Forest and Environment News:

Fish Forestry Interaction Program – The Fish Forestry Interaction Program is designed to better understand watershed processes that influence aquatic ecosystems. The FFIP web page, found on the B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range Research Branch's web site, contains information on the program, four major projects, the FFIP publications and project contacts. See FFIP web page.

B.C. Government Supports Softwood Lumber Agreement – Premier Gordon Campbell recently pledged the government of British Columbia’s support for the softwood lumber agreement. "We have received sufficient assurances that the Province's concerns with the softwood lumber agreement have been addressed," said Campbell. "While not perfect, the agreement is a reasonable deal for British Columbia and will provide greater stability and certainty." See: News Release for details. For the latest information on softwood lumber, please see the following websites: BC Lumber Trade Council, Government of Canada or Government of BC.

Labour and Company News:

Consumer Taxation Branch – Here is a summary of some recent bulletins from the Consumer Taxation Branch. See: What's New

• Exemption for Materials and Equipment Used to Conserve Energy – re: rating of oil fired forced-air furnaces
• Legal Services Provided to British Columbians – information page
• Boat Sales and Purchases – updated information on the maximum boat length for the aquaculturist exemption
• Provincial Social Service Tax (PST) and Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) – has been updated with the 6% GST rate
• Natural Gas Industry Notice – re: when natural gas or oil processing businesses pay tax on natural gas consumed in internal combustion engines

New Consumer Taxation Branch webpages:

• Security Systems
• Aircraft Industry
• Graphic Design Industry
• Construction Industry
• Accommodation Industry

Local Government News:

Canada's New Government Invests Gas Tax Funds In British Columbia's Cities And Communities – Over $29 million in federal gas tax funds were distributed on July 28, 2006 to 151 local governments outside of the Greater Vancouver area and to the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (GVTA). For further details please see News Release.

Province Provides Funding For Infrastructure Planning – Forty-nine British Columbia communities will share in over $700,000 from the Province under the Infrastructure Planning Grant Program this year. For further information see: News Release.