He was elected as Canada’s first Green Party MLA in last May’s provincial election.
But outside of a brief summer session, Andrew Weaver has yet to experience the daily grind of taking part in parliamentary debate.
That changes this week, and Weaver says he’s looking forward to speaking in the house on behalf of his constituents.
“It’s really fun being a Green MLA. There’s lots of action, lots of fun, and it’s the most rewarding job being in a party that does not have a Whip, because you actually fight for your constituents and do what you said you would on the campaign trail,” he says.
However, he adds that he won’t be speaking out on all issues, instead adopting a “pick and choose” method to try and get the most out of being the lone Green MLA.
“There will be lots of bills, but I can’t focus on everything,” he says.
“I suspect I’ll look at the Water sustainability Act with interest, but on liquor reform…I doubt I’ll have much in terms of proposed amendments. There are around 20 ministries, and I think I’ll have questions ready for all 20, but I don’t think I’ll ask for all 20 in budget estimates.”
Get breaking National news
One issue that will have Weaver’s firm attention is LNG. In today’s Speech from the Throne, the government announced they will lay out an overall framework for LNG around taxation, environmental regulations, and First Nations benefits.
“The government is against a wall now, because we are a year into their first year mandate, and we still have yet to see anything on LNG,” says Weaver.
Clark conceded that “some elements” of creating an infrastructure for LNG have taken longer than they would like, but is still very confident in the industry taking hold in B.C.
“We are working very closely with the investors involved in it. We’re not getting ourselves behind, we are doing everything to stay ahead in the race. Every day I get more confident in the likelihood of an LNG industry created.”
As energy exports continue to dominate B.C.’s political discourse, Weaver’s opinions will get attention. Earlier this week, Weaver told the Prince George Citizen he would support projects that had local support and benefits as a compromise, mentioning David Black’s proposed $25 billion refinery and pipeline as one possible option.
“I’m sure there will be idealists who will be very upset,” he said. “But you don’t move society forward by only saying no to everything.”
Weaver’s comments received a mixed reaction in the environmental community, but the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head says while he is against the Northern Gateway Pipeline and expanded tanker traffic, people should expect pragmatism from him on the topic.
“Issues are far more complex than yes versus no. There’s shades of grey, there’s nuances,” he says.
“The way I’m approaching is that there are billions and billions of dollars invested here. I would love to not drive a car, I would love to have things that don’t use plastic made from oil. They don’t exist.”
Which is why Weaver says that if an LNG industry is developed in B.C., he’ll be focused on ensuring the benefits go to B.C.
“If this government says it will do this, what is it giving away to ensure this will happen? What will the taxpayer be on the foot for building roads and infrastructure? What will the public be on the foot for in giving up royalty rights and taxation rights? What will be on the foot for if companies find loopholes to not pay a carbon tax? Those are the questions I’m going to be looking out for.”
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.