MLA's Week: April 3-6, 2023

MLA's had a full week of Sessions and committee meetings in the lead up to the Easter Holiday period, with 

The week began with a trip to the BC Supreme Court for the Gitxaaala Nation, which is putting the province's Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to the test over mineral rights

Two week court hearing underway as Gitxaala Nation tests BC's Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Travellers on BC Ferries received some advanced warning that their fares will be going up, though the recommended 9.6% increase is likely to be reduced by the time the fall implementation comes along

BC Ferry Commissioner sets Prince cap increase at 9.6%, though final number likely to be lower

A pair of housing themes dominated the week, with Premier Eby introducing his latest approach towards creating more hosing in the province, a topic that served as a talking point we imagine for the delegates to the UBCM Housing forum this week in Vancouver.

Province looks to speed up building of homes, with single home lots to see changes to increase alllowed housing

Two Day UBCM Housing Summit underway in Vancouver 

This week saw the Electoral Boundaries Commission deliver their final report and while there is no change to the regional constituency borders, if the findings are accepted a couple of name changes will be found in our corner of the province.

No Change for North Coast riding borders, but name change proposed from Electoral Boundaries Commission Final Report

The Ministry of Education announced some new funding for the School Food program across BC

Province of British Columbia announces funding for School Food Programs

The province even provided a reminder of Tsunami Preparation Week from April 9-15, 2023

With Tsunami Preparedness activities ahead next week, British Columbians are being asked to review how they prepare for Tsunamis 

As for the Northwest MLA's the schedule was a light one, with only a few appearances in the listings of the debates and discussions.

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 not mentioned for the week in the  Legislature from April 3-6.

Ms. Rice was active on her Social media stream, noting of some of the government initiatives of the week

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 Rural health.

The North Coast MLA also addressed a range of themes and relayed  a number of government announcements through her Social Media Stream.

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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 April 3-6.

The Skeena MLA Joined in on the debate over Premier Eby's newest housing strategy, making use of Question Period on Tuesday to put some questions to Mr. Eby.

Skeena MLA Ross speaks towards rental relief as NDP's housing plans dominate Tuesday Question Period

Mr. Ross also used the introductions period to the Thursday morning session to pay tribute to the Haisla Senior Women's All Native Basketball team, which included his daughter Miranda the salute to his daughter and her team can be viewed at the 10:14 AM mark.

The MLA for Skeena also took part Committee sessions on Energy this week, asking questions related sources of Gas for LNG projects as well as BC Hydro plans for expansion in the Northwest for LNG and other uses.

On Monday afternoon Mr. Ross took part in the discussion of gas exploration and production speaking to the topic at the 18:02 mark of the session.

Tuesday he participated in both morning and afternoon sessions his morning questions can be found at the 11:05 mark of the session, his afternoon participation can be reviewed starting at the 15:12 mark of the Committee session.

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 mentioned twice  in the record for the week in the  Legislature from April 3-6.

That came as he provided introductions for the Legislature.

First noting of the presence in the Gallery of Wayne Stetski, the former mayor of Cranbrook and former MP the introduction cane at 13:36 of the Monday afternoon session.  

Wednesday afternoon Mr. Cullen had opportunity to highlight the presence of his family in the gallery, that at the 13:35PM mark of the session.

The Stikine MLA is not currently assigned to any Parliamentary Committees.  

Mr. Cullen serves as the Government's Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

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

The MLA's now have a week long Easter break and return to the Chamber on Monday, April 17.

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 Victoria Viewpoints archive

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.