British Columbia.

• Author: Hill, Lisa
• Position: Legislative Reports

As anticipated, the House resumed on October 4, 2021. This marks the first time since March 2020 that all Members of the Legislative Assembly can attend Chamber proceedings in person. It will also be the first time since March 5, 2020 that three Table Officers will be present at the Table, during Routine Business and formal divisions. A limited number of Members may still attend proceedings virtually, as required. COVID-19 safety protocols remain in place, including a proof of vaccination program (see below) and a requirement to wear a face-covering in the Chamber and in common areas of the buildings on the Legislative Precinct.

Parliamentary Committees

The Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth released its first report of this Parliament on July 21, 2021, entitled Annual Report 2020-21. The report summarizes the activities of the Committee from December 9, 2020, to March 31, 2021, which include its review of five reports of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth, including the Office's Annual Report 2019120 and Service Plan 2020/21 to 2022/23.

The Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Election Act was appointed on April 13, 2021, to conduct a review of the annual allowance paid to political parties under section 215.02 of the Election Act, including, but not limited to, a review of whether an annual allowance paid to political parties should be continued to be paid after 2022 and, if so, the amount of the annual allowance; and the number of years the annual allowance should be paid. Under amendments to the political financing provisions of the Election Act adopted in 2017, corporate and union donations were eliminated, individual political contributions were restricted to $1,200 per year, and an annual allowance to political parties was established in 2018 at a rate of $2.50 per vote received in the last provincial general election, which decreased to $1.75 per vote received in 2021 and 2022. The Committee undertook a public consultation from April 19 to May 28, 2021, during which it heard from academics, stakeholders and individuals at three public hearings. The Committee released its report on August 9, 2021, recommending that the annual allowance be continued at the rate of $1.75 per vote in 2023 and adjusted thereafter according to the change in the Consumer Price Index for the previous year.

From June 21 to 24, 2021, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services held meetings with...