DOCSLIB.ORG

Lessons from the Carbon Tax and the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia and Ontario

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lessons from the Carbon Tax and the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia and Ontario The effect of popular initiative and recall mechanisms on tax reforms: Lessons from the Carbon Tax and the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia and Ontario By Geneviève Tellier, professor, School of Political Studies, University of Ottawa Paper presented at the Canadian Political Science Association Annual Conference, University of Calgary, May 31 – June 2, 2016 *please do not cite without permission from the author Abstract More and more, popular consultations and participation mechanisms are been viewed as an effective way to develop and implement better public policies. By seeking input and support from citizens, policymakers are able to design policies that are more responsive to the needs and desire of the population. However popular consultations can also lead to some undesired consequences. For instance, they afford new veto-power to some players that may be tempted to use them to further their own interests, which do not necessarily coincide with the general public interest. This was the case in B.C., when the government attempted to reform its sales tax by implementing a harmonized sales tax (HST), a value-added tax (VAT) that would be collected by the federal government simultaneously with its own VAT, the good and service tax (GST). Praise by tax experts and most businesses, the HST was nonetheless severely attack by some groups and high profile individuals that questioned its fairness. By examining the circumstances that led to the adoption and later the dismissal of the B.C. HST and comparing them to the adoption of other tax reforms in the country (namely the B.C. carbon tax and the Ontarian HST) we will show that partisan politics took over public participation mechanisms. Therefore, public participation mechanisms do not automatically lead to better public engagement and subsequently better public policies. This is particularly noteworthy in the case of tax reforms. The effect of popular initiative and recall mechanisms on tax reforms: lessons from the Carbon Tax and the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia and Ontario 1. Introduction The declining rates of participation that have been observed at elections during the last decades (in Canada and elsewhere) seem to indicate that citizens feel less engaged, less involved in public affairs. This dissatisfaction with our current political system (often labelled “democratic deficit”) has triggered some questioning about how to improve our institutions. One concern relates to our elected representatives and how they can become more responsive and more accountable to their constituents. More generally, many are worried about the increasing centralization of power within the executive power (and even more among a handful of decision-makers) which diminished the role of the legislative branch. One mechanism that has received attention in recent years to counterbalance the power of the executive and empowered citizens is the recall initiative, a procedure that allows voters to remove their elected representative from office before the end of their mandate. By given some decision-making powers to citizens in between elections, decision-makers will be forced to listen more carefully to the concerns of local communities. Although not widespread, recall mechanisms exist in several countries1. In Canada, only one province, British Columbia (B.C.), has enacted legislation that allows recalls of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). However, several private bills establishing recall mechanisms have been tabled in various legislatures across the country lately2. The recall mechanism exists in B.C. since 1994. It has been used on a few instances over the years, but not with a lot of success. Only one MLA has been removed from office because of a recall initiative3. For this reason, many believed the B.C. recall mechanism is ineffective. Yet before reaching this conclusion, we believe that we should examine more closely recent events that have occurred in the province. In 2009, the provincial government decided to adopt a harmonized sales tax (HST), as did several other provinces over the years. Contrary to these other provinces, however, the B.C. government was unable to successfully implement its HST, because of vigorous unpopular support. Yet, the same government was able to establish the first carbon tax in 1 Such as Argentina, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Japan, Belarus, Germany, Switzerland, and in 18 American States (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 2016). 2 For instance in Québec by Coalition avenir Québec MNA Eric Caire in 2011 (bill 493); in Ontario by Progressive Conservative MPP Randy Hillier in 2013 (Bill 124); in the House of Commons by independent MP Brent Rathgeber in 2015 (C-697); in Prince Edward Island by Progressive Conservative MLA Steven Myers in 2014 (bill 100); in Alberta by Wildrose MLA Mark Smith in 2016 (bill-201). 3 In fact, this MLA resigned before he was officially “recalled”. 2 the country, just a year ago, and to secure re-election afterward. Moreover, another province, Ontario, facing an equally popular resistance, did implement its own HST the same year. Our research will try to explain this failure, by comparing the three cases, namely the B.C. HST, the Ontarian HST, and the B.C. carbon tax. These cases are interesting because they share many common elements. They are all related to tax reforms; they occurred at about the same time; and the governments that presented the initiatives faced many similar challenges. Yet, the faith of one tax initiative was clearly different from the two others. We will examine the circumstances that have led to the adoption (and subsequently the revocation of the B.C. HST) of these three tax reforms. Our study will draw on documentary evidences to establish comparisons between the three cases. Our analysis starts with a brief discussion about taxation and its fundamental role in our modern society. Democratic states need popular consent to taxation. The following section presents the direct democracy mechanisms that exist in B.C. Then each case will be examined by looking closely at the link between the tax reform and the support and opposition it draws. Our analysis concludes with a comparison of the three cases and the formulation of some lessons about the use and consequences of direct democracy, at least in the field of taxation. 2. Taxation and Direct Democracy Without a doubt, taxes play an important role in modern states. Not only do they afford important financial resources to governments to fund public services, but they also provide the legitimacy states need to act on behalf of their citizenry. Because citizens agree to pay taxes, they implicitly support the activities performed by the state. In other words, there would simply be no democratic state without public consent to taxation (Barilari 2000, Delalande 2011). The idea that taxes are a social contract between the ruled and their rulers is not a novelty. Many founders of modern political thoughts have examined this relationship (Locke, de Tocqueville, Weber, Schumpeter to name a few4). However, although the linkage between popular consent and taxation seems hard to contest, implementing tax policies remains a challenge in modern societies. Overall, taxes have a bad press. Because they are mandatory and are levied without direct compensations, it is difficult for most taxpayers to see a clear relationship between taxes and the public programs they help fund. Consequently, taxpayers usually have a natural propensity do dislike taxes, and some will even try to avoid them, more or less legally (Leroy 2003, Tremblay 2012)5. 4 For a detailed presentation about the founders of fiscal sociology, see Leroy (2011). 5 Through tax avoidance and tax evasion strategies. The former is legal (for instance, working less or moving to another jurisdiction to pay less taxes), while the latter is illegal (selling goods and services on the black market for instance). 3 On the other hand, governments will seek to create a “fiscal illusion” by using various sources of indirect taxes (such as consumption taxes) to hide the true value of taxes, knowing they are unpopular among voters. Another issue that is linked to taxation relates to the question of fairness and equity. Not everyone is taxed equally in our modern welfare state. Yet this situation is not fundamentally problematic, as it is widely accepted that the wealthiest should be taxed more, so that the State can help those that are the most vulnerable. Therefore, the progressive nature of our tax system is usually not questioned. On the other hand, however, taxpayers expect that all be threatened fairly and equitably. People in a similar position should be taxed similarly (horizontal equity) and those who are wealthier should be taxed more (vertical equity). The recent events on tax evasion (such as the “Panama Papers”) and tax revolt movements (“Occupy Wall Street”, and popular protests in Greece and Portugal after the 2008 global financial crisis) just showed how tax policies and tax reforms can stir vigorous debates, if people believe they are not treated fairly. The implicit contract between the state and its people through taxation should therefore incite governments to seek the support of the population if they want to adopt tax reforms. However, citizens are given very few opportunities to participate actively in the formulation of tax reforms and public policies in general. In addition, most participation mechanisms involve consultations, instead of an active engagement in the decision- making process (deliberative democracy). Although public consultations afford the opportunity for citizens and interest group representatives to convey their views to governments, they do not give them the possibility to participate actively in the formulation of policies. In other words, citizens are rarely veto-players in the policy process (Tsebelis 1995). This is especially so in Canada where governments enjoyed extensive executive powers, particularly if they are elected with a majority of seats in the House.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • It's Time for a Change!
