Former NDP cabinet minister Art Charbonneau has died

Former BC MLA Art Charbonneau, 85, died in Nanaimo in late April after suffering a stroke. 

Art served from 1991 to 1996 as the MLA for Kamloops. He served as Minister of Transport and Highways, Minister of Forests, Minister of Education, and Minister of Government Services and Sport.

Ever the pragmatist, after suffering a stroke, he mused that there was not much to be done and asked to go home, where he passed surrounded and very much loved by his family.

Art was born in Regina to Mary and George Charbonneau on Aug. 20th, 1939, the second youngest of eight siblings. He was cared for through early ill health by his older sisters, embarking on a boyhood fueled by a mix of curiosity, mischief and fierce intellect. Whether building and then testing model planes to the point of destruction, or debating religion with the unamused nuns at school, Art always questioned why things were as they were.

Art earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Alberta in 1961 and pursued further studies at the University of Minnesota's renowned St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, specializing in hydraulic model studies. Art returned to Edmonton in 1965 with a master's degree and as husband to Alice (nee Busch) Charbonneau.

Art and his business partner Dick Cooper founded Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd., establishing a lab in a modest warehouse bay where they built the company from the ground up into a world class consulting firm, always with a spirit of camaraderie and good humour.

In 1981, Art moved to Kamloops, where he consulted part-time. Art's passion for public service led him into politics in the late 1980s. In 1991, he was elected to the legislature.

Married for 58 years before Alice's death in 2023, Art and Alice raised two daughters and were doting grandparents to three grandchildren.

Their house was filled with Grampa's laughter and love of learning and Grandma's collection of books and toys, and their RV was always ready to go for a camping adventure. In later years, Art and Alice made their home in Nanaimo where Art enjoyed computers, gardening, amateur astronomy, crossword puzzles and card games.

Art is survived by two children, Lynne and Jennifer (Sean). He will always be in the hearts of his grandchildren Makenna, Ethan and Kristin.

– The Nanaimo News Bulletin

OOTD History Page:

The end of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s monopoly

What goes around comes around.

In 1858, a significant shift occurred in British Columbia's governance, marking the end of the Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) exclusive control over the region. This change was largely driven by the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, which brought thousands of miners and settlers to the area.

The Hudson’s Bay Company’s Role

Established in 1670, the HBC was granted a royal charter by King Charles II, giving it a monopoly over the fur trade in Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory. This vast area covered much of present-day Canada, including British Columbia. The company was responsible for administering these territories, often acting as both a commercial enterprise and a governing authority.

The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush

The discovery of gold in the Fraser River in 1856 led to the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, attracting an influx of miners and settlers, many from the United States. This sudden population boom exposed the limitations of the HBC's control and highlighted the need for a more structured government to manage the growing population and economic activity.

The Creation of the Colony of British Columbia

In response to the chaos and challenges posed by the gold rush, the British government intervened. On August 2, 1858, the British Parliament passed an act creating the Colony of British Columbia, effectively ending the HBC's monopoly over the mainland. James Douglas, who had been serving as Chief Factor for the HBC, was appointed as the first governor of the new colony, contingent upon his resignation from the company.

Reasons for the Revocation

Several factors contributed to the revocation of the HBC's charter:

  • Economic Pressures: The gold rush and subsequent settlement demands necessitated a more responsive and structured governance system than the HBC could provide.

  • Political Considerations: There was growing concern that the United States might claim the territory, especially given the influx of American settlers. Establishing a formal colony helped solidify British claims.

  • Legal Challenges: The legitimacy of the HBC's charter was increasingly questioned. Critics argued that it was an outdated relic that hindered development and settlement. 

Aftermath and Legacy

Following the establishment of the colony, the HBC's role diminished. While it retained some land holdings and trading posts, its political and administrative influence was significantly reduced. The creation of British Columbia set the stage for further development and integration into the Canadian Confederation.

In summary, the revocation of the Hudson's Bay Company's charter in 1858 was a response to the changing economic, political, and social dynamics in British Columbia. It marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the region's history.

Source:  Wikipedia, Public Safety Canada 

Visiting Victoria? Check out Government House

No visit to Victoria this summer will be complete without a stop at Government House.

Government House can be reached via a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive from downtown. Free parking is available onsite. Buses on Victoria Regional Transit routes 11 and 14 stop on Fort Street at Joan Crescent, three blocks from Government House.

One summer highlight is the free concerts. Government House’s Music on the Lawn is set to return for three nights in July! This free outdoor concert series has showcased a variety of genres over the years – from rock n’ roll to blues to disco to big band swing – for audiences of more than 2,000 people a night.

