Showing 7 results

News item. Present to sign BC's North East Coal Fields Agreement, to provide BC develoment with federal government assistance are: Otto Land, Federal Minister of Energy and Mines; BC Premier Bill Bennett; Jim Chabot, BC's Minister of Mines; and Don Phillips, MLA for Dawson Creek and Peace River. Phillips says this development will permit BC to provide a greater amount of the coal consumed by metallurgical industries world-wide.

News item. At a luncheon, Premier Bill Bennett speaks at length about the discussions he has had with the other provincial premiers at the Ottawa conference. He discusses concerns about the economy, the cost and growth of government, the impact of government restrictions on the private sector, etc. He says, despite NDP claims of a deficit, the province will have a financial surplus and continues to grow.

News item. Premier Bill Bennett discusses his party's progress since it came into power in December 1975. He discusses intergovernmental relations, regional representation on national boards and commissions, and correlating provincial and regional government policies with those of the federal government. He states that this region doesn't have an adequate voice in decision-making about national policy.

News item. Premier Bennett talks with press regarding the throne speech. Highlights: (1) No discrimination will be shown towards sellers of Autoplan insurance. Rates will be based on drivers' records. (2) The federal government has been asked by the Socreds to protect the rights of BC, both inside and outside its borders, under the terms of the constitution. (3) The new Social Credit government will make all the decisions that relate to the development of "acceptable" energy resources in BC. Premier Bennett refers to solar energy as one of the "exotic powers", and then says that "We don't have the technology in BC . . . to develop them."

News item. Premier Bill Bennett talks with the press after the throne speech. He says BC will continue to build an economic and industrial base, but it will also "take on the type of directions that are more specified than the general commitment." The forest industry, he says, must be "preserved and maintained" through major commitments, with "a secure cut" that can be kept for the present generation and for future generations. He briefly discusses the Bill of Rights. He talks about the role of the Ministry of Economic Development in opening discussion for an agreement with the federal government on B.C.'s northeast coal fields, transportation studies, port facilities, etc.

News item. At a press conference, Premier Bill Bennett talks about the price freeze extension (February 16) and other BC government anti-inflation measures. Bennett outlines the areas where the price freeze will have the most effect, and explains necessity for federal government to reduce tax on provincial resource exports. He talks about the anti-inflation board and the need for both governments to co-operate on an inflation control agreement.

News item. Press conference summary. Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Bennett both agree that the government restraint is necessary at all levels. They also agree that a referendum would only be needed in Quebec (not a national one).