NEWS ROUNDUP

#1. PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL ANNOUNCES NEW ER AND CARE TOWER FOR SURREY

A new state-of-the-art critical care tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) will increase the number of acute care beds by over 30 per cent and will include a new emergency department almost five times the size of the old ER, Premier Gordon Campbell and Health Services Minister George Abbott announced on Friday.

“This new tower will mean a significant improvement to patient care in Surrey, and will compliment the new Surrey Outpatient Hospital and the earlier 26 per cent expansion of acute care beds at Surrey Memorial since Fraser Health was created,” said Premier Campbell. “The project will significantly increase the number of beds at SMH, adding 151 beds for a total of 650 when complete, and will allow patients to be admitted more quickly. It will also help plan for the future, with the addition of more academic space at Surrey Memorial, helping us to train more doctors.”

Surrey Memorial’s ER is one of the busiest in the province. It currently sees around 71,000 patient visits per year, which is projected to increase to 101,000 by 2020. The new tower will help address Surrey’s future health needs and ease current congestion at SMH. The total capital project value is estimated in the range of $500 million to $600 million. The final cost of this public-private partnership project will be determined once a contract is signed and the full scope finalized

At around 6,100 square metres (65,652 sq. feet), the new emergency department will be close to five times the size of the current emergency department and will provide specialized mental health and geriatric units. It will also include a separate children’s ER, an enhanced minor treatment unit, and an improved area for acute patients. These enhancements will substantially improve Surrey Memorial’s efficiency, provide the best emergency care to patients and place the hospital in a prime position to continue attracting and retaining the finest medical expertise, supported by the latest medical equipment and technology.

The five-story tower will also feature a dedicated perinatal centre. The perinatal centre will include 48 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds, needed to treat premature infants and newborns in critical distress. The maternity department will also be expanded and 13 new obstetric beds will be added. Family-centred care will be the focus of the expanded facility, and families will play an integral role in the care team.

In addition to the new perinatal centre and ER will be two floors of additional inpatient beds, as well as an expanded adult intensive care unit, which will help meet the acute care needs of Surrey, and will play a crucial role in decreasing emergency room congestion. Additional academic space will be created, to support the growing partnership between Fraser Health (FH) and the University of British Columbia medical school. When complete, SMH will become part of FH’s clinical academic campus, working in conjunction with Royal Columbian Hospital, improving the province’s capacity to train new doctors. A new rooftop helipad will be located on the top of the new tower.

“The community has identified upgrades to Surrey’s health care facilities as a top priority,” said Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon. “Surrey's growing population is increasing the demand for additional health services and we are working diligently to meet these needs.”

 “This new tower is fantastic news for the people of Surrey,” said Dave S. Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead. “Not only are we keeping our commitment to address the critical needs at SMH, but we are going above and beyond those promises with the acute-care plans announced today.”

“The provincial government’s redevelopment and expansion of Fraser Health’s Surrey Memorial Hospital is wonderful news for our health professionals and for the people we serve,” said Dr. Nigel Murray, CEO of Fraser Health. “Enhancing SMH’s role as a regional hospital is well-supported by the collaborative clinical planning for the Lower Mainland and is a significant step forward in meeting the changing health needs of our rapidly-growing communities.”       

The critical care tower at SMH will be undertaken as a public-private partnership; the renovations to the existing hospital will be delivered through traditional procurement. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is being released to select a team to design, build, finance and maintain the tower. The estimated capital cost will be confirmed once the procurement process is complete and a successful proponent is selected. All health services will be funded by the public sector through Fraser Health, in keeping with the Canada Health Act.

The need for a new emergency department and perinatal centre at SMH was set out in the Surrey Health Services Capacity Initiative (SHSCI), endorsed by government in December 2005. Also recommended in the report was a new outpatient facility to provide a full range of ambulatory care services, and a primary-health-care clinic. The $239-million four-storey Surrey Outpatient Hospital will be located within one kilometre of SMH, and will accommodate approximately 450,000 annual outpatient visits when it is opened in 2011. With approval of this project, government has exceeded its commitment to the SHSCI.

Construction on the new tower is expected to begin in 2010 and create approximately 3,760 jobs. Dependent upon the procurement process, the new emergency department is planned to open to patients in spring 2013, with final construction of the tower complete in spring 2014.    

#2. PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PORT MANN BRIDGE

The new Port Mann Bridge will be a single, 10-lane span, Premier Gordon Campbell and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon announced on Wednesday as work began on the Port Mann-Highway 1 Project with the first pile for the bridge foundation being driven into the ground.

“The new Port Mann Bridge will be a first-class, state-of-the-art connector to clear traffic congestion on a critical transportation link across the Fraser River,” said Campbell. “The new bridge will give truckers, transit users and commuters a faster, more efficient trip to and from their destinations, significantly cutting travel times and improving the movement of people, goods and services. Construction of this new bridge will also create 8,000 jobs, helping to keep British Columbians working.”

“Right now, congestion on the Port Mann Bridge is approaching 14 hours a day, and it’s harming our economy, our environment and quality of life,” said Falcon. “The Port Mann-Highway 1 Project will help travelers see a time savings of up to 30 per cent due to reduced congestion. This is time better spent at their workplace or with their families.”

The capital cost of the project, including upgrades to 37 km of Highway 1 on either side of the bridge, is approximately $2.46 billion. The total cost, including operating and maintenance, rehabilitation and interest, will be released when the contract is finalized but is expected to be approximately $3.3 billion. Of that, the province is financing $1.15 billion in the form of a repayable loan, which is being matched by bank financing. The proponent is putting forward their own equity to pay for the remaining $1 billion.

The full cost of the project will be financed through electronic tolls, which will be $3 each way for cars. The government retains control of the rate of the tolls. The project is expected to be complete by 2013.

The new bridge will replace the existing 45-year-old bridge and provide badly needed capacity to meet current and future traffic demand, including a new RapidBus service that will allow commuters to travel all the way from Langley to Burnaby SkyTrain in 23 minutes. Once the new bridge is complete, the old bridge will be removed, saving at least $180 million in maintenance, rehabilitation and seismic upgrades that would have been required. The Port Mann-Highway 1 Project will provide for the first bus service across the Port Mann Bridge in over 20 years. In addition to RapidBus service, the new bridge will be built to accommodate potential light rapid transit at a future date, and it will expand networks for cyclists and pedestrians.

The project also includes widening Highway 1, upgrading interchanges, and improving access and safety from McGill Street in Vancouver to 216th Street in Langley, a distance of approximately 37 km. One lane of highway will be added in each direction west of the new bridge, and two lanes in each direction east of the bridge, one of which will be an HOV lane.

On January 28, the government reached an agreement-in-principle with Connect BC Development Group for a public-private partnership (P-3) on this project. The Connect BC Development Group team includes the Macquarie Group, Transtoll Inc., Peter Kiewit Sons Co. and Flatiron Constructors Canada Limited. Financial close is expected in early March, at which time the final terms and conditions will be finalized. The province will provide one-third of the financing, and Connect BC will fund two-thirds.

#3. MARY POLAK: NDP BASH PLAN TO CREATE 8,000 JOBS

The NDP's reckless approach to the economy is on full display with their refusal to support the provincial government's plan for a new Port Mann Bridge and the 8,000 jobs it will create, says BC Liberal MLA Mary Polak.

"NDP leader Carole James talks a good sound bite about infrastructure but when the shovel hits the ground she's nowhere to be found," says Polak, who represents Langley. "We know these are uncertain times and we need to invest in infrastructure and the jobs that come with that. Carole James says she supports infrastructure but has rejected the most significant project in the province and the 8,000 jobs it will create.

"She needs to spend some time out here and see the congestion and the frustration that drivers and businesses are experiencing. It's time for the NDP to end the wishy-washy comments, end the hypocrisy and support a project that is good for British Columbia."

Premier Gordon Campbell unveiled plans for the new 10-lane Port Mann Bridge on Wednesday.

But minutes later NDP transportation critic Maurine Karagianis was on the Christy Clark Show on CKNW dismissing the bridge and refusing to say how the NDP would deal with the issue.

"The NDP continue to show a complete disregard for the people living south of the Fraser. First, Carole James said 'wrong bridge, wrong time.' Now they're saying: 'We need a crossing' but refuse to tell us which bridge, when it would be built or how they would pay for it," says Polak. "We don't need any more studies. We need this bridge now, we need the transit options now and we need the jobs now. Unlike the NDP, we have a plan and we're going to build the bridge and keep people working."

#4. RALSTON: GOVERNMENT RESORTS TO DESPERATE ATTACKS TO COVER UP TRUE COSTS

New Democrat Finance Critic Bruce Ralston says the Campbell government is showing real desperation in it's political attacks as Liberal cabinet ministers respond to an embarrassing parade of cost overruns and failed financing schemes for important infrastructure projects.

Ralston says B.C. Liberal Mary Pollack’s attack on the Opposition over the Port Mann bridge project is misleading and dishonest.

“Pollack’s attack is a desperate attempt to cover up the true costs of the Port Mann Bridge to B.C. taxpayers and the delays caused by Gordon Campbell’s inability to admit his financing scheme was a failure,” said Ralston.

“If Pollack spent more time explaining the true costs of the bridge and less time blowing smoke in an effort to mislead the public, maybe we’d have a better idea of why costs have gone from 1.5 billion to over 3 billion dollars.  

“The Campbell government is well aware that the Opposition supports a new bridge over the Fraser. However we support, as part of an overall transportation plan, cost effective measures with immediate investments in buses, light rail, and rapid transit to reduce gridlock before 2013.

“If Pollack was truly interested in helping commuters and making good on her government’s ‘green agenda,’ she would stand up to Gordon Campbell and join Carole James in demanding real solutions for traffic gridlock.”

#5. GET MOVING BC APPLAUDS PORT MANN BRIDGE PLAN

Get Moving BC is applauding the plan to completely replace the 45-year old Port Mann Bridge with an entirely new 10-lane bridge at a cost of about $2.46 billion.  

Get Moving BC spokesperson Michael McBratney says the announcement is "great news" and that it confirms several months of hopeful speculation that the bridge might be completely replaced instead of just being twinned.

"Completely replacing the bridge is definitely superior to adding a twin, and it's worth the investment," McBratney says. "The new bridge is going to provide us with the kind of bridge we really need in that location and it's going to eliminate the worst, most costly traffic bottleneck in the Lower Mainland."

McBratney adds that traffic congestion currently costs the people and businesses of the Lower Mainland over $1.5 billion per year and that we're paying for that $1.5 billion in added costs in the price of our milk, our cheese, our bread and butter and our housing: "I'd rather see that $1.5 billion dollars go toward building the new transportation infrastructure we need instead of seeing it wasted every year on traffic congestion costs."   

McBratney says he's also pleased that the project is going to create more than 8,000 construction jobs, something that will really help the B.C. economy over the next several years.

"We're in much better shape here in B.C. to weather the world economic crisis than most people are, and keeping 8,000 or more B.C. people working, which the Port Mann Bridge project is going to do, is going to help us stay in that position of strength," McBratney says.  "Those 8,000 high-paying construction jobs will have a huge positive ripple through the B.C. economy and that's going help us ease our way through this time of worldwide economic crisis."   

McBratney says he is also encouraged to hear that NDP leader Carole James came out in support of the Port Mann Bridge project on the Bill Good Show. When asked by Good if the Port Mann Bridge project would still go ahead if she were elected Premier, James stated: "Yes, the bridge has to be built." 

McBratney is also confident that the P3 approach to building and maintaining the new Port Mann Bridge is the way to go because the P3 model has proven itself over and over again in B.C. in recent years.

"There are over twenty-five P3 projects in B.C. that have either been completed or are under construction," McBratney says. "The Canada Line, the Kicking Horse Canyon Bridge, the Sea-to-Sky Highway and the Bennett Bridge in Kelowna have all come in on time or ahead of schedule and they've all been on budget or under budget.  The $3.3 billion cost over the term of the bridge contract gives B.C. taxpayers the kind of certainty they need and deserve."   

In addition to accommodating vehicle traffic, the new 10-lane Port Mann Bridge will also accommodate Rapid Bus service and safely allow for cyclist and pedestrian use.  The new Port Mann Bridge will also be built strong enough to easily accommodate Rapid Transit in the future without costly upgrades.

#6. SURREY BOARD OF TRADE: PORT MANN BRIDGE / HIGHWAY 1 PROJECT MUST PROCEED

Surrey Board of Trade President Inde Sumal says his organization is solidly behind the second Port Mann crossing and the expansion of Highway #1.

He issued the following statement this week; “The Surrey Board of Trade has been closely following the funding issues that have beset the second Port Mann crossing and expansion of Highway #1.

“In that regard, the Surrey Board of Trade is solidly behind this project and encourages Transport Minister Kevin Falcon to do what is necessary to see this project through to completion.

“Our businesses and lives are seriously impacted by the staggering $1.5 billion annual toll, as estimated by Transport Canada, which results from the gridlock in our inadequate transportation system. For over a decade, our prime advocacy focus has been on the movement of goods, services and people around the province, and across the Lower Mainland in particular, efficiently and effectively. With the South Fraser Perimeter Road underway and this project in the gate, the whole regional transportation picture is now coming into focus. 

“The Surrey Board of Trade, the second largest in the province, represents over 3,600 business contacts, and frankly we’d prefer to pay a toll for a modern and efficient infrastructure, rather than the cost of one that failed at least 20 years ago.”

#7. MLA JAGRUP BRAR’S FUNDRAISER A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

More than 700 people gathered at a Surrey banquet hall to lend support to Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Panorama Ridge, at his recent fundraising event in Surrey.

Brar was acclaimed as the NDP’s candidate for the newly created Surrey-Fleetwood riding recently.

“I have always been passionate about issues that are important to Surrey. Whether it is the issue of building a new out patient hospital for Surrey or building expanded transit. Whether it is to pressure the government to change their decision about closing schools, in particular Fleetwood Elementary, or it is the issue of seismic upgrades to schools here, I have always tried to be a strong voice for the people of Surrey,” said Brar.

Thanking the people of Surrey, Brar said he will fight with every ounce of energy he has to ensure the people of B.C. get what they deserve. 

He said the people of Surrey are fed up with a Premier who is completely arrogant and out of touch and it is time to herald in a government for whom everyone matters.

The fundraiser was also attended by NDP Leader Carole James, who was also the keynote speaker. Veteran NDPer Moe Sihota was the Master of Ceremonies. 

#8. JOHN NURANEY ACCLAIMED BURNABY DEER LAKE BC LIBERAL CANDIDATE

John Nuraney has been acclaimed as the BC Liberal Candidate in Burnaby-Deer Lake. 

"We're really excited to have a candidate of John's caliber and experience leading our team in to the 2009 campaign," said Neil Mackay, Burnaby Deer Lake Riding President.  "Given John's great record and leadership over the last six years we firmly believe John is the right person to win in this riding."

Nuraney addressed a full house of supporters, thanking them for their continued support over the six years that he has served the community as a Liberal MLA. He chairs the Select Standing Committee on Education and is a member of the Select Standing Committee on Health. He is also a member of the Government Caucus Committee for Social Development.

"The Liberal government has stabilized funding for education, invested in transportation and healthcare and is looking after the needs of seniors. We have come a long way and now is the time for stability and leadership that will keep us on the right track to see Burnaby flourish" said Nuraney.

"This community is special and I am honoured to serve as your representative. There are many important issues we face in our community, such as protecting our economy, jobs, and families, and I just don't see those issues being addressed under the NDP."

Nuraney owns five A&W Restaurants, having built seven new restaurants since 1978, which have created over 100 jobs. His volunteer and community service experience includes: Burnaby Rotary Club director and past president; Michael J. Fox Theatre director; Metrotown Community Policing Advisory Group member; and Family Services of Greater Vancouver director. He is an active volunteer helping to meet the needs of the less fortunate; he instigated the "Penny Harvest" project which feeds hungry children in Burnaby, a project which to date has served over 3,000 meals.

Nuraney has lived in the constituency with his wife and they have three children and two grandchildren.

#9. FARNWORTH CALLS FOR BAIL PROCESS REVIEW AS GANG VIOLENCE CONTINUES

NDP MLA Mike Farnworth is calling on the Campbell government for an immediate review of B.C.’s bail process as gang violence spirals out of control.

"In far too many cases we are learning that victims and suspects in gang-style shootings are already wanted or awaiting trial for gang activity," said Farnworth, the New Democrat for public safety. 

“We need to make sure that gang members aren’t put back on the streets while they await trial.”

