While BC Parks has long benefitted from donations, its new mobile-giving program signals a move into the 21st century and donating has never been easier. With the view to nurturing and expanding kids' appreciation and understanding of the natural world, BC Parks is introducing the text to donate program to contribute funds to new kids programs.

All potential donors need to do is text "BCPARKS" to 45678 to donate $5 dollars. The donation will be added to their next cellphone bill and 100 per cent of every donation ($5 dollars for each text with a monthly limit of six texts) will be spent on children's programs.

For example, Learn to Fish, sponsored by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, is a children's program currently offered in some provincial parks. Information about both text-to-donate and Learn to Fish and lots more is available in BC Parks passports.

Kids of all ages can also have some fun with the passports. BC Parks introduced the successful program for the first time last year. It's geared towards families but everyone can join in the adventure. Collect six stamps or stickers and win a prize - it's that easy. Passports are free, good for two years, and can be picked up at any visitor centre in B.C. and most provincial parks.

Passport holders can choose from more than 200 parks or visitor centres provincewide. The idea is to collect six stamps from one or more provincial parks during 2012 and earn a coveted, collectible Jerry the Moose pin, and earn another, different pin, the following year. Also, for every six unique Visitor Centre stickers, the reward is an environmentally friendly water bottle.

Along with the chance to collect stamps and stickers to win awards, the passport includes advice on trip planning and Visitor Centre coupons.

Planning a picnic, day hike or camping trip? Don't forget - last year the Province eliminated parking fees in all provincial parks to help make them more accessible.

Quotes:

Environment Minister Terry Lake -

"The BC Parks passport program and Text to Donate are good examples of what we're doing to continue to attract young families to B.C.'s provincial parks. We are thankful to have partners like the visitor centres and the Freshwater Fisheries Society working with us to introduce a new generation to the province's spectacular outdoors."

Ron Cantelon, MLA Parksville-Qualicum -

"With the camping season upon us, it's great to have something fun for families to add to the adventure and I plan to make my first text donation today while visiting Rathtrevor beach Provincial Park."

Donna Andres, Parksville Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre board member -

"We're very appreciative of BC Parks' efforts and this opportunity to participate in its passport program. In particular, it helps bring visitors to our visitor centre so that we can tell them about all the wonderful things they can do in our community including camping in provincial parks."

Learn More:

* BC Parks passports: www.bcparks.ca

* Text to Donate: www.bcparks.ca

* Choose your own campsite at www.discovercamping.ca

* Book a group campout or picnic: www.bcparks.ca

* BC Parks Volunteers: www.bcparksvolunteers.ca

* Learn to Fish: www.gofishbc.com

Contact:

Karen Johnston

Communications

Ministry of Environment

250 812-0495

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect

"The Philippines is an economy on the move and we want to ensure that we are able to partner with them for a strong prosperous future," said Premier Clark. "Filipinos have long been a key contributor to B.C.'s growth and prosperity. We hope with this new labour Communiqué we can build and strengthen our labour and economic partnership with the Philippines. We will have a million new job openings by 2020 and will need a strong and stable labour partner, and I am proud to join with the Philippines to help meet that need."

Premier Clark applauded the announcement by Aquilini Renewable Energy that they received approval from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to build, operate and manage a $15-million waste-to-energy gasification plant in the City of Mactan in Cebu Province.

"Premier Clark, through the BC Jobs Plan, has created an environment to help foster job growth and innovation here in B.C., and it's working," said John Negrin, president, Aquilini Renewable Energy. "We're pleased to announce our first project in The Philippines: a $15-million waste-to-energy recycling facility in the City of Mactan, with excellent potential for further expansion. In addition to creating numerous jobs in B.C. and the Philippines, this project is an excellent opportunity to showcase B.C.'s clean-energy technology and expertise to potential clients in the growing Asia-Pacific market."

The Aquilini facility will run a recycling centre and waste-to-energy plant processing 45,000 metric tonnes of industrial, medical, and municipal waste per year. Equipment for the initial phase of the facility will be designed, engineered and manufactured in Vancouver, creating 40 B.C.-based jobs and more to come as the project expands.

In a meeting with Secretary of Labor and Employment, Rosalinda Baldoz, Premier Clark signed a Joint Communiqué on areas of mutual benefits with respect to labour mobility. Later at a Jobs Fair the Premier connected B.C. employers with recruitment agencies and educational institutions to help fill skilled-worker vacancies in the province. Premier Clark also met with Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Albert Del Rosario, to promote British Columbia's labour market and emphasize strong cultural ties with the Philippines.

"Our first priority is always to find employment for British Columbians, but with so many jobs to fill in the next decade, we know that new immigrants will be key to maintaining the growth of our economy," said Premier Clark.

Having sufficient numbers of workers to fill jobs in B.C. is a major concern for employers, and immigration is one of the most important avenues to attract workers. Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan commits to promoting economic development in key sectors and attracting more workers. Filling existing job vacancies faster will enable employers to operate more efficiently, and allow them to create more jobs for B.C. families.

Quick Facts:

• The Philippines is set to become the 16th-largest economy in the world by 2050. (HSBC)

• The Philippines has been one of the top four source countries of temporary foreign workers in B.C. since 2000.

• Since 2010, the Philippines has been B.C.'s second-largest source country for permanent residents.

• The Philippines is our number-one source of Provincial Nominees - 432 in 2011.

