British Columbia.

• Author: Sourial, Susan
• Position: Legislative Reports

The third session of the 39th Parliament resumed on April 27, 2011 following a nine week adjournment to the spring sitting in order to accommodate the leadership contests of both major political parties. This produced an abbreviated sitting, condensing House business to twenty-four sitting days.

On May 31, 2011, the House passed a motion, on division, to adopt a business schedule under Standing Order 81.1 (Time Allocation) to complete its agenda prior to the announced date of adjournment. The motion, which was accompanied by a proposed schedule for legislation, motions and estimates over three days, provided for the completion of seven bills and all uncompleted estimates on or before 5:30 p.m. on June 2, 2011.

Legislation

At the end of the spring sitting, the following government bills of note received Royal Assent:

* Bill 4--Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and Initiative Vote and Referendum Act, 2011: Establishes the statutory authority for the HST Referendum 2011 and cancels the application of the Recall and Initiative Act to the initiative petition process.

* Bill 5--New West Partnership Trade Agreement Implementation Act: Implements a trade agreement involving British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

* Bill 6--Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2011: Makes it more cost-effective to seize property associated with unlawful activity, including small amounts of cash.

* Bill 9--Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act, 2011: Amendments include higher penalties and longer jail terms and an extension of the statute of limitations for offences pertaining to cruelty to animals.

* Bill 11--Yale First Nation Agreement Act: Defines Yale First Nation's ownership and management of mineral, forestry and other resources on treaty settlement lands; also defines Yale's rights related to fishing, gathering and harvesting.

* Bill 12--Police (Independent Investigations Office) Amendment Act, 2011: Creates a civilian body, the Independent Investigations Office, to conduct criminal investigations into incidents that result in death or serious harm and involve B.C. police officers.

Committee Activity

The Special Committee to Appoint a Chief Election Officer tabled its final report on May 19, 2011. The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend Keith...