If the grandkids are in tow, this might do the trick: Download a free Scavenger Hunt map for a fun and educational way to explore this unique estate!

The Government House grounds are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. The grounds and gardens are free to visit. 

Visitors are asked to familiarize themselves with the rules and policies:

  • Government House does not take bookings for space usage. Formal ceremonies, such as weddings or celebrations of life, are not permitted to take place on site.

  • Government House does not permit the importation and use of outside furniture; this includes barbeques and propane fire pits. The only exceptions are for portable/collapsible chairs that are not affixed to the ground or structure.

  • Bicycles are not permitted for riding on walking paths or lawns.

  • Any amplified sound and/or other noise that may disturb or impede the enjoyment of visiting patrons or neighbours is not permitted.

  • Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash. 

May 2025 Orders of the Day – Want to hold an event here? There are rules

By Mark Brennae

Capital Daily

Ever wonder how groups get to use the legislature lawn to hold protests and demonstrations, and whether they have to pay for police?

According to the Office of the Clerk at the BC Legislature, there is no fee to use the lawn for a protest or demonstration, and VicPD picks up the bill for policing.

“Many of the costs associated with policing protests that start or end at the legislature are recoverable under a memorandum of understanding we have with the BC Legislature,” VicPD spokesperson Griffen Hohl tells Capital Daily in an email.

Last year, 130 demonstrations outside the legislature, more than double the 71 from 2023, were patrolled by VicPD.

It’s difficult to estimate how much it costs VicPD to cover a protest because there is a lot of hidden work like planning and liaising ahead of the demo, Hohl says.

“It would not be possible, or reasonable, to capture a full and accurate cost.”

As a bit of insight into VicPD’s protest bill, Hohl said the department has “recovered” approximately $1 million for “demonstration activities related to the Gaza conflict between October 2023 and December 2024.”

“Demonstrations are simply part of policing in a capital city,” Hohl says. 

But it’s not just slogans and seriousness outside the leg. So, who gets to reserve the legislature lawn?

"It's seven days a week, it's pretty much first come, first served," says the Office of the Clerk. 

Pretty much any reputable group that applies at least two weeks in advance and uses the grounds to host a non-commercial, non-electoral event. 

Under the Speaker, the Precinct Use Committee is responsible for requests to use the Legislative Precinct, which includes the ceremonial entrance and stairway, Confederation Garden Park, grounds of the legislature, Hall of Honour, Lower and Memorial (Upper) Rotunda, and rear library stairway.  

The committee won’t approve any event that may “jeopardize the institutional reputation of the Legislative Assembly, place the Legislative Precinct at risk of physical damage, or affect the integrity of the grounds as a historic site,” according to the Legislative Assembly precinct use policy manual. 

Hosting an event inside the 127-year-old buildings requires sponsorship from an MLA, or legislative assembly worker—and if its catered and going to cost more than $100, the parliamentary restaurant gets first crack at the booking. 

Private events such as weddings, for-profit and commercial parties aren’t allowed at the leg, although you can have your wedding photographs taken there – restricted to two-hour time allotments to accommodate the numerous requests received.   

A place of politicking, the BC Legislature does not allow certain electoral events – including party policy, platform, or candidate announcements.  

"Now, if a political party is represented in the Legislative Assembly and it has a caucus, the caucus can undertake activities which are inherently political," the Office of the Clerk says.

"But parties themselves cannot host events or candidate announcements or public policy announcements on the precinct, because the precinct belongs to all British Columbians." 

Event organizers have to abide by the Legislative Precinct rules, which includes getting permission to have animal on the lawn and to film the event for broadcast.  

They are responsible for equipment and the conduct of the people in attendance. They may be required to offset costs for security, staffing, or janitorial services related to the event. And in some cases, may be required to provide a damage deposit. 

Choirs and bands can request chairs and are responsible for setting them up and returning them to the Parliament Buildings.

Event organizers can’t drive poles or stakes into the ground and if their event is to go longer than two hours, they may have to provide portable toilets. There are other stipulations: No drones, no fires, no cooking on the lawn. And event participants aren’t supposed to hang anything on the building or any of the statues.  

Advertising for commercial or private purposes is verboten, as is fundraising and hosting a formal, organized sporting event.  

Alcohol and cannabis are not allowed on the premises, and groups can’t charge an admission fee – they’re also required to clean up after the event and to remove any litter.

