British Columbia Legislative Assembly.

• Author: Neil Reimer

The Legislative Assembly met on June 25th for the first time since the general election of May 28th. The expectation was for a short summer session, with priority given to passing a budget and ministry estimates, with comparatively little in the way of legislation. As it happened, 20 bills were passed by the House, with the majority of House time being devoted to Estimates debate and other budgetary matters. The session ended on August 15th after 34 sitting days.

As expected given the close party standing in the House, a number of votes were narrowly decided, primarily on bills and amendments. However, the governing NDP was able to successfully carry all the votes necessary.

One of the more controversial pieces of legislation passed by the House was the Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, which guides the Commission in its regular ten-year review of the province's electoral districts. The Act increases the number of districts from 75 to 81, in response to British Columbia's growing population. Opposition members opposed the bill, arguing that the increse was unnecessary. The last boundary revision occurred in 1988.

The other major package of legislation was introduced as several bills known as BC Benefits. The bills addressed various facets of social assistance programs, including youth training, welfare and child care.

A number of standing committees will be active during the fall and winter. The Aboriginal Affairs Committee will be holding public...