File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

RETURN TO THE BC LEGISLATURE

Kamloops South Thompson MLA notes smooth start with hybrid legislature return

Jun 28, 2020 | 2:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — After the first week back to B.C’s legislature for provincial politicians, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA says the hybrid model went off without a hitch.

Several MLAs went to Victoria for in-person participation at the legislature, and many engaged through online video streams. Normally, the 87 members would meet in the chamber at once. With physical distancing requirements, that’s been reduced to 24 politicians, with debates, and votes being conducted via Zoom.

Todd Stone, the Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing, took part virtually from his home in Kamloops. Stone says the first few days of sittings were different, but still allowed for the same kind of back and forth seen when MLAs normally meet in-person.

“The session has gone on seamlessly. I have participated in debates, I did a statement on homelessness earlier in the week, I’ve been in the question period line-up each day, and it had worked as well from my office as it does when you’re sitting right there in the chamber.”

However, Stone admits nothing beats the in-person aspect of being in the legislature, and says he’s looking forward to returning.

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Sept. 30

Oct 05, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Four dogs will die and the owners responsible will get away with it

Oct 04, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: October 3, 2024

Oct 04, 2024

“But to this point, I’m relieved and appreciative that the technology that’s been put in place to enable MLAs from all corners of the province to participate virtually, has to this point worked very, very well.”

Having an online format could reduce the kind of passionate debate often seen during Question Period, but Stone says QP actually worked similarly to how it normally does.

“There were, and continue to be some occasional situations of different MLAs forgetting to un-mute their microphone, or even worse, not muting when they probably should be muted,” he explains, “You know, those kind of minor things. But aside from that, it really has been a system that has worked out very, very well.”

Stone notes that all sides of government working together during the pandemic is still crucial, but there also needs to be a level of accountability to make sure things are run smoothly.

Asked whether he envisions long term use of the new format, Stone figures the online model could be feasible for the remainder of the pandemic.

“I take my hat off to those who have worked for the last several months to make that a reality, and if we have to continue with this current format deep into the fall and potentially into next year, I think we’ve proven that the model actually does work,” he says, “It is certainly no replacement for being in the chamber, all 87 of us at the same time, but I think as a fall back Plan B, the technology and protocols in place have worked very, very well.”