Federal Government news in BC - June 2009

June 30, 2009

Black Liquor subsidy - Ending conditional sentences - $22 million for small craft harbours - EAP investments in BC - Criminal Code amendment - Early Tax Freedom Day - Funding for small craft harbours - Science World upgrade - Strengthening the National Sex Offender Registry



1. Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program (June 17, 2009) 
- The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announced that the Government of Canada is providing $1 billion over three years to support environmental improvements for the pulp and paper industry
- Companies can qualify for a tax subsidy of 16 cents/litre of black liquor
- Eligible companies are required to invest these funds over the next three years in capital expenditures that improve energy efficiency or environmental performance on any pulp and paper mill in Canada
For more information, visit  http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/media/newcom/2009/200961-eng.php
   
   
2. Legislation to End Conditional Imprisonment Sentences (June 13, 2009)
 - Andrew Saxton, MP for North Vancouver, announced that the Government of Canada has introduced legislation that would take further action to ensure that conditional sentences are not available to criminals who commit serious crimes
For more information, visit  http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2009/doc_32385.html
   
   
3. BC Projects Under Way through Economic Action Plan Investments (June 8, 2009)
 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Canada, and the Honourable Stockwell Day announced $6.7 million to fund BC's first projects under the Harper Government's Community Adjustment Fund and the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program. CAF and RINC projects include job creation through invasive plant control and energy management tech., expansion of a recreation facility and ski trails
For more information, visit  http://www.actionplan.gc.ca
   
   
4. Tax Freedom Day Earlier Under Conservatives (June 5, 2009) 
- Canadians celebrated Tax Freedom Day on June 6th this year, which is three days earlier than last year and 19 days earlier than the last time the Liberals were in government
- The earlier Tax Freedom Day is thanks to the Conservative Government's tax cuts for families and businesses
- Minister Stockwell Day said, "With Conservatives, Canadians pay less tax. Even in the midst of a global recession, our government's continued careful management of your tax dollars is protecting Canadians."
For more information, visit http://www.fraserinstitute.org/newsandevents/news/6736.aspx
   
   
5. $22 Million to BC Fishing Harbours (June 5, 2009)
 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced that $22.7 million, over the next two years, is being provided under Canada's Economic Action Plan for projects at the core of commercial fishing harbours in BC
- Through the Economic Action Plan, communities across Canada will receive $200 million over two years to accelerate harbour repair and maintenance, as well as undertake dredging projects.
For more information, visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/home-accueil-eng.htm 


   
   
6. Science World Funding (June 5, 2009) 
- The Honourable Stockwell Day announced more than $1 million in federal funding to upgrade Science World
- With this investment, Science World will renovate existing facilities and plan for future upgrades and construction
- Bryan Tisdall, Science World's president and CEO, said: "This generous donation will help rejuvenate our iconic building and improve our energy efficiency so that we can continue to provide the best experience possible to our visitors for years to come."
For more information, visit: http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/77_11363.asp
   
   
7. Legislation to Strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry and the National DNA Data Bank (June 1)
 - The Honourable Stockwell Day announced proposed legislative amendments to strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry and the National DNA Data Bank
- These amendments will ensure that police services can better access the database to prevent sex-related crimes
- Up to now, police services have not been able to use the National sex Offender Registry proactively. This is an issue that is consistently raised by police services as a limitation that is putting communities at risk.
For more information, please visit http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2009/nr20090601-eng.aspx?rss=true 


   
   
8. Serious Time for Serious Crime Act (June 5, 2009) 
- The Honourable James Moore announced the introduction of legislation that would amend the Criminal Code to repeal the "faint hope" clause
- Criminals who commit first or second degree murder would no longer be able to apply for early parole
- Minister Moore met with families of murdered victims in Vancouver. He said "our Government believes that these crimes must be punished" and that "offenders must serve their full sentences."
For more information, please visit www.justice.gc.ca