From the Legislature 2022: North Coast Riding

Items of note from our elected officials at the Provincial Legislature and developments on the political scene in the northwest ridings.

For Notes on the Skeena and Stikine ridings see our home page

North Coast
MLA Jennifer Rice (NDP MLA)

Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness
(appointed July 2017)

Expense Listings for 2022

MLA's Week Legislature Archive
(our review of MLA Rice's contributions at the Legislature)

Committee Membership

Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth 


Jennifer Rice MLA Constituency Page
Jennifer Rice Twitter feed
Jennifer Rice Facebook page

General Overview Notes on the British Columbia Political Scene

(From our political blog  D'Arcy McGee)


2022

July 

July 22 -- President and CEO Mark Collins OUT at BC Ferries   NCR

July 21 -- BC Liberal leader Kevin Falcon on tour (of some) the North and Northwest  NCR

July 20 -- Prince Rupert's Housing issues makes for short narrative for David Eby's NDP leadership launch NCR

July 20 -- BC NDP Leadership race ... One and done? NCR

July 18 -- BC Legislature Health Committee hosting consultations on overdose and drug toxicity crisis NCR

July 16 -- First Nation members receive equal vote to government members in Coast Funds

July 15 -- Changes to Coast Funds Governance will put more control in the Hands of the First Nations they support 

July 15 -- Province announces prohibition of Open Fires for Haida Gwaii, Central coast communities  NCR

July 15 -- Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen expects more name change requests from BC communities following the post municipal election period  NCR

July 14 -- Province announces gaming grant funding for North Coast (video)

July 14 -- $264,000 from Gaming grants to benefit North Coast communities 

July 14 -- Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen expands on decision against BC NDP leadership run  NCR

July 13 -- Village of Queen Charlotte renamed to Daajing Giids (video)

July 13 -- Province announces historic decision to restore ancestral name in Haida Gwaii

July 13 -- Three Prince Rupert groups/organization highlighted in funding update from Provincial government NCR

July 13 -- Province of British Columbia confirms return of Ancestral Haida Name to Damaging Giids NCR

July 13 -- Restoration of Ancestral name for Daajin Giids, formerly the Village of Queen Charlotte, in May receives provincial recognition 

July 13 -- Province, Nisga'a Lisims Government announce plans for improved Internet, cell coverage for Nass Valley NCR

July 12 -- Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen to take pass on BC NDP leadership race NCR

July 11 -- Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen facing more hateful messaging NCR

July 12 -- Province seeks comment from British Columbians on functions of the Representative for Children and Youth Act  NCR

July 11 -- Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen facing more hateful messaging NCR

July 11 -- BC NDP shake up Board for BC Housing with multiple replacements NCR

July 8 -- Two Haida Gwaii communities receive more than $950K for 3 projects

July 8 -- Adrian Dix, BC Health Officials put focus on Fall COVID Booster campaign NCR

July 7 -- Telus announces 10 million dollar Haida Gwaii investment

July 7 -- BCGEU make preparations for strike action as talks with Province break down  NCR

July 7 -- Smithers NDP plan Big 50 Birthday Bash for Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen NCR

July 6 -- There at Pot Holes and there's this subterranean cavern under Highway 16 NCR

July 6 -- Connected Coast's fibre optic cable reaches Haida Gwaii

July 6 -- Masset receiving funding for three infrastructure projects

July 6 -- Tourism and Local Food production on Haida Gwaii to benefit from Provincial funding  NCR

July 6 -- BC Liberals on the North Coast find much to like from Prince Rupert Mayor's State of the City address  NCR

July 5 -- Two Northwest Bridges to see rehabilitation work this summer  NCR

July 5 -- High speed undersea cable makes for connectivity for Haida Gwaii; as Connected Coast work hears 50% completion mark  NCR

July 4 -- Connected Coast project reaches real milestone in Haida Gwaii

July 4 -- Telus bringing improved Internet to Haida Gwaii (video)

June

June 30 -- Province releases Third Annual Report on Declaration Act Progress

June 29 -- Paise and Best Wishes for John Horgan following Tuesday's announcement of plans to take leave of Premier's office in the fall  NCR

June 28 -- BC Premier John Horgan steps down (video)

June 28 -- Haida Gwaii representatives ask BC Ferries for more sailings 

June 28 -- Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation creates their own Marine Protected Area in Great Bear Rainforest

June 28 -- Premier John Horgan announces intention to step down from office, calls on NDP to begin process of leadership search  NCR

June 28 -- Island Hop ahead for MLA Jennifer Rice  NCR

June 27 -- More visible LGBTQIA2S+ role models needed said Northcoast MLA Jennifer Rice

