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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

BERNIER -- I need to apologize to all of my children for allowing them to start jobs at an early age - to try and learn the value of earning your way in life - and learning responsibility


Yesterday was a sad day for me in the BC Legislature.  The NDP decided to take parents and youths rights away, when it comes to their choice to work if you are under 16.

I tried to argue that we need to ensure we have proper training and safe workplaces -- but the NDP and Greens voted in a new law that basically said if you are under 16 and want to work, it can only be done if approved by them.

They will have a veto of approved jobs regardless what parents agree too.

This, to the point where we will now have to wait to find out if they will approve a 15-year-old to referee a minor hockey or soccer game, if they are getting paid. Or your neighbours’ kid can’t work on your farm, if they are getting paid. 

The government will decide if that is suitable employment.

This one really ticked me off because as I was arguing that parents should have a say since it is their children, and that I was in favour of looking at ways to make workplaces safer.

What happened? 

I was insulted and heckled by the NDP and Green members for promoting “child labour and hurting kids” and others I won’t repeat. It was shameful but not surprising. Wow.

I guess I now need to apologize to all of my children for allowing them to start jobs at an early age ... to try and learn the value of earning your way in life ... and learning responsibility.

Peace River MLA Mike Bernier
I guess I was a horrible dad after all, according to what they were insulting me with yesterday.


Mike Bernier is currently the Official Opposition Critic for Oil and Gas Development and sits on the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives.

In the past, he has served as Minister of Education, and as Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Literacy and the Environment for the Minister of Environment. He has also served on the Cabinet Committee on Strong Economy.

Before being elected to the Legislature in 2013, Mike served as mayor of Dawson Creek, elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2011. He also served as a Dawson Creek city councillor from 2005 to 2008.

Mike has lived in Dawson Creek since 1993 and has 20 years of experience in the natural gas industry.


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