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THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1970

The House met at 3 p.m.

Due to the special arrangement of members' desks in the Chamber, it was not possible to record the proceedings in the House on the opening day of the first Session of the Twenty-ninth Legislative Assembly.

This being the first day of the first meeting of the Twenty-ninth Parliament or Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a Proclamation of Colonel the Honourable JOHN R. NICHOLSON, P.C., O.B.E., Q.C., LL.D., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, dated the 17th day of October, 1969, the members took their seats, after having taken the prescribed oath and having signed the Parliamentary Roll.

Colonel the Honourable JOHN R. NICHOLSON, P.C., O.B.E., Q.C., LL.D., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, having entered the House, took his seat on the Throne.

The Hon. W.D. Black, Provincial Secretary, said:-

Members of the Legislative Assembly:

I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to announce that he does not see fit to declare the cause of his summoning you at this time, and will not do so until you have chosen a Speaker to preside over your Honourable Body. His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor hopes to be enabled to declare, during the afternoon, his reasons for calling you together.

His Honour was then pleased to retire.

The Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, addressing himself to the Clerk, moved, seconded by the Hon. L.R. Peterson, that William Harvey Murray, Esquire, member for Prince Rupert Electoral District, do take the Speaker's chair and preside over the meetings of this Assembly.

A debate arose.

Mr. Macdonald, addressing himself to the Clerk, moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that Garde Basil Gardom, Esquire, member for Vancouver–Point Grey Electoral District, do take the Speaker's chair and preside over the meetings of this Assembly.

The debate continued.

On the first motion being put, the House divided.

Motion agreed to on the following division:-

YEAS — 38

Messieurs

NAYS- 16

Messieurs

E.K. DeBeck, Esquire, the Clerk of the House, having declared Mr. William Harvey Murray duly elected, he was then taken out of his place by the mover and seconder, and conducted to the chair, where, standing on the upper step, he expressed his grateful thanks to the House for the great honour they had been pleased to confer upon him by choosing him to be their Speaker.

And thereupon he sat down in the chair, and the mace was laid upon the table.

Prayers by the Lord Archbishop of Vancouver.

The letter of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and the certificate of the Chief Electoral Officer of the result of the election of members to represent the respective electoral districts of the Province of the Legislative Assembly at the general election were read by the Clerk Assistant, as follows:-

"OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PROVINCIAL SECRETARY,

"VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, October 21, 1969.

"Mr. E.K. DeBeck,

"Clerk of the Legislative Assembly,

"Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia.

"Re: General Election, August 27, 1969

"SIR,- His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor by His Proclamation issued on the 2ist day of July, 1969, was pleased to dissolve the Legislative Assembly of the Province, and it was necessary to hold elections to fill vacancies caused by such dissolution.

"The elections were duly held pursuant to the provisions of the Provincial Elections Act.

"I transmit herewith the certificate of the Chief Electoral Officer and Registrar-General of Voters setting forth the names of the members who were elected in the respective electoral districts.

"Yours very truly,

"L. J. WALLACE,

"Deputy Provincial Secretary."

(ENCLOSURE)

"CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF VOTERS,

"VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, October 16, 1969

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"L.J. Wallace, Esq.,

"Deputy Provincial Secretary,

"Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia.

"General Election, August 27, 1969

"SIR,- The Twenty-eighth Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia was dissolved on July 21, 1969, and writs were issued on that date, calling for a general election. Writs were made returnable on September 27, 1969, but due to a judicial recount held in the Kootenay Electoral District, return day had to be altered to October 10, 1969.

"August 13, 1969, was designated as the day for the nomination of candidates, and polling-day was August 27, 1969.

"All writs have now been returned to me by the Returning Officers and I hereby certify that the following members have been elected to represent their respective electoral districts, as set out hereunder:-

"K. L. MORTON,

"Chief Electoral Officer

and Registrar-General of Voters."

On the motion of the Hon. W.D. Black, seconded by the Hon. F.X. Richter, it was Ordered,-

That the letter of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and the certificate of the Chief Electoral Officer of the results of the election of members be entered on the Journals of the House.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor again entered the House and took his seat on the Throne. The Speaker, standing on his Honour's right, then spoke to the following effect.-

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR:

The House of Assembly have elected me as their Speaker, though I am but little able to fulfill the important duties thus assigned to me.

If, in the performance of those duties, I should at any time fall into error, I pray that the fault be imputed to be, and not to the Assembly, whose servant I am, and who, through me, the better to enable them to discharge their undoubted rights and privileges, especially that they have the freedom of speech in their debates, access to Your Honour's person at all seasonable times, and that their proceedings may receive from Your Honour the most favourable interpretation.

The Hon. W.D. Black then said:-

MR. SPEAKER:

I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to declare to you that he freely confides in the duty and attachment of the House of Assembly to Her Majesty's person and Government, and not doubting that their respective proceedings will be conducted with wisdom, temper, and prudence, he grants, and upon all occasions will recognize and allow, their constitutional privileges.

I am commanded also to assure you that the Assembly shall have ready access to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor upon all seasonable occasions, and that their proceedings, as well as your words and actions, will, constantly receive from him the most favourable construction.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor was then pleased to open the Session by the following gracious Speech:-

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly:

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In opening the First Session of the Twenty-ninth Parliament of British Columbia, I welcome all Members and express my confidence that you will discharge your duties carefully and with wisdom for the lasting benefit of the people. Seated for the first time at this Session are nine new Members whose knowledge, I feel sure, will benefit the deliberations of this House.

May I recall to your memory that nearly one hundred years ago, in March, 1870, the Legislative Council of the Colony of British Columbia embarked on a lengthy debate on the question of union with Canada. This issue was one of great import, not only for the people living in British Columbia, but for the new nation that was beginning to take shape. Out of these deliberations there came a set of terms of union which, in June of that same year, were the subject of discussion with the Government of Canada. Our representatives in this negotiation, Members of the Legislative Council, have long been revered for their contribution to the evolution and development of our Province — Joseph W. Trutch, Dr. John S. Helmcken, and Dr. R.W.W. Carrall. Thus was the ground prepared for our transition from Colonial, to Provincial status.

I am pleased to report to you that, pursuant to the provisions of the British Columbia Centennial '71 Celebrations Act passed at the last Session of this House, the British Columbia Centennial '71 Committee has been convened and already much progress has been made in the organization of the fitting commemoration of British Columbia becoming Canada's sixth Province, a most significant event in our history.

I note with sadness the death last month of Mrs. Nancy Hodges, the first woman Speaker of the British Columbia Legislature and first woman Speaker in the British Commonwealth. Her service to Canada was outstanding, first as a Member of the British Columbia Legislature and later as a Member of the Senate.

During the past year the Province was host to many distinguished visitors, including His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The twentieth conference of the Colombo Plan was held in Victoria during the month of October last. It is significant to note that this is the first time that meetings have taken place other than in the Capital of Canada. This conference has given us a deeper awareness and greater understanding of our neighbours in South and South-east Asia.

On October 27th last, the Honourable Philip Arthur Gaglardi assumed the portfolio of Minister of Social Welfare The Royal Commission appointed under the Public Inquiries Act to inquire into matters relating to the distribution, sale, and consumption of spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors within the Province, and the laws and regulations pertaining thereto, continues to carry out its function.

Last year, 26 members of the Bar of this Province were appointed Queen's Counsel. Included among these appointees was the first woman in British Columbia to be named a Queen's Counsel. To each of these I also extend my congratulations.

Under the Centennial Cultural Fund Act of 1967, the Perpetual Cultural Fund was constituted and, under the Revenue Surplus Appropriation Act, 1969, the First Citizens' Fund, the Agricultural Aid to Developing Countries and World Disaster Areas Fund, and Physical Fitness and Amateur Sports Fund were established on a perpetual basis Reports will be made to the Legislature concerning their respective programmes.

I am most pleased to note that the Annual British Columbia Festival of Sports, initiated by my Government, will be held in all parts of the Province from May 16th to June lst.

Letters of Understanding have been completed between the Province and the adjoining States of Washington, Idaho, and Montana to provide for the use of Civil Defence equipment and manpower on a mutual basis in the event of a major disaster. Plans for the inclusion of Alaska are under negotiation. Civil Defence volunteers supplemented the efforts of the community of Trail in coping with the results of a major flash flood in April, 1969, thus bringing to the fore the value of our Provincial Civil Defence organization and the contribution by many departments of government within a co-ordinated programme.

In keeping with the progressive policy of my Government with respect to the restoration of historic sites within our Province, a cost-sharing agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia was completed on the 23rd day of April, 1969, respecting the acquisition of the historic buildings, lands, and other premises comprising the Hudson's Bay Trading Post at Fort St. James, and its restoration, maintenance, and establishment as a historic park.

Establishment of the new Field Consultant Service of the Library Development Commission is now a reality. First steps have also been taken toward the organization of library systems based on the regional district plan, and in this connection work is progressing in the Peace River, East Kootenay, and West Kootenay areas.

You will be asked to give consideration to the initiation, under the jurisdiction of the Honourable the Speaker, of a system of recordings on tape of proceedings in this House.

To extend the benefits of home ownership now provided by the Provincial annual home-owner grant and assistance to build new homes, you will be asked to consider legislation to Provide further assistance to tenants by way of a grant or second-mortgage loan for the purchase of homes already in existence.

During the past year, Over one thousand accommodations were authorized for the benefit of elderly citizens throughout the Province. Demands for this type of housing are continuous and my Government will provide further assistance under the Elderly Citizens' Housing Aid Act to meet this need.

A matter of prime concern in British Columbia today is the protection of our environment. There are many facets to the problem of environmental control. They range beyond those measures designed directly to minimize air, soil, and water pollution, to those so necessary in a programme of environmental health protection. My Government will continue to work toward the protection and preservation of our total environment, so that all our citizens may enjoy the beauties and wonders of our heritage as intended by nature. Reports will be made to the Legislature concerning the efforts and progress being made.

My Government is pleased to report that 10 new Provincial parks were established in 1969, bringing the present total to 275.

The Capital Regional Park District, since its formation in 1966, has acquired or is in the process of acquiring seven parcels of choice recreational land. The Vancouver-Fraser Regional Park District, active since 1967, has already acquired extensive holdings in the Lower Fraser Valley.

To meet the growing pressure on our fresh-water sports

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fishery resource, reflected by the purchase of 187,000 angling licences by our residents, the stocking of lakes with hatchery-raised game-fish continues, together with our trout-spawning improvement projects. In addition, 135 lakes, mostly in the northern part of our Province, were surveyed for fisheries potential.

The travel industry continues to expand at the rate of approximately 10 per cent per year, and its economic impact is felt in every corner of our Province.

My Government is pleased to report that the mineral industry continued its steady growth. The concentrator at the Brenda open-pit mine, west of Peachland, will be in full operation early this year. Indications are that Island Copper Mines Ltd. mining property at Rupert Inlet will be brought into production in 1971 and the Lornex Mine in Highland Valley in 1972. Discovery and partial exploration of what appears to be a billion-ton orebody in Highland Valley is significant in that it is the first single orebody of sufficient size and grade of ore which may support a copper smelter in the Province. As a result, feasibility studies are being made with a view to the erection of copper smelting and, if feasible, refining facilities in British Columbia.

With completion of the Roberts Bank Superport bulkloading facilities, coal from the Kootenay area will be exported to Japan to meet contracts which this year require delivery of 5,150,000 long tons.

Exploration activity in the oil and gas industry continued on a similar level to that in 1968. Drilling took place in the Bowser Basin north of Stewart, but the Peace River district remains the only area of production.

I am pleased to report that the Department of Public Works continues its programme of construction and maintenance in support of all my Government's activities throughout the Province.

Following very careful selection procedures, a design team of architects and engineers, composed largely of British Columbia talent, is making good progress with plans for a British Columbia Building in Vancouver.

My Government's extensive programme of highway improvement will continue in 1970. In almost all of the 38 highway districts, road reconstruction or paving and bridge replacement is in progress. Of special importance is the near completion of the Yellowhead Route 16 from Prince George to Tete Jaune Cache. Roads affected by the Columbia River hydro development have been relocated and much of the reconstruction is completed.

British Columbia Ferries report that the pattern of over-all growth in carriage of passengers and vehicles continued through the past year.

Various steps were taken to deal with this additional traffic offering. The most significant of these was the "stretching" of the Queen of Esquimalt, which, without loss of speed or handling ability, consistently carried well in excess of two hundred vehicles during peak loading periods Consequently, the Queen of Victoria will be modified prior to this summer.

The upgrading of ferry passenger accommodation and service was completed elsewhere, particularly in the Sunshine Coast, Powell River, and Campbell River areas. In addition to new services between Quadra and Cortes Islands, the ferries owned by Coast Ferries Ltd. were purchased and as of June 15, 1969, incorporated into the Ferry Service.

In 1969 the Pacific Great Eastern Railway completed the most successful year of operations in its 57-year history Carloadings climbed to record levels.

Two new railway extensions are under construction at the present time. A 73-mile leg of the Takla Lake extension, running from Fort St. James to Takla Lake in a northwesterly direction, is scheduled for completion at the end of 1970. A 250-mile link, extending in a northerly direction from Fort St. John to Fort Nelson, will be in operation by the end of 1971.

Initial surveys have been completed for a further extension of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in a north-westerly direction from Takla Lake to Dease Lake, a distance of 300 miles. The extension to Dease Lake, by providing rail access to the resources of the area, will result in the development of the vast, unsettled north-western quarter of the Province.

British Columbia maintained the expansion of its educational facilities in the public school sector in 1969. Although steps had to be taken late in the year to bring approvals for capital projects under careful review because of excessively high interest rates, my Government has authorized an all-time high expenditure of over $60 million for construction of new schools this fiscal year.

The first phase of the Greater Victoria Vocational School was completed this month and is expected to commence operation in April, and construction was started last summer on a new regional vocational school at Kamloops, which is expected to be ready for classes in the fall of 1971.

Considerable progress was achieved in the expansion of the network of regional colleges in 1969. Okanagan Regional College and Capilano Regional College completed their first full year of operation, and two more regional colleges came into existence last September, the College of New Caledonia at Prince George and Malaspina College at Nanaimo, bringing the total to six, including Vancouver City College and Selkirk College at Castlegar. At least two more colleges are expected to come into existence in the coming year, Douglas College in the Fraser Valley and Cariboo College at Kamloops.

Because of the success of this new form of post-secondary education, consideration is being given by my Government to permit the Greater Victoria School Board to proceed with a plebiscite for the establishment of a regional college serving the southern end of Vancouver Island.

During last year, three presidents assumed office in the public universities of the Province: Dr. Walter Gage at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Bruce Partridge at the University of Victoria, and Dr. Kenneth Strand at Simon Fraser University. Construction programmes continue at all three institutions.

My Government has been pleased to learn that the Government of Canada has decided to reconsider its proposed legislation affecting educational television. By this action the door has been left open for the future educational use of cable facilities, and for a continuation of the harmonious cooperation that has existed in this Province with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The expansion of the industrial and commercial life of the Province continues to be reflected in an outstanding rate of growth in the labour force and improved working conditions. I am pleased to note that last year there were more persons employed in British Columbia than ever before. Further, the percentage rate of growth of the labour force in this Province was approximately three times that of the rest of the nation.

During 1969 the Human Rights Act was proclaimed and the Human Rights Commission and a Director were appointed. Administrative procedures have been established and every effort made to implement the provisions of the Act to the end that there shall be no discrimination in employ-

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ment or accommodation.

You will be asked to consider amendments to the Payment of Wages Act, which will strengthen its provisions, thereby affording much greater protection to the working people of the Province in regard to unpaid wages.

As part of its service to both workmen and employers of the Province, it is the intention of the Workmen's Compensation Board to construct a Rehabilitation Centre in Richmond designed to accommodate injured workmen and to reduce the time and cost involved in returning injured British Columbia workmen to productive employment.

Indicative of my Government's concern in providing, under the Workmen's Compensation Board, increased benefits to widows, dependent children, and disability pensioners, in line with the increasing cost of living, pensions were increased on January 1, 1970.

The Workmen's Compensation Board awarded bravery medallions and cash awards totalling $10,500, under the recently established Bravery Awards Plan.

The reorganization of the Courts continues, with the coming-into-force on August 1, 1969, of the Provincial Court Act.

