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#1. BUDGET 2010 –
BUILDING A PROSPEROUS BRITISH COLUMBIA: FINANCE MINISTER
Setting the foundation for
decades of renewed economic growth, protecting vital services, adding to
British Columbia’s competitiveness and building on the tremendous
momentum of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games are core elements of the 2010 provincial budget tabled in the B.C.
Legislature on Tuesday by Finance Minister Colin Hansen.
“We are enhancing
support for B.C.’s families, meeting our financial targets, maintaining
our commitments to health and education, and we are on track to return to
balanced budgets in 2013,” said Hansen. “Recognizing the many
opportunities resulting from the global exposure provided by the Olympic
Games, we are also furthering our investments in areas such as clean energy,
arts and culture and international commerce while ensuring future job growth
across B.C.”
Budget 2010 maintains the
government’s priority of protecting core services in health and
education and commits every dollar raised through the Harmonized Sales Tax
(HST) and four other revenue streams to be used for health services funding
when the HST comes into effect July 1.
By 2012-13 the Ministry of
Health Services’ budget will increase by over $2 billion from the
2009-10 level. Total health spending will reach $17.9 billion or 42 per cent
of all government expenditures over the next three years. Funding increases
are focused on sustaining front-line service delivery, including $1.3 billion
for the regional health sector to fund acute-care, community, assisted-living
and other health services.
In education, per-pupil
funding for students in the K-12 levels will rise from $8,200 in 2009-10 to
an estimated $8,301 for 2010-11, the highest ever. Further supporting
families and early-childhood education, the introduction of full-day
kindergarten for five-year-olds is being phased in starting this September,
and as it becomes fully operational, annual funding will rise to $129 million
by 2012. In the post-secondary sector, funding remains stable at $1.88
billion in 2010-11.
With Budget 2010, the B.C.
government continues to invest in job-creating construction projects such as
highways, schools, bridges, hospitals and other needed infrastructure
throughout British Columbia.
$5.3 billion has been
committed to over 850 accelerated capital projects across British Columbia,
an increase of $1.9 billion since the September Update 2009. This is
generating and protecting approximately 34,000 construction jobs over the
life of the projects in communities across B.C.Budget
2010 also provides a new property tax deferral program for homeowners with
children under the age of 18. Eligible homeowners will have the option of
deferring their provincial and local property taxes in recognition of the
high cost of raising a family. This program will come into effect in the next
few months.
An additional $26 million
in funding over three years has been set aside to support child-care programs
that assist low and moderate income families with the cost of child care through
direct assistance to families for child care and funding to child-care
operators.
As part of the
Province’s long-term vision for economic growth, expansion of the
International Financial Activity Program will greatly increase B.C.’s
potential as a hub for international companies. Major changes include adding
digital-media publishing and distribution; certification and trading of
carbon credits; and clean technology to the list of businesses that qualify
for tax reductions under the program.
A new tax credit has also
been introduced for digital media and enhancements to provincial film-tax
credits have been made to reflect the convergence of these sectors and their
importance to the B.C. economy.
To maintain B.C.’s
leadership in addressing climate change, Budget 2010 commits $100 million to
climate action and clean-energy development, initiatives that will support
new jobs and investments in B.C. communities, while lowering greenhouse gas
emissions. An additional $35 million will be invested in the successful LiveSmart BC program for household-energy audits and
energy-efficiency retrofits.
The budget also provides
$60 million over the next three years as a legacy for sports and the arts. Of
the $60 million, half will be used to enhance opportunities among British
Columbians in the arts, such as visual art, music, theatre and dance. The
other $30 million will facilitate increased participation in youth sport,
including improved athlete and coach development.
“Building on the
legacy of the most successful Winter Games ever, we are positioning British
Columbia for renewed growth and prosperity, while ensuring our financial
resources are clearly focused on areas that meet tomorrow’s needs as
well as today’s,” said Hansen. “Through effective and
prudent management of the Province’s finances, we are setting the
foundation for the province we want — not just five or 10 years from
now — but for generations to come.”
For the Finance
Minister’s speech and more details on Budget 2010, visit
www.bcbudget.ca.
Sports and the Arts:
Budget 2010 builds on the
momentum of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games by providing $60 million over three years to support community
engagement in the arts and youth sports.
The new 2010 Sports and
Arts Legacy will dedicate $30 million, or 50 per cent of the funding over
three years, to increased participation in sport, with an emphasis on youth
and improved athlete and coach development.
Funding being considered
under the sport legacy program includes:
*Enhanced after-school programs
and funding for coach development.
*An expanded KidSport program to reduce the financial barriers faced
by families whose children wish to participate in organized sport.
*Establishing a
“Sport on the Move” program to help school teams, particularly
those in remote areas, with travel costs.
*Creating new regional
sport academies that expand the role of B.C.’s regional centres focused on the province’s next generation
of elite athletes.
The other $30 million of
the 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy will enhance opportunities for all British
Columbians in the arts, including participation in music, theatre, visual
arts, dance and digital media.
Programs may include
regional events that reflect the diversity of communities and include
multi-disciplinary arts presentations and performances by artists and
performers in various communities, with a possibility of showcasing in larger
centres.
Health care:
Protecting health care is a
top priority for the B.C. government. By 2012-13, the Ministry of Health
Services’ budget will increase by over $2 billion from the 2009-10
level. This represents the largest share of government funding increases
during the fiscal period. The government is committed to allocating to health
spending all revenue received from five key revenue sources –
harmonized sales tax, medical services plan premiums, tobacco taxes, lottery
revenues dedicated to the Health Special Account,
and health transfer payments from the federal government.
Total health spending will
reach $17.9 billion or 42 per cent of all government expenses by function by
2012-13.
Education:
Per-pupil funding for
students in the K-12 levels will increase from $8,200 in 2009-10 to an
estimated $8,301 for 2010-11, the highest ever. In total, operating funding
for K-12 schools is increased from $4.55 billion in 2009-10 to $4.66 billion
in 2010-11 on a school-year basis. This increase includes the phased
introduction of full-day kindergarten for five-year-olds in 2010.
Budget 2010 maintains
funding to post-secondary institutions at $1.88 billion for 2010-11. This
includes a $55-million increase added in Budget 2009 for universities,
colleges and institutes.
Debt:
The total provincial debt
is forecast to be $47.8 billion in 2010-11, $52.4 billion in 2011-12 and
$55.9 billion in 2012-13.
From 2002-03 to 2008-09,
significant reductions were made in the taxpayer-supported debt burden. The
taxpayer supported debt-to-GDP ratio – a key measure of debt
affordability – was reduced by 37 per cent during this period.
Taxpayer-supported interest costs continue to remain low, representing less
than 5.2 cents per dollar of revenue in each year of the three-year plan.
Budget Outlook:
Budget 2010 projects
deficits of $1.7 billion in 2010-11, $945 million in 2011-12, and $145
million in 2012-13, and reaffirms government’s commitment to return to
balanced budgets by 2013-14.
The fiscal plan includes
contingencies of $450 million in each year of the fiscal plan. A forecast
allowance of $300 million has been included for 2010-11 and 2011-12, and $400
million for 2012-13.
#2. BUDGET FAILS TO PROVIDE
LONG-TERM ECONOMIC STRATEGY: NDP
The latest B.C. Liberal
budget has failed to provide a long-term strategy for economic growth as
British Columbia enters a period of tentative and fragile recovery, New Democrat
Leader Carole James said on Tuesday.
“[Tuesday’s]
budget shows the B.C. Liberals have no post-Olympic strategy to create jobs
and opportunities for British Columbians. Instead, they delivered a budget
that cuts vital public services and brings in the HST,” said James.
She said the 2010 budget
fails to invest in the fundamentals B.C. needs to build a strong, vibrant and
sustainable future.
James added: “I had
hoped to see a budget with smart investments to secure our recovery and
create jobs. But we saw no additional investments in innovation, research and
development, or post-secondary education.
“The budget also
failed to address the growing social inequality we’ve seen under the
B.C. Liberals. There was nothing in this budget to address child poverty, the
growing income gap, or lack of affordable housing.”
Finance critic Bruce
Ralston said the latest B.C. Liberal attempt to sell the HST to an
unconvinced public is worthy of a gold medal.
“Their justifications
for the HST get more frantic by the day. Now they’re saying
they’re bringing in the HST to fund health care – that’s
pure distortion to try and cover up their budget deception,” said
Ralston.
“The 2010 budget has
its roots in the provincial election campaign, when the B.C. Liberals misled the
public about the state of the province’s finances. Now they’re
trying to use the HST and this latest round of cuts to try and cover it up.
But British Columbians won’t be fooled.”
“New Democrats are
holding the B.C. Liberals to account for their broken promises. And
we’re proposing alternatives to build a strong, modern and sustainable
economy that promotes a high standard of living, a healthy environment and
quality social programs for all British Columbians,” said James.
#3. B.C. CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE GIVES ‘CAUTIOUS WELCOME’ TO BUDGET
The British Columbia
Chamber of Commerce gave a cautious welcome to the provincial budget unveiled
by the Finance Minister on Tuesday as being based on sound economic
principles that present a responsible approach to difficult economic times by
resisting irresponsible calls for unsustainable increases in public
spending.
“Business will be
pleased to see that there are no surprises either good or bad in Budget 2010.
At a time when global economic recovery is far from secure, the government
must be congratulated for presenting a fiscal plan that reins in public
spending and gives the business community certainty that we will be moving
back into surplus,” said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC
Chamber of Commerce. “With that said, the timeframe to return to
balanced budgets is perhaps too cautious. While we welcome the
government’s prudence, we will be looking to government to take a more
aggressive approach to returning to balanced budgets sooner than 2014.”
Budget 2010 continues to
focus on investing in municipal infrastructure while also providing measures
to encourage growth in new sectors such as digital media, carbon trading,
venture capital and clean energy development.
“Our members will
continue to be concerned that even while we control spending in most areas,
healthcare continues to demand unsustainable levels of funding with no plan
for reform,” said Winter. “This is exacerbated by the fact that
we are now dedicating funding streams to healthcare. Our members have been
clear, funding for healthcare must be tied to measurable outcomes, not a
sense of entitlement.”
#4. BUDGET DOES NOT ADDRESS
LONG-TERM HEALTH COSTS: HEALTH COALITION
The BC Health Coalition is
concerned that the provincial budget will hurt British Columbians,
particularly seniors and those in long-term care, and lead to increased
long-term costs.
“This budget does not
provide regional health authorities with adequate support to recover from the
cuts they were forced to make last year,” says Rachel Tutte, BC Health Coalition Co- Chair. “This means a
lower quality of care for British Columbians and increased costs in the long
term.”
In summer 2009, the
provincial government handed health authorities $300 million in budget
shortfalls and this resulted in numerous cuts to key programs within the
health authorities. “Regional health authorities need to be able to
provide the kinds of services that keep people
healthy,” says Tutte.
“These services keep people out of the more costly areas of the system
and control long-term health costs.”
Regional health authority
funding has not been announced yet; from Regional Health Sector funding it
appears that health authorities will continue to get no real help with the
funding pressures they face.
“Looking at this
budget, it’s hard to see how we will achieve the kinds of innovations
in health care we need in order to keep people healthy,” says Tutte. “The government claims to be concerned about
health care costs, yet they are making the kind of funding choices that lead
to reduced quality of health services and increased long-term costs.”
#5. NO-NEWS B.C. BUDGET BAD
NEWS FOR HEALTH CARE: HSABC
In spite of a budget speech
that boasts a commitment to health care, British Columbians should brace
themselves for another round of cuts to health care services around the
province, Reid Johnson, President of the Health Sciences Association of BC
said in response to the provincial budget released on Tuesday.
