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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

SONIA FURSTENAU – I am incredibly proud of the work that our relatively small team has undertaken this session


That's a wrap! 


 

Thursday was the last day of the legislative session, and the last time the legislative assembly will sit together until October.

With an increase in vaccinations and diligence to keep COVID-19 numbers low, all 87 MLAs will be able to sit in the chamber together again. I don't think I'm alone in saying that I will not miss video conferencing. 

I am incredibly proud of the work that our relatively small team has undertaken this session. We moved the conversation forward on so many issues, including Indigenous rights, old growth, mental health, child protection, government accountability and transparency with regards to COVID-19, and we emphasized the need for more collaboration and cooperation in governance. 

I enjoyed my first opportunity to speak with the premier since the election in Premier's estimates. You can see the exchange here. 

I want to express my deep gratitude to the caucus and constituency teams for being pivotal to the effort we have undertaken this session. Their commitment and dedication to this work inspires me. 

I wish you all a wonderful weekend - the weather looks cheerful and with fewer restrictions, we can gather with friends and family again safely. For all those in Cowichan, check out the Cowichan Valley Craft Crawl where our finest artisans will be showing off their talents and selling their wares. It's really beginning to feel as though the light is returning. 

THIS WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE

 

On Wednesday, I asked a question regarding oil and gas industry royalties and the status of the LNG industry. I shared my thoughts about it here.

 

On Thursday, I asked a question about long-term effects of COVID -19, and what the government will do to support people who suffer for those with long-COVID. I shared my thoughts about it here.

 

On Thursday, I gave a statement of gratitude for the caucus staff (at 10:20 a.m.).

 

In budget estimates this week, I asked questions of the following ministers:

·         Premier’s Office (6:05 p.m.)

·         Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (4:50 p.m.)

·         Ministry of Finance (4:25 p.m.)

 


Sonia Furstenau … is the MLA for Cowichan Valley, and Leader of the BC Greens

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