Premier says B.C. legislature could look like 'Hollywood Squares' next month

Efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 means the British Columbia legislature will look and operate much differently next month when politicians return for a brief sitting.

Premier John Horgan says he expects the legislature will resume either June 15 or June 22 to pass the budget and several pieces of legislation.

The premier says he foresees some politicians from farther ridings to contribute remotely while others will be stationed in various rooms throughout the building to participate in debates and votes.

Television screens are being installed throughout the legislature and Horgan suggests spilt-screen images of politicians participating in debates will resemble scenes from the popular game show ``Hollywood Squares.''

Horgan says, like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he will be wearing a mask at times when he cannot guarantee physical distancing.

A handful of B.C. politicians were last at the legislature for an emergency one-day sitting in March to adopt financial spending legislation and amend employment standards law to prevent people from losing their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.