The taxpayers’ annual $101,859 bill for the services of Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali has returned a voting rate in the B.C. Legislature of 61 per cent.

Over the last three years, Lali was present for a total of 33 votes—18 nays and 15 yeas—out of a possible 54 since being re-elected as an MLA in 2009.

The veteran MLA says his presence on standing votes in the House does not completely represent his work in Fraser-Nicola, a constituency with a population of about 31,000 people and surrounded mostly by BC Liberal-controlled ridings.

“I am on a committee that decides who gets to ask what question,” he explains. “The question period is not a litmus test.” He points out that MLAs also gets to express their opinions on legislative manners through the media, giving interviews, debates, sending letters to ministers and constituents, and legislation during the committee stage, as examples.

“My estimation is that Harry is not pulling his weight,” said Chilliwack MLA John Les in an interview with the News Monday. “He certainly has not been one of the most active in the opposition.”

Les says Lali’s three questions during the last session before the Legislature broke in November are low for an opposition MLA. “Certainly more than three would be appropriate.”

Les voted a total of 40 times in the current Parliament (39th).

Lali drew criticism over his attendance record shortly before the last election. He voted on a total of 57 bills during the 38th Parliament. During that term, then-BC Liberal MLA Rick Thorpe was present for the most votes at 68.

Meanwhile, neighbouring MLAs Terry Lake and Kevin Krueger voted slightly more than Lali this time around with 34 and 40 votes respectively. Lali’s fellow BCNDP MLA and energy and mines critic John Horgan voted 47 times—an 87 per cent voting rate.
B.C.’s only independent MLA Vicki Huntington racked up 39 votes.

“Attendance has never been a problem,” says Lali. “You’re allowed 10 days (absence) during session…I think the most I’ve reached is five or six.”

He says the real work of an MLA is attending public functions and committee work.

Currently, Lali is the deputy chair of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders, and Private Bills. He is paid an additional $10,186 for that role. Lali also serves on the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs (currently inactive).

There is just over a year left remaining for the current government before the next scheduled provincial election in the spring of 2013.

Lali says he expects little direction and ideas to come from the governing BC Liberals when the Legislature resumes Feb. 14.

“The NDP–we show up for work, and the Liberals don’t want to put forward any bills.

“I don’t know what they are going to do; the government keeps its cards close to its chest.”

Recent polls show British Columbians favouring the BCNDP by a wide margin, trailed by the BC Liberals, who aren’t far in front of the surging BC Conservatives.