The removal of most traffic offences from the Courts and the substitution of traffic-violation notices now operates by Proclamation in the whole Province, with the exception of the Counties of Vancouver and Westminster, where the effective date has been proclaimed as April lst.

At the last sitting of the Legislature my Government, by means of amendments to the Motor-vehicle Act and the Insurance Act, made provision for a new and practical approach to the inseparable problem of highway safety and automobile-insurance coverage. On January ist much of this legislation was proclaimed. A Committee of this Legislature will be asked to give further study to certain aspects of the new automobile insurance plan and to make recommendations for its improvement.

The Province's vital concern in protecting those who use our highways continues. A new motor-vehicle testing-station in Richmond was opened last month, and the contract has been awarded for a station in Burnaby.

Probation services have now implemented throughout the Province the policy enacted following your deliberations last year, under which criminal charges against juveniles do not proceed until the whole of the environmental situation is first examined to determine what is best for the juvenile and the community. Voluntary juvenile probation agreements without Court intervention are increasing. Under changes in the Criminal Code, adults may now be placed under a probation order, regardless of a previous conviction. It is a pleasure also to note that the population of our gaols has decreased, despite the increases in Provincial population.

You will be called upon to consider amendments in legislation to protect further the rights of individuals in relation to rental housing.

A new Motion Pictures Act will be submitted to you.

In keeping with developments in the Corrections Branch, you will have placed before you for consideration a new Corrections Act.

The Law Reform Commission provided for at your last Session commences its major work of overhauling the laws of the Province this month under the distinguished chairmanship of the Honourable E. Davie Fulton.

The Department of Agriculture remains aware of the need for continuing progress in the development of programmes and other measures that will perpetuate or improve the primary food-production resources of the Province, consistent with changing consumer demands and economic benefit to the producer. Continuous efforts are being made to encourage the application of the newer discoveries of agricultural science, coupled with the practices of modern business management.

At present the joint Federal-Provincial programme related to ARDA, which now runs to March 31st, is in process of negotiation for a further term. My Government is urging the Land Inventory programme be extended by the Federal authorities to all areas of the Province not now included.

New regulations introduced in 1968 under the Health Act have resulted in improved sanitary standards which contribute to the protection of our environment. The Health Branch and the Pollution Control Board have cooperated in establishing water and air quality standards. Air quality standards will be incorporated in municipal and district air pollution control by-laws.

The passage of the Treatment Resources Act at the last Session of the Legislative Assembly has been of great assistance in the development of local community resources.

Grants have been paid to eight non-profit societies which provide resources or facilities for the care of persons, particularly children, who are mentally disordered. Six new mental health centres were opened and the British Columbia Youth Development Centre, "The Maples," in Burnaby, is being phased into operation. The Eric Martin Institute of Psychiatry in Victoria was completed and a 50-bed preplacement centre operated by The Woodlands School has been established in Maillardville. The main contract was let for the construction of the Glendale Hospital, a 300-bed extended-care unit for the mentally disordered. Tranquille School was established as a regional facility and the Riverview Hospital is now available to privately practising psychiatrists. The year 1969 was a decisive year in the development of regional and community based programmes, and these will be extended during this year.

The spiralling cost of hospital care was reflected in the increase of payments to our hospitals. In the present fiscal year over $150 million will be paid by the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service toward expenses incurred by residents. Construction in the hospital field continues on a large scale.

A publication titled "Hospitals for Extended Care, A Programme and Design Guide," was completed in June of last year, the main objective of which was to expedite the design, production, and approval processes for extended-care hospital projects. In July of 1969 a Cost-Analysis Team was organized and assigned to the study of major hospital projects.

The Medical Services Plan of British Columbia established July 1, 1968, has fulfilled successfully my Government's expectations by extending to all residents of the Province comprehensive prepaid medical coverage at a reasonable cost. The Provincial Plan provides additional benefits and assured services beyond that required of participating Provinces under the Federal Medical Care Act.

The revisions to welfare legislation approved last year have resulted in improved services to children in conflict with the law and in the inspection and control of community-care facilities. Successful involvement in the self-help and local participatory programmes of people needing help has produced noticeable benefits. Incentive programmes for employable persons receiving assistance and enlisting the aid of local businessmen through the British Columbia Alliance

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of Businessmen gives a new hope and sense of worth to many.

Last October, the Ministers of Welfare and their officials from Canada and the 10 Provinces met in Victoria for the first Federal-Provincial Conference on Welfare to be held outside Ottawa.

In order to facilitate the provision of better services to children, my Government will ask you to consider amendments to the Protection of Children Act and the Adoption Act. Further, to describe more accurately the changing role of the Department of Social Welfare, you will be asked to consider amending the Department of Social Welfare Act by renaming it the Department of Rehabilitation and Social Improvement.

Increased unemployment for marginal employees and the effect of rising prices, particularly in housing of unemployable persons, families on assistance, and the employed poor are serious problems. My Government will ask you to consider an increase in social allowance, boarding-home and nursing-home rates, and in the Provincial Government's Supplementary Social Allowance to pensioners, based on need.

The progressive forest policies of my Government are continuing to bring spectacular results in investment and production. The most recent developments reflect the impact of the newly required close utilization of the raw-material resource. The expanded development of specialty mills ensures a supply of residual chips for the record-breaking expansion in the installation of pulp and paper plants, This year, six of these will be under construction.

I am pleased to note that the water-pollution problems have been solved in all the new pulp installations and will soon be remedied in the older mills. Intensive research continues to resolve the problem of kraft-mill odour. Tax incentives offered by my Government covering the installation of all non-productive equipment installed only for pollution control has assisted with the tremendous improvement which has already been recorded.

The present fiscal year saw a number of significant developments in the expansion of lumber and pulp mills at Crestbrook, Bulkley Valley, Mackenzie, Kitimat, and Kamloops. Industry is also showing increased interest in wood resources of the Bella Coola and Peace River regions.

I am pleased to report that despite downward market trends, which started early in 1969, forest resource industries of British Columbia continue a general upward climb in the Provincial economy. While the United States remains our number one customer, it is likely that Japan, by the end of the fiscal year, will reach and even pass the United Kingdom to become our second-largest customer.

Our Forest Service and industry continue with the planting of seedlings and have sown at twice the volume of three years ago. They are meeting the planned production commitment of 75,000,000 seedlings by 1975.

I am pleased to inform you that my Government will introduce a new Land Act at this Session. I am certain the new Act will correct deficiencies and improve procedures with respect to the disposition of Crown lands within the Province.

Evaluation of the Province's water resources and planning of its judicious use continues with assistance from our universities and outside scientists. Pollution control administrative facilities have been extended throughout the Province, with additional engineering advice and assistance being provided. The Federal Government continues its cooperation with respect to the Lower Fraser Flood Control improvements. A new agreement was entered into with the Federal Government, making provision for a comprehensive study of Okanagan water problems. To foster consultation between the water-users in that region and my Government, arrangements have been completed for the establishment of the Okanagan Basin Board.

My Government suffered a grievous loss through the death of Mr. Newton P. Steacy, Commissioner for Trade and Tourism, British Columbia House, California. Provision has been made for continuity in our representation abroad by the appointment of a British Columbia Trade Commissioner to the staff of our Agent-General in London, and steps have already been taken to strengthen our representation in California.

The Province's economy has maintained its record growth-rate throughout 1969, with special significance in investment, employment, and housing. Trade through customs ports in British Columbia during 1969 set a new record, surpassing the previous record year of 1968.

The Bureau of Economics and Statistics has prepared numerous regional studies designed to encourage investment in and development of specific areas of the Province. This year, three separate regional economic surveys have been undertaken as well as two new industry feasibility studies.

The Data Processing Centre, which provides service to all departments and agencies, continues to show increased use and has redesigned and reprogrammed many of its assignments.

My Government is pleased to report the completion of the British Columbia exhibition structure, of unique design, for Expo '70 at Osaka, Japan. Competent staff have been appointed and are fully prepared for the opening in mid-March.

The Department of Industrial Development, Trade, and Commerce, on behalf of my Government, will sponsor the 5th British Columbia International Trade Fair to be held at the Pacific National Exhibition grounds in Vancouver, from June 2 to June 12, 1971. This event will contribute much to our Centennial celebrations.

The Energy Board is continuing to forecast the electrical load and to disseminate its findings on the statistical survey of consumption of electric energy.

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority experienced a productive year during 1969, meeting the requirements of a rapidly growing population and a steadily expanding economy. Important new power-generating and transmission facilities were brought into service and work was begun or continued on others.

Hydro's total electric generating capacity has increased by 146 per cent since 1960. The outlook is for continued high level of activity.

Dr. H.L. Keenleyside retired as Co-chairman of British Columbia Hydro during 1969, after a decade of dedicated service with the Authority and its predecessor, British Columbia Power Commission. During 1969, Duncan Dam and Hugh Keenleyside Dam came into operation in accordance with the provisions of the Columbia Treaty; it was the first full year of operation of the Arrow reservoir. Work advanced on schedule during 1969 on Mica Dam, the third and largest of the Columbia Treaty dams being built in this Province.

New transmission and distribution facilities brought increased power and improved service to industries and communities in the Peace River, Central and Southern

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Interior and East Kootenay regions, as well as in the Greater Vancouver area. Similar benefits will result from work scheduled for completion this year on northern Vancouver Island and near Powell River.

The advantages of electric service were extended during 1969 to many remote communities to which service was not previously economically feasible. The expanded programme was made possible by an increased Provincial Government contribution to British Columbia Hydro's Rural Electrification Assistance Fund, combined with a revised Hydro policy which reduced the contribution required from customers.

A liquefied natural-gas storage plant now under construction in Delta Municipality is scheduled to go into operation this September. The additional storage capacity will enable Hydro to meet peak demands during very cold periods at minimum cost.

British Columbia Hydro continues to have marked success in attracting new industries to industrial sites adjacent to its railway lines in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Rail access and electric service were extended to the Roberts Bank Superport.

Though the Hydro Authority's revenues have been increasing, the cost of providing its various services has grown even faster, mainly as a result of spiralling interest rates and labour costs. Since British Columbia Hydro was formed in 1962, residential electric rates have been reduced four times and increased once. Similarly, the cost of gas to residential consumers was reduced twice during the same period.

Last month my Government gave special recognition to its long-time employees; 85 of whom received certificates of merit for 25 years of completed service and 54 employees with 40 years of service received gold watches. My Government appreciates the dedication of so many long-time employees. Their work, undoubtedly, has contributed much toward increased services to the public and enhanced the fine reputation of one of the best Civil Services in Canada.

The Public Accounts will be presented and estimates for the ensuing year will be submitted. Reports of the various departments of Government will be laid before you.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I leave you now. I pray that the blessing of Divine Providence will rest upon your labours.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor was then pleased to retire.

The Speaker reported that, to prevent mistakes, he had obtained a copy of His Honour's Speech.

On the motion of the Hon. L.R. Peterson, Bill (No. 1) entitled An Act to Amend the Contributory Negligence Act was introduced, read a first time, and Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

On the motion of the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, seconded by the Hon. W.D. Black, it was Ordered,-

That the Speech of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into consideration at the next sitting of the House, and that this Order have precedence over all other business, except introduction of Bills, until disposed of.

On the motion of the Hon. W.D. Black, seconded by the Hon. L.R. Peterson, it was Ordered,-

That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same.

On the motion of the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, seconded by the Hon. D.L. Brothers, it was Ordered,-

That the Select Standing Committees of this House, for the present Session, be appointed for the following purposes:-

1. On Standing Orders and Private Bills;
2. On Public Accounts and Printing;
3. On Mining and Railways;
4. On Agriculture;
5. On Municipal Matters;
6. On Forestry and Fisheries;
7. On Labour;
8. On Social Welfare and Education; which said Committees shall severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as shall be referred to them by this House, and to report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for persons, papers, and records, and that a Special Committee be appointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed lists of members to compose the above Select Standing Committees of this House under Standing Order 68 (1), said Committee to be composed of the Hon. L.R. Peterson, the Hon. W.N. Chant, and Messrs. Bruch, Barrett, and McGeer.

On the motion of the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, seconded by the Hon. L.R. Peterson, it was Ordered,-

That Herbert Joseph Bruch, Esquire, member for Esquimalt Electoral District, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this Session of the Legislative Assembly.

The House adjourned at 4.21 p.m.