Second Reading of TILMA Bill 32 Available on Hansard

[Stop TILMA!]

All,

The Blues Hansard from the morning second reading of the TILMA
enabling legislation, Bill 32, can be read at:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/H80529x.htm

Speaking against the motion were: C.Wyse, M. Sather, B. Ralston, C.
Puchmayr, S. Simpson, D. Chudnovsky.
Take a moment to thank these folks for the hard work.

Speaking for the motion were: B. Lekstrom, with an interjection from
P. Bell.

I've included excerpted quotes from the debate from B. Lekstrom (L-
Peace River Southand) C. Puchmayr (NDP-New Westminster). I just
thought that it well highlighted the ideological differences played
out in much of the Legislature today.

More soon,
Carleen

B. Lekstrom: I kind of enjoy the heckling, because I know that at
about 5 o'clock today we'll hear that the world is about to end and
British Columbia's democracy will come to an end because debate will
have cut off. I encourage people to go and read Hansard and see what
they get out of four days on discussion on sustainability, see what
they get out of the rhetoric we've heard, because there's been no
waste of time here. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]

In closing, Bill 32 is a positive step for every British Columbian.
It's a positive step for our province. It's a great step for our
country, because we have the rest of the country.... I've heard the
readings of the others. But for the vast majority, I think, what
people are looking at is saying: "How can we get on to this? How can
they actually build an economy like that between B.C. and Alberta that
we can benefit from?" [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]

It's interesting. I want to encourage every member of the public who's
interested at all. I know sometimes reading legislation isn't the most
wonderful thing to do, but if you have questions, call us. If you want
for yourself, go on the internet. Have a look at TILMA. We have every
piece of legislation on there as well. But don't, for heaven's sakes….
I'm not saying you have to take my words that I'm saying. I'm not
saying you have to take the opposition's words. Base it on the factual
information. Read it. Do your homework. Without question, British
Columbians will find Bill 32, the TILMA agreement, one that they'll
support.

...

C. Puchmayr: ...But I want to say that I am really concerned with this
legislation. I think that it needs to be addressed. I think every
stakeholder needs to be brought to the table — not just the business
community but labour, municipalities, school boards. All need to come
to the table to look at whether or not there really is a need for this
type of legislation. If common sense prevailed, it would be seen that
there is no need.