The opposition has been taking the government to task this week about reported problems in private seniors care facilities, both on the island and on the mainland, the closure of a much needed respite care facility, and the government’s own lack of accountability.

I was once again able to raise my concerns about the government’s shell game when it talks about revenue neutrality; it says the new carbon tax is revenue neutral because it has cut income tax. An income tax cut will only benefit the better off and will do nothing to tackle climate change.

Another issue close to the hearts of many constituents has been raised through the week in the Legislature: the increasing cost of ferry fares. Petitions which have been collected in the island communities have been presented every day. I was able to present petitions from more than a thousand Quadra Island residents.

On Wednesday, the government brought in a motion which will limit the amount of time we will have to question the government by 60 hours. Every year after the budget has been tabled we move into the estimates debate, where we get the opportunity to ask ministers very specific questions about government spending; while much of this takes place in a different room in the legislature, the debates for a number of ministries take place in the main Legislative chamber. The government wants to end that practice and move all debates out of the main chamber.

While it says this will allow more legislation to be debated in the main chamber, it dramatically cuts our ability to ask the detailed questions, and so further removes this government from being held accountable. This is why we have been spending the last couple of days in Victoria arguing vociferously against the move by an arrogant government.

On Thursday I had the pleasure to introduce grade 5 and 6 students from Campbell River’s Sandowne Elementary school to the Legislature. Space in the gallery is tight so the 60 students came in two groups.

While Friday is usually my day back in the constituency, this week I was in Vancouver with Carole James, launching a child care tour: Raising BC. As the official opposition critic for child care I will be visiting various communities over the coming months to talk about solutions to our province’s crisis in child care.

I can always be contacted by email at claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca or by phone on 866-387-5100 or 287-5100