A day in the life!

Sept 30, 2013 with MLA Gary Holman, Saanich North.
Meetings done for the day in Cranbrook, about to fly to Trail

Dear Saanich South,

It is an honour to be on the BC Legislative Assembly’s “Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services”.

This Committee began its work on September 10 2013 and we will continue to hold public hearings until mid-October. Our primary role is to seek public input on next year’s provincial budget.

The MLA Members of this Committee are: Dan Ashton (Chair), Mike Farnworth (Deputy Chair), Mable Elmore, Eric Foster, Scott Hamilton, Gary Holman, Marvin Hunt, Jackie Tegart, John Yap and me.

The Committee is holding 22 public hearings all over the province.

BC Liberal Government should not have cancelled the Fall Session of the Legislature

What's this you ask? It's BC's Parliamentary Calendar. Did you
know we have legislation that states the BC Legislature will have
a full Spring session and a full Fall session. In fact, we should be

returning to work in the legislature on 1st Monday in October until

the last Thursday of November

PARLIAMENTARY CALENDAR ACT, 2007

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the

Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia,

enacts as follows:

Fixed Calendar Established
1 (1) In each calendar year the Legislative Assembly shall meet:

(a) second Tuesday in February to the last Thursday in May inclusive; and
(b) the first Monday in October to the last Thursday in November inclusive.

Dear Saanich South,

The Finance Minister and House Leader held a news conference today to present a quarterly budget update.

He also stated the Legislature will not sit this Fall.

With respect to the budget update: just a few short months ago the BC Government claimed the Budget would have a $197 million surplus. By this June, that surplus estimate was reduced to $153 million. Today it was again re-adjusted downwards to $136 million. And don’t forget, this razor-thin surplus includes a fire-sale of public assets - a one-time infusion of cash that creates a permanent loss to the BC public. At the same time as the government misses its budget targets, the private sector continues to lose jobs and people continue to leave the province to find work.

Art Show & Open House: this Thursday!

Dear Saanich South,

As you know, the office walls of your Saanich South community office regularly display art by local artists.

Currently gracing the office walls are several pieces by local artist Margo Cooper. I first heard of her in the BARA Bugle and I am now pleased to announce the upcoming Art Show and Open House to view her art.

Margo's acrylic and mixed media works explore a range of textures and she uses colours to examine moods and stories.

THURS, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
5:00pm - 7:00pm
4085 Quadra (corner of Nicholson, just north of McKenzie)

Our community garden will be open and light refreshments will be served.

I look forward to seeing you there and talking about the issues of the day.

For more information, please contact my office at 250-479-4154.

Cheers,

Lana

Broadmead Community Day - this Sunday!

Dear Residents of Broadmead!

This Sunday is BARA's much-loved Community Day. 11am - 2pm - at the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre. I'm looking forward to it - hope to see you there!