The fall session of the Legislature wrapped up this week with the government forcing through legislation on Translink. That takes power out of elected hands and puts it into the hands of an unelected board - including the right to levy taxes. Claire had spoken out against that earlier in the session.

This week she was able to raise the issue of problems in our forest industry in a debate over an emergency summit for the industry.

http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71126a.htm#9464

Sadly the government has done little to assist our forest dependant communities.

In her role as critic for Child Care, Early Childhood Development and Women's Issues, she was able to talk about violence against women.

http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71126p.htm#9470 And she marked the 20th anniversary of Campbell River's Transition House with a statement to the House. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71129y.htm (about 13:45)

And she questioned the Minister of State for Child Care about a link in a government funded booklet on how to start a child care centre. This was the only link to a company-based child care centre; the CEO of the company is a former BC Liberal party president and his company has been a large donor to the BC Liberals. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/H71128p.htm#9555

While question period never allows in depth debate the example was used as an opportunity to highlight the government's preference of assisting BC Liberal supporters at the cost of a commitment to universal, accessible, affordable, publicly funded child care.

The Legislature won't be sitting again until February but Claire will be busy around the constituency. She's continuing to raise the issue of the split in the Comox Strathcona Regional District; she's working on the regional hospital debate, and is assisting in the campaign against coalbed methane.

She'd be happy to meet with you at any time and can be contacted in Campbell River at 287 5100, toll free on 1 866 387 5100, or by email at: claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca

Best wishes for a warm, safe, holiday season.