Legislative reports: British Columbia.

As reported in the previous issue, the BC Liberal Party formed the new provincial government on May 16. Two weeks later, following recounts in the Victoria-Hillside and Victoria-Beacon Hill constituencies, the Liberals were confirmed to have elected a record 77 members to the 79-seat Legislative Assembly. Gordon Campbell was sworn in as British Columbia's 34th Premier on June 5, along with 20 cabinet ministers and seven Ministers of State.

The Liberals' unprecedented majority in the House has given rise to some significant changes within the Legislative Assembly.

A procedural change was instituted on August 2 when the Legislative Assembly passed a Sessional Order allowing for Public Written Questions to be put during question period. Under the order, provincial or local public bodies can submit written questions to the Speaker that will be drawn by lot and read, by any private member, to a member of the executive council during question period. For the purposes of this process, provincial or local public bodies are municipal councils; regional district boards; school boards; tribal councils or band councils; chambers of commerce; trade union locals; and political parties registered under the Elections Act, that do not have representation in the Legislative Assembly, and that nominated at least 70 candidates and obtained at least 5 percent of the popular vote during the most recent provincial election. The procedure for Public Written Questions has been adopted on a trial basis for the 2001 legislative session.

Other procedural changes include the adoption of a legislative calendar and a Sessional Order to change the list of select standing committees.

Premier Campbell has also implemented some new measures intended to promote executive accountability. For example, according to Bill 4, the Balanced Budget...