June 24 -- Province suggests residents prepare for extreme heat this weekend as Environment Canada issues Weather statements 

June 24 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice looks to fill post in Prince Rupert constituency office NCR

June 23 -- New housing plans announced for Terrace area, will offer secure housing for women and children NCR

June 22 -- After Further Review ... BC Government cancels plans for Royal BC Museum and launches more extensive consultation process towards its future   NCR

June 21 -- Hopes high, details few for Coast Mountain College campus housing in Prince Rupert  NCR

June 16 -- Money laundering report released, Government to review recommendations for action  NCR

June 15 -- Province releases new extreme heat response plan (video)

June 15 -- City Council to forward Community Health Care concerns petition to Health Minister Adrian Dix  NCR

June 14 -- $35 million in fresh provincial funding will support the reclamation and revitalization of First Nations language, culture and Heritage 

June 14 -- Prince George makes for a long ride from the Northwest to reach a sobering centre ... NCR

June 13 -- BC Liberal Party starting process of name change

June 13 -- BC Liberal weekend convention features address from Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, name change consultation plans and keynote address from leader Kevin Falcon NCR

June 10 -- BC Liberals to vote on possible name change to remove perceived association with Federal Liberals 

June 9 -- BC Government launches public engagement towards strengthening the Great Bear Rainforest NCR

June 8 -- Money laundering report now in hands of BC Government, release to be deferred until later and Government review  NCR

June 7 -- FireSmart advice from MLA Rice as province prepares for summer of 2022 wildfire season  NCR

June 3 -- Busy last session day for Skeena's Ellis Ross with questions for the Premier on crime in Terrace, Pipeline court order enforcement injunction process NCR

June 2 -- More than $3 million received by Haida Gwaii solar energy farm

June 2 -- With the end of the current Legislature Session today and a summer break ahead, No Context BC runs the highlight reel  NCR

June 2 -- Housing Minister David Eby notes of challenges of communities like Prince Rupert in developing housing  NCR

June 1 -- MLA Jennifer Rice celebrates 100 years of library service for Prince Rupert with Legislature statement  NCR

June 1 -- Community petition on health care reaffirms Council's concerns over health issues in Prince Rupert NCR

May

May 31 -- British Columbia to decriminalize possession of some illegal drugs for personal use   NCR

May 31 -- Highway travel in Northwest BC will bring delays with paving projects  NCR

May 31 -- Northwest Transit users from Terrace east asked for feedback on Highway 16 community to community bus service  NCR

May 31 -- Nasoga Lands court injunction steers all concerned towards further consultation towards dispute resolution  NCR

May 26 -- 12 new housing units for Bella Coola by late 2022

May 26 -- NDP Museum plans could be long running gift for Opposition  NCR

May 25 -- North Coast rolls snake-eyes in Provincial gaming grant announcement from Tuesday NCR

May 19 -- Village of Queen Charlotte to return to Haida name (video)

May 17 -- BC Libraries to get 8 million dollar cash boost in one time funding NCR
May 17 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice among many noting observation of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia  NCR

May 17 -- Village of Queen Charlotte makes moves towards return to ancestral Haida name Daajing Giids. NCR

May 17 -- Province of BC adds Heat Alerts to criteria for Alert Ready Program  NCR

May 16 -- Premier's advice on travel plans in times of high gas prices gain a response from Skeena's Ellis Ross  NCR

May 14 -- MLA's Week  May 9-12 NCR

May 10 -- Arts Funding on Haida Gwaii (video)

May 7 -- MLA's Week: May 2-5, 2022 NCR

May 6 -- Jennifer Rice hals work of Midwives with Legislature salute NCR

May 6 -- Improved spaces support arts and culture on Haida Gwaii

May 6 -- BC Government to assign experts to investigate and report on prolific offender issue NCR

May 5 -- Some local success found on North Coast from High Ground Hike 2022 winners list  NCR

May 5 -- Province of BC to start construction of Terrace Highway Commercial Vehicle Inspection facility NCR

May 5 -- Red Dress day observed in Prince Rupert and across the province NCR

May 4 -- Emergency Preparedness Alert System put to the test across British Columbia on Wednesday afternoon   NCR

May 4 -- Legislature debate explores themes of Municipal Act amendments  NCR

May 3 -- British Columbia to expand use of Alert Ready System; test of system set for Wednesday NCR

May 2 -- Northern Adventure resumes scheduled service, but with some fences to mend with residents, Island officials and travellers to and from Haida Gwaii  NCR

April 

April 29 -- MLA Nathan Cullen meets with Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance 

April 29 -- BC Budget planning consultation to start in late May, registration period opens next week NCR

April 29 -- Members of Resource Benefits Alliance hope for progress on funding agreement with province by UBCM this fall  NCR

April 29 -- Return for British Columbia Provincial Police Force among many recommendations from BC Policing report  NCR

April 28 -- Hopes for Northwest infrastructure support (video)

April 28 -- Energy Security is the theme for MLA Ellis Ross as he highlights the success of Prince Rupert's AltaGas terminal  NCR

April 27 -- Northwest Ferry crisis (video)

April 27 -- MLA Jennifer Rice's office feels the heat over week long ferry cancellation NCR

April 26 -- North Coast MLA addresses BC Ferries cancellation

April 20 -- BC Issues Environmental Assessment Certificate to Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Facility proposed for Ridley Island 

April 20 -- Electoral Boundaries Commission heading North for meetings beginning next week

April 19 -- Six Communities in Northwest Fire Centre Receive Fresh injection of FireSmart Funding 

April 19 -- BC to start implementing data from consultation to first anti racism data legislation 

April 14 -- Prince Rupert Tsunami Preparedness (video)

April 14 -- BC Electoral Boundaries Commission release schedule for upcoming public meetings  

April 14 -- 6th Anniversary of Public Health Emergency over BC overdose crisis today 

April 13 -- Province signs memorandum of Understanding with Ahousat First Nation 

April 13 -- BC Looking for Public Input on Strategy intended to hold companies to account for Environmental Clean-up

April 12 -- New Union organizing rules in place in British Columbia  NCR

April 12 -- Indigenous Safety Funding (video)

April 11 -- 12 Community and Recreation infrastructure projects in Northern BC Benefiting from New Joint Funding 

April 11 -- Federal/Provincial Funding announcement delivers 57 projects across British Columbia, with Prince Rupert area absent from the list of successful communities for this period  NCR

April 11 -- Alaskan politicians continue to push for Bypass BC Cruise Ports option for cruise lines for 2022  NCR

April 9 -- MLA's Week April 4-7 NCR

April 8 -- British Columbia's Emergency Dispatchers and Call Takers to be celebrated next week  NCR

April 8 -- Bill 20 gains first reading towards change in Municipal affairs in British Columbia  NCR

April 7 -- North Coast Art Organizations to receive portion of 12.4 million 

April 7 -- High ground is at home if a Tsunami hits in Prince Rupert

April 7 -- New Legislative Changes give local governments tools to act when elected officials face criminal charges 

April 7 -- Newly released report analyses barriers and gaps faced by Indigenous People in Receiving Income support 

April 7 -- Proposed Dock for Industrial Park now in comment period  NCR

April 6 -- Overworked and Understaffed, IIO outlines current stare of investigative process and challenges in BC  NCR

April 6 -- Tourism training on the way for Haida Gwaii this Spring and Summer  NCR

April 6 -- Terrace Council find progress on crime concerns; as BC Liberals turn up heat on government  NCR

April 5 -- Province continues to remove COVID measures, with proof of vaccination requirements to end Friday  NCR

April 2 -- MLA's Week: March 28-31, 2022. NCR

April 1 -- Provincial Funding for Arts and Culture includes two Prince Rupert entries NCR

April 1 -- Historic week for Indigenous reconciliation efforts for British Columbia, Canada  NCR

April 1 -- Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen explores housing themes in Legislature presentation  NCR

April 1 -- In Legislature comments, MLA Rice pays tribute to Haida Gwaii award winners NCR

March

March 31 -- 18 remote and Indigenous Northern Communities receive funding to Continue and Improve Shuttle Bus Service 

March 31 -- Prince Rupert's Friendship House gains funding for Shuttle Bus program  NCR

March 29 -- New affordable housing made available for members of the Heiltsuk Nation

March 29 -- BC's First Earthquake warning sensor installed at Horseshoe Bay  NCR

March 28 -- Amendments to Property Law Act seek to add protections for pressured homebuyers

March 25 -- ICBC to provide auto plan rebates in May due to Skyrocketing gas prices

March 25 -- ICBC to drive BC Government's one time gas pump relief rebate NCR

March 23 -- BC Electoral Boundaries Commission gets consultation period underway NCR

March 23 -- COVID-19 rapid anti-en tests now available at Pharmacies for residents aged 18 and Older 

March 23 -- Two Northerners among 31 honoured with BC Medal of Good Citizenship 

March 22 -- Two Haida Gwaiians make provinces list of 32 Medal of Good Citizenship recipients  NCR

March 21 -- 16 Northern Communities split $1.9 million in Fresh Heritage BC grants 

March 18 -- Horgan says Ottawa's plans to eliminate Open-net pen salmon farms should come with with Workforce Transition Plan

March 18 -- Premier John Horgan and Actor Mark Ruffalo Have Back and Forth over CGL Pipeline

March 17 -- Municipal Affairs Minister Believes in Community-based approach to solving the housing crisis 

March 17 -- SD52 to receive $1.5 million from province towards capital projects  NCR

March 16 -- BC conducting brand new type of report to help combat homelessness

March 16 -- Province of BC updating BC parks reservation service

March 16 -- Province invites campers to test drive new online reservation system before it goes live next week NCR

March 15 -- Legislature committee's consultation on Freedom of Information an Protection of Privacy to end March 31st NCR

March 15 -- Several Northwest Schools Nab provincial funding for ventilation and Safety Upgrades

March 14 -- Minimum wage to increase to $15.65 in June as Province ties it to inflation 

March 14 -- Province to boost minimum wage to $15.65 per hour as of June 1st NCR

March 14 -- Investigation in to 2014 Mount Polley Mine Disaster finally concludes

March 12 -- MLA's Week: March 7-10, 2022 NCR

March 11 -- Early Development Activities underway to bring Indigenous-led Health and Wellness Centre to Northwest

March 11 -- 207 Lives Lost in BC to illicit Toxic Drug Supply in January, North Faces Highest rate of deaths

March 11 -- Premier Horgan outlines how British Columbia may respond to potential wave of Ukrainian refugees  NCR

March 11 -- BC introducing roadmap to help tourism industry recover

March 11 -- Masking orders dropping across the Northwest, with some important exceptions  NCR

March 10 -- Province seeking public input on Post Secondary Indigenous Education requirement proposal 

March 10 -- Masks in British Columbia come off at midnight tonight; vaccine cards to remain in use until April. Doctor Henry and Minister Dix outline path ahead as COVID fortunes improve province wide NCR

March 10 -- Thursday Health briefing could bring end to mask mandate as most BC communities see COVID cases/Hospitalizations on decline  NCR

March 9 -- MLA Nathan Cullen calls new position as Municipal Affairs Minister a Dream Job

March 8 -- Provincial and Federal governments to add more money towards High Speed connectivity in BC NCR

March 8 -- Joint Federal and Provincial Investment promises High speed internet to all of BC by 2027

March 8 -- BC Government changing Wildlife act to support Indigenous peoples

March 8 -- Proposal would see BC High School Students to be required to complete Indigenous Education starting in 2023

March 8 -- BC Looking to close largest gender pay gap among provinces with planned legislation

March 8 -- Provincial Government tabling proposed amendments to Transportation Act

March 8 -- Public Feedback period opens as Province outlines new focus for Indigenous curriculum for BC schools  NCR

March 8 -- Minister Roly Rusell says connecting BC with High Speed Internet about more than just recreation and business 

March 8 -- A Clarion call to break the Bias, International Women's Day 2022  NCR

March 4 -- Emergency Preparation and Response main focus for North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice's Budget Boasts   NCR

March 3 -- Study says travel confidence of BC residents strong despite some concerns 

March 3 -- BC residents get recognized for service to veterans

March 3 -- Award ceremony for BC's Highest honour taking place today

March 2 -- Newly released study sees BC's renewable and low carbon gas use doubling by 2050

March 2 -- MLA Rice shares her appreciation of AFFNO and anticipation for Upcoming Sugar Shack in Prince Rupert with BC Legislature  NCR

March 1 -- Russian Vodka, BC Pensions and Northwest LNG make for narrative for Monday's Question Period at the Legislature NCR

March 1 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice delivers comments on health care as part of Monday Legislature session  NCR

March 1 -- Climate Change key focus for Nathan Cullen as he takes on his new duties as Minister of Municipal Affairs  NCR

February

February 28 --BC Liberal calls for BCIMT to re-evaluate and Divest Investments in Russian Companies 

February 25 -- MLA Nathan Cullen moves into Municipal Affairs Portfolio with cabinet change announced today  NCR

February 25 -- Northern themes make for some of the narrative for MLA Nathan Cullen's Budget speech review  NCR

February 24 -- Province invests in shift to year-round approach to wildlife prevention and management

February 24 -- Province to clarify approach to reconciliation during Northwest meetings planned for Next Month 