"With a status quo
budget for health care, we know that health authorities will be forced to
continue to cut services as they have been doing the past year," Johnson
said.
For the past several
months, health authorities around the province have been cutting services in
order to balance budgets. For example, the Fraser Health Authority, where CEO
Nigel Murray didn't want to "waste a good recession," MRIs were
cut, elective surgeries were reduced, beds were closed, and parking fees were
increased. They also cut programs, including youth psychiatric services, and
funding for a variety of community programs delivering services throughout
the region.
"Across the province,
the story is the same," said Johnson. "It's clear that the impact
on patients is severe. Seniors, the mentally ill, and those with addictions
issues are hardest hit, but with dramatic MRI reductions and some 10,000
elective surgeries cancelled, everyone is feeling the impact," he said.
Johnson said the cuts
appear to sacrifice long-term cost control in favour
of temporary, short-term gains, undermining government claims to fiscal
responsibility.
Johnson also said he is
disappointed the budget doesn't provide for a strategy to address the long
term and increasingly urgent crisis of shortages in the modern health care
team.
"Health care is built
on a team that delivers the outstanding service British Columbians rely on.
Shortages in critical areas need to be addressed. Without a complete health
care team, the long-term consequences of delayed diagnosis, treatment and
rehabilitation will only get worse," Johnson said.
"Just because you
aren't diagnosed, doesn't mean you're not sick. The longer it takes to get a
diagnosis, chances are you will be sicker and require more complex and
expensive treatment and rehabilitation.”
Health Sciences Association
of BC is the union that represents 16,000 health science professionals in BC
hospitals and communities who deliver specialized diagnostic, clinical and
rehabilitation services.
#6. 'STAY THE COURSE'
BUDGET GOOD FOR PROVINCE, SMALL BUSINESS: CGA-BC
Finance Minister Colin
Hansen has delivered a 'stay the course' budget that will help the province
emerge from the global economic crisis, says John Pankratz,
FCGA, the President of the Certified General
Accountants Association of British Columbia (CGA-BC). "While there are
no new major initiatives, this is a budget that is based on prudent financial
management and sound economic principles that will benefit small- and
medium-sized business. And that's good for British Columbia, which is good
for you and me."
With pressures to increase
spending and reduced revenues of more than $2 billion, the government has
limited room to manoeuvre, says Pankratz.
"Still, we see some positive benefits from the new International
Financial Activity act (IFA) and tax credits for companies involved in clean
energy development and digital publishing that will boost investment and help
new innovative types of companies grow and prosper," he says.
The minister clearly
remains committed to reducing red tape, the costly regulations that hurt job
creation. And he is staying the course on lower and more competitive
corporate income taxes, which will see the elimination of the small business
rate by 2012. This provides small business with the tools to create new jobs
and greater opportunity for growth. Given the economic times and the
potential risks to the recovery, that makes this a good budget, says Pankratz.
CGA also sees benefits from
the introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax. "While no tax is ever a
good tax, the HST is a better tax than the current more complex PST/GST
regime," said Pankratz. He said CGA-BC favours the HST because it is more fair, more visible,
more straightforward to implement and administer, and more conducive to
businesses looking to grow and create jobs. Moving to the HST also reduces
B.C.'s marginal effective tax rate on investment from 26.4% to 15.7%, a
reduction of some 40%.
"So, like Team Canada
did last weekend we have to put ourselves where the puck is going to be, not
where it was. We have to make B.C. a better place to invest and do business.
We need to be more competitive and ready to embrace the future, and the HST
is good for that," says Pankratz.
The association also lauded
the government for its commitment to returning to balanced budgets by
2013/14. While the province will run deficits totaling nearly $6 billion
between 2009/10 and 2013/14, the debt to GDP ratio remains manageable. The
province's debt remains low compared to other provinces across the country.
#7. MORE UNCERTAINTY,
INSTABILITY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION: BCTF
BC Liberals’ latest
budget will lead to more instability and uncertainty for BC schools as
downloaded costs continue to outpace government funding, BCTF President Irene
Lanzinger said on Tuesday.
“The government wants
British Columbians to believe they are protecting education, but students,
parents, and teachers should brace for more cuts,” said Lanzinger. “More schools will close, there will be
more overcrowded classes, and teachers will be laid off. The government
continues to be in complete denial about its role in education cuts.”
The government claims that
there’s enough funding to meet the needs of BC’s public education
system, but the small amount of new funding is far exceeded by rising costs.
The government is asking school districts to use the small funding lift to
fund salary increases and full-day kindergarten. However, there is no new
funding to deal with rising transportation and heating costs. The government
also refused to fund MSP and pension increases.
“The math just doesn’t
add up,” said Lanzinger. “The
government is playing a shell game and it is BC’s students who are
going to lose.”
Lanzinger also raised serious concerns about the
government’s inability to manage BC’s public education system. In
September, the government threw school districts into disarray by cancelling
the $110 million in Annual Facilities Grants. The government also transferred
CommunityLink funding for inner-city schools to
BC’s gaming grants program. That decision forced millions of dollars of
cuts to arts and sports programs. Both cuts have now been partially reversed
but the instability the government caused will never be reversed.
“This government has
no long-term plan to improve classroom conditions for students. There’s
no plan to improve class sizes or support for students with special needs,
and there is no plan to prevent school closures,” said Lanzinger.
#8. STRONG SOCIAL SERVICES
ARE KEY TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY: BCGEU
BC Liberals' proposed 2010
budget does nothing to support vital community services and lacks the kind of
long-term planning that would ensure a broad-based economic rebound says B.C.
Government and Service Employees' Union.
"Public and community
services are key to making sure that the economy
recovers quickly and that everyone in British Columbia shares in the economic
recovery," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker.
This year's budget makes no
plans to restore the almost 100 vital community-based programs that have been
cut since September's budget update. Additionally, a planned $10 million cut
to programs funded by the Ministry of Child and Family Development was
confirmed in mid-February.
"The services that
have been cut and the ones on the chopping block are the ones that turn
people's lives around and build strong foundations for the future of our
province," Walker says.
Programs that have been
eliminated span all regions of the province and include primarily services
for mental health and addictions, youth services and counselling.
"Clearly, there is no
plan to deal with the province's astonishingly high child poverty rate,"
Walker says.
"Allowing children to
grow up in poverty hinders future generations' ability to support themselves
whereas investing in B.C.'s most vulnerable pays off in the long run,
resulting in more people working, lower health and welfare costs and less
spending on crime."
This budget also promises
even deeper staffing cuts to the public service than reported earlier.
"After two waves of
layoffs this year, the government has set a target of another 11 per cent
reduction in the public service workforce by 2012/2013 - and attrition alone
will not get us there. They have served notice that more layoffs are
coming," Walker says.
One of the hardest-hit
areas will be the Ministry of Forests and Range - which faces a drastic $84
million cut to programs such as stewardship, forest health, research,
conservation, protection and compliance.
These additional cuts to
Forestry and Range mean a hollowing out of staffing power and expertise
within the ministry - which will result in lower capacity to enforce existing
regulations.
A long-term plan for the
province would also see the value in investing in important service for
seniors and working families.
"Unfortunately, we do
not see new resources being put into home-support services - which allow
seniors to live with more independence and actually save money in acute care
costs,” Walker says.
"And while the few new
subsidy dollars for child care are welcome, there is simply not enough money
here to improve access to quality care."
#9. B.C. BUDGET
DISAPPOINTS: CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FEDERATION
The Canadian Taxpayers
Federation (CTF) expressed disappointment at a lackluster B.C. budget with no
major tax relief for families, no plan to balance the budget, and the promise
of more green corporate welfare.
“The across-the-board
income tax relief for families, made by this government at the beginning of
its first mandate, has been replaced by boutique measures,” said
Maureen Bader, B.C. Director of the CTF. “Broad-based tax relief would
allow families to make their own decisions, and the overall outlook for
families is unclear, as the health tax, carbon tax, and electricity rates
will go higher.
Total spending will
increase to $40.6 billion in 2010/11, up slightly, from $37 billion in
2009/10, well above the $30.6 billion in 2004. The outlook for the debt and
deficit is similar to the September 2009 budget, with the debt rising to
almost $60 billion by 2013.
“This
government’s past spending blowout needs more than moderation if we
want to ever get out from underneath the growing debt burden,” said
Bader. “The budget shows no plan to eliminate the deficit, and should
interest rates rise, higher debt servicing costs will mean higher taxes in
the future.”
The government will
increase spending on climate action and clean energy development.
“The lessons from
Europe are clear, large-scale corporate welfare schemes that promote eco-fads
are expensive failures," said Bader. "Governments have proven again
and again that they are a poor replacement for the market when they try to
pick winners, but are an easy mark for those seeking quick cash.”
#10. GOVERNMENT IN DENIAL
ABOUT STATE OF FUNDING: SURREY TEACHERS
The Provincial Budget
released on Tuesday is disastrous for Surrey schools, said the Surrey
Teachers’ Association.
"Our growing district
has more than 67,000 students, but the funding in this budget is not
sufficient to continue to provide the same level of service to
students," said Denise Moffatt, President of
the Surrey Teachers' Association.
He said this budget will
result in substantive cuts to the services that Surrey students depend on.
The Surrey School District has more than 120 educational sites. Currently, they are struggling to
accommodate the growing population which has resulted in the need for over
235 portable classrooms. At a
cost of approximately $100,000 each, these portables divert necessary funds
from the operating budget. More
than 20 portables will need to be purchased in the next year.
"On top of eating up
desperately needed funds, portables cause additional financial problems. The government is now going to turn
around and penalize Surrey by forcing the district to pay carbon
offsets," said Moffatt. "Why is the government forcing us
to use inefficient structures, such as portable classrooms, when they are
pushing a 'green' agenda?"
Government funding will not
cover increased costs. Community Links funding in Surrey is
insufficient. Newly downloaded
costs will cause further strain.
"Districts will have
to pay increased MSP and WCB premiums, carbon offsets, new technology fees,
and pension increases. All
of these additional costs will result in cutbacks in service delivery and
fewer learning resources," said Moffatt.
Our students deserve better
than this budget, he added.
#11. LIBERALS TRY TO SNEAK
THROUGH 29 PER CENT HYDRO RATE HIKE: NDP
The B.C. Liberals are
trying to sneak through a 29 per cent electricity rate hike, demanding B.C.
Hydro deliver an extra $254 million to government in the next year alone, New
Democrat energy critic John Horgan said this week.
“The day after a
provincial budget that offered nothing for the B.C. economy beyond a new,
damaging consumer tax in the HST, B.C. Hydro is applying to charge you an
extra nine per cent this year on your hydro bill, with more to come over the
next two years,” said Horgan, noting that
Hydro applied for the increase with the B.C. Utilities Commission on
Wednesday.
“The government is trying to claim the increase is
to pay for infrastructure upgrades, but that is only part of the story. The
fact is, the B.C. Liberals are sneaking in what
amounts to a tax increase by demanding that B.C. Hydro pay the government an
extra $254 million this year, and B.C. Hydro has no choice but to pass on
that increased cost to ratepayers.”
The provincial
government’s three year fiscal plan, laid out in the budget, calls for
B.C. Hydro to increase electricity rates by 9.11 per cent this year, 12.92
per cent in 2011, and 4.81 per cent in 2012, which, compounded, amounts to a
29 per cent hike.
“Hydro rates are
spiraling out of control. This year’s budget proposed another 29 per
cent in rate increases over the next three years, which comes on top of rate
increases of seven per cent each year since 2008,” said Horgan. “To make matters worse, the B.C.
Liberals’ Clean Energy Act could make it easier for private power
producers to negotiate lucrative contracts that gouge B.C. Hydro. Ultimately,
this buy-high, sell-low export policy could bankrupt our public
utility.”