• Since 2001 the Provincial Nominee Program has assisted 1,960 skilled and semi-skilled workers obtain permanent resident visas.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

John D. Negrin
President
Aquilini Renewable Energy Ltd.
604 909-0002
john@aquilini.com

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Saturday, May 19

• The Province of British Columbia and the Republic of the Philippines signed a Joint Communiqué on areas of mutual benefits with respect to labour mobility.

• Aquilini Renewable Energy announced it received approval from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to build, operate and manage a $15-million waste-to-energy gasification plant in the City of Mactan in Cebu Province.

• The Applied Science and Technologists and Technicians of BC and the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table announced the launch of their Training Assessment for Technologists and Technicians Project. The project will pilot a collaborative assessment process for comparing Philippine and Canadian education, as well as training and professional standards in the civil, mechanical and electronics technology occupations.

• Montreux Capital Corp., a BC-based TSX-V company, is acquiring several proprietary banking software assets, including Kowops eCommunity Solutions Phils Inc., a Philippines-based banking software company, in a $1.75-million transaction that will bring modern banking solutions to the underserviced poor in emerging markets.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on http://www.sendtonews.com/ when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at:

http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

John D. Negrin
President
Aquilini Renewable Energy Ltd.
604 909-0002
john@aquilini.com

National Road Safety Week, running from May 15 to 21, overlaps with Victoria Day long weekend, which is traditionally among the busiest and deadliest on B.C. roads and highways. As traffic volumes increase, so do the risks faced by motorists.

According to provincial statistics for the last five years, about three people die and 489 people are injured in over 1,700 crashes on B.C. roads over the three-day weekend. Between 2007 and 2011, the average numbers of crashes and injuries over the weekend, by region, were:

• Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley: 1,116 crashes, 342 injuries.
• North Central: 105 crashes, 19 injuries.
• Southern Interior: 280 crashes, 69 injuries.
• Vancouver Island: 230 crashes, 59 injuries.

B.C's high-risk drivers - those who drive while impaired, speed excessively or talk or text while driving - can expect to face some of the most severe penalties and fines in Canada.

Here are some safety tips to help drivers arrive at their destination safely:

• Plan a safe way home, such as a designated driver or taxi, if your weekend activities will involve alcohol. Remember that impairment begins with the first drink, and that drugs - including prescription drugs - can affect your ability to drive safely.
• Buckle up. Seatbelt use is the single most effective step you can take to protect yourself from death or serious injury in a collision. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $167, and drivers can be fined $598 for operating their vehicle with more passengers than seatbelts.
• Slow down and stay calm. Speed and aggressive driving are among the main causes of fatal crashes.
• Plan ahead, keeping in mind that congestion, construction and road conditions may add to your travel time. View current webcam images on DriveBC at: www.drivebc.ca
• Eliminate distractions. Place calls before you leave and pull over to check maps. Drivers using a hand-held phone device are subject to a fine of $167 and drivers caught texting or emailing will receive three penalty points in addition to the fine.
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
• Watch for motorcycles. Drivers need to recognize there are more riders on B.C. roads every year, particularly in spring and summer.

Contact:

Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-6961

"Our government is committed to growing our economy to create jobs for British Columbians," said Premier Clark. "We want Korean investors to know that B.C. is open for business.

"We are unlocking our natural resources by making key investments in transportation infrastructure. We have already committed to having one LNG pipeline and terminal online by 2015 and three in operation by 2020, and we are supporting our mining sector with a commitment to open at least eight new mines and upgrade at least nine mines by 2015."

Premier Clark also highlighted the growing biomass trading relationship with Korea. "I am particularly pleased to see that our biomass industry is helping Korea meet their clean-energy targets," said Premier Clark. "Today we have two great B.C. companies, Nelson Bio-energy and Princeton Co-Generation Company, announcing that they will be supplying and shipping some 6,000 tonnes of B.C. wood pellets to Korea Welds Company in 2012. This is the start of a great commercial relationship that means jobs for British Columbians with growth already planned for 2013."

For her final day in Korea, Premier Clark began by hosting, along with B.C. mining delegates, a B.C. Mining Roundtable at which she spoke to Korean corporations with investment interests in B.C.'s mining and natural gas sectors. Premier Clark applauded their growing role in developing new projects, including POSCO's recent $181-million investment in the Mount Klappan metallurgical coal project in northwest B.C.

"This is why we are here - to tell investors that British Columbia's economy is on the move and now is the time to get in on the action," said Premier Clark. "We've got all the right conditions for growth and one of the key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan is mining, which is an extremely important sector because it creates high-paying jobs that support families."

In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, and most of those jobs are located in rural B.C. By 2020 there will be an expected 10,000 additional job openings in those sectors, which is more great news for B.C. families.

More than 850 mining companies are already located in British Columbia. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, mining in B.C. generated $9.9 billion in gross revenues in 2011, up $2 billion from $7.9 billion in 2010.

In the past year, B.C. has permitted five mines for expansion, as well as five new mines, including Copper Mountain Mine, which began production in June 2011, and four others announced under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan - Mount Milligan by Prince George, New Afton by Kamloops, Barkerville by Quesnel and Red Chris by Dease Lake in northwest B.C.

The BC Jobs Plan aims to increase annual revenue from mining operations by $1.6 billion, create and sustain more than 15,000 direct and indirect well-paying jobs in B.C. and contribute more than $150 million a year towards government revenue.

The Premier then met with Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) to recognize their recent investments in B.C.'s natural gas industry. In February 2010, KOGAS signed an agreement to invest up to $565 million in developing gas plays at Kiwigana (Horn River basin) and West Cutbank (Montney) in northeastern B.C. Then, on Tuesday, KOGAS, in partnership with Shell Canada Limited, Mitsubishi Corporation, and PetroChina Company Limited announced that they will jointly develop an LNG export facility near Kitimat, called LNG Canada.

