With all the focus on the daily question period jousts, much of the B.C. Liberal legislative package is being processed through the house out of the spotlight.
Here’s a rundown of what they’re actually doing, as opposed to what they’re saying. There are a few higher-profile bills that have captured the attention of some and prompted definite arguments between the government and the Opposition.
The Agricultural Land Reserve revamp, which is still to undergo line-by-line scrutiny, is the headliner this session. When Bill Bennett was named core review minister, he saw his chance to fulfil his ambition to change the ALR and he ran with it. But he’s running right into the NDP’s fervent belief that the ALR is a sacred trust, and others’ skepticism about his intentions. So there will be more fireworks to come.
The liquor-law changes that relax a number of restrictions will make for even more profound changes in day-to-day life. But they were all signalled well ahead of time, and the NDP is more curious about them than opposed.
Here’s a refresher on other items in the 19-bill agenda that was introduced over the last three months.
• The Electoral Boundaries Commission Act forbids any future boundary commissions from eliminating 17 ridings in rural B.C. Updating ridings always turns into a frustrating exercise in trying to balance populations evenly. It’s impossible because of the disparity between rural and urban B.C., so drafters are always faced with the prospect of collapsing some of the low-population ridings.
The bill outlaws that in the named ridings, 11 of which happen to be Liberal at the moment. There are some constitutional issues, but the Opposition has been more concerned about why some other remote ridings — held by the NDP — aren’t on the protected list.
Best line of the debate, from NDP MLA Leonard Krog: “The kicker is that we’re also going to limit [the house] to 85 seats. The Opposition supports that. This place is a little crowded as it is.”
• Provincial Capital Commission Dissolution Act. It winds up the 50-year-old entity that managed a portfolio of public properties in Greater Victoria. It’s another concept from Bill Bennett’s core review laboratory. The entire capital is in the hands of the NDP, so it was roundly denounced.
Best line, from NDP MLA Rob Fleming: “We’ve just heard the minister congratulate the PCC for doing an outstanding job. It’s not often in government that you get the privilege of being shot at dawn for doing an outstanding job.”
• Off Road Vehicle Act. The Wild West approach to wilderness recreation died when this bill was passed last month, as it requires registration and licences for snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. Various groups have been begging for the law for years, but it never developed until now. The government will make off-roaders register for $48 and issue licences, through the Insurance Corp. of B.C., no less.
Best line on off-roading, from Liberal MLA Laurie Throness: “It’s a bit risky, but it’s favoured by the strong. Those who are strong like that kind of a culture because they can do anything they want. But the weak, in that kind of a culture, don’t have such a good time. I’m a firm believer in not allowing a few people to wreck it for everyone else.”
• Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act. It was a long time coming and took at least two tries to get to the legislature, but it could have big consequences years down the road. The large number of private-sector employees who don’t have pension plans might get a better chance at enrolling, as it makes it easier for small- and medium-sized businesses to start such plans.
• Missing Persons Act. It arose from the missing-women inquiry and gives police more authority to compel information when investigating missing-persons cases where no criminality is suspected. The Opposition supports the concept, but was leery during debate about encroaching on people’s privacy.
It’s a fairly mundane package, considering how long the government waited to recall the legislature.
