Vancouver. "Local governments are in a unique position to capitalize on these opportunities and reach out across the Pacific. I want to thank UBCM for collaborating with us to produce this tool kit, which is a practical guide for municipalities to learn how to build, enhance and cultivate relationships that have the potential to provide substantial economic and cultural benefits."
International twinning is a way of promoting development and forming relationships among local governments, businesses, education centres, organizations and individuals. The tool kit provides municipalities with advice on getting started, establishing arrangements, maximizing the potential of the agreements over time and measuring progress.
"B.C. municipalities have long embraced the concept of sister-city arrangements, and this tool kit will help communities ensure they realize the potential benefits twinning can offer," said Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen. "B.C is committed to being recognized as North America's capital for Asia-Pacific commerce and culture and twinning arrangements are another way we can help promote the diverse products and services that British Columbia offers and Asia demands."
"The new tool kit provides a great opportunity to strengthen and build upon the 55 existing twinning relationships between B.C. local governments and Asia Pacific partners," said UBCM president Brenda Binnie. "We encourage all UBCM members to consider the development opportunities that an Asia-Pacific twinning relationship may provide."
Twinning is a key element in British Columbia's Asia Pacific Initiative, a long-term strategy to diversify our economic ties with the Asia-Pacific. The Province's goal - to position B.C. as the pre-eminent economic and cultural crossroads between Asia and North America - could benefit the province by as much as $76 billion in increased trade and 255,000 jobs by 2020.
The Twinning Tool Kit is available online at www.bcasiatwinnings.gov.bc.ca and includes profiles of existing partnerships with Asian communities.
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