Farnworth cited the example of the Bacon brothers. Two of the notorious gang members are currently back on the street after being released on bail in July while they await trial for gun and drug charges.

"We need to review the bail system to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to protect innocent British Columbians from being hit by a stray bullet because gang members have been put back on the streets," said Farnworth.

"The police shouldn't have to use resources to monitor the Bacon brothers while they're on bail.  They should be behind bars,” said Farnworth. "There have already been attempts on their lives since their release.” 

Farnworth said the Campbell government’s record on preventing gang violence has been a failure.

In addition to a review of the bail process, Farnworth is calling for a comprehensive strategy to address gang activity and organized crime in the province.

#10. ECONOMIC FORECAST COUNCIL LOWERS B.C. FORECAST FOR 2009

Deteriorating conditions have led the B.C. Economic Forecast Council to lower its growth projections for the Province, Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced on Monday.

“We are continuing to see deterioration in world economies and this has eroded earlier projections for the province in 2009,” said Hansen. “However, the longer term outlook for 2010 continues to show strength.  And British Columbia is well positioned to rebound as the Canadian and world economy recovers.”

The council cited weakening US demand for B.C. products, continued volatility in world financial and commodity markets and moderating domestic demand in their December forecast. On average, the council now expects B.C.’s economy to post zero growth in 2009, downgraded from the 0.6 per cent growth projected in December.

However, participants revised their average 2010 forecast upward, as members now expect B.C.'s real GDP to expand by 2.8 per cent in that year. This is a small increase from the 2.7 per cent real GDP growth projected in December. The council’s average forecast for B.C.’s annual economic growth in the 2011-13 period did not change from December’s estimate of 2.6 per cent.

The Economic Forecast Council represents some of the most respected independent thinkers on economic forecasting in Canada. The Council provides critical economic advice to the minister of finance in developing each year's budget and fiscal plan.

#11. JAMES: CAMPBELL’S BUDGET FLIP-FLOP HIGHLIGHTS LEADERSHIP DEFICIT

Premier Gordon Campbell’s sudden admission that he will run budget deficits is no comfort to struggling B.C. families who have waited months for leadership from the premier, New Democrat Leader Carole James said his week.

“For months, Gordon Campbell chose to ignore the reality facing British Columbians who are struggling to keep their jobs and pay their bills,” said James.

“While he was in denial about his government’s plummeting revenues, he wasted hundreds of millions of dollars on pet projects like the new B.C. Place roof, Olympic cost overruns, and taxpayer-financed advertising campaigns.

“Now, with two weeks to go before he has to table a budget, the situation has caught up with him and he has been forced to admit that he can’t balance the budget as promised.”

Gordon Campbell said that he realized only two weeks ago that his revenue projections were so far off that he would have to run a deficit.

“Gordon Campbell was the last British Columbian to wake up to today’s reality,” said James. “Ordinary families have been struggling for months to keep their heads above water.  But Gordon Campbell ignored their concerns and spent on his own priorities.”

James said that with thousands of B.C. jobs lost and growth forecasts declining, the premier should have been taking action months ago to cut wasteful spending and help families cope.  “But Gordon Campbell was so out of touch he acted as though nothing was wrong,” she said.

“If Gordon Campbell took the situation seriously when it started, average British Columbians would be better able to weather the downturn. Today, the premier revealed two deficits: a big budget deficit and an even bigger leadership deficit.”

James also said that Campbell’s summits have not addressed the steep decline in B.C.’s economy and he needs to start taking real action to help average families, NDP Leader Carole James said this week.

“The job losses are growing, business is dropping rapidly and the government’s deficit is growing, yet the Campbell government has done little to help average families through the crunch,” said James.  

“While people are worried about jobs and paying the monthly bills, the Campbell Liberals are imposing new taxes like the gas tax, wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on pet projects like a new retractable roof for B.C. Place, and hiding Olympic cost overruns.”

James said that Gordon Campbell should use his address to the Summit to take action on three immediate priorities:

1. Eliminate the carbon tax.  A recession is the wrong time to raise taxes. This tax is unfair, it doesn’t address climate change, and it’s taking money out of people’s pockets and the economy at the worst possible time. 

2. Immediately invest in new housing infrastructure.  Two hundred and fifty million dollars are sitting in a housing trust fund held by the government.  Cities and towns across B.C. have projects ready to build. That money should be invested now to build new housing and put people to work. 

3. Improve student financial aid and cut student debt loads.  With unemployment rising, many British Columbians need to retrain and learn new skills. While other governments are investing in education, the Campbell government is cutting back, jeopardizing B.C.’s future economy. 

“Taking these steps to reduce taxes, create jobs, and help people train for the jobs of tomorrow is what the government should be doing at this time,” said James.  

“Gordon Campbell needs to start taking people’s concerns seriously, take his focus off pet projects and new taxes, and take action on the things that matter.”

#12. PROVINCIAL DEFICIT: BC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAYS “FOCUS FORWARD”

The BC Chamber of Commerce expressed its support for the government’s decision Monday, after hearing Finance Minister Colin Hansen’s announcement that the province will run a deficit for the next two fiscal years.

“It’s unfortunate, but in the current economic situation, obviously cannot be helped,” said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.  “When the options are either forfeit essential government services or run a deficit, there’s very little choice.  BC has been fairly sheltered from the crisis thus far - in large part thanks to government action - but as an open trading jurisdiction there is little we can do about the external factors that are affecting our position.”

Winter said the important things to focus on now are the ways in which we can precipitate our economy’s rebound – things that won’t be achieved by depriving British Columbians of government spending for the sake of reporting a surplus. In the interest of returning to a balanced budget, however, the Chamber and its members will expect a realistic and manageable recovery plan from government, once the Provincial Budget is unveiled.

“It will do no one any good to keep looking at the bottom of the hole we’re in and wondering how we got here,” he said.  “It’s time to look up and start finding a way to climb out.”

Winter pointed to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics as one of these hand holds.

“We should feel more fortunate than ever now to have the Olympics on the horizon in BC,” he said.  “They will play an even greater role in our province’s economic well-being, and our return to positive growth in 2010.”

#13. JOBLESS RATE SURGES TO 7.2 PERCENT

Employment fell by 129,000 in January (-0.8%), almost all in full time, pushing the unemployment rate up 0.6 percentage points to 7.2%. This drop in employment exceeds any monthly decline during the previous economic downturns of the 1980s and 1990s, according to Statistics Canada.

The loss in January follows other declines in recent months. Since October, employment has fallen by 213,000 (-1.2%), the result of full-time losses.

In January, the drop in employment was most pronounced in manufacturing, where the net loss totalled 101,000. There were declines in a number of other industries as well. The only industry with notable gains was health care and social assistance, where employment increased by 31,000.

Canada's three largest provinces accounted for the entire employment decrease in January. While just over half of employment losses were in Ontario (-71,000), there were also large declines in both BRITISH COLUMBIA (-35,000) and Quebec (-26,000). Employment was little changed in all other provinces.

Employment fell mostly among core-age adults, 25 to 54 years, as well as among youths aged 15 to 24.

Both the public and private sectors experienced employment losses in January. While employment fell by 1.2% in the public sector, the private sector declined by 0.9%.

Compared with a year earlier, average hourly wages of employees was up 4.8% in January. The most recent increase in the Consumer Price Index was 1.2%.

Manufacturing employment falls sharply in January:

Employment fell by 101,000 in the manufacturing sector in January. This was the largest monthly decline in the industry on record. The bulk of January's losses were in Ontario (-36,000), Quebec (-30,000) and British Columbia (-18,000). Factory employment was also down in Alberta and Manitoba.

Manufacturing losses in January were most pronounced in motor vehicle manufacturing. Employment also fell elsewhere in manufacturing in January, including: furniture; computer and electronic; non-metallic mineral product; electrical equipment, appliance and components; and clothing manufacturing.

In January, employment also fell in transportation and warehousing (-30,000), largely in truck transportation in Ontario. Employment in business, building and other support services declined as well in January, with losses totalling 22,000 (-3.2%). Over the last 12 months, employment in business, building and other support services has fallen by 8.2%.

Employment in health care and social assistance bucked the trend in January, up 31,000, with the largest gains in Ontario and Quebec. Since January 2008, health care and social assistance has experienced the fastest employment growth of all industries, up 5.1% (+95,000), with gains in social assistance, nursing and residential care facilities as well as hospitals.

Continued losses in Ontario:

Ontario's employment drop of 71,000 in January was its largest in over three decades. This decrease pushed the unemployment rate up 0.8 percentage points to 8.0%, the highest since November 1997. Since October 2008, employment in the province has fallen by 1.9% (-125,000) and the unemployment rate has risen by 1.3 percentage points.

Employment in British Columbia fell in January by 35,000, with gains in part time more than offset by losses in full time. The province's unemployment rate jumped to 6.1%, an increase of 0.8 percentage points. Following a five-year period of sustained growth, construction employment fell for the fourth consecutive month in January, bringing total losses in that industry to 32,000 since its peak in September 2008.

In Quebec, employment fell by 26,000, all in part time, pushing the unemployment rate in January up to 7.7%. January saw large declines in public administration, following gains in December associated with hiring for the provincial election.

Bulk of employment losses among 25- to 54-year-olds:

Employment fell by 111,000 among the core age group (adults aged 25 to 54), with men accounting for nearly two-thirds of the decline. The unemployment rate for core-age adults jumped 0.8 percentage points to 6.2%, their highest rate since November 2004.

Youths aged 15 to 24 also experienced employment losses in January with a drop of 28,000. At the same time, a large number of youths left the labour force, nudging their unemployment rate down slightly to 12.7%.

Since October 2008, core-age adults have experienced the largest decline in employment, down 146,000 (-1.2%). Over the same period, youth employment fell by 75,000 (-2.9%). In contrast, older workers have seen modest employment gains of 8,000 (+0.3%).

#14. FEDERAL LIBERALS: RECORD JOB LOSS A WAKEUP CALL FOR STEPHEN HARPER

January's record job loss numbers paint a clear picture of just how severely the recession has affected Canadian families while the Conservatives were asleep at the switch, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said on Friday.

The 129,000 jobs lost in January are the largest monthly losses Canada has experienced since Statistics Canada began keeping its monthly records. It brings the total number of job losses in Canada to almost one quarter of a million in only the last three months.

Ignatieff said the staggering numbers are precisely why he has put the government on probation with his Liberal budget amendment.

"Last fall, Stephen Harper said that it was a good time to buy stocks, he said that there was no need to  run a deficit and he said if we were going to have a recession it would have happened by now," said Ignatieff.  "We now know that as he was saying that, the market fell further, the Conservatives were in the red, and over 234,000 jobs were lost.

"This government has failed to plan and failed to protect Canadian jobs. It didn't see the seriousness of the downturn and failed to bring in an immediate stimulus package when the urgency was clear.”

Liberal Finance Critic John McCallum urged the government to set aside partisanship and create jobs for all Canadians.  As an example of recent behavior that can no longer be tolerated he pointed to the fact that in the past two years over 75 per cent of announced Building Canada Fund infrastructure money is being funneled directly to ridings that elected Conservatives.

"The time for games is long over.  The Prime Minister must get the money contained in this budget into the economy and not spend countless months pork barreling it directly to Conservative ridings," said McCallum.  "Canadians need a Prime Minster who is willing to work with all parties in the House of Commons, to create jobs in all regions of this country.

"If the government had only acted when every other industrialized country was acting, investments would have already begun flowing to create and maintain jobs," he said.  "Instead the government, called an unnecessary election, brought forward a disastrous economic statement, caused a constitutional crisis and prorogued Parliament.  The Conservative record shows just how out of touch they were with Canada's precarious economic situation."

#15. PROVINCE INVESTING $14B FOR JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Close to $14 billion in infrastructure spending over the next three years could create tens of thousands of jobs and keep British Columbians working, Premier Gordon Campbell announced on Tuesday in his keynote address at the British Columbia Economic Summit.

“We will be investing in needed infrastructure projects across the province to help create jobs, stability and confidence during this challenging time for the global economy,” said Campbell. “Last October I said we would look at ways to accelerate projects in the coming months and years. These projects will benefit communities across the province, keep us competitive, and keep people working. We have identified $2 billion in project acceleration that we intend to pursue as quickly as possible, including hundreds of millions of dollars to be launched in the next 90 days.”

Breakdown of provincial infrastructure investment:

* $2 billion cost-shared with the federal government for new projects to be accelerated over the next three years. Of that $2 billion, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of projects can be launched within the next 90 days.

* $10.6 billion in approved capital construction projects currently within the Province’s capital plan for the next three years.

* $1.4 billion in local infrastructure projects being built in partnership with local governments and the federal government.

“These projects could create tens of thousands of jobs over the next three years,” said Campbell. “We will be building housing for seniors, First Nations and the homeless. We will build projects that improve transportation, health care, education and climate action throughout the province, creating jobs and ensuring British Columbia stays strong for the future.”

#16. B.C. HATE CRIME TEAM LOOKING INTO UBC STUDENTS CLASH

Several University of British Columbia students were involved in two separate incidents at the UBC Place Vanier Residence during the past weekend. The students were involved in a confrontation concerning torn posters of Palestinian authorities (Hamas and PLO) off the apartment door of another student. Two victims were allegedly assaulted by the male student who owned the posters in the two separate incidents, according to the RCMP.

On January 31 at about 8:30 p.m., a student was studying in his room at 1935 Lower Mall Tech Building when he heard a commotion in the hallway and observed four males, one of whom was holding a video camera. He then noticed that the posters on his apartment door of Palestinian authorities had been torn down. All four students fled the area. The student eventually caught up to one of the four males who had the video camera. An altercation ensued and the student with the camera was restrained by the other student until UBC resident advisors arrived. The student whose posters had been torn downed claims that the student with the video camera made racial slurs during the altercation. Police were not called to the scene.

At about 9:15 p.m. the same day, six males came to the Tech Building and, according to the same witness from the previous incident, these males were observed at his door. The student confronted them and he chased the males eventually catching up to one male outside the building where another altercation is alleged to have taken place. UBC resident advisors attended and separated both students.

The victim of the poster theft called the police after the second incident and RCMP University Detachment officers attended the scene. Two suspects from the first incident were located that evening and interviewed. They claimed that the reason they were in the hallway outside the other student's apartment was that they were doing a film documentary for their Jewish fraternity.

These suspects are alleging their Star of David necklaces were torn off during the altercations with the first victim.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is still ongoing. The BC Hate Crime Team is assisting with the investigation as a result of allegations being made that this may have a hate or racial motivation to it.

Cpl. Peter Thiessen said: “UBC is a peaceful institution and this is an isolated and unique incident. It is expected that this will not escalate any further. The RCMP does not and will not tolerate racism or stereotyping of any kind, under any circumstances.”

#17. PHASE TWO OF OLYMPIC SECURITY EXERCISES NEXT WEEK

Representatives from the federal and provincial governments responsible for Olympic security announced this week that a milestone exercise will be underway from February 9 to 13 across the Lower Mainland and Whistler.

Exercise Silver is part of the Olympic Integrated Exercise Program. The program is designed to ensure coordinated responses are sufficiently tested in preparation for incidents that might arise during the 2010 Winter Games. The program has three key components. Exercise Bronze was held in November 2008 and examined security structures. Exercise Silver, which will run next week, will practise plans and coordination. Exercise Gold is scheduled for November 2009 and will confirm readiness for the Games. The program includes participants from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as emergency services and private sector partners.

Much of Exercise Silver is focused on information sharing across government and non-governmental agencies and will therefore be out of the public eye. Other parts of the exercise will provide safety and security participants with hands-on experience.

“We are less than one year away from becoming operational. Exercise Silver and the overall exercise program play a vital role in ensuring game-time readiness. These shared exercises help develop and validate capabilities arising from the cooperative efforts and interoperability of various agencies and government departments from all levels”, said Assistant Commissioner Bud Mercer, Chief Operating Officer of the RCMP-led V2010 Integrated Security Unit.

“This exercise program is an excellent opportunity for the Canadian Forces to come together with our security partners to practice the integrated security plan,” said Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander of Joint Task Force Games.

“British Columbia is recognized globally as a leader in emergency management," said John Oakley, Director, Integrated Public Safety Program, Emergency Management B.C. “Exercises such as this allow us to work with our public safety partners to test and enhance the structures we have in place to protect public safety."

Security preparations for these Games, including the Integrated Exercise Program, will leave B.C. and Canada as a whole with a valuable legacy. Best practices and lessons learned from the exercise will be shared with federal, provincial and municipal partners and incorporated into their plans to ensure a secure 2010 Winter Games.

