It’s been a busy week in the Legislature in Victoria starting with Claire talking about the threat of corporate child care (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71105a.htm#9042 ); watching the debate was the Federal NDP’s child care critic, Olivia Chow MP and Denise Savoie, MP for Victoria who introduced Bill C303 which seeks to establish a national child care programme (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71105a.htm#9040).

On provincial matters Claire was able to talk about this government’s attacks on the democratic system. Bill 43 seeks to put Translink in the hands of an unelected board, which would have the ability to levy taxes. Claire spoke in second reading against the Bill (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71105p.htm#9086) and in favour of a motion which would take it off debate for six months while the government rethought it (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71108y.htm about 2.40pm).

She also spoke about the changes to the Electoral Boundary Commission; the Premier has stepped in and told the independent commission what it should be doing, which Claire, and others in the NDP, sees as flagrant political interference (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71108x.htm about 11.45am).

This week also saw a delegation from the Citizens for Quality Health Care come to the Legislature with a massive petition for the Government. Claire was able to introduce the delegation (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71107p.htm#9145), talk about the hospital issue (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71107p.htm#9146) and present the petition to an awed House (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71107p.htm#9153).

Apologies to those who expect this when the House is in session. Last week went by without a report. But among the highlights then were Claire’s statement marking the 20th anniversary of the Tidemark theatre (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71101p.htm#9009) and her tabling a motion calling for a commitment to high quality, accessible affordable, publicly funded child care (http://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/trevena_tables_motion_to_address_childcare_crisis).

The Legislature won’t be in session over the coming week, but Claire will be in the constituency and in Vancouver. On Wednesday, November 14th, she’s joined by David Cubberly, MLA for Saanich South and Opposition Education Critic and Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria Hillside and Opposition Advanced Eduction Critic for a public meeting on all things on education. The meeting is being held at the Multipurpose Room, Carihi School, 350 Dogwood, from 7 pm to 9 pm.

As always Claire can always be contacted at (250)-287-5100 or (866)-387-5100 or by email: claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca