It was a busy week in the Legislature with a number of bills up for discussion.

Claire was able to voice her concerns about the political interference in the drawing up of BC’s electoral boundaries. After months of work by the independent Boundaries Commission, the Premier decided that he wanted to set the number of seats that BC would have going into the next election rather. You can read Claire’s remarks at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71120a.htm#9299

This had added poignancy as she had been meeting with women from Ukraine who were learning about the independent political process. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71119p.htm#9259

The Government also brought in its bill on greenhouse gas emissions. Sadly the bill has little substance; the plan will only be delivered when the Premier’s climate action team has met for a year. Claire was highly critical of the bill saying: “This isn't just an issue for us. It isn't just an issue for our communities. It is an issue for the globe. If this government was serious about this, they would take that responsibility seriously. They would come with a serious plan, not….a thin piece of hot air.” If you want to read her whole speech, go to: http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71122x.htm (approx 11:30am)

And another First Nations’ treaty was introduced. This was the Maa-nulth treaty which includes five first nations on the West Coast, including the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'-Che:k:tles7et'h'. Claire was very proud to be able to stand in support of the treaty, and to talk to members of the Legislature about the need for ongoing commitment to First Nations. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71122y.htm (approx. 5 pm)

In her critic role, Claire was able to question the Minister of State for Child Care about her commitment to recruitment and retention of child care workers as the provincial child care crisis continues. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71119p.htm#9266 And she was able to make a statement about the work of a Victoria based community centre. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71121p.htm#9362

Claire was pleased to also tell people about Winterfest, Sointula’s annual pre- Christmas celebration. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71119p.htm#9260

Outside the House she has also been raising the issue of the split of the Comox Strathcona Regional District with the Minister of Community Services.

The Legislature will be sitting for one more week and then Claire will be back in the constituency. She is always happy to meet with constituents and to hear any issues of concern. She can be contacted on 250-287-5100 or 866-387-5100 or alternatively by email at claire.trevenaleg.bc.ca.