Many may question the value of public input into such things as the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services ... not so MLA Doug Clovechok

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS:   Earlier today Doug Clovechok, BC Liberal MLA for Columbia River – Revelstoke, took to Social media to announce and share that he was:

“... humbled by the actions of the House last week in Victoria. On Wednesday March 6th, I was voted in by all of BC MLA's (unanimously!) to sit on the Legislature's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services; an honour I do not take lightly.”

He continued, “In short, the Committee reviews the budget estimates and plans for nine offices (ie: Auditor General, Elections BC, Ombudsperson, Human Rights, Police Complaint, Child & Youth, Conflict of Interest, Merit, and Info & Privacy). Our Committee also hosts public hearings & budget consultations across the Province, hearing from British Columbians on matters that are important to them.”

So how often, I wondered, does someone in their first term as an MLA would be appointed to a post like this – after all it seemed to me to be a fairly big responsibility?  Apparently, the position requires a skill set that is conducive to successful committee work and most important outcomes. 

“The work I have done inside the Legislature (Vice Chair of the Standing Committee to elect a Chief Electoral Officer) and the work inside the constituency along with the tool box I brought with me when elected has contributed to my being elected to this role”.

“I have also garnered the trust of my Caucus, and Leader all of who enabled this to happen.  The responsibility is large but both Tracy Redies and Peter Milobar, who were both on the committee last round, were both “new MLA’s. They too had just had the skills that were necessary.”

In carrying on my conversation with Doug, I wondered what the learning curve has been like for him as a first-time elected MLA ... and specifically if there were any surprises he hadn't expected, both good or bad?

Not surprisingly, he stated that, “The learning curve continues to be steep, fascinating and engaging. The work, and our accomplishments, that we have been able to bring to account in the riding, and for the riding while in Victoria have been incredibly rewarding.  It is the work I was hired to do.”

As to what he had not expected ... that also came as no surprise;

“I did not expect to be in opposition to a minority coalition government when I got elected”, he commented.  “The learning curve that comes with being an opposition member will ultimately make me a much stronger and effective government MLA come the next election, God willing.”

Back to what MLA Clovechok called the “public hearings & budget consultations” which would be taking place across the province; those apparently will begin this June.

“The schedule has not been set as of yet but the proceeding will run from June 2019, to the end of August 2019 with initial meetings beginning this month.”, he stated.

As to reviewing budget estimates and plans, how much input does an opposition MLA have on those plans?

“My voice will be an equal voice in the discussions, and decision making, along with 5 other MLA’s”

With respect for government continuing to slide, many are likely to question the value of input the public has into such things as the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.  Many are likely to ask, why should I bother because government doesn’t listen to us?

Doug however stated, “Through the consultation process, that will take place across BC, the public will have a significant contribution in terms of the information that they will provide.”

That consultation process will see committee members traveling the province and meeting with stakeholder groups, who will offer presentations relating to their areas of interest and needs.

And with that, his work has already begun as a member of the committee, and will continue through until next August.

Once the work has been completed, the report will be presented to Finance Minister Carole James, and members of the BC legislature.

And one final word from Doug, that he wanted me to share, “BC still believes in engaging with constituents”.