Claire’s been back in Victoria this week and raised a number of issues important to the North Island.

Forestry has been a major focus for the official opposition with the budget estimates debate stretching over several days. Issues covered include softwood, log exports, woodlots and the continued crisis on the coast. Claire raised the removal of lands from TFL6 with the Minister. The debate can be found at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70418p.htm#6847

Claire discussed early childhood education and the StrongStart programs. She also talked about the Robron Centre in Campbell River and how the former school is being utilized. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70417p.htm#6807

She also had the opportunity to discuss funding for North Island College as well as getting NIC back into the our rural and remote communities during the Ministry of Advanced Education Estimates. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/D70419y.htm (at 16:50)

During Question Period the focus for much of the week was on the $300 million and climbing overspend at the Convention Centre expansion, but Claire did manage to bring up the issue of cuts to childcare funding on Thursday. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70419y.htm (at 14:30)

Claire also took the opportunity to talk about the recent Women in Business roundtable she held in Campbell River during member’s statements this week. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70419y.htm (at 14:00)

And she had the pleasure of meeting with students from Port Hardy Secondary School who came to the Legislature. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70418p.htm#6835

Closed door sessions of the special legislative committee on sustainable aquaculture have started, as Claire and other members work towards the final report.

Claire is in the North Island this weekend with meetings in Port Alice, a women’s roundtable in Port McNeill and the Mount Waddington Tourism kick-off at Seven Hills.

She’s back in the Campbell River office on the 27th of April and would be happy to see or hear from you. She can be contacted at (250) 287 5100 or (866) 387 5100 or email at: claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca