British Apr 2 21112 Columbia

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

British Apr 2 21112 Columbia BRITISH COLUMBIA APR 2 21112 Ms. Karen Goodings Chair Peace River Regional District Box 810 Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4118 Dear Ms. Goodings: Thank you for your November 29 and December 1, 2011 letters regarding British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) oversight and natural gas generation. In your letters, you express concern regarding the change the Clean Energy Act (the Act) made to the role of the BCUC. The principal rationale for this change is that the development of critical electricity infrastructure in the Province can have a broader provincial benefit than is reflected in the narrower ratepayer interest normally considered by the BCUC. Section 7 of the Act set out a number of strategic projects, programs and contracts that support British Columbia’s energy objectives, and provides that these projects, programs and contracts will not be subject to further BCUC review. Going forward, the oversight role of the BCUC over BC Hydro continues. Recognizing the importance of BC Hydro’s plans for supporting British Columbia’s energy objectives, the Act requires that BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plans (IRP) be reviewed and approved by the provincial government. The expenditures, projects and contracts necessary to implement an approved IRP will be subject to BCUC oversight and approval (apart from those listed in Section 7). The Act also includes consequential amendments to the Utilities Commission Act providing that, in considering the ratepayer interest in projects, contracts or expenditures proposed by BC Hydro, the BCUC must “consider and be guided by” the IRP approved by the provincial government and British Columbia’s energy objectives. One of the energy objectives under the Act is to generate 93 percent of the electricity in British Columbia from clean or renewable resources. This objective was included because the terrain, climate, and forests of British Columbia give utilities, such as BC Hydro, a unique opportunity to generate electricity from renewable resources. The 93 percent objective ensures that British Columbia’s natural advantages for renewable generation support the provincial government’s commitment to climate action within the Province. The objective does not preclude the development of natural gas generation within the other seven percent. Exporting natural gas helps other jurisdictions without British Columbia’s unique opportunities generate electricity with the cleanest-burning fossil fuel. .12 Ministry of Office of the Minister Mailing Address: Energy and Mines P0 Box 9060 Stn Prov Govt and Minister Responsible for Housing Victoria BC V8W 9E2 -2- Thank you for writing. Sincerely yours, Rich Coleman Minister pc: Honourable Christy Clark Premier Honourable Blair Lekstrom, MLA Peace River South Mr. Pat Pimm, MLA Peace River North PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT Office of the Chair December 1, 2011 The Honourable Rich Coleman Minister of Energy and Mines PC Box 9060 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2 Via Email: EMHMinistergov.bc.ca Dear Minister Coleman: Re: Clean Energy Act Restrictions For Use Of Natural Gas For Electricity The Peace River Regional District is struggling with the Province’s stringent restrictions within the Clean Energy Act that restrict the use of natural gas as an energy source fuel primarily as it pertains to the production of electrical energy. Here in northeast BC natural gas has been used to produce energy to run the electrical components of most of the production facilities of the oil and gas industry for the past 70 years and natural gas will continue to be the most economical way to power their needs into the future. BC gas is being shipped across North America to feed electric generation plants and we have all heard about the plans to ship our resource worldwide through the liquid natural gas (LNG) processing facilities. Natural gas is recognized worldwide as efficient and has always been touted to be clean burning whether used in vehicles, furnaces, hot water tanks or grain dryers. We understand that natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel, but if we are willing to produce the gas and ship it for use around the world why would we restrict the use of our own resource in the production of our electricity. British Columbians should benefit from this resource and its electrical production capabilities. Please consider amending the Clean Energy Act renewable energy target for producing electricity to allow electric energy producers the opportunity to make use of BC’s Natural Gas. Thank you for considering our earnest request and please give serious consideration to British Columbian advantage by using BC’s own natural resources. Yours truly, Karen Goodings, Chair cc: The Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia The Honourable Blair Lekstrom, MLA —Peace River South Mr. Pat Pimm, MLA — Peace River North North Central Local Government Association Union of British Columbia Municipalities PLEASE REPLY TO: BOX 810, DAWSON CREEK, BC V1G 4H8, TELEPHONE: (250) 784-3200 or 1-800-670-7773 FAX: (250) 784-3201 EMAIL: [email protected] 9505-100 STREET, FORT ST. JOHN, BC V1J 4N4, TELEPHONE: (250) 785-8084 FAX: (250) 785-1125 EMAIL: [email protected] , PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT Office of the Chair November29, 2011 The Honourable Rich Coleman Minister of Energy and Mines PC Box 9060 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2 Via Email: EMH.Ministergov.bc.ca Dear Mr. Coleman: Re: Clean Energy