YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Premier Eby’s first week disappointing and undemocratic

One of the most important features of our province’s parliamentary democracy is the key role that debate plays in the passing of new laws. Our system is designed to encourage discussion, and it is the role of the Official Opposition to hold the government to account, examining new legislation and raising concerns in the interests of all British Columbians. It’s a role that our BC Liberal Caucus takes very seriously — especially at a time when there are so many critical issues facing our province.

This past fall session at the Legislature, the NDP government introduced a number of new bills but failed to give MLAs adequate time to scrutinize them. Instead of government allowing for bills to be debated in their entirety, as is most often the case, the government removed a week from the legislative schedule and then cut short the time for discussion on numerous important issues.

The explanation given for this change was to accommodate the swearing-in of new Premier David Eby, even though it took place on a day that wouldn’t have interfered with the usual operation of the Legislature. Because of this decision there are many questions about the legislation introduced this session left unasked and unanswered, and many new laws that have been passed without the careful examination they are usually afforded.

It’s a deeply frustrating situation for many reasons. Cutting short debate in the Legislature goes against the principles that usually guide our democracy. British Columbians entrust their elected leaders with the responsibility to create the laws that govern our everyday lives — that shape our neighborhoods, our children’s education, the operation of social programs and government supports. Ensuring that they are examined closely, that they are designed in the best possible way to meet the needs of the public, is essential. Imposing closure on debate should only occur in extraordinary circumstances and only after the Official Opposition has been provided with a reasonable opportunity to review and debate the legislation. When opposition parties are not allowed to do their vital work of asking questions and holding government to account, democracy suffers.