OP/ED: Spending is to blame for Alberta's $10.8 billion deficit
The Alberta government could have posted a small budget surplus this year if successive governments had kept program spending increases in line with population growth and inflation, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. But Alberta’s new...
Canada’s inadequate patent protections for pharmaceuticals hampering innovation and economic growth
Strengthening protections of intellectual property rights for pharmaceutical drugs would encourage innovation of new medicines, create high-skilled jobs and grow the economy, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank....
Credit unions to keep special tax status one more year
B.C. credit unions will keep their preferential tax advantage a little longer as the provincial government intends to pause for one year the phase-out of the tax advantage credit unions have enjoyed. The change will be introduced Feb. 21 as part of Balanced Budget 2017, Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced Tuesday....
New modern liquor laws create new opportunities
An updated Liquor Control and Licencing Act and regulation come into force Monday, January 23, that will create new opportunities for businesses, increase convenience for consumers and enhance the Province’s commitment to social responsibility. “We’ve come a long way since we first began the process of updating B.C.’s antiquated...
Business group lobbies for $40,000 feasibility study for bridge from college to downtown area
A coalition of downtown business owners wants a $40,000 feasibility study for a pedestrian/bicycle bridge spanning the Columbia River between Selkirk College and Zuckerberg Island. At its regular meeting Monday night, city council was asked to contribute $10,000 to the initiative. Presenter Jackie Letkeman told council that...
Celgar donates ambulance to Ootischenia Fire Department
Last year Celgar’s Health and Safety department, headed by Safety Manager Mark Goebel, made the decision to upgrade Celgar’s onsite Emergency Transport Vehicle. Although not used frequently, the 1991 ambulance has served Celgar well for approximately 20 years to transport patients to medical aid when required. ...
Money makes the world go around
After 15 months on the job, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is embarking on a cross-Canada tour, ostensibly to reconnect with Canadians or at least those that can't afford $1,525 to bend his ear in private. It seems Trudeau – and other federal cabinet ministers – have a fondness for political fundraising events held behind...
Government workers in B.C. paid 7.4 per cent higher wages than comparable private-sector workers
Government workers in B.C. receive 7.4 per cent higher wages on average than comparable workers in the private sector, and enjoy much more generous non-wage benefits, too, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank....
Gitxsan chiefs add fourth lawsuit opposing Pacific Northwest LNG
Inland B.C. hereditary First Nations chiefs joined coastal ones in announcing a fourth federal lawsuit against Ottawa’s approval of the Pacific Northwest LNG project, at a press conference in Vancouver. They claim that the gas export terminal is an infringement of their Aboriginal fishing rights. Two Gitxsan Nation hereditary...
Government lends helping hand to families with property taxes by increasing home owner grant
The Province is increasing the home owner grant threshold to $1.6 million, helping keep property taxes affordable for families and ensuring most home owners will continue to receive the full grant this year, Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced Monday. “This is a 33% increase over last year,” said de Jong....