Act Restriction of Oversight by the British Columbia Utilities Commission The Peace River Regional District believes that the Clean Energy Act needs to be revised to allow the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) an opportunity to review any and all projects of significance to determine the cost effectiveness for all residents of our Province. The BCUC provides an objective overview to determine necessity. One such project that is of immediate importance would be Site C. The BCUC overview is a critical component in the promotion of open and transparent decision making for this and other projects. At its November 24, 2011 meeting, the Regional Board debated and passed the following resolution: WHEREAS the Clean Energy Act has exempted a British Columbia Utilities Commission overview of certain projects; AND WHEREAS the involvement of British Columbia Utilities Commission would bring another independent transparent overview of major energy initiatives; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of the Peace River Regional District requests that the Minister of Energy and Mines amend the Clean Energy Act to re-instate the overview agency, British Columbia Utilities Commission, into this Act. Over the years the British Columbia Utilities Commission through the Utilities Commission Act has proven its wise and learned understanding of public need, public demand and corporate vision. The Commission’s recommendations are mandated to be in the best interests of British Columbians. We urge the Minister to look at removing Section 7 from the Clean Energy Act and make full use of the expertise available through the British Columbia Utilities Commission in reviewing these and future projects. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Yours truly, Karen Goodings, Chair cc: Christy Clark, Premier Blair Lekstrom MLA —Peace River South Pat Pimm, MLA — Peace River North North Central Local Government Association Union of British Columbia Municipalities PLEASE REPLY TO: Li BOX 810, DAWSON CREEK, BC V1G 4H8, TELEPHONE: (250) 784-3200 or 1-800-670-7773 FAX: (250) 784-3201 EMAIL: [email protected] LI 9505- 100 STREET, FORT ST. JOHN, BC V1J 4N4, TELEPHONE: (250) 785-8084 FAX: (250) 785-1125 EMAIL: [email protected].
Recommended publications
  • Debates of the Legislative Assembly
    First Session, 39th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (hANSARD) Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Afternoon Sitting Volume 6, Number 3 THE HONOURABLE BILL BARISOff, spEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC First Session, 39th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ......................................................................................................Hon. Gordon Campbell Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations ....................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance .......................................................................................................................... Hon. Colin Hansen Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow B.C. ....................................................................................................... Hon. Mary McNeil Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation .....................................................................................................Hon. George Abbott Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development ............................................................................ Hon. Moira Stilwell Minister of Agriculture and Lands ...................................................................................................................................Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • New Stacker Reclaimer Project Public Engagement Summary Report September 2012
    New Stacker Reclaimer Project Public Engagement Summary Report September 2012 1.0 Project Overview As part of ongoing upgrades and modernization of terminal infrastructure, Neptune Terminals is continually making strategic investments to iproe the terial’s steelaking coal handling operations. Neptune Terminals has announced that, it will be installing a new stacker reclaimer replacing an older, smaller unit currently in use. This new equipment will be installed within the terial’s eistig footprint and will allow the terminal to improve efficiency and operating flexibility by simultaneously moving steel-making coal from trains to the stockpiles and directly from stockpiles onto vessels. The e staker relaier ill further ehae Neptue’s eiroetal easures ith a est-in-class dust suppression system. 2.0 Notification & Outcomes In May 2011, Neptune Terminals publicly announced a $63.5 million dollar investment in their steel- making coal operations. The largest component of this announcement was the purchase of a $45 million stacker reclaimer, to be built in British Columbia. In November 2011, Neptune Terminals and Ramsay Machine Works announced the new equipment would be built at the Ramsey yard in Sidney, B.C. The Government of British Columbia celebrated the announcement with Neptune and Ramsey. Then Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Blair Lekstrom participated in the media event, local MLA Murray Coell was quoted in the news release and Victoria based Minister Ida Chong and Minister Naomi Yamamoto from North Vancouver also attended the announcement. The media coverage surrounding both releases focused on the economic investment and job creation for North Vancouver and Sidney, making note of BC manufacturing and the increased capacity that would result from the stacker reclaimer project.
    [Show full text]
  • Prescription Before Diagnosis: the Dynamics of Public Policy Construction in the BC Liberal New Era, 2001-2005
    Prescription Before Diagnosis: The Dynamics of Public Policy Construction in the BC Liberal New Era, 2001-2005 By George Malcolm Abbott B.A., University of British Columbia, 1975 M.A., University of Victoria, 1978 A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the Department of Political Science © George Malcolm Abbott, 2019 University of Victoria All rights reserved. This dissertation may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photo- copying or other means, without the permission of the author. Prescription Before Diagnosis: The Dynamics of Public Policy Construction in the BC Liberal New Era, 2001-2005 By George Malcolm Abbott B.A., University of British Columbia, 1975 M.A., University of Victoria, 1978 Supervisory Committee Dr. Colin Bennett, Supervisor (Department of Political Science) Dr. Jamie Lawson, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. James Tully, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. Evert Lindquist, Outside Member (School of Public Administration) ii Supervisory Committee Dr. Colin Bennett, Supervisor (Department of Political Science) Dr. Jamie Lawson, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. James Tully, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. Evert Lindquist, Outside Member (School of Public Administration) ABSTRACT The BC Liberal New Era was an intense and often controversial period in the province’s political history. One day after being sworn into office with a massive majority, Premier Gordon Campbell announced a 25 percent personal income tax cut, potentially relinquishing one billion dollars in tax revenue. Seven weeks later, Campbell and his Finance Minister followed up with another billion dollars in business and corporate tax cuts.
    [Show full text]
  • Debates of the Legislative Assembly
    Fourth Session, 39th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) Th ursday, May 3, 2012 Morning Sitting Volume 36, Number 6 THE HONOURABLE BILL BARISOFF, SPEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC Fourth Session, 39th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ..............................................................................................................Hon. Christy Clark Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance ............................................................................................................................Hon. Kevin Falcon Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ...........................................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Advanced Education .................................................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Minister of Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Don McRae Minister of Children and Family Development ................................................................................................................ Hon. Mary
    [Show full text]
  • Volume 14 Certified
    1 IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT REVIEW PANEL ("JOINT PANEL") ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW THE SITE C CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT ("PROJECT") PROPOSED BY BRITISH COLUMBIA HYDRO AND POWER AUTHORITY ("BC HYDRO") CANADA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AGENCY AND BRITISH COLUMBIA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OFFICE _______________________________________ PROCEEDINGS AT HEARING January 8, 2014 Volume 14 Pages 1 to 262 ________________________________________ C o p y ________________________________________ Held at: George Dawson Inn 11705 8th Street Dawson Creek, British Columbia Realtime Connection [email protected] 2 APPEARANCES JOINT REVIEW PANEL: Dr. Harry Swain - Chairman Ms. Jocelyne Beaudet Mr. Jim Mattison Brian Wallace, Esq. (Legal Counsel) THE SECRETARIAT: Courtney Trevis (panel Co-Manager) Brian Murphy (panel Co-Manager) PARTICIPANTS: Craig Godsoe, Esq., BC Hydro (Legal Counsel) Peter Feldberg, Esq., BC Hydro (Legal Counsel) Ms. Bridget Gilbride, BC Hydro (Legal Counsel) REALTIME COURT REPORTING: Mainland Reporting Services, Inc. Nancy Nielsen, RPR, CSR(A), RCR Leanne Kowalyk, OCR AUDIO/SOUND SYSTEM: AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions Alex Barbour. Technical Services Representative. Realtime Connection [email protected] 3 INDEX OF PROCEEDINGS DESCRIPTION PAGE NO. Opening remarks by the Chairman: 5 BC Hydro panel: 9 Susan Yurkovich Al Strang John Nunn Mike Savidant Siobhan Jackson Judy Reynier Trevor Proverbs Opening comment and undertaking 10 response by BC Hydro: Presentation by Mr. Blair Lekstrom: 22 presentation by Mr. Donald Hoffmann: 82 presentation by Diane Culling: 90 presentation by Mr. James Little: 103 Presentation by British Columbia's 120 Women's Institute: Jill Copes Ruth Veiner Patsy Nagel Maya Wenger Presentation by Gwen Johansson: 140 Presentation by Mr. Hadland: 160 Presentation by Ms. Doreen Hadland: 169 Presentation by Roy Kelly: 176 Presentation by Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Debates of the Legislative Assembly
    Third Session, 39th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (hANSARD) Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Afternoon Sitting Volume 22, Number 9 THE HONOURABLE BILL BARISOFF, spEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC Third Session, 39th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ..............................................................................................................Hon. Christy Clark Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance ............................................................................................................................Hon. Kevin Falcon Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ...........................................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Advanced Education .................................................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Minister of Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Don McRae Attorney General ........................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Barry Penner, QC Minister
    [Show full text]
  • Debates of the Legislative Assembly
    Second Session, 39th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (hANSARD) Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Afternoon Sitting Volume 16, Number 3 THE HONOURABLE BILL BARISOFF, spEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC Second Session, 39th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ......................................................................................................Hon. Gordon Campbell Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations ....................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance .......................................................................................................................... Hon. Colin Hansen Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow B.C. ....................................................................................................... Hon. Mary McNeil Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation .....................................................................................................Hon. George Abbott Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development ............................................................................ Hon. Moira Stilwell Minister of Agriculture and Lands ...................................................................................................................................Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Debates of the Legislative Assembly
    4th Session, 37th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) Tuesday, April 29, 2003 Morning Sitting Volume 14, Number 10 THE HONOURABLE CLAUDE RICHMOND, SPEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Honourable Iona Campagnolo 4TH SESSION, 37TH PARLIAMENT SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Claude Richmond EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council..........................................................................................................Hon. Gordon Campbell Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations................................................................................................... Hon. Greg Halsey-Brandt Deputy Premier and Minister of Education .........................................................................................................................Hon. Christy Clark Minister of Advanced Education............................................................................................................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries..................................................................................................................Hon. John van Dongen Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations.................................................................................. Hon. Geoff Plant Minister of Children and Family Development..................................................................................................................Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Provincial Legislatures
    PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES ◆ PROVINCIAL & TERRITORIAL LEGISLATORS ◆ PROVINCIAL & TERRITORIAL MINISTRIES ◆ COMPLETE CONTACT NUMBERS & ADDRESSES Completely updated with latest cabinet changes! 88 / PROVINCIAL RIDINGS PROVINCIAL RIDINGS British Columbia Saanich South .........................................Lana Popham ....................................100 Shuswap..................................................George Abbott ....................................95 Total number of seats ................85 Skeena.....................................................Robin Austin.......................................95 Liberal..........................................49 Stikine.....................................................Doug Donaldson .................................97 New Democratic Party ...............35 Surrey-Cloverdale...................................Kevin Falcon.......................................97 Independent ................................1 Surrey-Fleetwood ...................................Jaqrup Brar..........................................96 Surrey-Green Timbers ............................Sue Hammell ......................................97 Abbotsford South....................................John van Dongen ..............................101 Surrey-Newton........................................Harry Bains.........................................95 Abbotsford West.....................................Michael de Jong..................................97 Surrey-Panorama ....................................Stephanie Cadieux
