B.C. legislature honour victims of festival attack, then adjourns for the day
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VICTORIA — The B.C. legislature convened Monday morning for a sitting that was as sombre as it was brief.
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The house was back in session after a 10-day break. Only 16 sitting days were left on the calendar with much still to be done. The order paper, determined in advance, dictated a busy day.
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Budgets for almost half the ministries in government have yet to be scrutinized and approved. Bill 7, legislation granting the government emergency powers to combat the Trump tariffs, was still mired in clause-by-clause debate.
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Premier David Eby had consulted Conservative Leader John Rustad and Green Leader Jeremy Valeriote in advance. The three agreed that the house should convene for a moment of silence, then adjourn for the day out of respect for the dead, the injured, their families and the Filipino community.
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The legislature proceedings began at 10 am with the usual statement of prayer and reflection.
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Kiel Giddens, Conservative MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, began with recognition that Monday was the national day of mourning for workers injured, made ill or killed on the job.
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'We also need to pray today for the victims and their families of the horrible tragedy this past weekend in Vancouver,' he continued. 'We pray for the entire Filipino community across Canada.'
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Speaker of the legislature Raj Chouhan, then rose from his chair. A longtime trade unionist, he thanked the MLA for 'remembering those who never came back home, going to work, and those who have never recovered from their injuries.'
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'Thousands of people were there, got together, enjoying their day, celebrating culture, celebrating their traditions, human rights, freedom, everything,' said Chouhan. 'Many of us were there during the day.'
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