NDP slam Libs for cancelling fall session; MLAs' time better spent out talking to citizens, de Jong says
The Province
September 11, 2008 
By: Suzanne Fournier

The B.C. Liberals are "ducking the public" and "governing from behind closed doors" by cancelling the fall sitting of the provincial legislature, according to health advocates and the opposition NDP.

But Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong responded that "we want MLAs to be out in their communities" talking to constituents in the next six months leading up to the throne speech and provincial budget, to be handed down when the legislature reconvenes in February.

De Jong confirmed yesterday that the legislature won't reconvene Oct. 6 as slated. He pointed out the Liberals have held a fall sitting in five out of their seven years in power, in contrast to the NDP, which held no fall sessions for seven of its 10 years in government.

The NDP, however, averaged 73 days a year in the legislature while in government while the Liberals have dipped to a new low average of only 60 days a year.

"We think the most important aspect of what we want to do is to communicate directly with citizens in preparation for the throne speech and budget in February," said de Jong….