B.C. launches Columbia River Treaty Review consultation

VICTORIA – The Province will consult with First Nations and residents of the Columbia River Basin to ensure regional interests help shape the future of the Columbia River Treaty.

The provincial Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review will conduct economic, environmental, social, financial, legal and hydrological analyses in order to make a decision on whether to continue, amend or terminate the Columbia River Treaty with the United States.

As part of the Review, the Province in collaboration with the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee and Columbia Basin Trust is holding seven information sessions and consultation workshops in Jaffray, Creston, Nakusp, Castlegar, Valemount, Golden and Revelstoke from May 29 to June 20, 2012: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty

Further consultations are planned for fall 2012 and separate consultations with First Nations will also be conducted over the same period.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines –

“The Columbia River Treaty has brought flood control, power generation and economic benefits to British Columbia.”

“We want to hear from people who live in the Columbia Basin. Residents can help shape the future of the treaty by providing input in person at our spring and fall community meetings, through a website or by mail.”

Bill Bennett, MLA Kootenay East –

“We need people to know that we’re listening – because we really are. It’s essential that we shape the future of the treaty and the basin with input from all those who are involved.”

“Our government is using feedback from British Columbians in a way that’s never been seen before and that is a trademark of our administration. It’s important people are aware of that.”

Deb Kozak, Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee chair and councillor, City of Nelson –

“The spring information sessions will include an open house, a chance to discuss issues with experts, and a free dinner so people can continue talking and sharing ideas before taking part in the consultation with the Province.”

Garry Merkel, Columbia Basin Trust Board chair –

“Columbia Basin Trust’s primary role is to act as a resource for basin residents and local governments. That’s why we’re working with the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee and the Province to ensure this region and its residents are informed and actively engaged in Treaty-related issues.”

Learn More:

• Learn more about the Columbia River Treaty Review and submit your questions/ideas at: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty
• Find out more about the Columbia River Treaty from Columbia Basin Trust at: www.cbt.org/crt

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

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

BACKGROUNDER

Columbia River Treaty Review

About the Columbia River Treaty

• The Columbia River Treaty is an internationally respected water management agreement between Canada and the United States.
• The Columbia River Treaty was conceived to provide measures to prevent catastrophic flooding on both sides of the border and to optimize power generation along the Columbia River and the Kootenay River.
• Over the years, agreements under the Columbia River Treaty have addressed additional values such as managing water flow for fish and for recreation.
• The Columbia River Treaty has no end date. However, the treaty can be terminated on or after Sept. 16, 2024, provided that either Canada or the United States has given at least 10 years notice of their intention to terminate.
• Government agencies in both Canada and the United States are reviewing the benefits and future options of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024.

Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review

• The Ministry of Energy and Mines Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review Team is leading the Province’s review of the Columbia River Treaty.
• The team will conduct economic, environmental, social, financial, legal and hydrological analyses in order to make a decision on whether to continue, amend or terminate the Columbia River Treaty.
• As part of the review, the Province will consult with First Nations and residents of the Columbia River Basin to ensure regional perspectives, values, and interests shape the future of the Columbia River Treaty.
• The Province will provide feedback on how the input received was considered and used.

How can Columbia River Basin residents become involved in the Treaty Review?

• There are a number of ways for basin residents to become involved in the Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review:
  • Columbia River Treaty Review website: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty
  • Evening consultation workshops are planned for the following locations and dates:
    • Jaffray, May 29
    • Creston, May 30
    • Nakusp, June 5
    • Castlegar, June 6
    • Valemount, June 13
    • Golden, June 19
    • Revelstoke, June 20
    • Further consultation workshops will be scheduled for this fall.

Contacts:

McGuinty Government Takes Steps to Ensure Value for Ratepayers

We see Canada for what it is and what it can be—a great, good nation, on top of the world, the True North strong and free. Our government has been inspired by this vision from the beginning. Today we step forward boldly, to realize it fully—hope for our children and grandchildren; opportunity for all Canadians; a prosperous future for our beloved country.

— The Honourable Jim Flaherty,
Minister of Finance

Canada is emerging from the global economic recession. The economy’s strengths provide an opportunity for the Government to take significant actions today that will fuel the next wave of job creation and position Canada for a secure and prosperous future. Economic Action Plan 2012 sets out a comprehensive agenda to bolster Canada’s fundamental strengths and address the important challenges confronting the economy over the long term.

Canada faces a fast-changing global environment, with increasing competition from emerging market countries and a global economy that remains fragile and uncertain. For this reason, the Government remains focused on an agenda that will deliver high-quality jobs, economic growth and sound public finances. Economic Action Plan 2012 will help further unleash the potential of Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive in the modern economy to the benefit of all Canadians for generations to come.

Since 2006, the Government has supported the security and prosperity of Canadians and promoted business and investment to create jobs. When the global financial and economic crisis struck, these underlying strengths helped Canada to avoid a deep and long-lasting recession. The Government’s sound fiscal position prior to the crisis provided the flexibility to launch the stimulus phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which was timely, targeted and temporary in order to have maximum impact. This plan was one of the strongest responses to the global recession among the Group of Seven (G-7) countries.

