British Columbia.

AuthorRobinson, Gordon
PositionLegislative Reports

Speech from the Throne

On October 6, 2014, Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon prorogued the second session of the 40th Parliament. That afternoon, she opened the third session with the Speech from the Throne.

The Throne Speech outlined government's approach for development of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry.

The Speech noted that, as a means of securing the Province's economic growth, a legislative framework for LNG would be introduced to provide certainty for businesses and fairness for British Columbians in terms of revenue collection. The nascent LNG industry was compared to earlier development of the forestry sector. The government's approach for LNG is designed to benefit BC's economy and people, while ensuring the protection of the environment.

In their response to the Throne Speech, official opposition members noted the government's plan for LNG development reflected a change to the extent of expected LNG development from commitments made in previous Throne Speeches. Opposition members also stated that earlier Throne Speeches had forecast significantly higher levels of debt reduction and job creation as well as the establishment of a Prosperity Fund. Opposition members expressed concern about the need for additional measures to strengthen job creation.

Legislation

In the fall sitting, the following noteworthy bills had been introduced at the time of writing:

* Bill 2, Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act, would repeal and replace the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Cap and Trade) Act with a regulatory scheme to limit greenhouse gas emissions by industrial operations.

* Bill 5, Container Trucking Act, would authorize the appointment of the British Columbia Container Trucking Commissioner and the commissioner's powers, duties and functions--the commissioner would assume responsibility for all truck licensing to provide stability to Port Metro Vancouver following a series of labour disruptions, including a strike earlier this year.

* Bill 6, Liquefied Natural Gas Income Tax Act, proposes a taxation framework beginning on or after January 1, 2017 on income derived from liquefaction activities carried out at an LNG facility.

Committee Activity

This reporting period saw a record number of British Columbia parliamentary committees undertaking public consultations:

* The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services concluded its annual pre-budget consultations

On October 17, 2014. The Committee received 1,821...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT