MLA Unimpressed By Throne Speech

By Kate Bouey

Feb 12, 2019 | 5:27 PM

Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster says he’s surprised by how little was in Tuesday’s Throne Speech in Victoria.

The speech set out the NDP government’s political agenda for the year and was read with little pomp this year by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin.

Snowy conditions meant the cancellation of an honour guard and marching band outdoors as well as a cannon salute.

Inside, the speech promised to tackle cellphones costs, ticket scalpers, money laundering and poverty.

But the Liberal MLA, who sits in opposition, says there was nothing specific in the speech.

Air Conditioners for Seniors

Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat

1h ago

Election 2026

Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council

3h ago

Water Shut Off Response

Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage

22h ago

“I don’t see anything in this speech at all,” Foster tells Beach Radio News. “This is a weak, weak Throne Speech.”

He hopes to see specifics when the provincial budget is introduced next week.

However the speech also promises reforms that restore trust in the legislature following allegations of spending abuses by senior officials at the Legislature and Foster agrees action needs to be taken.

He says the financial expenditures of senior officials, including deputy ministers and the clerk’s office, should be under the same scrutiny as MLAs.

“(MLA) expenses are posted right down to a taxi cab with the receipt every quarter,” Foster explains. “If you want to know what I spent in the last quarter, both in my office expenses and my travel expenses here right to the penny, it’s all posted with receipts.”

by Kate Bouey