ENG-2018 — Page 23

Calendar of Events

2018

cent the rateable value, on vacant first-hand private-sector flats by amending the Rating Ordinance.

July

3

4

5

9

9-16

10

11

12

The Chief Executive in Council approves the new development plans of CLP Power Hong Kong Limited and Castle Peak Power Company Limited, covering 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2023, and Hongkong Electric Company Limited, covering 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.

The Court of Final Appeal dismisses the Director of Immigration's appeal in a judicial review, lodged by QT, that challenges the director's rejection of her application for entry for residence in Hong Kong as a dependant of her same-sex partner on the grounds that she is not a 'spouse' under the dependant immigration policy. The court holds that, when implementing the policy, the director has to exercise his powers of immigration control in accordance with the principle of equality and for the purpose of which such powers are given, and that the differential treatment between same- sex civil partners and a married couple is not justifiable in the circumstances as there is no rational connection between the policy and the stated twin aims of attracting foreign talent and maintaining strict immigration control.

An insurance product, the HKMC Annuity Plan, is launched under the auspices of the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited to guarantee retirees aged 65 or above who pay a single premium a fixed income for the rest of their lives.

The Hong Kong Housing Society debuts its 'T-Home' Transitional Housing Scheme at the Yue Kwong Chuen rental estate in Aberdeen, providing about 200 flats to eligible applicants who have been queuing for public rental housing for at least three years. The scheme adds to the supply of transitional housing by making use of existing rental flats.

Hong Kong gains 10 golds, four silvers and nine bronzes in the World Junior Wushu Championships in Brasilia, with Mr Lau Chi-lung and Ms Sham Hui-yu each winning two of the golds. On the medal table, the city ranks second out of 43 participating countries and territories.

A two-member Commission of Inquiry, chaired by a former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Michael John Hartmann, is appointed to look into steel reinforcement works and any other works that raise safety concerns in the construction of diaphragm walls and platform slabs in the Hung Hom Station

extension.

The Asian Aviation Meteorological Centre, established jointly by the Hong Kong Observatory, Civil Aviation Administration of China and China Meteorological Administration, begins operation to provide quality en-route weather information.

The new Steering Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, is formed to enhance collaboration within the government on strengthening support for the integration of ethnic minorities into society.

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