British Columbia.

• Author: Ryan-Lloyd, Kate
• Position: Legislative Reports

The Legislative Assembly adjourned its autumn sitting on October 26, having sat for a 10-day period since October 4, 2004. The government explained that the abbreviated sitting, which was 4 weeks shorter than originally scheduled, was primarily intended to finalize legislative initiatives that had been introduced or implemented earlier this year. These included Bill 45, the Community Living Authority Act, which was reported on in the previous issue.

During the brief fall sitting, 19 pieces of legislation were introduced and received Royal Assent. At the close of the session, a single private members' bill remained on the order paper: Bill M207, the Election Act Amendment Act (An Act Limiting Government Advertising During Elections and By-Elections), which had been introduced by Leader of the Opposition, Joy MacPhail (Vancouver-Hastings), on October 20.

Legislation

Among the first bills introduced this session, were Bill 58, B.C. Rail Benefits (First Nations) Trust Act, and Bill 59, Northern Development Initiative Trust Act. Minister of Transportation, Kevin Falcon (SurreyCloverdale) introduced these companion pieces of legislation on October 6. The two bills provide a framework for the anticipated economic benefits of the B.C. Rail--CN Investment Partnership, previously approved by the Legislature in December 2003.

The first bill establishes a $15million B.C. Rail benefits trust to support targeted economic development, educational and cultural programs for up to 25 first nations with historic business relationships with B.C. Rail. During 2nd reading debate on Bill 58, Ms. MacPhail and Independent MLA Paul Nettleton (Prince George-Omineca) expressed their concerns about the government's consultation process with First Nations, particularly as some of the land affected by the B.C. Rail transaction could potentially be subject to future land claim negotiations. In his closing comments, Minister Falcon explained that nothing in the new Act would abrogate the constitutional or treaty rights of British Columbia's first nations. He also emphasized the significant financial opportunities to those communities that wish to participate in the investment partnership.

The second bill, which also results from the B.C. Rail Investment Partnership, establishes a $135-million Northern Development Initiative Trust. This government funding initiative is intended to give northern communities the funding and ability to pursue new opportunities for stimulating...