The busy fall Legislative Session has come to an end, and 86 MLAs have all returned to their constituencies. One is vacant following the resignation of my friend and longtime colleague Leonard Krog; a witty, intelligent and good friend who has been overwhelmingly elected mayor of Nanaimo.
The Child and Youth Committee, which I chair, has made a decision to examine government services to children and youth with special needs, an area of our child-serving system that does not garner the same attention as the child welfare division.
The government’s child care initiatives are giving confidence to those in the sector, and families who rely on the system, that fundamental changes are being made. Similarly, our commitment to building housing is being fulfilled already, recognizing that this need was ignored as it grew, and that big steps have to be taken.
Residents of Powell River-Sunshine Coast returned their electoral reform ballots in above-average numbers, similar to our standing when it comes to voter turnout. I am glad that it has reached a threshold where even partisans will acknowledge it is within typical numbers for any non-general election.
The legislative highlights of the session include re-establishing the Human Rights Commission; repealing Bill 29, which under the Liberal government resulted in the largest layoff of female employees ever; implementing the Vacancy Tax; protecting temporary foreign workers; fixing the Agricultural Land Commission Act to limit house sizes on agricultural land to 5,500 square feet, among other things; and the establishment of a Poverty Reduction Strategy.
After being in Victoria for two months, and for a month prior to that, travelling with the Finance and Government Services Committee, it’s good to be back in the riding. I had the pleasure of participating in the opening ceremonies of the AAA Provincial Girls Volleyball Championship in Powell River that took place from November 29 to December 1. I also spoke to students at Brooks Secondary School, met with local constituents and groups to hear their ideas and concerns, and even had a chance to ride my reindeer bike in the Marine Avenue Santa Parade. I hope folks had a chance to stop by my office afterwards for hot chocolate and hot dogs.
Thanks to my constituency assistants Rob Hill in Powell River, and Michelle Morton in Davis Bay for their hard work and real concern for the concerns of citizens.
Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and to everyone, Happy New Year.