Economic output in Canada is now well above pre-recession levels, and more than 610,000 jobs have been created since the recovery began in July 2009, the best performance in the G-7.

Canadian authorities have a strong track record in managing past economic and financial crises and delivering economic growth.

— Standard & Poor’s, October 25, 2011

Canada cannot rest on this record of success. There are many challenges and uncertainties still confronting the economy. The recovery is not complete and too many Canadians are still looking for work. The global economy remains fragile and any potential setbacks would have an impact on Canada. Canadian businesses face ever-increasing competition from emerging fast‑growth countries. Our aging population will put pressure on public finances and social programs.

Economic Action Plan 2012 takes important steps to address these structural challenges and ensure the sustainability of public finances and social programs for future generations. International experience shows the importance of taking action now, rather than delaying. Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on the drivers of growth and job creation—innovation, investment, education, skills and communities. Underpinning these actions is the ongoing commitment to keeping taxes low, which is central to the Government’s long-term economic plan.

Supporting Entrepreneurs, Innovators

The global economy is increasingly competitive. The pace of technological change is creating new opportunities while making older business practices obsolete. To succeed and thrive in this environment, Canadian businesses need to innovate and create high-quality jobs. The Government has a strong record of support for research and development. But Canada can and must do better to promote innovation. The Government launched an Expert Panel in 2010 to review federal support for research and development. Informed by the advice of the Panel, the Government is taking action toward a new approach to supporting innovation in Canada.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Increase funding for research and development by small and medium-sized companies.
• Promote linkages and collaborations, including funding internships and connecting private sector innovators to procurement opportunities in the federal government.
• Refocus the National Research Council on research that helps Canadian businesses develop innovative products and services.
• Enhance access to venture capital financing by high-growth companies so that they have the capital they need to create jobs and grow.
• Streamline and improve the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentive program, including shifting from indirect tax incentives to more direct support for innovative private sector businesses.
• Support research, education and training with new funding for universities, granting councils and leading research institutions, such as Genome Canada.

Responsible Resource Development

Canada’s resource sector is an asset that will increasingly contribute to the prosperity of all Canadians. Some $500 billion is expected to be invested in over 500 major economic projects across Canada over the next 10 years, driven in part by demand from emerging economies. Today, Canadian businesses in the resource sector must navigate a maze of overlapping and complex regulatory requirements and red tape. This leads to delays in investment and job creation that do not contribute to better environmental outcomes.

An efficient regulatory system provides effective protection of the interests of Canadians while minimizing the burden on businesses. It is a vital component of an attractive climate for investment and jobs. Since 2006, the Government has worked to streamline and improve regulatory processes. However, more needs to be done.

The Government is committed to reforming the regulatory system in the resource sector so that reviews are conducted in a timely and transparent manner, while safeguarding the environment. This will increase business confidence and enhance investment and job creation. The Government will continue to support responsible energy development.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Commit to bringing forward legislation to achieve the goal of “one project, one review” in a clearly defined time period.
• Make new investments to improve regulatory reviews, streamline the review process for major economic projects, support consultation with Aboriginal peoples, and strengthen pipeline and marine safety.
• Continue to support the Major Projects Management Office initiative, which has succeeded in shortening and streamlining reviews and improving accountability.
• Ensure the safety and security of Canadians and the environment as energy resources are developed.

Expanding Trade and Opening New Markets for Canadian Businesses

Free and open trade has long been a powerful engine for Canada’s economy. Canadian businesses need access to key export markets in order to take advantage of new opportunities. Over the past six years, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries as well as foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with ten countries. Since 2009, Canada has eliminated all tariffs on imported machinery and equipment and manufacturing inputs to make Canada a tariff-free zone for industrial manufacturers, the first in the G-20 to do so.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Intensify Canada’s pursuit of new and deeper trading relationships, particularly with large, dynamic and fast-growing economies.
• Implement the Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness and the Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation, which will facilitate trade and investment flows with the United States.
• Provide support to Canadian exporters by extending the provision of domestic financing by Export Development Canada.

Investing in Training, Infrastructure and Opportunity

Canada’s well-trained and highly educated workforce represents one of our key advantages in competing and succeeding in the global economy. Too often, barriers or disincentives discourage workforce participation. Better utilizing Canada’s workforce and making Canada’s labour market more adaptable will help ensure Canada’s long-term economic growth.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Make investments to assist more young people in gaining tangible skills and experience.
• Extend and expand the ThirdQuarter project to better connect workers over the age of 50 to potential employers.
• Invest to enable more Canadians with disabilities to obtain work experience with small and medium-sized businesses.
• Introduce a number of targeted, common-sense changes to Employment Insurance (EI) to make it a more efficient program that promotes job creation, removes disincentives to work, supports unemployed Canadians and quickly connects people to jobs.
• Support small and medium-sized businesses and their workers by making EI premiums more stable and predictable, with annual increases limited to five cents.
• Extend the Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year to help small businesses to defray the costs of hiring new workers.
• Promote job creation by renewing the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet; supporting the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises in the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy; investing in transportation infrastructure, including railways and ports; and providing funding for community public infrastructure facilities.

Expanding Opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples to Fully Participate in the Economy

The Government recognizes the contribution that Aboriginal peoples can make to the labour force as the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the nation’s population. Equipping First Nations people with the skills and opportunities they need to fully participate in the economy is a priority both for this Government and for First Nations people.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Invest in First Nations education on reserve, including early literacy programming and other supports and services to First Nations schools and students.
• Build and renovate schools on reserve, providing First Nations youth with better learning environments.
• Commit to introduce a First Nation Education Act and work with willing partners to establish the structures and standards needed to support strong and accountable education systems on reserve.
• Improve the incentives of the on-reserve Income Assistance Program while encouraging those who can work to access training that will improve their prospects for employment.
• Renew the Urban Aboriginal Strategy to improve economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples living in urban centres.

Building a Fast and Flexible Economic Immigration System

Since 2006, the Government has pursued much-needed reforms to focus Canada’s immigration system on fuelling economic prosperity for Canada. The Government has placed top priority on attracting immigrants who have the skills and experience our economy needs. The Government is committed to making our immigration system truly fast and flexible in a way that will sustain Canada’s economic growth.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Realign the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to better meet labour market demands.
• Support further improvements to foreign credential recognition and identify the next set of target occupations beyond 2012.
• Move to an increasingly fast and flexible immigration system where priority focus is on meeting Canada’s labour market needs.
• Return applications and fees to certain federal skilled worker applicants who have been waiting for processing to be completed.

Sustainable Social Programs and  Secure Retirement

In order to ensure the sustainability of our social programs and fiscal position for generations to come, steps are required to prepare today for the demographic pressures that the Canadian economy will face over the longer term. Canadians are living longer and healthier lives. Many older workers wish to work longer and increase their retirement income.

The Government has already taken steps to ensure sound public finances by setting a future growth path for transfers to the provinces and territories. The growth path will provide predictable, fair and sustainable funding in support of the provision of health care, education and other services for all Canadians.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Gradually increase the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits from 65 to 67. This change will start in April 2023, with full implementation by January 2029, and will not affect anyone who is 54 years of age or older as of March 31, 2012.
• Improve flexibility and choice by allowing Canadians the option of deferring take-up of their OAS benefits to a later time and receiving higher annual benefits.
• Ensure that pension plans for public servants and Parliamentarians are sustainable, fair and financially responsible.
• Support the retirement income system with Pooled Registered Pension Plans that provide an accessible, large-scale and low-cost pension option to employers, employees and the self-employed.

Responsible Expenditure Management

Canadians expect value for money from their government. Over the past year, the Government conducted a comprehensive review of approximately $75 billion of direct program spending by federal departments and agencies. The review identified a number of opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations, programs and services that will result in cost savings for the Canadian taxpayer. This will support the Government’s commitment to return to balanced budgets over the medium term. The Government is on track to meet its commitment to balance the budget without cutting transfers to Canadians or to provinces.

Fiscal policy is appropriately shifting toward consolidation in the aftermath of the effective stimulus program. The federal government is leading the initial fiscal effort, as spending is gradually being brought to pre-crisis levels as a share of GDP.

— International Monetary Fund
November 23, 2011

Reflecting Canada’s strong economic and fiscal fundamentals, Canada will undertake expenditure reductions that are modest compared to those being pursued by many countries around the world. These targeted reductions clearly contrast with the Program Review undertaken in Canada in the mid‑1990s, when transfers for health care, education and social spending were cut.

Economic Action Plan 2012 will:

• Achieve ongoing savings of $5.2 billion, 6.9 per cent of the review base of approximately $75 billion. This represents less than 2.0 per cent of expected federal program spending in 2016–17, or under 0.2 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) in that same year.

The Plan to Return to Balanced Budgets

Canadians know the importance of living within their means and expect the Government to do the same. That is why the Government is committed to managing public finances in a sustainable and responsible manner. The Government’s responsible financial management put Canada in a position of strength when it came time to combat the global recession. From 2006 to 2008, the Government paid down over $37 billion in debt, significantly contributing to Canada’s low net debt position. This enabled the Government to quickly implement the stimulus phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan without leaving the country in a vulnerable fiscal position, like many European countries.

Balancing the budget and reducing debt cuts interest costs, helps to keep interest rates low and instills confidence in Canada’s economy, allowing families and businesses to plan for the future. It will also ensure the sustainability of Canada’s social programs for future generations.

Economic Action Plan 2012 is a plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. By making choices now, the Government is taking the necessary steps to reinforce the fundamental strength and promise of the Canadian economy in order to sustain economic growth, create the high-quality jobs of tomorrow, preserve social programs and sound public finances, and deliver continued prosperity for generations to come.

Economic Developments and Prospects

• The global economic recovery remains fragile. The European sovereign debt and banking crisis continues to weigh on global growth.
• The Canadian economy has remained resilient despite external weakness, reflecting sustained growth in the domestic economy.
• Canada has had the strongest economic growth over the recession and recovery among Group of Seven (G-7) countries. This reflects our solid economic fundamentals and the timely support of the stimulus phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
• 610,000 more Canadians are working now than in July 2009, the strongest job growth among G‑7 countries over the recovery. This continues the strong performance that has resulted in over 1.1 million new jobs created since the beginning of 2006.
• However, the fragile global economic environment will continue to be reflected in modest growth in Canada over the near term.
• The Department of Finance conducted a survey of private sector economists in early March 2012. On March 5, economists met with the Minister of Finance to discuss the economic forecast as well as the risks associated with the outlook.
• Private sector economists expect real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.1 per cent in 2012 and 2.4 per cent in 2013, broadly unchanged from the November 2011 Update of Economic and Fiscal Projections.
• Economists also expect the level of nominal GDP—the broadest single measure of the tax base—to be above the level anticipated over the forecast period at the time of the November Update.
• Private sector economists agreed that near-term risks to the outlook have slightly moderated since the November Update, but continue to see global economic uncertainty as the key downside risk—in particular the potential for wider contagion of the sovereign debt and banking crisis in Europe.
• To reflect the downside risks surrounding the global economic outlook, the Government is adjusting the private sector forecast for nominal GDP downward by $20 billion in each year of the 2012–2016 forecast period.

Supporting Jobs and Growth

Supporting Entrepreneurs, Innovators and World-Class Research

Creating Value-Added Jobs Through Innovation

The Government is committed to a new approach to supporting innovation that focuses resources on private sector needs. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• $400 million to help increase private sector investments in early-stage risk capital, and to support the creation of large-scale venture capital funds led by the private sector.
• $100 million to the Business Development Bank of Canada to support its venture capital activities.
• $110 million per year to the National Research Council to double support to companies through the Industrial Research Assistance Program.
• $14 million over two years to double the Industrial Research and Development Internship program.
• $12 million per year to make the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence program permanent.
• $105 million over two years to support forestry innovation and market development.
• $95 million over three years, starting in 2013–14, and $40 million per year thereafter to make the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program permanent and to add a military procurement component.
• $67 million in 2012–13 as the National Research Council refocuses on business-led, industry-relevant research.
• Streamlining and improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentive program.

Support for Research, Education and Training

The Government is committed to providing additional resources to support advanced research at universities and other leading research institutions. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• $37 million annually starting in 2012–13 to the granting councils to enhance their support for industry-academic research partnerships.
• $60 million for Genome Canada to launch a new applied research competition in the area of human health, and to sustain the Science and Technology Centres until 2014–15.
• $6.5 million over three years for a research project at McMaster University to evaluate team-based approaches to health care delivery.
• $17 million over two years to further advance the development of alternatives to existing isotope production technologies.
• $10 million over two years to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research to link Canadians to global research networks.
• $500 million over five years, starting in 2014–15, to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support advanced research infrastructure.
• $40 million over two years to support CANARIE’s operation of Canada’s ultra-high speed research network.
• $23 million over two years to Natural Resources Canada to enhance satellite data reception capacity.

Improving Conditions for Business Investment

Responsible Resource Development

The Government is committed to improving the review process for major economic projects to accelerate investment and job creation. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• System-wide legislative improvements to the review process for major economic projects to achieve the goal of “one project, one review” in a clearly defined time period for major economic projects.
• $165 million over two years for responsible resource development that creates jobs while protecting the environment.

Investing in Our Natural Resources

The Government is supporting the development of Canada’s natural resource industries. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Support for junior mineral exploration by extending the temporary 15‑per-cent Mineral Exploration Tax Credit for flow-through share investors for an additional year.
• Actions to improve access to modern, reliable seismic data for offshore resource development.
• $12.3 million over two years to continue to assess diamonds in the North.

Expanding Trade and Opening New Markets for Canadian Businesses

The Government is taking action to improve Canadians’ standard of living by growing international trade and creating export opportunities for Canadian businesses. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Intensifying Canada’s pursuit of new and deeper international trade and investment relationships, including updating the Government’s Global Commerce Strategy.
• Implementing the Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness and the Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation, which will facilitate trade and investment flows with the United States.
• Providing support to Canadian businesses through tariff and tax measures, along with the extended provision of domestic financing by Export Development Canada.
• Increasing travellers’ exemptions to modernize existing rules and facilitate border processes for Canadians bringing goods home from abroad.

Keeping Taxes Low for Job‑Creating Businesses

The Government has reduced business taxes and is committed to keeping taxes low. The Government has also taken action to enhance the neutrality of the tax system to support growth and encourage investment to flow to its most productive uses. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Enhancing the neutrality of the tax system and further rationalizing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by phasing out tax preferences for resource industries.

Improving Economic Conditions for Farmers and Fishermen

The Government is improving economic conditions for farmers and fishermen. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• $44 million over two years to transition the Canadian Grain Commission to a sustainable funding model.
• $10.5 million in 2012–13 to support key fisheries science activities.

Strengthening Business Competitiveness

The Government is taking action to improve the competitive position of job‑creating Canadian businesses. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Reducing red tape through the “One-for-One” Rule and implementing the Canada-United States Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation.
• Reducing the tax compliance burden for businesses.
• Eliminating foreign investment restrictions for certain telecommunications companies.

Further Developing Canada’s Financial Sector Advantage

The Government is proposing new initiatives that will further ensure that our financial system remains strong and that it benefits all Canadians. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Introducing legislative amendments to support central clearing of standardized over-the-counter derivative transactions, and to reinforce Canada’s financial stability framework.
• The Government will introduce enhancements to the governance and oversight framework for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and is moving forward with a legislative framework for covered bonds.

