Factsheets

FACTSHEET: Permit Amendment for Rio Tinto Alcan Kitimat Smelter

2013-04-23T21:31:47Z

The Kitimat Modernization Project (KMP) is a $3.3 billion project by Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA) designed to modernize and increase production at the company's aluminium smelter in Kitimat.
The project was first announced in 2007 and given the formal notice to proceed in 2011 by RTA's Board of Directors.
Overall, the modernization will reduce emissions by nearly 50 per cent including significant reductions in fluoride, particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and greenhouse gases.
The modernization project did not require an environmental assessment because of the overall reduction in total waste discharge compared with the increase in the production capacity of the facility.
The increased production will, however, result in higher sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions and on April 23, 2013, the Ministry of Environment granted a permit amendment, under the Environmental Management Act, to RTA allowing increased SO2 emissions at their Kitimat smelter as part of the KMP.
The decision was made by ministry staff, as the statutory evidence-based decision maker, which keeps the decision at arm's length from the political process.
In evaluating the application, the ministry considered a large volume of scientific assessments, technical information, First Nations input, community feedback and other information.
The decision maker was satisfied there is sufficient information to set requirements for the protection of the environment and human health.
The ministry consulted with the Northern Health Authority and will work closely with the health authority as the SO2 increase is phased in.
Comprehensive analysis conducted by an expert in epidemiology concludes that SO2 does not cause new disease and an increase in SO2 is predicted to lead to an increase of less than one per cent in the number of restricted airway events among residents with existing airway conditions.
As part of the proposed upgrade, the ministry required RTA to hold public consultations and complete monitoring and impact assessment studies evaluating the potential impacts to soil, water, vegetation and human health in the airshed.
RTA has held 20 public open houses in the community to-date, used an expert team of qualified professionals to complete the studies and has consulted with the Haisla First Nation as directed by the Province.
The permit amendment will increase the sulphur dioxide emission limit from a maximum of 27 tonnes per day to a maximum of 42 tonnes per day. The SO2 emissions are expected to increase progressively with full production in 2016. Full commissioning and stabilization of smelter emissions are expected to occur by the end of 2018.
As part of the amendment, RTA must submit an Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program plan to the ministry for review and approval by March 31, 2014.
The EEM program is to include effects monitoring along four lines-of-evidence: human health, vegetation, and terrestrial and aquatic environments. The program will also include criteria that would trigger emission reduction and/or other mitigation.
The impact assessment work done by RTA, in support of the amendment to increase SO2 emissions from the Kitimat smelter, are site specific and do not determine the capacity of the airshed for other potential emission sources.
As with all decisions of this nature, there is an appeal process.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

INFOGRAPHICS: Updated BC Education Infographics Gallery

2013-04-15T22:08:24Z

Wondering how much money there is for K-12 education this fiscal year? Or have questions about class sizes? Have a look at the infographics to learn about the B.C. education system. Learn more.

FACTSHEET: BC Parks

2013-04-15T20:03:42Z

There are 1,030 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves
and protected areas covering more than 13.9 million hectares or approximately 14.3 per
cent of the provincial land base.
Almost 20 million people visit our provincial parks each year. The visitor satisfaction rate
is 80 per cent in BC Parks and we're always working to raise it even higher.
BC Parks is a party to 48 agreements with First Nations - an increase from 13 in 2001.
For the first time in BC Parks history, there were over 100,000 camping reservations
during the 2012/2013 camping season.
Our parks not only contribute to a healthy lifestyle and protect our environment, they
are important to our economy.
More park visitors mean more tourism dollars and more jobs for rural British
Columbians.

