British Columbia.

AuthorPlant, Byron
PositionLegislative Reports - The third session of the 39th Parliament of British Columbia, Canada

The third session of the 39th Parliament commenced on February 14, 2011. At the end of the first week, the House took an extended adjournment until April 27, during which there was a change in the leadership of both major provincial parties.

Throne Speech and Budget

The Throne Speech, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, noted that the province is transitioning to new leadership and that the budget would meet statutory requirements while providing flexibility for future decisions. The success of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the accomplishments of the previous decade were also highlighted. In reply, the opposition contended that the Throne Speech failed to address critical issues, such as health care and the environment, and that change is needed after ten years of a Liberal government. The interim leader of the opposition, Dawn Black, claimed that little progress has been made on fundamental issues and that the Liberal leadership candidates do not offer much hope for change.

On February 15, Finance Minister Colin Hansen tabled the 2011/12 provincial budget, describing it as a "status quo budget" that provides the government with spending authority to manage the province's affairs for the coming year, with no new directions set prior to the selection of the next premier. Overall, the budget forecasts a deficit of $925 million and a return to a surplus in 2013/14. During Budget Debate, Finance Critic Bruce Ralston contended that the budget does not acknowledge the economic, social, and environmental challenges facing the province, adding that the budget highlights how out of touch the government is with the priorities of British Columbians.

New Premier and Cabinet Shuffle

As reported in the previous issue, Christy Clark was elected leader of the BC Liberal Party on February 26. She was sworn in as British Columbia's 35th premier on March 14, the second woman to hold the position in the history of the province.

In a major shuffle, the size of the cabinet was reduced, with 17 ministers sworn in as members of the executive council:

Kevin Falcon, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education

Don McRae, Minister of Agriculture

Barry Penner...

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