B.C.–MANITOBA M.O.U.

WHEREAS Manitoba and British Columbia wish to enhance their long history of cooperation, promote their common interests in discussions with other governments, and share information and encourage partnerships in areas of mutual concern and interest between their jurisdictions to the benefit of Manitobans, British Columbians and all Canadians;

WHEREAS Manitoba and British Columbia wish to enrich their common commitment to climate action as demonstrated by their membership in the Western Climate Initiative and the Climate Registry and similar approaches to addressing climate change such as energy efficiency initiatives like “PowerSmart”; and

WHEREAS Manitoba and British Columbia wish to build upon their ongoing collaboration at regional forums such as the Western Premiers’ Conference and the Western Governors’ Association, at national forums such as the Council of the Federation and with organizations outside of government like the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to enhance relations and foster successful partnerships, within and outside of government.

THEREFORE Manitoba and British Columbia agree as follows:

1. AREAS OF MUTUAL CONCERN AND INTEREST

Manitoba and British Columbia will work cooperatively on areas of mutual concern and interest including, but not limited to, the following:

2. CLIMATE ACTION

2.1 Manitoba and British Columbia agree that decisive and immediate action needs to be taken to address greenhouse gas emissions that are having an impact on the climate and the environment of Canada and the world, and are committed to working in collaboration with other Canadian, U.S. state and international governments to maximize efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2.2 Manitoba and British Columbia recognize that continued full engagement with citizens, business leaders, communities, First Nations, environmental advocates, the academic and scientific community, and federal and local governments is crucial to fostering a new personal conservation ethic and to ultimate success in addressing climate change.

2.3 Manitoba and British Columbia will work together, consistent with the targets set by each province, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels and beyond through measures including, but not limited to, the following areas:

2.3.1 Designing a multi-sector market-based mechanism through the Western Climate Initiative, such as a load-based cap-and-trade program, by the end of August 2008;

2.3.2 Developing and promoting a consistent and verifiable North American standard for measurement of greenhouse gas emissions through the Climate Registry;

2.3.3 Adopting a vehicle emission standard consistent with California tailpipe emissions standards, commencing in 2010 or sooner;

2.3.4 Continuing to implement low carbon fuel content standards / mandates and exploring policy and program options to encourage a reduction in vehicle-miles traveled;

2.3.5 Building on successful efforts to expand energy conservation and efficiency, including requiring all new government-funded buildings to be built, at least, to the LEED Silver standard (or equivalent) certification, developing and implementing green building codes to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency in Canada, continued public education efforts, and sharing best practices on the development of incentives, policies and programming to reduce energy use through programs such as “PowerSmart”;

2.3.6 Introducing legislation or regulations, as required, within the next twelve months to regulate the recapture of methane gas from large landfills;

2.3.7 Requiring government entities to implement effective measures and best practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in government operations;

2.3.8 Broadening renewable energy portfolios to include additional hydro, wind power, geothermal, solar and biomass power;

2.3.9 Further promoting the development and use of low-emitting vehicle technologies including plug-in hybrid and hydrogen technologies and through initiatives such as the Hydrogen Highway and hydrogen transit projects;

2.3.10 Supporting measures that reduce truck idling such as electrification of truck stops along the Trans-Canada and other major highways;

2.3.11 Promoting sustainable agriculture, land management and forestry practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen carbon sinks, and increase resilience to climate change impacts;

2.3.12 Improving environmental protection at ports to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, and to protect ocean resources around port complexes; and

2.2.13 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with official government business by promoting the use of video conferencing as an alternative to travel for intergovernmental meetings and events and promoting offsets for government travel.

2.4 Manitoba and British Columbia will work to address the impacts of climate change through adaptation research, support and capacity building for affected communities, enhancing resilience of eco-systems and continuing collaboration through national processes on ‘at-risk’ species of mutual interest.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

3.1 Manitoba and British Columbia agree that the timeliness, certainty and predictability of environmental assessments for projects subject to both provincial and federal assessments must be improved and will continue working to advance and achieve a “one project–one assessment” approach with the federal government.

4. ABORIGINAL ISSUES

4.1 Manitoba and British Columbia agree that efforts to close the socio-economic gap between Aboriginal and other Canadians must be continued and accelerated and agree, in consultation with Aboriginal leadership, to work together and share best practices, policies and information in, but not limited to, the following areas:

4.1.1 Comparing and considering mechanisms for closing the gap in K-12 completion rates and increasing the number of Aboriginal students in post-secondary education.

4.1.2 Examining and discussing economic development strategies and initiatives including exploration of critical factors, practical tools and innovative approaches to generating economic opportunities and discussion of corporate-government-Aboriginal approaches and collaborative partnerships.

4.2 Manitoba and British Columbia further agree to develop an agenda and work-plan to cooperate on research, information-sharing and other joint activities as appropriate that are considered to be of mutual benefit and interest and focused on areas connected to the efforts outlined in section 4.1.

5. LABOUR MARKET

5.1 Manitoba and British Columbia recognize that an aging workforce and a decline in the number of young people entering the labour market are key challenges to continued strong economic growth and agree to work together to promote and develop strategies in their provinces and across Canada to address these challenges including, but not limited to, the following:

5.1.1 Jointly proposing enhanced measures to ensure Canada's immigration system for both temporary foreign workers and permanent residents meets labour market needs in Manitoba and British Columbia;

5.1.2 Improving the labour market integration of immigrants through settlement programs that are relevant, responsive and accessible, and international qualifications recognition practices that are fair, transparent and equitable;

5.1.3 Ensuring working age adults have adequate literacy skills to take full advantage of current and future employment opportunities; and

5.1.4 Working together to further advance opportunities for workers in regulated occupations to seek opportunities work in their chosen occupation within both provinces.

6. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND TRADE

6.1 Manitoba and British Columbia agree that the efficient and safe passage of people and goods across the Canada - United States border is vital and share a concern about the effect of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on legitimate trade and tourism. Manitoba and British Columbia agree to work together to support the enhanced driver’s licence initiative as a practical and safe alternative to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative passport requirement.

6.2 Manitoba and British Columbia further agree to consider joint trade and / or export initiatives to geographic markets offering potential economic benefits to both participants, which may include the Asia Pacific and other developing economies, as well as markets in the western United States.

6.3 Manitoba and British Columbia also agree to continue building and enhancing relationships with their colleagues in governments in the western United States.

7. COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

7.1 The Premiers of Manitoba and British Columbia will each appoint a representative to co-chair a steering committee that will be responsible for ensuring the intent of this Agreement is fulfilled, for recommending any future agreements and for undertaking a biennial review.

8. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION

8.1 This agreement may be amended with the written consent of Manitoba and British Columbia.

8.2 This agreement may be terminated by either Manitoba or British Columbia at any time upon written notice.

9. NO LEGAL OR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS CREATED

9.1 This agreement does not create any legal or contractual rights or obligations and is not to be construed as imposing any financial obligations on either Manitoba or British Columbia.

Signed in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Tuesday, the 23^rd day of October, 2007.

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Media contact:	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218	Naline Rampersad Cabinet Communications Province of Manitoba 204 945-1494

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