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 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
MINISTRY OF
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
NOVEMBER 23,1979 to MARCH 31,1981
 1
British Columbia Cataloguing in Publication Data
British Columbia. Ministry of Intergovernmental
Relations.
Annual report—1st (1979/81)—
Report year ends March 31.
First report covers Nov. 23, 1979 to March 31, 1981.
ISSN 0713-2751 = Annual report—Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations (Victoria)
1. British Columbia. Ministry offiritergovernmental
Relations—Periodicals.
JL432.Z57 354.71108
 IE
June 5,1981
^Honourable Henry R Bell-Irving, D.S.O., O.B.E., E.D.
I-Stenant-Governor of British Columbia
<\Y IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR:
ISvith I respectfully submit the First Annual Report of the Ministry of Intergovernmental
Iffifions for the year ended March 31,1981. This report also covers the period from the
IBRy's formation on November 23, 1979 to March 31, 1980.
Garde B. Gardom
Minister
 ■
June 5,19
The Honourable Garde B. Gardom
Minister of Intergovernmental Relations
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C.
Sir:
I have the honour to submit the First Annual Report of the Ministry of Intergovernmental!
Relations for the year ended March 31,1981. This report also covers the period from thta
Ministry's formation on November 23,1979, to March 31,1980.
Yours truly,
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Highlights    7
Background .....  11
Report of Deputy Minister  17
Report of Deputy Minister  19
(Constitutional Affairs)
Law of the Sea Conference  20
B.S.-Canada Maritime Boundaries 21
Cabinet Committee System 23
Eabinet Committee Tours and Meetings 24
Visits and Conferences  27
B.C. House, Ottawa  29
B.C. House, London  31
 Directory
Minister
Honourable Garde B. Gardom, Victoria
Agent General
Alexander H. Hart, London, England
Executive Committee
James Matkin, Deputy Minister, Victoria
Melvin H. Smith, Deputy Minister (Constitutional Affairs), Victoria
Mark Krasn^ff Secretary, Cabinet Committee on Planning & Priorities
  • The Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations for the Province of
Columbia was formed on November 23, 1979.
• British Columbia strongly opposed Premier Levesque's plan foi
sovereignty-association for Quebec, In May of 1980 Premier Bei
travelled to Montreal and delivered a speech urging Quebec*!!
with the other provinces in working out within the context of a i
federal Canada satisfactory constitutional arrangements.
• During the intensive four-week round of meetings preparatory ll
First Misters' Conference in September 1980, our provinceWI
hard to develop federal-provincial agreement. British Columffll
demonstrated flexibility in the interest of reaching an accoraMl
moving from some positions previously taken. However, althou'
provinces concurred on a large range of issues, the Federal f
Government did not.
• British Columbia strongly opposed the proposed federal unilSI
resolution of October 3, 1980, to the United Kingdom ParliaHl
the Constitution of our country. The making of the proposed cn
without provincial concurrence is contrary to the spirit of fedena
serious erosion of existing provincial rights, and a violation of v
established constitutional practice.
• The Government of British Columbia prepared and presenterffll
later, a well documented submission to the Foreign Affairs Com
("the Kershaw Committee") of the U.K. Parliament in LondonSll
subsequent report, that committee agreed that substantiati^l
provincial consent was necessary before the U.K. ParliamentI
enact the federally proposed changes to the B.N.A. Act.
• On December 11, 1980, the Legislature of British Columbia pass
following resolution:
"That We, the Members of the Legg|ative Assembly of the Pro'i'
British Columbia, re-affirming our allegiance to the Crown, our
commitment to a united Canada within the Canadian FederMI
asserting the sovereign status of Canada as a free and indtSI
nation, support
(i) early patriation of the Constitution of Canada from the Und
Kingdom,
(ii) a formula for the amendment of the Constitution of Calaj j
respect of matters affecting federal-provincial relationship!
with the consent of the Legislatures of all the Provinces anog]
Parliament of Canada."
• During 1980 the Ministry also assumed its responsibility to prolj
cabinet secretariat services to 11 statutory, standing and spec
comittees of Cabinet with the exception of Treasury Board. I
• Beginning January 1, 1981, the Honourable Garde Gardom initd
action by British Columbia to lead the way in having six, theM!
then eight provinces reach agreement on a positive constitwffl
proposal. The action was concluded at the historic meetingjBD
on April 16, 1981, at which eight premiers committed the previa
they represented on alternate route to patriation, in accord^D
the spirit of federalism, which would have all changes to thjS|
Constitution made in Canada by Canadians.
J
 • On January 9, 1981, Premier Bennett made a comprehensive
submission to the Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House
of Commons on the Constitution of Canada urging the Federal
Government to abandon its unilateral approach and return to the
conference table to resolve our differences in the Canadian way
through co-operation and compromise.
• Also early in 1981, British Columbia intervened in the courts of
Manitoba, Newfoundland and Quebec and subsequently in the
Supreme Court of Canada in support of those provinces that
successfully challenged the validity of the unilateral federal resolution.
- The historic "Constihfffonal Accord" signed by the premiers of
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia,
Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan on April 16, 1981,
provided for:
- adoption of a new amending formula for the constitution;
- intensive constitutional negotiations over the next three years; and
- the discontinuance of all court action on this matter.
• The Constitutional Accord was conditional upon the Government of
Canada withdrawing its proposed resolution on the Constitution.
• Following the signing of the accord, Premier Bennett and the Minister
continued to call for a greater measure of goodwill and willingness on
the part of the Federal Government to return to the conference table
to renew our Constitution in Canada.
• During the 16 months since the Ministry's formation, British Columbia's
increased activities in the national and international sphere and its
growing reputation as a producer of energy resulted in a busy period
for the Ministry in arranging conferences, meetings and visits.
   Prior to the formation of the Ministry of
Intergovernmental Relations in late 1979,
a department of the Office of the Premier
held the responsibility for the B.C. government's
intergovernmental relations, executive council
administration and reform of the Constitution.
This Department of Intergovernmental Relations
consistently played an active role for British
Columbia in the areas of intergovernmental
relations and the constitutional reform proce^i^B
The department advanced the Government of
British Columbia's position that advocated
patriation of the Constitution either with or without
an amending formula, provided the consent of ail
the provinces was obtained. This government has
always believed that major changes to our
Constitution must only be made by all
governments working together.
Since 1976 British Columbia's constitutional
objectives have stressed:
- British Columbia's commitment to a united
Canada and to the basic principles of
federalism.
- Our desire to design a new framework
which will meet the contemporary needs of
the people of Canada and serve the
demands and aspirations of the future.
- The preservation of the Monarchy in
Canada.
- The strengthening of the Canadian
federation through a new second chamber
of the Federal Parliament which would act
as a mechanism whereby the national
administration could be adequately
informed of, and properly take into account
the needs and aspirations of the various
provincial governments and laws, policies
and programs that deal with crucial matters
of joint federal-provincial concern.
- Greater provincial representation in central
institutions such as the Bank of Canada, the
Canadian Transport Commission, the
Canadian Radio and Television Commission,
the National Harbours Board, the Canada
Development Corporation and the Foreign
Investment Review Agency.
- The patriation of the Constitution either with
an agreed amending formula .or without an
amending formula if accompanied by
express safeguards to provide for
unanimous approval until an amending
formula is agreed upon.
- An amending formula for the Constitution
based on a fair representation from the five
regions of Canada - Atlantic, Quebec,
Ontario, Prairie and Pacific.
Among the major initiatives taken by Britisil
Columbia on the constitutional front over thij
five years are the following:
- In the spring of 1976 British Columffll
offered to support simple patriationffil
without an amending formula, provide
approval of all governments was obtEi
- Since 1976 the province has chaire-wl
Western Premiers Task Force on   i
constitutional trends monitoring Fedel
Government intrusions into areas of
provincial jurisdiction.
- In November 1976 Premier BennettM
published a document restating the
province's willingness to accept patri
with or without an amending formuSI
advocated that if there were any ame
formula, it must recognize the realiffll
contemporary Canada.
- In February 1978 Premier Bennett ma
formal submission to the Pepin/Robarf
Force on Canadian Unity developing
theme of B.C.'s constitutional proposa
the central institutions of our country
restructured to effectively recognizest!
address the concerns of all regions o
Canada in the central decision-makin
process.
- in September 1978, in advance of the
Ministers' Conference on theConsujSI
British Columbia published a compreh
set of proposals on the ConstitutioSI
for:
(a) A reformed Senate with members
appointed by the provincial
governments to play a strong roll
crucial federal-provincial issues;
(b) Equal regional representation irafl
Senate from the five regions of C
- Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prgrl
Pacific;
(c) Embodiment of the Supreme Cot
Canada in the Constitution, with j
drawn from the five regions and
appointed by the reformed Senal
(d) Improved mechanisms to elimina
present ad hoc federal-provincial
arrangements;
(e) Principles for restructuring the
distribution of powers between b
levels of government;
(f) An amending formula for the Car]
Constitution, based on afive-regj
Canada.
(g) Maintenance of the role of the
Monarchy in Canada.
12
J
 Horn September 1978 to November 1979
| the ministers responsible, Honourable Rafe
Mair and Honourable G. Gardom,
Mficipated in the numerous meetings of
the Continuing Committee of Ministers on
ra Constitution and made a concerted
effort toward agreement on a wide range of
constitutional subjects.
Ifflation of the Ministry of Intergovernmental
pns was announced by Premier William R.
[rain Victoria on November 23, 1979, to take
he responsibilities of the Department of
bvernmental Relations. A special reference
[Rlined the following purpose and
pns for the new Ministry:
To co-ordinate and develop policies,
[ strategies and activities regarding British
f Columbia's relations with other
I governments by:
i (a) Monitoring activities and relationships
■ of other governments among
I themselves and with B.C.;
I (b) Co-ordinating relationships of B.C
I ministries with other governments;
(c) Maintaining a thorough knowledge of
■ Executive Council policies in
■intergovernmental areas;
(d) Analyzing issues and advising on
I appropriate strategies for B.C.'s
approach to consultations on
I  intergovernmental matters;
(e) Maintaining effective contacts with
■ other governments and with B.C.
House in Ottawa and B.C House in
London;
(f) Representing B.C. at meetings with
I  other governments held for the
I purpose of preparing for and co-
ordinating discussions of
■intergovernmental matters, and
I attending intergovernmental meetings
as necessary;
R Co-ordinating preparations and
preparing briefing material for the
■ Premier and the Minister of
■ Intergovernmental Relations at
■ intergovernmental meetings;
[h) Organizing and administering
■arrangements for intergovernmental
■ meetings hosted by the Premier or
B the Minister of Intergovernmental
I  Relations;
I™ Ensuring that submissions to Cabinet
■- including submissions to the five
■policy committees of Cabinet
(Planning and Priorities, Treasury
Board,
Economic DeveloDment. Social
Services, and ELUC) - take into
account implications for
intergovernmental relations;
I  (j)   Co-ordinating and administering
arrangements for visits to B.C. by
foreign and Canadian representatives
(other than those arranged by the
Ministry of the Provincial Secretary
and the trade liaison office), and by
co-ordinating arrangements;
(k)  Providing secretarial services to
ongoing intergovernmental
mechanisms such as the Alaska/B.C./
Yukon committee of heads of
government, and participating as
B.C.'s representative in management
meetings of the Canadian
Intergovernmental Conferences
Secretariat;
(I) Providing appropriate staff and
services to support the special
representative of the Premier in
Ottawa.
2. To co-ordinate and develop B.C.'s policy on
proposals to reform federalism by:
(a) Advising the Minister of
Intergovernmental Relations and
through him the Premier and Cabinet,
on B.C.'s position and proposals on the
reform of the Constitution of Canada
and federal-provincial arrangements;
(b) Analyzing information and circulating it
in appropriate formats on issues and
events affecting the review of the
Constitution and federal-provincial
arrangements and their impact on B.C.
as a member of the Canadian
federation.
3. To facilitate the functioning of the Cabinet's
committee system by:
(a) Advising the Premier on the structure
and functioning of the Cabinet
committee system;
(b) Providing secretariat services to all
standing and ad hoc committees of
Cabinet other than Treasury Board;
(c) Recording minutes and decisions of
committees for appropriate circulation
to Cabinet and to ministries;
(d) Administering records and publications
of orders-in-council approved by the
Executive Council and its committees;
(e) Preparing agendas for all meetings of
Cabinet committees other than
Treasury Board and providing for
appropriate circulation of agendas and
submissions.
