Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall, Baby Zavier make history Monday at BC Legislature
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall decided to get a jump on Take Our Kids to Work Day.
The Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources made history Monday when she brought three-month old Baby Zavier to the BC Legislature.
Zavier Matieschyn, born in July to Mungall and husband Zak Matieschyn, became the first child to take a seat in the legislature chamber during Monday’s parliamentary session in Victoria.
BC joined Alberta last March as the only other province that permits children in chambers while the legislature is in session after all parties unanimously supported changes to rules allowing infants on the floor while in the care of a parent.
Mungall and Zavier entered the chamber to a loud applause from politicians from all members.
"I want to thank everybody in this House for making this moment possible and for making our democratic institutions more family friends,” Mungall said in legistlature while holding Baby Zavier in her arms.
People have been going out of their way to ask what can they do to support and make sure that this place is family friendly place,” Mungall added as Baby Zavier let out a cheer. “He said it. He’s quite in support of that as well.”
Baby Zavier also entered the legislature sporting the customary dress code, wearing a jacket and bow tie.
Mungall began maturnity leave effective July 13 on the eve of Zavier’s birth, returning to her position of Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resourcesat the end of September before the Legislative Session resumed.
Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston assumed Mungall’s ministerial duties during her maternity leave.
Minister Michelle Mungall walks to the the legislature chamber with husband Zak Matieschyn and Baby Zavier Monday.
