ECONOMY: Jobs numbers remain strong A4 Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Operation Bounce hits the tarmac at Prince George Airport A11
Newsline 250-564-0005
www.pgfreepress.com
Clark says not just about the money ■ Northern Gateway
Joint Review Panel hearings got underway yesterday in Prince George DeLynda Pilon newsroom@pgfreepress.com
With Enbridge executive vice-president Janet Holder in the crowd, Premier Christy Clark told a Chamber of Commerce luncheon Friday that approval of the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline is not just about the province receiving more money from the project. Those conditions are: Successful completion of the environmental review process, world-leading marine oil spill prevention, response and recovery systems, world-leading practices for land oil spill prevention, response and recovery systems, legal requirements regarding Aboriginal and treaty rights are addressed, and British Columbia receives a fair share of the fiscal and economic benefit Joint Review Panel hearings got underway yesterday in Prince George. Clark also reiterated the importance of small business to the economic health of the province when she spoke during a Chamber luncheon in the city last week. Making British Columbia the economic engine of the country was the focus of the B.C. jobs plan, introduced by the Liberals about a year ago. Clark added this means supporting businesses, both large and small. “What can we do to support families?” she asked. “We can support a thriving private sector. We want to be number one in economic growth because that is where the future is at for our kids.” She added that small businesses add more than economic support to the province. They also help bind communities together. Local small businesses do everything from support sports teams to help raise funds for charities. “That is the thing about small businesses. They contribute to building communities.” Clark, who recently returned from a
Bill PHILLIPS/ Fre e Pre s s
Enbridge executive vice-president Janet Holder and Premier Christy Clark chat during a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Prince George Friday. trip where she spoke at the University of Calgary, said that in the 90s Canadians flocked to Alberta looking for employment. With $80 billion in projects, trade with China up 25 per cent over last year and the mining industry growing by 20 per cent in the same time frame, she said she invited students at the university to come west instead. Other steps she said government has taken to create more jobs and make life more affordable for families include cut-
ting the proposed hydro increase in half and investing in skills training. A $75 million investment in skills training programs will help ensure B.C. kids are first in line for the one million jobs expected to open in the next 10 years. “And we are holding the line on taxes. B.C. has the lowest personal income tax out of every province in the country. Take that Alison Redford,” she said. Clark also spoke glowingly about
2012 2559 Queensway Street Toll Free 1-888-564-2850
250-564-2850
see our brand new website www.queenswayautoworld.com
sales@queenswayautoworld.com
#1
USED CAR DEALER!
S T OF P BEReader’s Choice G
Prince George, saying it is a different city than it was a decade ago, with a expanding airport, upgrades at the college, a university, cancer centre and a northern medical program. She added that, for the first time since statistics on employment was collected, the city has over 52,000 people working. “And in 2015 you have a chance to show this great city off to every citizen in Canada at the Canada Winter Games,” she said.
Weekly Sp Special pecial
Best Used Car Dealer
2012
STK: P94119
2005 IInfi finity it QX56
$17,888