In a bilateral meeting with Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Premier Clark promoted B.C's green-energy sources and discussed areas for co-operation in bioenergy, hydrogen and fuel cell technology and green buildings.

Finally, Premier Clark met with Mr. Joon-Yang Chung, chairman and CEO of POSCO, to recognize POSCO's investments in British Columbia. Based in Korea, POSCO is the world's third-largest steel maker, Asia's most profitable steel maker, and fourth-largest Korean company, with global sales of over $62 billion.

POSCO's Canadian operations (POSCAN) are based in Vancouver - it is the largest Korean company in B.C., with annual exports of over $500 million. In addition to the Mount Klappen project, the company also has a 20-per-cent stake in Greenhills Mine near Elkford and a 2.5-per-cent stake in Elkview Mine in Sparwood.

Learn More:

Learn more about B.C.'s Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy:

http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Documents/MiningStrategy2012.pdf

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Friday, May 18

• Royal Roads University and the Institute of International Education at Kookmin University agreed to establish an institutional partnership.
• Nelson Bio Energy (of Vancouver, B.C.) will supply 6,000 tons of B.C. wood pellets produced by Princeton Co-Generation Company (of Princeton, B.C.,) to Korea Welds Company in 2012. In 2013, 10,000 tons will be supplied.

Key Facts - B.C. Mining Sector

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its production value by 20 per cent from the year before to approximately $8.6 billion.
• On May 15, 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported a 25-per-cent increase in B.C.'s gross mining revenues, up $2 billion to $9.9 billion in 2011 from $7.9 billion in 2010.
• Exploration spending exceeded $460 million, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010 and 1,500 per cent higher than a decade ago.
• B.C. accounts for approximately 15 per cent of all exploration spending in Canada.
• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.
• More than 10,000 job openings are expected in B.C.'s mineral exploration and mining sector by 2020.
• B.C. currently has 19 operating major mines, nine metal and 10 coal.
• B.C. is Canada's single largest exporter of coal, largest producer of copper and only producer of molybdenum.
• Mineral tax revenues for 2011/12 were valued at more than $350 million.

BC Jobs Plan

As committed in Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. This will result in:

• An increase in annual mine-operation revenue by $1.6 billion.
• Approximately 2,000 construction jobs.
• 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs.
• Sustaining 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect); and over $150 million annually in government revenue.

New mines/expansions

Three new major mines are under construction and a fourth was recently permitted with construction expected to start this year:

• Copper Mountain Mine - Began construction in June 2011.
• Mt. Milligan Copper-Gold Mine, expected to begin production in the second half of 2013.
• New Afton Copper-Gold-Silver Mine, expected to begin production as early as this June.
• Bonanza Ledge Gold Mine, expected to begin production once the QR Mill is approved and fully operational.

Since the Jobs Plan was released, the Province has approved five major expansions of existing mines:

• Highland Valley Copper Mine
• Huckleberry Copper-Molybdenum Mine
• Quinsam Coal Mine
• Elkview Coal Mine
• Endako Molybdenum Mine

B.C. is Canada's single largest exporter of coal, largest producer of copper and only producer of molybdenum.

Mineral tax revenues for 2011/12 were valued at nearly $400 million.

B.C. has an AAA credit rating, due in part to responsible budgeting.

British Columbia's Competitive Advantage

Reducing red tape:

• Mineral Titles Online will soon be upgraded to include coal tenure acquisition, administrative and management capabilities.
• In 2012, The Province will revise regulations to exempt low-risk exploration and mining activities from requiring Mines Act permits.
• As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, the Province and the federal government are working to develop a single, effective environmental assessment process while maintaining the highest standards.
• Since the launch of the BC Jobs Plan, the Province has reduced the backlog of Notice of Work applications with an average turnaround time of 60 days and has a target of 80-per-cent reduction by August 2012.

Business Environment:

• B.C. is home to the world's largest concentration of professional geologists and over 850 mineral exploration and development companies.
• The Province has royalty programs and several tax incentives including a federal-provincial corporate tax of 25 per cent, the lowest of the G7 countries.
• Once completed, key infrastructure such as The Northwest Transmission Line, will support mine development.
• B.C.'s geoscience information is readily and publicly available through British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS), Geoscience BC and online through Provincial resources.
• Chinese companies' investment of $1.36 billion in coal mine developments in B.C.'s northeast and the Premier's Jobs and Trade Mission to Asia in 2011, strengthened existing relationships with Asia-Pacific and facilitated future opportunities.
• In partnership with the British Columbia Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry Labour Shortage Task Force, the Province will facilitate skills development and integrate skilled workers from other provinces and countries to address the sector's skills shortage
• The Regional Workforce Tables and stakeholders will be consulted to ensure that human resources initiatives are aligned with regional needs

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on http://www.sendtonews.com/ when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at:

http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

Over 233,000 international overnight visitors came to B.C. in March 2012, compared with just over 209,000 in March of the previous year. Overnight visitors to B.C. from the U.S. rose 8.8 per cent, with same-day U.S. visitation rising 2.1 per cent.

Visitor numbers were up 24.3 per cent from the U.K., marking an increase for the fifth month in a row. Growth was also recorded in visitors from other key markets such as Australia (up 18.7 per cent), China (up 15.2 per cent), and Germany (up 4.3 per cent) over March 2011.

