Image: File image of the B.C. Legislature building in Victoria. / Stan Jones, Dreamstime

By MLA Garry Begg, BCNDP Caucus Chair

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: The Fall session of the legislature

Oct 8, 2025 | 2:30 PM

This past Monday, MLAs from across the province returned to the Legislature for the beginning of the Fall session.

This session, we will be introducing legislation early in the session that will help make sure that people in B.C. have good, well-paying jobs, that workers are treated fairly, that we are addressing affordability, and that British Columbians are protected from sexual violence. Frontloading the introduction of legislation to the beginning of the session, means that members of the legislature, the public and the media will have as much time as possible to consider these bills and their impact on British Columbians.

After a summer of connecting with people in our communities where we were able to hear from constituents on the ground about their top concerns and priorities and able to celebrate local events and accomplishments of people in our communities, we’re feeling energized to hit the ground running on the floor of the Legislature.

We have serious challenges ahead of us, as the U.S. President continues to attack Canada’s economy with increased tariffs and continues to threaten our country’s sovereignty, and we’re ready to face them head on.

As we continue into the Fall session, we will be introducing legislation that stands up for British Columbians and helps continue the work we’ve been doing diligently to position British Columbia as Canada’s economic engine.

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Already this week, we have begun this work.

On Monday, two pieces of legislation were introduced in the house to help improve life for people who have had their intimate images shared without their consent, and to help protect from, and prevent acts of sexual violence on campus.

Minister Sharma introduced a bill to help get victims of sexualized violence the justice they deserve. If passed, the bill will allow cabinet to raise the ceiling on fines for people convicted of sharing someone’s intimate images without their consent, and allow victims to receive more in damages.

Minister Sunner introduced legislation to strengthen support for post-secondary communities to prevent and respond to acts of sexual violence on campus through a proposed Sexual Violence Policy Act.

Additionally, on Tuesday we introduced another five bills to make life better for British Columbians, including by adding more child care on school grounds and making sure that contractors and subcontractors are paid on time for their work.

This is just a few of the bills that will be coming forward to outline our government’s priorities this fall of making life better for British Columbians, making sure that we have good-paying jobs to support B.C. families, moving major projects forward and putting our province in the strongest position to lead Canada’s economy.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.