British Columbia.

• Author: Plant, Byron
• Position: Legislative Reports

The second session of the 39th Parliament commenced on February 9, 2010. The schedule for the spring sitting was adjusted to accommodate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, held February 12-18. The Paralympic Games coincided with the March 15-18 constituency week.

On February 11, 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, addressed the Legislative Assembly. The address, granted by leave of the House, noted the contributions of British Columbia to Canada and the national significance of the upcoming Winter Games. It was the first address by a Prime Minister in the Legislative Assembly's history.

Immediately following the Prime Minister's address, and again on March I and March 22, Premier Gordon Campbell and Official Opposition Leader Carole James made statements in the House in support of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Throne Speech

The Throne Speech, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, emphasized the government's plan to build on "B.C.'s Olympic momentum" with new initiatives to create jobs, improve the environment, and support families with children. Highlights of the Throne Speech included: new partnerships with First Nations, cross-government economic initiatives, investments in clean energy, and plans to enhance international trade and investment through B.C.'s strategic positioning as Canada's Pacific Gateway.

In reply, the opposition claimed that the Throne Speech failed to provide a post-Olympic economic vision for BC. Citing the challenges posed by the economic recession, Ms. James affirmed the opposition's commitment to balancing a strong, dynamic and sustainable economy with social and environmental concerns.

Budget

On March 2, Finance Minister Colin Hansen tabled the 2010/11 provincial budget that sets a foundation for future economic growth, protects vital government services, and builds on B.C.'s Olympic momentum. The budget projects a deficit of $1.7 billion for 2010/11 and a return to a balanced budget in fiscal 2013/14. The budget speech included announcements of two new initiatives: a supplement to the northern and rural homeowner's grant, and a property tax deferment program for homeowners with children under the age of 18. The budget also provided further details on the economic benefits of the proposed 12 percent Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Finance Critic Bruce Ralston, however, framed the budget as short-sighted and...