The Legislature has been focused on budget estimates this week: healthcare, local government and tourism for much of the week.

Claire was able to raise the issue of the proposal for the new regional hospital with the Minister of Health George Abbott. During the debate, the minister said that there’ll be no funding for the hospital if the Regional Hospital Board isn’t on side. Claire sees that as plans being on hold: after all, the Hospital Board has said it doesn’t want Dove Creek as a location and VIHA has been adamant about that as being the place of choice. The full debate, which also includes questions on the environmental impact of the proposed regional hospital can be found at:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70508p.htm#7711

Claire was also able to raise concerns about volunteer ambulance services in the North Island: http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70510y.htm (about 14:50)

Every day ahead of Question Period, MLAs have the opportunity to make a statement. Claire used her time on Monday to talk about the hopes and expectations coming with the cruise ships to Campbell River. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70507p.htm#7590

Claire’s also been busy with her critic file: childcare and women’s issues. Claire questioned the Minister of State for Childcare, Linda Reid, about the level of childcare workers’ pay in light of the Alberta counterparts getting a pay raise: http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70509p.htm#7755

On women’s issues, Claire challenged the Minister of Citizens Services, Ida Chong, about the focus of her ministry. While the support the ministry gives to Transition Houses is welcome, Claire raised concerns that there is not enough focus on preventative services or on counseling. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H70507p.htm#7628

Claire has also tabled a motion in the Legislature which calls for the establishment of domestic violence courts to try to prevent further violence in the home.
http://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/trevena_introduces_motion_calling_for_domestic_violence_court

Claire will be at various childcare meetings this weekend and then at celebrations at Cape Mudge on Sunday. She’s back in Victoria next week to take your issues into the Legislature. She can always be contacted on:
Phone: (250) 287 5100 or (866)387 5100
Email: Claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca