Canada Day has come and gone and it’s been six weeks since the Legislature in Victoria ended its session, in a highly undemocratic way.

After four months in which the Official Opposition raised concerns on everything from environment to corruption to childcare, the government shut down debate and closed the doors.

Just 24 hours before MLAs were supposed to rise for the end of the spring session, the BC Liberals said that by the end of the next day, three bills would be voted on -- whether debate had been completed or not.

In our system there is usually the opportunity to debate bills. There is the opportunity to then go through them clause by clause in committee stage before voting. That is to allow a reasoned and measured approach to legislation. It is supposed to allow the voice and questions of constituents and stakeholders to be addressed in the committee stage. At times it allows for amendments to be brought in to improve or alter legislation.

We know that the government will win when it comes to a vote because we are a two party system and the government has a substantial majority.

However that does not lessen the need for debate and the need for questions. In fact when there is a majority it is even more important to have concerns raised. In a parliamentary democracy the government should allow debate without fear. Questions and opposition are a healthy; an essential, part of our democracy.

Sadly, the BC Liberals have bred an atmosphere of arrogance. Arrogance about forcing through legislation unnecessarily fast. Arrogance about the Supreme Court decision on union rights. An atmosphere which seeps through our whole province: our ferry fares can be raised with an arrogant nod to those of us who live and work on the islands; our hospital can be regionalized with an arrogant nod to those who do not live within the so-called Golden Hour for emergency care; our logs can be exported and we see jobs and communities disappear with our forests.

Through the summer and into the fall, I will continue to work on issues of ensuring good healthcare close to our communities; on the absurdity of our marine highway being operating on a cost recovery basis; on the serious issues confronting our forest sector; on issues impacting our environment; and on maintaining our democratic rights and freedom of speech.

MLAs should be returning to Victoria in the fall, but last year the government cancelled the fall session saying there was no work to do. I am concerned they will cancel again this year having seen their arrogant approach through the last months. It does make the job of opposition that much harder but I will continue to stand up for the North Island, and with my colleagues in the Opposition will continue to challenge the government on all aspects of their arrogant activities.

I’d be happy to talk with you on any issue. I can be contacted through the Port McNeill constituency office on 956-0028 or the Campbell River office on 287-5100, or by email, at claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca.

In the meantime, I hope that everyone has a very good summer.

Best regards,

Claire Trevena