September 2003 Events

PROVINCE IS ACTING TO BATTLE PINE BEETLE

The pine beetle epidemic started a decade ago, and community and industry leaders warned as early as 1997 that it was becoming a major problem.

STRATEGY TO HELP REDUCE FETAL ALCOHOL DAMAGE

BURNS LAKE — A new provincial strategy for reducing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) will help improve prevention and support services, by better co-ordinating community, provincial and federal resources, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

ADDRESS TO THE UNION OF B.C. MUNICIPALITIES

DEPUTY MINISTERS ASSUME NEW DUTIES

VICTORIA — Government today announced that two deputy ministers and the current deputy secretary to Treasury Board will be assuming new responsibilities.

RECORD POWER PURCHASE YIELDS $800 MILLION IN INVESTMENT

VANCOUVER — The largest purchase of green energy in B.C.'s history will provide about $800 million in private-sector investment in 16 power projects, and an additional 1,800 gigawatt hours per year to meet the energy needs of British Columbians.

FIRST HIV/AIDS RESIDENCE AND DAY CENTRE OPENS

VANCOUVER — The long-awaited Dr. Peter Centre opens its doors today in downtown Vancouver as the first supportive housing development and day-health program for people with HIV/AIDS in Canada. The centre, named after Dr. Peter Jepson-Young who founded the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, will provide needed comfort and care to people living with HIV/AIDS.

PREMIER SUPPORTS RAISE-A-READER LITERACY CAMPAIGN

PREMIER CAMPBELL LEADS 7,000 PARTICIPANTS IN THE 18TH ANNUAL VANCOUVER AIDS WALK

NEW INITIATIVE TO HELP BRITISH COLUMBIANS ACHIEVE GOALS

VANCOUVER — Premier Gordon Campbell today unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping all British Columbians achieve their goals, by providing a window to information from early childhood development to lifelong learning, career planning and job training.

SCHOLARSHIP NUMBERS SHOW STUDENTS DOING BETTER

VICTORIA — A record number of Grade 12 students won provincial scholarships this year, Premier Gordon Campbell said today.

PROTOCOL BUILDS NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRST NATIONS

VANCOUVER — The province and the First Nations Summit signed a protocol agreement today building on the government's throne speech commitment to establish a new relationship of recognition and reconciliation with B.C. First Nations.

PREMIER APPLAUDS WORKERS, COMPANY FOR EUROCAN DEAL

VICTORIA — Premier Gordon Campbell congratulated workers at Eurocan's Kitimat pulp mill for successfully concluding an agreement with the company, saying the ratification is good news for the northwest and the provincial economy.

PREMIER CAMPBELL JOINS HIS FELLOW WESTERN PREMIERS AND GOVERNORS IN BIG SKY

AGREEMENTS TO STRENGTHEN FIRE PROTECTION, ENVIRONMENT

BIG SKY, MT — British Columbia entered into three agreements with U.S. partners, aimed at strengthening cross-border wild fire management and co-operation on environmental issues, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

PREMIER CALLS FOR OPEN BORDER FOR CATTLE

BIG SKY, MT — In a meeting with western governors, Premier Gordon Campbell and his western Canadian counterparts urged a full re-opening of the border to Canadian beef and live cattle.

PREMIER TO PRESS GOVERNORS ON CATTLE EXPORTS, SOFTWOOD

VICTORIA — Cattle and beef exports, softwood lumber and a new agreement to strengthen fire protection will be B.C.'s top priorities when Premier Gordon Campbell meets with the Western Governors Association and western premiers in Montana this weekend.

ONE MONTH OIL AND GAS SALES HIT RECORD $418 MILLION

VICTORIA — The largest monthly sale of petroleum and natural gas rights in the province's history occurred yesterday, with sales of over $418 million for the month of September, matching the record previously set for an entire fiscal year in 2000-01.

VICTORIA FIRE FIGHTERS UNION FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

FIVE-POINT ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

SURREY — Premier Gordon Campbell today unveiled a five-point student achievement action plan that will provide new educational resources for parents and teachers, awards to recognize excellence in teaching, and new grants for early literacy and school improvements.

NEW CHAIR OF B.C. PROGRESS BOARD ANNOUNCED

VICTORIA — David Black, president and owner of Black Press, will become the new chair of the B.C. Progress Board.

PREMIER CAMPBELL CHECKS OUT GROUSE MOUNTAIN'S NEW HIGH-SPEED QUAD CHAIRLIFT

PREMIER CAMPBELL OUTLINES THE ACTION PLAN FOR INCREASING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUIRED TO CONSERVE WATER

VICTORIA — Parts of British Columbia are experiencing the most severe drought conditions in 100 years, and Premier Gordon Campbell reiterated the province's request for the public to assist by helping conserve water.

PREMIER CAMPBELL OFFICIALLY OPENS THE 2003 B.C. SENIORS GAMES IN CHILLIWACK