13
 4. To ensure adequate consultation and
co-ordination regarding all submissions to
Executive Council by:
(a) Reviewing all submissions to Executive
Council committees and Treasury
Board to determine whether ministries
with an interest in a submis^n have
been adequately consulted by the
sponsoring ministry;
(b) Providing for interministerial
consultation on submissions as
appropriate;
(c) Briefing the chairmen of all Cabinet
committees other than Treasury Board
in interministejial implications of
submissions to Cabinet;
(d) Maintaining a continuing, thorough
knowledge of the policy approaches
and priorities of all ministries.
5. To advise the Premier on the allocation of
responsibilities to Cabinet committees and
ministries by:
(a) Analyzing the workload, responsibilities
and inter-relationships of Cabinet
committees and ministries;
(b) Advising on means to ensure adequate
consideration of the social, economic,
environmental and other policy
objectives of government.
Bill 63, Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations
Act, passed third reading in the Legislative
Assembly on August 22, 1980.
 IBafufied correct as passed Third Reading on the 22nd day of August, 1980.
|®N D. IZARD, Law Clerk.
.63]
MINISTER OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS.
BILL
Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations Act
"1980
R MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the
i^Since of British Columbia, enacts as follows:
Hmistry of Intergovernmental Relations
• 1.(1) There shall be a ministry of the public service of the Province called the
Histry of Intergovernmental Relations.
[ (2) The minister shall preside over the ministry and be responsible to the Lieutenant
IWernor in Council for the direction of the ministry.
Ileputy minister
2. One or more deputy ministers of the ministry may be appointed under the Public
twice Act.
urposes and functions of the ministry
B 3. The purposes and functions of the ministry are, under the direction of the
I mister,
(a) to coordinate the activities of, to make recommendations to and to develop
programs and policies for the Executive Council in relation to federal-
provincial, interprovincial and extraprovincial affairs, and
(b) to act as secretariat to the Executive Council and its committees and to
coordinate policy development among the ministries.
h greements with other governments
■ 4. The minister on behalf of the government may, with the approval of the
Lieutenant Governor in Council, enter into agreements with the government of Canada,
:; e government of a province of an agent of the government of Canada or a province.
ii inual report
5. The minister shall each year submit to the Lieutenant Governor in Council a
• port for the fiscal year ending March 31  respecting the work performed by the
Hffitry, and the minister shall lay the report before the Legislative Assembly as soon as
Hafticable.
Queen's Printer for British Columbia <i
Victoria. 1982
   The Ministry of Intergovemment Relations,
under its mandate, is charged with
responsibility to the Government of
British Columbia in four main areas:
- Cabinet secretariat
- Constitutional reform
- Federal-provincial and interprovincial
relations
- International relations
The Ministry, since its formation, has been
instrumental in improving the document flow of
the Cabinet committee system. The secretariat
function of the Ministry and Cabinet committee
system, in particular the Legislation Committee,
has been a primary activity of the Ministry during
its first year. An important change planned in the
coming year is the establishment of the
Document Control Centre for the Cabinet
committee processes.
Also since its formation, the Ministry under the
continuing leadership of its deputy minister
(constitutional affairs) J^mss a leading position
rStoss Canada in the area of constitutional
reform. A primary challenge for the coming year
will be the patriation and amendment of the
Canadian Constitution and it is anticipated that
the Ministry will play a key role in this important
exercise.
In the area of federal-provincial and
interprovincial relations, the establishment of the
British Columbia House in Ottawa with David
McPhee and Ann Vice has greatly improved our
ability to fulfill our Ministry's mandate in this area.
During the coming year, the Ministry plans to
improve British Columbia's profile in international
relations, in particular with its bordering states of
Alaska and Washington, as well as Japan.
Important visits in the future are planned with
the Governor of Washington and the Prime
Minister of Japan. International relations will be
developed as part of our federal-provincial
responsibility within Canada. British Columbia
House, London, provides an important contact
with Great Britain and Europe under the control
of the agent general, Alexander H. Hart.
"The future is purchased by the present," and
we therefore have every expectation of a vital
and exciting future for the Ministry of
Intergovernmental Relations.
18
  Part of the mandate of the Ministry is to
develop, co-ordinate and advance the
position and proposals of the
government in the area of the reform of the
Canadian Constitution.
^TnifConstitutional Affairs Division is headed
up by the Deputy Minister of Constitutional
Affairs, Melvin H. Smith, the official within
the Ministry charged with these responsibilities.