    24 - The Prince George Citizen -Friday, August 2,1991 LOIS BOONE. MLA SPEWING OUT our months ago, Bill Vander Zalm re­ signed in disgrace and Rita Johnston tookF over as Premier of British Columbia. Mrs. Johnston now leads a gov­ ernment fractured by scan­ dals and resignations - a government with no clear policy directions. Just like Bill Vander Zalm, Mrs. Johnston Dromises a fresh start, but nas anything really changed in the last four months? SOCIAL CREDIT POLICY FLIP FLOPS FINANCIAL PRIORITIES? The Socred government continues to drift from oneThe policy Social to Credit government still can’t seem to get its financial another. house in order and its spending priorities straight. - March 1991 — Legislation passed to make tax increases illegal. — The budget deficit for B.C. this year is 1.2 billion dollars — the May 1991 —Taxes were increased. largest in B.C.’s history. - 1987 — Socreds vote against an NDP amendment to remove— B.C.’sthe direct debt has doubled in the last four years - to more than property purchase tax for first time home buyers. $9 billion dollars. - 1991 — Rita Johnston now thinks it’s a good idea. — B.C.’s budget increased 12% in the last 2 years but ... - June 1989 — Dual Entry for kindergarten is introduced despite- Alcohol and Drug programREDUCED — massive opposition. -Apprenticeship and Training programsREDUCED - - May 1991 - Dual entry is scrapped leaving 14,000 children in - Seniors programsREDUCED - - Hospital BedsCLOSED - limbo. - Gas Taxes - IN C R EA SED - May 1991 - Rita Johnston announces that B.C. will settle Land - User Fees IN- C R EA SED Claims and pay its fair share.
    [Show full text]
  • The Wolf Print” by Email
    A special thanks to all of our sponsors! Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre IImmppoorrttaanntt DDaatteess Your generous contribution to our centre has March 10th: Daylight savings time helped us through tough times. th March 17 : St. Patrick’s Day In Loving Memory of TTHHEE WWOOLLFF PPRRIINNTT March 31st: Easter Sunday nd www.northernlightswildlife.com 1745 Short Rd Golden B.C 1-877-377-9653 Fall 2012 Volume 1 Issue 2 April 22 : Earth Day th May 12 : Mother’s Day th: Father’s Day June 16 st st Tuk 1999-2011 Aspen 1998-2013 June 21 : 1 day of summer! July 1st: Canada Day M M o o t t h h e e rr NNaattuurree:: HHooww DDoo WWee nd Our Karelians Sept. 2 : Labour Day Luke, Utah, Hopi & Jackson Depend On Her? Depend On Her? You can help promote wolf awareness; help to educate people, and help change legislation to protect our wilderness Help us reach our goals: Expand the facility to include interactive and educational exhibits about wolves and the environment Continued petition of government to protect top predators The New Wolf Print! And, of course, the care and feeding of our wolf pack Your Name and/or Business Name_____________________________________________________________________________ We are happy to announce that Address:________________________________________________________City:______________________________________ beginning this fall we are changing the format of Wolf Print. We will be Province / State:__________________________________________________Postal / Zip:_______________________________ sending out a larger more
    [Show full text]
  • Quickbooks Proadvisor Marketing Program What It’S All About
    QuickBooks ProAdvisor Marketing Program What it’s all about Sitting on a stellar marketing idea? Need some help accelerating growth? We’re here to help. The QuickBooks ProAdvisor Marketing Fund is here to help kickstart your firm’s growth. Bookkeepers and accountants who use QuickBooks Online Accountant are welcome to apply. In this program, we’ll fund 50% of your marketing spend up to $3,000 (including GST/HST). We’ll also connect you with an Intuit marketing expert to help out with your marketing plan. 2 2 Eligibility This program is offered as a benefit of the ProAdvisor Program to all firms in the Gold, Platinum and Elite tiers. How the program works 1. Submit an application and your 90-day marketing plan. 2. We’ll review it and notify you if you are accepted within 5 business days. 3. Meet with our coaches to finalize your marketing plan. (See page 7 of this guide for a helpful template and articles on how to build a marketing plan if you need guidance.) 4. Once your plan has been reviewed, you’ll have 90 days to complete your marketing activities. We will review your marketing activities and creative together before they launch to ensure they adhere to the program guidelines for reimbursement. 5. Submit an invoice, your receipts and copies of your marketing activities by June 30, 2021 to receive your reimbursement. Upon receipt and review of your submission, reimbursement will be sent by cheque within 45 days of submission. 3 What kind of marketing can you do? We understand that your firm could be in the early stages of its marketing journey, that’s why there’s a wide variety of marketing activities to help you grow your reach to potential new clients.
