Scott McInnis, MLA – In many ways, preparing 57 new MLAs for life inside the Legislature could be compared to preparing a 6-year-old for their first day of kindergarten. We need to learn the classroom rules around talking, being respectful to our classmates, and most importantly, where to find the bathroom in a new big unfamiliar space.
The staff at the BC Legislature has been fantastic in helping guide us new members, through the routines and structure of parliamentary procedure. It’s not easy. There are many formalities that even seasoned MLAs don’t always get right. Remembering to bow to the speaker’s chair when entering and exiting the chamber is one I’m still getting used to.
The 5 full days of MLA school wrapped up last week with a fun ‘mock sitting’ where we debated, questioned, and amended the justification around ‘serious’ legislation such as whether to ban vanilla ice cream and whether hotdogs should be considered sandwiches.
All members from all parties laughed and exchanged pleasantries during this 3-hour afternoon exercise. It was a great way to break the ice and an inside look into the character of our fellow members.
I greatly look forward to getting down to business in Victoria. It’s a big part of the role that I have yet to experience.
The Legislature hasn’t been in session in 9 long months, and our province has issues that need to be addressed right away.
With essentially a 50/50 split between government and opposition, it will be interesting to see how the house operates with such parity. I’m keen to get to work on the big-picture issues which constituents in Columbia River-Revelstoke continue to bring to my attention. Again, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve you and bring change to our region.
Written and submitted by Scott McInnis, MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke.