Spring 2025 Articles, Orders of the Day

Please read the following articles for the spring 2025 Orders of the Day newsletter:

President's Report for April 2025

by Dave S. Hayer, President

“This month our thoughts and prayers go out to Rob Lee, our steadfast production wizard at Orders of the Day, and to his wife Karina and the family. We often say there would be no OOTD without Rob to organize and layout the newsletter. Well, this month that is sadly true. Karina tells us Rob is in hospital fighting a very serious infection. He could be sidelined for a month.” … Read more

Fifty Years Ago This Spring - The Only Thing Missing Today is Social Credit

By Brian Kieran, OOTD Editor

“In April 1975, British Columbia was in the midst of political and economic challenges under NDP Premier Dave Barrett. While there wasn’t a single defining event that month, several notable political developments were unfolding that should have been ominous warning signs for the governing party.” … Read more


Thank You, Donald Trump, for Canada’s Opportunity

By Mike Harcourt, Vice-president, BC’s Strengthening Democracy Foundation

“Trump’s unfair and harmful tariffs, plus his threats to annex Canada, have provided Canada and Canadians with a unique opportunity to build a stronger and more united Canada.” … Read more

The Federal Election: What’s at Stake in BC?

“In British Columbia, the April 28th federal election isn’t just about which party wins the lion’s share of our 43 seats; it will shape policies that affect some of the province’s most critical economic, environmental, and social issues.” … Read more

“Strengthening Democracy” Builds Partnerships Through Mentorship

By Maxwell A. Cameron, Professor, Department of Political Science School and Public Policy and Global Affairs; Vice President, Latin American Studies Association (LASA) University of British Columbia

“An organization of former MLAs in British Columbia believes there is a need to support and enhance our democratic institutions, making them more resilient and robust. As founding members of the Strengthening Democracy Foundation (SDF), they have sought to bring together students, local government leaders, academics, and civil society stakeholders with a shared commitment to improving our democratic practices and institutions.” … Read more


Prefer to read all of the articles together in one PDF? Click here:
All articles for the spring 2025 Orders of the Day newsletter



The AFMLABC President’s Report for April 2025

Normally, fellow members of the Association would be reading this report in their printed version of Orders of the Day.

Not this month.

This month our thoughts and prayers go out to Rob Lee, our steadfast production wizard at Orders of the Day, and to his wife Karina and the family. We often say there would be no OOTD without Rob to organize and layout the newsletter. Well, this month that is sadly true. Karina tells us Rob is in hospital fighting a very serious infection. He could be sidelined for a month.

Rob and Karina Lee

Peter Gourlay and his staff at the Legislative Library are working with OOTD editor Brian Kieran to load April content on this website in as user-friendly a format as possible. We are hoping to also mail out a notification to all members.

Elections are a time of renewal and a testament to our democracy. On April 28th, Canadians will elect a new parliament to govern our country. This is our opportunity to shape the future by selecting representatives who reflect our values and priorities.

Political parties have different strengths and weaknesses, and no party is without flaws. However, all strive to govern well based on their vision for the country and their history as a political party. As voters, it is our responsibility to stay informed, evaluate candidates, and vote for those who best represent our communities. If elected officials fail to meet expectations, democracy gives us the power to hold them accountable in the next election.

I encourage you to learn about your candidates and political parties and vote responsibly. Please remind every eligible Canadian voter to cast their ballot on or before April 28 for the best candidate in your area.

April is a month of renewal, a time to reflect on and celebrate what has gone before us and what will come. It is the month we observe Earth Day, and Christians around the world celebrate Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus – a time of renewal and faith. Similarly, Vaisakhi marks a significant moment for the Sikh and Hindu faith, celebrating our new beginnings and togetherness. Because of my wife Isabelle’s Christian background – her Spanish and French heritage – I understand how Easter, like many religious observances, brings families together to renew their faith and purpose.

The spring season also includes many other meaningful observances, such as Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Eid al-Fitr, the Birth of Buddha, World Autism Awareness Day, World Book Day, International Workers’ Memorial Day, and Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage you to celebrate with family and friends, appreciating our shared blessings.

As you reflect on the good things in your life, consider also your actions' impact on Earth. Try to find ways at a personal level and in business to impact the environment positively. Every action matters.

Finally, an AFMLABC Membership Reminder: some AFMLABC members still have outstanding dues. While we don’t issue invoices, this is a friendly nudge to renew your membership. Annual membership dues are $60 (many round up to $100). The non-member subscription is $40, and the lifetime membership for members 65 and older is $1,000. Payments can be made online at www.formerbcmla.com/payments.

If you have suggestions or advice or want to talk, please reach out at daveshayer@gmail.com.

Wishing you all a joyful and meaningful season.

Warm regards,
Dave S. Hayer
President