While the B.C. Liberals
claim to be lowering taxes, British Columbians are feeling the effects of
increased fees and tax shifts. In addition to hydro rate hikes, the HST will
cost consumers an extra $1.9 billion each year and MSP premiums are going up
again on the heels of an increase last month.
Horgan noted that even though the rate increases have not
yet been approved by the BCUC, the revenue assumptions in the B.C.
Liberals’ budget include the 29 per cent rate hike.
“It’s just the
latest budget lie from the B.C. Liberals. They’re basing their budget
on hydro rate hikes that haven’t even been approved yet,” said Horgan. “It’s time to scrap the B.C.
Liberals’ energy plan and start again with ratepayers’ interests
first.”
#12. SOLICITOR GENERAL KASH
HEED LAUDS ROLE OF POLICE, SECURITY PARTNERS AT WINTER GAMES
Solicitor General Kash Heed on Monday lauded the role of police and
security partners in ensuring a peaceful, safe and secure Olympic Winter
Games.
Heed said: “Just as
Canada’s Olympic team achieved unprecedented success at the top of the
podium, we believe the Vancouver Police Department, the Integrated Security
Unit and their many police partners from across Canada established a
‘gold standard’ in peaceful, safe and secure Winter Games.
“The integration of
transit police, correctional officers, sheriffs, military and border
personnel and others in a unified effort – supplemented by the presence
of ever-ready paramedics – meant athletes could focus on being their
best, spectators could focus on the performances of a lifetime, and those who
simply ventured out to soak up the Olympic spirit could do so without a
worry.
“This was perhaps
most visible on Sunday, when die-hard hockey fans and family members young
and old celebrated en masse in the streets of Whistler, Vancouver and many
other communities.
“Certainly,
responsible crowds contributed to countless safe events and good times, but
so did the police, who chose to be highly visible, friendly and helpful to
Canadians and visitors alike. This was no accident. Like top athletes and
their coaches, police officers and their leadership orchestrated and tested
their training and protocols extensively over the last several months, and
the result is a credit to all who served. The fact that police have been
receiving high-fives from people in Vancouver is a testimony to this
outstanding achievement.
“The strong tradition
of free speech we enjoy in Canada, too, was celebrated responsibly by most who chose to peacefully express their opinions and views.
Police demonstrated professionalism and, in a few trying circumstances,
noteworthy restraint to protect the right to free speech and peaceful
demonstration. To a world audience, our officers presented themselves as
composed, fair and just – not just agents of public safety, but
ambassadors of a welcoming and accepting nation.”
#13. VANCOUVER POLICE:
PRAISED FOR RESTRAINT AND PROFESSIONALISM
Vancouver Police Deputy
Chief Constable Doug LePard said on Monday that the
restraint and professionalism for which the force was praised in handling
demonstrations during the Winter Olympics was not some new tactic they were
experimenting with, but the “same protocol we use for every one of the
175 protests on average we police in the city every year.”
He added: “Those who
seemed surprised by our approach can be forgiven since the fearmongers and critics tried their best to convince the
public that massive police presence would lead to massive abuses and police
brutality even suggesting we would employ sonic cannons. As we said then, how
ridiculous.”
LePard recounted: “Our first real challenge came on
opening night when 1,500 protestors tested the police line outside BC Place.
“I can tell you now
that really was our most tense moment. The criminal element within the
protest group threw everything at us they could get their hands on. When they
ran out of things to throw they spit on us.
“Through it all, the
blue line held and no one in the crowd was hurt.”
LePard gave out the following statistics:
Voluntary liquor pour-outs
during the period of the Games: 20,824
Violation tickets issued
for consuming liquor in a public place: 1,230
Arrested for ‘state
of intoxication in a public place’: 253
Arrested for ‘breach
of the peace’: 93
#14. FEDERAL BUDGET: LEADING THE WAY ON JOBS AND GROWTH –
GOVERNMENT
Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on Thursday tabled a budget plan
that he said builds on Canada’s economic recovery with action to create
jobs and growth, sustains our nation’s economic advantages and includes
a disciplined plan to return to balanced budgets.
“We present today a jobs and growth budget,” said Flaherty.
“In this budget, we are completing our Economic Action Plan to create
jobs now. We are taking additional measures to protect existing jobs and
create new jobs. We are also looking ahead to secure our long-term economic
growth.”
Budget 2010 will help solidify Canada’s economic recovery and
sustain our economic advantage now and for the future. The budget plan has
three key objectives.
Delivering Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan:
First, it confirms $19 billion in new federal stimulus under Year 2 of
Canada’s Economic Action Plan to create and protect jobs. This new
stimulus will be complemented by $6 billion from provinces, territories, municipalities
and other partners. The new stimulus for 2010–11 includes:
* $3.2 billion in personal income tax relief.
* Over $4 billion in additional benefits, training opportunities and
Employment Insurance premium relief to help unemployed Canadians.
* $7.7 billion in infrastructure stimulus to create jobs.
* $1.9 billion to create the economy of tomorrow.
* $2.2 billion to support industries and communities.
Creating the Jobs and Economy of Tomorrow:
Second, Budget 2010 invests in a limited number of new, targeted
initiatives to build jobs and growth for the economy of tomorrow, harness
Canadian innovation, and make Canada a destination of choice for new business
investment. Measures include:
* Over $100 million to protect jobs by extending the maximum length for
work-sharing agreements.
* $108 million to support young workers through internships and skills
development to help them find jobs and to support Aboriginal students.
* Over $600 million to help develop and attract talented people, to
strengthen our capacity for world-leading research and development, and to
improve the commercialization of research.
* Making Canada a tariff-free zone for manufacturers, by eliminating all
remaining tariffs on machinery and equipment and goods imported for further
manufacturing in Canada.
* Establishing a Red Tape Reduction Commission to reduce paperwork for
businesses.
* Measures to support investment in clean energy generation.
A Three-Point Plan for Returning to Budget Balance:
Third, Budget 2010 outlines a three-point plan for returning to budget
balance once the economy has recovered.
* First, the government will follow through with the exit strategy built
into the Economic Action Plan. Temporary measures in the Action Plan will be
wound down as planned.
* Second, the government will restrain spending through targeted
reductions. Towards achieving this objective, Budget 2010 proposes $17.6
billion in savings over five years.
* Third, the government will undertake a comprehensive review of
government administrative functions and overhead costs to identify additional
savings and improve service delivery.
The government will not raise taxes or cut major transfers for health
care, education and pensioners.
As a result of the expiration of the Economic Action Plan and the
measures in this budget, the deficit is projected to decline by almost half
over the next two years to $27.6 billion in 2011–12, and by two-thirds
to $17.5 billion in 2012–13. In 2014–15, the deficit is projected
to be $1.8 billion.
“Canada’s history shows what a free people served by good
government can accomplish together,” said Minister Flaherty. “We
are at a key moment in that history, as we emerge from the global recession.
Our government means to be a partner in Canada’s recovery, not an
obstacle to its growth.”
#15.
FREEZES, CUTS, GIMMICKS INSTEAD OF JOBS, INNOVATION – FEDERAL LIBERALS
The
new Harper Conservative budget comes up short on jobs and innovation and
offers Canadians little more than freezes, cuts, and gimmicks, Liberal Leader
Michael Ignatieff said on Thursday.
“This
budget offers what we’ve come to expect from Stephen Harper’s
tired government: a lack of ambition and a clear distaste for what a
government must do to help its citizens prepare for an uncertain
future,” said Ignatieff. “This budget leaves too many
Canadians to fend for themselves, and can’t
hide the laissez-faire approach of a government that doesn’t believe in
government.
“This
is not a budget that looks ahead to the challenges of our times – and
it’s not a budget we can support. We will vote against it, but
we’re not going to cause an election. Since Canadians don’t want
an election and it’s not in the national interest, we’ll register
our opposition responsibly.”
On
jobs and innovation, the budget comes up short and even plans for more job
losses:
*
The government’s job creation targets don’t make up for the
300,000 jobs already lost, or for the rise in unemployment forecasted in
today’s budget.
*
The Conservatives say they want to support small business growth, but
they’re bringing in a $13 billion payroll tax hike that will kill
220,000 small business jobs.
Instead
of taking real action on Canadians’ priorities, this budget offers
gimmicks:
*
$10 million to encourage volunteerism for seniors, but nothing concrete to
fix pensions.
*
A token $1 million for community war memorials, instead of helping veterans
recover from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
*
Making superficial tax changes to the universal child benefit,
that low-income families and single parents won’t benefit from.
*
A mere $25 million on clean energy, from a government that let 93 per cent of
its Green Infrastructure Fund go unspent last year.
Instead
of investments in research, innovation or clean energy, this budget offers
cuts:
*
The Conservatives cut $148 million from Canada’s research councils in
the last budget, but want to take credit for reinvesting $32 million this
year.
*
The cancellation of the EcoEnergy program for
renewable power production.
*
The Conservatives refused to let the Canada Space Agency spend $160 million
in approved spending over the past two years, but want to take credit for
adding $23 million in this budget.
Instead
of curtailing excessive partisanship, this budget offers freezes:
*
Cancelling $4.5 billion in planned Overseas Development Assistance when
Canada is focused on development in Afghanistan and Haiti and pays lip
service to maternal health in developing countries.
*
Starting in 2011, freezing all government operating budgets across the board
without any indication for how this will affect the programs and services
Canadians rely on, while continuing to waste taxpayer dollars on government
partisan advertising and consultants.
Instead
of addressing Canadians’ most pressing issues, this budget offers no
action:
* Nothing
on pensions.
*
Nothing on climate change or to create clean energy jobs.
*
Nothing on health care and our aging demographics.
*
Nothing on culture.
*
Nothing on helping veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
*
Nothing on the future of our digital economy.
*
Nothing for New Canadians or to close the immigrant success gap.
“While
this budget is a clear disappointment, our party is focused on building the
better alternative for Canadians,” Ignatieff
said. “We’ve made
clear proposals on jobs and pensions, because we’re the party that
stands with middle income Canadians, seniors, and families struggling to get
by.
“Our
party will continue to develop the ideas, policies and concrete actions that
should be brought forward by a responsible, caring and future-oriented
government.”
#16. VICTIMS OF RECESSION
LOSE OUT, BANKS WIN BIG IN BUDGET – FEDERAL NDP
People who lost their jobs
and other victims of this recession are the losers in this budget while banks
whose profits just doubled hit the jackpot, said New Democrat Leader Jack
Layton on Thursday.
He said: “Budgets are
about choices. Mr. Harper has chosen to enrich banks and oil companies, the
most profitable corporations in the country, with billions in spending on
corporate tax cuts rather than help lift seniors out of poverty by increasing
the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Instead, they are promising nothing more
than to consult seniors about their poverty. That`s not help. That`s a
stalling tactic.
“Mr. Harper
hasn’t learned anything from this economic crisis, which was triggered
by a lack of regulation and reckless risk-taking by banks and financial
speculators. Instead, he’s offering more of the same old policies that
got us into trouble in the first place.”
In the Speech from the Throne,
the Harper government also promised that it would not raise taxes on
“hard-working Canadians,” but it did just that in the budget.
Layton said: “That
little box on your paycheque labelled
EI is where they are going to hit, starting in 2011, every wage earner and
every employer in the country with $19 billion in new taxes. They’re
taking from you and giving to the banks and big oil.”
The local MPs also point out that the
tax burden for B.C. residents is going to be even heavier this summer when
they begin paying the “Conservative-Liberal Harmonized Sales Tax
(HST)” on everything from funerals to vitamins, haircuts and movie
tickets.
“Is this the
“recalibration” of government policy that Stephen Harper alluded
to when he prorogued parliament?
Stay the course on corporate tax giveaways and apply systematic window
dressing measures to serious issues? The Parliamentary Budget Officer has
estimated that three-quarters of Stephen Harper's massive structural deficit
comes from his irresponsible corporate tax cuts for big corporations. The
governments’ own budget document reveals that this is the worst use of
taxpayer's money possible,” said Peter Julian, MP for Burnaby-New
Westminster.
“This budget
completely ignores dealing with the environment and the most pressing issue
of our time – climate change.” said Fin Donnelly, MP for New
Westminster-Coquitlam-Port Moody. “This government is crippling the
environmental reviews by removing them from the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Agency and handing them to the conservative appointed National
Energy Board.”
"The Conservatives
fail to address homelessness and they fail to address the affordable housing
crisis. There's absolutely nothing in the budget on this score, said Bill Siksay, MP for Burnaby Douglas. “It also does
nothing to help families with childcare expenses. That means the Conservative
budget fails Burnaby families and vulnerable folks in our community."
#17. FEDERAL LIBERALS SLAM
CONSERVATIVES FOR REFUSING TO FIX PROROGATION
Conservative MPs have
refused to support a motion by federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff to prevent prorogation from being used as an
anti-democratic instrument to muzzle Parliament.
“The government is
responsible to the House of Commons, and not the other way around,” said
Ignatieff. “Yet despite the anger of
Canadians over the government’s decision to shut down Parliament, the
Conservatives continue to silence and obstruct the duly-elected
representatives of the people of Canada, this time by opposing steps to
curtail the prorogation power.”
Following the Speech from
the Throne, Ignatieff rose on a Point of Order to
introduce the following motion:
"That this House
hereby establishes a Special Committee, to be structured along the lines of
the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, and having all the
powers of a standing committee, to conduct an immediate examination into the
issue of prorogation, to advise the House on the circumstances in which it is
appropriate for the Prime Minister to request that Parliament be prorogued,
and to prepare changes to the Standing Orders or legislation or both and that
the committee report to the House no later than April 15th, 2010."
The unanimous consent
motion was shouted down by Conservative MPs.
“This is a matter of
constitutional principle,” Ignatieff said.
“Do our Conservative colleagues believe the House is paramount in our
system of democratic government? Or are they in thrall with the Prime
Minister’s power to shut down Parliament whenever the government feels
like it?”
#18. DRIVERS SHOULD PREPARE
FOR THE SWITCH TO DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Time springs ahead one hour
on Sunday, March 14, but will you?
Time changes reflect a
change in social clocks not biological ones and studies show that our
circadian rhythms (body clocks) don't adjust to these changes naturally.
Drivers, pedestrians and
cyclists that have to be on time for work on Monday morning will be
immediately affected by the time change, but there are other drivers out
there that should take care as well, says the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation
Evidence has shown that a
majority of adolescents do not get enough sleep in a 24-hour period for
optimal functioning during the day. Combine this with the effects of a time
change and other conditions that already put teen drivers at risk behind the
wheel, and the chances of a teenager being involved in a car crash increases.
There is also evidence that
as we age our ability to fall into and maintain a deep, restorative sleep
decreases. Like teen drivers this lack of sound sleep combined with the time
change adjustment increases the risk for mature drivers to be involved in a
crash as well.
Regardless of age, fatigue
impairs the brain functions as much as alcohol, reducing the mind and body's
ability to respond quickly and accurately.
Sleep related collisions
are very common and range from hitting a pedestrian in an intersection or
rear-ending the vehicle in front or you, to veering
off of the road and hitting a parked car or a telephone pole.
According to the most
recent B.C. traffic crash data available, 4.3 per cent of all fatal
collisions were caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
Sleep is what your body
really needs to be able to function properly.
The BCAA Traffic Safety
Foundation recommends changing your sleeping patterns three to five days
prior to the time change taking effect to allow your body to adjust. Also
avoid caffeine or other substances to "wake you up" because once it
wears off you may feel even more fatigued.
The foundation also
recommends that if you take daily doses of any medication you should consult
your physician about when to take them during and after the switch to
daylight saving time because side effects such as drowsiness could impact
your driving.
#19. SENIORS, CLAIM CREDITS
AND BENEFITS ON YOUR RETURN: CANADA REVENUE AGENCY
From January until the end
of March, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is issuing weekly tax tips with
information geared towards specific groups that are most affected by new and
existing credits, deductions, and benefits in the 2009 tax-filing season.
This tax tip focuses on seniors.
There are credits,
benefits, and deductions to which you may be entitled. Some of these are:
*Age amount: If you were 65
years old or older on December 31, 2009, and your net income was less than
$75,032, you may be able to claim this non-refundable tax credit. [Footnote
1]
*Pension income amount: If
you reported eligible pension, superannuation, or annuity payments on your
return, you may be able to claim this non-refundable tax credit. [Footnote 1]
*Pension income splitting:
If you and your spouse or common-law partner split your pension income by
completing Form T1032, Joint Election to Split Pension Income, you (the
pensioner) can claim a deduction for the elected split-pension amount.
*Registered retirement
savings plan (RRSP): You may be able to deduct your RRSP contributions.
*Medical expenses: You may
be able to claim a non-refundable tax credit [Footnote 1] based on the cost
of medical expenses for any 12-month period ending in 2009.
*Goods and services tax /
harmonized sales tax (GST / HST) credit: Low- and modest-income individuals
and families may apply for this quarterly payment by completing the
application on the first page of their 2009 income tax and benefit return.
*Disability amount: If you
had a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions in 2009
and meet certain conditions, you may be able to claim this non-refundable tax
credit. [Footnote 1]
*Public transit tax credit:
If you use public transit and have bought certain transit passes or
electronic payment cards, you may be able to claim this non-refundable tax
credit. [Footnote 1]
*Home Renovation Tax
Credit: If you are a homeowner, you may be able to claim a non-refundable tax
credit [Footnote 1] of up to $1,350, based on eligible expenses incurred for
work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February
1, 2010, in respect of a renovation or alteration to an eligible dwelling.
The credit applies to expenses of more than $1,000, but not more than
$10,000.
In addition to these, other
credits, deductions, and benefits may be available to you. For more
information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/seniors.
*Pay tax by instalments: If you receive income that has no tax
withheld or does not have enough tax withheld for more than one year, you may
have to pay tax by instalments. This can happen if
you receive rental, investment, or self-employment income, certain pension
payments, or income from more than one job. For more information, go to
www.cra.gc.ca/instalments.
*Take advantage of the
CRA's electronic services: Use electronic services such as NETFILE and
TELEFILE, My Account, My Payment, and direct deposit to file your return,
manage your tax affairs online, make online payments, and get your refund and
benefits deposited into your bank account, respectively. For more
information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/eservices.
*Get help filing your
return: If you qualify for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and
have a simple tax situation, a trained volunteer will help you complete your
2009 income tax and benefit return. For more information, go to
www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer or call 1-800-959-8281.
Get CRA publications in
different formats
If you have a visual
impairment, you can get our publications in braille,
large print, etext (CD or diskette), or MP3 by
going to our Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alternate or by calling 1-800-959-2221. You can also get your personalized
correspondence in one of these formats by calling 1-800-959-8281.
[Footnote 1: Non-refundable
tax credits reduce your federal income tax. If the total of your
non-refundable tax credits is more than your federal income tax, you will not
receive a refund for the difference.]
#20. ICBC THANKS COMMUTERS
FOR DROP IN CLAIMS DURING WINTER GAMES
With an estimated 250,000
visitors to the province, ICBC says it anticipated our roads would be busier
than ever. But thanks to B.C. residents and its visitors, that wasn't the
case.
"We want to thank
everyone for planning ahead and commuting creatively," said Ash Megalli, 2010 claims services manager at ICBC. "Our
preliminary numbers indicate there were approximately 20 per cent fewer
claims reported during the 2010 Winter Games than the same time period in
2009."
"We put a plan in
place to deal with an anticipated increase in claims, but thanks to
everyone's smart choices we actually saw a decrease in claims," said Megalli. "The level of cooperation by residents
alone was remarkable — from those who live and work downtown, employers
that allowed staff to work from home, to all the residents that left their
cars at home. We've all helped make these Winter Games safe and
successful."
The courtesy shown by those
who did drive definitely didn't go unnoticed. NBC anchor and managing editor,
Brian Williams, thanked Canada in a recent blog post, leaving behind a
thank-you note, "For not honking your horns. I didn't hear one car horn
in 15 days."
"All road users did
their part and they should be proud," said Megalli.
"They planned ahead, made smart driving decisions and were courteous
hosts — all of which left lasting impressions."
#21. BCAA INSURANCE OFFERS
MOBILE DEVICE INSURANCE
Many of us depend on cell
phones and other mobile devices to stay connected, and would be lost without
them. BCAA Insurance says it has heard the call and responded by adding
special coverage for mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones,
iPods and MP3 players to its home insurance mix, offering extra peace of mind
for its customers.
BCAA is the first insurance
company in Canada to offer Mobile Device Insurance as an option on any new or
existing home, condo, or tenant policy. Coverage starts at $3 per month for
$300 in coverage, or $6 per month for $750 in coverage. All claims are free
of deductibles and do not affect annual premiums.
If your device is
accidentally lost, damaged or stolen, BCAA will pay out the cost of replacing
it, up to your coverage limit, regardless of your service provider. Plus,
Mobile Device Insurance will also pay for any unrecoverable downloads, like
songs, games and ring tones you may have purchased and lost along with your
phone.
"Today's mobile
devices are not cheap - especially top end products such as the iPhone and phones with multi-year commitment
contracts," says BCAA's Home Insurance Product Manager Brooke Moss.
"We take our mobile
communications and entertainment devices everywhere with us so they are
naturally at risk of getting damaged or lost. What's more, they're becoming
lighter and smaller, and can be easily misplaced."
Most new mobile devices
come with a manufacturers warranty, which covers
equipment failure or malfunction due to defects. It does not, however, cover
accidental damage such as dropping the device or spilling coffee on it.
Of course, accidental loss
or damage are not the only reasons for considering
mobile device coverage - they're at risk of being stolen, too.
"Cell phones are so
multi-functional now," says Moss. "For example, you can browse the
web, listen to music, check your emails, take photos
and lots more. That makes them an ideal target for thieves."
Mobile Device Insurance can
be added to any current or new BCAA home insurance policy. You can purchase
$300 worth of coverage for just $3 per month, or $750 worth of coverage for
just $6 per month.
When you purchase coverage,
BCAA provides you with an identification label to place on the back of your
device, which directs you to register it with the recovery provider listed.
If your device goes missing, the finder can call the number on the label and
a service representative from the recovery provider will coordinate the
return of the device.
If your device is damaged,
stolen or goes missing, customers can contact BCAA Insurance to make a claim.
#22. MORE LOCATIONS FOR
LEGAL AID
Families in crisis,
refugees, and people facing criminal charges will have more ways to get the
legal help they need at new legal aid locations throughout BC opening on
March 29.
"We are pleased to
announce new local agents in seven communities around the province,"
said Mark Benton, QC, Executive Director of the Legal Services Society, BC's
legal aid provider. "There are now legal aid local agents in 33 BC
communities and more than 50 locations, plus an expanded, province-wide call
centre, where people can apply for legal aid or get the legal information
they need to resolve their problems."
The seven communities with
new local agents are Kamloops, Kelowna, Prince George, Victoria, and Surrey,
where local agents replace Legal Services Society offices, and New
Westminster and Langley, which were not previously served by a Legal Services
Society location.
Local agents are private
lawyers who contract with the Legal Services Society to administer legal aid
and provide community legal outreach in the area.
"The move to local
agents will reduce the Legal Services Society's operating costs so that more
money can be used for services such as free legal information, advice in
courthouses for people who don't have lawyers, and legal representation in
more serious matters," Benton said. "The society has already
announced it will be reinstating several programs that were previously cut,
including one to assist people in particularly difficult family law
cases."
*Kamloops - Louise
Richards. She will be providing services at the Kamloops courthouse and at a
location to be determined.
*Kelowna - Andrew Vandersluys. He will be providing services at the Kelowna
courthouse and from 210 - 347 Leon Avenue, Kelowna.
*Prince George - Beatrix Josephy. She will be providing services at the Prince
George courthouse and at 1057 Third Avenue.
*Surrey, New Westminster,
Langley - Craig Sicotte. He will be providing
services at 102 - 10706 King George Highway in Surrey, 206 - 20641 Logan
Avenue in Langley and the New Westminster Law Courts.
*Victoria - Roland Kuczma. He will be providing services at the Victoria Law
Courts, the Western Communities courthouse and at 218 - 852 Fort Street,
Victoria.
#23. PROVINCE CLAIMS TO
PROTECT SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME CLIENTS
The province is updating
income assistance programs to ensure it can manage an increased caseload and
provide benefits to as many people as possible. The changes will be
implemented in a manner that is fair to all British Columbians and supports
children and families, says the government.
The current economy has
placed greater demands on income assistance programs and the number of
individuals receiving income assistance in B.C. has grown by 15 per cent over
the last year to 177,526 recipients. This increase represents an additional
$19.8 million in payments every month. Today’s changes will save $10
million in 2010-2011 and $15 million in 2011-2012. Funds will be redirected
to programs that provide monthly support and shelter costs.
The following changes take
effect beginning April 1, 2010:
* Persons with
Disabilities, income assistance clients and low-income families will have
more flexibility to choose dental services. Changes include children
receiving up to $1,400 for basic dental services every two years instead of
$700 per year, and eliminating out-of-pocket costs to clients for major
procedures over $700.
* The diet supplement will
be expanded to include up to $40 a month for children who have difficulty in
controlling epilepsy and people who have a serious genetic disorder, called phenylketonuria (PKU).
* Each year, the province
funds 1,800 funeral services for low-income British Columbians, including the
costs of transportation, burial plots, caskets or urns, burial and cremation.
Sponsors of immigrants who have the financial means to pay for a funeral will
be added to the list of people responsible for covering funeral expenses.
* The life-threatening
health need program supports low-income British
Columbians by paying for medical equipment, supplies and transportation that
address a life-threatening health need. To ensure the program is sustainable
over time and helps those who need it the most, an income test will be
introduced for people who do not receive income or disability assistance. To
be eligible, a client must be in receipt of Medical Service Plan Premium
Assistance, which allows for an adjusted net income of $30,000 annually.
* Persons with Disabilities
and income assistance clients can get help paying for essential medical
supplies and equipment to reduce serious health risks. To ensure these
programs will be available to meet the most medically essential needs of
clients, certain items will no longer be covered, including pre-made foot
orthotics, electrotherapy devices, diagnostic testing devices (such as glucometers), medication delivery devices and
contraceptive devices.
* Currently, former income
assistance clients maintain access to some provincial health supplements as
they transition to other programs that provide higher income and health
benefits, such as federal assistance or employment. Clients who receive
higher federal benefits will no longer be eligible for provincial support.
* The minimum shelter
allowance provides $75 a month to persons with disabilities and income
assistance clients from age 60 to 64, even if they do not pay rent. This is
an out-dated policy that excludes most income assistance clients and will be
eliminated.
* A $20 monthly bottled
water supplement will no longer be available since British Columbia has some
of the safest drinking water in North America. A three-month transition
period will be implemented for clients currently receiving the supplement.
British Columbia’s
total income assistance rates are the third highest in Canada for employable
singles and fourth for Persons with Disabilities. Approximately 177,500
British Columbians are dependent on income assistance. The 2010-11 budget for income assistance is $1.5 billion – a
$57.8-million increase from the September 2009 budget update.
#24. LIBERALS CUT SERVICES
FOR LOW-INCOME BRITISH COLUMBIANS: NDP
The B.C. Liberals’
chaotic cuts to health, wellness and preventative services for low-income
British Columbians will hurt children and families and lead to higher costs
for the province in the long run, the New Democrats said on Friday.
The B.C. Liberals quietly
announced late Thursday that they will be cutting supports for things such as
contraceptives, medication delivery devices, funeral services and shelter
allowances for low-income individuals, children and families.
“These cuts are
appalling,” said New Democrat housing and social development critic
Shane Simpson. “While B.C. grapples with the highest child poverty rate
in the country, rising homelessness, and a growing
gap between the rich and poor, the B.C. Liberals are cutting services and
programs for the most vulnerable.”
“Many of these cuts
are in the area of preventative health and will only end up costing the
health care system more in emergency visits and deteriorating health,”
said New Democrat health critic Adrian Dix. “The B.C. Liberals own
fiscal incompetence has again left low-income families paying the
price.”
Simpson said the cuts
announced on Thursday are compounded by the recent B.C. budget, which failed
to address the growing social inequality seen under the B.C. Liberals.
“There was nothing in
this year’s budget to address child poverty, the growing income gap, or
lack of affordable housing,” said Simpson.
Simpson also pointed to
cuts to social programs last fall in which the B.C. Liberals pulled funding
for community mental health and addiction services and hit programs for
children with fetal-alcohol damage and children who witness abuse.
Under the B.C. Liberals,
B.C. still has the highest poverty rate in the country at more than half a
million British Columbians, and ranks eighth out of 10 provinces for social
condition according to the government’s own Progress Board.
#25. PRIME MINISTER,
PREMIER ANNOUNCE 15 NEW PROJECTS
Prime Minister Stephen
Harper and Premier Gordon Campbell on Monday announced support for 15 new
infrastructure projects across British Columbia. Provided for by investments
from both the government of Canada and the province of British Columbia,
these projects will improve highways, local roads and bridges throughout the
province, resulting in safer travel for residents and visitors alike.
“Our government is
laying the foundations for future economic growth and prosperity in British
Columbia,” said Harper. “The infrastructure projects announced today
under Canada’s Economic Action Plan will create jobs, providing
immediate benefits to British Columbia workers, businesses and
communities.”
“This investment is
important because not only will it enhance critical transportation
infrastructure across the province, it will also put people to work, creating
about 220 more direct jobs and building confidence in our communities,”
said Campbell. “By working co-operatively with the federal government,
local governments and other partners, we’ve invested a total of over
$4.4 billion to create over 28,000 jobs across every region of the province
since launching the Economic Action Plan.”
The government of Canada
will invest more than $17 million in federal funding for these 15 key
infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund – a
$4-billion initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan that supports
provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure
projects. The Economic Action Plan included new infrastructure funding to stimulate
the economy and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.
#26. $13-MILLION FOR
IMPROVING RAPID BUS TRANSIT ALONG HIGHWAY 99
Surrey and White Rock
commuters will benefit from $13 million in federal and provincial infrastructure
funding to improve rapid bus transit along Highway 99, enhancing public
safety and creating jobs.
“This dedicated bus
lane will be of tremendous benefit in getting commuters from our community to
work more quickly, and reducing traffic congestion,” says South
Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale MP Russ Hiebert.
“This is a strong step forward in increasing safety on Hwy 99 while
reducing smog.”
“We have been
listening to the people of Surrey and their concerns regarding public transit
and congestion,” says Fleetwood-Port Kells MP
Nina Grewal. “This investment will make
public transit a more attractive option to commuters, improve traffic flow,
and reduce the growth of pollution and greenhouse gases pumped into the
air.”
“This project
supports the growth of our South Fraser communities,” says Surrey-White
Rock MLA Gordie Hogg. “And with Highway 99 being one
of the busiest traffic corridors in the Lower Mainland, this project will
increase our traffic capacity and improve commute time.”
“This is a great
addition to our local transit system,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA
Stephanie Cadieux. “We’ve seen visitors and
local residents really embrace public transit over the 2010 Olympic Games and
this project is an important step forward in reducing emissions.”
The governments of Canada
and B.C. will each invest $6.5 million in the construction of 6.2 kilometres of shoulder bus lane, northbound, along
Highway 99 from King George Highway to Highway 91.
#27. B.C. STRIKES GOLD AT
2010 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2010 Olympic Winter
Games were an unparalleled success thanks to the gold-medal performance by
Canadian athletes, VANOC, volunteers and residents, Premier Gordon Campbell
said on Monday.
“The 2010 Olympic
Winter Games has not only left British Columbians with a powerful and
enduring legacy, it has provided one of the defining moments in our
country’s history,” said Premier Campbell. “Over 17 days,
hundreds of thousands of people from across Canada and around the world
filled the streets of Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler to share in the
Olympic experience – and it has changed us forever.”
The Games have also
propelled British Columbia onto the world stage thanks to the unprecedented
international marketing, exposure and outreach. Some 3.5 billion people
– more than half the world’s population – viewed the Games
on TV, the Internet or a mobile device, making the 2010 Winter Olympics the
most watched Winter Games in history.
In Canada, 33.1 million
people – 99 per cent of the population – watched, read or
listened to the Games since they started. Sixty-nine per cent viewed the
opening ceremonies – the most-watched TV event in Canadian history.
“On behalf of all
British Columbians, I want to thank VANOC, the volunteers, athletes,
sponsors, fans, the federal government and every partner who have come
together to make the 2010 Winter Olympic Games such a tremendous
success,” said Campbell. “Everyone involved has played a role in
elevating Canada’s national pride to new heights and for making these
Games a defining moment on our history – one that will be remembered
for generations.”
The province put in place a
comprehensive strategy to leverage the Games and sell British Columbia to the
world, including:
*An international
advertising campaign to promote tourism.
*A dynamic provincial
presence at Robson Square that included the BC Pavilion, a popular zipline,
and the Ignite the Dream laser and pyrotechnic show.
*A state-of-the-art BC
International Media Centre to support 3,900 visiting media during the Games.
*A business hosting program
with approximately 100 networking events and more than 9,000 participants
over 17 days.
The Conference Board of
Canada forecast that the Games will bring an additional $770 million to
B.C.’s economy in 2010 alone. That doesn’t include $2 billion in
spending by delegations of sponsors, suppliers, networking businesses and
athletic teams.
Tourism BC reports that at
the halfway point of the Games more than 100,000 visitors were served at the
information centres at Vancouver International
Airport, Peace Arch border crossing, and throughout the venue cities in
Vancouver, Whistler, Richmond and West Vancouver. When the final counts are
in, the province estimates that the prediction of 250,000 visitors to the
province will be achieved.
Olympic Success By The
Numbers
Economy:
*$770 million: added boost
to B.C.’s economy as a result of the Games, in 2010 alone.
*$2 billion: added spending
by delegations of sponsors, suppliers, networking businesses and athletic
teams.
*200 per cent: increase in
business reported by Granville merchants during the Games.
*Three million: Olympic red
mittens sold by The Bay.
*US$5.2 million: amount
spent on Visa cards on the opening day of the Games (an increase of 46 per
cent over the same day last year).
TV Viewership:
*3.5 billion: viewers who
will watch at least some coverage of the Games, according to the IOC.
That’s half the world’s population; making these the most-watched
Winter Games in history.
*99 per cent: Canadian population who watched, read or listened to coverage of
the Olympics on CTV television and website.
*183 million: Americans who
watched the Vancouver Olympics on the networks of NBC Universal through 15
days of the Games; four million more than watched the first 15 days of the
2006 Winter Games.
*20 per cent: increase in
NBC viewership through 13 nights of the Vancouver Games over the 2006 Winter
Games.
*110.6 million views to
CTV’s Olympic website.
*26 hours: average Olympic
viewing of CTV’s 32 million viewers (as of February 23).
*The Games will receive
about 24,000 hours of coverage around the world, representing a 47 per cent
increase over the 2006 Winter Games.
Online Presence:
*250 million: impressions
from B.C.’s online ads on CTV, NBC, VANOC, MSN, travel and other web
sites.
*1,162,079: fans following
the Olympic Games on Facebook and 14,106 followers
on Twitter. (5 a.m. February 27).
*27 million: views of the
You Gotta Be Here ads at Times Square, New York
City; running twice every half hour on the Superscreen
at 42nd Street.
*1.8 million: visits to
HelloBC.com in February alone (average per year is 7 million).
*480,000: views of the 102
videos on the You Gotta Be Here YouTube channel.
*14,145: views of the free
attractions Google Map (You Gotta Be Here page).
*318 per cent: increase in
site visits to HelloBC.com (February 2010 versus February 2009).
*5,000: fans on the You Gotta Be Here Facebook page.
*One million viewers of Tom
Brokaw’s “explaining Canada” online video.
B.C.’s Robson Square Showcase:
*1.5 million: visitors to
Robson Square since opening day.
*80,000: visitors to the BC
Canada Pavilion (February 12-28).
*Over 9,000: participants at the 100-plus events,
presentations, conferences, held as part of the Provincial Hosting Program.
*12,000: thrill seekers who have ridden the
Robson Square zip line (700 per day).
*17,000: people who have skated on the ice at
GE Plaza since opening day (1,000 per day). About 75,000 have skated since the
rink opened in November 2009.
*Nine: couples who have
become engaged at or around the rink (to February 25).
Medals:
*14 Gold, breaking a Winter
Olympic record for most gold medals won by a host country or any country at a
single Olympic Winter Games. Total medals: 26
Pavilions:
*42: National, regional and
corporate pavilions and attractions in Greater Vancouver.
*13: International
pavilions and hospitality houses in Greater Vancouver.
*11: International
pavilions and hospitality houses in Whistler.
Visitors:
*1.5 million: spectators
who flocked to free events during the Cultural Olympiad.
*100,000: visitors to the
permanent and mobile Visitor Information Centres on
the Lower Mainland and Whistler (to February 19).
*140,000: spectators
recorded by VANOC for day six of the Games (February 17).
*39,000: travellers (estimated; plus their 77,000 pieces of
baggage) departing the Vancouver International Airport on March 1.
Transportation:
*290,000: Canada Line
passengers on February 19. Ridership was up over 100 per cent to average over
207,000 per day during the Games.
*975,000: bus riders, an
increase of 34 per cent.
*48,000: SeaBus riders, an increase of 200 per cent.
*488,000: SkyTrain passengers on B.C. Day, February 14. The
ridership on Expo / Millennium Lines was up 54 per cent during the Games.
OMISSIONS IN JASON
KENNEY’S CITIZENSHIP GUIDE: FEDERAL LIBERALS
In his new citizenship
guide, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney deliberately decided to omit
references to the legalization of gay marriage in Canada or the protection of
the legal rights of all Canadians regardless of their sexual orientation.
That’s not the only
thing Kenney left out, Liberal MP Scott Brison said
this week.
"It's becoming more
and more clear that the Conservatives did not intend this to be a Canadian
citizenship guide, but instead a Conservative citizenship guide," said Brison.
"Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms has helped make Canada
one of the most progressive societies in the world and a magnet for those
seeking equality. You can't take away from the Charter the rights you like
and ignore the rest."
The following facts about
Canada also don’t appear to be important enough to Kenney to merit a
mention in his guide:
* Canada has laws against
propagating hate.
* No mention of
Peacekeeping, the Canadian flag debate, or the legacy of Lester Pearson.
* No mention of Pierre
Trudeau or his role in repatriating the Constitution in 1982.
* Canada played a role in
the mission in Rwanda.
* A Canadian, John
Humphrey, spearheaded the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
* Canada’s literary,
dance, and music icons have left their mark on the world, but none are
mentioned in the guide.
* Nellie McClung, a leader
of Canada’s suffragette movement, is not mentioned.
* While prominent
Conservatives like John A. Macdonald, George-Étienne
Cartier, and Robert Borden are featured, Canada’s longest serving Prime
Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, is not mentioned.
#28. PATRIOTIC SURREY YOUTH
HIGHLIGHTED IN LEGISLATURE BY MLA CADIEUX
Surrey-Panorama MLA
Stephanie Cadieux spoke in the Legislature this
week to recognize the Olympic Spirit and national pride demonstrated by
Surrey students.
“Since the Olympic
Torch Relay began to the end of these 2010 Games, we have seen an outpouring
of Canadian spirit on a scale and with an honesty that I have never witnessed
before in my lifetime,” said Cadieux.
“What is at the root of this? Why now?
“Have we finally
reached a point as a nation where we feel a sense of what it means to be
Canadian – where we can define it, without feeling guilty or
boastful? Just plain proud.
“I was at T.E. Scott
Elementary School in my riding of Surrey-Panorama. I was attending the
school’s 2010 Assembly. There was a wonderful energy amongst the
children and teachers alike. Performances, multimedia presentations,
fantastic art work, our anthem and two essay contest winners.
“They had been asked
to write about why it is great to be Canadian, to live in Canada, and
I’d like to share some of what the two winning entrants wrote and
recited.
“Gulseerat
Boparai, in Grade 5 writes, ‘Canada is a great
country. It is a destination for
many people coming from war torn countries. People respect other people who
are different from them. Canada has a fair government who takes
everybody’s votes into account and listens to everybody’s
opinions.’
“Sahil
Sian, of Grade 3, believes, ‘In Canada there are polar bears, salmon,
beavers, caribou, coyotes, ground hogs, foxes, grizzly bears, deers, killers whales and
dolphins. Canada has lots of
trees. Canada has a good
environment because all Canadians respect trees. The elementary and secondary
studies are free in Canada so everyone can learn. All these things make Canada a great
place in the world and I am proud to be Canadian.’
“Truer words
couldn’t be spoken.
“I’d like to
thank these kids, the whole TE Scott Family and the rest of British Columbia,
for a heart-warming show of pride in our country and province over the
Olympic Games period and I certainly encourage everyone to continue that
‘show’ through the Paralympic Games
March 12 to 21,” said Cadieux.
#29. FEDERAL LIBERALS
SUPPORT FULL OWN THE PODIUM FUNDING
Federal Liberal Leader
Michael Ignatieff again reiterated his full support
for the Own the Podium program after Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday
refused to reverse his government’s ill-advised decision to cut its
funding.
“Canada’s
athletes had a remarkable Olympics, leading the way with more gold than any
country ever,” said Ignatieff. “After
the success we’ve had, Canadians agree that Own the Podium was a good
investment. We want our country’s
best athletes – who’ve made us so proud over the last two weeks
– to inspire young Canadians in every corner of this country, on every
local ski hill and in every neighbourhood
arena.”
Ignatieff repeated the Liberal commitment to maintain Own the
Podium’s funding with $22 million in long-term,
predictable federal support after the Harper government announced it will
only continue with $11 million for two years, leaving an $11 million
shortfall and uncertainty going forward.
“As Liberals, we’re proud
of our role in developing this program, and we support its
continuation,” said Ignatieff. “Not only do we want to keep the
best sporting expertise in Canada, but our investment in the top of the
pyramid of our sporting activity is also an investment in the base. We can inspire even more young
Canadians to ‘own the podium’ of the future and widen sporting
participation, improving the health of our children in the process.”
Own the Podium was originally launched in 2005 under a
Liberal government, with the support of Canada’s 13 winter national
sport organizations, Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the
Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Vancouver
Organizing Committee.
Liberal Critic for Amateur
Sport and the Vancouver Olympics Joyce Murray also took Harper to task for
attempting to take credit for the Own the Podium program.
“The Prime Minister
is content to capitalize on the high that Canadians are feeling towards the
Olympic Games and our athletes with countless photo-ops,” said Murray.
“But when it comes to supporting our athletes, he’s all too eager
to take credit for Own the Podium while cutting its funding.”
#30. CANADA REDEFINES
ITSELF IN CRESCENDO OLYMPICS WINDUP
By Doug Firby
Managing Editor
Troy Media
(PHOTO)
Ladies and gentleman, meet
the new Canada.
No longer
the humble also-rans, in two short weeks Canada redefined itself as
brash, pushy, boisterous - and not afraid to put everything on the line.
At the outset, Canada
declared it would own the podium - a goal seemingly so audacious as to be
laughable for a country that in the past had never won a gold medal at an
Olympics it has hosted.
Today, Canada's athletes
hold 14 gold medals - more than any other single country ever has - and sits
third with 26 medals overall. The tally is two shy of the Canadian Olympic
Committee's hubristic objective of 28. But you'd be hard-pressed to find a
Canadian who doesn't think his country has exceeded his wildest competitive
dreams.
US gets long-overdue
comeuppance
Sunday's thrilling overtime
triumph over arch-rival US in men's ice hockey was a great show, but it was
also just the icing on a very tasty cake. Before the elite squad set skate to
ice, Canadians were already feeling ecstatic over its incredible Olympic
turnaround.
A day before the big game,
a friend of mine summarized the mood of the nation: "The worst Canada
can do in these Olympics is better than it has ever done before. We rock, we
rule, we are tired of being good, we are ready to be great."
It's a remarkable
turnaround from the mid-point of the Olympic games. Halfway through, Canada's
performance had been as big a disappointment as the gloomy weather that
haunted the Olympic venues. Canada's injury riddled ski team fell well short
of expectations, as did our speed skaters, and an
anxious nation braced for national humiliation. One snooty Brit declared it
possibly the worst games ever.
In our darkest hour, we got
some light-hearted relief from Jon Montgomery, the unlikely gold medallist in skeleton. A red-bearded auctioneer and used
car salesman from Russell, Man., Montgomery's carefree elation at his
unexpected triumph - just Canada's fourth gold of the Games - seemed the
perfect balm for a nation with an open wound.
It was the beginning of the
second week that brought first inspiration, and then reward. The nation
collectively fell in love with young Quebec skater Joannie
Rochette, who showed incredible courage and poise
to claim a bronze medal just days after her mother suddenly died of a heart
attack in Vancouver.
Suddenly, the medals
started to trickle in, and the mood improved. Small-town sweethearts Tessa
Virtue and Scott Moir grabbed Canada's first
ice-dancing gold. Ashleigh McIvor of Whistler, B.C., reigned over women's
freestyle ski cross. And Christine Nesbitt won the 1,000 metre
speed skating. Charles Hamelin, disappointed in two earlier speed skating
events, won two golds in just more than an hour on
Friday night.
This was only the
beginning. Canada had found its stride and was ready to startle the world
with a crescendo finish.
Then came super Saturday,
when our speed skaters, curlers and snowboarders found golden
redemption. Jay Anderson came
from seemingly nowhere to capture the parallel giant slalom snowboard - and
couldn't believe his own accomplishment. Curling skip Kevin Martin shook the
monkey of previous defeats off his back and led Team Canada to gold. A trio
seized the 3,200-metre long-track speed skating, beating out - who else but the Americans? - by
just 21-100ths of a second. The women's hockey team completed its sweep of
the tournament by defeating you guessed it - the US 2-0. It was a march so
dominant, Jacques Rogge, CEO of the International Olympic Committee, warned
that things have to get more competitive in the future.
Redemption, new sense of
pride
Like the Games themselves -
marred by the early death of a Georgian luger - Canadian athletes had not
only salvaged the nation's honour; but it had also
found redemption, and a new sense of pride.
And then came Sunday - the
gold medal hockey game that brought the entire nation to a halt.
Collectively, Canada held its breath through three tense periods, and seven
minutes and 40 seconds of frantic overtime, until Sidney Crosby's goal
unleashed a roar that could be heard from sea to sea to sea.
"These golden games
have their crowning moment," declared the play-by-play commentator.
Canadians are now back to
work, sharing water-cooler chat about the incredible two weeks that held a
nation transfixed. It's only sport, but - just as the Paul Henderson's goal
that defeated that Soviets in 1972 rewrote our country's folklore - the
triumphs of the last few days have in subtle ways changed the way we view
ourselves, and the way the world sees us.
It has been a running joke
that if you ask a Canadian what he is, he tells you
he's not an American.
Those days are gone. We are
stronger, prouder, more audacious than before. More
complex. More sophisticated. Less polite. The hardy product of a rough-cut
land of trees, ice and maple leaves, we now believe
the Great White North is more than a running cliché. Defined at last
as the nation we've always been, rather than the nation we're not.
No longer a could-have-been country, Canada can no longer be spoken
of or written about in the conditional tense. It has earned long overdue recognition
as a world champion.
And that's only the
beginning.
Doug Firby
is former Editorial Pages Editor with the Calgary Herald.
#31. NEW PROGRAM IMPROVES
OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Beginning April 1, the
Ministry of Children and Family Development’s new Extended Family
Program (EFP) will offer supports to families when children are temporarily
unable to live with their parents.
The goal of the program is
to encourage strong, stable home environments and improve outcomes for
children and youth and their families.
For families whose
situation warrants it, EFP will offer substantive elements over and above the
financial assistance provided by the Child in the Home of a Relative program
(CIHR), including:
*Individual assessment and
long-term planning.
*Increased supports for
children, parents and caregivers.
Supports will vary
according to need, but may include counselling,
respite and / or training.
The Extended Family Program
is consistent with a number of other out-of-care options offered by the
ministry such as Youth Agreements, Agreements with Young Adults, and
Post-Adoption Assistance. EFP is also aligned with the child-centred approach the ministry is adopting through
Practice Change and its Strong, Safe and Supported Action Plan.
New applications for the
Child in the Home of a Relative program will not be accepted after March 31.
Current CIHR clients will continue to receive financial assistance as long as
their file remains open and they – and the child or youth in their care
– meet the criteria for assistance under the existing CIHR program. The
Ministry of Housing and Social Development will continue to deliver CIHR
under existing regulations and policy.
As of April 1, all families
requesting supports previously provided by the CIHR program may choose to
access a range of other services, including EFP, depending on their
individual circumstances and needs.
As the Extended Family
Program is implemented, feedback from families and caregivers – as well
as MCFD and Delegated Aboriginal Agency staff – will be sought and,
where possible, incorporated into service delivery.
For more information about
EFP and other programs supporting children, youth and families, visit the
ministry’s website:
www.gov.bc.ca/mcf/alternativestofostercare/index.htm
#32. VANCOUVER: OLYMPIC
STREET BANNERS FOR HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORTS
With the conclusion of the
Winter Olympic Games and the start of the Paralympic
Games only days away, Vancouver Mayor Gregor
Robertson is reminding residents and visitors there is still time to purchase
the bright Olympic street banners as a prime souvenir of the Games.
“These colourful, iconic banners are a vivid symbol of the 2010
Winter Games and purchasing one will help provide urgently needed support to
help rebuild Haiti,” said Robertson. “The Games were a tremendous
success and the banners will be a great souvenir for years to
come.”
UNICEF (the United Nations
International Children’s Emergency Fund) confirms $62,000 has been
raised so far by banner sales. Robertson said he hopes the program will sell
out of the 3,000 street banners provided to UNICEF for the project. The goal is to raise hundreds of
thousands of dollars for Haiti.
The fundraising initiative
was launched on February 10, during the visit of Governor General Michaelle Jean, at an event attended by members of the
local Haitian community.
“Buying a banner is
one way for people to show their support for a good cause and purchase a
great memento of the 2010 Winter Games,” said Robertson.
A total of 6,000 street
banners, which were funded through the Olympic and Paralympic
Legacy Reserve Fund, are decorating the streets of Vancouver for the 2010
Winter Games.
The banners are available
on UNICEF's website, starting at $150, and with a choice of 12 different
banner designs. With so much to choose from, Mayor Robertson said he hopes
there's something for everyone. Banners will be delivered to the purchasers
in spring.
The remaining 3,000 banners
will be used after the Games to support inner-city community projects in
Vancouver. The City’s long-running summer banner program provides
street banners, after they are taken down, as a fundraising tool for
non-profit organizations.
To purchase a banner, visit
the UNICEF website at: www.shopunicef.ca/streetbanners
Individuals can also make
donations to UNICEF Canada by visiting unicef.ca or by calling
1-877-955-3111.
#33. FEDERAL LIBERALS SEEK
APOLOGY FOR CANADA’S ‘HOME CHILDREN’
Prime Minister Stephen
Harper should formally apologize, on behalf of the Canadian government, to the
Canadian victims of Britain’s Child Migrants program, Liberal
Citizenship and Immigration Critic Maurizio Bevilacqua
said Monday.
Bevilacqua, following up on a speech in the House he gave
before Parliament was prorogued, and in anticipation of all MPs returning,
said the time is right to provide these citizens with the formal recognition
they deserve.
“Both British Prime
Minister Gordon Brown and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd have
acknowledged the tragic legacy of Britain’s Child Migrants program,
where for more than eighty years, thousands of children were shipped abroad,
severing all ties to their parents and extended families, with little or no
regard for their welfare and rights as citizens in Britain and their adopted
countries,” said Bevilacqua. “If we are
serious about acknowledging past injustices, then surely here is a case where
we could do more to honour our commitment to
fairness, recognition and reconciliation.”
Britain’s Child
Migrants program, formally established in 1869, was responsible for sending
more than 100,000 economically disadvantaged children to Canada and Australia
until it was discontinued in 1948. The majority of children were sent to
Canada because it was cheaper than sending them to Australia.
Many of these “home
children” were often taken without their parents’ knowledge,
frequently with falsified documentation to claim they were orphans, in an
effort to ease British social assistance rolls. Promised a better life here
in Canada, many were abused or forced into labour against
their will. It is estimated that a full two-thirds of those sent here
suffered some form of neglect or abuse.
“Though this dark
chapter in our shared history as members of the Commonwealth seems of another
era, the reality is there are many Canadian citizens alive today who have
borne this legacy, and who have painful memories as victims of this
program,” Bevilacqua said. “When it comes to painful
experiences like these, apologies matter. It is the role of government to
acknowledge past injustices so we can move forward with clarity in our
convictions for the basic human rights of our citizens, both at home and
abroad.”
#34. PROVINCE REACHES
AGREEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Negotiators for the
provincial government have reached a tentative agreement with the
Professional Employees’ Association under the government’s
negotiating framework, Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced on Monday.
“In today’s
economic climate, we continue to be as committed as ever to ensuring we
provide the best services for taxpayers’ dollars,” said Hansen.
“I’m pleased to hear that negotiators have reached a tentative
agreement that is within our current negotiating framework. The current
global financial situation’s impact on government’s finances
means that there is no money for compensation increases in this round of
bargaining.”
The BC Public Service
employs about 1,400 members of the Professional Employees’ Association,
who provide professional expertise in a wide variety of occupations that
ensure British Columbians continue to enjoy the services they rely on
including health care, public safety and environmental management.
A ratification vote will
take place at a later date.
“The negotiators on
both sides deserve recognition for their efforts in reaching this tentative
deal,” said Citizens' Services Minister Ben Stewart, whose
responsibilities include the B.C. Public Service Agency. “Our
professional employees have strong expertise and provide valuable services
that contribute to British Columbia’s economic and social
well-being.”
The government has already
announced its intention to control spending on wages during this round of
bargaining. To preserve vital services British Columbians depend on,
government does not have any funding for new wage increases as collective
agreements are renewed.
More than 200,000 workers
are covered by contracts that expire between March 31 and December 31.
#35. COMMUNITY HEALTH
EMPLOYEES RATIFY AGREEMENT
An agreement has been
ratified with community health employees on a new two-year contract under the
province’s 2010 negotiating framework, Finance Minister Colin Hansen
announced Tuesday.
The agreement covers about
17,000 unionized workers, the majority of whom are represented by the BC
Government and Service Employees’ Union, with the balance represented
by nine other unions, including the Hospital Employees’ Union, the
United Food and Commercial Workers Union and the Canadian Union of Public
Employees. Together, the unions are accredited to bargain for all unionized
employees as the Community Bargaining Association.
“I want to thank
negotiators from both sides of the table for ratifying this agreement well
ahead of the current contract’s expiry date,” said Hansen.
“This shows there is a healthy attitude at the bargaining table and
that unions and employers can work together to reach fair agreements within
the mandate.”
The two-year agreement
includes no net compensation increases, but recognizes compensation
trade-offs in both years, including a reduction in benefit costs, with application
of those savings to shift premiums, targeted increases to some occupations
and other health and welfare benefit improvements. Union members ratified the
agreement on March 1.
“This agreement will
provide continuity of care for vulnerable British Columbians receiving
support in their homes to help them live more independently,” said
Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. “We recognize the health
services we provide at the community level are a critical part of our health
care system, improving the quality of life for our clients.”
The government has already
announced its intention to control spending on wages during this round of
bargaining. To protect jobs and preserve vital services British Columbians
depend on, government does not have any funding for new wage increases as
collective agreements are renewed.
“We are pleased that
the agreement was ratified by both HEABC members and our union
partners,” said Lee Doney, president and CEO
of HEABC, the member association that acts as bargaining agent for
B.C.’s publicly funded health employers. “This was a challenging
bargaining environment given the current economic situation but by working
together, we were able to reach a deal that not only met the net zero
compensation mandate, but that did not result in any
disruption of service to the public.”
#36. RICHMOND FINDS GOLD IN GAMES
The City of Richmond is
celebrating its success in helping to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
From the Richmond Olympic Oval, where capacity crowds saw several Olympic
records smashed, to the Richmond O Zone, where 400,000 visitors celebrated
the Olympic spirit, Richmond had many golden moments throughout the 2010
Games.
“The past few weeks
have been the most extraordinary days in the history of our community,”
said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We
welcomed the world and showed them why we are so proud to call Richmond and
Canada our home. We’ve been overwhelmed with the positive feedback
we’ve received from local residents to international visitors who took
part in our many Olympic programs.”
Richmond’s efforts in
helping to stage the Games won special mention from International Olympic
Committee President Jacques Rogge in both the
opening and closing ceremonies of the Games, a remarkable achievement for a
non-Host city.
Brodie was quick to praise the more than 1,000 volunteers,
who worked along side city staff, community
partners and contractors to make the Games a success in Richmond.
“The volunteers were
incredible,” said Brodie. “We
consistently heard from international dignitaries, media, tourists and local
residents that they loved the experiences they had in Richmond. Whether it
was working in the O Zone, helping out with protocol responsibilities or as
part of the workforce at the Oval, Richmond volunteers were gracious hosts
who provided an exceptional level of service. We thank them all for their
tireless efforts.”
Brodie said the exposure and new relationships Richmond
has gained from the Games will pay long-term benefits to the community in
increased tourism and economic development and support the success of key
civic strategies for the development of arts and culture, major events and
sport hosting. He also saluted Richmond’s many community partners, such
as Tourism Richmond, Volunteer Richmond and Richmond Chamber of Commerce, who
worked closely with the city to help the community gain full benefit from
helping to host the 2010 Games, and the local businesses who
helped create a series of visual spectacles for the Richmond Revealed
program.