BC Parks System

B.C. has one of the biggest parks and protected areas systems in North America.
British Columbia's biodiversity is significant because of its variety and integrity - almost
60 per cent of the parks system is protected in large landscapes, which is key to
maintaining biodiversity.
Over the last decade, we have established new parks and conservancies - more than 2.3
million hectares of land have been added through the establishment of 84 new parks,
156 conservancies, two ecological reserves, 13 protected areas and the expansion of
more than 75 parks, six ecological reserves and three protected areas.
British Columbia has the highest percentage of its land base dedicated to protected
areas of all provincial Canadian jurisdictions and the third largest protected areas system
in North America.
The vast majority of the land base in the protected areas system - 98 per cent - remains
predominantly free from human alteration. Only two per cent has intensive facility
development on site.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

FACTSHEET: Polluter‐pay principle

2013-04-15T19:55:42Z

The polluter pay principle ensures those who are responsible for spills are also
responsible for cleaning them up and is designed to keep the cost of response off of
taxpayers.
The Spill Cost Recovery Regulation under the Environmental Management Act (EMA)
outlines the process and parameters for recovering costs for responding to spills.
Any individual or company responsible for a hazardous material spill must pay for the
clean‐up.
The spiller is responsible for all costs associated with clean up, including any costs
incurred by the province (such as equipment, contractors, staff time, etc).
The Environmental Management Act sets out the penalties for a number of offences
under the act that would vary depending on the nature, duration, and impact of a spill.
EMA may allow for fines up to $200,000 or up to six months in jail for each count.
Penalties can escalate up to $3 million and 3 years in jail if the damage is malicious.
The court may also impose additional penalties outside these maximums under certain
circumstances. These penalties can include financial restoration or compensation and
community service.

The spiller may also face charges under federal legislation.
Hazardous material spills of any kind are required to be reported to the Provincial
Emergency Program (PEP) by calling 1‐800‐663‐3456.
The Spill Reporting Regulation, also under the EMA, requires the person in possession,charge or control of a spilled substance to take all reasonable and practical action to stop, contain and minimize the effects of the spill.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953‐3834

FACTSHEET: Air and water quality in B.C.

2013-04-15T19:52:23Z

Air Quality:

The B.C. government has taken a number of bold steps to ensure air quality in British
Columbia, including:

Invested $17.5 million in the BC SCRAP‐IT Program, which has taken 33,000 older
(pre‐1995), polluting vehicles off the road.
Providing incentives of up to $5,000 on qualified new battery electric, fuel cell,
plug‐in hybrid electric, extended range battery and dedicated compressed
natural gas vehicles.
Supporting airshed activities in several areas of the province, including: Metro
Vancouver, Prince George, Bulkley Valley‐Lakes District, Sea to Sky, Williams Lake
and the Fraser Valley.
Partnering with the BC Lung Association to run the Provincial Wood Stove
Exchange Program. Since 2008, the Province has put $2 million towards the
program, which has resulted in more than 5,000 old wood stoves successfully
replaced.
Embarked in June 2012 on a three‐year air monitoring and community
engagement program in Northeast B.C. with partners from the oil and gas
industry and other stakeholders. The air monitoring program is in response to
growth in the oil and gas industry, and concerns from residents over its potential
impact on air quality, and parallels a concurrent human health risk assessment in
the Northeast by the Ministry of Health.
Undertaking revisions to the regulations governing wood stoves and open
burning, which when complete, will reduce wood smoke in B.C. communities.
Partnering with Metro Vancouver and other agencies to protect visual air quality
in the Lower Fraser Valley.
Led the development of the BlueSky Western Canada Wildfire Smoke
Forecasting System, an on‐line tool that has been producing wildfire smoke
forecasts since 2010.

Launched in June 2008, the B.C. Air Action Plan set out 28 actions to reduce air pollution
by promoting clean transportation, clean industry and clean communities - 26 of the 28
actions are now fully in place. These actions included:

Promoting a province‐wide, anti‐idling campaign;
Encouraging companies to use the cleanest available technologies;
Supporting people in replacing old wood stoves with cleaner alternatives; and,
Greening B.C.'s heavy‐duty vehicle fleet through Green Fleets BC and enhancing
programs such as the BC SCRAP‐IT Program and the AirCare ON‐ROAD heavyduty
vehicle testing program.

