Controlling spending in good times would have meant $4.4 billion surplus today—not $5 billion-plus deficit
Had the Alberta government increased spending more prudently over the past decade, the province would today enjoy a surplus, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. “The view that falling oil prices are chiefly to blame for Alberta’s deficit is...
Interior Health Board announces Mazurkewich as new CEO
Interior Health announced Tuesday that Chris Mazurkewich has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer for Interior Health, effective October 26. Erwin Malzer, Chair of the Interior Health Board of Directors, made the announcement in a media release. “With a wealth of Canadian health system experience, a broad ...
More students deciding independent schools better than public
Private school enrolment across Canada is up by almost 17 per cent while public school enrolment has decreased eight per cent, according to a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. The study, Where Our Students are Educated: Measuring Student Enrolment...
Failed government policies ultimate cause of Ontario’s dismal fiscal, economic performance
The roots of Ontario’s decline from economic powerhouse to economic laggard can be found in a decade of failed government policies, concludes a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. “For decades, Ontario was the economic engine of Canada with workers...
Brad Bennett appointed new chair of BC Hydro
Premier Christy Clark announced Wednesday the appointment of Brad Bennett to the position of chair of the BC Hydro board of directors. Bennett replaces outgoing chair Stephen Bellringer, whose term expires on Sept. 30, 2015. “Brad Bennett's longstanding passion for reliable, affordable electricity has served the BC Hydro...
Municipalities can start lining up for Small Communities Fund projects
The Small Communities Fund will accept applications for $90 million in support for infrastructure before the end of this year, Premier Christy Clark announced today at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention. Cost-shared equally by the B.C. and federal governments with $45 million each, the fund will ...
Sometimes breaking up can be a good thing, but never for the taxpayer
Neil Sedaka is right breaking up is hard to do. It's also expensive. On September 15, residents of Vancouver learned that former chief administrator officer (CAO) Penny Ballem's services had been “concluded” that day by Mayor Gregor Robertson. Ballem, 65, will receive $556,000 as a parting gift for the hastily arranged exit....
Visitor numbers up, strategy updated to continue momentum
The BC Government said in a media release Monday, that the tourism sector in the provincie continues to show growth in international overnight visitors. The report said there were an additional 72,085 visitors in July 2015 compared to 2014 – representing a 9.9% increase over July 2014. This brings the total number of visitors...
BC Transit and Unifor 333 ratify new agreement
The buses will be running in Victoria for at least the news five years. That's after Unifor Local 333 and BC Transit ratified an agreement negotiated under the Economic Stability Mandate. The five-year agreement, effective April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2019, covers approximately 700 drivers and maintenance staff working at BC...
FortisBC restores power to residents impacted by wildfire near Rock Creek
In a media release Friday, FortisBC said the company has now restored permanent power to residents impacted by the Rock Creek fire and is working proactively to address potential fire impacts in the areas of Grand Forks and Christina Lake. "FortisBC completed the rebuilding of the fire-damaged 10-kilometer main line between...
