Stirring farewells from MLAs
SMEAR SURVIVOR — There were numerous farewells last week from the 14 MLAs who won’t be running for reelection, but Skeena NDP MLA Robin Austin’s was particularly touching.
He got off to a rough start in his last term when he was smeared at an all-candidates by someone who made an unfounded allegation of abuse regarding a child Austin and his wife had fostered years earlier.
It forced Austin to launch a defamation suit that took three years to resolve.
He won the case last year, with the judge ruling the defamatory remarks were “unfounded, unjustified, false” and “an act of thoughtless stupidity.”
Austin noted that he told his family when he decided to get into politics that the world was going to change and they might hear all kinds of horrible things, but not to worry about it.
“Many people in this house recognize that I went through a very sustained attack in the 2013 election. It involved me having to go to court and spend a whole whack of money. Actually, to this day, almost four years later, I still don’t have complete resolution to that, although the court came out very much in favour of myself.”
He was overcome with emotion while thanking both sides of the house for supporting him through that time. HELLO SWEETHEART, GET ME REWRITE — Departing Health Minister Terry Lake also had a emotional moment — one that’s going to cost him.
He was recognizing his family for their support — “I know that my wife, Lisa, is sitting on the couch … ” and briefly lost his composure. Then he explained why. “I just thought about my dog, next to her, which is why I got so emotional. I’m going to be in big trouble for that. Lisa and Pal are at home watching, and I hope they’ll forgive me for being a bit blubbery.” PACKING UP — AGAIN! — Battlin’ Bill Bennett also left the legislature for the last time. The fiery Kootenay East MLA had an up-and-down career with the Liberals. He resigned from cabinet in 2007 after sending an intemperate email to a constituent, was reappointed a year later, and got punted in 2010 for criticizing then-premier Gordon Campbell.
Sarina Costa, who works in Bennett’s office, was a witness to some of his forced departures and he paid tribute to her in the legislature. A 35-year veteran of the B.C. government, she started working under the Social Credit regime, served in the NDP government and has been with the B.C. Liberals for 16 years.
“She’s up there right now, and she’s absolutely wonderful,” he said. “I’ve worked with her so many different times, and she has always watched out for me. There have been some occasions when I’ve come back to the office and had to pack up quickly. She has fought back the tears in that particular situation and helped me to pack my stuff up and send me home. … To Sarina Costa, a very special thank you.” COMING HOME — Also giving thanks was NDP MLA Jane Shin, who is departing after one term.
“I found humanity and kindness in each and every one of you, and I believe in the aggregate human intent that continues to unfold in this house. I have faith in that process now. It was my most extraordinary privilege to serve with you.
“Finally, to my mom, dad, Jimmy and Steven, this is the last time you can stalk me live on TV. I love you, and I’m coming home.” COMMISSIONER CALL-OUT — It’s been one year since former information and privacy commissioner Elizabeth Denham gave her notice, but there’s still not much progress on finding a permanent replacement.
Denham notified the legislature last March she was leaving at the end of her term in July to take up the same post in the United Kingdom.
The commissioner reports to the legislature, not the government, so it’s up to a joint committee of MLAs to fill the post.
Chaired by Liberal MLA Sam Sullivan, that group met 19 times over the year doing extensive interviews of candidates. But the job requires the unanimous endorsement of the committee, and they couldn’t agree.
Sullivan said they originally met just to approve Denham’s re-appointment for another term. But then she served notice.
“All of us thought that it would just be one meeting. Then we realized this is not going to be easy.”
He said it was “frustrating,” but couldn’t disclose what the hang-up was.
The new parliament after the election now has to back up and start over. — By Les Leyne and Lindsay Kines