Dix’s priorities come with hefty price tag February 6, 2012
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedSorry to be an NDP buzz-kill, but now that Adrian Dix has been anointed by pollsters as the public’s top choice for premier, it’s time for a little reality check.
So let’s dig into the recent archives to see just what Dix and his party have promised and demanded so far, how much it would cost and how the heck they’d pay for it:
HEALTH CARE: “[The NDP] would be looking to be among the highest in Canada in terms of per-capita support for health care,” Dix has said. “That would be a high priority for us.”
A high priority, and a pricey one. Estimated annual cost, according to B.C. Stats: $4.15 billion.
EDUCATION: Dix has been cautious when commenting on the teachers’ union and their astronomical contract demands, but he’s generally supportive of their position. Teachers and their supporters “are not asking for much,” he told the NDP convention in December.
The teachers estimate their demands at $565 million, while the government calculates it at $1.3 billion. So let’s be generous and take the teachers’ number.
Estimated cost: $565 million. CHILD CARE: “I am committed to expand child care, to initiate a provincial child-care system and to pressure Ottawa to play a major role in such a system,” Dix said during his leadership bid.
Good luck trying to convince Prime Minister Stephen Harper to go along with that one! B.C. would be on our own.
Estimated cost: The mind boggles. But consider Quebec’s child-care program costs $2.1 billion a year, more than double what B.C. spends on earlylearning and child-development programs.
ANTI-POVERTY STRATEGY: Reducing the growing gap between rich and poor is a top priority for Dix, but how would he do that and what would it cost?
The New Democrats have repeatedly called for an “anti-poverty strategy” that NDP MLA Nicholas Simons said could include higher welfare rates and “massive infrastructure spending on affordable housing.”
Estimated cost : $2 billion, according to Simons.
ADVANCED EDUCATION: Dix promised last week to restore non-repayable student grants cut by the Liberals. During his campaign for the NDP leadership, he also promised to cut interest payments on unpaid student loans.
Estimated cost: $148 million. EVERYTHING ELSE: I didn’t have room for increased spending on legal aid, and sports community and cultural grants, and infrastructure spending, and raises for all the public- sector unions already drooling at the thought of a Dix government.
How would he pay for it all? So far Dix has promised to raises taxes on banks and corporations. But now that he’s the top choice for the top job, the pressure will build for a fuller explanation.
By Michael Smyth, The Province
Standing up for BC’s diverse families December 11, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedThe BC Liberal Party is standing up for BC’s diverse families, focusing on good jobs in the private sector and opening up government.
See the full interview of Vaughn asking the Premier tough questions on what has been on the hearts and minds of British Columbians during the fall session.
Voice of Bc _ Premier’s Point of View from Voice of BC on Vimeo.
We have accomplished a lot during this Fall Legislative Session, including:
1. The BC Jobs Plan and Asia Trade Mission
A commitment to make the most of our position as Canada’s gateway to the Asia Pacific, expanding markets for B.C. products particularly in Asia. A commitment to strengthen our infrastructure to get our goods to market and commitment to work with employers and communities, enabling job creation across B.C.Also during the session was the completion of the BC Jobs and Trade Mission where more than 60 business deals and partnership agreements were signed or announced, while Premier Clark attended approximately 70 events and meetings with business and political leaders in China and India.
2. $353-million to build new schools
Students will benefit from new or expanded schools, as the Province rolls out a $353-million school capital plan. The plan includes: six new elementary schools, one new middle school, two new secondary schools, four school additions and six school site purchases – four of which are for future schools.
3. Municipal Auditor General Office
Getting the most value for money will be easier for local governments now that the Province is introducing legislation to establish an Office of the Auditor General for Local Government. The office will support the goals of the Families First Agenda by strengthening local government accountability and ensuring B.C. families receive the best possible return on investment for their taxpayer dollar
4. Support for thousands of ship building jobs
The province worked together with industry and other stakeholders to address labour force priorities related to this once-in-a-lifetime shipbuilding opportunity. Now, we’re gearing up to take full advantage of the economic and job opportunities resulting from the $8-billion shipbuilding contract awarded to Seaspan last month.
5. A family law act to put children first
New legislation ensures family law in B.C. places the best interests of children first when making any decisions involving the child. By replacing the outdated Family Relations Act, which was introduced in 1978, the Family Law Act addresses issues B.C. families are dealing with today.