Water Quality:

The Province has taken a number of strong measures to ensure water quality in British
Columbia, including:

Implemented a comprehensive drinking water protection plan that included
investing more than $300 million in municipal projects such as drinking water
and wastewater infrastructure, as well as $14 million to improve source‐to‐tap
drinking water protection and enhance water quality testing.
Limiting the duration of new water licences for water power projects to 40 years.
Increasing water rental fees in to improve cost recovery of managing the water
resource.
Developed Living Water Smart, an action plan for sustainable water stewardship.
Some accomplishments include:

Strengthening flood protection and investing in flood mitigation projects
across B.C.
Ensuring wetlands and waterways are protected and rehabilitated.
Making mandatory ultra low‐flow toilets and other water‐saving
plumbing fixtures and fittings in new construction and renovations in B.C.
Providing information about how to be more water smart to more than
40,000 homes around B.C.
Setting strong water efficiency targets and working with all sectors to
reduce consumption.
Adopting a water efficiency labelling system for water consuming
products in partnership with industry.

Living Water Smart also commits to modernizing the Water Act. To‐date, the
Province has received more than 2,250 submissions from individual citizens, First
Nations organizations and stakeholder groups. The B.C. government continues to
refine the legislative proposals, seek to better understand sector concerns and
work out the details of implementing the proposed new Water Sustainability Act.
The Ministry of Environment is planning to further engage the public,
stakeholders and First Nations through a consultation draft of the proposed new
Water Sustainability Act.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

FACTSHEET: BC Parks capital

2013-04-15T19:48:14Z

In 2012, BC Parks received an extra $3 million for the 2012/13 operating year,
representing a 27 per cent increase over the previous year. BC Parks' capital budget
remains at $13.98 million for 2013/14.
The $13.98 million will fund projects directed at attracting young families, offering new
recreation opportunities, improving accessibility and increasing attendance.
Some of the highlights already completed or to be completed in 2013/14 include:

$500,000 for trail upgrades and a new bridge at Golden Ears Provincial Park to
enhance recreational experiences. Since 2008, over $3 million has been invested in
the main high‐use areas and high‐occupancy campgrounds in the park.
275,000 to upgrade the Wells Gray Information Centre.
$700,000 to build a new deck and change houses around the Liard River Hot Springs
pool, as well as improving accessibility for visitors for mobility issues.
$560,000 to reconstruct the campground and improve day‐use areas such as benches
and picnic tables at Rathtrevor Beach.
$490,000 for the expansion of the campground at Kettle River Recreation Area,
including 28 new campsites, picnic tables, flush toilets and more trails linking existing
campground loops.
$643,000 for the reconstruction of the campground at Martha Creek Provincial Park,
including the addition of new lakeshore campsites and picnic tables.
$225,000 to improve the day‐use change house, picnic tables, and road at Lakelse
Lake Provincial Park.
$110,000 towards new picnic tables in campground and day‐use areas at Herald
Provincial Park.
$53,000 for the installation of accessible picnic tables, new signage and improvements
to the trail system at Kikomun Creek Provincial Park.

In the past five years, BC Parks has invested over $53 million in park facilities in the
province.
The funds represent a cost‐effective investment in the visitor experience that will ensure
our parks remain affordable and accessible for B.C. families.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

FACTSHEET: Caribou recovery in B.C.

2013-04-15T19:46:13Z

Seventy per cent of B.C.'s caribou herds are in decline and identified as threatened
under the federal Species at Risk Act.
Caribou are sensitive to habitat disturbance and alteration associated with industrial
development and increases in predation from associated predators.
Caribou recovery is a priority for the B.C. government and it has taken action to meet
the necessary goals for recovering this species.

Boreal Caribou:

In 2010, the B.C. government endorsed a Boreal Caribou implementation plan to
support the management and future recovery of this species.
Through this plan, B.C. is managing 2.5 million hectares of Boreal Caribou habitat to
minimize impacts from petroleum and natural gas and forestry activities, and also
prohibited the sale of 550,000 hectares of Crown land tenure for the purposes of
petroleum and natural gas development.
The population and distribution goals of B.C.'s implementation plan are intended to
decrease the expected rate of decline in the Boreal Caribou herds and reduce the risk of
population extirpation in certain herds over the next 50 years.

