The rhetoric of the Throne Speech, which sets out the government’s plans for the session, got some substance this week.

We were able to start discussing some of the climate change initiatives and the government started to roll out its health care plans, which it says follow up on last year’s Conversation on Health.

The first bill which was opened for debate was the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions legislation. While there is no question that we have to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, what is being proposed in this bill is not the solution. In it the government relies heavily on using ethanol and biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels. However research shows that the production of ethanol and the present generation of biofuels causes more damage to the environment than it prevents. It also, simply put, means that we are producing food for fuel, and this is already having a devastating effect on poor countries, where we are seeing food prices – and hunger – soar. My view is that it is morally wrong.

This, and the Cap and Trade bill which we have just started to debate, are also both so shrouded in secrecy that the independent Privacy Commissioner has complained to the government about them. So much for the government’s promise to be transparent.

The minister of health introduced three health bills during the week, which we should be able to start to debate in the coming week; of particular concern is the concept of adding another pillar to the health act, that of sustainability. This is not defined and I will be asking the minister to make sure it is not another step towards privatisation of our public heath system.

I had the opportunity to question the Minister of Advanced Education about cuts in funding for North Island College during the estimates debate. However until the college is funded adequately and starts to get back into our smaller communities I will not be satisfied.

And we were able to question the Minister of Forest and Range about his claims that the Elk Falls sawmill is not viable. I will continue to both push for access to fibre for the mill as well as transition monies for the workers for those who lose their jobs.

It was a busy weekend in Campbell River last weekend, and I was able to tell the House about the re-enactment of the explosion of Ripple Rock.

And I had the pleasure of introducing three students, their teacher and chaperone/driver from Kyuquot. It’s always an honour to recognise people from the North Island in the Legislature, and I think their 12 hour journey is the longest any North Island constituents have made to Victoria.

I can always be contacted by email at claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca or by phone in Campbell River on 287 5100 or toll free on 1 866 387 5100.