    [Show full text]
  • 3 Number 22 November 3–16, 2011 $2 at Selected Retailers Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement Nº 40020421
    s Gulf Island Every Second Thursday & Online ‘24/7’ at Regional News ~ Linking the Salish Sea Archipelago islandtides.com Volume 23 Number 22 November 3–16, 2011 $2 at Selected Retailers Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement Nº 40020421 Photo: Henny Schnare Issues are global, national and local, but the ‘System’ is the target. Occupy spreads to the Gulf Islands. Milestone in protection Occupying Canada — COmmentary by PatriCk brOwn he expression of protest which started with Occupy But while large corporations and financial institutions serve of Salish Sea waters Wall Street has spread around the world. Hundreds as both real and symbolic targets, the fundamental issue for n October 13, the BC and Canadian governments T of people are camped out in the centre of cities, with Occupiers is the ‘System’—the combination of corporations, announced their agreement on a proposed their numbers swelling to thousands on some days when government, and the media that enable the 1% to exploit O boundary for a national marine conservation area marches, demonstrations and rallies target banks, big the 99%. reserve in the southern Strait of Georgia, also known as the business, and government offices. Occupy seeks basic changes in the ‘System’ and its Salish Sea. As the widespread Occupy movement has no identified behaviour, described as unfair, unjust and sometimes Adoption of this boundary would protect a broad area of leadership, membership structure, demands or program, corrupt. And, so, the System cannot itself fix their problems. approximately 1,400sq.km in the southern Strait of Georgia existing political and economic organizations and the media Interestingly, the System also cannot deal with the stretching from Cordova Bay in Saanich, past Gabriola have found it difficult to relate to.
    [Show full text]
  • Specialcommitteeonthe Citizens
    T H E L E G I S L A T I V E A S S E M B L Y O F B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A S P E C I A L C O M M I T T E E O N T H E C I T I Z E N S ’ A S S E M B L Y O N E L E C T O R A L R E F O R M FINAL REPORT FIFTH SESSION, THIRTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT FEBRUARY 2005 LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA CATALOGUING IN PUBLICATION DATA British Columbia. Legislative Assembly. Special Committee on the Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform. Final report At head of title: The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. “Fifth Session, 37th Parliament.” Submitted to Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Cf. Covering letter. ISBN 0-7726-5282-1 1. British Columbia. Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform. 2. British Columbia. Legislative Assembly - Elections - Planning - Citizen participation. 3. Elections - British Columbia. I. Title. II. Title: Special Committee on the Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform final report. JL438.B74 2005 324.6’3’09711 C2005-960023-3 Office of the Clerk of Committees SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY ON ELECTORAL REFORM Location: Room 224, Parliament Buildings Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1X4 Telephone: (250) 356-2933 Toll free at: 1-877-428-8337 Fax: (250) 356-8172 Email: [email protected] Internet Homepage: This report and others are available at our Internet Homepage which also contains further information about this and other Select Standing and Special Committees: http://www.leg.bc.ca/cmt February 8, 2005 To the Honourable, The Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia Victoria, British Columbia Honourable Members: I have the honour to present herewith the Final Report of the Special Committee on the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform.
