The Provincial and Federal governments outlined on March 1st that they had reached an agreement on Rights and Titles with the Wet'swuet'en Hereditary Chiefs, though they did not release any of the details of the agreement; advising that they would not speak to the topic until after the Wet'suwet'en have had their opportunity to share it with their membership.
They also noted that no resolution to the dispute over the GasLink pipeline project was found during those talks.
Also generating some new, plans from two long time members of the Legislature to not seek re-election when the next election call comes.
Housing issues dominated the discussion in the North Coast riding this week, with news of plans for a large scale eviction of tenants in order to renovate east side and downtown apartment buildings capturing the attention of both MP Taylor Bachrach and MLA Jennifer Rice.
Thursday meeting set for soon to be evicted tenants of Pinecrest Town Homes to hear of their rights
This week brought a few surprises out of Victoria, first as long time Liberal MLA and former cabinet minister Rich Coleman announced he would not be seeking re-election when the next campaign begins.
The biggest shocker of the week however came from the government side of the House with Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Carole James announcing that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and will be stepping aside from politics when the next election is called.
British Columbia Finance Minister Carole James discloses diagnosis of Parkinson's disease; announce plans not to seek re-election
As mentioned in our opening paragraph, the ongoing path of the COVID-19 coronavirus captured much of the government's attention this week, with frequent case file updates through the week and a Friday announcement from the Premier that outlined the steps that the BC government plans to take in response to the outbreak.
As cases increase, Province activates an advanced COVID-19 response to protect British Columbians
As for more on the week, the four days unfolded as follows:
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On the week, Ms Rice was listed three times in the accounts of the sessions of the Legislature from March 2-6
The MLA's week started with a statement to the House on Monday with MLA Rice making statements on the NDP's work on social programs and a tribute to Search and Rescue workers in BC
In Legislature commentary, MLA Rice points to NDP's progress on Social Priorities
BC Legislature pays tribute to Province's Search and Rescue workers
Ms. Rice also had opportunity to introduce her mother and her mother's husband to the legislature on Monday afternoon.
Wednesday Ms. Rice outlined some of the Provincial plans towards the COVID-19 outbreak in the province.
COVID-19 Coronavirus preparation advice shared by Jennifer Rice through Legislature session
The North Coast MLA is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, serving as the convener of that forum.
Transcripts of the work of the committee are available on the Legislature page for the Committee.
Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs
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For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross was listed twice in the accounts of the Legislature from March 2-6.
It was light speaking schedule for Mr. Ross this week, as the MLA made note of visitors in the Gallery on two occasions.
The Skeena MLA used his statements time on Tuesday morning to introduce and welcome Jerry Asp of the Thaltan Nation to the Legislature.
Wednesday Mr. Ross welcomed Caroline Moore to the Legislature making note of her work in Indigenous Relations and policy for over 25 years.
Mr. Ross is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives.
He has also been appointed to the Standing Committee on Children and Youth
The Skeena MLA is also a member of the Special Committee for Review of the Police complaint process, you can follow their work here.
There is more background on both the North Coast and Skeena MLA's available from our MLA's Week Archive, as well as our constituency archives below:
North Coast constituency
Skeena and Stikine constituency
Members of the Legislature now take to their two week Spring Break returning to their work in Victoria on Monday, March 23.
The full schedule for the Legislature for 2020 can be viewed here.
A larger overview of provincial issues can be found on our political portal D'Arcy McGee
To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.
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