January 2004 Events

B.C. BEST CHOICE FOR CANADA'S DISEASE FIGHTING CENTRE

VICTORIA — Premier Gordon Campbell said today that British Columbia's extensive experience in communicable disease research and its reputation as a leader in public health protection, together with its strong links to research centres in Asia, make Vancouver the logical choice for the location of Canada's first national centre for infectious disease control.

B.C. WINS BID TO HOST 2006 HOCKEY WORLD JUNIORS

VANCOUVER — Hockey Canada has selected B.C. to host the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship, bringing economic opportunities, world-class competition and increased international exposure to the province in the run-up to 2010, Premier Gordon Campbell said today.

PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL AT THE ANNUAL S.U.C.C.E.S.S. FUNDRAISING GALA IN

$180,000 AWARDED TO SCHOOLS FOR IMPROVING LITERACY

VICTORIA — To mark Family Literacy Day in B.C., 60 B.C. schools will receive awards totalling $180,000 for their efforts to improve literacy and other areas of student learning, Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister of Education Tom Christensen announced today.

PREMIER'S STATEMENT REGARDING SINDI HAWKINS

VANCOUVER — Premier Gordon Campbell today released the following statement on behalf of the Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, Sindi Hawkins:

PREMIER ANNOUNCES NEW CABINET

VICTORIA — Premier Gordon Campbell today announced changes to the Cabinet, including the addition of six new members, a renewed focus on economic development and several new Minister of State portfolios to advance key priorities in the government's agenda.

PREMIER CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO BE APPOINTED

VICTORIA — Deputy Minister to the Premier Ken Dobell and Comptroller General Arn van Iersel have agreed that the services of an independent auditor should be retained to review all matters related to the involvement of Doug Walls as a consultant to government and its agencies, and his role on behalf of government.

NEW DEPUTY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT APPOINTED

VICTORIA — Effective immediately, Alison MacPhail, previously deputy minister, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, assumes the position of deputy minister, Ministry of Children and Family Development.

ADDRESS TO THE TRUCK LOGGERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

TOP STUDENTS RECEIVE PREMIER'S EXCELLENCE AWARDS

VANCOUVER — Fifteen of B.C.'s top high school graduates who earned excellent grades and gave outstanding service to their communities and schools during grades 11 and 12 have been given medals and scholarships by Premier Gordon Campbell.

PREMIER ANNOUNCES MARKET BASED PRICING TO REVITALIZE COASTAL FORESTRY

VANCOUVER — The province is launching a new market-based timber pricing system for the coastal forest sector, effective Feb. 29, that will help revitalize the industry by ensuring competitive stumpage rates that better reflect global markets and local harvesting costs.

ADDED FUNDING TO ELIMINATE TRAINING WAIT-LISTS

VANCOUVER — Nearly 700 apprentices will be able to move ahead with their careers and earn higher wages because the province is providing $882,000 for extra programs to help post-secondary institutions eliminate their current wait-lists for trades training. This funding is possible as a result of surplus funds from the transition to the new Industry Training Authority.

COUNCIL NOTES PROGRESS ON BUILDING TECH LEADERSHIP

VICTORIA — The Premier's Technology Council released its fifth report today, noting that the government has already taken action on almost 90 per cent of the council's recommendations to strengthen B.C.'s position as a global technology leader.