    [Show full text]
  • Alternative North Americas: What Canada and The
    ALTERNATIVE NORTH AMERICAS What Canada and the United States Can Learn from Each Other David T. Jones ALTERNATIVE NORTH AMERICAS Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars One Woodrow Wilson Plaza 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20004 Copyright © 2014 by David T. Jones All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author’s rights. Published online. ISBN: 978-1-938027-36-9 DEDICATION Once more for Teresa The be and end of it all A Journey of Ten Thousand Years Begins with a Single Day (Forever Tandem) TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .................................................................................................................1 Chapter 1 Borders—Open Borders and Closing Threats .......................................... 12 Chapter 2 Unsettled Boundaries—That Not Yet Settled Border ................................ 24 Chapter 3 Arctic Sovereignty—Arctic Antics ............................................................. 45 Chapter 4 Immigrants and Refugees .........................................................................54 Chapter 5 Crime and (Lack of) Punishment .............................................................. 78 Chapter 6 Human Rights and Wrongs .................................................................... 102 Chapter 7 Language and Discord ..........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • HST – Harmonized Sales Tax
    HST – Harmonized Sales Tax Collecting Remitting Recovering HST – Harmonized Sales Tax HST is a tax that is added to the price of goods or services. The HST rate in Ontario (in 2012) is 13%. ‘Harmonized’ means that the PST, 8% provincial sales tax, and the GST, 5% federal goods and services tax, have been combined. All businesses with sales greater than $30,000 per year must register with the government and collect HST from customers. They are given a special Business Number that they use when submitting HST to the government. Goods and Services that have HST added • adult clothing • home services • household goods and building material • vehicles • fast food over $4.00 • auto fuel (gas & diesel) • entertainment and sports • electronics • professional services • tobacco products Some goods and services that have only 5% GST added • fast food under $4.00 • books/audio books • child car seats • feminine hygiene products • diapers • new homes Some goods and services that are HST exempt • groceries • children’s shoes under $30 • water utility • public transit • prescription drugs and glasses • music lessons • child care • car insurance (home insurance has 8% PST added) Business owners’ HST responsibilities A seller of goods and services is responsible to collect the tax on behalf of the government. Responsibilities include: 1. Calculate the tax and add it to the price of goods. 2. Collect the tax amount from the customers. 3. Keep track of the HST in a special account called HST Payable, which is in the Liability section of the ledger. 4. Keep track of the HST the business has paid on purchases in an account called HST Recoverable as this is money that can be recovered.
    [Show full text]
  • Retail Sales Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax Information for the Transfer of Motor Vehicles Between Related Corporations Or Corpora
    Ministry of Finance Retail Sales Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax Information for the Transfer of Motor Vehicles Between Related Corporations or Corporations/Shareholders Tax Information Under certain circumstances and with the proper supporting documentation (as outlined below), vehicles may be transferred without payment of the 13% Retail Sales Tax (RST) or the 8% Ontario portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The following table outlines what is required from the vehicle recipient (purchaser) at time of transfer: Location of Transferor Transferor (seller) is a GST/HST registrant Transferor (seller) is NOT a GST/HST registrant (seller): Ontario Tax will not be charged at time of transfer if the 13% RST will be charged unless you claim an exemption (see back for details). transferor (seller) provides you with a bill of sale (or a To claim the exemption, you must bring the following documents to the letter) with their GST/HST number. ServiceOntario office when you transfer the ownership: New Brunswick It is the responsibility of the seller and recipient to A copy of the seller’s receipt showing they paid (8% or 13%) RST on their Nova Scotia ensure HST (or an exemption) has been accurately original purchase, and Newfoundland and Labrador applied. Prince Edward Island Sworn Statement for the Transfer of a Used Vehicle in the Province of See *Note Ontario (1155) form, and Addendum to Sworn Statement when Claiming a Retail Sales Tax The 8% Ontario portion of the HST is applicable at Exemption on the Transfer of a Motor Vehicle between Corporations or the time of transfer.
