Forest and Environment News:

Amendments Update Forestry Legislation – The government recently introduced legislative amendments to update three forestry statutes which has now passed third reading. The proposed changes to the Forestry Revitalization Act update the schedule to reflect changes in licence ownership and allow further updates to be made to the schedule as required. The bill also proposes parallel amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and the Wildfire Act. These amendments clarify that any contravention of the old Forest Practices Code is subject to the compliance and enforcement measures authorized under FRPA or the Wildfire Act.

Most forest and range licensees are currently operating under the code as they transition to the Forest and Range Practices Act. As well, some licensees will carry long-term obligations under the code beyond the transition end date of Dec. 31, 2006. For more information, see the Release.

Softwood Lumber Trade Update – The Department of Commerce is expected to release its response to the October 5, 2005 Decision of the NAFTA Panel review of the final determination in the CVD investigation on Friday, October 28, 2005. If the Panel's instructions were implemented it is possible that the CVD rate would fall below 1% or below, resulting in the revocation of the CVD Order and the returning of cash deposits. Take a look at these sites for more information: BC Lumber Trade Council; Government of Canada; Government of BC.

B.C. Provides Expertise For National Wildfire Strategy – A new national wildfire strategy developed with expertise from British Columbia has been adopted by all of Canada’s provinces, it was recently announced. The Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy declaration is aimed at reducing losses of life, property and forest values caused by wildfires. It commits the federal, provincial and territorial governments to pursue $1 billion over 10 years to implement the strategy, which would include activities such as fuel reduction, ecosystem management, public education and research, and replacing aging aircraft and equipment. For more information on the strategy see the Release.

Labour and Company News:

Occupational Health And Safety Regulation – On Thurs. Nov. 3, 2005 a public hearing will be held about 12 regulatory amendment changes to the OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION that are proposed by the Workers Compensation Board. For registration information or to review the proposed amendments view the WCB site.

Corporate Online: new version now available – When a company files its Annual Report, you can now enter an email address for the company. The Corporate Registry may use this address to communicate with the company in the future. As well, over the next several months, the Registry is planning on sending the annual report reminders electronically where possible. If an email address has already been provided, it will be displayed in the Annual Report filing so you can correct it if necessary.

Local Government News:

Local Elections: Candidate's Guide – In advance of the 2005 general local elections, the Ministry of Community Services has revised its CANDIDATE'S GUIDE. Copies of the guide have now been mailed to all local governments in BC. Copies of the 2005 guide can also be downloaded from the Ministry of Community Services' website: Candidate's Guide.