British Columbia.

• Author: Beaton, Natalie
• Position: Legislative Reports

Spring Sitting

The Second Session of the 42nd Parliament was prorogued the morning of February 8, 2022. The Third Session began that afternoon with the delivery of the Speech from the Throne by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin. Following the Speech from the Throne, the Legislative Assembly adopted a new Sessional Order similar to the Sessional Order adopted during the fall 2021 sitting period enabling the continuation of hybrid proceedings. As with the fall sitting period, most Members have opted to attend in person.

In response to changes to the provincial public health orders, starting on March 14, face masks became optional in common areas within the Parliament Buildings and other Precinct buildings, including in the Chamber.

Presiding Officers

Spencer Chandra Herbert, BC NDP Member for Vancouver-West End, and Ronna-Rae Leonard, BC NDP Member for Courtney-Comox, were reappointed as Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole, respectively. Jackie Tegart, BC Liberal Party Member for Fraser-Nicola, was appointed Assistant Deputy Speaker, replacing Norm Letnick, BC Liberal Party Member for Kelowna-Lake Country.

Official Opposition Updates

On February 5, the BC Liberal Party elected former MLA Kevin Falcon as its new leader. As he does not currently hold a seat as a Member, Shirley Bond, BC Liberal Member for Prince George-Valemount, continues as Leader of the Official Opposition in the House.

Andrew Wilkinson, BC Liberal Party Member and former BC Liberal Party Leader, resigned his seat as the Member for Vancouver-Quilchena on February 17; Mr. Falcon is running in the by-election on April 30. Following Mr. Wilkinson's resignation, current party standings in British Columbia are 57 BC NDP, 26 BC Liberal, two BC Green and one vacancy.

Budget 2022-23 Presentation

Minister of Finance Selina Robinson, presented the 2022-23 provincial budget on February 22. The budget presentation focused on funding to address economic recovery, affordable housing and childcare, and to strengthen emergency management and wildfire services. The Official Opposition Critic for Finance, Peter Milobar, shared concerns about a lack of measures to address the rising cost of living. The Leader of the Third Party, Sonia Furstenau, noted that the budget featured no expansion to safe supply, harm reduction, or mental health services.

New Ministry

Premier John Horgan announced the new Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship on February 25. This was...