This weeks provincial budget provided a number of items for consideration, a two year deficit plan, cuts to most ministries, a declaration that the province will face a couple of years of tough times before things begin to improve and a commitment to port development in Delta at the cost of about 1.1 billion dollars.
And while the government gave a nod to Phase II of the Fairview Terminal, there wasn't much in the way of concrete financial figures provided for the northern gateway for container traffic, an oversight that has the MLA for the region Gary Coons wondering where the prospect of Phase II stands with the provincial government.
He outlined his thoughts in a Daily News article from Thursday's paper.
Coons wonders what budget means to port
BY GEORGE T. BAKER
The Daily News
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Page five
While reaction to Tuesday's provincial budget was mixed across the province, North Coast MLA Gary Coons said it is too soon to know what outcome the offerings will have for Prince Rupert.
In Monday's throne speech, the provincial government said that it was still committed to phase two of the Fairview container terminal but finance minister Colin Hansen's $450 million-deficit budget committed no finances for the project.
"I was disappointed that port development for phase 2 was relegated only to a commitment to seek out opportunities for the expansion of Prince Rupert I hope that the premier's promise of last December holds true," said Coons.
Under the budget promises, there are significant infrastructure commitments for the DeltaPort, worth $1.1 billion but nothing for the Prince Rupert port.
However, in the throne speech Premier Gordon Campbell seemed to have suggested that there would be a commitment of some sort for the port.
"The Port of Prince Rupert is revitalizing northern and rural economies and creating a powerful platform for future development. The next phase of that port development will be pursued, in co "operation with First Nations and the federal government," was said in the speech.
Coons was cautious not to criticize the hudget too much, citing a need to sift through it first.
"It's a little early to pinpoint what may come our way on the North Coast but the budget promised to create thousands of jobs and build opportunities in every region of the province," said Coons.
The local MIA was concerned that the majority of the $14 billion promised would be mainly for southern B. C. interests.
"Hopefully, the commitment for seismic upgrading, road, sewer and infrastructure projects pour into the North Coast," said Coons.
There were little commitments for resource economies either, the provincial government citing a focus on health care, education and social services as its priority for 2009.
Association of Mining' and Exploration BC President and CEO Gavin Dirom said while he respects the financial constraints the province is under, and that smaller than expected deficit is a good thing, there could have been more done for the resource economy.
"We still think there are opportunities and we are still working with the government and other stakeholders to make sure that we are clear on our requests," said Dirom.
Coons said the New Democrat Party budget plan would start by building affordable housing, reducing student debt-loads and making work pay by raising the minimum wage.
The Campbell government said it would not raise the minimum wage because of the potential cost it would impose on small business.
Showing posts with label BC Budget 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BC Budget 2009. Show all posts
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A little belt tightening while we wait for the times to get better
Two years of tough times is the prognosis from the Finance Minister of British Columbia, as Colin Hansen delivered the Liberal government’s economic blue print in the Legislature this week.
With the economies of the world suffering trying economic times, perhaps the most trying since the 1930’s, BC too it seems will have to learn to make do with a little less and find a way to make what it has go a little more.
While there is the promise of economic stimulus, all be it at a cost of some 700 million dollars in deficit financing for the next two years, the message still is that these next years will be trying ones for British Columbians and their families.
Wednesday’s Daily News featured a wire service recap as the front page headline story, which reviewed the contents of Mr. Hansen’s budget and what the future may hold for the province.
BELT-TIGHTENING B. C. BUDGET ALL ABOUT ‘RESPONSIBILITY’
Short-term outlook is gloomy but province expecting to rebound after two tough years
By Dirk Meissner
The Canadian Press
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Pages one and two
VICTORIA - The B.C. Liberal government tabled a sparse budget Tuesday with few pre-election promises, except to say that things will get better.
Finance Minister Colin Hansen said British Columbians can expect two years of tough economic times that include a $495-million deficit for the fiscal year 2009 and $245 million for 2010. Then the westernmost province is hoping to win a little Olympic gold itself.
Hansen's budget forecasts a return to good times in three years, propelled primarily by a $10-billion economic impact from hosting the 2010 Winter Games.
Hansen wasn't making excuses for the lack of election goodies in the budget. Years past have seen governments show up on budget day with rebates and income tax cuts for voters.
"It's incumbent upon the government to tighten its belt in difficult economic times," Hansen told reporters in a briefing prior to the official release of his budget. "What British Columbia families are looking for today is a sense of responsibility from a provincial government, one that says, 'yes, we are going to provide stability in the vital programs such as health care, education and social service sector.'''
The Liberal government is seeking a third consecutive term in the May 12 election.
Hansen said his budget forecasts a recession with negative economic growth of -0.9 per cent this year.
He said the government projects its revenues to decline by $6.6 billion over the next three years.
"Compared to what we were forecasting as recently as September, we have seen more than $6 billion of revenue expected over three years vanish," he said.
The biggest ticket item in the budget was health care, which the liberals say will increase by $4.8 billion over three years.
Across the country, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador have all signalled they will also bring in deficit budgets this fiscal year.
The federal government expects deficits totalling $86 billion over the next five years as it deals with a worldwide economic downturn.
Only Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba have indicated they can deliver balanced spending.
Most business groups welcomed the no-frills financial plan in these volatile economic times.
"It's not an exciting budget," said Jock Finlayson, B.C. Business Council president. "We're calling it a realistic budget for the times. It sort of stays the course. In the environment we're in, I think that's understandable."
But the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia expressed disappointment at the lack of measures to stimulate the industry.
"We were hoping to see more of this reflected in the budget," president Gavin Dirom said in a statement. "The reality is that people are losing jobs today."
Nor were labour groups thrilled.
The Hospital Employees' Union said the budget lacked bold, decisive direction on health care, and the B.C. Federation of Labour said it indicates public sector layoffs and does nothing to help working class families struggling in a recession.
"I am underwhelmed by the meekness of the government's approach at a time when British Columbians are facing the most serious threats to their economic security in a generation," said HEU spokeswoman Judy Darcy.
Opposition New Democrat Leader Carole James called it an outright failure.
"It was a failure on behalf of the government to recognize the difficult economy," she said.
Hansen said the budget includes cuts across most ministries but protects vital health, education and social programs.
He said the government is saving almost $2 billion cutting advertising, travel. and contracting out costs money that will go toward health and education funding. There are, however, still $250 million in cost savings yet to be identified.
The government said it will rely on attrition and restructuring to revamp the civil service, although Premier Gordon Campbell, who did not comment on his government's budget Tuesday, earlier did not rule out layoffs.
There was no money promised for wage increases for government workers whose contracts that expire next year.
The budget also outlines $14 billion in infrastructure spending projected to create 88,000 jobs over three years. Most of the projects have been announced previously.
Hansen said British Columbia dug itself out of a financial mess created by the previous New Democratic government of the 1990s with surplus budgets and record job creation. Spurred by the Olympics, he said B.C. will return to financial stability by 2011.
However, the B.C. finance minister said he still couldn't provide figures for Olympic security costs.
Hansen said the federal government still has not completed its calculations but B.C is responsible for only 50 per cent of a portion of those costs, which have been estimated to have climbed as high as $1 billion.
With the economies of the world suffering trying economic times, perhaps the most trying since the 1930’s, BC too it seems will have to learn to make do with a little less and find a way to make what it has go a little more.
While there is the promise of economic stimulus, all be it at a cost of some 700 million dollars in deficit financing for the next two years, the message still is that these next years will be trying ones for British Columbians and their families.
Wednesday’s Daily News featured a wire service recap as the front page headline story, which reviewed the contents of Mr. Hansen’s budget and what the future may hold for the province.
