[ Page 9 ]

CONTENTS

Routine proceedings

Presenting petitions.

Amendment to Vancouver city charter. Mr. Levi — 10

Presenting reports.

Royal Commission on the BGR report, volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Hon. Mr. Curtis — 10

Ministry of Mines and Petroleum Resources annual report, 1977. Hon. Mr. Hewitt — 10

B.C. Energy Commission annual report as at December 31,1978. Hon. Mr. Hewitt — 10

Throne speech debate.

Mrs. Jordan — 11

Mr. Kerster — 19

Presenting reports.

Labour Relations Board of B.C. annual report. Hon. Mr. Williams — 25

Ministry of Labour annual report. Hon. Mr. William — 25

Worker's Compensation Board of B.C. sixty-second annual report. Hon. Mr. William; — 25

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 1979

The House met at 10 a.m.

Prayers.

HON. MRS. McCARTHY: I have two introductions to make today. First, I would like to ask the House to welcome the president of the British Columbia Social Credit Party, and the board of directors.

I would be pleased if you would also welcome from the constituency of Mackenzie a member who sat in this House. Mrs. Isobel Dawson is in the gallery, and it's fitting that she should be here on the eve of the annual meeting of the senior citizens' counsellors, which Mrs. Dawson initiated, and who have done a tremendous job in serving the senior citizens of British Columbia. I'd ask the House to welcome them all.

HON. MR. VEITCH: Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce to you and through you some very wonderful people who are here this morning: Dr. Jim and Mrs. Beverly Grant, Mr. Don Roff, Doreen Roff, my constituency secretary, and my good wife, Sheila.

MR. BARBER: From the great neighbourhood of James Bay in the city of Victoria we have five guests here this morning. They are Bev Blackburn, her son, Sidney Blackburn, and their friends, Debbie Fielding, Lindy Loy and Lee Lucas. I ask the House to make them welcome.

MRS. JORDAN: At last, at last. I'm sure you will be pleased to know that there are some very special guests in the gallery from the North Okanagan: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Simpson of Vernon and Dr. Ted Jordan of Vernon. One, of course, will be keenly listening to the debate this morning. I would ask the House to extend them a very warm welcome.

MR. KEMPF: In the gallery with us today are three very fine people from that great constituency of Omineca: my good wife, Shirley, and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Himech. I would ask the House to make them welcome.

HON. MR. SHELFORD: I would like to welcome my good wife in the gallery today. Coming from the far north, we don't see that much of each other anymore. Also, I would like to welcome Gail Tompson from Smithers, Diane Beblow from Hazelton, my daughter Ann and three friends.

MR. BARRETT: Mr. Speaker, the history of this province in the last hundred years is largely condensed to the legislative process as we know it. In that short period of a hundred years a number of notable things have happened, and in that process we have limited contact with the past. I would like the House to acknowledge the fact that today is the hundredth anniversary of the birth of one of the most active politicians in this House. That was E.E. Winch, a pioneer in our particular party and a pioneer activist in the political life of British Columbia.

MR. ROGERS: This being the year of the child and the family, I thought it would be appropriate if on this day my children and the family could attend, and my two young sons, who asked me not to introduce them, are in the gallery. They are Mark and Ryan who have been wondering for some time what I'm actually doing here. This is their first visit to the chamber, and I'm delighted to introduce them. They are accompanied by their mother, her mother and a nephew who comes from a small village in Wales that I couldn't pronounce, and I wouldn't want Hansard to try to spell. I would ask the House to make them all welcome.

HON. MR. HEWITT: It is my pleasure this morning to ask the House to welcome two of my constituents from a place that we affectionately call the sunshine valley — Boundary-Similkameen, the Grand Forks area. I would ask the House to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kootnekoff.

MR. STEPHENS: May I introduce three people who are close to me: Commander Alex Kilpatrick, a good friend and helper, my new constituency secretary, Miss Judy Brunt, and a lady from North Vancouver–Seymour who is seeking the seat open over there and is here today to take a look and see just exactly where she's going to be sitting in early June, Joy Gilmore.

HON. MR. PHILLIPS: Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure today to ask the House to welcome two constituents of mine from the great South Peace River constituency, specifically from Chetwynd, the future coal capital of the world, Mr. and Mrs. John Jacklin.

MR. LLOYD: I'd like to ask the House to join me in welcoming the director for Social Credit for region 7 covering the northern half of the province: Ron Bellamy, from Prince George.

MR. LEVI: Mr. Speaker, I would ask the House to welcome Mr. Bruce Erikson of the Downtown Eastside Residents Association.

[ Page 10 ]

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I know that the hon. members are anxiously expecting me to once again celebrate a parliamentary custom of this Legislature. I think it most appropriate that I do it this morning by bidding welcome to each and every member of the gallery who has not yet been welcomed.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, that includes Little Red, who is here today.

MR. LEVI: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to present a petition.

Leave granted.

MR. LEVI:

"To the Honorable Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia in the Legislature assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, humbly showeth:

"On October 31,1978, the mayor and aldermen of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, in council assembled, debated and approved a motion that the wording of a proposed advertisement pertaining to the electoral reform plebiscite contain the following information and commitments to the voters of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia:

"Information for Vancouver voters on electoral reform: At the civic elections on November 15,1978, the Vancouver city council will ask the voters whether they wish to elect aldermen to the city council at large or by wards.

"At large system: under the at large system you vote for ten candidates to fill the seats on city council. The council is then made up of the ten candidates who receive the highest number of votes across the whole city.

"Ward system: under the ward system you vote for the candidate or candidates you think will best represent your ward an city council. The council then would be made up of representatives from each ward.

"Should the majority of voters indicate they prefer a ward system, the following would occur:

"1. Council would appoint a committee to consider and report on the number of wards, boundaries of each ward and any other related matters.

"2. Application would be made by council to the provincial government to amend the city charter.

"3. If granted by 1980, you would then elect aldermen to council by wards.

"A facsimile of the ballot the voters will receive on November 15 is reproduced below for their information.

"Signed R. Henry, City Clerk.

"The advertisement was published in all major publications in Vancouver on November 10,1978. The results of the November 15,1978, electoral reform plebiscite for the city of Vancouver showed that 46,525 or 51.51 percent of the Vancouver voters are in favour of the ward system for electing aldermen to the Vancouver city council; 6.21 percent more voters cast ballots in favour of the wards than for the at large system.

"In effect, only 21 of the 132 city-wide polls are in favour of the present undemocratic at-large system of electing aldermen to Vancouver city council. The democratic expression of opinion by voters of Vancouver and the explicit commitments by the city of Vancouver to the voters of Vancouver, which were published in the November 10,1978, advertisement, are being ignored by the newly elected city council, which has a majority who are opposed to the ward system requested by the majority of Vancouver voters and promised by the city of Vancouver in the event that the plebiscite passed.

"Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that this honourable House may be pleased to amend the Vancouver city charter to provide for the election of city council, school and parks boards by neighbourhoods, wards, areas or constituencies. And, as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray."

It's dated March 23,1979. It's signed by Bruce Yorke, Alderman Harry Rankin, Bruce Eriksen, Elizabeth Davies, Dr. David Schreck, Dr. Polly Weinstein, Jean Swanson, David Lane, David Stone, Johnnie Rankin, Pat Wilson, Shawn Hatch, Doug Laalo, Deborah Lewis, Sol Jackson, Vjal Dussanjh, Carmella Quail, Atiba Saunders.

