VICTORIA - Fierce debates over child-welfare policies and the government's practice of deleting potentially sensitive emails dominated the fall session at British Columbia's legislature.

Politicians closed the legislative session on Tuesday after five weeks of debate that saw the Liberal government pass legislation that increases the number of ridings in the next B.C. election to 87 from 85.

On the final day of the sitting, Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong says he delivered a series of pay increases to government workers tied to the province's growing economy.

Opposition New Democrat House Leader Mike Farnworth says the NDP's focus on child welfare and information issues highlighted ethical challenges facing the Liberal government.

After learning of serious breaches to freedom-of-information laws over deletion of emails, Premier Christy Clark ordered political staff and ministers to keep their sent emails.

B.C. politicians are scheduled to return to the legislature in February with a throne speech and a new budget.