The section monitors all federal-provincial
developments affecting constitutional
discussions, advises the Minister and the
Premier on the issues and provides the
expertise and resources necessary for policy
development to effectivey conduct constitutional
negotiations.
The Deputy Minister of Constitutional Affairs acts
as secretary to the Cabinet Committee on
Confederation and supervises the activities of
the Academic Advisory Group comprised of six
leading academics from the University of British
Columbia and the University of Victoria drawn
from the disciplines of law, economics and
political science.
The year was an exceedingly busy one on the
constitutional side requiring the development of
the province's position in the comprehensive
federal-provincial constitutional talks
commencing in June and extending through to
mid-September, 1980.
The Minister was the leading spokesman for the
province on the Continuing Committee of
Ministers during those meetings and the staff
work was the responsibility of Mr. Smith who coordinated the work of a group of senior officials
from several ministries in the preparation of
British Columbia's position on all items on the
constitutional agenda.
It was gratifying to see during these disgffilsions
that many other governments began to share the
view first put forward by British Columbia in 1976
that substantial reform of the Senate of Canada
is necessary so as to properly bring to bear the
regional and provincial point of view in national
decision-making on crucial federal-provincial
issues.
British Columbia developed in detail such a view
in its constitutional proposals of 1978 which have
subsequently been followed with proposals of
striking similarity put forward by the Pepin/
Roberts Task Force, the Canadian Bar
Association, and the Claude Ryan Proposals.
The province prepared a soundly researched
brief to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.K.
Parliament (the Kershaw Committee) which was
examining the role of that Parliament if a re
to patriate the Canadian constitution wasra
before it by the Government of Canada.
Subsequent to the First Ministers' Conferersj
September 1981, this section of the Ministry
been heavily engaged in extensive efforts*!
initiated by the Premier and the Minister to |
governments back to the negotiating table J
that we might reform our Constitution in Cail
by Canadians.
This section also worked on an ongoing ba:
the intergovernmental aspects of some crijl
federal-provincial issues such as offshore
resources, western Canadian boundary anOi
fishing matters, the Law of the Sea Confers!
and the Western Premiers' Task Force on
Constitutional Trends.
LAW OF THE SEA CONFERENC
The latest session of the United Nations La'J
the Sea Conference was held in New York
between March 9 and April 24, 1981.
Of the several issues relative to the law of tn
sea, the focus of British Columbia's interest)]
date has been limited to Articles 74 and 83 >|
draft text of the treaty which have to do witlj
principles that are to be followed in delimffijl
boundary between adjacent states out to tl
200-mile limit. This has, of course, direct ■
relevance to British Columbia in the west cca
boundary negotiations (presently suspend© ll
pending determination of the east coast ■
interest).
With the advice of international law experts!
the University of British Columbia and Camba
University, the province has taken the po^ll
that the delirnttation of our boundaries off tt
west coast ought to be based on "equitiSI
principles" rather than on the "equidistances
principle.
On the other hand, Canadian interests on tl
east coast support the application of the
equidistance line principle, hence the possili
of a trade-off of west coast interests in favo <
east coast interests was early recognized a
hence the province made a detailed submisa
on these issues.
From a British Columbia perspective, the lati|
session of the conference proved to be largdJ
unproductive. President Reagan replaced tf
whole U.S. negotiating team and ordered a
complete review of the U.S. position. Becau^
the complexity of the issues, such a review ju
expected to be completed for many months
This was to be the last working session priofl
20
 i^ffijning in caucus later in the year.
ver, in view of the U.S. position, another
Btession is planned for Geneva in
st. It is not certain that the U.S. will have
Red its review by that time.
- canada maritime
Idaries
roclamation by Canada of the 200-mile limit
Ire requires the settlement between the
nment of Canada and the Government of
lited States of boundary lines between the
Kitries on the Pacific coast, off the Strait
n de Fuca, to the south, and off the Alaska
ndle, to the north. Since fish know no
Iffies, it is also necessary to work out a
I agreement between the two countries in
;t of sharing and managing those species
equent both sides of the boundary areas,
st negotiations on these matters were
cted between the two countries by
ssador Cadieux for Canada and
>sador Cutler for the United States.
Columbia prepared an extensive
bsion on the subject and pressed our case
ie Federal Government.
ISotiations on the Pacific coast issues
|to reach agreement and discussions broke
IB two years ago.
Iratlantic coast, tentative agreement was
Id between Canada and the United States
leries resources and also on an agreement
Imit the boundary issue to third party
jt|ln. That tentative agreement required
broval of the United States Senate. Senate
Ition, however, was not forthcoming, and in
Ly of this year the Reagan administration
pd the package and withdrew from the U.S.
fe'the fishing agreement, although it
Isd its intention to proceed with the third
Rirbitration on the boundary issue. Canada
<en aback by this move and is at present
Bidering its position.
Meantime, the Pacific Coast boundary
Kttions are in abeyance, which is in keeping
is best advice we have which indicates
feColumbia should await some decision on
I boundaries before settling the Pacific
boundaries.
BiErim, fishermen of each country must
H ihind their own country's published
lniry lines, except where there are separate
pients which permit otherwise.
Nle talks are continuing between the two
fn58 on the negotiation of a salmon
interception agreement which would deal with
Canadian salmon caught by U.S. fishermen in
U.S. waters, and U.S. salmon caught by
Canadian fishermen in Canadian waters.
   As a part of its mandate, the Ministry of
Intergovernmental Relations has
responsibility to provide Cabinet
secretariat services to all statutory, standing and
special committees of Cabinet with the
exception of Treasury Board. This function
involves, at an operational level, arranging
meetings, setting agendas, circulating
documentation, recording decisions and
necessary follow-up to ensure that decisions
taken are implemented.
In fulfilling these duties, the Ministry may advise
the Premier and other ministers on the structure
and functioning of the Cabinet committee system
so as to ensure that adequate consideration is
given to the policy objectives of the government.
The Ministry also attempts to ensure that
adequate consultation and co-ordination
regarding all submissions to the committees
have taken place prior to the item being
considered. This may involve providing for
interministry consultation on submissions and
briefing the chairmen of the committees on any
inter-ministry implications of submissions.
Attached to the three major standing committees
—Economic Development, Social Services and
Environment and Land Use Committees— are
committees of the appropriate deputy ministers
who consider the materials prior to their
presentation to these Cabinet committees. Since
the Ministry assumed responsibility from the
Premier's Office for the Cabinet committee
system in November 1979, the Ministry of
Intergovernmental Relations has organized and
served as secretariat for 279 meetings to March
31, 1981, at the minister or deputy minister level.
At these meetings a total of 1,027 items has
been considered. These figures refer to the main
committees only and do not take account of the
many sub-committees which are formed from
time to time, as required, under the umbrella of
the deputies' committees to examine specific
policy issues in greater depth. Examples of such
specific issue committees would be the interministry committee on pensions or the working
group on federal-provincial relations in the social
services.
The number of Cabinet committees for which the
Ministry is responsible has grown since
November, 1979. The Cabinet Committee on
Social Services established a deputy ministers'
committee in January, 1980. In September 1980,
the Ministry was given secretariat responsibility
for the Environment and Land Use Committee
and the attached deputies' committee, the
environment and land use technical committee.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic
Development undertook several new initial
1980 which required additional secretarial!
support. These include the holding of mee
and seminars in different parts of the prov:
examine various economic and industrial
An example of this is the seminar on laboi
shortages held in Prince George in Octobe
1980.
Another committee requiring considerable
Ueicretariat support is the Cabinet Commit
Legislation. In 1980 this committee met 91
The Ministry has helped to organize a syMI
preparing legislative proposals well in advs
each session of the Legislature. This syste
allows for more efficient consideration of tl
proposals at the Cabinet committees and
Cabinet levels, and for the establishment <
priorities for drafting by thelegislative cou
office. The Ministry also ensures that draft
legislation is presented in an organized m<
to the Cabinet Committee on Legislation ai
any necessary summary material is providl
major policy or inter-ministry implications c
proposed bills.
With the addition of new committees and
growing work load of each committee, it is
expected that the secretariat function of til
Ministry will continue to expand.
CABINET COMMITTEE TOURS
MEETINGS
The Cabinet Committee on Economic  J
Development took the initiative in Octobeil
to hold a series of publid meetings in varkij
parts of the province. These meetings we
organized by officials of the Ministry of
Intergovernmental Relations.
