B.C. legislature resumes for quick session

VICTORIA — B.C.'s politicians return from a lengthy Christmas break to start work at the legislature Tuesday — but only for three days.

Lt.-Gov. Steven Point will deliver the Liberal government's speech from the throne to mark the opening of the second session of the 39th parliament.

Yet most of the work mentioned in the speech will have to wait until March because of a looming recess for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The week's abbreviated session, which concludes Thursday, will not give provincial representatives enough time to introduce, debate and pass any major legislation.

The week culminates with a visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Thursday, who will become the first prime minister in B.C. history to address the legislature.

Opposition NDP leader Carole James said she's not hopeful the Liberal government will offer anything of substance in its throne speech.

"It seems the government is focused on the Olympics and the Olympics alone," she said.

British Columbians have told her they are concerned the province is waiting until March 2, two days after the games conclude, to table the next provincial budget, said James.

"There's a real worry government has deliberately moved the budget in order to give the bad news after the Olympics," she said.