December 31, 2007

Over the past year, British Columbia has reached historical milestones in building a New Relationship with First Nations, tackling the challenge of climate change, and taking advantage of B.C.’s competitive advantage as Canada’s Pacific Gateway. The Province made record investments in areas of importance to British Columbians, such as health care and education. The provincial economy continues to grow stronger, with job creation soaring and unemployment reaching record lows.

Tackling Climate Change

• The Province put greenhouse gas reduction targets into law, enshrining the goals laid out in the Throne Speech to reduce B.C.’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 33 per cent below current levels by 2020, with interim targets to be set for 2012 and 2016. The legislation also requires all ministries and Crown agencies to be carbon-neutral by 2010.
• B.C. established a 22-person climate action team, including co-winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, to identify the most credible, aggressive and economically viable greenhouse gas reduction targets possible for 2012 and 2016.
• B.C. has partnered to combat climate change with other provinces and U.S. states through the Western Regional Climate Initiative, and with other nations through the International Climate Action Partnership.
• The BC Energy Plan sets an ambitious target to acquire 50 per cent of BC Hydro’s incremental resource needs through conservation by 2020, and requires all new power generation in B.C. to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
• The new $25-million Innovative Clean Energy Fund will encourage the development of clean energy and energy efficient technologies in the electricity, alternative energy, transportation and oil and gas sectors.

Building a New Relationship with First Nations

• The Tsawwassen First Nation and the Maa-nulth First Nations treaty legislation was ratified and passed in the British Columbia Legislature. The treaties hold the hope for a new era of prosperity and self-determination for close to 2,500 members of six B.C. First Nations.
• B.C. signed Canada’s first-ever Tripartite First Nations Health Plan with the goal of improving the health and well-being of First Nations in British Columbia, closing the gaps in health between First Nations people and other British Columbians, and ensuring First Nations are fully involved in decision-making regarding the health of their peoples.
• A new $65-million Aboriginal post-secondary strategy launched in the spring is helping Aboriginal students to start, stay in and succeed in post-secondary education and training through initiatives including scholarships and culturally-appropriate programs.

British Columbia is Canada's Pacific Gateway

• Premier Gordon Campbell promoted B.C.’s competitive advantage as Canada's Pacific Gateway for opportunities in trade, education and investment on his recent mission to China and India.
• The first container ship arrived in Prince Rupert in October and opened a new chapter in northern economic development.
• The Province also reached a major milestone in the ongoing improvements to Highway 1 through the Kicking Horse Pass, improving safety and the flow of goods and people.
• Work is underway on the $3-billion Gateway Program to expand transit and reduce traffic congestion in the Lower Mainland, including building a new Port Mann Bridge and implementing rapid bus service that will benefit 21,600 commuters daily.
• B.C. was the first province to sign onto the Building Canada fund this fall, securing $2.2 billion in federal funding for new infrastructure.
• B.C.’s Major Projects Inventory continues to set new records, reaching an all-time high with $134.5 billion in projects planned or underway.

Provincial Economy Continues to Grow

• B.C.’s strong economic growth has meant 31-year record-low unemployment levels. About 88,000 new jobs were created in the past year, and more than 400,000 new jobs have been created since December, 2001.
• Strong fiscal management has made for a record budget surplus, and credit rating upgrades from major credit rating agencies like Standard & Poor’s and DBRS.
• Businesses in B.C. are optimistic about the coming year as well, with 61 per cent of small and medium-sized businesses expecting even stronger performance in 2008 and 36 per cent of B.C firms planning to hire more full-time staff in the next 12 months.
• Reductions to provincial income tax announced in the 2007 Provincial Budget mean that British Columbians making less than $108,000 pay the lowest provincial income taxes in Canada. Most British Columbians have seen their provincial income taxes reduced 30 per cent or more since 2001.
• There are now 37,242 apprentices/trainees in B.C., up 154 per cent since 2004, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.

Record Investments in Health Care

• Major investments in health care facilities will help ensure quality care for B.C. patients. Funding was committed this year for new hospitals in Victoria and Surrey; major expansions are planned for hospitals in Vernon and Kelowna; and planning has begun for a Northern Cancer Centre in Prince George.
• The Conversation on Health wrapped up this fall after receiving unprecedented feedback from British Columbians: 6,400 people registered for regional forums and 12,000 submissions were made. The input gathered will help to guide new programs, services and legislation with the goal of making our health care system sustainable for future generations.
• This fall the Province fulfilled its commitment to double the number of doctor training spaces in BC from 128 to 256.
• Average surgery wait times were lower in 2007. Wait times for hip replacements are now 45 per cent short than 2001, 37 per cent short wait for knee replacements and 39 per cent shorter for cardiac surgery.
• Major strides in encouraging healthy living include requiring 30 minutes of daily physical activity for all students in B.C.; expanding the School Fruits & Vegetables program to 162 B.C. schools; new laws to restrict tobacco sales promotion and smoking in public spaces; and building public awareness of healthy living through the ActNow BC program.