Stikine NDP MLA Doug Donaldson is recapping the legislative session as it closes for the season.
Donaldson says he was able to highlight issues on Highway 16 this year, including getting the highway upgraded to a class ‘A’ rating for winter maintenance and keeping the spotlight on the need for a public transportation system between communities to increase safety.
“It helps to keep up the public pressure and hopefully the government will do the right thing and implement its own recommendations around a public transportation system along the Highway of Tears – something that’s long overdue.”
He says the NDP were able to get five current and former cabinet ministers to apologize for laws they had introduced.
“When you get cabinet ministers having to apologize in the legislature and outside the legislature it shows that the opposition is doing its job.”
He says the legislature ended on a bitter note when an email was uncovered from MLA Peace River North, Patt Pimm which contained derogatory remarks regarding First Nations.
He says its disappointing that Pimm was then appointed to cabinet as agriculture minister.
“I found that a very troubling way to end the session because it showed to me the premier’s judgement in who she appoints to her cabinet. Someone who makes these ignorant and derogatory comments towards First Nations. It also reveals to me the kind of attitude around the cabinet table towards First Nations and in this day and age I just find that really repugnant.”