New Democrat MLA Charlie Wyse is demanding answers from the Campbell Liberals as the B.C. government continues to avoid debate on the controversial Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement.

In a letter sent to Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen, Wyse asked what the government’s intentions were for debate on the TILMA enforcement legislation, Bill 17.


“Last spring, Minister Hansen said that Bill 17 would be fully debated. It’s been half a year now, and this arrogant government still hasn’t brought it before the Legislature,” said Wyse, MLA for Cariboo South and NDP critic for Municipal Affairs. “It appears they are avoiding debate at all costs.


“TILMA essentially slams the door on municipal government and the public consultation process,” said Wyse. “It interferes with local decision making and puts private interests ahead of the public.”

TILMA was signed behind closed doors at a cabinet meeting in 2006, and took effect April 1, 2007. However, the government has yet to pass the legislation required for the enforcement and the establishment of a dispute panel.

In his letter to the minister, Wyse wrote: “You told the media this July that the reason the TILMA bill had been left to die on the order paper was that it ‘got caught up in House business and there was no time to move it forward before the session ended.’ We have recently completed another legislative session, one completely dedicated to bills and your government once again chose not to call Bill 17 for debate.”

Wyse said it’s time for the Campbell government to come clean about its intentions.

“British Columbians deserve more from this government. It is time to shine a light on this deal and the impact it will have on British Columbians,” said Intergovernmental Affairs critic Michael Sather.