Large crowds who cheered
Team Canada to gold medals in men’s and women’s hockey on the O
Zone’s giant screens on the final weekend of the Games, helped lift
final attendance numbers for the city’s official celebration site to
400,000. That included 120,000 who attended Holland Heineken House, the most
popular attraction of the O Zone. Richmond’s attendance set a new
record for Holland Heineken House, which has been a crowd favourite
at the past Olympic Summer and Winter Games.
City crews are now busy
tearing down the O Zone infrastructure as quickly as possible to allow
resumption of regular public access and parking at Minoru Park and Richmond
City Hall.
Some parking and access has
already reopened and most Minoru Park areas will be back to normal services
by the end of the week, with all facilities and services back to regular
operations by March 13.
#37. VAN LOAN SAYS CANADA
WINS GOLD WITH GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERS
More than Olympic athletes
would have returned home from Vancouver with a first-place impression of
Canada, said International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan at the conclusion of
the Global Business Leaders Initiative.
“The 2010 Olympic
Winter Games showed the world that Canada provides great competitive
advantages to those seeking to do business,” said Van Loan.
“International investors saw that The Economist was right to declare
Canada the best place to invest in the years ahead. Our banking system has
been ranked the most stable in the world, we have a highly educated
workforce, we enjoy a high quality of life and we are on track to lead the G7
in economic growth in 2011. Canada is a first-rate destination for
investment.”
The Global Business Leaders
Initiative was a two-week investor outreach program led by Van Loan during
the Olympics. It included a series of business round tables, as well as
one-on-one meetings between Van Loan and global business leaders. The
initiative attracted international media attention, successfully highlighting
Canada’s commercial strengths and investment advantages to the world.
As part of the program, Van
Loan hosted the Global Business Leaders Day, a full-day signature event
attended by 115 top business leaders and senior political representatives.
Mohamed El-Erian, CEO and Co-Chief Investment
Officer of PIMCO, and Richard Florida, author and professor at the University
of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management,
delivered keynote addresses.
“This event provided
a wonderful opportunity to network with business people from around the
world, as well as with Canadian political leaders,” said David T. Fung,
Chairman and CEO of ACDEG Group in Vancouver, one of the participants.
“The insightful panel discussions put a spotlight on why Canada is
truly a great place in which to live, invest and
prosper.”
Van Loan concluded,
“Canada is well placed to emerge from the global economic downturn
stronger than ever. Our government is making new investments that will create
jobs and prosperity for communities across the country.”
The government of Canada
will continue its investment outreach activities well after the 2010 Winter
Games, through its network of embassies and offices abroad, and at high-level
international events taking place in Canada and abroad in 2010.
For multilingual,
comprehensive information on Canada’s many investment and business
advantages, visit Invest in Canada.
#38. VANCOUVER: MAYOR
THANKS PEOPLE FOR OLYMPIC GAMES SUCCESS
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson’s first order of business
following the end of the 2010 Olympic Games was to thank the people of
Vancouver for the overwhelming success of the biggest event in the
City’s history.
“These Games were a
success because of the contributions and spirit of the people of
Vancouver,” said Robertson. “From the countless hours of
volunteer time, to the care and courtesy showed to our visitors, to ensuring
our transportation plan was a success, Vancouverites not only welcomed the
world with open arms, they made sure everyone’s visit was safe and
enjoyable.
“The result is that
we hosted the greatest Winter Games in history and have boosted our
City’s reputation in the eyes of the world.”
The mayor went on to
outline three key things the people of Vancouver did that contributed to a
great experience for the world:
*By reducing their reliance
on cars, Vancouverites set new records for transit, walking and cycling, and
helped reach the Olympic traffic reduction targets. During the Games,
Vancouver’s transit system had the third highest daily ridership in
North America, behind only New York and Mexico City.
*Whether acting as a direct
volunteer for the Games, or just volunteering directions and help to
tourists, Vancouverites were gracious, polite hosts who garnered
international praise.
*With record numbers of
people pouring into downtown to celebrate, Vancouverites helped ensure the
party remained family-friendly, inclusive, and fun.
“What will stay with
me the most is just the incredible atmosphere our citizens created on our
streets,” said Robertson. “Outside the Olympic venues, the city
created safe and exciting spaces to party, like our LiveCity
sites, which hosted tens of thousands of people. Literally every one of the
hundreds of visitors I had the pleasure to meet throughout the Games praised
Vancouverites for their energy, hospitality and warmth. The people of this
city have made the whole country proud.
“As we prepare to
welcome the world for the Paralympic Games, I know
this spirit of goodwill will continue to thrive in the city.”
#39. VANCOUVER: GETTING
AROUND THE GAMES A CYCLING SUCCESS STORY
There were dire predictions
of traffic chaos before the Games began. But, thanks in part to the Vancouver
Area Cycling Coalition's advocacy and education efforts, thousands made
cycling their 2010 Games transportation choice, helping to reduce traffic
congestion and transit overcrowding.
According to City of
Vancouver figures, an average of 5,000 cyclists have
been riding to and from downtown Vancouver during the Winter Olympics - a
total rivalling peak summertime numbers. With each
rider representing one less person using transit or driving, it's clear
cycling played an important role in making getting around the Games easier
for everyone, regardless of transportation choice.
In the run-up to the Games,
the VACC delivered eight workplace workshops, six bike commuter stations, and
five public courses - to provide advice and guidance for both experienced and
novice commuter cyclists. A communications campaign beginning in November and
focusing on 2010 transportation challenges garnered increased media awareness
of the VACC, its programs, and the many reasons why residents might consider
biking as a transportation option, even during winter.
Throughout the Games, the
VACC office, located just a few blocks from the Olympic Village, handed out
free cycling maps to visitors and promoting cycling as an efficient, easy,
and enjoyable way to see the city. Overall, the Winter Olympics have raised
the profile of active transportation and its important role in creating green
cities and sustainable events.
The positive results are
tempered however, by a recurring concern voiced by many would-be bike
commuters, who considered cycling during the Olympics, but decided against
it. A need for safer cycling routes and fear of aggressive behaviour by other road users remains a roadblock to many
people who would like to bike for transportation.
For the gains realized
during the Olympics to become a full-time feature of Vancouver's
transportation network, continued advocacy, public pressure, and political
will is required. The VACC is continuing its work throughout the Metro
Vancouver region, educating those wanting to learn about safe cycling
practices, advocating on behalf of all cyclists ,
and working with every level of government to ensure cycling remains a viable
transportation method wherever and whenever possible.
#40. FREEDOM OF RELIGION
AND THE PUBLIC SPHERE: HOW CANADIANS SHOULD SEE IT
By Justin Jalea
Intern
Sheldon Chumir
Foundation for Ethics in Leadership
Some countries are in
danger of going too far in enforcing the division of church and state. While
the separation of religion from the state makes sense in matters concerning
public policy and law, it doesn’t follow that we need rid the public
sphere of religious symbols or expression, such as crucifixes on churches and
minarets on mosques. Our shared public institutions laws, courts, policing
and so on must be free of religion, but our shared public space streets,
schools and offices need not be.
A religiously neutral state
one that is not based on any particular religious view is essential in a
highly diverse society such as Canada. If the state is to fairly accommodate
religious diversity without showing undue favoritism, how could it be
otherwise? Essential liberal democratic values such as fairness and equality
would obviously be violated if the state were to give preferential treatment
to one religion over another in matters of law and policy.
But secular space does not
have to be anti-religious. It is a mistake to think that it need be devoid of
all religion and religious expression. Exorcising religion and religious
expression from public life goes too far in trying to preserve secular space.
French belief in private
religious expression
Not all democracies see it
this way, as recent events in France demonstrate. A French parliamentary
commission recommended a ban on the burqa the full
face and body covering worn by some Muslim women in public institutions,
including schools, hospitals, public transport and
government offices. There is
apparently much support in France for the view that persons of faith should,
as French President Nicolas Sarkozy has put it, practise their religion with humble discretion , i.e.,
only behind closed doors.
But whatever is leading the
majority in France and other European countries to try to strip religion and
its symbols of expression from public space, there is no need for Canada to
go in the same direction. Indeed,
if Canadians take freedom of religion seriously, then generous protection for
freedom of religious expression is essential here.
Freedom of religion
requires that the state remain as neutral and as minimally involved as
possible in matters of religion. Individual liberties, including freedom of
association and assembly, must be maintained in order for persons and
communities of faith to have the freedom to practice and worship as they see
fit.
Public religious expression
is vital
However, meaningful freedom
of religion requires more than just the possibility of expressing one’s
religion in private. In the famed 1985 Big M Drug Mart case, then Chief
Justice Dickson noted that freedom of religion in Canada includes "the
right to entertain such religious beliefs as a person chooses [and] the right
to declare religious beliefs openly and without fear of hindrance or
reprisal." This means that people must be able to profess their
religious views openly in public about matters that are morally important to
them, and as their religions proscribe. This not only includes abortion,
euthanasia, or, simply, salvation, it also extends to the wearing of religious
symbols such as crosses, kirpans (Sikh daggers) and
burqas as an outward expression of one’s
faith.
And anyway what is so
frightening about public expressions of religiosity? For example, as a non-religious person
should I be threatened by the sight of a Christian church bearing a
cross? No. Am I threatened by a pastor who
preaches publicly? No, so long as
he does not disturb the peace, or somehow forces me to listen.
In Canada, our
religion-neutral state must accommodate religious expression in the public
sphere. Freedom of religion including the right to be free from religion is a
precious and foundational right in any humanely governed society. And there is no genuine freedom of
religion if we can’t publicly express religious convictions, including
atheistic convictions that deny the significance of religion.
We shouldn’t attempt
to deter religion and religious expression in secular space, lest freedom of
religion lose all meaning.
Justin Jalea
is an intern with the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for
Ethics in Leadership.
#41. LIBERALS TO HARPER: IMMEDIATELY
ESTABLISH CBSA OVERSIGHT AGENCY
The Harper government must
immediately establish an independent oversight agency for the Canadian Border
Services Agency, Liberal Public Safety and National Security Critic Mark
Holland said on Friday.
“The Prime
Minister’s refusal to implement years-old recommendations calling for
the creation of an oversight agency for CBSA means that we continue to see
cases of rights violations, and this is simply unacceptable,” said
Holland. “First it was Maher Arar, Abdullah Almalki and others; then it was Robert Dziekanski, and now Pawel Marach.”
Holland was responding to
reports last week that Polish citizen Pawel Marach was held by CBSA officials at the Vancouver International
Airport for six hours, while his waiting aunt and uncle were left to wonder
about their nephew’s whereabouts. Rights groups and other critics have
noted the stark similarities between this case and the now notorious 2007
case of another Polish citizen, Robert Dzeikanski,
who was held by CBSA officers for hours at the Vancouver airport, and then
died after an altercation with RCMP officers in which he was tasered.
“The tragic death of
Robert Dziekanski remains on the minds of
Canadians, and of the Polish community both here and abroad,” said
Holland. “Situations like this should not have been permitted to occur,
and frankly, may not have occurred if the Harper government had acted on the
countless recommendations they’ve received from Inquiries, committees,
and others.”
Zofia Cisowski, mother of
Robert Dziekanski, upon hearing that Marach’s uncle got little help from border
officials and airport staff in locating their nephew, noted that it appeared
there had been few lessons learned by border services operations or the
airport. Marach’s family has registered a
complaint with the Polish consulate.
“Canada’s
international reputation as a country that respects and protects human rights
is under attack because of the Harper government’s determination to
circumvent accountability,” said Holland. “By ignoring much
needed recommendations to improve the oversight of government agencies like
CBSA, or by muzzling the heads of existing oversight agencies, like Paul
Kennedy of the Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP, the Harper
government has taken every opportunity since coming to office to undermine
accountability and weaken transparency.”
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