Visitors from Japan increased 84.4 per cent over March 2011, rebounding from decreased travel due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami last year. B.C. also saw a 52.9 per cent increase in visitors from Mexico in March 2012 over the previous year.

The province had seen a decline in visitors from Mexico in 2009 and 2010 after the federal government introduce new visa requirements in July 2009.

Tourism is one of the key economic sectors identified in 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan'. The Province's new tourism strategy builds on the Jobs Plan, providing a framework for government and industry to work together to attract more visitors and create jobs for British Columbians. The strategy focuses on increasing the number of visitors by building on the global awareness generated by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The numbers reported by Statistics Canada are based on international visitors who cross through Canada Customs into British Columbia. Actual numbers of visitors to B.C. are higher, as domestic visitors are not included. As well, additional international visitors pass through customs outside of B.C. and then travel to the province.

Due to the seasonal nature of the tourism industry, year-over-year comparisons are used instead of month-over-month comparisons.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell -

"Today's visitor numbers reflect the strength of B.C.'s tourism industry. Given the current economic situation in Europe and the slow recovery in the U.S., it is encouraging to see that our focused marketing efforts are paying off with gains from some of our key tourism markets."

"Our ski resorts enjoyed great conditions and record snowfall this past winter, we are known the world over for our impeccable customer service and Vancouver was just been named top city in North America for international meetings. All these factors make B.C. a desirable and world-class destination."

Quick Facts:

• In 2010, the tourism sector employed 127,000 British Columbians, generated over $13.4 billion in revenue for tourism-related businesses and contributed over $1.2 billion to provincial government revenues.
• Total tourism wages and salaries were $4.4 billion in 2010, an increase of 37 per cent since 2000.
• The U.K.'s Virgin Atlantic Airways begins a new four flights per week service on May 24 from London-Heathrow to Vancouver. The new flights add an additional 960 seats per week, from the U.K., from May to October.
• In June, Sichuan Airlines will begin a new service between Chengdu, China and Vancouver.

Learn More:

For more information on B.C.'s overnight customs entries, visit: http://www.jti.gov.bc.ca/research/IndustryPerformance/InternationalVisitorArrivals.htm

For more information on B.C.'s new provincial tourism strategy, visit: http://www.jti.gov.bc.ca/tourismstrategy/documents/MJTI_TourismStrategyReport_FNL.pdf

About 'Canada Starts Here - The BC Jobs Plan': http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

The 2012-13 capital budget encompasses 120 projects in 89 parks throughout the province. New projects focus on:

• Renovating facilities in day-use areas and campgrounds, and improving accessibility.
• Continuing to upgrade water systems to meet potable water standards.
• Delivering multi-year capital investments in parks with either high revenue and attendance, or significant cultural values.

A number of the projects are still in the process of being tendered, but the breakdown by region is proposed as follows:

• Interior (Kootenay, Okanagan, Cariboo, Thompson): $6.71 million.
• North (Skeena, Peace, Omineca): $2.66 million.
• West Coast (Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii): $2.23 million.
• South Coast (Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast): $2.38 million.

BC Parks may use management plans, facility assessments, regional tourism trends, park satisfaction surveys and discussions with staff, park facility operators and First Nations to determine where investments are needed.

In the past five years, BC Parks has invested approximately $53 million in facilities in the province.

Quotes:

Environment Minister Terry Lake -

"While almost 20 million people visit BC Parks every year, we want to encourage even more people to get out and enjoy B.C.'s spectacular parks. One way of doing that is to invest more money in infrastructure. Parks not only contribute to a healthy lifestyle and protect our environment, they are important to our economy. These improvements will keep the regular visitors coming back and encourage other, more diverse groups to visit in the future."

Jody Young, industry and community services manager, Tourism Vancouver Island -

"We're thrilled to hear that BC Parks is receiving additional funding this year. Our visitors love the scenic beauty that the Vancouver Island region offers and injecting additional funding into our parks provincewide will serve to increase the visitor experience."

Learn More:

BC Parks: www.bcparks.ca

Discover Camping: www.discovercamping.ca

BC Parks Volunteers: www.bcparksvolunteers.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745

BACKGROUNDER

Improvements in BC Parks provincewide

Below are some examples of what BC Parks has proposed for its capital budget program for 2012-13:

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park - $600,000. Located near Parksville on Vancouver Island, Rathtrevor is one of BC Parks' most popular provincial parks. This year's funding is being used for reconstruction of the campground and improvements to the day-use areas - picnic shelters and tables.

Cultus Lake Provincial Park - $415,000. Funding is being used for planning for campground expansion, installing new accessible picnic tables and completing renovations to toilet and shower buildings. Interior alterations and upgrades are being made to fixtures and equipment, including accessible showers in some buildings, reflecting current green technology.

Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park - $500,000. The Liard River Hot Springs project includes a new deck and new change houses built around the pool in a park that continues to attract visitors throughout the year. There will also be improved accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

Kikomun Creek Provincial Park - $53,600. Located on Lake Koocanusa in the Kootenays, this park has a new campground with 37 campsites (11 with electricity), two cabins and a shower building. New accessible picnic tables have been installed and new signage has been posted. Funding this year will complete the improvements with the construction of a connecting trail system to enhance the recreational activities.

Kettle River Provincial Park - $525,000. Located near Osoyoos, one of Canada's most historic and scenic railway routes runs through this park - Kettle Valley Railway. This year the focus is on an expansion of the campground. This includes 28 new campsites, new picnic tables, new flush toilets (two converted from pit toilets) and more trails linked to existing campground loops. The existing reservoir will also be replaced with a new reservoir with increased capacity.

