Newsletter Vlog #18
Watch the video to hear all about the last four weeks in the Legislative Session (Bill 9, Budget Cuts, Balcony Solar, and more).
Then, deep-dive by clicking through links below for Bills, QP, debates, media links... four full weeks and a lot to peruse!
WEEK ONE: Feb 20th
🏛️IN THE HOUSE
Bill 5: Trade Recognition Act
Turns Part 1 of Bill 7 from Spring 2025 into a standalone piece of legislation, largely to give other provinces and territories assurance that their goods can be bought, sold, and used in British Columbia, and vice versa
Bill 6:Motor Vehicle Amendment Act
Digital drivers licensing renewal.
🗣️Speeches in the house, in order of occurrence:
Week One: IN THE NEWS
BC Green MLA Rob Botterell said he supports the call for a public inquiry into Tumbler Ridge. “This isn’t about assigning blame. This is about looking at the whole spectrum of factors that led to that horrible event and tragedy,” said Botterell. He said a public inquiry should examine issues ranging from policing and firearms to health, housing, and technology like AI. (Vista Radio)
WEEK TWO: In The News
Budget 2026
The Tyee: MLA Botterell noting the cuts to the budget for the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation during a time when the province is facing key questions about its relationship with First Nations, along with noting how the budget did not include anything to advance the government’s conservation and climate goals.
Daily Hive: MLA Botterell quoted that the budget is made to keep industry happy, and the BC NDP dropping their commitment to $10 a day daycare is shameful. “British Columbia needs a budget focused on the health of people and communities—not one that ties the province’s prosperity to LNG expansion and fossil fuel dependency. The BC NDP’s key financial strategy—Look West—looks lost.”
MLA Botterell also featured on CTV News and on CFAX regarding Budget 2026.
WEEK THREE: March 6th
🏛️IN THE HOUSE
Government Bills
First reading:
Second reading:
Third reading (Committee of the Whole):
Complete (just need Royal Assent):
Private Members Bills
Second reading:
Long-Term Care Access and Transparency Act (Bill M232)
Veterans and First Responders Month Act (Bill M231)
🗣️Speeches in the house, in order of occurrence:
Introductions: MLA Botterell welcomes affordable housing organizations from the Southern Gulf Islands to the legislature.
Question Period: MLA Botterell on cancelled funding for Gulf Islands affordable housing.
Introductions: MLA Botterell introduces the SAN Constit team, who were visiting the Leg!
Budget Estimates: MLA Botterell questions Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Spencer Chandra-Herbert, about Budget 2026.
Private Members’ Statement: MLA Botterell on Balcony Solar (Salt Spring connection)
Question Period: MLA Botterell on 30x30
WEEK TWO: Feb 27th
🏛️IN THE HOUSE
Government Bills
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2026 (Bill 9) RB likely to speak at 2nd reading
Private Members Bills
Long Term Care Access and Transparency Act (Bill M 232) JV likely to speak at 2nd reading
🗣️Speeches in the house, in order of occurrence:
Introductions: MLA Botterell welcomes North Saanich Middle School to the legislature.
Introductions: MLA Botterell welcomes Pender Island Food Bank to the legislature.
Question Period: MLA Botterell on rising food bank usage (and corporate subsidies).
Question Period: MLA Botterell on conservation financing and protecting old growth.
Introductions: Bidding farewell to Gud Takin Jaad (Rose Williams)
WEEK FOUR: March 13th
🏛️IN THE HOUSE
Government Bills we’re watching
Bill 9 - Amending FOI Act
Bill 11 - Amends Residential Tenancy Act and might reduce renters’ rights.
Bill 13 - Safe Access to Places of Worship
🗣️Speeches in the house, in order of occurrence:
Question Period: MLA Botterell on Indigenous safety risks stemming from Government mismanagement of Aboriginal Title cases.
Introductions: MLA Botterell introduces Saanich Peninsula healthcare workers and faith leaders from S.P.O.T.
Question Period: MLA Botterell on the closure of S.P.O.T.
Bill Debate: MLA Botterell’s barn burner of a 2nd Reading on Bill 9 (FOI Act)
Statement: MLA Botterell responds to Government Motion affirming Human Rights
WEEK THREE: In The News
MLA Botterell called the Conservatives’ critique [of the Musequeam/Federal title agreement] “irresponsible political theatre,” saying it is unfortunate the agreement was made public in this way, adding that the Musqueam have been clear that they are not trying to take people’s private property away, he said. “The B.C. Greens support agreements between First Nations and governments that recognize Aboriginal rights, including title,” Botterell said in a written statement on Monday. “We need more of this work, not less.” (Black Press)
WEEK FOUR: In The News
MLA Botterell was lead of a team of lawyers that developed BC’s FOI legislation in the early ‘90s. That legislation, once considered the best in the world, has been chiseled away clause-by-clause since then. Now, a new bill from the Province will bring the final death knell to freedom of information in BC. Botterell (aka FOI Boy) was the cover boy in two stories: one in the Tyee and another with Black Press.