Presenting reports.

Hon. Mr. Curtis presented the report of the Royal Commission on the British Columbia Railway, volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4, which was taken as read and received.

Hon. Mr. Hewitt presented the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum Resources annual report 1977 and the annual report from the B.C. Energy Commission for the year ended December 31,1978, which were taken as read and received.

Orders of the day.

[ Page 11 ]

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

MRS. JORDAN: It's nice to see so many happy faces across the way thoroughly and obviously endorsing the Speech from the Throne.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of excitement and commitment that I have the privilege of presenting to you, an behalf of the people of North Okanagan and British Columbia, and the government of this province, the following motion, seconded by the hon. member for Coquitlam (Mr. Kerster):

We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, in session assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech which Your Honour has addressed to us at the opening of the present session.

The members of the assembly, Mr. Speaker, join with me to extend a formal and warm welcome to His Honour on the assumption of his high office, and we would wish him divine guidance and sensitivity as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen in the province of British Columbia. We certainly express our pleasure as we look forward to working with him for the benefit of every man, woman and child in our province and country.

You would appreciate knowing that His Honour has already visited many regions of the province, and among them the constituency of North Okanagan, where he was warmly received and made many friends. While he was there I couldn't help but think how fortunate we are to live in a province where the Queen's representative, children, government officials and others can mingle freely. It's a good feeling today where we have a free parliament and can carry out all the people's business without fear. What a priceless right. We must protect that right. You can't put a value on this type of freedom.

I know, Mr. Speaker, that you share with His Honour, the people of British Columbia — the members of this Legislature, I am sure, will join with me — and our Premier, the sadness and sense of loss that all of us experienced at the death of British Columbia's greatest Premier to this time, certainly one of Canada's outstanding leaders and citizens, the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett. This Legislature was poorer yesterday, because for the first time, you will recall, in over 30 years he wasn't with us on the floor as His Honour presented the message that is, I believe, destined to become a major historical document in our province. But somehow our sadness is tempered by the knowledge that we were so fortunate to have benefited from his vision and his leadership, not only economically and socially, but philosophically and spiritually. Many of us enjoyed his friendship and his good humour.

You know, Mr. Speaker, during his time of office he had a way of making us feel proud to be British Columbians and Canadians. He instilled in most of us the confidence that we needed to achieve what is good and right for the individual person. He loved people, and people loved him.

Richer? Yes, I believe British Columbia is much richer for his life and his dedicated time with us. The spirit of the man, the tangible benefits of his leadership and his legacy to us — oh, some would squander that legacy, but the majority will learn from experience and use that legacy of spirit and philosophy, of compassion and dedication, as a foundation upon which to build this province and increase the quality of life for all British Columbians.

I think he would have enjoyed, in a sense, the tributes paid to him. But I also believe that in accepting the praise, he'd say to us today: "Dig in and roll up your sleeves and get on with the job." Mr. Speaker, that's what the Speech from the Throne does.

I mentioned that this will be a major historical document. I say this because a review of many throne speeches from British Columbia and elsewhere reveal that never before has there been a throne speech which so clearly outlines the consistent philosophy and explains so fully the objectives of a government through the detail of programs for the coming year. The emphasis is on those priceless rights, such as freedom and opportunity, personal dignity and social justice. These are extremely important to British Columbians.

We all agree that individuals in this House sit as honourable members carrying a common bond — the heavy responsibility of elected office, with an obligation to serve the people of British Columbia. We also agree that there are two ways to approach government, and this is where the members divide. There is our way, which is to respect the rights of the individual. This is the essence of individual democracy: to make what is morally right, humanly desirable, the prerogative of the individual; and to protect in legislation those human values, which are priceless and so often taken for granted until it is too late and they have been subtly lost.

We believe the state is the servant of the people. The people of British Columbia must never be the servants of a coercive state, and we trust the people.

To the socialists the solution to all problems lies in government control, government ownership, and they would discourage indivi-

[ Page 12 ]

dual ownership and initiative. They would create and maintain people's dependency on the state, and that is state control.

This Speech from the Throne clearly enunciates the principles by which governments should govern in a free society: these are the principles which members on this side of the House have brought to the responsibilities of government today. We emphasize the rights of the individual and the responsibilities of the individual, the privileges of the individual and the opportunities for the individual.

Our philosophy of individual enterprise and freedom of choice has been realized in a number of ways, such as the first family home program, which gives government assistance to families who are buying their first home. With the elevation of small businesses to a special ministry, there will be a positive force and an advocate on behalf of small business in the private sector.

In education this government had the courage of its convictions, and introduced the funding of independent schools to offer freedom of choice. Our members even spoke on the subject.

In mining we repealed the crippling Mineral Act and revised the Mining Act, and established an incentive program directed towards the independent prospector and small exploration companies. This presented the incentive and opportunity for the little guy to get started. The first grant was made to a little prospector in Sicamous, and that's a fine little town in this province. The future of the mining industry in British Columbia has never been brighter than today, and never have there been more individuals involved.

Our Premier promised, if elected, to make provincial government more accountable to the people of British Columbia, and he did. He said he would let the sun shine in — that was the classic statement of the Geritol Kid over there, if I recall correctly — so that the taxpayers of this province would know what moneys are being spent and how.

Our Finance minister introduced for the first time in British Columbia a system whereby he reports to the people not just once a year but four times a year.

For the first time in British Columbia's history we now have an auditor-general who, unlike other auditors-general, is accountable to the people, not to government. The people's right to know is protected.

The Premier said: "The rights of people in relation to the Crown corporations must be secured in the same way." With this conviction, he established the Committee on Crown Corporations. When he introduced the Act that established the committee, the Premier rightly pointed out that we are not alone in British Columbia in wrestling with the problem of a growing number of Crown corporations and the increasing impact that they are having on people's lives. But the question was how to make Crown corporations more accountable to the Legislature, to these members and to the people.

It is only our government in Canada that has come to grips with the problem by establishing this unique concept for Crown corporation accountability with a very powerful legislative committee which has excited interest in other parts of Canada and the free world. I might add that it has excited the Crown corporations as well. The significance of this committee will not be lost on the members of this Legislature. Now, for the first time, individual members of the Legislature have the opportunity to examine the management and influence the direction of our British Columbia Crown corporations. Already as a result of the activities, the research, the hearings and the recommendations a number of changes have been made, not the least of which is the action as the result of the corporation's report on Hydro transit. Urban transit and its debts have been removed from B.C. Hydro and the light bills of the people of this province. The committee will shortly file a most interesting report on the construction management of the Columbia River Treaty projects.

Mr. Speaker, because of the nature and size of Crown corporations, and the complexity of most of the operations of the service they provide today, it is very easy for them to overlook their responsibilities to the individual. You'll agree it's very easy for them to forget that they, too, are in fact the servants of the people, that they exist to provide service to people. It is these people who pay for those services and justify that corporation's existence. Our government, through the establishment of the Committee on Crown Corporations, has taken a major step to establish the right of people of British Columbia to full accountability and knowledge of management practices of their Crown corporations.

In referring back to the throne speech's philosophy, and our government's belief in the opportunity and responsibilities of private and individual ownership, His Honour outlined that the members would have the responsibility to endorse the transfer of regulatory jurisdiction for the B.C. Telephone Company from the federal government to the province of British Columbia. This act would bring home to British Columbia citizens, for the first time, a direct opportunity under provincial law to

[ Page 13 ]

respond to rate increases proposed by B.C. Telephone.

His Honour also correctly stated that our government believes the ultimate freedom and security for Canadians rests in the right and responsibility of individuals to guide their own destiny — the right of individual ownership, whether personal, home, farm or business. The country's resources should never be surrendered to government. We see countries around us where people have lost these precious freedoms. It can happen so quickly, and so subtly, without people realizing. Before the people are aware of their losses, it is frequently too late. They've lost their freedoms and their rights because of apathy. We realize that there are others who promote the theory that people are not to be trusted and are not to have responsibility. We on this side of the House reject that philosophy absolutely. We believe in people. People are first-class citizens with first-rate ideas, entitled to freedom of opportunity, entitled to individual ownership.

These principles underline many new Acts proposed for this session. One of the most notable, the amendment to the British Columbia Resources Investment Corporation Act, has had an interesting reaction. As you know, this share distribution program gives eligible British Columbians direct ownership in the wealth and riches they helped create. The shares give people an opportunity to take part in many facets of the economic growth in this province. This government means what it says. This is an example of one of the positive approaches to our philosophy.

Because of this Act, every man, woman and child will be able to see and feel their ownership in the form of a tangible certificate. Such an opportunity will help people develop a greater understanding and participation with the individuals and the capital involved in creating new or expanding business. They'll have a better understanding of how the utilization of these dollars and the management of these businesses has a direct effect on the competitiveness of the company and how jobs are maintained and created. The shares will help people become more knowledgeable about the free market system. They'll develop a feeling of pride in those companies in which they have a share. That is what makes a strong country and a strong people.

It is interesting that the shares are already stimulating people's thinking. Most of us are getting questions that would rival those of a stockbroker. Teachers tell me young people are particularly stimulated, and they are asking their teachers and parents and each other: "What is share capital? What is earnings ratio? What does book value mean?" Young people are excited about the possibility of direct ownership, a real stake in their province's future.

Token ownership, government ownership, can never inspire young people to this type of action. Of course the socialists are opposed on philosophical grounds. They simply don't want individual ownership. They want power for themselves, not for the people. They became intoxicated by power when they were in government, and they crave power today. Look at the record. When they were in government, in the interests of power and squelching individual opportunity, they scuttled the mining industry. They made a land grab. They undermined the forest industry, and they profoundly threatened the individual security of the people of this province. Never again.

Hungry today, look where they stand. In one breath they tell the people of British Columbia that the BCBC shares are gimmicks, but in the other breath they tell their NDP membership to take their shares and hand them over to the party. The socialist party obviously that wants these shares isn't offering to buy them from the individuals, as they would have to do in an open and free market. Do they want to take them away from their people? The second member for Victoria (Mr. Barber) spoke in Vernon recently. He was delightful. He began by vigorously knocking the shares of BCRIC and the plan. But then he gathered his courage and explained he would reluctantly take the shares, and would bravely buy another 95 shares so that he could go to the annual meetings and ask the board embarrassing questions.

It is hard not to imagine that the statements of that member, the second member for Victoria, are an embarrassment at any time.

Interjections.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, we are in the throne speech and, as I understand it, we will have an opportunity to speak in turn. Perhaps we should not all speak at once.

MRS. JORDAN: Mr. Speaker, the second member for Victoria's actions could be no more embarrassing than the amazing performance of his own leader.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Which leader?

MRS. JORDAN: Not Mr. Kinnaird. The leader of the NDP who isn't in this House at this time, or most other times. First he said that if the NDP government came to power before the shares

[ Page 14 ]

were issued, he would stop it. But if the shares were distributed before the NDP returned, he would secure them back. Now, he says, having caught the wind of public opinion, an NDP government would certainly not take back what the people own. What a philosophical commitment. What political ingenuity! What a hunger for control — flip-flop. The waffle is soggy and the pancake is flat and tasteless.

After all, the money's in. The hon. member for Alberni (Mr. Skelly) was a delight. He called the shares "worthless shares in a worthless government." He doesn't even know that they're in companies, not government. However, his constituency executive, who of course support him fully, would like to see the NDP gain a controlling interest in the company. The member for Revelstoke-Slocan (Mr. King) also advocated a similar policy. The Conservative leader, Joe Clark, and Conservative finance critic, Sinclair Stevens, rightly considered the BCRIC proposal one of the most exciting and innovative policies in recent history.

They're discussing the BCRIC shares as a model for federal corporations, but where is the member for Oak Bay (Mr. Stephens)? He decided in the opposite direction. At least, he had last week. He's making medical history proving that Siamese twins can't get along. Have you ever noticed that the more Joe strides ahead, the member for Oak Bay has trouble keeping up with going backwards?

Some members of this House have been concerned for years about the ability of individuals to protect themselves, or seek fair return when they become innocently involved in expropriation proceedings. In fact, some of us on a committee brought in a report in the early seventies. But not until now has a government had the courage to act. We will soon have a fair-compensation statute that will ensure the rights of the individual whose lands, homes or business may be expropriated by the public or private sector.

This government's commitment to the priceless right of the individual will be made stronger. A bill of rights guaranteeing fundamental freedoms to all our citizens, and repeal of the obsolete statutes Act, will be the red tape machete. Victims of this machete will be antiquated laws and costly and frustrating procedures that have eroded rights of business and citizen. The machete will go after the triplicate forms and unnecessary regulations that inhibit all our freedom. They'll feel the blade.

You'll be pleased to know that ICBC rates are now the best non-subsidized auto insurance premiums in Canada. This one-step-ridden jungle of confusion is now a well-managed, streamlined and self-supporting operation. More changes are needed, and more will be made.

Interjection.

MRS. JORDAN: Say, listen, you financier. Rate reductions have been possible. You'd rather give it all to the big corporations so the rates could go up and they'd have control. We don't believe in anyone's vested interests, just the public's interest.

We'll now be able to ensure that the individual rights are protected by applying more fully the principle that good drivers should not be penalized because of age, sex, marital status or geographic location.

The good news for young people is that in the future they will no longer carry a penalty just because they have the good fortune to be young. Young people have a right to expect fair assessment. We intend to ensure in legislation that the right is there.

Conversely it should be clear that the same young people will bear the responsibility that is companion to, or goes hand in hand with, individual rights. Their premiums, as anyone else's, will reflect the way they exercise their right to drive and be insured, without discrimination of age.

Speaking of young people, I'd like to call to mind the subject of children. It was a delight to see so many children on the lawn yesterday, taking part and sitting where the laws are made, where their futures are being moulded and melded. You'll be pleased to know that the International Year of the Child and Family, unlike many other jurisdictions, will be a major year in British Columbia.

A cornerstone of our philosophy is the strength of the family unit. As a major measure of society, the degree of an individual security, and confidence within that society, is based on the strength of that family unit. Such a statement calls to mind comments by Mr. Justice Berger, who's quoted in Vancouver on March 1979 as saying: "The law offers virtually no protection to the family as a social institution." In fact, he suggested that the family is less protected than corporations and trade unions. It's not our intention in supporting family life, either dual or single parent, to have government take over either the rights or responsibilities of parents and children. It is our intention to afford the family and children the same opportunities that are enjoyed by others. In doing this we must remember that the integrity of the family unit is very fragile. The family

[ Page 15 ]

relationship is very personal, and our objectives will be achieved through respecting the independent family concept.

[Mr. Rogers in the chair.]

Our objective is to offer the necessary support programs and legislation that will help each individual within a distressed family unit to develop a feeling of confidence and a feeling of self-worth. How can you really put a value on family, the sanctity of the family and the fragility of the family? One can't legislate all facets of concern, but part of the objective will be supported by specific legislation, much of which was mentioned by His Honour in the throne speech. We will, Mr. Speaker, while respecting the rights and the responsibilities of family members, and the freedom of the family, assist independence and self-support to whatever extent possible. This is part of this government's Year of the Child expectations, and our concerns for those precious rights — I know I keep using the term "precious," but they are, because you can't really put your finger on them, and yet without them you have nothing — and the opportunities for families.

Mr. Speaker, along with this the throne speech made clear, and I would like to make clear, that this government believes strongly in social justice. Our government, since taking office in 1975, has embarked on one of Canada's most well-coordinated, affordable and first-class social service programs. This is a program involving the ministries — not in isolation and without planning, but in a coordinated program — of Human Resources, Education, Health, Labour and the Attorney-General. We've made major advances relating to equality of the individual to date, and they're exemplified by the Family Relations Act which, as His Honour mentioned, will be companioned by a number of new or amended Acts and programs which will acknowledge and assist, among others, the long-forgotten single-parent family, and emphasize expanded opportunities for handicapped children, and the Wills Act, to mention but a few that he mentioned in the throne speech.

Our Human Resources minister (Hon. Mrs. McCarthy) once again led the way in Canada in providing assistance to those in need when she recently announced a $31 million increase in basic income assistance, with a major portion of that money, Mr. Speaker, going to families.

Mr. Speaker, when you speak of social justice, you have to acknowledge also that individuals cannot be independent and cannot be secure if they're plagued by ill-health and high associated costs, or lack of appropriate treatment as near as possible to their homes and families. His Honour mentioned that during the past 12 months more than 40,000 people have benefited from our government's new long-term care program. Today those needing long-term care — I must say this, and I'm trying not to be emotional; as you know, I am a nurse and my family is involved in medicine, so this is a subject very dear to our hearts because we see the sad side — are housed in cheerful, well-equipped units, where care and attention to the individual is the policy. The days of back-breaking costs of two years ago to families of these patients are days now gone, and I say goodbye to them.

There's been an end to discrimination in Pharmacare with the adoption of a universal Pharmacare program, and this has benefited many people. Few in British Columbia today face major fears because of the high cost of drugs or health care.

The commitment of the Ministry of Health to spend $100 million a year for the next seven years is very exciting. There are 58 projects, either under construction or in the planning stages: projects such as the new hospital in Victoria; massive development and expansion of the Vancouver General Hospital — having trained there I find that very exciting for the people; a new children's hospital after 25 years of indecision; the additions and renovations to the British Columbia Cancer Institute that people, unfortunately, need so badly all around the province. This is just a few, but they are exciting.

Of particular interest to my own constituency of North Okanagan, which I have the honour to represent, are plans now underway for major acute-care, long-term care, Delview and service centre expansion. This approximately $4 million project is the result of recommendations of a special study of projected needs for health-care facilities in the North Okanagan Regional Hospital District which was, incidentally, paid for by the government, and we thank them.

The health aspects of all the health facility construction will be complemented, Mr. Speaker, by the creation of short- and long-term jobs, and capital infusion into local areas of this province, everywhere in this province. In a sense, you have wealth through health and jobs through health.

The citizens of North Okanagan have asked me to express, through you, Mr. Speaker, their enjoyment and appreciation for the government's help and support for McCullagh Court and NORIC House, both of which were just completed.

[ Page 16 ]

The government is, as you know, increasing its emphasis on preventive health care, shorter hospital stays and more home treatment. This means, I believe, an expanded role for health units throughout the province. Thus we'll see new health clinics in Nanaimo, Kamloops, Terrace, Vernon, Prince George, Golden, Comox and Valemount. North Okanagan is eagerly awaiting the go-ahead with their Neurological Society's Children's Unit. We have long-range plans to coordinate with other services to develop what we hope will be a form of children's and family assessment centre. This in a sense is justice for people.

I must say — and I hope you won't mind — that I believe one of the happiest people in this Legislature yesterday when His Honour made reference to the fact that while British Columbia enjoys the best and most responsible health care system in Canada, we will initiate a new comprehensive dental care program.... I believe the happiest person in this House was the hon. Premier. He has wanted many things for British Columbia, but he particularly wanted dental health. At the Social Credit leadership convention he committed himself to start a dental care program as soon as he could.

As the members know, the Premier appreciates good health, and believes in preventive health care and physical fitness — even if it kills his members. [Laughter.] I just have to tell you this, and I hope you won't mind, Mr. Premier. He mentioned to me one day that he felt that people had the right to good basic tooth care. He said: "You know, if you don't have good teeth, how can you chew? And if you can't chew, how can you enjoy good food? And if you don't eat good food, where is your health?" You could almost say this is the government with teeth.

The program will cover those not now covered by private or company dental care programs. It will give a measure of protection from the high costs associated with basic dental care. It is a good start. We're proud of it, and the people will appreciate it. Speaking of the Premier, it is his priority to keep British Columbia in the forefront of medical and preventive health care. We believe it's a major factor in social justice for the people of British Columbia.

Speaking of social justice, a family home is a major factor in family life. Unlike the socialists, we believe the individual develops a great sense of independence and pride in his community if he or she can own even a small piece of land in British Columbia. British Columbians agree with, and will welcome, the government's commitment to expand the home purchase assistance grants for first-time home buyers. This aid, along with the existing programs such as shelter aid for elderly renters, housing assistance to the handicapped, and the home conversion program, will help make possible the opportunity for a family to have a variety of choices for the type of home accommodation which best suits them.

These housing programs and home encouragement are unfortunately not enough in themselves. That's why the government has taken responsible action on property tax increases. We must not allow people to be taxed out of their homes. This is why the government has asked that municipal budgets consider a modest lift this year in keeping with the gross provincial productivity, and attempt to hold the line on mill rate increases. In all fairness, the government of British Columbia is not asking the municipalities to share this responsibility alone. The Revenue Sharing Act introduced by this government really put more money into the hands of municipalities by linking grants available to municipalities to the provincial revenue growth in specific areas. I believe that the budget, when it comes down, will show that in the last fiscal year British Columbia municipalities received a greater share of the provincial moneys than any other time in British Columbia's history. That is to help offset local taxes and help local governments provide the services their people need, but in keeping with what is possible, and in order to make more possible for people. Over-taxation by local municipalities is evil and crippling and erosive to a citizen's rights and freedoms. In requesting municipalities to institute control budgeting, we're merely asking that they work with the government and follow the government in its example.

His Honour made reference to lands, specifically to the fact that the Minister of Lands (Hon. Mr. Chabot) will be the slasher of red tape and bureaucracy in his attempt to simplify the applications for Crown lands. These efforts will be greeted with cries of relief from the thousands of British Columbians who have found themselves with legitimate land applications.

Interjection.

MRS. JORDAN: You should listen, Mr. Member. I know people in your area who are enmeshed in this sort of bureaucracy that you left. These people have been enmeshed in the worst and most senseless bureaucratic socialist hangover imaginable. I'll tell you, Governor Jerry Brown put his finger on it when he said it was a "pretzel palace of confusion."

[ Page 17 ]

As this throne speech indicates, the minister, if he can simplify the process of legitimate land applications, will bring relief to many British Columbians. I think he could even be hailed as "the father of home and hearth."

With these programs of restrained taxation...

MR. STEPHENS: Heavy provincial government taxes. Tax, tax, tax.

MRS. JORDAN:...and individual home ownership opportunities, this government will have been successful in our search for new ways to make possible individual solutions for people, rather than institutional solutions to the provision of their shelter needs. That's important. The individual should have as much opportunity for the right of choice as possible; he should not be dependent on state or heavy corporate housing.

We're living in changing times, with a strong, spirited, cultural country that is changing ideas. The very foundation of our nation is the subject of much discussion and debate, particularly in view of Premier Levesque's determination to remove the province of Quebec.

"Tax, tax." Mr. Member, I was in Vernon when you spoke to the chamber of commerce, and even the membership of your own party got up and questioned you. All that they found you had said was that you were just rerouting the debt and placing it more heavily on the individual. So I do not think I'd talk too much about taxation, if I were you.

Interjection.

MRS. JORDAN: A socialist in Conservative clothing?

We have to recognize the efforts of Premier Levesque, who seems determined to remove the province of Quebec from the framework of Confederation. Mr. Trudeau is determined to bypass the basic issues in this country: inflation and the lagging economy and the federal election. Nowhere do we hear him talk about the rights of the individual, the rights of people, and social justice. He talks about it, but he's not doing anything to put together something, such as this government has done, which would meet the needs of people so that we would not talk about social justice, we would have social justice. We would have opportunities.

It's with pride in being British Columbians, then, that most of us have watched and listened to our Premier as he presented British Columbia's position at several First Ministers' Conferences.

I just have to repeat that the national press has recorded time after time that British Columbia, through its First Minister, is presenting by far the most thorough and comprehensive plan of all the First Ministers. They're quoted as having arrived there with their homework done, our position clearly documented and its alternatives precisely spelled out.

Not only has British Columbia's determination to maintain a strong national stance been evident, but in order to make a strong national stance evident, new workable economic strategies have been proposed as a major step in restoring both the economic prosperity and a sense of national unity in this country. If people do not have social justice and if people do not have money in their pockets and food on their tables and some opportunity to have some freedoms, you cannot have national unity. The provinces of this nation must have more voice in the decision-making process at the centre, as witness the statements in the Speech from the Throne. Local people know the answer to most of their problems, and they need the freedom to act.

The need to revitalize and update our constitution is vital. The basic principles on which division of powers is currently based must be reassessed, in the light of the need for national strength. But at the same time, the Canadian constitution simply must allow for the development and direction of the different and unique geographical areas of this province.

We, as British Columbians and as members of this Legislature, must consider the positive aspects. We must not let those who thrive on being negative and those who want to overrule the national right to individual opportunity undermine our objectives or our confidence in our position.

The same principles underlining British Columbia's national presentations have been applied over the last three years in British Columbia. It has brought about a turnaround of the economy in this province. This turnaround has taken place notwithstanding the overall Canadian and North American picture, and notwithstanding — to be charitable — the devastating effects that the economic policies of the socialist government of British Columbia have had on our province during its term of office.

Respect for the value and capabilities of the private sector to use its ingenuity and its drive to create jobs for people of all ages and to create a strong economy is being proven correct right here in British Columbia,

[ Page 18 ]

as His Honour stated.

The rescinding of restrictive legislation and the creation of confidence in people, the incentive of reward for effort, has achieved an advancement in industry and commerce over these past three years. I would have to say, in looking at the figures, that this achievement is highly significant: 98,000 jobs have been created for people all across British Columbia in many areas of the economy; shipments from British Columbian factories have dramatically increased for 1978 — up 20 percent.

Everywhere you look and everywhere you go around this province you can feel growth, you can feel strength and you can feel excitement in the people and in our economy, an excitement about the opportunities for their freedom that this provides. The forest industry production is up; the fishing industry and land values are up; labour income is up; the Port of Vancouver exports are up; and retail sales are up. Everywhere we look, Mr. Speaker, we see progress in our economy, progress which has found comfort in a strengthened climate of confidence, in a positive climate, a building climate, a people's climate.

There were 14,000 new companies incorporated in 1978; that is 1,084 more than in 1977. Fifteen percent of the new jobs in Canada were created right here in British Columbia, even though we have just 11 percent of the population. It wasn't created by state; it was created by a positive attitude, a positive philosophy and people and government working together in a free climate. All of this, Mr. Speaker, is underlined by the confidence which small and large industries have exhibited in our economic leadership. The forest industry has announced major investments. Respect for the individual rights in our government in cooperation with this private sector continues and will continue to build an infrastructure of sound economics in this province for the future.

There is a multimillion dollar program for building and securing our travel industry, and it is expected to encourage a multitude of tourist-related businesses in British Columbia. The Minister of Economic Development (Hon. Mr. Phillips), who keeps a low profile, provides funds for community industrial development, industrial commissions, assistance and encouragement to small enterprise, research and analysis, and regional development incentives. In the Interior of this province — whether it be on the border of the Yukon, or whether it be on the border of Alberta in our precious Kootenays, the Valley of a Thousand Peaks, or whether it be in the Okanagan — this ministry and this government have done a tremendous job in encouraging people and communities to get out and do their own thing, develop their own abilities and industries. Why, in the North Okanagan in the past year there have been 17 new or expanded manufacturing industries through this program. It is a commission through which this government has given tremendous financial help and advice which will benefit the people of the North Okanagan.

The ministry also continues to be involved in tariff regulations and the national economic strategy. We hope — and we wish you well, Mr. Minister — that you can get through to other governments the benefits that there are in the approaches that have been taken in British Columbia and benefits for people. With major initial industrial initiatives such as Duke Point, the Burrard Dry Dock, the northeast coal studies and many industrial parks around the province, we are, Mr. Speaker, on the path to strong economic opportunity in our province.

There are many other references in the throne speech which clearly demonstrate the government's determination to see that people are free and can enjoy social justice and economic opportunity.

There is the environment, Mr. Speaker, and how we can manage very real environmental concerns and how we must be fair to both the environment and to people. We believe this compatibility can be achieved.

Mr. Speaker, all aspects of the throne speech will benefit all regions and people of British Columbia, and there will be particular benefits and opportunity for the people of the North Okanagan. They do have special concerns which they wish me to bring before the government in this House, but I have chosen not to do this at this time. I will do so at a more appropriate time during the various debates, rather than now.

Mr. Speaker, I mentioned in the initial stages that there were two ways in which you could address yourself to government and government's responsibilities, that there are two philosophies, and that it is in that area that this House divides. But when I read the Speech from the Throne and I thought about what I said, I wondered whether in fact this wasn't the case, because in this throne speech there is the opportunity for all members of this House to say that they do in fact not only believe in social justice but are prepared to support it; that they do in fact believe in individual right and are prepared to support it; that they do in fact believe that economic opportunity, a healthy economic climate, should exist in order that people can

[ Page 19 ]

achieve their own priorities and select their own priorities.

This government has outlined in the Speech from the Throne the importance that it places on the individual in our society; the importance of achieving through legislation and philosophy the right — and, yes, the freedom — to advance through effort; the importance of protecting individuals of all ages from overwhelming power from any sector of the society, and that includes big government. The throne speech stresses that with privilege comes accountability — social, personal and, yes, fiscal.

The former government and the members of this House on that side had an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate its much touted concern for the people, with a large majority, a socially oriented leader and enormous financial resources. Yet in the space of three years, it blew it all — and more. It had no clearly defined goals, no strong or compassionate leadership, no accountability and gargantuan waste.

With the help and confidence of our people this government has in difficult times changed all that. We have clearly defined goals. We have a strong and compassionate leader who has proved himself. And we have been accountable to the people. Most significant — perhaps most significant of all — the individuals of British Columbia are once again important in shaping the course of their lives and their government.

We all will have the opportunity to support the people of this province through this Speech from the Throne. I would be very, very surprised if that weren't a unanimous endorsement.

MR. KERSTER: Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I would like to take this time — just a moment or two — to introduce two very special people seated in the gallery today: my most conscientious and devoted constituency secretary, Mrs. Marguarite Ripley, who is accompanied by a constituent, Mrs. Millie Roosa. I'd ask this House to welcome them.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for North Okanagan (Mrs. Jordan) must be congratulated for the manner in which she has spoken about the achievements of this government and of the vision it holds for the future of all British Columbians. I would also like — through you, Mr. Speaker — to take this opportunity to congratulate those members of our government who have been given new challenges and responsibilities by our Premier, especially those two new ministers: the hon. member for Skeena (Hon. Mr. Shelford), who assumes Agriculture, a portfolio he is not only very familiar with but also eminently qualified to administer; and the hon. member for Burnaby-Willingdon (Hon. Mr. Veitch), who has taken on responsibility for tourism and the added responsibility of small business development.

Mr. Speaker, it's a singular honour for me to second this Speech from the Throne, the fourth and even more positive such message placed before this assembly by our government. In it one particular theme is a common one shared by the three preceding messages from this government, and it is emphasized even more clearly when our government states that the individual is the most vital and the most important element in our society. Indeed, the individual is the very cornerstone of our society, which was built on individual enterprise, individual ambition and individual desire. It's the successes of those individuals — those pioneers — which have established our way of life and those standards that we now enjoy. Our democratic society was founded in the belief that every person has the right to grow, the right to advance and, yes, the right to succeed. This individual excellence which is the heritage of generations of British Columbians is our most cherished possession. We cannot allow those who would find it convenient to be negative to diminish that proud history.

Unlike socialist forms of government, which seek more power through more government, and, as a result, restrict more individual rights, our government protects and expands those precious rights while striving for smaller and more efficient government, and to reduce government intrusion into our lives. It's a privilege to be a part of a government which underlines its commitments, its philosophies and its beliefs with positive action. To reiterate what His Honour the Lieutenant Governor said: "My government believes that the ultimate freedom and security of British Columbians rests on the right and the responsibility of individuals to guide their own destiny. The right of the individual ownership should never be surrendered to government."

Hon. members, I'm speaking about a bill of rights which is soon to be placed before this assembly. All me mbers will be asked to put in place this legislation, which will guarantee fundamental freedoms for all our citizens. I think, Mr. Speaker, it would greatly benefit this province and its people if all members would remember that where government should be just big enough to deliver optimum services, it should never be so big as to be able to deny them.

Over the past 31/2 years this government

[ Page 20 ]

has carefully developed the climate and the framework in which each of us may advance and attain new goals in the future of British Columbia for the rest of this century and beyond. Mr. Speaker, most certainly education must be recognized as the most vital foundation of our future.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

This government has made significant advances across this entire spectrum under the dynamic leadership of the hon. Minister of Education (Hon. Mr. McGeer). It has expanded the opportunities for vocational, technical and trades training. Now as never before, Mr. Speaker, more British Columbians are able to broaden their horizons and attain higher levels of individual success. The Open Learning Institute will afford knowledge to our citizens, regardless of where they live in our province. Independent schools now receive partial funding, because this government, and this government only, had the foresight to give parents and children their individual rights to an education of their choice, partially paid for through their taxes.

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes not only the need to protect the heritage we so deeply cherish today, but the further need to explore and expand our horizons in the future. The Science Council of B.C. and the creation of a research secretariat are the commitments of this government to our future. Without some understanding of what the next century may hold, we could not even begin to lay even the most simple foundation for our children today.

Mr. Speaker, our entire world is celebrating a great year this year, the Year of the Child. Children are the very essence of the future of our entire civilization. Our government has responded to that challenge, which demands only the very best for those generations of British Columbians who depend entirely upon us to prepare them for what tomorrow may bring. In this regard, I applaud this government's initiatives in developing new programs for children with learning disabilities, at the same time recognizing, though, the needs of those other very special children who will benefit from expanded programs for gifted children. Those young people who choose a trade will be afforded additional opportunities to achieve their goal through improved job-training programs; and those who select higher educational levels, but whose interests clearly lie in athletic endeavours, will benefit from new bursary programs at the university level, thus being able to continue their education at home rather than abroad.

MR. LEA: Where will they work?

MR. KERSTER: I don't know why the hon. member for Prince Rupert is interested; he's never worked in his life.

Mr. Speaker, the social responsibility which must be borne not only by government but by all of society requires that each of us receives on the basis of need an income which assures the necessities of life for ourselves and our dependents.

Under the GAIN program this government lowered the eligible age level for thousands of British Columbians. Benefits will be increased in April to provide even more equitable distribution. GAIN legislation recognizes the responsibility of governments to those of our citizens who are handicapped. Individual opportunity in this area of need is unquestionably vital to the advancement of these people. The handicapped guild, achievement centres and homemaker services are all assisting handicapped people to enjoy a much fuller life in this province.

The child and the family are receiving special attention, as I said, Mr. Speaker, from this government. I was pleased to hear from His Honour of the intention of our government to announce new programs for families and children. This is a continuation of the many discussions developed through the White Paper on the family and the child.

New and expanded community resources de-emphasizing institutional care are finally available to many children in need.

Family services in the Ministry of Human Resources will be strengthened. Day-care subsidies are in place already to assist lower income parents by enabling them to be able to continue to work. Maximum benefits have been increased, Mr. Speaker, by 25 percent.

The children's care hospital now under construction in Vancouver will be the finest of its type in North America. I'm proud to be associated with this government that places such a high priority on children's services.

Mr. Speaker, it's not only in services to children that this government has excelled. The universal Pharmacare plan offers British Columbians the most comprehensive program of its kind in Canada. Universal Pharmacare means fully paid drug coverage for the elderly, the handicapped and the indigent, and a $100 deductible formula for all other British Columbians. And on top of this, 280,000 elderly, 14,000 handicapped and 17,000 nursing home residents continue to receive fully paid service, as well as some 80,000 recipients of social service.

Mr. Speaker, another fine example of the

[ Page 21 ]

people programs implemented by this government is SAFER. The SAFER program provides direct cash assistance to those elderly renters 65 years of age or older who pay in excess of 30 percent of their income for rent. Our seniors, along with every eligible British Columbian, can now enjoy tangibly the fruits of their labours by becoming shareholders in the B.C. Resources Investment Corporation.

Our government is concerned about providing greater investment opportunities for every individual in British Columbia. These BCRIC shares are the first in a number of planned initiatives to provide that tangible, individual feeling of ownership in the heritage that is British Columbia. Two new positions have been created by this government. They are fulfilling two election promises made. The auditor-general, of course, has been working for some time at the checks and balances which result in a more accountable government. And one of the first acts of this sitting of the Legislature will be to confirm the appointment of the ombudsman. I would congratulate the hon. member for Delta (Mr. Davidson) and the members of that select standing committee of this House for their excellent choice.

These are very positive steps to provide our citizens with more access to government and to ensure their individual rights. The quarterly reports from the Minister of Finance provide an up-to-date account of government spending, thus giving an even further accountability to the citizens of this province.

The Committee on Crown Corporations is the first of its kind anywhere in the Commonwealth. Under the leadership of its new chairman, the hon. member for Omineca (Mr. Kempf), this committee has the power to investigate all aspects of Crown corporations, to make public the policies formulated by those corporations and to make them more directly accountable for the first time in the history of this province.

Our government has broken new ground in federal-provincial relations. For once, we're getting our share. Our Premier has established a credibility in this area which has not existed before. It was our Premier who presented the only comprehensive and workable document — not just some paper — dealing with this nation's economy and the ways to improve it.

The B.C. strategy called for a reduction of federal regulatory involvement. We're going to be taking a new initiative that this government will place before this House, in order to redirect the responsibility for regulating the British Columbia Telephone Co. We suggested indexing the corporate tax to inflation and moving toward freer trade by rapid removal of Canadian and foreign tariff barriers.

Unlike some governments in this province in the past — at least one — this Premier didn't just talk about it, he did something about it. The government has established a record known across this country for the lowest spending growth of any provincial government. Mr. Speaker, this wasn't achieved by luck of the draw or by plucking it out of the hat. It was achieved by balancing budgets and very careful long-term fiscal planning.

There are some in this province who run around painting nothing but a doom and gloom picture when referring to our provincial economy. It's much to the detriment of this province, if they only knew what they were doing. But when all things are really considered — and by that I mean when you compare B.C.'s position to that of our national economy or the North American economy or even the world economy — this province is a major bright spot.

Mr. Speaker, 104,000 jobs have been created for people entering the labour force since 1975 — 104,000 jobs for people who otherwise may have been unemployed. This government has reacted rapidly to the urgent need to put our people back to work. This is an ongoing objective which requires the type of overall strategy developed by this government to be successful.

Our youth employment programs complement the wide range of training program which prepare individuals to succeed in the job marketplace. Economic development potential in our province is founded on foresight, on opportunity and on need. As the government, our need is to continue to provide those new directions and those initiatives which will guarantee the framework for the economic advancement of this province.

What about foresight? Our foresight in creating the cornerstone of prosperity must not be dulled by negative attitudes or the incorrect assumption that we cannot establish this climate which ensures a positive long-range, environmentally sound and progressive economy.

These are the opportunities which are before us, hon. members: to provide jobs for our people; to ensure a competitive place in world markets; and to guarantee future generations of British Columbians a very strong and vibrant outlook. Our government is facing these challenges daily. Small business now has its own one-stop ministry in government. This achievement is the product of that vital component of our economy which has created 67 percent of all the jobs in this province since 1971.

Mr. Speaker, the Forests ministry has new

[ Page 22 ]

legislation in place which will ensure more efficient management of our timber reserves and which demands more accountability to the people by the private forest companies. Thus government is able to maintain a control and to provide new directions on behalf of the people. Members of this Legislature can be justifiably proud of their attainment of this milestone in our province's greatest industry. The forest industry has responded. That's what happens when you do something positive. Industry responds; people respond; and the forest industry has responded to this challenge by investing 1.2 billion new dollars, which assures B.C. of continued leadership in the marketplace and ensures the creation of more jobs for British Columbians.

Our dynamic Minister of Economic Development (Hon. Mr. Phillips) can be extremely proud of the successes of his ministry. As he would say, just let the people look around this great province and what would they see? Well, they'd see the Duke Point development in Nanaimo, the redevelopment project in the city core in New Westminster and the significant new achievements in international commerce — a new position for British Columbia throughout the world and a positive and exciting climate for business. They are all achievements which continue to create a strong economic outlook for the province of British Columbia.

Mr. Speaker, maybe this isn't the way to put it, but that's why, maybe, some of the other provinces in Canada are starting to really pay attention and take notice. Maybe they're a little nervous because British Columbia has become, under this government, the primary economic force in Canada.

Tourism in this province has skyrocketed. Tourists are flocking to British Columbia in larger numbers than at any time in our history and this industry now is responsible for the infusion of over $1.6 billion a year into our economy. Mr. Speaker, this government hasn't stopped here. Rather, it's developed another milestone. It has developed, with federal cooperation, a $50 million agreement which will assist new expansion and new development in the tourist industry and thus continue to improve both the industry and the prospects for jobs.

The Ministry of Labour, under the direction of the hon. member for West Vancouver–Howe Sound (Hon. Mr. Williams), has done much to establish a more stable labour relations climate. You know, I think it is interesting to note the number of man-days lost through disputes has dropped dramatically from a high of 2.1 million in 1972 to just over 420,000 in 1978. An essential factor, of course, in the development of a healthy economy is stability in labour-management relations. British Columbia, in this area, has consistently improved its record. In 1973 man-days lost in B.C. through either strike or lockout accounted for 11 percent of all the man-days lost in Canada. In 1975 where did it go? It went up to an embarrassing 29 percent. In 1976 it dropped to 13 percent. In 1977 it went down to 4 percent, and last year it accounted for only 6 percent.

Mr. Speaker, the concept of collective bargaining is the very basis of all British Columbia labour law. I think that it is only fair to say that the misunderstanding of the purpose and the scope of the Essential Services Disputes Act is unfortunate and, most certainly, unwarranted. only after it is clear that parties in negotiations have been unable to reach agreement, and then only after there is an actual work stoppage which is liable to create an immediate danger to life, to health, to safety, or a substantial threat to this province's economic welfare, or a substantial disruption in the delivery of educational services, is this government authorized to take action. Now this is the kind of protection that every citizen has the right to expect from any responsible government.

AN HON. MEMBER: They don't understand that across the floor.

MR. KERSTER: Well, an hon. member says that they don't understand that across the floor. Mr. Speaker, I think some of those members opposite would really like to be able to agree with me, but I think we all realize the box they've gotten themselves into with big labour. I understand that the box is not only now filled with those members opposite but that the lid has been nailed on and that some of those big labour leaders have designs on the leadership of the official opposition party. I think that people really are seeing evidence of this throughout the entire province by the fact that Jim Kinnaird is holding his NDP leadership conventions.

Interjections.

MR. KERSTER: Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry, maybe we're not supposed to call them that.

I was extremely pleased with our government's initiative in the throne speech that discrimination with respect to ICBC rates will be removed. All drivers will have their individual rights protected regardless of age, sex, marital status or location. But, Mr. Speaker, this thrust should be taken just a bit further.

[ Page 23 ]

Adjustment of ICBC policy should be affected so as to place the onus or the benefits of this insurance program on the individual driver, and move it away from the automobile, where it presently rests. No matter how good the policy, only in this manner will the individual drivers actually receive the benefits.

Our medical programs are the envy of all North Americans. The long-term care program is unique in Canada and provides universal assistance in health coverage at virtually all levels outside the general hospital. Coverage includes institutional care or the use of homemaker services. Do you know that at the end of 1978 there were 39,880 eligible British Columbians benefiting from long-term care? This program is aimed at three main sectors in our society: the handicapped, elderly persons who need this type of assistance, and the mentally disabled. It's another indicator of the priorities for people put forward by this government.

I must extend my congratulations to the hon. Minister of Health (Hon. Mr. McClelland) for the way he moved to restore confidence at the Vancouver General Hospital. He acted decisively to halt the deterioration of morale at that facility. Through the establishment of firm guidelines, he was responsible for ensuring the continuity of high-quality care.

Special care centres have been authorized for at-risk babies and their mothers in four communities in the province. An even more sophisticated service for extraordinary cases has been planned at the new Children's Hospital in Vancouver that will provide our citizens with the very best attention available for at-risk babies. More than 15 centres now offer special hearing and pathology services. In addition, classroom and in-home auditory equipment is now being provided in Prince George, Victoria and Kamloops.

The new denticare program announced in the throne speech is another milestone in the people-oriented services to be supplied by this government. This program should be directed so as to fill that void in which many people don't have the benefit of existing dental plans. In this way, they will receive some protection against the high costs of basic dental care. Again, this is a program that has been talked about by other administrations and talked and talked and talked about, but it will be implemented by this government.

Health care in both the preventive and the curative sense has had and will continue to have an extremely high profile in the minds of every member of this government. This is true because each of us recognizes that good health, good health education and good health care are fundamental to the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life for every individual in British Columbia.

In the constituencies we serve, our concerns manifest themselves in different ways, responding most directly, of course, to the needs of the community at a given stage of that community's development.

In the Coquitlam riding, where I've had the privilege to serve these past three years, the Eagle Ridge Hospital project has been a top priority in the field of health care. With its present 185-bed capacity and a 1981 completion objective, this facility will become operative at a time when the present population, as well as the new residents anticipated in the impending growth of the region, will have an increased need for the services this facility will provide.

Our painstaking and persistent efforts to assure the provision of this and other like facilities throughout the province exemplify the ultimate and thorough function of every member of this government in serving our most valuable resource in this province, the individual — elderly or young; man, woman, or child.

I can say without qualification that the struggle to implement the Eagle Ridge Hospital and the health care centre project in Port Moody has done more to unite the people of the Coquitlam district behind this KA and this government and this party than any single event in the past three years.

Planning and implementing for the future welfare of people in Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and electoral area B has a broader significance than is commonly recognized throughout the lower mainland. In the private sector later this year, one of the largest shopping centres under one roof in western Canada will emerge as the new town centre for this region. We view this development as an ambitious example of individual enterprise in action, recognizing, as we in the region and we in government must recognize, that the growth potential is more evident each day on that rapidly expanding north side of the Fraser River region.

The Coquitlam region, and those communities to the east, up to Mission and beyond, are most obviously the future residential and light industrial areas that represent a logical alternative to the further strategic losses of prime agricultural acreage in the Fraser Valley.

It's been of considerable satisfaction that we have witnessed an unfaltering program of highway improvement and bridge construction in

[ Page 24 ]

the Coquitlam riding during these past three years. The primary and secondary arterial systems, improved and newly created by the farsighted and growth-conscious Minister of Highways (Hon. Mr. Fraser), will assure the commercial and industrial accesses required to create several thousand jobs in Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam.

And with that commercial I should get more highways. In fact, I'm just going to bring up one now, hon. minister. The next important link in this transportation network will be the Maryhill bypass, a route that will open a new era in the lives of Port Coquitlam residents and a new era of industrial development opportunity in that area. I would expect — and this one is for the minister — that a new link with the North Shore bridging Indian Arm, if you can arrange that, will soon follow. I haven't had any confirmation — or confrontation, for that matter — Mr. Minister.

I have been impressed during these past months, Mr. Speaker, by the depth of careful planning that characterizes the programs of all ministries as they affect people in my constituency.

Through a sense of people-oriented concern and cooperation, the Ministry of Human Resources has established a transition house in Coquitlam in response to a long-standing need, has funded the Women's Centre in Port Coquitlam and relocated and consolidated Human Resources services to better and more conveniently serve the people of the region.

Through that same sense of people-oriented concern and cooperation, the Ministry of Attorney-General relocated and consolidated juvenile and adult probation services and family court counselling services to improve public access. They planned and will soon construct a new justice building to serve this burgeoning region. Kudos go there to the Ministry of Attorney-General.

Through that same sense of people-oriented concern and cooperation, the Ministry of the Provincial Secretary and lottery branch have assisted people of all ages in the development of their sport, culture, recreation, skill, fitness and their participation in significant endeavours throughout this province and the world.

All other ministries of this government and, for that matter, every member of this Legislative Assembly can take pride in the progressive legislation and action that has so far benefited every citizen of this province.

I take great pride in reporting to this assembly that the people of Coquitlam have repeatedly given me a very positive response and a very healthy appreciation for the programs of this outstanding government.

MR. LEA: No worries then.

MR. KERSTER: MR. Speaker, I just can't let that one go by. Who would worry when they're threatened by a runaway federal and a carpetbagger?

MR. COCKE: He lives right there.

MR. KERSTER: Well, he must have moved in suddenly. He lives where his parachute landed. And he will get a similar reception.

Mr. Speaker, in the session ahead, all members of this Legislature will share the responsibility to see that new programs will be approved to further benefit all sectors of our society. We can all take pride in being instrumental in implementing those initiatives as outlined in the throne speech.

They will expedite the release of Crown land for residential, recreational, agricultural and commercial use. Those same initiatives will expand the $1,000 home purchase assistance grants for first-time home buyers, will continue deregulation so as to remove barriers faced by persons dealing with government at any level, will provide low-interest loan incentives for development projects beneficial to our economy, initiatives which will expand programs in our food processing industry, speed the construction of a Vancouver waterfront trade and convention centre showcase and completely review and streamline our more than 20-year-old Municipal Act. There is legislation which will protect the rights of those individuals affected by expropriation. These initiatives will continue and exemplify this province's thrust to assure our Canadian identity will not be diminished by those who would weaken our Confederation.

These initiatives should be a source of pride to all members of this assembly, just as we can all be justifiably proud of those measures already placed into law during the last three sessions, programs such as universal Pharmacare, SAFER, GAIN, the Family Relations Act, the Consumer Protection Act, the Independent Schools Support Act, the Colleges and Provincial Institutes Act, the Auditor General Act, the Committee on Crown Corporations, the Forest Act, long-term care and home purchase assistance.

HON. MR. BENNETT: And on and on.

MR. KERSTER: That's right, and on and on and on.

Mr. Speaker, we've achieved a great deal in

[ Page 25 ]

the past three years. That's not to say that other administrations before us have not made outstanding contributions which have laid the foundation for the present level or standard of living we enjoy.

MR. LEA: Hear, hear!

MR. KERSTER: Well, we had a three-year problem but I don't consider that an administration.

Mr. Speaker, no administration in our history has done as much for so many during its term in office as today's government has done in just three short years.

This throne speech clearly spells out the positive philosophy of this government and its pledge to vastly expand opportunities and successfully fulfil the expectations of all British Columbians.

Mr. Barrett moved adjournment of the debate.

Motion approved.

Presenting reports.

Hon. Mr. Williams presented the annual report of the Labour Relations Board of British Columbia, the annual report of the Ministry of Labour and the sixty-second annual report of the Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 11:53 a.m.