Hong Kong – Government’s response to enquiries on “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles”
Government’s response to enquiries on “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles”
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In response to media enquiries on “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” (the Scheme), a Government spokesman gave the following response today (May 1):
The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong announced at noon today that the Scheme will be open for application from eligible Hong Kong private cars from 9am on June 1 this year, and approved Hong Kong private cars will be allowed to travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) starting from 0.00am on July 1.
The Government’s early announcement of the implementation time and detailed arrangements of the Scheme today would allow sufficient time for the public to learn about the Scheme, obtain Mainland driving licences and prepare the documents required for application in advance, etc. There is also a one-month interval between application commencement and the start of travel of the approved vehicles, with a view to allowing ample time for more members of the public to orderly complete the relevant application procedures.
To ensure that the Scheme is implemented in an orderly manner, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong have agreed to set a cap on the number of applications to be accepted, which will be allocated by computer balloting, at the initial stage of launching the Scheme (200 applications will be accepted per working day in the first week, followed by 300 applications to be accepted per working day from the second week onwards). The Government will review the application situation and progressively increase the number of applications to be accepted as necessary.
As for vehicle examination, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong have been devising measures to enhance the examination arrangement while complying with the Mainland regulations. We believe the examination capacity will be sufficient to meet the demand under the Scheme. The governments of the two sides will closely monitor the situation and launch further enhanced measures in a timely manner.
To ensure a better northbound travel experience for the approved applicants, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong have also agreed to set a daily cap on the number of northbound vehicles. Applicants who have obtained the relevant licences for the Scheme may book for travelling within a designated period via the online booking system. The HKSAR Government is now in discussion with the Guangdong Provincial Government on the daily cap, and will separately announce the details in due course after reviewing the application situation.
To cope with the upsurge of workload in the first quarter this year, the Transport Department (TD) has implemented a range of measures to expedite the processing of Closed Road Permit (CRP) applications, including streamlining the application procedures, arrangement of staff for overtime work on weekdays and weekends, and deployment and recruitment of additional staff. With the efforts, all applications pending processing have been vetted by end of April this year. Currently, new CRP applications can be completed within five working days as in the past in general, while renewal applications can be completed within one day. To facilitate the implementation of the Scheme, the TD will continue to utilise electronic service, deploy and recruit additional staff, etc. for continued enhancement of the application handling capacity.
As regard the fees for participating in the Scheme, the State Council announced in November last year that eligible Hong Kong private cars under the Scheme are exempted from paying customs duties or applying for guarantee arrangements with Mainland customs, thereby largely reducing the relevant fees. The fees that applicants need to pay include the CRP application to the TD, vehicle examination and buying insurance (i.e. Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles of the Mainland or “unilateral recognition” insurance policies of Hong Kong) in accordance with the Mainland requirements. The fees will vary subject to the vehicle conditions, duration of policy period, etc. Generally speaking, the fees for a maximum of one-year validity period amount at around 2,000 to 3,000 Hong Kong dollars; while those for one-month validity period amount at around 1,000 Hong Kong dollars.
In the longer term, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will draw on the implementation experience of the Scheme at the HZMB and proactively study the extension of the Scheme to a Shenzhen/Hong Kong land boundary control point, such that Hong Kong private cars can travel to both the eastern and western parts of Guangdong.
Government’s response to tree collapse incident at Perth Street, Ho Man Tin
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Government’s response to media enquiries on waiver of fees relating to hanging national flags at lamp posts under Highways Department’s purview
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Bell Canada Bell Canada Bell Canada Bell Canada Bell Canada Bell Canada Bell Canada Cogeco Connexion Inc. Cogeco Connexion Inc. Cogeco Connexion Inc. Cogeco Connexion Inc. Cogeco Connexion Inc. Digital Infrastructure Group Inc. Execulink Telecom Inc. Huron Telecommunications Co-operative Limited Huron Telecommunications Co-operative Limited Huron Telecommunications Co-operative Limited Huron Telecommunications Co-operative Limited Huron Telecommunications Co-operative Limited Keewaytinook Okimakanak Keewaytinook Okimakanak Matawa First Nations Management Aroland, Calstock (Constance Lake), Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation. A component of this project also targets the community of Wunnumin Lake First Nation. Mornington Communications Cooperative Limited Quadro Communications Co-Operative Inc. Quadro Communications Co-Operative Inc. Quadro Communications Co-Operative Inc. Tuckersmith Communications Cooperative Ltd Vianet Inc. Over 6,500 households in rural and First Nation communities to benefit from the funding to increase access to high-speed Internet April 19, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario Over 6,500 households in rural and First Nation communities to benefit from the funding to increase access to high-speed Internet Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, together with the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, announced more than $56 million in combined new federal and provincial funding for six projects to bring high-speed Internet access to over 6,500 households in rural northern and southwestern Ontario, as well as in First Nation communities. These new projects build on an existing relationship between Ontario and Canada. On July 29, 2021, the governments announced their partnership to support large-scale, fibre-based projects that will provide high-speed Internet access to more than 280,000 rural and remote households across the province. This historic agreement was made possible by a joint federal-provincial investment totalling more than $1.2 billion. Today, the governments of Canada and Ontario also announced additional details, including Internet service providers, for 28 projects that were announced in July 2021, under this agreement, which will provide more than $398 million in joint funding to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 50,000 households in regions across Ontario. Today’s announcements build on the Government of Canada’s progress toward ensuring that 98 percent of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 percent by 2030. The announcements also bring the Government of Ontario one step closer to achieving its goal of bringing reliable high-speed Internet access to every region of the province by the end of 2025. As we work to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow the economy, the federal and provincial governments will continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient Ontario and Canada for everyone. Through its broadband initiative, the Canada Infrastructure Bank is collaborating with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to improve the commercial viability of projects. “We need to close the connection gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of Ontario has access to reliable high-speed Internet—whether that’s in Oil Springs or Carlsbad Springs or all the way on the shores of Lake Superior. Today’s announcement of more than $56 million in new funding to connect over 6,500 rural households in the province is a milestone for Ontarians. Investments like these help create jobs, improve access to health care and online learning services, and keep us connected to our loved ones. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments like these to help achieve our national target of connecting 98 percent of Canadians by 2026 and 100 percent by 2030.” “People’s lives are moving more and more online. This is a challenge for communities in Ontario that are without access to high-speed Internet. These investments made by our government will allow for increased access to education, health care, business opportunities and social connections. Communities will have the tools to more fully participate in social programs and economic opportunities, improving the health and well-being of the region.” “Expanding broadband service allows Canadians to better use public services like health care and education and creates new economic opportunities across Ontario’s rural communities. Unlocking the potential of large-scale broadband expansion by collaborating with Internet service providers is a tremendous opportunity and the CIB is part of the solution to connect more Canadians.” “The Ontario government is ensuring every community across the province has access to reliable high-speed Internet by the end of 2025. By working together with our federal partners and Internet service providers, we are increasing access to high-speed Internet and building a stronger foundation for Ontario’s economic growth and prosperity. We are ensuring that the agriculture sector and all families, workers and businesses have a better and brighter future. No one will be left behind.” Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload. The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) is a $2.75 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help connect 98 percent of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100 percent connectivity by 2030. Only the hardest-to-reach households may take until 2030 to get connected. On July 29, 2021, a Canada-Ontario broadband partnership was announced. This agreement will bring high-speed Internet access to more than 280,000 households across Ontario with a total investment of more than $1.2 billion, co-funded equally by both levels of government. In 2021, Ontario announced projects in regions across the province, including six projects that will serve northern Ontario and 17 projects led exclusively by the province under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario program. Another part of Ontario’s plan to achieve 100 percent access to connectivity for all regions across the province is a new competitive process led by Infrastructure Ontario to help connect more homes and businesses in unserved and underserved communities. The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed up to $71 million through a partnership with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network to help improve cellular service in eastern Ontario. The Government of Ontario is investing more than $63 million in the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology project to help bring high-speed Internet access to more than 58,000 homes, farms and businesses across southwestern Ontario. The province has also invested in high-speed Internet projects to support connectivity in rural and northern Ontario, including through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and through the Next Generation Network Program. Luka Vujic Media Relations Hayley Cooper
Hong Kong – Government’s response to tree collapse incident at Perth Street, Ho Man Tin
In response to media enquiries on the tree collapse incident at Perth Street, Ho Man Tin this morning (September 16), the Development Bureau (DEVB) as well as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) gave a response as follows:
The 9.5-metre high Delonix regia located at the pavement outside 6 Perth Street is under the LCSD’s maintenance. It is not an old and valuable tree. LCSD staff had all along been monitoring the health of the tree and conducting regular tree maintenance work including pruning. During the last inspection carried out by LCSD staff on April 22, no signs of decay were found on the branches, trunk and the surface of the tree roots.
The Tree Management Office (TMO) of the DEVB is highly concerned with the incident and requested the LCSD to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the tree collapse by early October.
Meanwhile, members of the LCSD’s tree team had also preliminarily inspected the other 34 trees managed by the department at Perth Street and confirmed that no irregularities were found.
The TMO of the DEVB has requested the LCSD to conduct detailed inspections on the health and structural conditions of the trees there. The TMO will take prompt follow-up actions once the report on tree collapse is completed by the LCSD.
Moreover, the TMO has already requested all tree maintenance departments to review the situation of large Delonix regia located near the roadside within the area under their management in order to ensure public safety.
Hong Kong – Government’s response to media enquiries on waiver of fees relating to hanging national flags at lamp posts under Highways Department’s purview
In regard to media enquiries on the waiver of fees relating to the hanging of national flags at the lamp posts under the purview of the Highways Department, a Government spokesperson gave the following response today (July 22):
It is the Government’s policy to promote education on patriotism. All along, the Government has been encouraging community organisations and members of the public to, on the premise of respecting the national flag, the regional flag and their designs, celebrate together National Day, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day or any other special occasion and express patriotic feelings. This includes the use of the national flag.
In August 2021, the Highways Department received an application for the first time from a local group for hanging national flags at the lamp posts under its purview to celebrate National Day. It handled and approved the application, and the group paid the related administrative fees and inspection fees, according to the established procedures. Later, the Government received a request for granting discretionary exemption to the fees above and, taking into account its policy to promote education on patriotism, approved the waiver of them.
By policy, the Government will strengthen education on patriotism by enriching contents relating to the proper handling of national flags being hung. It will cover relevant elements in the course of formulating publicity and education details.
The Government will also formulate an appropriate system to handle the necessary follow-up on national flags being hung, including the proper handling of the national flags hung by community organisations and members of the public (which will cover detailed arrangements on the waiver of the fees relating to the hanging of national flags at lamp posts in the future overall), and enhance their understanding of the requirements concerned. The aim is to encourage various sectors of the community to, on the one hand, express patriotic feelings on the premise of respecting the national flag and, on the other, ensure that the activities concerned are conducted and arrangements made in a proper, safe and orderly manner.
Canada – Governments of Canada and Ontario invest to bring high-speed Internet access to more rural households and First Nation communities
$22,300,000
Augsburg, Barry’s Bay, Combermere, Donegal, Eganville, Hopefield, Perrault, Purdy, Wilno
3,855
$12,900,000
Astorville, Bonfield, Calvin, East Ferris, Kiosk, Mattawa, Rutherglen
2,459
$30,400,000
Barkway, Baysville, Bracebridge, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Glen Echo, Glen Orchard, Golden Beach, Gravenhurst, Houseys Rapids, Kahshe Lake, Lake Dalrymple, Lakewood, Longford, Matthiasville, Milford Bay, Mortimers Point, Muskoka Beach, Muskoka Falls, Port Stanton, Scarlet Park, Severn Bridge, Southwood, Stoneleigh, Swift Rapids, Torrance, Walkers Point, Washago, Whiteside
8,202
$32,100,000
Berwick, Bourget, Casselman, Clarence Creek, Crysler, Curran, Embrun, Hammond, Kenmore, Limoges, Marionville, Morewood, Riceville, Rockland, Rockland East, Russell, Sarsfield, St. Isidore, Vars, Vernon, Wendover
