From the Legislature 2023: 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 Rural Health 
(Appointed January 2023)

Expense Listings for 2023


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

Committee Membership

Select Committee on Children and Youth

Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs

Select Standing Committee on Education

Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills 

The MLA Is also Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts 

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)

December 

December 18 -- More campus housing announcements from Province for BC communities; Prince Rupert students still await word of same for local Coast Mountain College campus NCR

December 7 -- Province of British Columbia puts 60 million dollars towards sustainability for Great Bear Sea NCR

December 1 -- As Fall session comes to an end, NDP government take victory lap on string of housing initiatives announced  NCR

November 

November 30 -- MLA/MP set to share Good Holiday cheer Friday at Prince Rupert constituency office NCR

November 29 -- Skeena MLA Ellis Ross calls on MLA's to stand behind projects such as Trigon's Ammonia plans as part of value added strategy NCR

November 28 -- Support for water licensing process theme for Legislature discussion Monday NCR 

November 28 -- MLA Rice calls attention to 16 Days of Activism against Gender based violence NCR

November 23 -- BC and Federal Governments invest in wastewater treatment program for Daajing Giids NCR

November 23 -- BC Government expands on Speculation and Vacancy Tax program, though Northwest BC remains off Minister Ravi Khalon's radar for now  NCR

November 21 -- Climate change policies  ramping up as a key BC election theme for 2024  NCR

November 21 --  North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice pays tribute to Patti Forman, Province makes proclamation for Patricia Forman Day  NCR

November 20 -- Expanded Security program now in place at Northern Health's Prince Rupert Regional Hospital NCR

November 17 -- Moose Lodge set as host venue for Louis Riel Dance Saturday Night in Prince Rupert NCR

November 17 -- Metlakatla Chief Councillor Harold Leighton Awarded Order of British Columbia in provincial ceremony Thursday NCR

November 16 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice hails funding award for Gitxaala Nation towards recycling aims NCR

November 15 -- BC Emergency Alert System Test set for 1:55 PM today NCR

November 10 -- New contract for Ambulance Service workers hailed by MLA Rice NCR

November 3 -- First Nation's Leaders' gathering closes today after two days of relationship building in Vancouver  NCR

November 2 -- BC United put Skeena MLA into the spotlight on Carbon Tax and Affordability push back NCR

November 2 -- More Provincial moves announced to encourage housing in BC NCR

November 1 -- Nathan Cullen notes of protections for Spotted Owl, as Green Leader Furstenau calls for expanded legislation  NCR

November 1 -- Carbon Tax as a tax grab ... Skeena MLA Ellis Ross cals out BC NDP for carbon tax program in the province  NCR

October 

October 31 -- Ellis Ross speaks in Legislature towards EV's and push to zero emissions in BC NCR

October 31 -- Province of BC joins the chorus of those hailing Lax Kw'alaams progress on housing in Prince Rupert NCR

October 30 -- SD52 among Northwest School Districts to benefit from new teacher incentive hiring program from BC Government  NCR

October 27 -- Short Term Rental legislation from the province welcomed by Mayor Pond NCR

October 26 -- Skeena MLA speaks in support of BC United amendments to BC government's Short Term rental legislation  NCR

October 26 -- Gitxaala Nation launches appeal on Courts refusal to address UNDRIP in mineral tenures NCR

October 26 -- MLA Rice shares thoughts on Saturday's Galloway Rapids Totem Pole raising with members of BC Legislature Wednesday  NCR

October 20 -- Northwest MLA's take to topic of Environmental Management Act in Legislature discussions NCR

October 19 -- 111 new childcare spaces coming to Prince Rupert 

October 18 -- Skeena MLA Ellis Ross raises Homelessness issues of Terrace, Smithers and Prince Rupert in Legislature NCR 

October 17 -- Province to take action towards short term rentals to increase access to housing for many communities in BC NCR

October 16 -- Lax Kxeen Elementary School is the location selected for new Daycare Spaces for Prince Rupert NCR

October 12 -- Lax Kw'alaams breaks ground on70 unit affordable housing development 

October 11 -- Roundabout to replace 2nd Avenue McBride intersection in Prince Rupert 

October 11 -- Province to move forward with Roundabout project and potential Housing plans for Second Avenue West and McBride NCR

October 11 -- CityWest expands footprint on Sunshine Coast. with project plans for two communities NCR

October 6 -- Rice, Ross offer differing narratives to discussion on Emergency And Disaster Management Act NCR

October 6 -- Homeless count survey shows increase of those in Prince Rupert looking for a place to live NCR

October 6 -- BC Ferries adds to the executive ranks as they look for service improvement NCR

October 6 -- Skeena MLA raises issue of Emergency Room closures in Question Period  NCR

October 5 -- Provincial government makes course correction on Open Drug use in public spaces NCR

October 5 -- Municipal/Regional governments to keep pressure on BC Government on NWBCRBAthemes through fall; Alliance leadership eyes Spring Provincial Budget for breakthrough moment NCR

October 5 -- Jennifer Rice updates Legislature on Cancer Travel programs in British Columbia NCR

October 4 -- Historic Manitoba vote hailed across Canada, BC and in Prince Rupert NCR

October 4 -- Legislature return brings testy exchange for Premier and Conservative leader NCR

October 4 -- BC Ferries Fees and Performance measures of note for Province NCR

September

September 28 -- Masking to make a comeback at some Health care facilities this fall  NCR

September 28 -- Health Minister Adrian Dix releases details towards plans for additional Cancer Travel funding in British Columbia NCR

September 28 -- Province of BC sets housing targets for ten communities, 10 more to be announced this fall  NCR

September 27 -- Gitxaala Nation calls for quick action by British Columbia Government following Supreme Court ruling NCR

September 26 -- Raising of Survivor's flag in Victoria, opens week long lead in to Truth and Reconciliation Day Saturday NCR

September 25 -- Cancer care travel expansion plans announced by MLA Rice NCR

September 21 -- Mayor Pond offers up RBA notes from session with Premie and other officials at UBCM 2023 NCR
September 20 -- Prince Rupert Counter Protest highlights concerns over nationwide Million March today NCR

September 19 -- BC Legislature Committee seeks input on Taxi and Ride Hailnigns services and other Transportation themes NCR

September 14 -- BC to reverse decriminalization of drug possession in certain public spaces frequented by youth 

September 14 -- British Columbia Conservatives gain seat in Legislature by way of Banman defection from BC United Party  NCR
September 14 -- North Coast Transition Society in Prince Rupert one of a number of Northern organizations to gain funding for recovery and support  NCR

September 13 -- BC MLA's push for Indigenous led detox centre in Terrace 

September 13 -- BC United MLA crosses aisle; Becomes Conservative Party's second sitting MLA, making them official Legislative party 

September 13 -- Staffing issues close maternity ward at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital 

September 13 -- In Prince Rupert, New Parenthood in September started with a road trip to Terrace NCR

September 12 -- BC United releases plan to improve public safety, crack down on violent, and end illicit drug decriminalization 

September 7 -- BC's Foundry program looks to expand ... can Prince Rupert make the list? NCR

September 7 -- Prince Rupert receives long awaited funding to replace Middle School 

September 6 -- Prince Rupert Middle School to be replaced (video)

September 6 -- New middle school for Prince Rupert (audio)

September 5 -- Province announces $126.8 million to replace Prince Rupert Middle School 

September 5 -- New Middle School build gets approval and funding with announcement today from North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice  NCR

September 1 -- MLA Ellis Ross suffers memory loss following bike incident 

August 

August 29 -- Funding for Literacy projects to benefit local organizations on North Coast, Haida Gwaii NCR

August 21 -- MLA Rice relays news of new Housing for Gitxaala Nation members in Prince Rupert NCR

August 21 -- Ombudsperson of BC tour of Northwest/Haida Gwaii set for end of August  NCR

August 15 -- Northwest Health Care staffing issues in Smithers make for concerning news story for CTV BC NCR

August 16 -- MLA Rice weighs in on social media forum exploring status of Housing in Prince Rupert NCR

August 14 -- Coast Mountain College in Terrace advises that campus housing allotments now full, with wait list available for those looking for accommodations NCR

August 11 -- Metlakatla Chief Councillor Harold Leighton named to Order of BC NCR

July

July 27 -- Province funds Prince Rupert crisis intervention team 

July 19 -- Haida Nation, Federal Government and Province sign Recognition Agreement NCR

July 18 -- Provincial plans to team up Mounties with Health Care officials praised by Prince Rupert leaders NCR 

July 17 -- Prince Rupert among communities on list for introduction of Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Teams NCR

July 17 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer rice welcomes new constituent to Prince Rupert  NCR

July 6 -- Four Prince Rupert organizations gain from Community Gaming Grant funding program  NCR

June

June 29 -- Lakelse Lake Provincial Park attraction gets upgrade NCR

June 29 -- BC Government introduces new online booking program for medical appointments with pharmacists NCR

June 22 -- City of Prince Rupert gains 93,000 dollars in funding for emergency preparation use NCR

June 22 -- Prince Rupert Court House up for a makeover, with first stage a call for a report on its condition NCR

June 16 -- BC Hydro to call for clean energy Independent Power Producers in 2024; may be window of opportunity for City of Prince Ruper's Woodworth Dam  NCR

June 13 -- Federal, Provincial funding directs 3 million dollars to CityWest Fibre to the home ventures in Northwest NCR

June 13-- MLA Rice hails newest Harm Reduction initiative in Prince Rupert NCR

June 6 -- City of Prince Rupert, rest of Northwest BC stay off BC Housing Minister Khalon's naught list for now NCR

June 2 -- Coastal Marine Strategy focus for June 12 Open House in Prince Rupert NCR

June 1 -- 25 million dollar add on towards funding for Coast Clean up in 2023 NCR

June 1 -- For 21 minor ailments and a few other needs, the Pharmacist is no IN! NCR

May

May 30 -- $7.75M secures BC Bus North and other transportation program until 2027

May 30 -- New round of funding announced for BC Bus North and Northwest Community Shuttle programs NCR

May 26 -- British Columbia's Annual Budget Consultation period open until June 16 NCR

May 25 -- Province provides for funding for Emergency Response use for a number of northwest communities NCR

May 19 -- Employment services support addiction recovery in Vernon, Penticton, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Kamloops

May 19 -- 333 Recovery Hone in Prince Rupert selected as part of Provincial Recovery Pilot Project NCR
May 19 -- BC Government provides funding for Food Sovereignty and Transportation for North Coast/Haida Gwaii  NCR

May 18 -- Federal and Provincial investment to bring upgrades to North Coast Recycling Depot NCR

May 18 -- Treaty Negotiations for Kitsumkalum, Kitselas nearing close NCR

May 17 -- Barbeque in Prince Rupert to connect with residents nourishes North Coast MLAs soul

May 16 -- New Air Ambulances planned for BC Emergency Health Services NCR

May 15 -- MLA Jennifer Rice to host community BBQ at Mariner's Park Tuesday NCR

May 11 -- 10 Years at the Leg for North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice NCR

May 10 -- With Third reading of Haida Nation Act, BC government, Haida Nation take another step forward on reconciliation  NCR

May  9 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice enters the nail polish fray at SD52 NCR

May 5 -- Mayor Pond notes of hopes of progress towards RBA discussions NCR

May 5 -- Prince Rupert based Sheriffs among those honoured for outstanding service NCR

May 3 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice shares in saltire towards work of Public Accounts Committee NCR

May 1 -- Prince Rupert makes for final Northwest Stop for BC Senior's advocate NCR

April

April 28 -- Funding for Arts announced for Haida Gwaii and North Coast NCR

April 28 -- City of Prince Rupert, Mayor Pond and Labour community marking National Day of Mourning today. NCR

April 28 -- Avalanche situation in Northwest gains Provincial attention NCR

April 27 -- Community Safety, Repeat Offenders among themes of Legislature debate this week for MLA Ellis Ross  NCR

April 26 -- Cloudberry Trail gains additional Funding, Kaine Trail RFP for Phase Two Development released NCR

April 25 -- BC Ferries reduces the financial burden on those travelling by Ferry for medical travel NCR

April 25 -- 60 years of Service for the residents of Prince Rupert gains Lions Club a Legislature shout out from MLA Rice  NCR

April 25 -- EAO Open Houses set for May in Terrace, Prince Rupert for KSI Lisims LNG Project NCR

April 21 -- Province of BC, Port of Prince Rupert partner up towards cleaner, greener trade  NCR

April 21 --  BC Government HIGH-lights the benefits of local, legal cannabis on 4/20  NCR

April 20 -- Cryptocurrency notes by Skeena MLA Ellis Ross spark some debate on  his social media stream NCR

April 19 -- Terrace's Coachman Apartments topic of housing discussion in Legislature Tuesday NCR

April 18 -- Skeena MLA Ellis Ross continues calls for answers on BC Housing spending NCR

April 18 -- MLA Rice highlights importance of BC Ferries to Northern residents; BC United MLA focuses on government's increasing hand on the service  NCR

April 12 -- BC Liberals to become BC United with livestream launch later tonight  NCR

April 12 -- Salmon Festival gains $5,900 in funding from BC Government NCR

April 11 -- Cloudberry Trail, Lax Kw'alaams Fish Plant, Gitmaxmak'ay Food Security program among regional investments for Provincial funding today   NCR

April 5 -- Skeena MLA Ross speaks towards rental relief as NDP's Housing Plans dominate Tuesday's Question Period  NCR

April 4 -- No Change for North Coast Riding borders, but name change proposal from Electoral Boundaries Commission Final Report   NCR

April 4 -- Two Day UBCM Housing Summit underway in Vancouver  NCR

April 4 -- Province looks to speed up building of homes, with single home lots to see change to increase allowed housing NCR

April 3 -- Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii receive $33,000 for emergency preparedness 

April 3 -- MLA Rice puts focus on Hospital themes from Premier Eby's recent visit to Prince Rupert  NCR

April 3 -- MLA Rice outlines funding expectations for Library grants  NCR

April 3 -- Two week court hearing underway as Gitxaala Nation tests BC's Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act NCR

April 1 -- MLA's Week: March 27-30, 2023 NCR

March

March 31 -- Provincial Funding for Emergency Services Support announced  NCR

March 28 -- Funding for British Columbia Libraries gains shoutouts from area MLA's NCR

March 27 -- BC Legislature returns to business today ... time will tell in Prince Rupert's 65 Million in funding becomes a theme for discussion in the Chamber NCR

March 24 -- Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad to see leadership of the BC Conservative Party NCR

March 24 --  Port related issues require Provincial input and guidance to dial down the rhetoric NCR

March 21 -- Premier Eby talks port tax cap following funding announcement in Prince Rupert

March 17 -- Cat's got the cream with $65 million provincial infrastructure funding for Prince Rupert 

March 17 -- Photos and Statements the focus following Province's 65 million dollar infrastructure funding announcement for Prince Rupert NCR

March 17 -- City of Prince Rupert to receive 65 million dollars towards aging water distribution system NCR

March 17 -- One budget complete, BC Government seeks your opinion towards planning for the 2024 document NCR

March 17 -- David Eby in Prince Rupert (audio)

March 16 -- Northern health staffing levels in Prince Rupert of some note in recent flow of information  NCR

March 16 -- Housing Summit program coming together for April gathering of municipal/provincial officials in Vancouver NCR

March 16 -- SD52 receives $1.2 Million in funding for Ventilation and Air Conditioning work on Prince Rupert Schools  NCR

March 14 -- Haisla energy plans gain momentum with awarding of environmental assessment certificate for Cedar LNG NCR

March 14 -- A mix of official business and party fundraising ahead for Premier David Eby's visit this week to Prince Rupert   NCR

March 13 -- Province of BC removes COVID vaccine mandate for most public servants outside of Health, outlines plans for Spring Booster program  NCR

March 11 -- MLA's Week: March 5-8, 2023 NCR

March 10 -- North Coast NDP set to welcome Premier Eby and other guests for Mid March event  NCR

March 9 -- Scrap the Tax Cap Petition delivered to Legislature; its progress from there in the hands of the NDP Government NCR

March 7 -- Province of British Columbia and First Nations partners seek feedback on new watershed initiative NCR

March 7 -- Legislature hosted Fallen Firefighters Memorial March on Monday NCR

March 3 -- Province of BC announces that Infrastructure funding is on the way for Prince Rupert, Port Edward NCR

March 2 -- In Budget Response Skeena's Ellis Ross notes of uninspiring nature of Finance Minister's blue print, reviews a range of themes where work is needed NCR

March 1 -- Commentary on the High Boil in the Legislature on reports of possible sabotage of Coastal GasLink pipeline  NCR

February

February 28 -- BC Budget 2023: From Surplus to Deficit in just under 34 minutes NCR

February 28 -- North Coast Fishery items themes for MLA Rice Legislature presentation and focus for UFAWU petition to House of Commons  NCR

February 28 -- Midwives the theme for Monday morning Presentation in Legislature for MLA Jennifer Rice NCR

February 25 -- MLA's week: February 21-23, 2023 NCR

February 24 -- Three strikes and you're out when it's Legislature speech making time NCR

February 24 -- Second week of NDP Filibustering has the BC Liberals channelling frustrated blustering! NCR

February 23 -- As she announces plans to resign, MLA Melanie Mark holds nothing back in commentary of Legislature culture  NCR

February 23 -- Mayor Pond, other Northwest officials in Victoria for NWRBA sessions with province NCR

February 22 -- A day in Pink, Pink Shirt Day and the anti bullying message was observed across BC NCR

February 22 -- NDP Government's ambivalence on LNG development brings questions to Legislature Thursday  NCR

February 17 -- Will political smoke bring some political for for BC Liberals? Speculation on future for Skeena MLA Ellis Ross NCR

February 16 -- Skeena MLA Ellis Ross does double duty Thursday in Legislature questions for Government NCR

February 16 -- Port Edward Volunteer Fire/Rescue among those to see some extra funding from province NCR

February 16 -- BC Conservative Party gains increased attention as former BC Liberal John Rustad crosses floor to sit as party's only member NCR

February 16 -- Prince Rupert among 74 communities to receive funding on Active Transportation efforts NCR

February 16 -- MLA Rice highlights new role for Rural Health in Legislature comments NCR

February 15 -- Health care, crime and public safety themes dominant for Nathan Cullen's view of Speed from the Throne  NCR

February 15 -- Few valentines shared in Legislature as BC Liberal s take on NDP government on crime and community safety in the province  NCR

February 14 -- Nuxalk Nation Totem Pole begins journey of repatriation NCR

February 10 -- New $1 Billion  one-time grant program aims to help each of BC's Municipalities and Regional Districts build for future growth  

February 10 -- BC Government looks to distribute 1 billion dollars to provincial communities towards infrastructure needs NCR

February 10 -- John Horgan recounts years in Politics, hears praise from Legislature as departure of March nears  NCR
February 7 -- New Legislation would officially enshrine Truth and Reconciliation Day as a Stat for all BC works

February 7 -- British Columbia to formally make National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a Statutory Holiday NCR

February 7 -- As Economy shows signs of Slowing, BC NDP to continue forward with spending plans NCR

February 6 -- Concerns over level of Emergency Service at Masset Hospital brung statements from Northern Health, MLA Jennifer Rice  NCR
February  -- New Central Coast Marine Refuge area created, region to be closed to all fishing  NCR

2023

January 30 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice makes plans for Coffee Klatch for Friday  NCR

January 30 -- 50 Earthquake sensors to be place in high risk seismic areas of British Columbia NCR

January 25 -- Housing Discussion on Renoviction themes point way forward ... to more discussion NCR

January 24 -- Crane's Crossing gains Official Opening with ribbon cutting ceremony today NCR

January 23 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice to take on new Parliamentary Secretary duties in Health for 2023 NCR

January 21 -- Conversation with Premier David Eby (video)

January 20 -- Housing solutions for Prince Rupert still a bit off, as BC Housing works on permit planning and partnerships for McKay Street and other projects  NCR

January 20 -- Thursday's vehicle/train incident serves as reminder of past overpass plans currently deferred  NCR

January 18 -- Number of Regional First Nations to share in Clean Energy Funding program  NCR

January 17 -- Energy the topic tonight as Skeena MLA Ellis Ross joins panel for livestream session NCR

January 17 -- With finding a place to rent getting harder and. harder these days, it's time for BC Housing to update community on McKay Street Plans   NCR

January 16 -- New career opportunities with North Coast Community Services heard exciting times for expansion of services across region  NCR

January 12 -- Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, BC Liberals put profile on forest issues as sawmills suspend activities and major Prince George pulp mill closes  NCR

January 10 -- Province offers to prioritize resources towards Prince Rupert water line woes, if Federal government partner sup towards issue  NCR

January 9 -- Province seeks nominations for BC's Highest Honour, the Order of British Columbia NCR

January 7 -- BC adds doctor training spaces in bid to ease northern shortage

January 6 -- BC re-activates Emergency Operation Centres to handle RSV season 

January 6 -- More for the recycling centre, less for the landfill with additional guidelines release today NCR

January 6 -- BC includes single use plastics in recycling system

January 6 -- Prince Rupert Child Care centre joins $10-a-day program

January 6 -- Supports for families of children and youth coming to Prince Rupert, other Northwest communities  NCR

January 5 -- First BC affordability Credit Payment attempts to help people deal with inflation 

January 5 -- Northwest BC communities call for help amid doctor shortage

January 5 -- PharmaCare expands coverage on four medications 

January 5 -- BC Homebuyers enter 2023 with new Protection Period legislation in place  NCR

January 4 -- Two organizations receive fresh provincial funding to help respond to Human Rights complaints and Improve access to Justice 

January 4 -- BC Government outlines scope of Home Owner Grant program for 2023  NCR

January 3 -- Homeowner Grants to cover up to $1.045 for Northerners in 2023

January 3 -- Three Northern Communities benefit from newest $10-a-day Child Care Expansion 

January 3 -- Discovery Day Care in Prince Rupert among facilities to gain from Provincial 10 dollar a day child care funding NCR

January 3 -- BC Parks Opens up the reservation line for 2023 today, introducing rolling four month window for bookings NCR

January

Archive of items for 2022

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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