Garibaldi Provincial Park - $600,000. Near Whistler, a new 30-site backcountry campground, toilets and picnic shelter is being constructed at popular Elfin Lakes. The project also includes improvements to the access road and upgrading of ranger stations.

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park - $200,000. Located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, the park (Juan de Fuca Marine Trail) is known for its remarkable hiking trails. This year's funding has been allocated to upgrading several sections of trail.

Herald Provincial Park - $265,000. Near Salmon Arm on Shuswap Lake, Herald Park is having its shower building renovated and new picnic tables installed in the campground and day-use areas.

Lakelse Lake Provincial Park - $335,000. Lakelse Lake is located near Terrace in the Skeena region. Funding is being allocated to improve the day-use change house and the group site toilet and shower building. The park is also getting new picnic tables, a new multi-toilet building and improvements are being made to the sani-station.

Martha Creek Provincial Park - $433,133. Located in the Kootenay region near Revelstoke, this popular park is having its campground reconstructed including the addition of new lakeshore campsites and supporting infrastructure such as picnic tables.

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745

"It's imperative that we look at new ways of doing things that will be sustainable for the future," said Premier Clark. "Through the development and marketing of clean energy alternatives in Korea, our government is creating new markets and new jobs back home in British Columbia."

The first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between University of British Columbia (UBC) and Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) will boost joint research and development projects on fuels and chemicals sourced from biomass. Korea's Renewable Portfolio Standard came into effect in January 2012 and requires a renewable electricity quota of two per cent total generation, growing to 10 per cent by 2022, much of which could be supplied by B.C.'s bioenergy industry.

Premier Clark also witnessed a formal agreement between RCI Capital/Sustainable Development Technology Canada and T-Stone Capital Fund on $300-million worth of matching funding for investment in Canadian clean-technology portfolio companies, of which over 30 per cent of the portfolios are B.C. companies.

The second MOU between Canada Wood Group and Best House Korea is for design and construction of 200 to 250 wood frame houses to be built at Masung Wood Framed Home Community Development Project using approximately five million board feet of Canadian dimension lumber and 87,500 sheets of oriented strand board (OSB). It is expected that up to $5 million in B.C. lumber will be purchased for the project.

"B.C. wood products are affordable and allow for exceptional building designs, but they also have tremendous climate friendly attributes - every tonne of wood material used in construction prevents about 5.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere," said Premier Clark.

Premier Clark also visited Gyeonggi, British Columbia's sister province in Korea where Governor Kim Moon-Soo recognized the Premier as an honorary citizen. The Governor also officially declared May 17th as B.C. Day in the province of Gyeonggi.

"It is a great honour to celebrate the first B.C. Day with our friends in Gyeonggi province and I cherish my honorary Gyeonggi citizenship. It is a symbol of our strong cultural ties and our commitment to deepen our historic relationship," said Premier Clark. While in Gyeonggi province, the Premier toured the Hwaseong Fortress - a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site.

Additionally, Premier Clark and B.C. green building delegates had the opportunity to meet with the Korean Organizing Committee for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games to discuss using B.C. cross-laminated timber design in sports facilities.

To promote British Columbia's world-class education system, including kindergarten to grade 12 and post-secondary, Premier Clark addressed 250 students at Suwon Academy of World Languages. In 2010, Korea was the top source of international students in British Columbia.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Thursday, May 17

• Canada Wood Group and Best House Korea signed an MOU for the sharing of information on the design and construction of wood-frame houses to be built at Masung Wood Framed Home Community Development Project. It is expected that up to $5 million in B.C. lumber will be purchased for the project.

• UBC and KIST signed an MOU on the implementation of joint research in clean technology and the establishment of a KIST Research Laboratory at UBC.

• RCI Capital/Sustainable Development Technology Canada and TStone Corporation agreed on $300-million worth of matching funding for investment in Canadian clean technology portfolio companies, of which over 30 per cent of the portfolios are B.C. companies.

• British Columbia based Deltalok Group agreed to supply Acciona Energy Korea with the design and construction of permanent structures for the Wind Power Complex in Young Yang County, GyeongBuk Province. The agreement is for 70 units and is valued at $10 million.

• Durae Corporation and Ironwood Clay Company announced an MOU to establish partnership, collaboration and economic development opportunities. Ironwood is a supplier of Marine Mineral Elements water to AmorePacific, the largest cosmetics manufacturer in Korea, through Durae Corporation.

• Hanjin Shipping and Prince Rupert Port Authority celebrated the company's one-year anniversary of shipping to Prince Rupert.

Key Facts - B.C. Bioenergy Sector

Quick Stats

• B.C. leads the country in biomass energy production. Nine biomass clean energy projects sell 2,121 gigawatt hours per year of electricity to BC Hydro, enough to power 194,000 B.C. homes.

• The B.C. wood-pellet industry was worth $1.2 million in 2011, growing to $2 million in 2012, with further expansion expected for 2013.

Provincial support:

• $25 million for the B.C. Bioenergy Network, to encourage investment and innovation in bioenergy projects and technologies.

• Three of the successful proponents under BC Hydro's phase 1 call for bioenergy power currently sell BC Hydro 653 gigawatt hours, or enough electricity to power nearly 60,000 homes.

• Four successful projects under BC Hydro's phase 2 call for bionergy power, with potential to generate 754 gigawatt hours, or enough to power 70,000 homes.

• BC Hydro also has an Integrated Power Offer, and purchases electricity from customers with their own generation capacity, including some pulp mills with biomass capacity.

• B.C. companies interested in the Korean market include: Pinnacle, Pacific Bioenergy, Premium, Tatsha Pellets, Highland Pellets, Visidis Energy, Bio Secure Power, Princeton Co-Gen, Conifex and Lignol. Pinnacle and Pacific Bioenergy are currently selling wood pellets in Korea.

B.C. and Korea

• Korea's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) came into effect in January 2012. It requires a renewable electricity quota of two per cent total generation, growing to 10 per cent by 2022.

• Under RPS policy, Korea's demand for renewable fossil fuels and fossil fuel replacement is growing considerably.

• Korea is B.C.'s fourth-largest trading partner and third-largest goods export market to Asia, accounting for $1.9 billion of B.C.'s commodity exports in 2010.

• KIST received $6 million from Korea's Ministry of Knowledge and Economy to invest in biofuel and torrefaction pilot projects in B.C.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on www.sendtonews.com when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

The committee will be conducting public consultations and has been asked to deliver a report by Aug. 15 this year.

The committee's terms of reference are to specifically consider recommendations that could increase timber supply, including direction on the potential scope of changes to land-use objectives, rate of harvest and conversion of volume-based tenures to area-based tenures. The committee will also consider whether any changes to legislation are required.

In making its recommendations, the committee will need to consider the Province's commitment to balance the budget and maintain competitive electricity rates; the need to maintain high environmental standards and protect critical wildlife habitat; orderly transition for communities to lower harvest levels; maintain a competitive forest industry; First Nations' titles and rights; and the softwood lumber agreement and other trade agreements.

The committee is expected to hold its first meeting this week to elect its chair, develop a work plan and a schedule for public consultations.

The members of the Special Committee on Timber Supply are:

• John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes (convenor)

• Donna Barnett, MLA Cariboo-Chilcotin

• Eric Foster, MLA Vernon-Monashee

• Ben Stewart, MLA Westside-Kelowna

• Harry Bains, MLA Surrey-Newton

• Norm Macdonald, MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke

• Bill Routley, MLA Cowichan Valley

The committee will be supported by a technical advisory committee that will include former provincial chief foresters Larry Pedersen and Jim Snetsinger.

Quote:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"The issue of mid-term timber supply is of vital importance to not only the communities in the mountain pine beetle infested area, but to the province as a whole, given the importance of forestry as a key economic driver."

"I'm pleased that it is a special legislative committee that will meet government's commitment to public engagement on this issue."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the provincial government has committed $884 million to battle the mountain pine beetle and mitigate its impacts.

• The current mountain pine beetle infestation is the largest in North America's recorded history. An estimated 18.1 million hectares - an area more than five times the size of Vancouver Island - have been affected to some degree by the mountain pine beetle.

• Since the current infestation began, the mountain pine beetle has killed an estimated cumulative total of 710 million cubic metres of timber.

• The latest computer-modelling projections indicate about 58 per cent of the pine volume in the province may be killed by 2021. This is significantly less than the 80 per cent pine-kill that was projected six years ago.

Learn More:

About parliamentary committees: www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/index.htm

About the mountain pine beetle infestation: www.gov.bc.ca/pinebeetle

Contact:

Vivian Thomas
Communications Manager
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-2475

"British Columbia is poised for a new phase of growth, investment and job creation, which will enable us to reach across the Pacific and tap into growing demand in Asian markets," said Premier Christy Clark, who is presently on her second Asia Jobs and Trade Mission promoting resource development to overseas customers. "Long-term growth in our mining industry will translate into strong economic growth for our communities, First Nations and the province, and thousands of well-paying jobs that will benefit families in British Columbia."

The new B.C. Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy outlines a plan to create eight new mines and expand nine existing ones by 2015. The mining strategy's six overarching goals are:

• Enhancing B.C.'s competitive edge.
• Streamlining regulatory processes.
• Ensuring the health and safety of B.C.'s workers.
• Protecting the environment.
• Building partnerships with First Nations.
• Developing a well-skilled workforce.

Today in B.C., 19 major mines provide jobs and opportunities for their communities. This includes five new mines and five expanded mines that have been permitted in the last year.

New mines include Copper Mountain Mine, which began production in June 2011, and four others announced under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan - Mount Milligan by Prince George, New Afton by Kamloops, Barkerville by Quesnel and Red Chris by Dease Lake in northwest B.C. All of these mines have either started construction or are about to begin.

"Mineral exploration and mining is booming in B.C.," said Coleman. "While meeting global demand drives a competitive industry, our government's plan starts at home with a strategy that ensures our mining industry is well-positioned to create opportunities for British Columbians in an environmentally responsible manner."

Under the BC Jobs Plan, the Province estimates it will increase annual revenue from mining operations by $1.6 billion, create and sustain more than 15,000 direct and indirect well-paying jobs in B.C. and contribute more than $150 million a year toward government revenue.

"The BC Jobs Plan commits to significant growth of mining and mine expansion that will contribute to high-paying jobs that support B.C. families," said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Pat Bell. "With an investment of over $500 million provided annually for labour market training programs, we can ensure that training is available so British Columbians can take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the mining industry."

Work began last fall when government began to clear the backlog of permit applications including Notices of Work. The Province has committed to an average 60-day turnaround for this work, and has already reduced the turnaround from 229 to 49.

