ENG-2012 — Page 18

Calendar of Events

2012

20

21

26

March

2

15

16

20

23

24

25

28

April

1

2

9

The Community Care Fund launches three new assistance programmes: a subsidy for needy low-income elderly people for dental services; a one-off allowance for low- income elderly tenants in private housing; and an after-school care pilot scheme for Primary One to Secondary Three students of low-income families.

The summary results of the 2011 Population Census are announced, showing Hong Kong's resident population to be 7,071,576 as at end-June 2011.

The Chief Executive announces the setting up of an independent committee, chaired by former Chief Justice the Honourable Andrew Li, to review the regulatory framework and procedures for the prevention and handling of potential conflicts of interests concerning the Chief Executive, non-official members of the Executive Council and politically appointed officials.

Hong Kong City Hall, a performing arts icon in Central District, celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Ordinance 2011 comes into effect, imposing stricter controls over drug driving and providing police with powers to combat drug driving more effectively.

More than 350,000 flowering plants transform Victoria Park for the Hong Kong Flower Show, which attracts a record 560,000 visitors over the show's 10 days.

The Executive Council approves in principle the Airport Authority's proposal to develop a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport to meet future demand. Hong Kong Design Year 2012 is launched, bringing an array of events and activities to promote Hong Kong as a design hub.

Indonesia's president, Dr H Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, arrives in Hong Kong on the first official visit by an Indonesian president since the establishment of the HKSAR. Mr CY Leung is elected the fourth-term Chief Executive of the HKSAR by the Election Committee.

The Chief Executive accepts the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission that the Hon Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching, Vice- President and Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, be appointed a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal from October 2012. The State Council endorses Mr CY Leung as the new Chief Executive of the HKSAR.

The Communications Authority is established as a unified regulatory body for the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

The Court of Final Appeal dismisses an appeal against a Government decision to charge higher obstetric fees to non-resident women. The Hospital Authority welcomes the judgment and confirms that the obstetric fees and booking system of public hospitals for non-locals is to ensure that local pregnant women receive priority for the authority's obstetric services.

Hong Kong is chosen by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to set up a first-of-its- kind centre to assist the WHO to help smokers quit smoking.

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