December 2004 Events

PREMIER OFFERS CONDOLENCES AND AID FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

VICTORIA — Premier Gordon Campbell today expressed condolences and support for those impacted by the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that claimed tens of thousands of lives in southern Asia and Africa on Sunday.

B.C. LAUNCHES FORUM TO ENHANCE FUTURE OF SALMON

VANCOUVER — A new independent forum of experts is intended to provide balanced and impartial information, advice and recommendations to improve understanding of the economic, social and environmental sustainability of B.C. wild salmon stocks and aquaculture on the coast, Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries John van Dongen announced today.

NEW CABINET MINISTERS APPOINTED

VANCOUVER — Premier Gordon Campbell today announced new responsibilities for three cabinet ministers and the appointment of a new member to cabinet.

GOVERNMENT RECEIVES FINAL REPORT ON ELECTORAL REFORM

VICTORIA — The Citizens' Assembly submitted its final report on electoral reform at an Open Cabinet meeting held today.

OPENING OF MEDICAL SCIENCES BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA

PROVINCE MOURNS FALLEN B.C. SNOWBIRDS PILOT

VICTORIA — British Columbians join Canadians across the country in mourning the loss of Captain Miles Selby from Tsawwassen, the Canadian Snowbirds pilot who died in a tragic accident during a training flight in Saskatchewan, Premier Gordon Campbell said today.

GOVERNMENT INVESTS $35M IN EMERGING MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

VICTORIA — Government is investing $35 million in the latest medical technology to improve access to better diagnostic care and maintain British Columbia's position as a leader in cutting edge medical treatment, announced Premier Gordon Campbell and Health Services Minister Colin Hansen.

PROVINCE DEVELOPING STRATEGY TO DRIVE PORTS EXPANSION

VANCOUVER — The Province is developing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen B.C.'s ports with the potential to more their double their economic impact and the number of jobs they support by 2020, Premier Gordon Campbell said today.

PHASE II AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT SIGNED

VANCOUVER — The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are allocating $84 million towards transitional housing and a range of supports to help communities tackle the challenges of homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction.

B.C. ROAD BUILDERS AND HEAVY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

PREMIER ACKNOWLEDGES PASSING OF NISGA'A LEADER

VICTORIA — Premier Gordon Campbell has extended condolences to the Nisga'a people and to the family of Rod Robinson following the death of the hereditary chief of the Eagle Clan, known by his Nisga'a name Sim'oogit Minee'eskw.

PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL JOINED CHILDREN FROM TWO VICTORIA CHILDREN'S CHOIRS

PREMIER'S AWARDS RECOGNIZE PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE

VICTORIA — The Province recognized the dedication and achievements of B.C. public servants at the first annual Premier's Innovation and Excellence Awards ceremony held last night at the Victoria Conference Centre.