October 14, 2014 BC Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Update
by executivedirector | Oct 15, 2014 | News |
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The Public Affairs Update is your weekly insight, perspective and analysis on politics in British Columbia and Canada. This newsletter is brought to you by the largest, and most broadly-based business organization in the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce – the Voice of Business in B.C.
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| Premier Clark departs on trade mission to India |
 Premier Christy Clark departed on her sixth international trade mission last Thursday, bound for New Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh in India. Accompanying her on the trip is Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk.
Clark has emphasized the need for B.C. to expand its international trade relationships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific where there is growing demand for many Canadian commodities. Expanding trade options is important, Clark said, as B.C.’s continued dependence on its top trading partner, the United States, is at risk as some demand for B.C. goods there is “drying up.” She said that B.C. is the province with the most international options and the least dependence on U.S. markets.
The BC Jobs Plan identifies India as a key market for B.C. exports. Clark says India has significant untapped potential for B.C. coal, copper, wood, pulp and newsprint. |
| B.C. government seeks input on long-term infrastructure plans |
| The B.C. government is developing a new 10-year provincial transportation plan (B.C. on the Move), and it is seeking input from British Columbians. The public and other stakeholders will be able to have their say on the plan during a province-wide consultation that opens on October 14 and continues until December 12.
B.C. on the Move is scheduled to be released next year. It is anticipated to include short, medium and long-term priorities for infrastructure development. A discussion guide is available here. The most recent transportation plan was developed by the government of former premier Gordon Campbell in 2003. |
| Sinclair to step down as president of BC Federation of Labour |
| Jim Sinclair announced last week that he will not seek another term as president of the B.C. Federation of Labour. In a letter to members last week, Sinclair said he reached the decision after “much reflection.” Sinclair has led the B.C. Federation of Labour for 15 years. He says his proudest accomplishment is being able to focus the Federation’s work on fighting for the rights of all workers, and not just union members. A new president will be chosen at the federation’s convention in November.
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| B.C. throne speech focuses on LNG |
| A rare fall throne speech was delivered in the B.C. Legislature last week by Lieutenant Governor Judith Gauchon.
The speech focused largely on the opportunity that liquefied natural gas (LNG) presents in British Columbia. The speech highlighted the pending introduction of a comprehensive legislative framework for the taxation of the LNG industry.
It positioned LNG as the solution to global environmental concerns, counter to what many environmental critics are claiming. It touted the importance or reducing China’s overall air pollution by proliferating cleaner energy sources.
The lieutenant governor also outlined the need to continue to work with First Nations around the province to help grow the economy.
The speech concluded by underlining the need for more tax revenue to maintain B.C. services.
BC NDP leader John Horgan, the leader of the official Opposition, said Premier Christy Clark’s promises cannot be trusted. Speaking to media after the speech, Horgan said: “We heard in the election campaign we were going to be debt free. I heard nothing in the Throne Speech today to suggest that’s going to happen anytime soon. We heard in the election campaign there would 100,000 jobs for British Columbians. I didn’t hear that today.” |
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