BELT-TIGHTENING B. C. BUDGET ALL ABOUT ‘RESPONSIBILITY’
Short-term outlook is gloomy but province expecting to rebound after two tough years
By Dirk Meissner
The Canadian Press
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Pages one and two
VICTORIA - The B.C. Liberal government tabled a sparse budget Tuesday with few pre-election promises, except to say that things will get better.
Finance Minister Colin Hansen said British Columbians can expect two years of tough economic times that include a $495-million deficit for the fiscal year 2009 and $245 million for 2010. Then the westernmost province is hoping to win a little Olympic gold itself.
Hansen's budget forecasts a return to good times in three years, propelled primarily by a $10-billion economic impact from hosting the 2010 Winter Games.
Hansen wasn't making excuses for the lack of election goodies in the budget. Years past have seen governments show up on budget day with rebates and income tax cuts for voters.
"It's incumbent upon the government to tighten its belt in difficult economic times," Hansen told reporters in a briefing prior to the official release of his budget. "What British Columbia families are looking for today is a sense of responsibility from a provincial government, one that says, 'yes, we are going to provide stability in the vital programs such as health care, education and social service sector.'''
The Liberal government is seeking a third consecutive term in the May 12 election.
Hansen said his budget forecasts a recession with negative economic growth of -0.9 per cent this year.
He said the government projects its revenues to decline by $6.6 billion over the next three years.
"Compared to what we were forecasting as recently as September, we have seen more than $6 billion of revenue expected over three years vanish," he said.
The biggest ticket item in the budget was health care, which the liberals say will increase by $4.8 billion over three years.
Across the country, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador have all signalled they will also bring in deficit budgets this fiscal year.
The federal government expects deficits totalling $86 billion over the next five years as it deals with a worldwide economic downturn.
Only Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba have indicated they can deliver balanced spending.
Most business groups welcomed the no-frills financial plan in these volatile economic times.
"It's not an exciting budget," said Jock Finlayson, B.C. Business Council president. "We're calling it a realistic budget for the times. It sort of stays the course. In the environment we're in, I think that's understandable."
But the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia expressed disappointment at the lack of measures to stimulate the industry.
"We were hoping to see more of this reflected in the budget," president Gavin Dirom said in a statement. "The reality is that people are losing jobs today."
Nor were labour groups thrilled.
The Hospital Employees' Union said the budget lacked bold, decisive direction on health care, and the B.C. Federation of Labour said it indicates public sector layoffs and does nothing to help working class families struggling in a recession.
"I am underwhelmed by the meekness of the government's approach at a time when British Columbians are facing the most serious threats to their economic security in a generation," said HEU spokeswoman Judy Darcy.
Opposition New Democrat Leader Carole James called it an outright failure.
"It was a failure on behalf of the government to recognize the difficult economy," she said.
Hansen said the budget includes cuts across most ministries but protects vital health, education and social programs.
He said the government is saving almost $2 billion cutting advertising, travel. and contracting out costs money that will go toward health and education funding. There are, however, still $250 million in cost savings yet to be identified.
The government said it will rely on attrition and restructuring to revamp the civil service, although Premier Gordon Campbell, who did not comment on his government's budget Tuesday, earlier did not rule out layoffs.
There was no money promised for wage increases for government workers whose contracts that expire next year.
The budget also outlines $14 billion in infrastructure spending projected to create 88,000 jobs over three years. Most of the projects have been announced previously.
Hansen said British Columbia dug itself out of a financial mess created by the previous New Democratic government of the 1990s with surplus budgets and record job creation. Spurred by the Olympics, he said B.C. will return to financial stability by 2011.
However, the B.C. finance minister said he still couldn't provide figures for Olympic security costs.
Hansen said the federal government still has not completed its calculations but B.C is responsible for only 50 per cent of a portion of those costs, which have been estimated to have climbed as high as $1 billion.
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