Investing in Training, Infrastructure and Opportunity

Supporting Job Creation, Small Business and Skills Training

The Government is committed to supporting job creation by small businesses and opportunities for under-represented groups in the workforce. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Investing $205 million to extend the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year.
• Providing an additional $50 million over two years to the Youth Employment Strategy to assist more young people in gaining tangible skills and experience.
• Providing $6 million over three years to extend and expand the ThirdQuarter project to key centres across the country.
• Improving labour market opportunities for Canadians with disabilities by investing $30 million over three years in the Opportunities Fund and by creating a panel on labour market opportunities for persons with disabilities.
• Promoting the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises in shipbuilding projects.

Improving the Employment Insurance Program

The Government is committed to making targeted, common-sense changes to make Employment Insurance (EI) a more efficient program that is focused on job creation and opportunities. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Limiting EI premium rate increases to 5 cents each year until the EI Operating Account is balanced.
• Providing $21 million over two years to enhance the content and timeliness of the job and labour market information that is provided to Canadians who are searching for employment.
• Investing $74 million over two years to ensure that EI claimants benefit from accepting work.
• Investing $387 million over two years to align the calculation of EI benefit amounts with local labour market conditions.

Expanding Opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples to Fully Participate in the Economy

The Government is committed to expanding opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to fully participate in the labour market. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Providing $275 million over three years to support First Nations education and build and renovate schools on reserve.
• Committing to work with willing partners toward passage of legislation that will establish the structures and standards to support strong and accountable education systems on reserve.
• Announcing the Government’s commitment to improve the incentives in the on-reserve Income Assistance Program while encouraging those who can work to access training so they are better equipped for employment.
• Providing $33.5 million in 2012–13 to extend the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative and the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative.
• Providing $27 million over two years to renew the Urban Aboriginal Strategy.

Building a Fast and Flexible Economic Immigration System

The Government is committed to transitioning to a faster and more flexible economic immigration system. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Announcing the Government’s intention to better align the Temporary Foreign Worker Program with labour market demands and to ensure that businesses look to the domestic labour force before accessing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
• Signalling the Government’s intention to support further improvements to foreign credential recognition and to work with provinces and territories to identify the next set of target occupations for inclusion, beyond 2012, under the Pan‑Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
• Proposing to return applications and refund up to $130 million in fees paid by certain federal skilled worker applicants who applied under previous criteria established prior to February 27, 2008.

Strengthening Canada’s Public Infrastructure

The Government is building on recent actions to modernize Canada’s public infrastructure. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• $150 million over two years for a new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund to support repairs and improvements to existing community facilities.
• Amendments to the Yukon Act, the Northwest Territories Act and the Nunavut Act to create new regulations that will ensure consistent treatment of borrowing across the three territories and with their Public Accounts.
• $105 million in 2012–13 on a cash basis to support VIA Rail Canada’s operations and capital projects.
• $27.3 million over two years to support the divestiture of regional ports and the continued operation and maintenance of federally owned ports.
• $5.2 billion over the next 11 years on a cash basis to renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.
• $101 million over the next five years on a cash basis to restore and modernize the Esquimalt Graving Dock.

Supporting Families and Communities

Protecting the Health and Safety of Canadians

The Government is committed to promoting safe communities and protecting the health of individual Canadians. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Expanding health-related tax relief under the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) and income tax systems to better meet the health care needs of Canadians.
• $51.2 million over the next two years to strengthen Canada’s food safety system.
• Financial support for employers of Canada’s military reservists to offset costs incurred when part-time reservists sign up for full-time duty.
• Announcing enhanced support for the Victims Fund in the coming months.

Investing in Communities

The Government is committed to preserving Canada’s diverse cultural treasures and improving the quality of life in communities across the country. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Announcing the Government’s intent to explore with interested First Nations the option of moving forward with legislation that would allow private property ownership within current reserve boundaries.
• Providing $330.8 million over two years to build and renovate on-reserve water infrastructure and support the development of a long-term strategy to improve water quality in First Nations communities.
• Providing $11.9 million in 2012–13 to support shelter services and violence prevention programming on reserves.
• Continuing to explore social finance instruments as a way to further encourage the development of government-community partnerships.
• Supporting major exhibitions at Canadian museums and galleries by modernizing the Canada Travelling Exhibitions Indemnification Program.
• Continuing support to ParticipACTION and Le Grand défi Pierre Lavoie.
• Providing up to $99.2 million over three years to assist the provinces and territories with the cost of permanent flood mitigation measures undertaken for the 2011 floods.

Supporting Families

The Government is committed to expanding government support for families, students, seniors and pensioners, and persons with disabilities. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• Providing $1.4 million annually to ensure that Wage Earner Protection Program applicants receive the benefits they are entitled to when they need them.
• Requiring federally regulated private sector employers to insure, on a go‑forward basis, any long-term disability plans they offer to their employees.
• Helping Canadians with severe disabilities and their families by improving the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Protecting Canada’s Natural Environment and Wildlife

The Government is committed to preserving Canada’s natural beauty. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes:

• $50 million over two years to protect wildlife species at risk.
• The creation of Canada’s first national near-urban park in the Rouge Valley in Ontario.
• Expanding the eligibility for the accelerated capital cost allowance for clean energy generation equipment to include a broader range of bioenergy equipment.