In announcing today's strategy, the Province reaffirmed its commitment to develop mines in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner, respecting the cultural values of B.C.'s communities and its First Nations. This includes 10 new agreements to ensure mining benefits flow to B.C. First Nations by 2015.

Quotes:

Karina Brino, president & CEO, Mining Association of BC -

"The Mining Association of BC is encouraged by the province's commitment to review measures, policies and guidelines to ensure the mining industry continues to grow in a responsible manner. An efficient and effective project approval process is paramount for the benefit of all British Columbians."

Gavin C. Dirom, president & CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia -

"Mineral exploration is the lifeblood of mining - it is the research that leads to the discovery of deposits that may become the mines of the future. As B.C. celebrates a record $463 million spent on mineral exploration in 2011, it is important to have a strategy that acknowledges the province's great mineral resources and the potential benefits of responsible mineral development to all British Columbians."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its production value by 20 per cent from the year before, to approximately $8.6 billion.
• On May 15, 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported a 25-per-cent increase in B.C.'s gross mining revenues, up $2 billion to $9.9 billion in 2011 from $7.9 billion in 2010.
• Exploration spending exceeded $460 million, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010 and 1,500 per cent higher than a decade ago.
• B.C. accounts for approximately 15 per cent of all exploration spending in Canada.
• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.
• More than 10,000 job openings are expected in B.C.'s mineral exploration and mining sector by 2020.
• Once eight new mines are open and nine are expanded by 2015, the province will see approximately $1.6 billion more annual mine-operation revenue.

Learn More:

For 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', visit: www.bcjobsplan.ca

To download a copy of the strategy visit: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Pages/MiningStrategy2012.aspx

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

BACKGROUNDER

Enhancing Our Competitive Edge

Since 2001, the B.C. general corporate income tax rate has fallen to 10 per cent while the federal corporate income tax rate has dropped to 15 per cent. B.C. is now in the top three Canadian provinces and territories in after-tax profitability for mine operations.

The Province also has attractive royalty programs and offers several tax incentives:

• The Mining Exploration Tax Credit provides a 20-per-cent refundable tax credit for eligible mineral exploration in B.C. and an enhanced rate of 30 per cent for qualified mineral exploration in prescribed Mountain Pine Beetle-affected areas.
• The British Columbia Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit provides a non-refundable 20-per-cent tax credit.
• The New Mine Allowance has been extended until 2016, which combines with other mineral tax provisions to allow new mines and major expansions to deduct 133 per cent of their capital costs.

The Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) is a new 322-kilometre, 287-kilovolt power line which will power mining in B.C.'s northwest.

The British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) has supported the mineral exploration and mining industry for more than 100 years.

To support the industry, Geoscience BC collects, interprets and delivers the data and expertise to promote investment in mineral exploration and development.

Streamlining Regulatory Processes

• To attract more opportunities and make B.C. more competitive, the Province will work with the federal government to eliminate regulatory duplication and develop a single, effective environmental assessment process.
• The Province has made significant progress to reduce the Notice of Work backlog by 80 per cent to an average turnaround time of 60 days by August 2012.
• The Province will also reduce the backlog of Water and Land Act tenures by 50 per cent by December 2012 and the backlog of mineral, placer and coal tenure applications by 50 per cent by March 2013.
• The Mines Act was recently amended to exempt some low-risk activities from the permitting process. The Province will consult with First Nations, industry representatives and the public to develop and define the exemptions.
• The Province will work with stakeholders to explore cost-recovery options to ensure permitting remains timely and efficient.

Ensuring the Health and Safety of Workers

• Mining is one of the safest heavy industries in British Columbia, thanks to a comprehensive regime of workplace health and safety policies.
• The latest provincial safety statistics show there has not been a mining-related fatality in B.C. since September 2009, the longest period of time without fatalities since 1898.

Protecting the Environment

• The Province is committed to ensuring all mines are environmentally sound through technical review, comprehensive permitting, inspections, and reclamation.
• The Provincial Water Quality Guidelines for sulphate and selenium will be reviewed and updated.
• The Peace Northern Caribou Plan is under development and will be implemented.
• The Water and Air Baseline Monitoring Guidance Document for Mine Proponents and Operators will be developed.

Building Partnerships with First Nations

• The Province is committed to negotiate early in the development process, to create greater certainty for First Nations, industry and communities.
• The Province will continue to work with First Nations and industry to create strategic agreements that clearly define engagement processes which ensure First Nations can effectively engage in resource management.
• Many companies negotiate directly with local First Nations, often resulting in Impact Benefits Agreements that define jobs, other economic benefits, environmental management provisions, cross-cultural training and dispute resolution.
• B.C. is the first province in Canada to share mineral tax revenues with First Nations. Revenue sharing is negotiated on a project-by-project basis, generally through economic and community development agreements.

Developing a Well-skilled Workforce

• B.C. is addressing recruitment and retention issues in a climate marked by aging demographics and strong competition from other sectors.
• The Province delivers over $500 million each year in labour-market programming to help British Columbians get the skills they need.
• More than $100 million a year is invested in trades training and certification through the Industry Training Authority.
• British Columbia Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry Labour Shortage Task Force is made up of representatives from industry, First Nations, unions, training and education providers, and provincial and federal government agencies.
• The Province provided over $1 million to the task force in start-up funding, supporting efforts to co-ordinate, develop and implement workforce measures to ensure the industry has the human resources it needs.
• Employment Skills Access provides tuition-free, group-based training at public post-secondary institutions in response to regional priorities.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

Restaurant-goers can look for the Informed Dining logo at their favourite restaurants, or ask them to participate. Already nearly 300 restaurant outlets have signed up to participate in the program, which provides consumers with nutritional information similar to that found on packaged foods at the grocery store.

With British Columbians eating an average of one in ten meals at a restaurant or food service establishment, the Informed Dining program will help people make the healthy choice the easy choice. Calorie and sodium information will be prominently highlighted for all regular menu items, along with information on daily calorie and sodium needs, to help consumers understand the information.

To coincide with the launch of the program, a public awareness campaign began May 14, showcasing the participating restaurants and encouraging British Columbians to look for the Informed Dining logo. The campaign also invites British Columbians to visit a Healthy Families BC website - www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/informed-dining - and take part in a contest with both weekly draws and a grand prize to cook like a chef and learn from a dietitian.

Although Informed Dining is a voluntary program, the Province is encouraging all restaurants in B.C. to take part. It is not too late for restaurants that are interested in participating in the program to sign up. For more information on joining the Informed Dining program, visit: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/informed-dining

Informed Dining is part of Healthy Families BC, the Province's campaign to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic disease. It has been developed in collaboration with the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, chain and independent restaurant leaders and public-health partners.

Quotes:

Minister of Health Michael de Jong -

"British Columbians have made it clear that they want information to help them make informed choices about what they and their families are eating. With Informed Dining, we are partnering with B.C. restaurants to help make the healthy choice the easy choice. Look for the logo in restaurants in your community to learn more."

Ian Tostenson, CEO and president, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association -

"I am proud that we have about 300 outlets across the province signed up to participate in this important program. I know that other businesses will continue to learn more about Informed Dining and sign up - this information is what our customers have been telling us they want, and it is our responsibility to provide it."

Gavin Arthur, vice president, research and health promotion, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada -

"Healthy eating is a critical element in living a long and healthy life and avoiding cardiovascular disease. The Informed Dining program takes a positive step forward in providing people with information they can use in making informed choices while dining out."

Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president, Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association -

"We want to be part of the solution in making healthy choices, easy choices in B.C. This program has the potential to help restaurant patrons become more conscious about what they are eating - it also shines a light on those establishments already providing menu nutrition content while encouraging other restaurants to follow suit."

Quick Facts:

• According to the BCRFA, there are about 12,000 restaurants in British Columbia.
• Nutrition labelling of pre-packaged food is already regulated by Health Canada.
• Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer are estimated to cost our health-care system between $730 million and $830 million per year.
• Reducing sodium intake could prevent up to 23,500 cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke per year, and could generate direct savings of $1.38 billion annually.
• The Canadian Council of Food and Nutrition reported that in 2006, of all the money spent on food in Canada, 40 per cent is spent in food service outlets.
• People who eat more sodium than needed are at greater risk from high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.
• British Columbians consume more than double the amount of sodium considered adequate to promote good health in B.C., as recommended by Health Canada.

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887

BACKGROUNDER

Informed Dining - participating restaurants

There are about 300 restaurant outlets in the province that have already signed up to participate in the Informed Dining program. More restaurants will be added in the future, so check back regularly at: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/informed-dining

Current participating restaurants are:

• A&W, multiple outlets
• Little Caesar's, multiple outlets
• De Dutch, multiple outlets
• The Boathouse, multiple outlets
• The Reef, Victoria and Vancouver
• The Swiftsure Restaurant and Lounge, Victoria
• Joseph's Coffee House, Victoria
• Heidi's Restaurant, Cranbrook
• El Taco, multiple outlets
• Mountain Eagle Books, Smithers
• Thai Away Restaurants Ltd., Vancouver
• H.A.V.E. Cafe, Vancouver
• Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, Victoria

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887

"This is a great opportunity to see, first hand, how an LNG terminal works, the types of jobs and skills required to work in the industry and of course, to see how much more real market demand there is for LNG in Japan right now," said Premier Clark. "Japan imports the most LNG in the world and I am here to tell them that British Columbia has vast natural gas resources and our government is committed to developing and growing this sector."

Entering the Asian market will help diversify B.C.'s natural gas sector, allowing it to be more competitive. Japan and Korea are the top two importers of LNG in the world, and B.C. has the natural resources and ideal location as North America's shortest route to Asia to help supply that demand.

Premier Clark's tour of the Negishi LNG Terminal, which opened in 1969, follows closely the announcement by Shell Canada Limited, Korea Gas Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Limited that they will jointly develop an LNG export facility near Kitimat, called LNG Canada. The project will consist of two LNG processing units, each with the capacity to produce six million tonnes of LNG annually, with an option to expand in the future.

"This project will have countless economic benefits for the region and the rest of the province, creating thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of permanent, full-time jobs during operation," said Premier Clark.

Our government's LNG Strategy, a part of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, expects to see three LNG facilities operating by 2020, potentially creating 800 long-term jobs, as many as 9,000 new construction jobs, and thousands of spin-off economic jobs in areas such as transportation, engineering and environmental management.

In Tokyo, the B.C. government signed an MOU with Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to work together and share information on natural gas activities. JOGMEC's key responsibility as a government-run organization is to seek a stable supply of natural resources for Japan, such as natural gas, oil and metallic minerals.

"Today's agreement with JOGMEC is really about expanding our relationship with Japan's main energy buyer while at the same time enhancing our opportunities in the overall natural gas field," said Premier Clark.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcement for Wednesday, May 16

• The Government of British Columbia and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering cooperation and information sharing on natural gas activities in B.C.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on http://www.sendtonews.com/ when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at:

http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104