4,485
$2,590,000
Batchawana Bay, Baysville, Cartier, Ella Lake, Foleyet, Glen Orchard, Lake Dalrymple, Northland Station, Searchmont, Trout Lake
1,200
$23,200,000
Actinolite, Arden, Cloyne, Corbyville, Denbigh, Flinton, Halloway, Harlowe, Ivanhoe, Kaladar, Madoc, Marlbank, Northbrook, Plainfield, Plevna, Queensborough, Read, Tamworth, Thomasburg, Tweed, Zion Hill
4,102
$49,546,420
Animakee Wa Zhing #37, Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum, Anishnaabeg of Naongashiing, Barwick, Big Grassy (Big Grassy), Caliper Lake, Couchiching First Nation, Crow Lake (Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation), Devlin, Dinorwic, Eagle River, Emo, Fort Frances, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent, Kenora, Lac La Croix, Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle Lake), Minahico, Mine Centre, Morson, Northwest Angle #33, Northwest Angle No.37, Northwest Bay (Naicatchewenin), Obashkaandagaang, Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining First Nation, Rainy River First Nations, Seine River First Nation, Shoal Lake #40, Sioux Narrows, Stratton, Upsala, Vermilion Bay, Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, Wabauskang First Nation, Wabigoon, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Whitefish Bay (Naotkamegwanning)
3,852
$5,175,706
Braeside, Burnstown, Calabogie, Glasgow Station
747
$9,603,742
Broadbent, Dunchurch, Fairholme, Hurdville, Maple Island, McKellar, Waubamik
1,697
$4,758,237
Gordon Bay, Humphrey, Port Cockburn
696
$3,286,383
Clear Lake, Kearney, Novar
948
$1,064,493
Domville, Maynard
394
$45,037,804
Alderville (Alderville First Nation), Bailieboro, Batawa, Bewdley, Brighton, Camborne, Campbellford, Castleton, Cobourg, Colborne, Cold Springs, Creighton Heights, East Colborne, Elizabethville, Fenella, Garden Hill, Gores Landing, Gosport, Grafton, Harwood, Hastings, Havelock, Hilton, Kendal, Lakeport, Lovett, Millbrook, Newtonville, Norham, Port Hope, Precious Corners, Roseneath, Smithfield, Spring Brook, Spring Valley, Stirling, Thomstown, Vernonville, Warkworth
13,448
$3,608,942
Burford, Creditville, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Oxford Centre, Springford, Teeterville
656
$517,826
Auburn
111
$557,025
Bluevale, Belgrave
109
$793,578
Blyth, Lucknow, St. Helens, Wingham
115
$2,027,878
Benmiller, Bogies Beach, Nile
427
$596,813
St. Helens
135
$12,806,675
Angling Lake, Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Dufrense (Wapakeka), Kasabonika (Kasabonika Lake), Keewaywin, Kingfisher Lake (Kingfisher), Kitchenuhmaykoosib (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug), Mishkeegogamang, Muskrat Dam (Muskrat Dam Lake), North Spirit Lake, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Osnaburgh House, Poplar Hill, Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Slate Falls (Slate Falls Nation), Wawakapewin, Weagamow Lake (North Caribou Lake), Wunnummin Lake (Wunnumin)
3,060
$46,637,325
Fort Severn, Peawanuck (Weenusk)
182
$62,665,952
689
$11,657,792
Amulree, Crosshill, Dorking, Gads Hill, Hesson, Linwood, Lisbon, Millbank, Milverton, New Hamburg, Poole, Rostock, Shakespeare, Tavistock
1,390
$1,549,300
Rannoch, St. Pauls Station, Wellburn
260
$1,076,972
Brodhagen, Mitchell, Rostock
148
$1,192,272
Dublin, Fullarton, Mitchell, Staffa
150
$10,625,666
Belgrave, Bluevale, Blyth, Brussels, Clinton, Ethel, Henfryn, Kinburn, Londesborough, Seaforth, Walton
1,191
$352,850
Carling
117Canada – Governments of Canada and Ontario announce more than $56 million in new funding to bring high-speed Internet access to thousands of more households
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
– Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank
– The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-571-9582
luka.vujic@ised-isde.gc.ca
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
Office of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure
hayley.cooper@ontario.caAds