    [Show full text]
  • The Politics of Consumption Tax Reform
    Playing with Fiscal Fire: The Politics of Consumption Tax Reform by Matthew Lesch A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Political Science University of Toronto © Copyright by Matthew Lesch 2018 Playing with Fiscal Fire: The Politics of Consumption Tax Reform Matthew Lesch Doctor of Philosophy Political Science University of Toronto Abstract 2018 Drawing on the case of consumption tax reform, this dissertation investigates the varying capacity of governments to enact and institutionalize ―general-interest reforms‖ (Patashnik 2003). The study advances a two-stage theory of policy reform. The first part explains why some governments, in spite of the political risks, decide to pursue general-interest reforms. In this first stage, two variants of policy learning—rational learning and emulation—are proposed to explain policy uptake. The second stage of the theory builds on policy feedback scholarship (Pierson 1993;Mettler and SoRelle 2014), claiming that the durability of a reform hinges on policy design. It proposes that governments can prompt various policy feedback effects through policy design and communications. Such efforts can shape the political incentives and perceptions of interest groups, opposition parties and voters at key junctures in the policy process. The study illustrates the analytic value of this approach through two distinct but complementary empirical strategies. First, through comparative case analysis using mainly qualitative techniques of elite interviews and document analysis, it compares the varying experiences of two Canadian provincial governments— Ontario and British Columbia (BC)—with value-added tax (VAT) reform. While each government chose to pursue VAT reform in the late 2000s, only in the case of Ontario was it successfully implemented while the BC government was forced to reverse its policy decision.
    [Show full text]
  • Carole James, Leader, BCNDP: Because Everyone
    14700 NDP Platform Cover 4/6/05 5:04 PM Page 2 Carole James LEADER because everyone matters Platform 2005 bcndp.ca Making life better and more affordable for ordinary British Columbians British Columbia holds limitless opportunities for the people who live and work here – all of us who have chosen BC as our home and future. It’s a potential for prosperity we must embrace – a prosperity that can be shared and enjoyed among all British Columbians, because everyone matters. But that’s not happening today in BC. Over the past four years, we’ve seen a one-sided approach to government, where Gordon Campbell has imposed his political agenda, no matter how much ordinary families are hurt along the way. Gordon Campbell & the BC Liberals promised to make things better for everyone, but the record betrays that promise: • They have created dirty, crowded hospitals, where patients are moved into hallways and closets • In a new century when skill development is more important than ever, they have allowed tuition fees to double, moving post-secondary education and training out of reach for too many young people • They have cut long-term care, abandoning the seniors who helped build our province • The fundamental public services British Columbians cherish – our health care, BC Ferries and BC Hydro among them – are being privatized, creating poorer services for families and bigger profit margins for private suppliers • They have closed 113 schools and cut 2,500 teaching positions, meaning bigger class sizes and less support for individual students • Their cuts have punished the poor and the most vulnerable, forcing more people onto the streets with no real supports to help them turn their lives around and live more independently BCNDP Platform 2005 1 This is a time for new ideas to meet the demands of a growing population and the complicated challenges facing our province.
    [Show full text]
  • TOPIC Overview Ministry Overview Power Point
    TOPIC Overview Ministry Overview Power Point....................................................................................................................................1 Issues ................................................................................................................................................................................2 Issues Scan- Overviews...................................................................................................................................................3 TAB 1 S12 TAB 2 Port Mann Highway 1 (PMHI)Tolling TAB 3 S12 TAB 4 TAB 5 Translink Upass TAB 6 TAB 7 TAB 8 TAB 9 S12 TAB 10 TAB 11 TAB 12 TAB 13 TAB 14 Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan TAB 15 TAB 16 S12 TAB 17 Operating Budget Budget Overview/Capital Program Snapshot............................................................................................................4 Communications Communications Calendar............................................................................................................................................5 Additional Information Key Stakeholders.............................................................................................................................................................6 Service Plan 2011/12-2013/14.....................................................................................................................................7 Pacific Gateway Transportation Strategy (2012-2020)..............................................................................................8
    [Show full text]