#18. PRIVACY COMMISSIONERS: PRIVACY PROTECTION MUST BE PART OF WINTER GAMES PLANNING

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia say that security and law enforcement agencies have to find the right balance between security requirements and privacy for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

"Ensuring the security of Olympic venues, and the safety of athletes and the public, is of the utmost importance," said Privacy Commissioner of Canada Jennifer Stoddart.

"We recognize that special events like this demand special security," added her colleague, B.C. Commissioner David Loukidelis, "but privacy remains important."

Commissioner Stoddart agreed, adding that: "In a democratic society, such as Canada, a government's duty to keep citizens safe must be tempered by the values that underpin our way of life. That is why the right to privacy must be upheld, even during mega-events like the Olympic Games, where the threat to security is higher."

The two commissioners spoke at an Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada workshop - Privacy, Security and the 2010 Olympics.

Both Commissioners have long taken the position that the right to privacy should only be forfeited where there are no other, less privacy-invasive security measures, which could achieve the same ends. Commissioner Stoddart said there is a need to consider the privacy impacts of widespread and highly sophisticated surveillance systems in use during the Olympics, but especially the legacy of such security measures after the Games.

"Experience has shown that Olympic Games and other mega-events can leave a troubling legacy - large-scale, security surveillance systems installed for mega-events often remain long after the event is over," she said.

What happened following the Athens Games of 2004 is a case in point. Closed-circuit cameras installed for the Games were left in place afterwards to help law enforcement monitor citizens, notably during public demonstrations.

"Our hope is that Vancouver-area residents will not wind up surrounded by surveillance systems they neither want nor need. This would be an unfortunate legacy of the 2010 Games," said Commissioner Loukidelis.

The two Commissioners have discussed security and privacy issues for the Games and will collaborate in monitoring security measures and privacy protections, in order to ensure that privacy rights are fully respected during the Games and after.

#19. ONTARIO’S PEEL REGIONAL POLICE: CYBER CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Children increasingly have greater opportunities to go online and expose themselves to the risks associated to the unsupervised use of the Internet. Internet sites such as MySpace and Facebook have dramatically increased in popularity amongst youth. Peel Regional Police are cautioning parents that children should only access these sites under supervision. Parents should be aware of the possible consequences associated with these applications.

It is important to remember that the use of social networking sites can have negative consequences, such as cyber-bullying and identity theft. Both children and adults can be victimized.   

Here are some simple suggestions to help you minimize the risks while using a social networking site:

* Choose the site carefully.

* Post only information you wouldn’t mind the whole world knowing about.

* Keep personal information to yourself.

* Use a screen name that doesn’t say much about you and avoid using one which may attract the wrong kind of friends.

* Don’t post personal photos (they can be altered by people other than you).

* Flirting with strangers online could have serious consequences.

* Be cautious of new online friends who want to meet you in person.

* You can’t take it back (deleted information from your personal computer remains on other computers). 

* Go with your gut feeling (if you feel uncomfortable or threatened as a result of something directed at you online, tell an adult or report it to the police)

 For more information, visit website www.peelpolice.ca and click on “Crime Prevention”, then “Computer / Internet Safety.”

#20. ORGANIZATIONS AND PROMINENT PEOPLE URGE HARPER TO REPATRIATE OMAR KHADR

One hundred and eighty-five organizations, including almost every major Muslim group in Canada, as well as several Jewish and human-rights organizations, and prominent people, including former NDP leader Alexa McDonough, Naomi Klein and Maher Arar, and former Progressive Conservative MP Flora MacDonald, who served as secretary of state for external affairs under Joe Clark, signed a letter Tuesday to Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging him to repatriate Omar Khadr.

The letter:

It was with grave concern and disappointment that we citizens of conscience, scholars, Imams, community leaders, lawyers, academics, activists and human rights and civil liberties organizations, received the news regarding your continuing refusal to intervene on behalf of Omar Khadr, the last western citizen still imprisoned in Guantánamo Bay. We are writing to urge you to reconsider that position and immediately take action to request that Omar Khadr be repatriated to Canada. The significant changes in US policy with respect to Guantánamo Bay, announced last week by President Obama, offer the Canadian government a remarkable opportunity to take action to defend Omar Khadr’s rights. Silence is no longer an option.
We believe that your inaction with regards to this important case, compared to your active involvement in other cases (such as the repatriation of Brenda Martin from Mexico), has been, rightly or wrongly, interpreted by the Muslim community as indicative that your government considers Canadian Muslims to be second-class citizens. While we most certainly hope and expect that this does not in any way reflect reality, it is nonetheless crucial that you understand that this is a growing perception within the Muslim community. We believe that your government can help change this perception by immediately asking for Omar Khadr’s return to Canada, his country of birth, where he can be rehabilitated and eventually reintegrated into society.
Canada has played a key role in pressing for the rehabilitation of child soldiers such as those abused and exploited in Sierra Leone, Colombia, Sri Lanka and many other countries. That principled leadership cannot waver now, when it is a Canadian who is the child soldier. It has never been clear whether your government considers the definition of a child soldier to apply to Omar Khadr. In our view, there is no doubt, he most certainly was a child soldier at the time he was captured on the battlefield in Afghanistan.
In your public comments about Omar Khadr’s case you have often stressed that your government considers the allegations against him to be very serious. However, revelations about the evidence against him cast more and more doubt as to the veracity of those allegations. Additionally, it is now clear that Omar Khadr has been tortured and abused, in Afghanistan and at Guantánamo Bay, by his American captors for over six years.
With the welcome news that the Guantánamo Bay detention camp is slated to be shut down by President Obama, the inescapable reality now is that your government must find a viable and fair solution for Omar Khadr’s case. Notably, several European countries have now indicated that they are prepared to resettle from Guantánamo Bay individuals who are not even citizens of their countries, out of concern that those individuals would be further mistreated if sent back to their countries of origin. Your government’s refusal to intervene on Mr. Khadr’s behalf stands in stark contrast to that spirit of generosity.
We do hope that your government will reverse its position immediately and ask for Omar Khadr’s repatriation to Canada without any further delay. He deserves rehabilitation and justice and he can only receive them in his country of citizenship, Canada.

#21. HIGH-TECH DRIVER'S LICENCE TO HELP STOP ID THEFT, FRAUD

British Columbians will soon be carrying new, redesigned, high-tech driver’s licences that will be harder to alter, forge or obtain under different identities than current licences, Solicitor General John van Dongen announced this week as part of government’s latest efforts to prevent identity theft and other criminal activity.

“Driver’s licences are widely trusted as ID and, when tampered with, can cost people, businesses and financial institutions millions of dollars each year,” said van Dongen. “The cutting-edge features we are introducing, like facial recognition technology, will greatly enhance the integrity of these cards as identification.”

The new and improved security features, which will also apply to a new B.C. Identification card, include:

* Facial recognition technology, which will enable ICBC to compare a cardholder’s image with their existing image on file and with the corporation’s entire database of millions of images. This technology will provide strong protection against identity theft and fraud, and help prevent prohibited drivers from obtaining licences in false names.

* Counterfeit-prevention devices like holographic overlays and laser-engraving or raising of features like the cardholder’s image and signature, plus a second “ghosted” image printed at a different depth in the card than the primary photo, for added security.

* New polycarbonate card stock, which is much more tamper-resistant and durable than the existing, plastic cards.

* Elaborate graphic designs that incorporate a B.C. mountain range, the Steeples in the Kootenay River Valley, on the driver’s licence and an orca on the ID card. Designed to meet North American information placement standards, the cards also use larger type for easier reading of key information.

* Additional text to identify cardholders under 19 years old. This feature is common on ID cards but will be unique on B.C. driver’s licences. It will make it easier for police, licensed establishments and retailers of tobacco, alcohol and lottery products to quickly verify a cardholder’s legal age.

“Criminal organizations keep getting more sophisticated in their fake-ID manufacturing capabilities,” said Sgt. Rick Koop of the RCMP’s B.C. Commercial Crime Section. “The new security features for the new driver’s licences are a timely and effective response to a variety of unlawful activities, including cases where individuals apply for a licence under an assumed name because they’ve been prohibited from driving, and where organized criminals are involved in large-scale credit fraud.

ICBC will begin issuing the new documents on March 2 to customers who apply for a new, renewed or replacement B.C. Driver’s Licence or B.C. Identification card. Holders of existing, valid licences and cards can continue to use them until they expire. As such, both new and existing licences and cards will be in use over the next five years.