Sustainable Social Programs and a Secure Retirement

• The Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Canada’s social programs remain sustainable over the long term.
• The Government has already set the future growth path of transfers to provinces and territories that will provide sustainable, predictable and record funding in support of health care, education and other services for Canadians.
• To ensure that Old Age Security (OAS) remains sustainable and reflects demographic realities, the Government will adjust the age of eligibility requirement for OAS, which will begin to be implemented in 2023 and will be fully implemented in 2029.
• To improve flexibility and choice, starting on July 1, 2013, the Government will allow for the voluntary deferral of the OAS pension, for up to five years, allowing Canadians the option of deferring take-up of their OAS pension to a later time and receiving a higher annual pension.
• The Government is improving the integrity and fairness of the tax system by closing tax loopholes that allow some businesses and individuals to avoid paying their fair share of tax.
• The Government is introducing measures to ensure that charities devote their resources primarily to charitable, rather than political, activities, and to enhance public transparency and accountability in this area.

Responsible Management to Return to Balanced Budgets

• In Budget 2011, the Government reiterated its commitment to generate ongoing savings from operating efficiencies and improving productivity by announcing a review of departmental spending. The results of this review are presented in this budget.
• Canada’s economic and fiscal fundamentals are strong. The scale of Canada’s efforts to reduce the deficit is modest compared to the expenditure restraint efforts being pursued by many countries around the world and relative to that undertaken in Canada in the mid-1990s, which included reduced transfers to provinces for health care and education.
• The Government’s economic management strikes the right balance between supporting economic growth and job creation and returning to budget balance over the medium term.
• That is why the Government remains committed to returning to balanced budgets at an appropriate pace as the economy continues to recover from the global economic crisis.
• The Government’s plan to return to balanced budgets over the medium term is on track.
• Measures initiated in Budget 2010 and Budget 2011 to restrain growth in federal spending have proven to be highly successful, contributing to a projected return to budgetary balance over the medium term, while ensuring continued and growing funding for the programs and services that are a priority for Canadians.
• The Government is not reducing transfers to persons, including those for seniors, children and the unemployed, or transfers to other levels of government in support of health care and social services.
• The results of the Government’s review of departmental spending will yield savings of $5.2 billion on an ongoing basis. The planned reduction in spending represents less than 2.0 per cent of federal program spending in 2016–17, or 0.2 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) in that same year.

Fiscal Outlook

• The Government’s plan for returning to balanced budgets over the medium term is on track.
• The deficit in 2011–12 is projected to be $8.5 billion lower than it was in 2010–11, and it is projected to decrease by an additional $3.8 billion in 2012–13. The deficit is projected to continue to decline to $1.3 billion in 2014–15.
• Over the forecast period, the budgetary balance is projected to improve by a total of $39.6 billion compared to the November 2011 Update of Economic and Fiscal Projections, reflecting both the improved economic outlook and the Government’s strong fiscal management.
• As a share of gross domestic product (GDP), program expenses are projected to decline from 14.7 per cent in 2010–11 to 12.7 per cent in 2016–17, which represents a return to pre‑recession spending ratios.
• The federal debt is projected to decline to 28.5 per cent of GDP in 2016–17, in line with its pre-recession level.
• Canada expects to achieve, well ahead of schedule, its Group of Twenty (G‑20) commitments to halve deficits by 2013 and stabilize or reduce total government debt-to-GDP ratios by 2016, as agreed to by G-20 leaders at their summit in Toronto in June 2010.
• Canada continues to hold a significant fiscal advantage over other G‑7 countries. The International Monetary Fund projects that by 2016, Canada’s total government net debt-to-GDP ratio will remain at about one-third of the G-7 average and more than 20 percentage points of GDP below that of Germany, the G-7 country with the next-lowest ratio.

Throne Speech Focused on Future, Advancing Province’s Priorities

NOTE: A social media version of this release is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2012-03-29-Throne-Speech/ . High-res, downloadable photos, video and audio clips will be added after the event.

Government, today, March 29, announced it will continue to move Nova Scotia forward by sticking to its plan to make life better for families.

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis opened the Fourth Session of the 61st General Assembly of Nova Scotia with the Speech from the Throne. In it, Premier Darrell Dexter outlined how government will advance its plan to continue to do things differently and keep Nova Scotia focused on a better future.

“Nova Scotia is changing in a positive and significant way, and government is focused on continuing that trend in the future,” said Premier Dexter. “Our progress is clear — the plan is on track, it is working, and this government will continue to move that plan forward to secure a better life for Nova Scotia families.”

The province’s priorities are:
– creating good jobs and growing the economy
– better health care for you and your family
– making life more affordable for families
– ensuring government lives within its means

Nova Scotia is on the verge of some of the largest economic projects in the province’s history. jobsHere, the province’s plan to create good jobs and grow the economy, is ensuring that Nova Scotia is ready to seize the opportunities on the horizon with a continued focus on innovation, competitiveness and learning.

