MLA's Week: November 1-4, 2021

The final seven sessions before MLA's take a two week break around Remembrance Day found all three Northwest MLA's participating in the proceedings of Legislature Chamber on the week.

Among their topics for four days,  the rural economy and funding for projects in Prince Rupert and area, as well as views towards the changes ahead for Freedom of Information  legislation and Election financing changes.

The week also featured an end of week announcement from the Premier that outlined his path ahead for medical treatment, that following confirmation of a cancerous growth in his throat that will see the Premier  prepare for radiation treatment.

Prognosis is good for Premier Horgan as he faces renewed battle with cancer

The challenges on the health system related to COVID came to Prince Rupert this week, as Health Minister Adrian Dix outlined that Prince Rupert Regional Hospital was one of many health facilities in the province to make some operational changes owing to staffing issues

Northern Health redeploys Operating Room staff to Emergency department at PRRH to address staffing pressures

This week also saw the province outline the options available across the province as part of the Weather Response program of shelter spaces for the homeless.

Province announces opening of Weather Response Shelters for Winter, including downtown Prince Rupert option at Crane's Crossing

As for more on the recent week of work from the House, the four days unfolded as follows:

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On the week, Ms Rice was  mentioned  once in the record for the week in the Legislature from November 1-4

Ms. Rice spoke towards the rural economy and took the Legislature members through a review of some of the NDP government's spending on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii

Rolling along memory lane with North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice

The work of the BC New Democrat caucus on protection of watersheds and wild salmon was a focus for the MLA through her social media stream on Friday.

The North Coast MLA is also a member of the Following committees:

Select Committee on Children and Youth

Ms. Rice serves as the Government's Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness

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For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross  was  mentioned twice in the record for the week in the Legislature from November 1-4

The ongoing debate over the government's changes to Freedom of Information legislation was the focus for two days of debate for the Skeena MLA, with Mr. Ross sharing his concerns over the changes on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Final days before Legislature break keeps focus on Freedom of Information changes, with Skeena's Ellis Ross among the week's debaters

While he did not speak to the topic in the Legislature, the issue of how the NDP government is changing Autism funding and services was a major part of the Legislature week, with the Skeena MLA weighing in through a letter released through social media this week.

BC government's plans to overhaul Autism funding finding pushback from parents, BC Liberal Opposition

The Skeena MLA is not currently assigned to any Parliamentary committees

Mr. Ross  is also contesting for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party and themes of the Legislature this week were featured as part of the MLA's social media work.

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For our readers from the Bulkley Valley area, Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen  was mentioned  once in the record for the week in the Legislature from November 1-4 

The topic of discussion for Mr. Cullen in the Tuesday session was that of Electoral financing amendments, with the MLA exploring some of the past when it comes to financing political parties and election campaigns

Stikine's Nathan Cullen calls on past experiences to share enthusiasm for British Columbia electoral financing reform themes

Mr. Cullen also had opportunity to take note outside of the Legislature of a highway improvement for the Northwest, that as the Ministry of Transportation installed a new avalanche detection system along the Highway 37 North corridor

Northwest highway to see new avalanche detection system in place

Mr. Cullen also explored a range of themes on social media through the week, including concerns over the escalating situation between Coastal GasLink and some Wet'suwet'en members. 

The MLA also shared some thoughts on the NDP government's call for federal approval on the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs. 

The Stikine MLA is not currently assigned to any Parliamentary committees

Mr. Cullen serves as the Government's Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations 

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There is more background on all three Regional MLA's available from our MLA's Week Archive, as well as our constituency archives below:

North Coast Constituency

Skeena Constituency

Stikine Constituency

MLA's return to the Legislature on Monday morning November 15th at 10AM  

MLA's also participate in a number of Committee sessions scheduled through the week.

A larger overview of provincial issues can be found on our political portal D'Arcy McGee 

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.