British Columbia.

• Date: 22 June 2022
• Author: Beaton, Natalie
• Published date: 22 June 2022
• Author: Beaton, Natalie

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...