After a marathon session that began with the Speech from the Throne in February, the British Columbia Legislative Assembly rose for the summer last night ending a memorable, acrimonious session.
The session brought some historic firsts: the first time an MLA voted shortly after giving birth from her hospital bed, new unprecedented powers for cabinet in the face of US tariff threats, and a surprising splinter in the new Official Opposition occurring mere months after the provincial election.
With trade uncertainty dominating the government’s legislative agenda, Premier David Eby introduced a series of bills in direct response to the on-going threat to the provincial economy. By contrast, the Opposition Conservatives and Leader John Rustad focused most of their attention on the state of health care and the on-going toxic drug crisis that has taken the lives of more than 16,000 British Columbians since the state of emergency was first called in 2016.
How busy was this session? The government brought in legislation to eliminate the consumer carbon tax, it was debated on and passed in less than a day and now seems little more than an afterthought. While the session was dominated by serious issues, there were also moments of warmth and levity as well. With that in mind, Counsel Public Affairs offers some highlights from the session.
Most Significant Legislation: Tariffs and Trade
The BC government passed three pieces of legislation to deal with the threat to BC’s economy including Bill 7 (Economic Stabilization, Tariff Response Act), Bill 14 (Renewable Energy Projects, Streamlined Permitting Act) and Bill 15 (Infrastructure Projects Act). These bills will give the Eby government sweeping powers to implement its economic agenda in response to President Trump’s tariffs. Bills 14 and 15 resulted in a tie vote that had to be broken by Speaker Raj Chouhan.
Honourable Mention(s): Toxic Drug Crisis, Rural and Remote Health Care
Most Significant Political Event: Conservative MLAs defect
The departure of three caucus members from the Conservative Party of BC to sit as independent MLAs was the biggest political story of the session. Why? Because it provided the government with just a little more breathing room to manage its razor-thin majority in the Legislature. And it is possible that this splinter group could grow to “split” the centre-right vote in the next provincial election.
Best Performing Rookie (Opposition): Á’a:líya Warbus, MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake
The daughter of former BC Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, this newly elected MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake was appointed as house leader for the Conservative Opposition. Speaking from lived experience about the impact of the toxic drug crisis on her own family, Warbus performed like a veteran. This is a person to watch with significant leadership potential.
Honourable Mention: Claire Rattée, MLA for Skeena
Best Performing Rookie (Government): Jodie Wickens, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
Although first elected in 2016, Wickens had never served in cabinet before. She was pushed into the deep end when she was appointed as Minister of Children and Family Development following the cancer diagnosis of her NDP colleague Grace Lore (MLA Victoria Beacon Hill). Wickens has brought dignity and empathy to the Legislature as she toils in the most difficult and thankless file in government.
Honourable Mention: George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo Lantzville
Best Overall Performance (Opposition): Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale
Already a strong performer for BC United, Sturko’s star has only gotten brighter now that she has joined the BC Conservative caucus. Sturko has driven the agenda on the toxic drug crisis. Using a private members bill as leverage, Sturko and Health Minister Josie Osborne are now currently working together to improve the Mental Health Act to provide better communication between medical personnel and close family members of those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Honourable Mention: Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre
Best Overall Performance (Government): Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions
They say a change can be as good as a rest. The move of this BC NDP veteran from Health to Energy and Climate Solutions appears to have energized the MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway. As was the case when he was in his previous ministry, Dix has an encyclopedic knowledge of his file. During his relatively brief tenure, Dix has been extremely ambitious with two B.C. Hydro calls for power and ground-breaking legislation to expedite these projects.
Honourable Mention: Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Most Heartwarming Moment: Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood
With the government having a narrow majority, every MLA vote counts. On March 12, newly elected Esquimalt-Colwood MLA Darlene Rotchford participated in a budget vote from her hospital bed, mere hours after giving birth. Her presence prompted a standing ovation from all members of the house.
Honourable Mention: All MLAs singing O Canada on Throne Speech Day following the implementation of Trump tariffs.
Most Lighthearted Moment: Conservative MLA sings for Infrastructure
Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare took a unique approach to advocating for the replacement of some deteriorating infrastructure in his constituency. Borrowing an old standard, Clare used his member statement time to lament that “Quesnel River Bridge is falling down.” While he should not quit his day job, Clare brought a few laughs to the BC Legislature while advocating for his constituents.
Honourable Mention: Speaker’s stuffed cat goes missing