VICTORIA, B.C. – In response to a question of privilege he raised pointing to the Minister of Citizens’ Services’ misleading Parliament, Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands has issued the following statement:
“The frustration following the Fall 2021 session was palpable. Members of the opposition, media, and public were openly questioning whether the Minister of Citizens’ Services had intentionally misled the House by repeatedly stating - right up to the final moments of debate in that session - that she was listening to public feedback with respect to a potential fee for Freedom of Information requests. Later that same day, the Minister signed an Order-in-Council creating a $10 application fee.
“Our job as opposition is to hold the government accountable. People elected my colleague Sonia Furstenau and I to watch the government, to be their check. In a democratic system, that means advocating for the right of public engagement and holding elected officials to high standards of transparency.
“British Columbians must be satisfied that their elected government is transparent and will be held accountable by the Legislative Assembly should they break the public's trust or operate in bad faith. It is the duty of elected members to raise these questions, and for the Speaker to assess whether the Minister of Citizens’ Services misled the House.
“This is the beginning of a new session. The government is outlining its plans for the province, plans for managing healthcare, climate action, education, COVID-19 recovery, and much more. The integrity of our government and trust in this institution requires the elected representatives to be accountable for their actions.”
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