With the conclusion of the fall legislative session I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on new legislation and my work as your independent representative in Victoria.
Two important pieces of legislation affect our children.
A new Family Law Act overhauls the practice of family law in B.C. and brings us up to date with other provinces. The new law ensures the best interests of the child must be the only consideration when making decisions that affect children.
The act also creates new tools for responding to family violence; encourages families to resolve disputes outside the court system; and makes property division fairer for common-law couples that are separating.
Bill 12, the Teachers Act, replaces the B.C. College of Teachers with a new oversight body. Last year a report found the B.C. Teachers' Federation had undue influence over the B.C. College of Teachers and hindered the college's ability to properly discipline the few errant teachers in our education system.
While the new act is not perfect, it deals with those key issues of accountability and authority, and it better protects the public interest. I commended Education Minister George Abbott in the legislature for his sophisticated handling of this controversial issue.
A large and difficult piece of legislation updates the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It is part of the government's push to deliver more services to citizens online.
I think these efforts have merit, but I am concerned the elderly, the disadvantaged and any others who lack access to the Internet will fall through the cracks. I am also concerned that government agencies (including Crown corporations and police) can transfer personal information from one agency to another - without the permission of the affected individual.
While MLAs unanimously supported the legislation, many - including me - did so with significant reservation. It is a step in the right direction, but much work still needs to be done.
Two pieces of legislation concern gasoline and property tax rates.
I was the only MLA to vote against legislation to increase the gas tax in the Lower Mainland and to raise property tax rates in 2013 (provided there is no agreement on an alternative funding mechanism).
I have seen no support in Delta South for increased TransLink taxes, especially when we see no end to the poor service our region experiences. During debate, I commented that the loss of the 601 bus is a perfect example of that poor service. Its absence has diminished the quality of life and mobility of many seniors (who find the Canada Line simply too intimidating to use) and I find it unacceptable that TransLink can't provide one or two midday buses so our seniors feel free to move once again.
I am happy to say that following my comments, the minister of transportation told me he would try to deal with that issue: so let's let him know how badly we need our old 601 back in operation!
I supported an omnibus bill that promotes intensive farm practices and gives some property tax relief to retiring farming families. However, I did object to the fact that municipal taxation changes were made without properly consulting the most affected municipalities - Langley, Abbotsford and Delta.
The government finally released a long awaited report on the Agricultural Land Commission, concurrently introducing legislation that made some of the critical changes that will help the ALC to fulfill its mandate. I will have more to say in a future column.
I asked several questions during question period on dredging, and I also asked the minister of agriculture to refute Port Metro Vancouver CEO's recent comments on our "meaningless" agricultural land. He refused, which I found disappointing, to say the least.
I had the privilege to deliver statements on both the Little House Society and the Delta Agricultural Society, organizations that are so much a part of our community.
As I perform my duties, I am constantly reminded of what an honour it is to be your representative. I want to thank each and every one of you who has taken the time to write, call or stop by my constituency office: your issues are important to my staff and me and we value your input very much.