“The process to obtain a new or renewed driver’s licence will remain virtually unchanged, except for the requirement for customers to maintain a neutral facial expression for their card photo, and the current fees will not change,” said Fred Hess, vice president of driver licensing at ICBC.

Photo driver’s licences were first issued in B.C. in 1972. Digital photography was introduced to the cards in 1996, and in 2003, further improvements made the cards more tamper- and counterfeit-resistant.

#22. NEARLY HALF OF THIS WEEK’S RCMP GRADS COMING TO B.C.

The number of new RCMP officers coming to B.C. is growing as 12 of this week’s 30 RCMP graduates are heading to the province to begin their careers, Solicitor General John van Dongen said this week after he paid a visit to Regina for the graduating exercises of the latest class of recruits.

“I was very proud to have gone to Regina to welcome these new recruits as they head off to the various towns and cities throughout our province,” said van Dongen. “The constables who are coming to B.C. have been well-trained and that will help us in our battle against the ever-changing face of crime.”

The graduates will be arriving within weeks at their new homes in Surrey, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Richmond, Tumbler Ridge, Revelstoke, Mackenzie, Powell River, Port Alberni and the Lisims-Nass Valley. 

There are about 6,000 RCMP officers working in B.C. Recruits attend an extensive 24-week training schedule at the RCMP headquarters in Regina. This includes lifelike scenario training, problem-solving exercises, and community interaction. They are also required to ensure continuous assessment and improvement of work practices. Fifty-eight troops will be graduating this year.

 On Monday, the public safety minister attended a number of activities including the swearing-in for Troop #21, the Sergeant Major’s Parade, and the Drill Display and Badge Presentation. He also gave the address to the graduates and their families at the evening ceremony.

“We are grateful that the Solicitor General took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Academy and to participate in the graduation ceremonies of a troop of new police officers,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Peter German. “It was a memorable event and his support is appreciated by all employees of the force.”

Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts joined the Solicitor General in Regina.

“I had the opportunity to meet the new recruits who are coming to the province, and to Surrey,” Watts said. “They will be a most welcome addition to the Crime Reduction Strategy underway in my community that is helping to prevent and deter crime.” 

The new RCMP officers will have a number of tools to assist them in their duties in B.C. This includes PRIME – leading edge technology that gives police real-time information on criminals no matter where they are in the province; auto license plate recognition, which reads plate numbers and checks them against a police database; Air One, B.C.’s dedicated traffic safety helicopter; and the successful bait car program.

The province has also given police the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, including funding 400 more RCMP positions since 2003; in addition, since 2004, when the government began returning 100 per cent of traffic fine revenues to municipalities, $210 million in traffic fine revenue has been returned to municipalities to be used towards public safety.

British Columbia also has more integrated units and joint operations per capita than anywhere in Canada. The units investigate homicides, target criminal organizations and gangs and help reduce auto theft and improve road safety.   

#23. DELTA’S SUPERBOWL CHAMPION CONGRATULATED IN PARLIAMENT

This week, in the House of Commons, Sukh Dhaliwal, MP for Newton-North Delta, congratulated North Delta's Mitch Berger, punter for the Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

"He has made his parents, our community and Canada very proud," Dhaliwal said in the House.  "I ask all members of this house to join me in congratulating North Delta's Mitch Berger, our Canadian Super Bowl champion."

His statement was followed by cheers and applause from all sides of the House.

Mitch grew up playing community football in Delta and graduated from North Delta Secondary. His proud North Delta parents, Don and Evelyn Berger were in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday to watch their son, the only Canadian on the field, win sport's most celebrated championship.

#24. TV AD LAUNCHED TO HIGHLIGHT SHORTAGE OF NURSES

The commercial is aimed at increasing public awareness about the nursing shortage and nurses' solutions to address it.

The BC Nurses' Union this week launched a television ad to increase public awareness about the nursing shortage and to publicize nurses' solutions to address it.

The ad highlights the critical need to educate, recruit and retain more nurses. It offers the opportunity for viewers to read about nurses' solutions to the shortage and to learn more.

The ad is scheduled to run until February 13.

It will be shown throughout the day, in prime time and on major newscasts. The ad can be viewed at www.BCNursesSolutions.ca

#25. SURREY FIRE CHIEF ON SIX-STOREY WOOD-FRAME BUILDINGS

City of Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis this week defended the change in the B.C. Building Code to allow six-storey wood-frame buildings.

He said: “Since the province announced it was changing the B.C. Building Code to allow taller wood-frame buildings, I've heard comments about the safety of building six storeys out of wood.

“Most of the concerns people have about the fire safety of taller wood buildings come from a lack of information about how fires behave and about how buildings are constructed to protect people and limit the spread of fires. 

“The changes to the BC Building Code to allow taller wood buildings also set strong fire protection requirements for those buildings, including a higher standard for sprinklers and fire-resistant cladding on the outside of the building. This will give people time to leave safely and help limit damage. 

“I've seen it time and time again - sprinklers save lives and reduce fire damage to the building. The requirements for sprinklers and other fire protection measures in mid-rise wood buildings more than offset any potential risk from using more wood in construction.

“There's more fire protection in a mid-rise wood frame building than in most buildings already in the community. Certainly, I'd feel safer living in the sixth floor of a wood-frame building than in the typical single family home that doesn't have sprinklers.  

“As the second largest city in B.C., Surrey will see many benefits from taller wood buildings: more housing options for our growing population; more effective use of land for housing by building up instead of out; and, homes that are more affordable and are easier on the environment. All these benefits can be delivered without compromising safety.” 

#26. VANCOUVER MAYOR AND COUNCIL CONSIDER SPENDING CUTS

Vancouver Council directed the city manager this week to immediately take all necessary steps to reduce tax increases in the 2009 operating budget, including the consideration of both hiring and pay freezes. 

“We’re facing challenging economic times, and City Hall needs to adjust,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “The direction that council has given to the city manager today will make sure that we are expanding our search for savings in our city budget.” 

Councillor Raymond Louie, Chair of the City’s Services and Budgets Committee, introduced a motion directing the city manager to take all necessary steps to produce a budget that will “protect taxpayers and mitigate any compromise of key city services.” 

The motion also directed the city manager to consider the following steps when limiting property tax increases: 

* hiring freezes

* pay freezes

* limiting external consultant engagements

* early retirement 

“When our new council was sworn in, we were staring at a potential 13 per cent property tax increase for homeowners,” said Louie. “Since that time, we’ve cut $26 million from the budget – but it’s not enough. That’s why today we’re taking extra steps to cut spending at City Hall so that we can reign in property tax increases.”

#27. HEALTH AUTHORITIES AIM TO IMPROVE MEDICALLY STABLE PATIENT TRANSFERS

Fraser Health (FH), Providence Health Care (PHC) and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) have awarded two-year contracts to Medi-Van Canada Inc. (Medi-Van) and SN Transport Canada Limited (SN Transport) to provide transfers for medically stable patients between health facilities, residential care facilities and community locations. The contracts are part of a province-wide initiative to address the growing demand for this patient transfer service. 

“Introducing this service will most certainly benefit patients,” said Minister of Health Services George Abbott. “Much like in other areas of the province where this has already been implemented, it will allow for improved patient flow and more timely service for FH, PHC and VCH patients.” 

Currently, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) is the primary provider of inter-facility patient transfers, transferring over 89,000 patients in the areas served by FH, PHC and VCH each year. Many of these patients, such as those being routinely transferred from a residential care home to hospital for tests or dialysis treatment, do not require an ambulance and would be better suited to an alternate service provider (ASP). 

“FH, VCH and PHC are working closely together to improve services and reduce duplication in costs to benefit patients across the Lower Mainland,” said David Handley, executive director, Business Initiatives and Support Services, for the three organizations. “This collaborative initiative will result in over $2 million in savings annually that can be re-directed into patient care.” 

BC Ambulance Service will remain the provider of emergency medical services in the Lower Mainland. Patients who require medical monitoring or intervention will continue to be transferred by BCAS under the supervision of qualified paramedics. Using alternate service providers will permit BCAS to focus on patients who need their skills the most. 

The service will be introduced in March. Both Medi-Van and SN Transport have the capabilities of providing ambulatory, wheelchair and stretcher transfers for patients who do not require medical care during transport. Service will be available Monday to Friday during peak hours and for scheduled after-hours appointments and on weekends.  Both vendors will be servicing the Lower Mainland area.

Fees charged for transfer will be less than what is currently charged by the BC Ambulance Service and will be consistent with those charged in other areas of BC. Patients who are currently excluded from charges by the BC Ambulance Service will also be exempt under this initiative. These include patients on income assistance or premium assistance or who are being transported between acute care facilities. During the ramp up phase of this initiative, no new patient fees will be introduced by SN Transport or Medi-Van. This will give our patients time to understand the service and to be more informed about their transfer options. 

Medi-Van originated in Manitoba and has been providing non-emergency stretcher and wheelchair service in Canada for over 30 years.  They service personal care homes, hospital wards, emergency departments and doctors’ offices, and have been working with hospitals and health facilities in southern Vancouver Island for 10 years. They were recently contracted with Interior Health to provide ASP service.  

SN Transport, based in the Lower Mainland, has been operating since 2003. Its management team based its business on a successful UK model that provided service to health authorities, social services and local government. SN Transport has been providing some alternate provider service to VCH for five years. 

Both companies use stretcher and wheelchair vehicles that are equipped with basic patient care equipment. All employees have a minimum qualification of Occupational First Aid and CPR for Healthcare Professionals. In their nearly 40 years of combined customer service, neither Medi-Van nor SN Transport has ever had any patient safety incidents.

#28. SMALL HANDS MAKE BIG DIFFERENCE IN FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER

Every school day in Canada, ten children are diagnosed with cancer. With every devastating diagnosis hundreds of family members, friends and classmates feel overwhelmed and helpless. However, the Childhood Cancer Foundation – Candlelighters Canada (CCF) wants Canadians to know "Small hands can make a big difference" and is challenging Canadians big and small to use their hands to help the more than 10,000 children across Canada currently fighting cancer.

From International Childhood Cancer Day (February 15) to the end of September (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) the CCF is calling on children, parents, schools, community groups and sports teams to organize "Small Hands" fundraisers in their communities.

"We are trying to spread the word that little grassroots projects can make a significant difference in the fight against childhood cancer," says Mary Lye, Director of Marketing and Communications, CCF, and herself the mother of a childhood cancer survivor. "Our new Small Hands fundraising campaign was specifically designed for individuals or groups to initiate small, personal fundraising campaigns – with goals ranging from  $50 to $5,000 - that when pooled together make a big difference."

A list of individual and group Small Hands fundraising suggestions can be found at www.smallhands.ca. Popular initiatives include: collecting and donating empty wine and beer bottles, hair cuttings / head shavings, garage sales, accepting donations in lieu of birthday party gifts, dinner parties, barbeques and golf tournaments. Each participating individual or group has an online homepage with their own fundraising thermometer, personal message and area for sponsors to submit encouraging messages.

"Although we have identified a list of fundraising ideas, we are really encouraging people to be creative and to design a fundraiser that is both fun and appropriate for them," says Lye. "Last year, one little girl in Toronto raised more than $5,000 when she cut her knee length hair to her shoulders. In addition to raising the money she also donated her hair to make a wig for a child with cancer."

The CCF's Small Hands campaign ensures children with cancer, along with their families, receive the range of support and information programs they require to help them through their cancer journey. In addition, the CCF funds research through the C17 Research Network of Canada's children's hospitals and supports childhood cancer survivors with college / university scholarships to celebrate their second chance at life.

The 2009 Small Hands campaign kicks off on February 15 – International Childhood Cancer Day – the day people around the world unite to raise awareness of childhood cancer and money towards the fight against it. The campaign will close at the end of September - Childhood Cancer Awareness month.

To register a Small Hands event, to read event planning tips or to donate to a participant, please visit www.smallhands.ca. For more information about the Childhood Cancer Foundation, visit www.childhoodcancer.ca

#29. VANCOUVER POLICE LAUNCH NEW BLOG

Vancouver Police have introduced the latest tool in their drive to hire police officers. 

Constable Sandra Glendinning of the VPD’s Dog Squad launched her blog “Behind the Blue Line” on December 13. Since then, she’s had over 6,000 page views.

Glendinning, who many people may recognize from the giant poster board on the side of the police building at 2120 Cambie Street, is also an Award of Valour recipient, along with many other awards she has been given throughout her 13-year career with the department.

Glendinning came up with the idea of starting a blog to share her experiences on a more interactive level with the public. 

“I wanted to pull back the curtain on policing,” she says. “I wanted to show that while the officers who have sworn to protect you are brave, courageous and strong, they are still human beings with feelings and emotions.”

She’s now become a key partner in the department’s recruiting initiatives, as many of the people visiting her blog are hearing firsthand what an exciting and fulfilling career that policing with the VPD can be.

Link to Constable Glendinning's blog - http://www.behindtheblueline.ca/blog/blueline/index.php

#30. FOUR VANCOUVER POLICE OFFICERS TO FACE HEARING IN 2006 POLICE PURSUIT

Police Complaint Commissioner Dirk Ryneveld has arranged a public hearing into the actions of four Vancouver Police officers who were involved in a pursuit of a suspect vehicle. This pursuit ended in a fatal motor vehicle accident in Richmond.

On June 7, 2007, a Police Act Order to Investigate was issued by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner regarding the August 1, 2006 police pursuit. An inquest into the death of the victim, Yau Tong “Frankie” Lam, 51, who was struck by the vehicle being pursued by the police, was held in March and April of 2008.

It is alleged that the four Vancouver Police Department officers involved in the pursuit – Sgt. Trevor Herrmann and constables Raymond Wong, Andrew Chan and Marco Veronesi - committed disciplinary defaults under the Code of Professional Conduct Regulation by continuing the pursuit of the vehicle despite the pursuit having been called off by their supervisor and knowing that a plan had been established to arrest the suspect once she returned to a known residence; failing to comply with an order, binding directive or policy of the Vancouver Police Department regarding pursuits; and neglect of duty in failing to work in accordance with orders.

The Police Complaint Commissioner determined that the conflicting findings of the Vancouver Police Department and evidence of witnesses at the inquest, along with the seriousness of the harm that resulted from the officers’ alleged conduct, satisfied him that a public hearing is necessary both to ascertain the truth, and to preserve public confidence in the complaint process.

The public hearing will be held before adjudicator Allan Thackray, a  retired justice of the British Columbia Court of Appeal, on a date to be determined by him.

A copy of the Public Hearing Notice can be found on the OPCC website; www.opcc.bc.ca.

#31. NDP: B.C.’S MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS TELL CAMPBELL TO DO THE RIGHT THING

The Campbell government's failure to invest in supports for B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens has left families across the province in crisis, according to Jenn McGinn, New Democrat critic for Community Living B.C.

McGinn said that families of children and adults with special needs across B.C. are outraged over the endless waitlists for community living supports and have taken their fight online with the launch of The Campaign To End Waitlists aimed at Gordon Campbell.

"More than two thousand adults and thousands of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities are waiting for vital community living supports," said McGinn, the MLA for Vancouver-Fairview. "From infancy to adulthood, the developmentally disabled continue to miss out on opportunities for optimal growth and development.”

McGinn said special needs families across the province are facing a severe shortage of early intervention therapy services, supports for independence and respite services.

“Gordon Campbell can find millions to squander on pet projects like a retractable roof for B.C. Place, yet he continues to neglect the needs of B.C. families who are desperate for help," said McGinn.

“It’s clear that under Gordon Campbell, B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens are not a priority.”

#32. JAMES: CAMPBELL CAN’T BE TRUSTED TO PROTECT ADVANCED EDUCATION

New Democrat Leader Carole James and advanced education critic Rob Fleming attended a large rally of faculty and students at SFU Wednesday and told students that Gordon Campbell can’t be trusted to protect advanced education.

“Campbell is squandering money on pet projects like the B.C. Place roof and the Vancouver Convention Centre while our province goes into deficit,” said James. “He can’t be trusted to invest in students even though it would create jobs and help grow our knowledge-based economy.” 

Fleming pointed to last year’s budget cuts for post-secondary institutions as proof of Gordon Campbell’s lack of commitment to advanced education.

“Gordon Campbell cut advanced education budgets when times were good. He can’t be trusted to put education first now,” said Fleming.

The New Democrats have a five-point plan to help post-secondary students and increase access to advanced education.

