Forest and Environment News:

Forestry Trade Mission To Expand Markets – Forests Minister Michael de Jong and minister of state for immigration and multicultural services Patrick Wong kicked off the government and industry trade mission today with a ceremonial signing of a wooden beam to be placed in the Dream Home China Project in Shanghai. The primary goal of the trade mission is expanding markets for BC wood products in China and building on successful market relationships in Japan. For more information, see the News Release.

Labour and Company News:

Labour Bulletin – Click here for Staples McDannold Stewart's Labour Bulletin with the article "Constructive Dismissal - Employees Entitled to a “Try Out” of New Contract Terms Imposed by Employer" .

Local Government News:

Local Government Infrastructure and Finance – The Financial Reporting Forms from the Local Government Data Entry System 2004 are now available. Municipalities and Regional Districts are required under the Community Charter section 167(4) to submit annual financial information to the Inspector of Municipalities. To assist users in completing their submissions, the Municipal LGDE Help Manual and the Regional District LGDE Help Manual are available.

Local Government Prosecutions – Effective January 1, 2005, justices hearing local government prosecutions will have additional sentencing powers related to injunctions, penalties and compensation at their disposal as a result of the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act. For more information, please see this Bulletin

TSUNAMI RELIEF
FCM to Help Coordinate Municipal Tsunami Response – The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and its member local governments are mobilizing to provide long-term assistance to affected communities in the region. A key long-term need is to restore basic services typically provided by municipal governments such as water and sewer systems, local transportation networks, solid waste management, and public health infrastructure. FCM is working with the Canadian International Development Agency to determine what the needs in the region are and what role the municipal sector can play in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. FCM is also coordinating its action with its international partners including United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), to favour a concerted municipal response.
The City of Vancouver is working with the FCM to contribute to the massive reconstruction effort required by the communities ravaged by last week's tsunami in Asia. They're considering ways to offer basic emergency supplies – from water purification plants, to generators or even the skills of the staff – to help these communities get back on their feet.
Squamish is investigating ways to mobilize its many strengths and resources to "adopt a village" devastated by the recent South Asian earthquake and tsunami.
Courtenay held a local "Rally in the Valley" fundraiser for the Asia Earthquake and Tsunami victims recently. The City plans to recognize the efforts of the community by committing matching funds from the rally equal to $1 per Courtenay citizen, or up to $20,000.00. Council also challenges all Canadian local governments to contribute to the Asia earthquake and tsunami victims in a similar manner, either to the Red Cross or other bona fide relief agencies.

Motor Vehicle News:

Intelligent Transportation Systems Projects Funded – Under Transport Canada's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Plan, 25 new projects aimed at making transportation in Canada safer, more reliable and efficient will receive funding. The projects range from an advanced traveller information system in British Columbia, to an integrated data and communication management system in Quebec, to a vehicle tracking system for rapid transit in Nova Scotia. For more info see Projects Funded.