Government has supported the start-up and growth of hundreds of Nova Scotia companies in all parts of the province. The Productivity Investment Program will continue to provide support for employee training and for businesses to invest in new equipment.

This year, government will improve the apprenticeship programs that teach young people the skills and trades they will need to make the most of their work lives in Nova Scotia’s bright future. Through its workforce and immigration strategies, the province will persist in its efforts to meet growing workforce demands.

Through the Jobs Fund, the province will continue to pursue investment opportunities that support and retain industry, help small business, invest in infrastructure, fund regional economic initiatives and offer community economic stability where needed. Businesses in Nova Scotia will also benefit from the third tax rate reduction in as many years.

These measures will strengthen the workforce and help grow the economy, ensuring that, as the future starts here, Nova Scotians are ready to be a part of that future.

Collaborative emergency centres are a key part of Better Care Sooner, the plan to improve health care for Nova Scotians. The province will continue to announce and open new collaborative emergency centres in communities across the province so Nova Scotians have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.

The province will develop a physician resource plan to help ensure an adequate supply of family doctors across Nova Scotia. After extensive consultation, government will soon release the first strategy to improve mental health and addictions care.

Making life more affordable for families remains a priority. Last year, the province made the single largest non-capital investment for post-secondary students in Nova Scotia history. Student assistance levels increased, student debt was capped and tuition was kept at, or below, the national level.

The Poverty Reduction Credit and the Affordable Living Tax Credit will continue. As introduced last year, government will continue to refund the provincial portion of income tax paid by seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Nova Scotians in need of prescription drugs can now get the generic form for the same price, or less, than what is paid by most Canadians.

This year, the province will invest more money per student than ever before and will keep average class sizes the lowest they have been in a decade. Kids and Learning First will ensure schools have the resources and supports they need to help every student succeed.

SchoolsPlus, the program that brings services for families and children into schools, will soon be available in every county of the province. A new grants program encourages community use of schools, allowing more Nova Scotians to use school facilities for physical activity, and educational and cultural programs.

To ensure the province continues to live within its means, government will make further improvements to how it operates and delivers public services.

Legislation was also addressed. This year, the province will introduce Status of the Artist legislation to reflect the importance of arts and culture to Nova Scotians. The province will also bring forward bills to establish a new regulatory framework for mortgage brokers and lenders, remove barriers to social enterprise, and update Nova Scotia’s body of family law.

Committee Findings To Help Shape Long-Term Aggregates Plan for Ontario

Ministry of Natural Resources
ontario.ca/natural-resources

Consultations Launched On New Groundwater And Water Well Legislation

In addition to the public, the consultation will allow the water well-drilling industry, the geothermal industry and other stakeholders to review and provide comments on proposed changes.

A discussion paper and more information is available on Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship’s website at www.manitoba.ca/waterstewardship/groundwater.

Manitobans who are interested in providing input can email groundwater@gov.mb.ca or make a submission by mail before April 20 to:

Robert Betcher

Manager, Ground Water Management Section

Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship

Box 11, 200 Saulteaux Cres.

Winnipeg MB  R3J 3W3

Consultation: Strengthening Livestock and Poultry Traceability in Canada

OTTAWA, March 19, 2012 — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would like your feedback on proposed changes to the Health of Animals Act intended to strengthen livestock and poultry traceability in Canada.

The proposed changes would enhance the Government of Canada’s ability to

• protect public health and strengthen food safety
• rapidly respond to disease outbreaks and natural disasters (for example floods and ice storms) that affect Canada’s animal resource base

Traceability is the ability to follow an item or a group of items-such as animal, plant, or food products or their ingredients-from one point in the supply chain to another.

The focus of this initiative is farm-to-slaughter traceability of livestock and poultry species. The proposed changes touch on some of the following elements:

• animal and location identification
• animal movement reporting and recording
• information and privacy protection

This initiative supports a commitment made in 2006 by federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture to create a national livestock and poultry traceability system.

A consultation document explaining the proposed changes is available on the CFIA‘s website and is open for comments until May 3, 2012. The CFIA will use comments from the public and stakeholders to help shape the proposal moving forward.

For more information on traceability in Canada, visit www.inspection.gc.ca/traceability or call 1-800-442-2342.

• Consultation: A Legislative Framework for Traceability: Proposed Elements

Experts begin work on designing improved provincial environmental monitoring system

Group will focus on governance and funding issues

Edmonton… The Government of Alberta has named a group of experts to provide detailed advice on establishing a province-wide comprehensive environmental monitoring system.

“Our goal is to build a world-class, science-based monitoring system,” said Diana McQueen, Minister of Environment and Water. “This team of scientific, regulatory and academic experts will review governance and funding options and provide recommendations to the government so that we continue making progress.”

The working group will focus on developing an implementation plan based on previous recommendations from the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel: establishing a system with appropriate transparency and scientific oversight to carry out environmental monitoring, evaluation, and reporting functions; and providing a dedicated, stable revenue stream to fund monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities across the province.

“Although the Alberta government set aside $11 million in Budget 2012 for monitoring, the estimated cost for a cumulative effects monitoring system is significantly higher,” added McQueen. “The working group will consider what structures need to be in place to ensure a dedicated revenue stream and they will look at the number of organizations that currently play a role in environmental monitoring and consider the best ways to integrate and further this work.”

Leading the six-member working group is Howard Tennant, the former president and vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge. Tennant was also a co-chair of the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel, which provided 20 recommendations to government in July 2011 on building a world-class monitoring system.

“I’m pleased to say we are taking solid steps towards the implementation of a new environmental monitoring system for the province,” said Howard Tennant, chair of the working group. “This next step is to ensure the system has proper governance and sustainable funding in place.”

The working group will also identify the roles of the various parties in the system, including government agencies, current monitoring partners, stakeholders, and First Nations.

The working group will report back to government by June 30.

Backgrounder: Details on working group

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Erin Carrier
Communications
Alberta Environment and Water
780-427-6267

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

March 13, 2011

Working group details

The working group will provide expert advice regarding those recommendations provided by the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel which require significant policy shifts by government. The group will provide advice and recommendations to better understand the implications of these policy shifts.

Dr. Howard Tennant (chair)

• Former University of Lethbridge president and vice-chancellor. Serves on several public and private sector boards including three terms on the governing board of the National Research Council. Served as co-chair on the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel.

Hal Kvisle

• More than 30 years of demonstrated leadership experience. Former president and CEO of TransCanada Corporation. Board member of the Bank of Montreal, Talisman Energy and ARC Resources. Serves as chair of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Served as co-chair on the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel.

Neil McCrank, QC

• Experienced negotiator and lawyer. A senior Alberta Government official for over 20 years (Deputy Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board). Currently counsel with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.

Dr. Gregory Taylor

• Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta. Professor, Department of Biological Sciences. Research focuses on understanding the mechanisms plants use to tolerate abiotic stresses in the soil environment, such as metal toxicity and nutrient deficiency.

Dr. Ron Wallace

• Widely-published Emerald-Award winning aquatic ecologist with 35 years experience in oil sands-related environmental and aboriginal issues. Retired in 2005 as CEO of an international manufacturer. International consulting experience includes World Bank assignments for major development projects in Russia and Venezuela. Former Board Member of Wildlife Habitat Canada. Former Executive Director to the Northwest Territories Water Board.

Ernie Hui

• The Deputy Minister of Alberta Environment and Water.  Since 1989, served in a number of different and progressive roles within Alberta Environment and Water. Extensively involved in water allocation issues and in managing the development of the Water Act.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Erin Carrier
Communications
Alberta Environment and Water
780-427-6267

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Report of the Working Group for Increasing the Use of Wood in Construction

The working group has made 27 recommendations.
It chiefly recommends the official recognition of the use of wood as an additional means to achieve the reduction objectives for greenhouse gas emissions, the establishment of a high-level interdepartmental committee to ensure compliance with the government’s duty of exemplariness, and the pairing of this duty with accountability.

The full report (in French only)

Press release (ministerial reaction)

Minister Arcand will hold a public consultation on government guidelines and climate change issues. Speak out! (French)

To achieve its ambitious target of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, Quebec put on an action plan which provides measures all sectors society. The 2006-2012 action plan maturing, a second action plan covering the period 2013-2020 will be announced in spring 2012.

The impacts of climate change are already being felt in Quebec, the government must also take action to make Quebec society less vulnerable. To complement the Action Plan, the Quebec government will develop a government strategy for adapting to climate change that will strengthen the ability of Quebec society to cope.

This consultation is open to the entire population of Quebec and focuses on three documents that establish Quebec’s position on climate change. This consultation will enhance the government’s approach to reflect the concerns of society.
Documents subject to consultation
1. The Government strategy for adapting to climate change

Strategy is a step prior to the 2013-2020 Action Plan on Climate Change (PACC 2013-2020). It identifies the areas in which will register in the adaptation to be implemented as part of the PACC.

To identify issues and impacts of climate change for which the government must prioritize its interventions, several consultations were held with government managers, university researchers, environmental organizations and professional associations. It’s your turn to have your say!

See the Government strategy for adapting to climate change (PDF, 2MB)

2. The inventory of the fight against climate change

Sectoral committees responsible for developing the PACC had a mandate to develop a picture of the fight against climate change in Quebec, identify trends by 2020 and the challenges and opportunities for economic development may be involved. In addition, these committees have identified certain measures and practices for reducing GHG emissions implemented abroad and could be of interest to Quebec. These data were collected in an information document. For more information:

See the document on the inventory (PDF, 1.6 MB)

3. The vision and challenges of the 2013-2020 Action Plan on Climate Change

The PACC on Climate Change 2013-2020 is the centerpiece that will allow Quebec to reach the target it set for itself. This action plan will include action on all sectors of society both in terms of reducing GHG emissions than that of adaptation to climate change.
The implementation of the PACC 2013-2020 is planned for spring 2012. For several months, the Sectoral Committees, comprised of officials from various departments, working in its development. Targeted consultations have taken place including specific clienteles. Have your say about the vision and challenges of the next course of action!

See the document on the vision and challenges of the PACC 2013-2020 (PDF, 1.3 MB)