Mountain Caribou:

In 2007, the B.C. government endorsed the Mountain Caribou Recovery Implementation
Plan, committing it to several management actions to recover Mountain Caribou in B.C.
As per this plan, the Province protected 2.2 million hectares of Mountain Caribou
habitat from industrial logging activities, prohibited the sale of commercial tenures for
backcountry recreational purposes across two million hectares of Mountain Caribou
habitat and closed one million hectares of Mountain Caribou habitat to snowmobile use.
The Province is managing caribou predators through increases to hunting and trapping
allocations, and has conducted a caribou transplant to support the recovery of a
critically small herd.
B.C. has also signed an MOU with Parks Canada, Province of Alberta and Calgary Zoo to
collaborate on a caribou captive breeding program to support caribou recovery across
jurisdictions.
The goals of this plan are to halt the decline of Mountain Caribou and recover the
population to 2,500 animals within 21 years.

Northern Caribou:

In 2012, the B.C. government endorsed a Peace Northern Caribou implementation plan
to increase the population of seven Northern Caribou herds in the south Peace area of
B.C.
The Province is currently working with industry and First Nations to protect 90 per cent
of caribou habitat for these seven herds in the South Peace area, as well as
implementing required management actions.
The goal of this plan is to increase the population of these seven herds to more than
1,200 animals across their range within 21 years.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

FACTSHEET: Clean Energy Vehicle Program

2013-04-15T19:42:57Z

The B.C. government's $14.3 million Clean Energy Vehicle Program
(www.env.gov.bc.ca/cas/mitigation/cev.html) was announced on Nov. 5, 2011. It is a
comprehensive program designed to provide British Columbians with a variety of clean
and green choices for their transportation needs.
There are three main program areas under the Clean Energy Vehicle Program:

Clean Energy Vehicles for British Columbia (CEVforBC™) point‐of‐sale incentives
LiveSmart BC Residential Charging Point Rebate Program
CEV Infrastructure Deployment Program
CEVforBC™ (www.cevforbc.ca) provides B.C. residents with up to $5,000 off the pre‐tax
sticker price for qualifying new battery electric, fuel‐cell electric, plug‐in hybrid electric
and dedicated compressed natural gas vehicles (currently 20 models of CEVs are
eligible). Originally set to end on March 31, 2013, the program has been extended for
another year. The New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia manages,
administers and promotes the program on behalf of the Province.

The LiveSmart BC Residential Charging Point Rebate Program
(www.livesmartbc.ca/incentives/transportation/CEV‐rebates.html#residential) provides
rebates of up to $500 per unit for residential electric charging stations that meet
identified eligibility requirements. Originally set to end on March 31, 2013, the program
has been extended for another year.
The CEV Infrastructure Deployment Program committed $6.5 million in infrastructure
funding for electric vehicle charging points and upgrading existing hydrogen fuelling
stations. As part of this funding, more than 500 Level 2 (240‐volt) electric vehicle
charging stations will be installed across the province though the Community Charging
Infrastructure Fund (www.e3fleet.com/plugin_bc.html), which is administered by the
Fraser Basin Council. The CCI Fund is fully subscribed and the locations of the charging
stations can be viewed at www.livesmartbc.ca/incentives/transportation/CEVrebates.
html. There will also be 13 DC fast‐charging stations deployed across the
province at strategic locations along the Highway 1 and Highway 99 corridors, creating a
network of fast‐charging opportunities for electric vehicles.
Clean Energy Vehicle Program achievements as of March 31, 2013 include:

431 vehicles purchased with CEVforBC™ incentives.
111 residential charging point rebates have been issued.
More than 500 Community Charging Infrastructure Fund supported Level 2 (240‐
volt) publicly available charging stations are expected to be in operation during
the spring of 2013.
13 direct current (DC) fast‐charging stations are being strategically located along
the Highway 1 and Highway 99 corridors during the spring of 2013, and will
complete the B.C. portion of the West Coast Green Highway.
$600,000 in funding for design, research and curriculum development on clean
energy vehicles provided to a range of post‐secondary institutions in B.C., as well
as BC Hydro and multi‐family housing associations.

