When I run into John Horgan I always call him premier. And when we’re done debating Doctor Who, I say ‘goodbye premier.’ The same when encounters with ministers occur, I accord them the respect of the office they hold.
Why do I share this? It comes from the belief that Parliamentary practices need to be respected. That the work done at 501 Belleville is more important and rises above the people who inhabit the position for a time.
The respect is for the office, which is the population as whole. We – all British Columbians – can vigorously disagree on issues but the institutions invested with authority deserve respect or it all crashes down.
What has spurred this? The decision of Premier Horgan to skip the last two Question Periods and then appear in the Legislature seconds after it ends.
Why does this matter? The Legislature won’t meet again now until October, meaning no opportunity for MLAs to hold the premier accountable.
Our whole system is based on accountability, about the opposition being able to ask questions on behalf of British Columbians. Hiding in your office is ducking.
No premier likes being challenged but they shouldn’t cower from it.
And before trolls start talking about my former boss, here’s the facts. Did she appear in every QP? No. When she was in Victoria did she sit in her office? No.
To be honest, I can’t recall a premier dodging the final day of QP. But this premier was either afraid or “arrogant in his confidence.”
Ultimately, it was disrespectful of the Legislature and the people of British Columbia.
On the Right Side 
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