The interesting stuff, in the opening of today's BC Legislature, included the fact that the BC Libs selected Kelowna area MLA Steve Thompson as Speaker. Thompson has all but stated that the Speaker comes from the ranks of government... intimating that he will send his resignation letter in to the LG if/when the incumbent gov't falls.
Much more fascinating were the statements to the House by long-time BC Legislative Clerk Craig James. BTW, the BC Legislative Clerk is known as the "CEO" of the BC Legislature and is non-partisan.
BC Legislative Clerk Craig James told the entire House today:
Quote:
"The Speaker does not play a politically partisan role and must exert independence of the government".
“Much has been said about the speakership in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia since May 9. A lot of what is being talked about is wrong. A lot of what has been examined by way of confidence motions, casting vote and the way this place functions is and has been wrong."
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I highly suspect Craig is referring to media speculation on the Speaker's role and bending/breaking of convention if GreeNDP form gov't with a 43 GreeNDP v. 43 Lib vote on any bill with the new Speaker drawn from NDP ranks.
As Craig is the "CEO" of the House, he is also undoubtedly fully aware of the BC
Constitution Act, which I referenced 2 days ago up-thread.
Unlike Speaker's in other Legislatures, BC's
Constitution Act defines their role in statute law. Again, the key section therein:
Quote:
Decisions of Legislative Assembly by majority vote
43 All questions must be determined by a majority of votes of the members present, other than the Speaker.
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IOW, on all final 3rd readings of bills, budgets, etc., unless a majority of members of the Legislature vote in favour of same, they are D-E-A-D on arrival. Basically a snapshot of the GreeNDP accord.
Next Thursday, when the incumbent BC Lib gov't likely falls on vote of confidence on the Throne Speech... we still don't know what the LG's advice by the 1st minister will be or what she will ultimately decide. The LG may well dissolve the legislature and we will be in a new election next week. Or maybe not.
If not, both Weaver/Horgan stated today that they will then bring back the Legislature after Labour Day weekend in September after the summer interlude.
The first key orders of business of the GreeNDP gov't involve confidence motions:
1. GreeNDP Throne Speech;
2. New Budget;
The budget must be passed prior to September 30 as interim supply bills then run out.
Suspect that the BC Libs will have a few House members away on the initial GreeNDP Throne Speech in order for it to "pass confidence".
The GreeNDP budget is where the BC Libs will obviously make numerous amendments, which will likely be rejected.
Likely final vote on GreeNDP budget as result?
43 - 43 tie vote. Again, under BC law, Speaker cannot cast deciding vote under these circumstances. Budget does not pass. Horgan then has no alternative but to visit the LG and advise her that GreeNDP budget has failed to gain the Confidence of the House and the LG's only alternative then is dissolution.
Bottom line? Either new election late next week or somewhere around September 15 - 25 time frame. I have no doubt about that anymore.
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