    [Show full text]
  • Directors'notice of New Business
    R-2 DIRECTORS’ NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS To: Chair and Directors Date: January 16, 2019 From: Director Goodings, Electoral Area ‘B’ Subject: Composite Political Newsletter PURPOSE / ISSUE: In the January 11, 2019 edition of the Directors’ Information package there was a complimentary issue of a political newsletter entitled “The Composite Advisor.” The monthly newsletter provides comprehensive news and strategic analysis regarding BC Politics and Policy. RECOMMENDATION / ACTION: [All Directors – Corporate Weighted] That the Regional District purchase an annual subscription (10 issues) of the Composite Public Affairs newsletter for an amount of $87 including GST. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: I feel the newsletter is worthwhile for the Board’s reference. ATTACHMENTS: January 4, 2019 issue Dept. Head: CAO: Page 1 of 1 January 31, 2019 R-2 Composite Public Affairs Inc. January 4, 2019 Karen Goodings Peace River Regional District Box 810 Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H8 Dear Karen, It is my pleasure to provide you with a complimentary issue of our new political newsletter, The Composite Advisor. British Columbia today is in the midst of an exciting political drama — one that may last for the next many months, or (as I believe) the next several years. At present, a New Democratic Party government led by Premier John Horgan and supported by Andrew Weaver's Green Party, holds a narrow advantage in the Legislative Assembly. And after 16 years in power, the long-governing BC Liberals now sit on the opposition benches with a relatively-new leader in Andrew Wilkinson. B.C.'s next general-election is scheduled for October 2021, almost three years from now, but as the old saying goes: 'The only thing certain, is uncertainty." (The best political quote in this regard may have been by British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan who, asked by a reporter what might transpire to change his government's course of action, replied: "Events, dear boy, events." New research suggests that MacMillan never said it — but it's still a great quote!) Composite Public Affairs Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report
    SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE BRITISH COLUMBIA A n n uA l R e p o R t 2010 Message from the Executive Director & Chairman of the Board Celebrating 25 years OS Children’s Villages is the world’s largest non-governmental, non-denominational child welfare organization. It has existed for over 60 years with a presence in 132 nations. British Columbia is home to the only SOS Children’s Village in Canada and 25 years ago . that is something we are proud of. Vancouver welcomed the world to Expo ‘86 SNext year in 2011, SOS BC will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. It is inspiring to see what a Montreal took home the Stanley Cup team of dedicated volunteers, employees and donors have created over the past quarter century. William Bennett handed over the premiership of British Columbia to Bill Vander Zalm As we look forward to the next 25 years, it is important that SOS BC continues to evolve and SOS Children’s Village BC (Canada) Society was established! re-define its purpose to ever improve our services. SOS BC has developed a unique program structure that focuses on two distinct areas. One being set-up based on the personalized needs SOS Children’s Village BC is the only village in Canada. It was founded on the principle that life of our village families and the other on outreach programs for foster families in the community. could be and SHOULD be better for children in the care system. In 2010 we piloted two new outreach programs, the “Homework Club” and “Sounds of Learning” to 22 youth and children.
    [Show full text]
  • ELECTIONS WITHOUT POLITICS: Television Coverage of the 2001 B.C
    ELECTIONS WITHOUT POLITICS: Television Coverage of the 2001 B.C. Election Kathleen Ann Cross BA, Communication, Simon Fraser University, 1992 DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In the School of Communication @ Kathleen Ann Cross, 2006 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSrrY Spring 2006 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without permission of the author. APPROVAL NAME Kathleen Cross DEGREE PhD TITLE OF DISSERTATION: ELECTIONS WITHOUT POLITICS: Television Coverage of The 2001 BC Election EXAMINING COMMITTEE: CHAIR: Dr. Shane Gunster Dr. Richard Gruneau Co-Senior Supervisor Professor, School of Communication Dr. Robert Hackett Co-Senior Supervisor Professor, School of Communication Dr. Yuezhi Zhao Supervisor Associate Professor, School of Communication Dr. Catherine Murray Internal Examiner Associate Professor, School of Communication Dr. David Taras External Examiner Professor, Faculty of Communication and Culture, University of Calgary DATE: 20 December 2005 SIMON FRASER ' UNIVERSITY~I bra ry DECLARATION OF PARTIAL COPYRIGHT LICENCE The author, whose copyright is declared on the title page of this work, has granted to Simon Fraser University the right to lend this thesis, project or extended essay to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users. The author has further granted permission to Simon Fraser University to keep or make a digital copy for use in its circulating collection, and, without changing the content, to translate the thesislproject or extended essays, if technically possible, to any medium or format for the purpose of preservation of the digital work.
    [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]