Contact:
Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953‐3834

FACTSHEET: Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Management Plan/Air Care

2013-04-15T19:40:09Z

The Ministry of Environment approved Metro Vancouver's Solid Waste Management
Plan in July 2011 which includes goals for diverting 70 per cent of regional waste
through recycling, composting and other programs by 2015 and calls for construction of
a waste‐to‐energy (WTE) facility either inside or outside of the region.
The ministry has not authorized any new waste to energy facilities and as of March
2012, all WTE facilities built in B.C. must first go through an environmental assessment.
The ministry has thoroughly reviewed Metro Vancouver's Solid Waste Management
Plan to ensure it meets both provincial and federal rules for waste management.
Ministry approval came with a number of conditions recognizing the importance of
safeguarding air quality. Metro Vancouver must consult with the Fraser Valley Regional
District to address air quality concerns in their shared airshed prior to beginning
construction of a new or expanded facility.
This includes development of a joint working group between the two local governments
with terms of reference established by the Ministry of Environment, which include:

1. Environmental monitoring.
2. Establishing mitigation measures to address reasonable concerns about air
quality.
3. Dispute resolution through an arbitrator.
4. Agreeing on acceptable waste‐to‐energy emission standards (which must still
meet provincial law).

Proposed WTE facilities must also have a high degree of energy recovery, consistent
with European standards, and meet B.C.'s emission standards, which are among the
most stringent in the world.
The local governments support the objective of the Air Care program to improve air
quality.
The program was set to expire at the end of 2012 but due to continued concerns about
air quality in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, AirCare was extended until
December 31, 2014 at which time it would end for light duty passenger cars and trucks.
In full consultation with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and key
stakeholders, the Ministry of Environment is working to identify sources of particulate
emissions currently not managed through air care programs, and come up with
reduction options to address human health concerns.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953‐3834

FACTSHEET: Auditor General's report on carbon neutral government

2013-04-15T19:33:59Z

The B.C. government accepts the recommendations included in the Office of the Auditor
General's report, "An Audit of Carbon Neutral Government", but rejects its conclusion
that government has not met its objective of achieving a carbon neutral public sector.
British Columbia is recognized as a world leader in climate action and the B.C.
government has been carbon neutral since 2010 - it is committed to continuing to be so
in the future. Carbon neutrality is about leadership - putting government's house in
order as it asks businesses, communities and individuals to take action.
A key accomplishment of B.C.'s carbon neutral government program has been focusing
attention on the costs of energy and working with public‐sector organizations to reduce
those costs through investments in energy efficiency. Since 2008, the B.C. government
has committed $75 million in this regard and expects annual energy cost savings of $12
million and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as a result.
B.C.'s carbon offset system is based on international standards. Every offset in Pacific
Carbon Trust's portfolio has been twice audited by third‐party experts, has passed those
audits and has fully met the requirements of B.C.'s Emission Offsets Regulation
The audit was limited in scope - only covering B.C.'s first year (2010) as a carbon neutral
government and two of the first offsets purchased by Pacific Carbon Trust - and does
not reflect the changes made to B.C.'s offset system as the market has matured.
The B.C. government is actively moving forward on the Office of the Auditor General's
recommendations, and has already accomplished significant improvements in several
areas during the past year while the audit was underway:

Developed a diversified offset portfolio of 32 projects in all sectors of the
economy and all regions of B.C.
Completed extensive engagements across the public sector, with offset
professionals, and with academics and experts to improve B.C.'s carbon neutral
government program.
Eliminated reporting costs to the entire public sector.
Implemented a new Carbon Neutral Capital Program which has already provided
$10 million dollars over two years in new capital funding to the kindergarten‐to‐
Grade 12 education sector.
Created a Carbon Offset Advisory Panel to advise Pacific Carbon Trust on the
development of its offset portfolio.
Provided greater transparency by publicly releasing the purchase price of every
offset in Pacific Carbon Trust's portfolio.
Initiated a review to determine if the financial surplus currently generated from
offset purchases should be used to lower public‐sector costs or invested to
further reduce emissions.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953‐3834

FACTSHEET: South Island Aggregates application

2013-04-15T19:30:04Z

The Ministry of Environment issued a draft permit to South Island Aggregates/Cobble Hill Holdings Ltd., on March 19th, regarding treatment and discharge of contaminated soil at a facility in the Cowichan Valley.
The draft permit is for consultation purposes and does not authorize the discharge of waste.
The consultation period ended on April 9th with 300 submissions received from the local government, First Nations, health officials and members of the general community.
Technical staff will now take the time necessary to review any and all new information as contained in the submissions as part of the due diligence required to meet the ministry's legal obligation to consider the application from South Island Aggregates (SIA) to remediate contaminated soil.
Government is not directing soils to the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). This project is a private development proposed by a business in the CVRD. The Province has a regulatory role and as such takes no position for or against this proposal.
Ministry staff are the statutory, evidence‐based decision makers and, as such, the decision is kept at arm's length from the political process. The role of the ministry is to look at the proposed project, and any associated environmental controls, and assess whether the environmental risks are appropriately managed and that the proposal conforms to legislation.
Staff engaged in the authorization process are professionals with many years experience in assessing these types of applications, and decisions of this kind are informed by advice from other ministries with related expertise.
As well, reports and assessments prepared in support of the application must be prepared by qualified professionals with sufficient expertise in the areas under consideration.
Government will ensure the final decision reflects the scientific evidence presented by, and reviewed by, experts as well as rigorous monitoring and compliance conditions to protect the environment.
Land‐use planning is controlled wholly by municipalities through zoning. Industrial grade soils are considered suitable for reuse at industrial zoned sites such as the SIA gravel quarry. In order for a project like this to proceed, it must conform to local zoning requirements. Communities that wish to restrict certain activities on the local land base can use zoning bylaws for that purpose.
Should a permit be issued to SIA, the Environmental Appeal Board process is available to those who object to the decision."

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953‐3834

FACTSHEET: Release of surplus asssets for economic generation

2013-04-15T19:26:42Z

Government owns some properties and assets that provide little financial or strategic benefit to the Province. Government's ongoing plan to release unused, surplus government properties for new development opportunities in the public and private sectors, is expected to spur economic activity, create jobs and provide other revenue streams for the Province and communities across B.C.

The total value of government's assets, excluding unsurveyed Crown land, is $70 billion. The value of the assets under review for possible sale represents less than two per cent of the value of government's overall property holdings.

Not all surplus properties and assets are part of this initiative. Surplus properties and assets are those that are no longer in use, not required for future use, or those properties and assets where there is no strategic benefit for government to be the owner.

Assets not for sale include those that are:

Properties for which ownership is essential to the delivery of a government-funded service (such as hospitals, jails or schools);
Assets that are part of the treaty process;
Assets approved by Cabinet or one of its committees to be held for any identified future government need.

Examples of properties currently on the market, recently on the market, with sales agreements in place, or where 2013/14 agreements are in process:

Large surplus parcel on Tranquille Rd. in Kamloops to be developed into a Residential Care facility;
Surplus parcel at Mission Memorial Hospital to be developed into a Community Health Centre;
Two large vacant lots in Surrey on 192nd St., previously used by government for surface gravel, have agreements in place with the City of Surrey.
Vacant lot on Watkiss Way near Victoria General Hospital;
Anniedale, a former elementary school in Surrey;
Large vacant lot in Burnaby;
Vacant school property in North Vancouver;
The former Tilbury Laundry site in Delta;
Seven hectare site north of Kelowna on Potterton Rd. that was being held for a new correctional facility, which will now be located near Oliver.

Other examples of properties to be marketed:

Vacant lot in Vancouver's Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood;
Pearson-Dogwood healthcare redevelopment;
North Saanich Middle School;
Six hectare vacant lot in the Panorama neighbourhood in Surrey;
Parking lot near the Legislative buildings in Victoria;

Historic surplus property asset sales:

Since 1981, almost 1500 surplus government properties have been sold in B.C.
In the 1980s, 616 properties were sold.
Between 1991 and 2001, surplus government properties with a value in excess of $500 million (excluding the SUCH sector), or more than $1 billion in today's market, were sold.
During the 2000s, 406 properties were sold with a value of $381 million.

Media Contact
Ministry of Finance
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-2821

FACTSHEET: Tsunami Debris Management Plan

2013-04-15T19:26:30Z

The B.C. government and the federal government are working in conjunction with local
governments, First Nations, and the volunteer sector, as members of a Tsunami Debris
Coordinating Committee.
This Committee has developed a scalable Tsunami Debris Management Plan that can be
implemented and updated as circumstances change or new information becomes
available.
The plan establishes protocols on how to deal with tsunami debris, identifies roles and
responsibilities of government and partner agencies, and provides an assessment of
risks relating to tsunami debris.
The plan update focuses on how government will work with coastal communities to
assess and determine specific challenges associated with the collection, removal, and
landfilling of tsunami debris.
The plan also outlines several other components including: monitoring and surveillance
of tsunami debris, establishing a framework for volunteer participation and developing
protocols for aquatic invasive species
No one agency or group has the sole responsibility or jurisdiction for responding to this
challenge. It will require the resources and collaborative efforts of all.
Committee members are working with local governments, First Nations and other
stakeholders all along the coast. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities and
volunteer organizations such as the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean‐up have also been
engaged, together with U.S. counterparts in governments along North America's West
Coast and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
On March 13, 2013, the Government of Japan gave the Government of Canada a onetime
grant of approximately $1 million to support clean‐up work associated with
tsunami debris. This funding will be transferred to the British Columbia Ministry of
Environment and used to support tsunami debris clean‐up effort in coastal
communities.

For more information visit the Ministry of Environment Tsunami Debris website:
www.tsunamidebrisbc.ca.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

FACTSHEET: Expenditure management

2013-04-15T19:05:53Z

Spending restraint across government has freed up more than $1 billion over the fiscal plan. About half the savings are helping balance the budget, while the remaining half is being invested to improve family affordability, and support jobs and economic growth.
Since 2001, government beat its budget targets nine times - when you add up the surpluses and deficits in those years, B.C. comes out ahead by $3.5 billion, that's money that could be put against government's debt, saving taxpayers money.
Ten years of fiscal prudence and discipline has helped B.C. achieve and maintain a strong credit rating, and support priority programs while ensuring British Columbians generally have one of the lowest overall tax burdens in Canada.
Achieving and maintaining a triple-A credit rating has paid off by keeping B.C.'s debt service costs low. Since November 2004, B.C. has received seven credit rating upgrades.
B.C.'s diversified trading partners, low debt-to-GDP ratio, triple-A credit rating, low taxes and controlled spending mean B.C. is in a better place than most to manage global volatility and uncertainty.

Track record of controlled spending

Since the economic downturn in 2008/09, government has acted diligently to control spending, while protecting the programs and services B.C. families rely on.

This has generally been achieved by concentrating on streamlining administration and areas of highly discretionary spending. Examples include:

Reductions to ministry operating expenditures, primarily in the areas of travel, professional services, building charges, discretionary grants, and "back-office" functions.
Broadening the use of centralized shared service strategies to include SUCH sector organizations (e.g. health authorities and post-secondary institutions) to reduce duplication of services and take advantage of joint procurement opportunities for services and supplies.
In 2010, the "Net-Zero" collective bargaining mandate came into effect. Any proposed wage increases for contracts expiring in 2010 or 2011 had to be paid from efficiencies found within existing collective agreements and could not result in new costs to government or in reductions in service.
For 2012, the "2012 Cooperative Gains" mandate came into effect, covering collective agreements expiring on or after December 31, 2011. Any wage increases have to be funded from within existing agency budgets, with no reductions in public service, no off-loading of costs to the public or negative impact to government's fiscal plan.
The rate of growth in SUCH sector expenditures has been reduced significantly - from a 6.3 per cent annual average from 2005/06 to 2008/09, to 4.2 per cent average during 2009/10 to 2011/12, and down to 2.4 per cent/year average from 2012/13 to 2014/15.
For the Ministry of Health specifically, its budget growth was 2.8 per cent in 2012/13, down from the 6 per cent/year range that was common some years ago.

Expenditure management continues with Budget 2013

Government has implemented further spending controls to ensure a balanced budget for 2013/14 and beyond.

Crown corporations have submitted management plans that will result in over $20 million per year of improvement to government's bottom line, with the expectation that service levels are not to be negatively impacted.
Ministry budgets have been collectively reduced by $15 million annually, again with the expectation that services to the public should not be affected.
Incremental to the above $15 million from other ministries, the Ministry of Health will implement measures that will further reduce the extent of funding growth over the next three years to an average of 2.5 per cent per year compared to the three year average annual growth of 3.2 per cent as per Budget 2012.

Media Contact:

Ministry of Finance
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-2821

FACTSHEET: Investing in school capital projects throughout B.C.

2013-04-15T18:33:09Z

Since 2001, the B.C. government has committed nearly $4 billion for school capital and maintenance projects throughout British Columbia, including those planned or in progress. This includes more than $2.2 billion for 213 seismic safety projects.

Since 2001, the government has spent more than $2.4 billion to complete 104 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 110 renovations and 25 site acquisitions throughout B.C. This includes $950 million for 131 seismic safety projects.

Some regional examples include:

Vancouver Island/Coast -

Alberni District Secondary school ($58 million) - state-of-the-art school offering broad range of learning opportunities and career options
Vic High Fairey Tech Wing ($10 million) - new tech wing providing trades training opportunities
Oak Bay Secondary ($50 million) - new replacement school will accommodate up to 1,300 students

Mainland/Southwest -

Four school site acquisitions in Surrey ($52.6 million) - including $16.7 million site acquisition for new Clayton North Secondary to accommodate students in grades 8-12 and reduce pressure on other area schools
Burnaby Secondary school ($56 million) - school incorporates a cutting edge green, energy-saving design
Carson Graham Secondary ($38 million) - one of the most technologically advanced schools in the province

Thompson/Okanagan -

NorKam Secondary ($6.3 million) - for new trades training centre at NorKam Secondary.
South Okanagan Secondary ($29 million) - replacement for school destroyed earlier by fire
Vernon Secondary ($38 million) - new school with capacity for 950 students

Kootenay -

J. Lloyd Crowe Secondary ($38 million) - new school features science-super-lab and state-of-the-art theatre

Cariboo -

Anahim Lake Elementary Junior Secondary ($7 million) - new elementary-junior secondary school for Anahim Lake in the Cariboo-Chilcotin school district

North Coast -

Port Edward Elementary ($500,000) - Municipality committed $2.0 million and the B.C. government contributed $500,000 for new community school

Nechako -

Lakes District Secondary ($12 million) - a new and modern high school was built adjacent to the old school
Babine Elementary Secondary ($5 million) - new modular classrooms replace part of Babine Elementary-Secondary

Northeast -

Energetic Learning Campus ($6 million) - one-of-a-kind learning campus-like facility for 160 Grade 10 students from North Peace Secondary school
Clearview Elementary ($600,000) - funding for gym expansion project to serve more students

For more information about capital investments in specific school districts, go to:
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/education/factsheets/factsheet-school-district-profiles.html