| Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | License Disclaimer |
1998/99 Legislative Session: 3rd Session, 36th Parliament
FIRST READING
The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official version.
HONOURABLE DAN MILLER
MINISTER OF ENERGY AND MINES AND
MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT
Contents
HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:
1 In this Act, "commissioner" means the Northern Development Commissioner appointed under section 3.
2 The purpose of this Act is to promote and encourage job creation and economic development in northern British Columbia through the establishment of the office of the commissioner.
3 (1) The Northern Development Commissioner is to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
(2) An appointment made under subsection (1) is for a term of up to 5 years and reappointments may be made.
4 To carry out the purpose of this Act, the commissioner must
(a) act as an advocate for northern economic development,
(b) promote private sector investments in northern British Columbia, and
(c) coordinate with the northern economic development activities of other economic development organizations, including aboriginal people's economic development organizations.
5 To carry out the purpose of this Act, the commissioner must advise the minister in an independent manner on
(a) issues affecting job creation and economic development in northern British Columbia, and
(b) the need for legislation, policies and practices respecting those issues.
6 (1) At the request of the minister, the commissioner must prepare a report and make recommendations on specific job creation or economic development projects or initiatives affecting northern British Columbia.
(2) The report and recommendations prepared under subsection (1) must be submitted to the minister within a time period specified by the minister.
7 The minister must submit reports and recommendations received from the commissioner under section 5 or 6 to the Executive Council.
8 In undertaking activities associated with this Act and in submitting reports and recommendations, the commissioner and the staff of the commissioner must have regard for the following:
(a) the role of the commissioner;
(b) the importance of job creation and economic development to northern British Columbia;
(c) the need to balance the interests of all parties in a fair and equitable manner through an understanding of the impact of any proposed recommendations;
(d) other governments;
(e) aboriginal people and communities.
9 The commissioner must consult with northern residents as needed.
10 The commissioner may invite other governments or any of the agencies of those governments to join in activities under this Act.
11 Subject to section 3, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may establish the remuneration and other terms and conditions of employment of the commissioner.
12 (1) The commissioner may appoint other employees necessary to exercise the powers and carry out the duties of the commissioner.
(2) The commissioner may engage or retain specialists or consultants that the commissioner considers necessary to exercise the powers and carry out the duties of the office and may determine their remuneration.
13 (1) The Public Service Act applies to the commissioner and employees of the commissioner.
(2) The Public Service Act does not apply to the retention, engagement or remuneration of specialists or consultants referred to in section 12 (2).
14 (1) Each year the commissioner must give to the minister a report concerning the commissioner's activities under this Act since the last report was made under this section.
(2) The minister must lay the report before the Legislative Assembly as soon as practicable.
15 (1) The head office of the commissioner must be in Prince George.
(2) The commissioner may establish and maintain offices at other places in northern British Columbia as he or she considers necessary or advisable.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
16 Schedule 2 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 165, is amended by adding the following:
| Public Body: | Office of the Northern Development Commissioner |
| Head: | Northern Development Commissioner . |
17 This Act comes into force by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
The purpose of this Bill is to promote and encourage job creation and economic development in northern British Columbia through the establishment of the office of the Northern Development Commissioner.
Copyright © 1999: Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada