MLAs got back to their work in Victoria this week, and Claire immediately took North Island issues into the Legislature.

In the first question period of the session, she asked the Minister of Forests, Rich Coleman, about the closure of the Elk Falls mill in Campbell River http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/H80213p.htm#9636 and the breaking of the social contract. She got few straight answers from the Minister.

Workers from that mill and Catalyst pulp mill were in the gallery during question period and Claire and her colleagues were able to introduce them to the House http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/H80213p.htm #9631 The unions earlier held a rally on the steps of the Legislature and met with official opposition leader, Carole James, forestry critic Bob Simpson along with Claire.

Forestry stayed on the agenda for the second day, when Claire was able to challenge the government on worker safety. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/H80214y.htm (at approx 14:45) That came after the sad death of logger Frank Sinclair in Gold River.

The Minister of Forests made a public apology to Claire in the House on Wednesday. He had accused Claire of doing nothing to help the Port Alice Mill reopen; he’d made that claim both in the House and in the media. But he admitted to the House that he was wrong and apologised. http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/H80213p.htm#9645

Claire was able to note the sad death of forest worker Frank Sinclair in Gold River in the House during members’ statements. She also told the Legislature about this weekend’s Bridging Communities celebration in Gold River, http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/H80214y.htm (at approx 14:15) which she will be attending.

And as a former international development worker Claire was proud to talk about International Development week: http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/H80213p.htm#9633.

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