North Cariboo MLA calls Controversial Bill 7 “An Enabling Act and Power Grab”

A Rally to bring awareness to the Provincial NDP’s controversial Bill 7 was held in Spirit Square in downtown Quesnel.

Conservative Prince George – North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare gave a speech and spoke with residents who had questions and concerns over Bill 7.

“It’s an enabling act that makes excessive use of government power to bypass legislature,” says Clare.

Bill 7, or the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act’s first reading was proposed on March 3.

Under Part 4 – Lieutenant Governer In Council Response Powers; article 19, if enacted Bill 7 would allow the Premier and Executive Council:

“may make a regulation under this Part for one or more of the following purposes:

(a) addressing challenges, or anticipated challenges, to British Columbia arising from the actions of a foreign jurisdiction;

(b) supporting interprovincial cooperation in reducing trade barriers within Canada;

(c) supporting the economy of British Columbia and Canada.”

Clare says the Bill would allow “any laws” that fall under the umbrella of supporting the economy of British Columbia and Canada can be changed and pushed through without the need to meet in the Legislative Assembly.

“This really causes damage to the normal functioning of the legislature,” Clare says. “It removes the role of the opposition to question, it removes the role of the opposition to provide alternative solutions to problems. It presents this crisis management view. That is really unnecessary. This is an unnecessary bill.”

There is a sunset clause to Bill 7, if enacted the Bill would have an end date after two years on May 28, 2027, unless repealed earlier. Which Clare argues could potentially be changed if the Bill is enacted.

Bill 7 also states that “any standing government” will have the same rules and power the bill provides, and allows the Premier’s office to be vulnerable to votes of not confidence.

Meaning, should a bi-election occur, and a provincial Conservative government is formed, it would have the same powers given to it under Bill 7.

When asked if Clare would still argue for Bill 7’s removal under a Conservative Government, he said he would.

“ No government should have unfettered power. You must have the processes of our Westminster style parliamentary system. To enable there to be a responsible representation of the will of the people. You cannot give government this kind of power and expect it not to be abused.”