MLA's Week: October 31--November 3, 2022

It was a contentious end to the week for the members of the British Columbia Legislature as the NDP government moved to eliminate one week on the parliamentary calendar as they install their new leader and the province's new Premier, a reworking of the work calendar that did not sit well with the two opposition parties.

Wrap to Legislature week went a bit sideways for the NDP government, as they push through elimination of one week for Legislature work

When the new Premier takes to his duties, David Eby will have a volume of mail to catch up on, maybe even an open letter from an environmental group in the province.

Ecotrust Canada has some reading material for Premier Designate David Eby to review on climate themes 

The government did find some success on the week as well, with two significant labour issues finding some resolution, with announcements related to education and health care starting the week off.

BC Government introduces new payment model for doctors 

Significant  pay bump on the way for BC teachers, if contract agreement is ratified 

And with the World Cup just weeks away, the Government announced a relaxation of liquor hour regulations to allow fans to view the contests at their favourite beverage room

BC Bar hours to be extended during World Cup tournament 

For the Northwest MLA's the schedule was a mixture of frequent appearances, occasional speaking roles in the Chamber and no public contributions to be made.

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 October 31-- November 3.

That came from the Thursday session when the MLA provided some background for the Chamber on the recent threats against health care workers in Prince Rupert

MLA Jennifer Rice Legislature address notes of recent disturbing threats of violence towards Prince Rupert Hospital and Health Care workers 

Ms. Rice did have a few items of note through the week outside of the Legislature.

Among them, sharing word of schedule additions for BC Ferries on Haida Gwaii to try to address air travel changes to the region.

BC Ferries moves to add to connections for air ravellers on Haida Gwaii gaining a mixed reaction from Islanders 

With the province expanding on the ten dollar day-care program in many locations, but not Prince Rupert as of yet; we contacted the MLA for some background on how the program may work on the North Coast.

As Ten Dollar Daycare program expands, Prince Rupert awaits word of plans for local program

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

Select Committee on Children and Youth

Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs

Select Standing Committee on Education

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

The North Coast MLA also addressed a range of themes through her Social Media Stream.

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For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross  was mentioned three times in the record for the week in the Legislature from October 31--November 3.

In the Wednesday afternoon session the Skeena MLA spoke to the province's plans towards Sales Tax changes for municipalities hosting international events, noting that a number of communities such as Prince Rupert host events with some international participation, but observing that there was no opportunity to discuss the issue fully owing to the shortened legislature calendar.

Province's plans for PST authority to communities hosting events subject of note for Skeena MLA in Wednesday debate 

Both the Opposition Liberals and Greens have been having a pretty effective few weeks taking on the NDP cabinet on a range of themes, with the approach of the government to mental health one area where they and the Skeena MLA have found some success.

Wednesday Legislature Question Period focus on BC Government's handling of mental illness and addictions concerns 

He spoke to the same themes as part of the Tuesday morning session, addressing the topic at 1050AM.

Mr. Ross serves as the Liberal critic on LNG and Energy

The Skeena MLA is also a member of the Following committees:

Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food 

The Skeena MLA also addressed a range of themes  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  nor mentioned  in the record for the week in the  Legislature from October 31--November 3.

The Stikine MLA is not currently assigned to any Parliamentary committees

Mr. Cullen serves as the Government's Minister of Municipal Affairs

The Stikine MLA also had comments on a range of themes through his Social Media stream this week

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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

After a controversial end to the week, and the vote to suspend actives,  MLA's will now have a two week break before a return to the Legislature on Monday, November 21, 2022

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.