Jobs, Families and Open Government November 30, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedThe BC Liberal Party wants to keep you up to speed on what is happening and how we are standing up for BC’s diverse families, focusing on good jobs in the private sector and opening up government.
Recently, I was on the Voice of BC program hosted by Vaughn Palmer. View the full interview of Vaughn asking me tough questions on what has been on the hearts and minds of British Columbians during the fall session.
Voice of Bc _ Premier’s Point of View from Voice of BC on Vimeo.
We have accomplished a lot during this Fall Legislative Session, including:
1. The BC Jobs Plan and Asia Trade Mission
A commitment to make the most of our position as Canada’s gateway to the Asia Pacific, expanding markets for B.C. products particularly in Asia. A commitment to strengthen our infrastructure to get our goods to market and commitment to work with employers and communities, enabling job creation across B.C.Also during the session was the completion of the BC Jobs and Trade Mission where more than 60 business deals and partnership agreements were signed or announced, while Premier Clark attended approximately 70 events and meetings with business and political leaders in China and India.
2. $353-million to build new schools
Students will benefit from new or expanded schools, as the Province rolls out a $353-million school capital plan. The plan includes: six new elementary schools, one new middle school, two new secondary schools, four school additions and six school site purchases – four of which are for future schools.
3. Municipal Auditor General Office
Getting the most value for money will be easier for local governments now that the Province is introducing legislation to establish an Office of the Auditor General for Local Government. The office will support the goals of the Families First Agenda by strengthening local government accountability and ensuring B.C. families receive the best possible return on investment for their taxpayer dollar
4. Support for thousands of ship building jobs
The province worked together with industry and other stakeholders to address labour force priorities related to this once-in-a-lifetime shipbuilding opportunity. Now, we’re gearing up to take full advantage of the economic and job opportunities resulting from the $8-billion shipbuilding contract awarded to Seaspan last month.
5. A family law act to put children first
New legislation ensures family law in B.C. places the best interests of children first when making any decisions involving the child. By replacing the outdated Family Relations Act, which was introduced in 1978, the Family Law Act addresses issues B.C. families are dealing with today.
I am proud of what the BC Liberals have accomplished in this session and I would like to encourage you to go here to see the full story on how we have been working hard on change that works for you.
Sincerely,
Premier Christy Clark
China Jobs and Trade Mission November 13, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedAs part of the BC Jobs Plan, we are leading the largest trade mission in the province’s history to promote B.C. as a safe harbour for investment. The Jobs and Trade Mission is focused on strengthening existing relationships between B.C. and Asian markets, opening doors for new relationships and setting the stage for future opportunities in China and India.
The latest government announcements from the trade mission include:
B.C. and China forge post-secondary partnerships: More than 20 partnerships or agreements have been signed between B.C. and Chinese post-secondary institutions and organizations over this past week, as both partners look to increase learning opportunities for post-secondary students on both sides of the Pacific. It is estimated more than 2,500 students will come to B.C. communities over five years as a result of these agreements. International students in B.C. currently generate 22,000 jobs and bring an estimated $1.25 billion into the provincial economy. Each 10 per cent increase translates into an estimated 1,800 new jobs for families across the province.
B.C. expands international network of business accelerators: The face-to-face assistance British Columbia businesses will get from this service will help a company accelerate its growth more quickly into the market. The accelerator program will operate out of the New West Partnership’s trade and investment office in Shanghai. Companies will be able to use physical space to conduct business and they will be provided with local business connections and development advice from the established trade and investment team. The accelerator program is expected to be up-and-running in 2012.
$1.36 billion of investments into the Gething mine near Hudson’s Hope: We recently announced from our trade mission in China that two separate investments are coming from Chinese companies which will eventually create over 6,700 jobs: subject to an environmental assessment, permits, and First Nations and community consultation, construction is scheduled to begin in about two years after an environmental assessment, permits and First Nations and community consultation are complete. The coal mine should have a mine life of over 40 years and the company projects a production rate of two million tonnes of washed coal per year.
New China-to-Vancouver flights to bring visitors and jobs: Representatives from China’s Sichuan Airlines and the Vancouver Airport Authority have signed a letter of intent with the goal of starting a new three flights a week service to Vancouver in 2012, bringing with it a boost in tourism and new jobs.
New bigger ships expand B.C. potash trade globally: The U-SEA COLONSAY, a new, larger Canpotex potash ship has made its maiden voyage to Neptune Terminals, expanding Canpotex’s capacity to export more potash to Asia and other international markets creating more jobs in North Vancouver.
Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the sister-provinces of British Columbia and Guangdong that endorse enhanced trade of seafood and agrifood products: 2011 is shaping up to be another record year for B.C. food exports to China with seafood leading the way. That means jobs on Vancouver Island and coastal communities with fishing and processing facilities. The $118 million in combined seafood and agri-food exports to China is the most ever. Negotiations are also underway to allow B.C. beef and cherries access to the Chinese market. B.C. agriculture, fish and seafood exports to China from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2011 totalled $87 million, a 12-pe-cent increase from the same period in the record-setting 2010.
Agreement sets stage for Barkerville exhibit to tour China: Letter of intent between Barkerville and the Guangdong Museum of Overseas Chinese that will form the foundation for a successful tour of the Barkerville photographic exhibit: Last year, almost 120,000 visitors came to B.C. from China, and those numbers are expected to increase with the Chinese government’s designation of British Columbia as an approved destination. Visitors from China stay an average of 28 days because of the long travel distance.
The BC Job Plan is Working November 6, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedCanada Starts Here, the BC Job Plan is working:
• BC Lands Major Shipbuilding Contract: A strong relationship with the Federal Government has paid off. Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards was awarded an $8-billion federal contract – which promises to transform B.C.’s economy through the construction of a new shipbuilding infrastructure. This is a deal that would ensure the stability of the shipbuilding industry in BC for years and years to come. It is estimated to create from (2013-2022) 3,683 jobs and from (2023-2032) 8,465 long-term direct and indirect jobs in the marine industry – averaging $80,000 a year, including benefits.
• Building Schools & Creating Jobs: Premier Christy Clark rolled out a $353-million school capital plan. Projects approved for funding include: six new elementary schools, one new middle school, two new secondary schools, four school additions, and six school site purchases – four of which are for future schools. Once projects get underway, an estimated 1,850 jobs will be created for families across the province.
• Building Tourism & a 5-Year Strategy: The province announced a strategy to build tourism and create jobs. Gaining The Edge: A Five-Year Strategy for Tourism in B.C. The strategy will increase the number of visitors and promote job creation by building on the global awareness generated by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. These areas include: touring vacations, city experiences, skiing-snowboarding, Aboriginal tourism, outdoor adventure/ecotourism, and meetings and conventions. The strategy will target a five per cent annual growth in revenue in the tourism sector, expected to reach $18 billion annually by 2016.
• Record Lumber Exports to China: B.C. sets yearly China lumber export record. Lumber exports to China for the first eight months of this year totaled $746 million. For all of 2010, B.C’s lumber exports to the country were worth $687 million. As pledged in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, the Province will double B.C.’s international presence in key and expanding markets and will implement a promotional campaign to highlight British Columbia as a safe harbour to attract new international investment.
• Capitalizing on Liquefied Natural Gas: One of the greatest natural resources in Norther BC is natural gas and our government is committed to helping market this resource. The National Energy Board (NEB) approved a 20-year export license for the facility in Kitimat and it will be operational by 2015. It will have the capacity to export B.C.’s natural gas to overseas markets for the very first time and it will instantly increase economic prosperity and create jobs. With the capacity to supply B.C.’s natural gas to new markets, demand will increase for the province’s energy resources and investment will be secured for ongoing development. Long-term jobs and business opportunities will be available for northeast communities. The facility itself will create approximately 1,500 person-years of work during its construction phase and 120-140 permanent positions once the terminal is in operation.
• New Skills for Workers for Today’s Economy: The province formed a partnership with the United Steelworkers Union (USW) to pilot new skills training for its members in the North, with a focus in the areas of forestry and mining. A total of $2.9 million is being provided for this Northern Skills Training Pilot over the next 18 months. This initiative is part of the commitment made in the ‘Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan’ to enhance training opportunities to meet regional labour market needs. With major projects underway and planned in B.C.’s north, this partnership helps fill the need for increasingly skilled workers.
• Focusing on the Role of Small Business: The governments of Canada and British Columbia launched the Small Business Profile 2011, a report that highlights the major role that small businesses play in B.C.’s economic success, through job creation, wage increases, exports and contributions to the province’s gross domestic product.”
Our Ship Building Contract October 20, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedFrom Premier Christy Clark
Today, British Columbia received a big boost to our economy thanks to the decision by the National Shipbuilding Procurement Program to award an eight year, $8 billion contract to build the next generation of non-combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. We call our jobs plan “Canada Starts Here” and this shows why. It starts with skilled workers, smart businesses and a government that is committed to working in partnership to create jobs.
The significant program announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada will not only make our country safer and more secure, it will benefit our province and the rest of Canada in the decades to come.
Because of yesterday’s announcement, approximately 4,040 direct and indirect careers will be created throughout British Columbia. Suppliers will come from the Kootenays, the Peace, the Northwest, throughout the Cariboo and everywhere in between. This contract is great for B.C. families — and a real shot in arm for our economy.
As Premier I committed to support Seaspan’s bid by announcing in July that the province will offer enhanced training and other labour tax credits to eligible marine industry employers, invest resources to develop the long-term viability of the marine sector and create a new industry-led marine training centre.
We’re seeing real economic momentum build in British Columbia. In under a month we’ve seen the approval to export liquified natural gas in Kitimat, Western Forest Products decision to spend $200 million on coastal forestry operations and culminating in today’s $8 billion ship building contract.
Your BC Liberal government will continue to work hard to implement Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan. That’s why I will be travelling to China and India in November to secure first dollar investment to grow our economy and create even more high-paying careers. That’s why I won’t stop being B.C.’s number one salesperson.
Our approach is working. On a recent investor trip to Europe, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon heard loud and clear that British Columbia is recognized as a safe harbour for investment in the stormy global economy. Keeping spending under control, creating an environment where job creation is embraced and ensuring we maintain one of the lowest tax regimes in North America will remain a high priority for each and every BC Liberal MLA.
I’m optimistic about our future here in B.C., but let’s not stop making progress. Adrian Dix and the BC NDP would love to have the opportunity to take B.C. backwards to the high-tax, free-spending, job-killing policies that he implemented when he was chief architect of the disastrous 1990′s. Don’t let him!
We need to continue to raise money, organize and get our message out. It would be great if you could make a secure online donation today; sending $25, $50 or $100 today by clicking here will make a huge difference in ensuring that B.C. continues to have a free enterprise government in British Columbia.
BC Jobs Plan Update September 22, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedBy Premier Christy Clark
I am writing to give you a quick snapshot of “Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan” which I have been discussing around BC this week.
We call it “Canada Starts Here” because our province call pull Canada into the next century and lead this country like never before.
Isn’t that a great idea?
To do this we have a comprehensive plan that will reach across our province and economy by focusing on three key pillars — enabling job creation, creating smart infrastructure and opening new markets for BC products.
It’s a plan that recognizes sometimes government has to lead, but sometimes the best thing government can do is get out of the way and let the private sector do its job creating jobs.
Here are a few highlights:
• we are taking steps to facilitate prompt answers for investors and to chop the backlog in permitting applications. This isn’t about weakening environmental protections, but is about saying the government that makes the laws has to be able to process the permits.
we are providing tax incentives to help small businesses, and a review of business taxes to make sure we are competitive and attractive to investors.
• we are focused on skills training so young people can get the skills they need to be able to stay in the communities where they grew up — and more families can stay together.
We need this plan because we live in a world of global economic uncertainty and we have to play offence to make sure we don’t get left behind. While others hunker down we are going to step up and lead like never before. This is important so we can defend the jobs we already have, as well as creating new ones.
I have never been one to think you solve a problem by throwing money at it, so our plan includes very modest spending commitments.
The NDP may not like it, but I would rather focus on respecting taxpayers with smart, strategic investments that focus on maximizing Return on Investment instead of maximizing spending.
Implementing this plan is my central mission as your premier.
We are going to take what’s great about Canada and make it better.
This is our time — it is our chance to lead. When it comes to building the future, Canada starts here.
We Cant Trust Cummins September 15, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedBy Sharon White
Earlier today the BC Liberal Party began an extensive campaign to inform the public about the BC Conservative Party, and their unprincipled leader, John Cummins.
This campaign comes after months of irresponsible attacks from Cummins against Premier Christy Clark, our government and our party.
Cummins’ attacks play into the hands of the NDP. We have decided enough is enough!
The spokesperson for this campaign is Minister Mary Polak, the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Mary points out that Cummins is an unprincipled politician whose positions are all over the map.
Here are some examples of the unprincipled actions of Cummins:
• he calls himself a conservative, but voted NDP in the last provincial election (even though there was a BCC candidate in his riding)
• he opposed the increase in the minimum wage while taking a $100,000.00 pension paid for by taxpayers
• he wants to be a double-dipper – he’s taking a federal pension while running for provincial office
• Cummins opposed the Pacific Gateway initiative, including the roads and bridges in the Lower Mainland that are essential to our economic growth and to job creation
• Cummins even attacked Christy for fighting to get BC our fair share of federal ship-building contracts!
These facts and others can be found on the new website appropriately called www.CantTrustCummins.ca. You can hear our new radio ads on the site, and also donate. Please circulate this link to your family, friends and business associates.
Moving to expose the BCC now is essential in allowing us to make sure the NDP is stopped later. I hope you can take a minute to make a secure online donation of $25, $50, or $100 to keep these ads on the air.
Sincerely,
Sharon White
President, BC Liberal Party
Election Timing and Defending & Creating Jobs August 31, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedBy Christy Clark
Tonight, I announced that we will not be having an election this fall and I wanted to take a second to share this news with you, as well as the thinking behind it.
Since becoming Premier five months ago, I have devoted my time to listening to British Columbians and they have been loud and clear — we need to keep our eye on the ball with the provincial economy, especially in these globally uncertain times.
This is what we are working on with a jobs plan that focuses on expanding markets for our BC products, especially in Asia, making sure we have the infrastructure to get the products to market and ensuring that government is enabling private sector job creation, instead of standing in the way.
The foundations underpinning our plan will be twofold — sticking with our fiscally responsible approach and making sure young people have the skills they need to succeed and prosper.
This plan will focus on defending the jobs we already have and creating new ones. Focusing on jobs is the most important thing we can do for BC families and we are going to be absolutely relentless.
Adrian Dix will be relentless too — relentless in his negative attacks and, if he were to win the next election, relentless in driving up government spending, raising your taxes and helping his public sector union bosses at your expense.
We can’t let that happen. Despite the fact there won’t be an election this fall, we need to continue to raise money, organize and get our message out. It would be great if you could make a secure online donation today; sending $25, $50 or $100 today by clicking here will make a huge difference in ensuring that BC continues to have a free enterprise government in British Columbia.
Finally, I want to thank you for your input regarding election timing and for your continued support.
Regards,
Christy
MLA COLUMN: “A Fresh Start” April 15, 2011
Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closedThe BC Liberal Party is, now more than ever, a party open to new ideas, to a new, more respectful relationship with the people, led by a woman who is one of the most dynamic, energetic leaders in Canada. Premier Christy Clark’s government is now focusing on what’s good for families. Christy understands first-hand the challenges of raising a family. This is a big agenda and extends from job creation, to a fairer justice system, to respect for the natural environment. It is an agenda that suits our needs here in Kootenay East and is a key reason why I asked to re-enter the BC Liberal Government Caucus.
On April 5th, I was re-admitted to caucus. The majority of my constituents want me to be a government MLA, as opposed to an Independent or an Opposition MLA. I am re-energized, enthusiastic and raring to go. I’ve spent the past four months working in the Riding, re-connecting with you and working on issues that matter to Kootenay East. I feel fortunate to live in such a blessed place as this and very lucky to be the MLA here. It is a job I love to do for you.
The BC Liberal Party is a big tent that thankfully contains many different points of view. That’s frankly why people like Jim Abbott, Stockwell Day, Jay Hill and Chuck Strahl support the BC Liberals. Many in the BC Liberal Party are Conservatives. Many are federal Liberals. Many are not affiliated with any federal party. History in BC shows that only a coalition party like the BC Liberal Party can defeat the NDP. That’s why I believe I am doing the right thing by joining the government caucus. And of course, being inside government makes it easier to help meet your challenges and bring back good things for the area.
There’s lots to be done. Projects like the Intensive Care Unit for EKRH, a new contract with our valuable teachers, stronger seniors care, changes to how we manage resource roads, promotion of our area for tourism, keeping the Flathead open to hunters, loggers and recreationalists, and the boat launch at Koocanusa. I understand all of these issues and will be putting my shoulder to the wheel like never before.
I am guessing the new premier may ask the people for a mandate for her new government in the next year. No one expects her to be an unelected premier for two years. I will be asking you to re-hire me so that, together, we can create more good jobs here, improve healthcare and education and ensure that the Kootenay region, our needs and our values, are strongly represented in Victoria.
Bill Bennett, MLA, Kootenay East