Lobbying Activity Report

3347-9243

Organization: A.S.T.C Science World Society
Associated registration: 7352-3347-15
Lobbying Activity date: 2021-04-12
Arranged a meeting: No
Posted date: 2021-05-14

In-house lobbyists who participated in the lobbying activity: Nancy Roper
Senior Public Office Holders who were lobbied in this activity: Liam Lawson, Senior Ministerial Advisor
Minister's Office, Finance
 
Subject Matter of the Lobbying Activity
Specific Topics of Lobbying Communications Intended Outcomes Associated Subject Matters
Emergency Funding for Non-Profit Anchor Attractions

Working in conjunction with other non-profit anchor tourism attractions in British Columbia, Science World seeks immediate Provincial funding for the industry in order to remain open, retain workers and increase employment.

Key recommendations include: injection of up to $100M in working capital/liquidity support to non-profit anchor attractions; funding up to $475M be made available for the refurbishment of all tourism facilities in the form of grants and low interest loans; suspension of the Employer's health tax, WCB contributions and PST payments for two years; an additional $50M program to support all tourism attractions to respond to the pandemic.
  • Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
Arts and Culture, COVID-19, Children and Families, Education, Employment and Training, Finances and Budgets, Industry, Infrastructure, Non-Profit Organization, Science and Technology, Sports and Recreation, Taxation and Finance, Tourism
Funding for Critical Infrastructure Project including refurbished dome and new Innovation Space:

Listening to and working with the community, Science World has developed a plan for critical infrastructure upgrades to our iconic dome. The current facility was built as a temporary structure – meant to last 6 months. Science World has refurbished the bulk of the facility, the single major exception is the dome.
Still encased in the original (now leaky) shell stainless steel triangles and the OMNI theatre has the same 1980 technology that will become unusable within a few years.

This project ensures Science World can continue to meet the growing need for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design, and Math) education particularly in traditionally under served and under-represented groups including First Nations, Indigenous, women and girls. The associated technology upgrades will allow Science World to live-stream programs to schools across the province and vastly improve energy efficiency of the facility

The upgrades can be undertaken in two consecutive phases: Phase I: Dome repairs & technology upgrades; Phase 2: New Innovation Space.

Science World seeks a shared funding model with Province of BC and the Government of Canada.
  • Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
Children and Families, Education, Employment and Training, Finances and Budgets, Infrastructure, Non-Profit Organization, Science and Technology, Tourism
Liquidity Funding:

Science World closed its doors on March 13th due to COVID-19 and lost 85% of its revenue immediately. With limited reserves and admission unlikely to return to normal rates for the foreseeable future, the organisation hopes to work with government to ensure the viability of the organisation.
  • Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
COVID-19, Children and Families, Education, Employment and Training, Finances and Budgets, Infrastructure, Non-Profit Organization, Science and Technology, Tourism
 
Senior officer who filed this Lobbying Activity Report: Tracy Redies
 
The above name is that of the most senior paid officer who is responsible for filing a Lobbying Activity Report for the organization (the Designated Filer), whether that person participated in this lobbying activity or not.

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