In October 1980 the committee and apPKl
deputy ministers toured northeast BritishI
Columbia, meeting with local councils, ■
organizations and individuals on econcffljj
development and industrial issues. TheM
opportunity was used to tour major inoB|
sites. The committee concluded the trip vl"
full day seminar on skilled labour shortSI
Prince George on October 24, 1980.   '
This was followed in February, 1981, vim\
to southeast British Columbia, where tfflj
committee met with regional and munraffi
governments, chambers of commerce am
individuals on economic development anc
industrial issues.
This program of holding meetings in vancM
regions has been successful and well rec/-
24
JM2)
 ie public, media and the ministers and
[ties involved. The concept of "taking
rnment to the people" and the disMssion
Imsters and officials of issues and
► opments in various regions is very
jiwhile.
t is continuing to follow up on these trips
ihe many briefs that have been presented.
iiing will commence in the summer for
■Mtrip in September 1981.
t may arise from these initiatives for our
Hry are:
Increased workload in planning,
Iffiipating and follow-up;
Ijwicreased visibility and awareness of the
Ifflnittee and this Ministry as secretariat to
Iffliet (it is now a major contact point for
|o|c dealings with government).
|®ilitating of these initiatives will continue to
tindled by the Cabinet secretariat staff and,
|ffi;ular, the secretary to the Cabinet
pnittee on Economic Development.
25
   British Columbia's increased activities in
the international sphere and the
province's growing international
reputation as a producer of energy have resulted
in a very active interest in British Columbia on
the part of foreign countries and governments.
Numerous visits to British Columbia in the
reporting period were undertaken by foreign
diplomats, businessmen, officials, journalists, and
other interested individuals and groups to
discuss such topics as trade, agriculture, energy,
technology, culture, and education.
Tours to many areas of the province including
visits to the Hat Creek coal project, Port of
Prince Rupert, copper mines, ranches, and
cultural events are an important part of these
visits.
During 1979-1980, the number of foreign visits,
missions, and delegations which involved this
ministry totalled seventy-three. The breakdown
by countries includes Japan - 7, United States -
6, Australia - 5, Great Britain - 4, China - 3, and
New Zealand - 3. Other countries fjjgiting British
Columbia included Tibet, Kuwait, Zambia, Israel,
Honduras, Norway, Germany, Saudi Arabia,
Mexico, Uganda, Switzerland, Netherlands,
Belgium, Algeria, and Italy.
Our Ministry also co-ordinated a number of high
level visits including federal and provincial
cabinet ministers meeting in Victoria to discuss
economic development issues, and a joint British
Columbia and Alberta Cabinet meeting. In May,
we co-ordinated the visit of the late Masayoshi
Ohira, Prime Minister of Japan.
28
  On September 9, 1981, the Government of
British Columbia opened an office in
Ottawa. British Columbia House is
located in Suite 506, 90 Sparks Street, Ottawa,
Ontario.
British Columbia is the second province to open
an officSin the national capital. The Province of
Alberta has had an office in Ottawa for some
years. Following the opening of British Columbia
House, the Government of Saskatchewan
announced its intention to open an office and
subsequently has done so.
The concept of a provincial government having
an office in the national capital is not new. In
recent years the nature of the relationship
between the Federal Government and provincial
governments has grown increasingly complex.
As a consequence British Columbia developed
specific mechanisms to enable it to ensure a
comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to
dealing with its relationship with the federal
government. British Columbia House in Ottawa is
an integral component of these initiatives.
British Columbia House has three primary
responsibilities: administrative support services,
public information and inquiries, and
intergovernmental relations.
Administrative support services: The offices have
the capacity to assist in the preparation and
administrative arrangements for federal-provincial
meetings. The working and board room facilities,
stenographic and communications services at
British Columbia House are available for the use
of British Columbia Government representatives
while in Ottawa.
Public information and inquiries: One of the
responsibilities of British Columbia House is to
establish a "presence" in Ottawa. It is the
responsibility of the staff to ensure that
individuals working with the Federal Government
are aware that should they require assistance or
information pertaining to British Columbia that it
is available to them.
With the announcement of the opening of the
office, a good deal of public interest was
generated and a significant volume of inquiries
relating to tourism, business development,
ii^restment, government policies and requests for
other general information have become part of
the ongoing function of the office.
