What to Expect
Premier Horgan hinted that relief is coming for British Columbians as gas prices continue to rise. While he has said that they won’t be suspending the gas tax, a program that puts “money back in people’s pockets” may be on the horizon, so you can look to that this week. Otherwise, politics will be quiet, as MLAs remain in their ridings for constituency week.
The Week That Was
B.C. residents aged 40 and older will be able to receive COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits for free at participating pharmacies. Eligible residents will be able to pick up a free rapid antigen testing kit once every 28 days.
Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon spent the week touring Northern and Interior B.C. pushing the government’s economic plan, most notably in constituencies not currently held by the NDP.
B.C. has come to an agreement with the State of Washington to work in collaboration in the redevelopment of a plan to prevent flooding for the Nooksack River that recently flooded in November 2021.
Ottawa’s plan to reduce fish farms in B.C. is raising concerns in the province. Premier John Horgan and farmers are concerned with the federal government’s goal to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal B.C. waters by 2025, saying it flies in the face of the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and jeopardizes the 4,700 jobs and $1.2 billion in economic activity that are dependent on the industry in the province.
Orders in Council
OIC 141/2022 – Appoints the former Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Attorney General, Sue Maloughney, as an Associate Deputy Minister of Emergency Management BC for the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
OIC 142/2022 – Appoints the former Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Sheila Robinson, as an Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.
OIC 144/2022 – Appoints the former Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Attorney General, Charmaine Lowe, as an Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Children’s Services, effective April 4, 2022.
