Government has launched a new pilot project to provide legislative drafting services to all opposition members of the Legislative Assembly for the remainder of the fall session, Attorney General David Eby announced today.

The project is another step in Premier John Horgan’s commitment to work with all parties in the legislature to ensure the democratic process runs smoothly for the people of British Columbia.

The Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) will provide political parties with confidential house amendment drafting services on a trial basis. As part of this, the OLC will help to accurately express policy objectives in a form that can give them the intended legal effect, but will not provide in-depth policy support or subject-matter legal advice. This will allow proposed amendments, by both Green Party and Liberal Party MLAs, to match the language of previous provincial legislation and stay consistent with British Columbia drafting style.

“We are committed to doing politics differently, and I am proud to put people and ideas at the centre of our efforts by working with other political parties,” said Eby. “These changes will accelerate the amendment drafting process for all MLAs so they may better serve British Columbians.”

The project is effective immediately and will be reviewed for extension. It marks a first for British Columbia, which joins Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia in providing this service in Canada.