Legislation required to implement the New West Partnership Trade Agreement was introduced today in the Legislative Assembly by Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

The trade agreement between B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan will strengthen the economy of the three provinces and create jobs by making markets attractive to investors, all of which benefit families.

If passed, the New West Partnership Trade Agreement Implementation Act will ensure the Province of British Columbia has the statutory authority to meet its obligations and exercise its rights under the British Columbia-Alberta-Saskatchewan New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

The act will also provide statutory certainty regarding dispute resolution provisions and ensure awards and costs are enforced. In addition, the act amends provisions in the College of Applied Biology Act to ensure the Council of the College of Applied Biology complies with the labour mobility provisions of the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have already fulfilled their respective requirements to implement the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

Signed in April 2010, the New West Partnership is an economic partnership with a combined annual GDP of nearly half-a-trillion dollars and commits the three provinces to ongoing collaboration on innovative ways to strengthen the economy of the West. The New West Partnership focuses on four areas key to economic growth - trade, international co-operation, innovation, and procurement.

Contact:

Ben James

Public Affairs Officer

250 356-8177

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect