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Friday, February 23, 2024

"Game Changer for all our communities" ... Mayor Herb Pond on NWBCRBA success from Thursday

The Co-Chairs of the Northwest British Columbia Resource Benefits Association have been on cloud nine since about 1:30 Thursday afternoon.

Their euphoria coming shortly after Finance Minister Katrine Conroy announced that their long sought after quest for a return of some of the resource money that leaves the Northwest had been successful, with the funding to come to be used for infrastructure projects.

As we outlined yesterday, as part of the 2024 Budget the BC NDP government announced 250 million dollars in funding over five years for the 21 member communities of the BCNWRBA, an initiative that goes back a decade and spanned three Premiers before finally reaching the finish line.

As soon as the Finance Minister had wrapped up her financial blueprint for the year ahead, the celebrations were on, with social media posts leading the way from the three co chairs, regional MLA's, along with a shout out from the Federal MP.

Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas noted of the success by way of a video presentation for Terrace residents posted to his social media stream.

Stikine MLA and BC Cabinet Minister Nathan Cullen also hailed the announcement as part of a video presentation.

The official statement came later in the day, with the three co-chairs providing for their talking points to herald the success of their travels to Victoria.

For Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond the focus was on how the financial boost would be a game changer for the collective.

"This funding is a gamechanger for all our communities. It allows us to fix, replace and build basic infrastructure that all our communities rely on. Now we can invest in our communities without the heavy financial burden being placed on our residents."

The two other co-chairs Mayor Sean Bujtas of Terrace and Smithers Mayor Gladys Attril also noted of the work of a regional team past and present who put in the work over the last decade.

Official Announcement from NWBCRBA from February 22
click to enlarge

The path to Thursday's announcement covered more than ten years of lobbying by municipal and regional leaders, the roster of participants changing from year to year.

And while the names of the co-chairs and directors might change, the mission and message for the collective remained the same.

The work on the program one that spanned three Premierships, Christy Clark, John Horgan and now David Eby, the current Premier who now serves as the deal maker.

Prince Rupert's initial indication of interest in the concept came just prior to the 20214 election with then Mayor Jack Mussallem noting of some interest by Prince Rupert City Council in the initiative.

The first introduction to the project on the regional scale came at a mid October Council session, when advocates from the Regional District of Ktiimat-Stikine came to Prince Rupert to make the pitch.

Most of the heavy lifting locally for the initiative however, was that of former Mayor Lee Brain, who once in office following the election that year became one of the loudest and most passionate advocates for the program.

It was former Mayor Brain who in January of 2015 announced the Memorandum of Understanding that put Prince Rupert on the team for the Northwest in the pursuit of more benefits from the resources taken from the Northwest.

As for the path forward for much of that process, it was mostly that of closed discussions, with little in the way of public overview through the council sessions.

That was a blue print that was followed for much of the ten year process, the mentions of the NWBCRBA were infrequent, as were updates on its progress.

When the topic was discussed it was for the most part an element of the dialogue that came up as Council worked on Budget proposals year after year.

The NWBCRBA a Holy Grail of sorts that if achieved would provide some additional help to the community struggling under its many infrastructure challenges.

With the news that the funding had finally been secured, the former Mayor delivered a short note to his social media stream to hail the achievement and offer congratulations to those on hand for the announcement.

Towards the future for the funding to come.

The details have yet to be outlined by the co chairs as to how the 250 million dollars over five years for 21 member communities will be distributed.

Also not released as of yet is a date towards when that funding program will begin to see money delivered to City, town and Village halls across the Northwest.

You can follow this NWBCRBA website and social media stream for updates as the weeks move forward.

For a full review of the initiative from its very early days you can explore our archive page here.

Saturday, November 4, 2023

The ticking of the clock will bring an hour of extra sleep Sunday; as we take to our annual time change work.

Spring Forward; Fall back

The simple rule of time change for across Canada is soon to be observed from coast to coast to coast. (Saskatchewan, Yukon and a few areas of BC and Quebec excepted)

The fall ritual of setting the clocks back has arrived, your opportunity to catch one hour's extra sleep on Sunday morning, with the simple backwards swipe of the hour arms , or the reversal of digits on a clock.

For those that wish to treat the shift of time like New Years Eve, the reversal of time arrives at 2 AM Sunday, though most people wisely turn their clocks back as they retire for bed.

And while the shift of sleep patterns is the main aspect of the weekend.

There will be a requirement that people be cautious on the roads come Monday morning, when many return to work or school, something that is recommended as key while we adjust to the new cycle of time.

Some fascinating history on why we've been changing time since the early 1900's can be found from Canadian Historian Craig Baird, who offers up a time change tutorial here.

There's been much talk in recent years of doing away wit the Annual time shift, BC even putting in place legislation in November 2019, towards that goal.

However, as former Premier John Horgan found out there was some recalcitrance to the concept still found along the American Pacific Coast, BC will remain on the same clock as the Americans until everyone makes the shift at once.

So for one more year at least, make your rounds, move back those clocks that don't do it on their own tonight back one hour before you retire for sleep.

As well, the advice from area Fire Departments is for you to take advantage of the moment to test your smoke and carbon dioxide monitors as well.

Some notes on the time change for 2023 can be reviewed below:

Time to fall back: When Daylight Saving time 2023 ends in Canada

BC to change clocks this weekend, despite years of promises to end long-standing process

Why do we change the clocks, anyway?

Fall back: How Daylight Saving time can seriously affect your health

Ready for change? Clocks fall back an hour on Sunday morning

Thursday, September 14, 2023

British Columbia Conservatives gain seat in Legislature by way of Banman defection from BC United Party

BC Conservative leader John Rustad has just doubled his caucus, that coming yesterday with the announcement that Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman had left the BC United Party to join Rustad in his quest to make inroads across the province.

In his statement upon making the move to the Conservative Party of BC, Batman noted of the opportunity to speak honestly and openly for his constituents that joining in with Rustad would bring.

"Today, after careful consideration, I have made the decision to join the Conservative Party of British Columbia to keep that promise to my community and my constituents.

I know first-hand that the Conservative Party of British Columbia is the only party that stands for what's right in the legislature, rather than what's politically convenient or politically correct.

As a Conservative MLA, I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to speak honestly and openly on behalf of my constituents."

As might be expected, the leader was quite pleased to welcome a sitting MLA to party ranks, noting of what he sees is the future for the party in the months ahead.

The switch to the BC Conservatives puts the party into the ranks of the official status in the Legislature and with that comes additional opportunities to ask questions during Question Period, as well as additional financial assistance towards research and other Legislature work.

The party has been on a significant upwards trajectory in recent months, first with the arrival of Rustad as leader and then with an impressive showing in the Langford-Juan de Fuca by-election of June 24th.

A campaign where BC Conservative candidate Mike Harris finished second, a somewhat alarming result for Kevin Falcon and the newly branded BC United, which came from a name change of its BC Liberal days.

In that contest the Harris vote total claimed 19.82%, still well behind Ravi Parmar the NDP candidate who claimed the seat previously held by former Premier John Horgan.

But the result is considered in a warning shot for the BC Liberals that there may be trouble afoot, with the Harris result 11 percent ahead in the vote count of their candidate Elena Lawson.

Such was his success that Harris has already been named as the BC Conservative's candidate when the next provincial election comes up.

The latest projection from political observers at 338 Canada shows that if an election were held today the NDP would still form a government, along with that though is an indication that BC United support is in decline, while the Conservative Party of BC is on the rise.

Something that will be welcomed by the NDP as the centre-right vote starts to splinter.

Still there seems some unrest in the BC United ranks and among their supporters, something that may propel more members of the party to consider their options and whether they fit in more with the message that is being narrated by John Rustad these days.

When John Rustad first took on the leadership of the Conservative Party of BC, there was some speculation that a fellow Northwestern MLA, Skeena's Ellis Ross might be the number two guy to bring a seat for the party.

Ross shares some of the same political philosophy that Rustad has put forward for the party, and weaves some of the same 'common sense' narrative that has made for its focus so it would seem a good fit,

However, so far, he remains in the BC United Fold, though he may be a regional politician up for the courting beyond provincial politics.

Like they do with Rustad, many of the talking points from Ellis Ross would seem at home with the current Conservative Federal leader Pierre Poilievre.

And as we observed earlier this month, that might make him a formidable opponent to take on the NDP in the next Federal election.

The Conservative leader is in the Northwest today, hosting an afternoon event in Smithers and then again this evening in Terrace. Some coverage of his travels is available on the Skeena-Bulkley Valley social media stream.

Beyond a look at what kind of turnout he brings out in the region, as well as the message he will be delivering from the twin appearances. There could also be an indication as to how the political winds may be blowing and if Federal gusts, may make for changes in the provincial scene for Skeena.

More notes on the Legislature can be reviewed here.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Time for a time shift, as we once again Spring forward with the annual spring Time change

Well he game it his best shot, but the clock ran out on former Premier John Horgan's quest to do away with the annual movement of time at Spring and Fall.

The long time fan of Star Trek was never able to issue the command of "Make it So" when it comes to banishing the annual ritual of moving the hands of time forward and back

That owing to a bit of recalcitrance from of our neighbours to the south, and while there are rumblings that our American neighbours are getting closer to banishing the need for a time change twice a year.

They aren't there yet ...

Is time running out on changing clocks twice a year? US Sunshine Protection Act may hold key
BC officials go back and forth over looming daylight saving time, which begins Sunday
BC still waiting on US for permanent daylight time

So tonight we change our clocks one more time (and hopefully for the final time).

The spring time change means we lose that hour of valuable sleep that we cherish and as ICBC and range of other organizations will tell us, it also means we approach next week with some sleep deprived areas of note.

This year we gain some guidance from Road Safety at Work, who caution us on the challenges on the roads as we adjust to the time change over the days ahead

They note that the time change on March 12 can disrupt circadian rhythms, the process that regulates our sleeping cycle. It can cause some people to lose sleep for several days.

The resulting fatigue affects our ability to safely drive.

Towards that they offer up a bit of guidance for those with travels ahead.

Get enough sleep during the time change by going to bed early in the days immediately before and after the time change. Aim for 7 to 8 hours each night.

Keep your energy levels up by eating good meals and healthy snacks.

Don’t leave driving until the end of the day when you’re bound to be tired.

Avoid distractions by putting away your phone.

More on the negative aspects of our Shift to Daylight Savings Time can be reviewed here.

Still, until everyone in North America is in sync on the issue, the time changing will continue and you have some things to tend to overnight.

The work towards the time change has lessened as our electronic devices began to take over our lives, but you may still have a few timepieces in your collection that require some manual attention.

The wise take care of the work prior to retiring for the night, but for the time change purists out there, the attention to time change protocol comes at 2 AM.

More notes on Community themes can be reviewed from our archive page.

Thursday, February 23, 2023

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

BC NDP MLA and former Cabinet Minister Melanie Mark announced
her plans to step aside from elected political life on Wednesday

Melanie Mark, who until recently was one of the first female Indigenous Cabinet Ministers in British Columbia announced her intention to step aside from politics on Wednesday.

Her speech in the Legislature one which provided for a blistering reproach to how the institution functions noting how at times she felt as though the place was a torture chamber.

Her address hailed those who helped her achieve her quest to be an MLA, from her immediate family an expansive list of those to whom the MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant saluted.

Her commentary highlighted her ancestry Nisg̱a’a and Gitxsan people on her mothers side and Cree, Ojibway, French and Scottish on her father's side.

Her notes taking the Chamber through a wide overview of some Indigenous history in the province as well to speak of her history of challenges and disappointments, happy times and sad ones as well.

Ms Mark also reviewed some of her work as Minister of Sport and then with the Tourism portfolio as well as other initiatives introduced through her time. Her commentary also paying tribute to former Premier John Horgan for his support and encouragement during her seven years of elected service.

But it was when she reached her overview of her life the Legislature that the narrative put her impressions of life as an MLA into focus and explains why she has chosen to depart from elected political life.

Seven years and three elections since I took my seat here. I'm still the only First Nations woman to hold a seat in this chamber and to serve in our cabinet.

Take a moment and think about that. I wanted to be an MLA so I could be a strong voice for my community, the people I grew up with, and so I could be a champion for change.

I wanted to disrupt the status quo. I wanted big systems to change.

In many ways, I have done what I came here to do.

But it's also a fact that institutions fundamentally resist change.

They are allergic to doing things differently, particularly colonial institutions like this Legislative Assembly and government at large.

There is a lot that I'm proud of, but this journey has been challenging and has come at a significant personal toll.

This place felt like a torture chamber. I will not miss the character assassination.

I have been proud, so proud, Mr. Speaker, to represent the great constituency and amazingly resilient people of Vancouver–Mount Pleasant, but it's time for me to make a change.

I've been an advocate and public servant for 27 years. It has been my honour to serve.

I will continue my advocacy and fight for positive change from outside this House. I will continue using my big mouth to speak up for the voiceless and those who don't vote, mainly children, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and Mother Earth

Members of this House have heard me say that we need to paddle together, but the fact is the political environment is cut-throat and dysfunctional. Disrupting the status quo is about using your power for good to adjust policies that stand in the way of people living their best and healthiest lives.

Future generations need us to have the guts to have their backs and fight for their rights. This place can't be all about votes, polling and posturing. People need to know that their lives matter, their communities matter, their justice matters. People have no recourse but to sleep on the streets. That's unacceptable and inhumane.

While our government has done so much work to address these systemic issues, there's so much more work to do. It is not partisan to be a human rights activist. This institution needs to be less partisan. We need to have the guts and courage to do the right and hard things in these chambers.

Premier David Eby followed her comments with his own observations of her work in the Legislature, Opposition House Leader Todd Stone also offered his own words in thanks of her service to the province.

The full speech can be viewed through the Parliamentary Archive, Ms. Mark's Comments begin at 1:51 PM

While her speech of Wednesday did provide a sense of a closing of her political time in the legislature, the actual formal date of her resignation of her seat has yet to be announced.

The speech captured much in the way of media attention on Wednesday, some of the notes from political observers in Victoria can be reviewed below:

Former BC NDP cabinet minister Melanie Mark to resign Vancouver seat, cites health

Melanie Mark, 1st First Nations woman to serve in BC Legislature, resigns with blistering speech

Melanie Mark will resign as MLA, saying BC Legislature felt like a 'torture chamber'

BC's first female First Nations Cabinet minister steps down

Melanie Mark, first First Nations woman elected to BC legislature, leaving politics

MLA Melanie Mark calls BC Legislature' torture' in resignation speech

'This place felt lime a Torture Chamber'

Our notes on the BC Legislature can be explored here.

More background on the Legislature can be explored through our political blog D'Arcy McGee.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

MLA's Week: February 6-9, 2023

This was the first week back for MLA's a chance to say hello once again and at the same time, in one instance to say goodbye as they began the Spring session of the Legislature.

As the first week of Legislature business came to an end, former Premier John Horgan, the MLA for Langford Juan du Fuca, rose to make a farewell address to the members, set to step down from politics in March, his commentary was reflective of his lengthy time in service of the people of British Columba.

Responses from current Premier David Eby, Liberal House leader Todd Stone and Green Party leader Sonia Fursteanu likewise recounted many of the former Premier's achievements and his ability to compromise and bring some compassion to his time in office.

John Horgan recounts years in politics, hears praise from Legislature as departure of March nears

As it was the start of a new session, the week brought the Speech from the Throne, a wide ranging blue print of how the Eby Government plans to move forward with its legislation this year.

As Economy shows signs of Slowing, BC NDP to continue forward with spending plans

Some of that spending began right away and for municipal governments across the province, none were later than the creation of a one time only fund that will put 1 Billion dollars aside for municipal infrastructure use.

BC Government looks to distribute 1 billion dollars to provincial communities towards infrastructure needs

The province also announced plans to formally make the end of September National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a Statutory holiday, that with hopes that more British Columbians will take part in events in their communities.

British Columbia to formally make National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a Statutory Holiday

For the Northwest MLA's the schedule was a light one, with only a few instances of participation in the debate or discussion of the Legislature

As for more on the recent week of work from the House, the four days unfolded as follows:

*************************************************************************

On the week, Ms Rice was mentioned once in the record for the week in the Legislature from February 6-9.

That came as he MLA also introduced a guest to the Legislature making note of the attendance of Paul Adams and Dr. Jude Kormelsen (10:10 AM)

The North Coast MLA is also a member of the Following committees:

Select Committee on Children and Youth

Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs

Select Standing Committee on Education

Ms. Rice serves as the Government's Parliamentary Secretary for Rural health.

The North Coast MLA was appointed to that post in January of this year.

The North Coast MLA also addressed a range of themes through her Social Media Stream.

*****************************************************************************

For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross was mentioned once in the record for the week in the Legislature from February 6-9.

That came on Tuesday afternoon when he was among the first for the BC Liberal party to provide a response to the Speech from the Throne of Monday.

Ellis Ross response to Throne Speech addresses Aboriginal Rights and Title, Resource Development and challenges for British Columbians

Mr. Ross serves as the Liberal critic on LNG and Energy

The Skeena MLA is also a member of the Following committees:

Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food

The Skeena MLA also addressed a range of themes featured as part of the MLA's social media work.

*****************************************************************************

For our readers from the Bulkley Valley area, Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen was not mentioned in the record for the week in the Legislature from February 6.

Prior to the return of the Legislature on Monday, Mr. Cullen had been part of a weekend announcement that created a new Marine refuge area on the Central Coast

New Central Coast Marine Refuge area created, region to be closed to all fishing

The Stikine MLA is not currently assigned to any Parliamentary committees

Mr. Cullen serves as the Government's Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

The Stikine MLA also had comments on a range of themes through his Social Media stream this week

*****************************************************************************

There is more background on all three Regional MLA's available from our MLA's Week Archive, as well as our constituency archives below.

North Coast Constituency

Skeena Constituency

Stikine Constituency

The MLA's return to their duties on Monday, February 13.

MLA's also participate in a number of Committee sessions scheduled through the week.

A larger overview of provincial issues can be found on our Political portal D'Arcy McGee.

Friday, February 10, 2023

John Horgan recounts years in Politics, hears praise from Legislature as departure of March nears

Former Premier John Horgan recounted a number of memories
from his time in BC Politics, Mr. Horgan will be resigning from his
seat in the Legislature in March.

The word was making its way around the British Columbia Legislature on Thursday that former Premier John Horgan had decided on his departure date, with March ahead the moment for his political exit.

And with that as the percolating theme of the day, Thursday afternoon's session of the Legislature made for what appear to be Mr. Horgan's final few thoughts on a political life and some heart felt accolades from current Premier David Eby, as well as both the BC Liberal and BC Green parties.

The former Premier rose to speak shortly after the 1 PM start to the afternoon session his commentary charting a journey as it often does; the Legislature a forum as if it were the Beverage room at the Oceanview Hotel for some story telling for the afternoon.

Mr. Horgan started with a tribute to his spouse Ellie who has been with him on his decades long travels in Politics and prior to them, there was a list of names of those have joined him on the journey or with whom he would cross swords in Legislature debate.

He spoke of the need to compromise and the ability to collaborate and remain friends in the political theatre, despite those times of accelerated rhetoric that the profession brings to the Legislature Chamber or the streets of the province.

The thirty minutes and a bit review was one filled with many anecdotes of a political life that saw disappointments along the way, along with many victories, taking him to the top elected office in the province and place of prominence on the nations stage.

He spoke of cancer, which he's battled twice, sharing a nod towards others in the Chamber that have made that same journey, or face it anew, noting of the volume of well wishes he received as the took on the rigours of treatment.

His narrative included snapshots of the many communities he had opportunity to visit, included on the list one of his most memorable trips, one not too long ago when he and his wife travelled into the Stikine region and a visit to Lower Post to participate in the dismantling of the last vestiges of the residential school period, a moment he described for the Chamber as a powerful one.

What has become his trademark comment of late, provided for the sign off to a political life, with the Premier recounting advice from hims mother from his earliest of days.

"Every day, we get up and we make choices. Sometimes we make good choices. Sometimes we make bad choices.

My mom, Alice, taught me, at a very early age, that the best you can do is all you can do.

"Do your level best, son, and everyone will be fine."

I have tried, over 18 years in this place as an MLA, 30 years working here, 63 years drawing breath, to try and make it better every day for the people around me.

I want to thank you all for allowing me to say, today, how important that has been for me, for my family and for my community.

I loved every minute of it, and I can't say any more than that inside the House, but thanks for everything, all of you."

The accolades for a lengthy career in service of his constituents and the people of the province began with Premier David Eby, who noted of Mr. Horgan's popularity at the national level, noting of some disappointment around the recent Premiers gathering with the former Premier not there anymore.

Mr. Eby spoke of the former Premier's commitment to BC and Canada, noting of the endless love and respect that the caucus has for him, Eby observing how he was humbled by the shoes he has to fill.

Opposition House Leader Todd Stone spoke on behalf of BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon and the Liberal caucus, speaking of Mr. Horgan's service as one which exemplified caring for community, constitutents and province.

Among Mr. Stone's remembrances were some lively political jousting in the Chamber, and more personal moments when the Premier would check in with the MLA during a family health situation, an outreach that Mr. Horgan did often for those in the Legislature and beyond it.

The Liberal House Leader observed that was the measure of the man was that of someonewho never let the political battles rule the day, rather he noted, it was the care for people many think of when it comes the their time with the former Premier.

Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau noted of the long friendship Mr. Horgan has shared with her husband Blaise. As well she observed of the sacrifices that political life can bring for families offering her gratitude to the former Premier.

She also had praise for much of his work in the Legislature and the list of accomplishments that he brought to the province during his long run on the political scene.

The transcript of Mr. Horgan's address to the Chamber and the commentary of praise that followed it can be reviewed from the Legislature Chamber video for Thursday afternoon.

His formal resignation from the Legislature and what will be a subsequent call for a by-election for the constituency of Langford-Juan de Fuca will come in March.

More notes on the work of the Legislature can be reviewed from our archive page.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

As Economy shows signs of Slowing, BC NDP to continue forward with spending plans

The Spring Session of the BC Legislature is officially underway, the MLA's back in the House, the Lieutenant Governor having charted the BC NDP government's path forward into 2023 with a Speech from the Throne on Monday Afternoon.

With the usual pomp and circumstance of such moments, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin delivered what the government describes as a 'forward looking speech from the Throne' outlining a program that will continue to focus on some familiar themes while holding fast to a spending program buoyed by the government's surplus.

Towards that spending, the Government's talking points noted of a plan to carefully put last year’s significant surplus of near 6 billion dollars back to work for people and make investments that will pay off for generations to come.

It also highlighted new laws that will be introduced to protect people who work hard and play by the rules: from speculators, organized crime and those who take advantage of the most vulnerable.

Among some of the themes from the full text of the Speech were: Having the backs of British Columbians in uncertain times, Building a strong future, helping people with costs, putting people who play by the rules first, support for strong and inclusive communities as well as an ongoing commitment towards reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

The Five key areas that the Government has focused on as part of their Legislature debut for 2023 included:

click to enlarge

It's the first Speech from the Throne for new Premier David Eby, the blueprint one which puts his stamp on the changeover from the John Horgan era, with Mr. Eby noting of the work of British Columbians during the period of COVID and other challenges of recent years in his comments towards his vision ahead.

“Despite everything we’ve gone through over the past few years, British Columbians remain relentlessly optimistic about their province – and with good reason. After all, it is the people of B.C. who got shots into arms, rebuilt highways after flooding, kept kids learning in schools and businesses thriving in difficult circumstances. Our government will build a stronger, more secure future with British Columbians, because there’s nothing we can’t accomplish or overcome when we work together.”

As for the economic signals of slowdown ahead, the Premier outlined how his government will work not to pass on the costs of those challenges to residents of the province.

“Some say we should respond to a downturn by pulling back, reducing services, or by making people pay out of pocket for private health care. But that would only make many of our most serious challenges worse and pass down costs at a time when people can least afford it. There’s too much at stake right now to pull the rug out from under British Columbians. We couldn’t afford short-term thinking before – and we certainly can’t afford it now.”

The full text of the Speech can be reviewed here.

The video of the Government's plans for the future can be viewed from the Government announced here.

We have collected some of the observations on the Monday speech from the province's journalists and broadcasters, you can review their impression of he plans ahead from our Victoria Viewpoints feature from our D'Arcy McGee blog.

More notes on the work of the Northwest MLA's at the Legislature can be reviewed here.