Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Jeez! BCRail has already been sucked in!
.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2010TRAN0002-000145
Feb. 10, 2010
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
BC RAIL BROUGHT INTO GOVERNMENT
VICTORIA - The Province is moving the operations and management of the
British Columbia Railway Company (BCRC) into the Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure, reducing administrative costs and
ensuring maximum value for taxpayer dollars, Transportation and
Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond announced.
"Over the past eight years, BCRC has generated close to $1.5 billion for
British Columbia and the company has remained debt-free," said Bond.
"After an extensive review, our government and the board of directors
agree that BCRC's scope of work has evolved to a point where it could be
most efficiently managed within the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure."
In the speech from the throne yesterday, the provincial government
announced the transition as a result of its commitment to review Crown
corporations. Legislation to facilitate the transition will be presented
to the legislature in the current sitting of the House.
"By integrating BCRC's day-to-day operations into the ministry, there
will be ongoing savings and benefits from a reduction in operating costs," said Bond. "By having greater flexibility around the use of the assets of BC Rail, the Province will be better able to strategically
manage those assets as part of the Pacific Gateway Strategy, including
port operations and strategic land acquisitions."
The BCRC board of directors have resigned effective March 31, 2010. The
president and CEO and executive vice-president of real estate will stay
on until that time to facilitate the transition of BCRC to the ministry.
Beginning April 1, 2010, the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure will assume responsibility for the company's operations,
including:
* Supporting and facilitating the BC Ports Strategy and Pacific Gateway
Strategy, which includes the railway corridor, strategic port lands and
related infrastructure investments.
* Overseeing the 2004 Revitalization Agreement with CN Rail.
* Overseeing the lease agreement with Kinder Morgan Canada Terminals for
operating the Vancouver Wharves' marine terminal facilities.
* Retaining ownership of all former BC Rail railway lands and track
infrastructure.
* Retaining the ownership and operation of the BCRC Port Subdivision, a
38-kilometre line for the port terminals at Roberts Bank.
* Disposing of remaining residual land assets, except those related to
rail or Pacific Gateway operations.
The move to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure does not
alter the Province's 2004 Revitalization Agreement with CN Rail or other
existing agreements or contracts. BCRC will continue as a legal entity,
with its existing legislative authority, including ownership of all
BCRC's rights-of-way, railbed, tracks and land.
-30-
Media Contact:
Jeff Knight
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-7707
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the
Province's news feeds using RSS, visit the Province's website at
www.gov.bc.ca.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2010TRAN0002-000145
Feb. 10, 2010
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
BC RAIL BROUGHT INTO GOVERNMENT
VICTORIA - The Province is moving the operations and management of the
British Columbia Railway Company (BCRC) into the Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure, reducing administrative costs and
ensuring maximum value for taxpayer dollars, Transportation and
Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond announced.
"Over the past eight years, BCRC has generated close to $1.5 billion for
British Columbia and the company has remained debt-free," said Bond.
"After an extensive review, our government and the board of directors
agree that BCRC's scope of work has evolved to a point where it could be
most efficiently managed within the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure."
In the speech from the throne yesterday, the provincial government
announced the transition as a result of its commitment to review Crown
corporations. Legislation to facilitate the transition will be presented
to the legislature in the current sitting of the House.
"By integrating BCRC's day-to-day operations into the ministry, there
will be ongoing savings and benefits from a reduction in operating costs," said Bond. "By having greater flexibility around the use of the assets of BC Rail, the Province will be better able to strategically
manage those assets as part of the Pacific Gateway Strategy, including
port operations and strategic land acquisitions."
The BCRC board of directors have resigned effective March 31, 2010. The
president and CEO and executive vice-president of real estate will stay
on until that time to facilitate the transition of BCRC to the ministry.
Beginning April 1, 2010, the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure will assume responsibility for the company's operations,
including:
* Supporting and facilitating the BC Ports Strategy and Pacific Gateway
Strategy, which includes the railway corridor, strategic port lands and
related infrastructure investments.
* Overseeing the 2004 Revitalization Agreement with CN Rail.
* Overseeing the lease agreement with Kinder Morgan Canada Terminals for
operating the Vancouver Wharves' marine terminal facilities.
* Retaining ownership of all former BC Rail railway lands and track
infrastructure.
* Retaining the ownership and operation of the BCRC Port Subdivision, a
38-kilometre line for the port terminals at Roberts Bank.
* Disposing of remaining residual land assets, except those related to
rail or Pacific Gateway operations.
The move to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure does not
alter the Province's 2004 Revitalization Agreement with CN Rail or other
existing agreements or contracts. BCRC will continue as a legal entity,
with its existing legislative authority, including ownership of all
BCRC's rights-of-way, railbed, tracks and land.
-30-
Media Contact:
Jeff Knight
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-7707
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the
Province's news feeds using RSS, visit the Province's website at
www.gov.bc.ca
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BC Rail to shed Crown Corp. status
Canadian Cattlemen - Feb. 12/10
Useful interpretation HERE.
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Comments:
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Sooooo, what does this mean for the lawsuit in Prince George? Or all the other lands slated for sale?
This says, it " does not
alter the Province's 2004 Revitalization Agreement with CN Rail or other
existing agreements or contracts. BCRC will continue as a legal entity,
with its existing legislative authority, including ownership of all
BCRC's rights-of-way, railbed, tracks and land. "
From Sean Holman:
http://www.publiceyeonline.com/archives/004728.html
" The track toward transparency
February 10, 2010
British Columbia Railway Co.'s records will be subject to freedom of information requests once it's "brought into government," Public Eye has learned. Yesterday's throne speech announced the Crown corporation would be "wound down." And, in an email, a transportation ministry spokesperson confirmed the company's records - both past and future - will be accessible via such requests once the legislation making that change is put in place. Which means documents related to former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's work for the company may now see the light of day."
What a development this is. And the trial so soon to start.
This says, it " does not
alter the Province's 2004 Revitalization Agreement with CN Rail or other
existing agreements or contracts. BCRC will continue as a legal entity,
with its existing legislative authority, including ownership of all
BCRC's rights-of-way, railbed, tracks and land. "
From Sean Holman:
http://www.publiceyeonline.com/archives/004728.html
" The track toward transparency
February 10, 2010
British Columbia Railway Co.'s records will be subject to freedom of information requests once it's "brought into government," Public Eye has learned. Yesterday's throne speech announced the Crown corporation would be "wound down." And, in an email, a transportation ministry spokesperson confirmed the company's records - both past and future - will be accessible via such requests once the legislation making that change is put in place. Which means documents related to former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's work for the company may now see the light of day."
What a development this is. And the trial so soon to start.
I wouldn't be to quick to think information will see the light of day it might sink into the black hole of government labeled classified. Another thing that got my attention was....oh ya who was that that lost the ammonium nitrate....that's right Kinder Morgan....a coincidence. Maybe.
All the double speak "Over the past eight years, BCRC has generated close to $1.5 billion for
British Columbia and the company has remained debt-free," said Bond.
"After an extensive review, our government and the board of directors
agree that BCRC's scope of work has evolved to a point where it could be
most efficiently managed within the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure."
Read:- This corporation needs to start losing money.
"By integrating BCRC's day-to-day operations into the ministry, there
will be ongoing savings and benefits from a reduction in operating costs," said Bond. "By having greater flexibility around the use of the assets of BC Rail, the Province will be better able to strategically
manage those assets as part of the Pacific Gateway Strategy, including
port operations and strategic land acquisitions."
Read:- We can make our friends even richer.
British Columbia and the company has remained debt-free," said Bond.
"After an extensive review, our government and the board of directors
agree that BCRC's scope of work has evolved to a point where it could be
most efficiently managed within the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure."
Read:- This corporation needs to start losing money.
"By integrating BCRC's day-to-day operations into the ministry, there
will be ongoing savings and benefits from a reduction in operating costs," said Bond. "By having greater flexibility around the use of the assets of BC Rail, the Province will be better able to strategically
manage those assets as part of the Pacific Gateway Strategy, including
port operations and strategic land acquisitions."
Read:- We can make our friends even richer.
I submit that this "news release" was put out on the instructions from Campbell. Therefore it is a complete lie.
# posted by 
: February 10, 2010 at 6:36 p.m.
: February 10, 2010 at 6:36 p.m.
we want a trial; we want a trial; we want a trial!!!!
Yaaaaaaaaaatzee!
Yaaaaaaaaaatzee!
# posted by : February 10, 2010 at 6:55 p.m.
: February 10, 2010 at 6:55 p.m.
The company's records - both past and future - will be available through FOI? You can be sure it will be so badly redacted as to be useless...and that what can be seen is a lie. Does anyone, anywhere...have an accurate accounting of the past books for comparison?
And why now? Just in time for foreign media to pick up on how "transparent and open" our government has suddenly become? Trusting soul that I am, I don't believe a word out of their mouths. Fool me once... .
And why now? Just in time for foreign media to pick up on how "transparent and open" our government has suddenly become? Trusting soul that I am, I don't believe a word out of their mouths. Fool me once... .
# posted by : February 10, 2010 at 8:37 p.m.
: February 10, 2010 at 8:37 p.m.
It goes something like this:
I have a truck that is valued at $25,000. I use it to get back and forth to work and also to transport all the materials needed by my customers with my materials transport business. The truck has provided the basis for several helpers and me to earn a living; and, for 9 out of the 10 years that I have owned it, it has turned enough profit to enable me to do good things in my community such as donate to the local ambulance service and provide the local school library with new books. It has been a great truck: it has kept my family fed, my employees busy and my customers happy. I currently owe $5000 on the truck because I recently had a new diesel engine installed.
My rich neighbour to the south heard that I was getting a bit tired of trucking, so he just offered me $15,000 for my truck and transport business. I told him that the business is worth more than that, certainly he must realize I have built up good will with my customers and my customers like the service as it is the only way they can get to the raw materials they need to stay in business. He said, "Yes, but no one else wants the truck and I can do the job cheaper because I have a bigger transport business, thereby ensuring those materials get purchased and moved to the cheaper workforce. Look at all the good you will be doing for your fellow men and women. You'll be a hero; and if you'ld rather, I've got 8 free passes to the Olympics I can give you instead of the money. Now wouldn't that be one big retirement party! You could invite your girlfriend and your wife and all of your best friends - even that big guy that is married to the skeleton!"
I have a truck that is valued at $25,000. I use it to get back and forth to work and also to transport all the materials needed by my customers with my materials transport business. The truck has provided the basis for several helpers and me to earn a living; and, for 9 out of the 10 years that I have owned it, it has turned enough profit to enable me to do good things in my community such as donate to the local ambulance service and provide the local school library with new books. It has been a great truck: it has kept my family fed, my employees busy and my customers happy. I currently owe $5000 on the truck because I recently had a new diesel engine installed.
My rich neighbour to the south heard that I was getting a bit tired of trucking, so he just offered me $15,000 for my truck and transport business. I told him that the business is worth more than that, certainly he must realize I have built up good will with my customers and my customers like the service as it is the only way they can get to the raw materials they need to stay in business. He said, "Yes, but no one else wants the truck and I can do the job cheaper because I have a bigger transport business, thereby ensuring those materials get purchased and moved to the cheaper workforce. Look at all the good you will be doing for your fellow men and women. You'll be a hero; and if you'ld rather, I've got 8 free passes to the Olympics I can give you instead of the money. Now wouldn't that be one big retirement party! You could invite your girlfriend and your wife and all of your best friends - even that big guy that is married to the skeleton!"
# posted by : February 10, 2010 at 10:06 p.m.
: February 10, 2010 at 10:06 p.m.
Are we sure the information will even be around to request under the FOI? I mean, didn't they LOSE a bunch of tapes/information already that mysteriously disappeared?
# posted by : February 11, 2010 at 5:45 a.m.
: February 11, 2010 at 5:45 a.m.
Curt, the only thing I can be sure of is this announcement meant nothing good...and we're about to take another taxpayer bath compliments of The Campbell Cabal.
They in general, and he in particular...have never done ANYTHING for the good of this province. Not even from day one.
They in general, and he in particular...have never done ANYTHING for the good of this province. Not even from day one.
# posted by : February 11, 2010 at 8:12 a.m.
: February 11, 2010 at 8:12 a.m.
Does the rent that Ministry of Transportation is paying to BCR Properties count in the income that the Minister mentions in the release. KInd of like playing pocket pool or moving your quarters from one pocket to the other. But then who's counting and the unwashed have no idea about what's good for them.
# posted by : February 11, 2010 at 11:25 a.m.
: February 11, 2010 at 11:25 a.m.
And all this for a railroad that was "LEASED", not sold? What a lie right from the beginning. And now the lieberals can/wil SELL off whatever is left, (LAND) to their corporate friends. All for the best for British Columbians?? Or all the best for the hypocrits in this government and the corporate elites.
I look forward to the trial and hope and pray that the accused get a fair trial and that the TRUTH will be told. Time will tell.
I look forward to the trial and hope and pray that the accused get a fair trial and that the TRUTH will be told. Time will tell.
# posted by : February 12, 2010 at 6:43 a.m.
: February 12, 2010 at 6:43 a.m.
"And now the lieberals can/wil SELL off whatever is left, (LAND) to their corporate friends"
Of course that's what it was all about all along. Otherwise they would have done the right thing for the Olympics AND the future and developed the rail component of the Sea to Die corridor. Then Whistler would have a much more assured future - The money spent to shave twenty minutes off the time it takes a BMW to get to Whistler was obscene - not to mention the environmental loss.
Railroads have never quit moving freight, and should move even more than they do, and will once fuel and road maintenance are being paid for by the real users and abusers. They will also return to moving more people, and not just rich tourists who aren't going anywhere to do anything relevant.
As a race we will look stupid when we have to replace the infrastructure we already had and expand on it. But those who see the light and start the process will look smart once we are forced to evolve from this unsustainable and impractical one person per car wasteful transportation model and the absurdity of paving more and more lanes that become packed upon opening to traffic.
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Of course that's what it was all about all along. Otherwise they would have done the right thing for the Olympics AND the future and developed the rail component of the Sea to Die corridor. Then Whistler would have a much more assured future - The money spent to shave twenty minutes off the time it takes a BMW to get to Whistler was obscene - not to mention the environmental loss.
Railroads have never quit moving freight, and should move even more than they do, and will once fuel and road maintenance are being paid for by the real users and abusers. They will also return to moving more people, and not just rich tourists who aren't going anywhere to do anything relevant.
As a race we will look stupid when we have to replace the infrastructure we already had and expand on it. But those who see the light and start the process will look smart once we are forced to evolve from this unsustainable and impractical one person per car wasteful transportation model and the absurdity of paving more and more lanes that become packed upon opening to traffic.
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