Due to the special arrangements of Hon. Members' desks in the chamber, it was not possible to record the proceedings in the House on the opening day of the third session of the 29th legislative assembly.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1972

The House met at 3:00 p.m.

This being the first day of the third session of the 29th legislative assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a Proclamation of Colonel the Honourable John R. Nicholson, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, dated November 2, 1971, Hon. Members took their seats.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

The Honourable the Lieutenant-Governor having entered the House and being seated upon the throne, was pleased to deliver the following gracious speech.

HON. JOHN. R. NICHOLSON (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and Members of the legislative assembly, I am pleased to welcome you to the third session of the 29th parliament of this province. I extend to you my best wishes as we now enter our second century as a province of Canada, for it was on February 15, 1872 that the first session of the first parliament was convened for the dispatch of business.

We have just concluded the celebrations marking the centennial of our entry into Canadian confederation. Over 390 local centennial committees, representing 99 per cent of the population, were formed, thus providing a remarkable degree of participation. Throughout the entire province hundreds of local centennial projects for the lasting benefit of our citizens were planned and completed. The costs of these projects, amounting to nearly $12 million, were shared by the provincial, federal, and local governments.

During our centennial year we were honoured by visits of many distinguished persons. The highlight of our centennial festivities was the visit in May of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Anne. The Royal visit was designed to be as informal as possible, and this objective was achieved in a most successful manner. Our gracious sovereign travelled widely throughout the province and was everywhere acclaimed by her loyal subjects.

In honour of this occasion and recognizing Her Majesty's and my government's interest in furthering educational opportunities for our university graduates, Her Majesty approved a scholarship, to be known as the Queen Elizabeth II British Columbia Centennial Scholarship. This scholarship, with a total value of $5,000, is to be awarded annually to a graduate of a public university of the province to pursue further studies in the United Kingdom.

During the year, many annual meetings and conventions of major Canadian industries and organizations were welcomed to British Columbia, as were also visitors from other lands.

We were also honoured by visits of His Excellency, the Right Honourable Roland Michener, C.C., C.D., Governor General of Canada, and Her Excellency, Mrs. Michener, C.C., to the Kootenays in May and to the southwestern part of the province in November.

In June the province was the host for the constitutional conference from which emanated the document known as the Victoria Charter.

On July 1, the Right Honourable Pierre Trudeau and Members of the federal privy council held a symbolic cabinet meeting in the executive council chamber of our parliament buildings. At that meeting a proclamation was approved acknowledging the centenary of the province and wishing it well in the future. Following the federal cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau and my Prime Minister, the Honourable W.A.C. Bennett, jointly signalled the start of the famous London to Victoria air race.

July 20, the actual date of the centennial anniversary, was marked with special celebrations and activities throughout the whole province.

The provincial premiers also honoured our centennial by holding their annual conference in British Columbia in August.

On April 2, 1971 I was pleased to administer the oath of office to the Honourable James Roland Chabot, who was sworn in as Minister of Labour.

In December our province suffered a great loss in the death of the Honourable Frank Mackenzie Ross, C.M.G., M.C., an eminent soldier, industrialist, and public servant, who filled with great distinction the office of Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia from 1955 to 1960. Earlier we were saddened by the passing of the Honourable Henry Irvine Bird, who had served as a Chief Justice of the Province of British Columbia from 1964 to 1967.

With other Canadians we mourned the death on Friday last of Frederik IX, the well-beloved King of Denmark.

Queen Margrethe II, who acceded to the throne will be remembered by the people of British Columbia as a gracious and popular visitor to our province during the Canadian centennial year of 1967.

In 1971 the provincial economy moved into a more expansionary phase. Following a series of meetings between the 10 leading western nations, a new monetary agreement was reached on December 18. The long-term effects of this new accord should be beneficial if the Canadian dollar remains at or below parity with the United States dollar.

The rising value of the Canadian dollar during the year regrettably had a detrimental effect on the province's export industries. This, coupled with the general economic climate throughout the Western World and the fiscal policies of the federal government, has contributed to a relatively high unemployment rate. In October 1971 there were 53,000 persons unemployed in British Columbia, or 5.7 per cent of the labour force. Nevertheless, this is a significant improvement over the 1970 figures, when 69,000 persons, or 7.9 per cent of the labour force, were unemployed.

The continued expansion of the economy in the province is an encouraging sign, and the rate of job creation would be adequate under normal circumstances. However, I beg to report that the continued high level of migration into the province affects this delicate balance and creates additional problems for which solutions are being sought.

In order to help reduce the unemployment rate with which we are faced you will be asked to consider job-creating measures involving the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, the Pacific Great Eastern Railway Company, housing, forest and park development, and protection of the ecology.

The prime thrust of my government's policy continues to be the improvement of the environment for all citizens. An engineering study has been undertaken to establish acceptable noise-levels for motor-vehicles. A substantial number of ecological reserves have been established. British

[ Page 2 ]

Columbia is the first province in Canada to give ecological reserves statutory protection. The choicest recreational sites are protected from pre-emptive private uses.

The provincial pollution control agencies have established maximum requirements for municipal effluent treatment and for solid-waste disposal.

Objectives for forest industry pollution control were established. Steps are being taken to set guidelines for mining, metallurgical, chemical, and petroleum industry pollution control.

My government continues to provide financial assistance to accelerate pollution control and environmental quality improvement efforts.

I am pleased to report that a full-scale study has been undertaken of family relations legislation, and a bill in that regard will be introduced for your consideration. In December last, the appointments of three new Supreme Court Justices for British Columbia was announced — the Honourable Mr. Justices Richard P. Anderson, Thomas Berger, and Harry C. McKay.

The Law Reform Commission has produced reports covering expropriation and debtor-creditor relationships, and these reports will be placed before you for consideration.

A special committee was appointed by my government last year to study the whole question of companies and securities law. The committee has now made its first report, and legislation arising therefrom is under consideration.

My government is also considering the feasibility of an Indian court caseworker programme, and the provision of assistance to such a programme. This is in addition to native Indian caseworkers serving with the John Howard Society on Vancouver Island and the mainland under a programme financed by the First Citizens' Fund.

The forest resource industries of British Columbia, reversing the trend of 1970, showed an appreciable increase in lumber production in 1971.

There were 2,898 forest fires in the province during 1971. The direct cost of fighting these fires was approximately $10.7 million, the highest on record.

Despite difficult conditions in the market for pulp products, a small increase over 1970 figures is expected.

The reforestation programme is on schedule, with 45.5 million trees being planted in 1971.

Water resources management, in harmony with our social and economic needs, will be further assisted by the provisions of the Water Resources Act, a draft of which was introduced by my government at the last session.

I am pleased to report that the development of the hydro-electric Canal plant on the Kootenay River was commenced, utilizing the benefits of the Columbia River Treaty water-storage projects.

British Columbia's electric power generation for 1971 reached an estimated 28.8 billion kilowatt-hours. This represents a 10.2-per-cent increase over power generation in 1970.

A study will be completed this year by the British Columbia Energy Board to determine the best use of the province's energy resources to meet power demands up to 1985. British Columbia Hydro will meet its share of these new requirements by using sources which cause the least possible adverse effect on the environment. During 1971, more than 90 per cent of the electrical energy generated by the authority was from hydro-electric sources. It is important to note that these sources do not contribute to water or air pollution.

The provincial electrical transmission grid was extended and reinforced in 1971.

Construction of the Mica Dam project was more than 80 per cent completed by the end of 1971.

The mineral industry experienced another year of growth. This growth is expected to continue in 1972. Four new major mines, with a total ore-processing capacity of 94,000 tons per day, will be brought into production.

The proposed construction of a natural gas pipe-line to Vancouver Island is expected to spur exploratory drilling for gas in northeastern British Columbia. Total estimated reserves of raw natural gas at the end of 1970 were 9.9 trillion cubic feet, an increase of 25 per cent over 1969.

I am pleased to report that a supplement to the 1970-75 Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act (ARDA) agreement is expected to be signed shortly. This supplementary agreement provides for consideration to be given to rural and remote areas where more than two-thirds of those involved are of Indian ancestry.

My government carried on its policy of pursuing a programme designed to foster the expansion of our industrial and commercial base and to encourage the growth of foreign trade. Capital investment in the province is expected to reach $3.7 billion for 1971. This is an increase of 22 per cent over the previous year.

Trade through British Columbia ports established new records. Exports were valued at $2.7 billion and imports at $1.25 billion.

The fifth British Columbia Trade Fair, held in June 1971, was an outstanding success. Four hundred and twenty exhibitors from North America, Europe, and Asia were able to display their products.

My government is pleased to report that the operating area of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway was further extended in 1971 by the addition of new trackage.

The 250-mile extension from Fort St. John to Fort Nelson was opened in September at a colourful ceremony in Fort Nelson. Marked progress was maintained on the 420 mile extension from Fort St. James to Dease Lake.

Carloadings, which have doubled in the past decade, soared to a new high, and gross revenues were up sharply.

In keeping with the expanded role of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in the economic life of the province, legislation will be introduced to give it a more appropriate name — the British Columbia Railway Company.

I am happy to report that the wide-ranging programme for highway construction continued. Upgrading to four-lane standards is under way on Highway 1 between Bridal Falls and Hope and on the Upper Levels section, the Lougheed Highway, and the Patricia Bay Highway. Progress has been made on two major bridge constructions — the Knight Street and the Mission Bridges. New highway construction on northern Vancouver Island commenced between Kelsey Bay and Port McNeill and between Port Alberni and Tofino. This construction will be continued into 1972/73.

It gives me pleasure to report that an over-all increase of 14 per cent was experienced on all British Columbia Ferries routings in 1971. An astounding increase of 80 per cent was enjoyed on the northern Vancouver Island route. This was made possible by the doubling of the capacity of the Island Princess.

In order to meet increased traffic demands, the Queen of Vancouver and the Queen of Saanich are undergoing lengthening, and the Howe Sound Queen has been acquired.

Because of the continued concern for the safety of coastal communities exposed to tsunami, or seismic sea wave,

[ Page 3 ]

threats, the international warning system has been streamlined. Warning messages originating in Alaska and Hawaii are now received by the provincial civil defence organization within 30 minutes and are then relayed to local communities as necessary.

In Victoria, last May, my government sponsored a centennial citizens' conference on libraries. This conference affirmed our conviction that improved library service and intellectual growth should parallel the economic progress of British Columbia.

In the field of education, construction of new facilities continued at a good pace. In the past year, 677 classrooms and 94 gymnasia were constructed. Additional school facilities are to be constructed, involving the outlay of more than $50 million.

My government has had committees studying the accreditation process and curriculum revision. Major changes in these have been announced. Legislation will be introduced in this session to amend the Public Schools Act.

My government's emphasis on vocational and technical training is being maintained. The first open-pit mining school in Canada was opened in August in Rossland. This school was made possible with co-operation from the Mining Association of British Columbia and the provincial and federal governments.

I am pleased to report that our college system is developing at a remarkable rate and with most successful results. In the past few years enrolment has increased from 2,500 to 14,000 students.

The Select Standing Committee on Social Welfare and Education will be asked to review the tenure of members of the faculties in the public universities.

In keeping with my government's policies to ease unemployment, I am gratified to inform you that a greatly expanded programme of new government building construction and building maintenance has been adopted. New buildings are under construction at Creston, Prince George, Smithers, and Nelson. Plans are proceeding for new buildings at Burns Lake, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Kamloops, Powell River, Trail, Victoria, and the British Columbia Building in Vancouver.

The Gas Act, the Electrical Energy Act, and the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act have been examined. My government will introduce legislation to provide for the consolidation of these Acts into a Safety Engineering Services Act.

I am indeed pleased to report that the improvements in the pension plans for civil service employees introduced by my government last year have provided improved benefits for those retiring in the future. More than 8,400 retired employees and their widows received increases amounting to more than $2 million a year.

It also gives me pleasure to announce that arrangements have been made with the federal government whereby provincial civil servants, teachers, and others will benefit under the new unemployment insurance regulations.

The rapid growth of population in our province has been more than matched by an increasing labour force. The population growth of approximately 3 per cent is the highest in Canada, while the labour population growth is more than 6 per cent.

In October 1971 the number of gainfully employed reached 877,000, a gain of 73,000 over the previous year.

I am gratified to report that British Columbia enjoyed a relatively good year in the field of labour relations. The absence of prolonged labour disputes suggests that the combined efforts of labour, management, and my government avoided serious confrontation.

You will be asked to consider amendments to labour legislation during the session.

The Workmen's Compensation Board has concluded hearings for revised accident-prevention regulations. New regulations will reflect the co-operative effort of labour, management, and government officials, who have drafted 255 new regulations and 520 revisions. These changes were made necessary by the many changes in industrial technology. My government congratulates labour and management for their spirit of cooperation.

The continuing policy of my government to emphasize environmental excellence throughout the province is manifested through joint financing for municipal water, sewer, and pollution control and abatement.

The financial position of British Columbia's municipalities is unexcelled anywhere in Canada.

I am pleased to report that the Litter Act of 1970, which was the first in Canada, has materially reduced some facets of the litter problem. You will be asked to consider amendments to this Act to clarify further this legislation.

The Regional Park Act is receiving ever-wider utilization by the regional districts, and certain desirable amendments will be placed before you.

As a result of continued and expanding promotional effort, I am pleased to report that we have again enjoyed a substantial growth in the visitor industry.

The Hearing-aid Regulation Act, the first of its kind in Canada, was proclaimed on July 1, 1971. A board has been appointed to administer the Act, and regulations have been promulgated.

The dynamic programme undertaken by my government to provide for increased medical services and hospital care to our citizens continues. Thirteen major hospital construction projects, totalling 772 beds, were completed in 1971. At year-end there were an additional 25 projects under construction designed to provide 1,799 beds.

The problem of alcohol and narcotic addiction is of great concern to my government. I am pleased to commend the excellent work being done by the Alcohol Foundation of British Columbia and the Narcotic Foundation of British Columbia and by other organizations. From funds provided in the Drug, Alcohol, and Cigarette Prevention and Rehabilitation Fund, established last year, the advisory committee has made progress in developing programmes. In particular, I note that to combat the disturbing narcotic-addiction problem, my government has authorized an extension of hospital insurance coverage to the withdrawal treatment programme of the Narcotic Addiction Foundation.

As a result of a survey, new beach-water quality standards have been set.

A major expansion of mental health centre services took place during 1971 with the development of seven community centres throughout the province. This expansion was part of my government's concern and continuing programme of developing mental health services and programmes on a regional basis.

A pilot study of psychiatric home treatment, as an alternative to admission to a mental health hospital, was commenced in July 1971. My government is providing $90,000 for the operational costs of this study, which is being carried out in conjunction with the federal government.

In June last, my government inaugurated its programme of outright grants-in-aid to regional districts, municipalities,

[ Page 4 ]

and nonprofit organizations for the construction of special-care homes, to satisfy a long-felt need for boarding-house accommodation at reasonable cost for those of our citizens requiring a limited degree of medical and nursing supervision in their daily lives.

My government is directly sponsoring the construction of four special-care homes of yet another type. One is already under construction in Victoria. Two will be constructed in Greater Vancouver and the fourth will be constructed in the interior of the province.

A high degree of interest was evident in my government's programme of grants-in-aid of elderly citizens' housing, and it gives me great pleasure to report that accommodations in this type of housing, sponsored by nonprofit societies, had passed the accumulative 10,000 mark in mid-year of 1971.

Public interest in Barkerville and Fort Steele Historic Parks was maintained at a very high level in the 1971 season. In addition, the acquisition of important historical areas in Fort St. James was also continued, with a view to developments taking place at this important site during the coming fiscal year. It is also to be noted that the new facilities provided for the Provincial Archives and the Provincial Museum continue to be extensively used by the people of British Columbia and by visitors to this province.

My government is gratified to report the institution of social and economic rehabilitation programmes to reduce the numbers requiring social assistance. New programmes, or those which have been greatly expanded to cater to this situation, include public work activity projects, training and upgrading for employment, on-the-job training, and the special opportunities programme for working mothers.

My government also recognizes the need for greater assistance to the permanently handicapped and, accordingly, social allowances to this group were increased.

A job opportunities programme in which my government has agreed to pay one-half the wage costs between November 1971 and April 30, 1972, for those in receipt of social assistance for at least three months has provided both opportunity and incentive for many seeking employment.

We have much to be thankful for in British Columbia, and we look forward to the coming year with renewed vigour and a sense of challenge.

The public accounts and reports of the departments of my government will be presented to you, and estimates for the ensuing year will be submitted.

To these and all other matters which may come before you I ask your most careful attention and I pray that Divine Providence may guide your deliberations. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I leave you now to the discharge of your legislative duties.

MR. SPEAKER: In order to prevent mistakes I have obtained a copy of His Honour's speech.

AN ACT TO AMEND THE EVIDENCE ACT

Hon. Mr. Peterson (Attorney General) moves introduction and first reading of Bill No. 1 intituled An Act to Amend the Evidence Act.

Motion approved. Bill read a first time and ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable the Premier.

HON. W.A.C. BENNETT (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to move, seconded by the Hon. Attorney General, 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.

MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable the Leader of the Opposition.

MR. D. BARRETT (Leader of the Opposition): Mr. Speaker, I wish to move the following amendment to that motion, seconded by the Hon. Member for Burnaby North. That the motion be amended by adding the following words: "That the 1971 Record of Debates be withdrawn for correction; that such correction be done with the advice of an all party committee appointed by the Speaker and which committee shall also assist the Speaker in the recording and printing of this session's debates both in the House and in committee stages of estimates and bills."

MR. SPEAKER: As Hon. Members know, the Record of Debates of this legislature is a matter governed by Standing Orders. This amendment therefore purports to amend Part IV of Standing Orders, and should take the form of a substantive motion requiring notice. I therefore rule the motion for the amendment out of order.

MR. BARRETT: I accept your ruling, Mr. Speaker, but I challenge it.

Interjections by Hon. Members.

MR. SPEAKER: Is the Hon. Member challenging the ruling?

MR. BARRETT: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I challenge your ruling.

The Speaker's ruling was sustained on the following division.

YEAS — 37

NAYS — 17

[ Page 5 ]

Motion agreed to.

MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable the Premier.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to move, seconded by the Hon. Minister of Education, 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.

Motion agreed to.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to move, seconded by the Hon. Attorney General, that Herbert Joseph Bruch, Esquire, member for Esquimalt electoral district, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the legislative assembly.

Motion agreed to.

The following papers were presented to the House:

By the Hon. W.D. Black (Provincial Secretary):

Sixteenth annual report of the business done in pursuance of the Members of the Legislative Assembly Superannuation Act for the year ended March 31, 1971.

Thirty-sixth annual report of the business done in pursuance of the Civil Service Superannuation Act for the year ended March 31, 1971.

Thirty-second annual report of the business done in pursuance of the Municipal Superannuation Act for the year ended December 31, 1970.

Third annual report of the business done in pursuance of the College Pension Act for the year ended August 31, 1971.

Thirtieth annual report of the business done in pursuance of the Teachers' Pensions Act for the year ended December 31, 1970.

Eleventh annual report of the business done under the Public Service Group Insurance Act for the policy year July 1, 1970, to June 30, 1971.

Department of Queen's Printer balance sheet as at March 31, 1971, and profit and loss statement for 12 months ended March 31, 1971.

Capital Improvement District Commission statement of receipts and disbursements for year ended March 31, 1971.

Report of Thomas A. Dohni on Gastown Inquiry, dated October 6, 1971.

Annual report of the Library Development Commission for the year ended March 31, 1971.

By the Hon. L.R. Peterson (Attorney General):

The 16th annual report of the Superintendent of Insurance for the year ended December 31, 1970.

The 49th annual report of the Fire Marshal for the year ended December 31, 1970. (In manuscript form.)

The annual report for 1971 of the British Columbia Racing Commission. (In manuscript form.)

The annual report of the Motor-vehicle Branch for the year 1970.

The 50th annual report of the Liquor Control Board covering the fiscal year ended March 31, 1971.

By the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett (Minister of Finance):

Public accounts of British Columbia for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1971.

Return submitted in accordance with section 46 (2) of the Revenue Act, Revised Statutes of British Columbia, 1960; Refunds and remissions made under section 46 (1) of the Revenue Act, Revised Statutes of British Columbia, 1960, during the calendar year 1971.

Return submitted in accordance with section 85 (4) of the Taxation Act: Remissions and refunds made under authority of section 85 (1), (2), and (3) of the Taxation Act, Revised Statutes of British Columbia, 1960, during the calendar year 1971.

Annual report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1971, Office of the Assessment Commissioner.

Annual report of the Assessment Appeal Board for the year ended December 31, 1971.

Statement of unclaimed money deposits, under authority of Unclaimed Money Deposits Act, Revised Statutes Of British Columbia, 1960, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1971.

Twenty-ninth annual report of the Purchasing Commission, January 1, 1971, to December 31, 1971.

By the Hon. W.D. Black (Minister of Highways):

Annual report of the Department of Highways for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1971.

By the Hon. J.R. Chabot (Minister of Labour):

The annual report of the Mediation Commission of British Columbia for the year 1971. (In manuscript form.)

By the Hon. D.L. Brothers (Minister of Education):

The 100th report of the Public Schools of the Province.

By the Hon. W.N. Chant (Minister of Public Works):

Annual report of the Department of Public Works for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1971.

By the Hon. W.K. Kiernan (Minister of Travel Industry):

The annual report of the Department of Travel Industry for the year ended December 31, 1971.

By the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett (President of the Council):

British Columbia Energy Board 12th annual report, 1971.

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority Ninth annual report, year ended March 31, 1971.

Public Utilities Commission 3ist annual report pursuant to section 35 of the Motor Carrier Act, licence-year 1970/71.

The House adjourned at 3:51 p.m.