Pat Bell's Top Ten - June 2nd edition

Courtesy of Hon. Pat Bell (BC Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation)

The Spring Session of the Legislature has now come to an end. The focus of the session was broad but certainly the “Big 3” (Economy, Health Care and Education) dominated the session. While the media sometimes focuses on very specific issues it’s interesting that much of the work that goes on really doesn’t get much notice.

On each of the “Big 3” issues we have made significant progress with much more work to come. This week’s Top 10 is a breakdown of key initiatives that you might not have heard of but each plays a key role in dealing with important economic and service delivery areas that may impact you, a family member or a friend in a positive way.

This past week I had the honour of attending the grand reopening of the Endako mine. Thompson Creek Metals Company has recently invested $650 million into the mine which will provide for long term employment for 400 people. This mine was originally built in 1964, almost 50 years ago and the investment could make it a ‘Century” performer.

Have a great week!

Pat

Economy

1. A trade mission to Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines during of which 25 business deals and partnerships were signed or announced with a value surpassing half an billion dollars
 2. Export Development Workshops to help businesses sell their products and services internationally
 3. A Mines Act permit issued for the Red Chris mine in northern B.C.
4. Launched the BC Jobs Plan’s natural gas, forestry, transportation, and mining and minerals sectors strategies

Health

1. Lowering the cost of generic drugs through the Pharmaceutical Services Act
 2. $22.2 million for the Nurse Practitioners for BC initiative, funding 190 nurse practitioner positions over three years
 3. A new mobile app to help British Columbians locate health services

Education

1. Appointed Dr Charles Jago as Mediator in the BCTF dispute. I’m sure all of us that know Charles would agree he is an excellent choice.
2. Passage of the Education Improvement Act which includes the $195 million Learning Improvement Fund
 3. We released our International Education Strategy http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/internationaleducation/forms/InternationalEducationStrategy_WEB.PDF