MLA's week March 10-13, 2014

A snapshot of some of the talking points from North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, during this week's proceedings of the Legislature.

Through the thirteen sessions of the Legislature or Committee work listed for the week of March 10-13, MLA Rice appears in the index for the Legislature week session four times.

The first from the Monday morning session, when she made inquiries on the lack of movement on some of the recommendations of the Oppal Commission on Missing Women. Ms. Rice's focus on Monday was on the need for a shuttle bus for northern communities, which many believe will reduce  hitch hiking by young women of isolated communities.

Tuesday morning found the North Coast MLA and Transportation Minister Todd Stone exchanging discussion points, as Ms. Rice made use of the City of Prince Rupert's recent study into the impact of ferry cutbacks to highlight concerns across the region.

Opposition Leader Adrian Dix also found much value to the city's briefing paper, expanding on the survey and taking the Liberal government to task over their lack of consultation and tone deaf nature on the potential impacts of the planned cuts.

On Tuesday afternoon, Ms. Rice also made inquiries of the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural resources. Relaying concerns in Haida Gwaii over a boat launch at Clapp Basin and a threat to public access to it.

That was a theme which also led her to bring up the issue of access to the Exstew recreation area on Highway 16, relaying the concerns of constituents over the potential that access may soon be lost.

As for committee work, MLA Rice attended a Thursday afternoon session of The Standing Committee on Children and Youth. Making an inquiry regarding the pending end of funding for a local Counselling Service. As it appears to have turned out, it may have been a question that perhaps was directed to the wrong Minister, but one which Minister Stephanie Cadieux advised she would follow up with Ms. Rice on.

Our recap of those items, as well as other matters regarding the Week in the Legislature, can be found below:

MLA outlines concerns over funding for Prince Rupert Family Counselling Service
City of Prince Rupert's Ferry Study highlighted in Legislature debate on Ferry Cuts
MLA Rice seeks progress on Oppal Commission recommendations

You can review our reviews of past weeks of the Legislature session from our Legislature Sessions archive page.

We have more background on the North Coast MLA from our General Archive on Legislature issues as well.