The plan which includes action to restore grants and reduce interest rates on student loans can be found at:  http://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/advanced_ed_plan

#33. LIBERALS: NDP ‘LAST TO THE TABLE’ ON BIOMASS TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Bob Simpson and the NDP are out of touch and lagging behind when it comes to discussing and discovering new and creative uses for biomass.

"The NDP are clearly and completely out of touch when it comes to forward thinking on new ways of strengthening British Columbia," says Forests Minister Pat Bell. "Bob Simpson called our government 'to the table' regarding biomass when our government has been discussing and implementing innovative projects for years. It's taken Bob a while to realize that when it comes to biomass - we're at the table, we're through the appetizers and we're working on the main course."

In an interview February 5, with CIGV in Penticton, Bob Simpson called on the provincial government to "come to the table" and to "get this new industry up and running."

Bell, the MLA for Prince George North, points to the $3.5 million Biomass Gasification Project at UNBC through the Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund, 800 megawatts of biomass electricity capacity already installed in B.C. - enough for 640,000 households - from BC Hydro's Bioenergy Call for Power, $3 million for Nexterra Energy Corp for a biomass pilot project in the Kamloops area and $1.82 million to Lignol Innovations Ltd. for a biomass pilot project in Burnaby as investments the BC Liberal government is making. 

"If Bob Simpson paid a little more attention, he might notice the biomass industry is not only up and running but enjoying significant success already," says Bell.

During the 2008 Spring Session of the Legislature, Simpson showed disdain for biomass, when he stated: "There are questions about the viability of actually bringing this material in and creating energy from it." - Hansard, May 21, 2008.

"The NDP didn't support the energy plan. They didn't support the $25 million Bioenergy strategy. And, the NDP not only voted against the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (renewable and low carbon fuel requirements) Act, they introduced an amendment to delay it in committee. They have stood in the way of all our steps to increase the use of biofuels," says Bell.

"Carole James' NDP oppose virtually every kind of clean energy and are calling for a ban on the $4.5 billion in independent power projects in B.C. and the 1,100 jobs they create. The NDP have been incredibly reckless when it comes to clean energy. We have a plan and we're seeing a growing clean energy sector."

#34. CONSERVATIVES CONTINUE TO ALLOW CREDIT CARD GOUGING

Canadian consumers are still not being protected by their government from the predatory practices of credit card companies, federal NDP Critic for Consumer Protection Glenn Thibeault said this week..

Despite the fact that Bank of Canada has decreased its trend-setting rate, credit card providers and other financial institutions continue to increase their interest rates and add on superfluous fees. VISA alone saw a 35% increase in their profits last year alone.

"Why is it that credit card companies continue to raise interest rates, when the bank of Canada’s rate continues to decrease?" asked Thibeault Thursday in Question Period. "It’s because they know no one is going to stop them and its hard-hit Canadian families who are paying the price."

Canadian Tire, one of Canada's largest retailers, is the latest company jumping on the “rip-off consumers” band-wagon. In addition to tightening up key conditions in their borrowing agreement, the company recently announced that they would be raising the annual interest on late payments of its five million credit card holders to 19.5%. 

"Does this Conservative government seriously think a consumer awareness program will help solve the skyrocketing family debt that Canadian families are facing?" said Thibeault. "The Conservative government’s plan won’t do anything more than inform Canadian consumers just how much they are being ripped off."

Since 2004 the personal debt load of Canadian families has increased 40% reaching their highest levels ever.  By increasing rates, credit card companies are simply profiting off families struggling to ends meet.

"Canadian families shouldn’t bear the brunt of these tough economic times," said Thibeault.

#35. LIBERALS: 78 PER CENT OF BUILDING CANADA FUND ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE IN TORY RIDINGS

A review of the first billion dollars of project-specific announcements made under the Building Canada Fund  since 2007 shows that more than three-quarters of projects were in Conservative-held ridings, Liberal Infrastructure Critic Gerard Kennedy said this week.

"Given this government's history of partisan tactics, this latest revelation can hardly be seen as mere coincidence," said Kennedy. "Mr. Harper continues to erode his credibility - particularly in his approach to infrastructure funding - with these kinds of practices."

Of specific infrastructure projects announced across Canada in 2007 and 2008, 77.8 per cent of them were in Conservative ridings (see attached backgrounder).  In contrast, the Conservatives represent only 46.4 per cent of the ridings in Canada.

"It's bad enough that the Conservatives sat on billions of dollars of earmarked infrastructure funds while the economy was suffering and Canadians were losing their jobs, but now we find out that of those funds they plan to dispense, they made sure they took care of their own political backyards first," said Kennedy.

"This is the worst form of pork-barrel politics, and it's no way to run a federation.  Federal funding must flow fairly across regions and between communities regardless of political support.”

Kennedy said that it is for reasons like this that Liberals have required accountability reports in March, June and December to be tabled in Parliament showing how much money has been spent and where.

In the first year following the launch of the $8.8-billion Building Canada Fund, the Conservative government flowed zero funding to infrastructure projects. Worse, last week officials at Infrastructure Canada admitted that of the $1.5 billion announced in its first two years of budgeted spending, only $80 million has flowed for municipal infrastructure projects across the country.

"Putting the government on probation as we have done is our way of ensuring that Mr. Harper's budget allocates money where it is needed most - and is not simply used as a political tool to gain votes," said Kennedy.

#36. EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM EXPANDED FOR WOMEN FLEEING VIOLENCE

The province has secured three agencies to deliver supports and services in Vancouver to help women who are victims of violence overcome barriers to employment, Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development, announced this week.

 “We are building on the success of this outreach program and increasing enrolment capacity by nearly 50 per cent,” said Coleman. “Thanks to feedback from participants and stakeholders, we are expanding services for women who are escaping violence and need help developing life skills to move towards employment, self-reliance and a brighter future.”

Three agencies in the Lower Mainland have secured five contracts to provide services in the following categories: Former Sex Trade Worker Bridging, Community Bridging and Specialized Immigrant and / or Multicultural Bridging and Specialized Aboriginal Bridging. These are to be delivered by PEERS Vancouver, Vancouver Eastside Educational Enrichment Society and Battered Women’s Support Services.

The $5-million Bridging Employment Program (BEP), which has been in place since the fall of 2003, has 21 contracts in 30 locations providing services to assist women fleeing abuse, Aboriginal women, immigrant and/or multicultural women and former sex trade workers that will help them make the successful transition to independence. 

BEP builds on the experience of the original program by applying lessons learned and best practices research, including valuable stakeholder feedback.

Changes include:

* Expanding provincewide and increasing capacity to help a further 418 women (from 562 to 980 women per year);

* Addition of a new “healing” component that will complement the program’s employment-related services;

* Continuous participant enrolment with flexible and individualized services;

* Development of a personal plan with each participant;

* Inclusion of suitable non-Income Assistance participants in the program; and

* Increase of Specialized services for Aboriginal women and immigrant and/or multicultural women. 

“Thanks to this revised program, we can now offer immediate support to our participants with the introduction of continuous intake and tailor a personal development plan by addressing each individual’s unique and specific needs,” said Ty Mistry, executive director of PEERS Vancouver. “It is a journey full of obstacles and struggles for those who desire to leave the sex industry. It is our hope that with one-on-one counselling and group workshops, our participants will gain both the life and employability skills for successful long-term outcomes.”

The revised Bridging Employment Program was launched in January 2009. The existing program will run until August 2009 to allow existing participants to complete their program.

Surrey:

Services to help women who are victims of violence overcome barriers to employment have been expanded through Surrey's DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society and the Newton Advocacy Group. The two local organizations are among 18 agencies to deliver services in 30 locations through Ministry of Housing and Social Development funding.

"Women who have experienced violence are trying to rebuild their lives towards a better future," says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. "Having increased community support, especially with the help of such tremendous organizations as DIVERSEcity and the Newton Advocacy Group, will help foster a smoother recovery process through enhanced assistance with obtaining gainful employment."

"This much needed community program seeks to empower these women to build their knowledge and to enhance their competencies to gain independence or employment, and to overcome the impact of abusive relationships," says Sanjeev Nand, DIVERSEcity Director of Career Services.   "Our intervention is linguistically and culturally appropriate and complements the array of specialized services which DIVERSEcity already delivers."

Fifty-two proposals were received from 39 different agencies for 21 contracts. Eleven of the 13 service providers who presently deliver BEP submitted proposals. All were successful with their bids in communities where they presently deliver services.

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