February 24 -- NDP government introduces changes to Coastal Ferry Act NCR

February 22 -- BC Budget 2022 projects massive deficit decrease, adds First Nation Health Supports and increases wildfire protections

February 22 -- Declining deficit, Spending and supports chart path for BC Budget 2022  NCR

February 22 -- Weekend article notes that BC Government is considering legislation over Municipal Housing approvals  NCR

February 19 -- MLA's Week: February 14-17, 2022 NCR

February 18 -- Has Nathan Cullen telegraphed an upcoming cabinet shuffle?  NCR
February 15 -- Restrictions on Gatherings and Events to be lifted late Wednesday as Province announces latest COVID response  NCR

February 15 -- British Columbians could gain update on Government's COIVD plans for period ahead with 1:30 PM briefing today  NCR

February 14 -- Changes coming to ICBC renewal process, with renewal stickers to fade from view  NCR

February 11 -- $8.3 million for Lytton recovery announced by Rice

February 11 -- Haida Gwaii's Naikoon Park to increase with expansion of protection area  NCR

February 11 -- BC sending 5 million dollars to Industry Training Authority to help with trades apprenticeships

February 11 -- Prince Rupert nurses send plea to MLA for aid

February 10 -- Stikine's Nathan Cullen pays tribute to Earl Muldoon if First day back for BC Legislature  NCR

February 10 -- New Legislation introduced to increase protected areas at Multiple Northern Parks

February 8 -- North Coast MLA voices support for more health care funding 

February 8 -- Provincial forecast calls for one million Jobs in British Columbia by 2031 NCR

February 4 -- NDP MP and MLAs in the North Call for increase in Federal contribution to health care funding

February 4 -- MLA Rice updates on accommodation for Angus Apartment residents, hopeful of some short term relief on housing at Crane's Crossing by summer/fall NCR

February 3 -- BC human rights office launches Survey for reporting hat crimes

February 1 -- Province invites Applications for Highest British Columbia Award NCR

February 1 -- Petition Push looks to bring back High School sports tournament play NCR

February 1 -- BC Parks plans for redesign on online reservation system for 2022 NCR

January

January 28 -- With Fibre Optic cable laying off Ridley Island, CityWest marks milestone for Connected Coast project  NCR

January 28 -- Province of British Columbia, UBCM team up for review of municipal finance challenges  NCR

January 28 -- Prince Rupert Marine Rescue among Northwest Groups to benefit from Gaming Grant funding from 2021 NCR

January 21 -- As Omicron dominates the COVID evolution, Province of BC shifts its focus and resets on virus response NCR

January 21 -- Province shifting guidelines on COVID-19 testing and management

January 19 -- Province to double funds, extend period of supports for eligible businesses impacted by COVID closure orders  NCR

January 20 -- Historic agreement looks to revitalize traditional legal systems, support First Nations Justice Strategy

January 19 -- A welcome return home for Prince Rupert's homeless ... but still much work to do on affordable housing in the city   NCR

January 19 -- Gym users in Prince Rupert and across BC, can return to their routines as of Thursday  NCR

January 18 -- Gyms and fitness centres can reopen across BC

January 18 -- BC requiring vaccination status from school staff amid concerns

January 18 -- Gyms and Fitness centres to reopen under newly revised Provincial Health Orders

January 17 -- Prince Rupert Gymnastics Association to gain additional funding from Province of British Columbia  NCR

January 17 -- New team in BC created to help stop sexual assault in the north

January 17 -- BC Government requires proof of vaccination from school staff

January 17 -- Health orders are being extended in BC as 5,624 new cases in three days

January 13 -- Prince Rupert councillor Barry Cunningham calls on MLA Jennifer Rice to be more pro active on calls for Highway Maintenance  NCR

January 12 -- Prince Rupert Councillor responds to poor Highway conditions (audio)

January 12 -- Nomination period for 2022 BC reconciliation award closing soon

January 11 -- BC sees more than 500 surgeries delayed last week as hospitals overflow 

January 6 -- Province decries treatment of Health Care staffers over testing issues  NCR

January 6 -- As BC Assessment levels increase across Northwest BC, so too does BC Home Owner Grant Threshold number  NCR

January 4 -- Wheels of Justice in BC to turn a little slower as Supreme and Provincial courts suspended for in person trials NCR

Archive of items for 2021
Archive of items for 2020
Archive of items for 2019
Archive of items for 2018
Archive of items for 2017
Archive of items for 2016
Archive of items from 2015
Archive of items from 2014
Archive of items from 2013 and before


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