Energy and Mines News:

Consumer Taxation Branch — For the latest from the Consumer Taxation Branch, see What's New. Some information of interest:

• Bulletin SST 081, Mining Industry, has been revised to include information on the upcoming changes to the application of PST to real property contracts, and to include information on catalysts, direct agents and chemical substances.
• Notice to Sellers of Electricity, Natural Gas, Fuel Oil and Propane: Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund Levy Extension. This notice advises that the Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund Levy will continue after September 1, 2008. The ICE Fund Levy - Frequently Asked Questions webpage has also been updated.

Family, Wills and Estates News:

Consultations on draft civil rules and draft family rules extended — As reported on the Canadian Bar Association website, concept drafts of the proposed Supreme Court Civil Rules and the Supreme Court Family Rules are posted on a Justice Review Task Force (JRTF) website at www.bcjusticereviewforum.ca. Members of the judiciary, lawyers, paralegals, advocates, court registry staff and others are encouraged to provide feedback to the JRTF via this online forum by December 31, 2008.

Forest and Environment News:

The Forestry Law Reporter – Volume I, Issue II — Quickscribe is pleased to report that the second issue of The Forestry Law Reporter by Jeff Waatainen, Westhaven Forestry Law is now available. The latest release focuses on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Emissions Standards) Statutes Amendment Act, 2008 (Bill 31) plus recent amendments to legislation. For the full report click Forestry Law Reporter.

From BC Woodlot Association — Effective July 25, 2008 there was a change to the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation (14/2004) requiring the protection of secondary structure in mountain pine beetle killed lodgepole pine stands (in some areas and subject to certain circumstances). These regulation amendments do not apply to woodlot licences.

Exports account for one-third of China's emissions — The "Environmental Expert", in their publication "Environmental News Network", report that a new study reveals that as Chinese manufacturers feed a growing global appetite for cheap goods, these exports account for a rising share of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Exports are now responsible for one-third of China's emissions, according to a study that will appear in the journal Energy Policy. The researchers describe their analysis as the most systematic study of the subject to date. See the News Article.

B.C. seeks alternatives to open burning — The B.C. government is investing $600,000 over three years to better protect air quality by exploring new techniques and technologies to manage woody debris from logging and land development it was recently announced. See the News Release.

"Hydrologic Effects of a Changing Forest Landscape" — This new publication was released recently by the National Research Council, National Academies Press. To view the report click Report.

New promises, new possibilities? Comparing community forestry in Canada and Mexico — A new report by Emily Jane Davis, released by Forrex and published in the BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management, studies both the economic and environmental impact of community forests in both Mexico and Canada. See the Article.

Labour and Company News:

Consumer Taxation Branch — For the latest from the Consumer Taxation Branch, see What's New. Some information of interest:

• Bulletin SST 035, Advertising Agencies, has been revised to clarify how the tax application changes when incorporating tangible products with advertising services.
• Bulletin SST 128, Graphic Designers, has been revised to clarify how the tax application changes when incorporating tangible products with design services.

Local Government News:

From the Consumer Taxation Branch: The brochure, Tax Information - The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, has been rewritten and replaces the previous version dated January 2007.

Motor Vehicle News:

Consumer Taxation Branch — Bulletin SST 042, Motor Vehicle Dealers and Leasing Companies, has been rewritten and replaces the version dated February 2008. Also, Bulletin SST 103, Lessors of Motor Vehicles and Trailers has been removed and combined into Bulletin SST 042.

Real Estate and Builders Lien News:

Consumer Taxation Branch — Bulletin SST 072, Real Property Contractors, has been revised to:

• include information on the upcoming changes to the application of PST to real property contracts,
• include information on how to pay PST on purchases for taxable and non-taxable sales, and
• clarify how PST applies to goods brought into British Columbia.