British Columbia.

• Author: Felker, Brant
• Position: Legislative reports

As outlined in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia's parliamentary calendar, Members adjourned the first session of the 38th Parliament on November 24, 2005. The eight-week fall session included the conclusion of the debate on estimates, as well as the introduction of several pieces of legislation. The second session began sitting on February 14, 2006, and is scheduled to conclude on May 18, 2006.

The first session marked a more cooperative working relationship between government and opposition Members. On the final sitting day, both the Government House Leader Mike De Jong and Opposition House Leader Mike Farnsworth commented on the positive tone the new agreement has had on the workings of business in the house. Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo congratulated the Members of the house for the extraordinarily and unprecedented courteous manner during the debates of the first session and commented that the Members had done a remarkable job in bringing a new sense of civility to public life.

Legislation

Bill 14, Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act passed third reading on November 15, 2005. The Act expands the mandate of the Electoral Boundaries Commission in its work in reconfiguring the province's electoral boundaries. In addition to making recommendations for redrawing the province's electoral map for up to an additional six electoral districts (for a total of 85), the Electoral Boundaries Commission is required to construct an electoral map for both the current first-past-the-post and proposed single transferable vote (STV) electoral systems. The Commission is required to make the recommendations for the revised electoral maps by February 2008 in order to ensure that British Columbians have the information in advance of a second electoral reform referendum. The referendum--originally scheduled to coincide with BC's 2008 municipal elections--will be held at the time of the next provincial election in May, 2009.

Bill 16, the Apology Act--which was originally introduced as a private member's bill by Lorne Mayencourt, MLA (Vancouver Burrard) will allow for corporations, governments and individuals to offer an apology without fear of legal liability. This is the first such legislation introduced in Canada.

Other bills receiving Royal Assent include: Bill 6, Northern Development Initiative Trust Amendment Act, which provides additional funds to the northern communities to help fight the pine beetle infestation and diversify...