Intergovernmental relations: One of the
responsibilities of the office is to ensure that
Victoria is aware of the activities of the Federal
Government in matters which may directly or
indirectly impact upon Provincial Government
programs or policies.
  Bgpsh Columbia has been represented in
London for over 109 years. The period
since the formation of the Ministry of
Intergovernmental Relations has been a busy
one for B.C. House.
One of the highlights of the 1979-80 year was
the excellent art exhibition of 15 of the province's
outstanding artists, titled "British Columbia
Through the Eyes of the Artist". This exhibition
was featured at several European locations,
starting off in London then on to Edinburgh,
Scotland, Birmingham, Paris, Brussels, Bonn and
Kiel in West Germany.
Agent General Laurie Wallace completed his
term of office in 1980. Mr. Wallace served in this
post from June, 1977 until Aprji|l8, 1980. Mr.
Ronald Smart, administrative officer at B.C.
House, was appointed acting agent general from
April 19, to Dec. 31, 1980.
Premier William R. Bennett announced the
appointment of Alexander H. Hart Q.C. as agent
general for British Columbia commencing Jan. 1,
1981. Mr. Hart had previously held the position of
senior vice president, Canadian National Railway.
He was described by Premier Bennett as an
outstanding British Columbian. Mr. Hart is the
20th agent general to serve Canada's most
westerly province.
B.C. House won a bronze medal in 1980 for a
floral display above the Charles II Street entrance
which was part of a renovation program. The
bronze medal presented by the Lord Mayor of
Westminster is now on display at B.C. House.
The year 1980 could be described as the year of
the "totem pole". Agent General Wallace
presented 10-foot totem poles to the Canadian
Cultural Centre in Paris and Canada House,
Trafalgar Square, London, as well as receiving
one for B.C. House, London.
A forestry mission from our province visited B.C.
House during the month of June, on its travels to
other areas in the U.K., France, Belgium, Holland
and West Germany. The purpose of the mission,
made up of senior members from the forest
industry, senior union representatives and senior
government officials, was to allow British
Columbians involved in the production of lumber
and plywood to see the areas into which the
products were going and to assist the province
to better produce what the marketplace wants.
The month of August, 1980, was a sad month for
B.C House as one one of its best liked agents
general passed away at his home in Nanaimo.
Earle Cathers Westwood served as agent
general from October, 1964, to September, 1968.
Because 1980 was such a bumper crorWI
B.C. apples, B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd. and the l<
based Glass-Glover group put togethetisfflI
promotion that saw thousands upon tholill
boxes of Mcintosh, Red Delicious, Sparfflj
Golden Delicious hit the U.K. market foS
time in 16 years. Many receptions were he J
B.C. House and the agent general wasfflRI
promoting British Columbia. Official callsBH
made to embassies and businesses all ovd
U.K. and Europe.
B.C. House had many visitors over the yeai
several government officials visited No. 1, I
Regent Street. B.C. House was also great!
honoured to welcome the Lieutenant-Gove:
B.C., the Honourable HP. Bell-Irving. TlgB]
Lieutenant-Governor was honoured in j^BI
during May. As commander of the Seaf^ffil
landers, he was the first Canadian offiCMnl
Amsterdam when the enemy occupaticnMI
were driven out during the Second World \\
The year 1980 ended with a most success!!
tourist promotion in London. "Canada Wes I
Ministries of Tourism from Alberta and B.C.!
several joint functions in London. This 91
designed to coincide with the world tra^Jj
being held December 1 to 7.
A long-time maintenance employee of B.C.
House, Cyril Day, was honoured in VictgBI
December 1980, when Premier William^BI
Bennett presented Mr. Day with his 25-SI
award.
The British Columbia monthly newslettsfmij
is distributed free of charge from B.C. How
throughout the United Kingdom and Europj
businesses, financial organizations and
individuals with interest in the province,
continues to be a most interesting and
worthwhile publication. This newslettetraij|
the latest industrial, financial, tourism and j
developments in the province.
The film and slide library continues to rece-j
many requests. Travel agencies and schocl
along with British Columbia House's own
promotional program made up the greates I
demand. In addition, full co-operation in
preparation of trips to British ColumbiaSral
given to British journalists and broadcaste J
Queen's
rimer for British Co
Victoria. 1982