Vaughn Palmer: B.C. NDP woefully unprepared for legislative session

VICTORIA — For the first two weeks of the legislature session, the New Democrats have scrambled just to keep up with the basics of managing house business.

They were forced to adjourn early Thursday for lack of any substantive bills to debate on a so far lightweight legislative agenda.

They’ve also fumbled the simple challenge of making sure ministers and staff are in place to answer questions about the contents and intentions of legislation.

Take what unfolded Wednesday afternoon during committee stage (clause-by-clause) debate on a Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, one of those grab bag bills that affect several ministries.

The Opposition advised in advance which sections they intended to scrutinize, ensuring the government would know which ministers needed to be on hand to answer questions.