[ Page 1181 ]

CONTENTS

Routine proceedings

Speech from the Throne –– 1181

An Act to Perpetuate a Parliamentary Right. Hon. Mr. Williams.

Introduction and first reading –– 1185

Presentation of reports –– 1186

Appendix –– 1186

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1980

The House met at 2 p.m.

This being the first day of the second session of the thirty-second Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation of the Hon. Henry Bell-Irving, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, dated February 29, 1980, hon. members took their seats.

Prayers.

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

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

HON. MR. BELL-IRVING: Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, may I call to your attention the presence in the House of our guest and neighbour, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta.

Again it is my pleasure and privilege to deliver the Speech from the Throne to the members of this assembly. It is with a note of sadness that I open these proceedings with the memory of the deplorable act which last year took the life of Lord Louis Mountbatten, a world figure and the cousin of our most Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

We remember also with sadness the recent deaths of two former members of this assembly who served with dedicated devotion in the interests of all of the people of British Columbia. Gone from us are Einar Gunderson, who represented the electoral district of Similkameen in 1952, serving also as Minister of Finance, and Arnold Webster from the constituency of Vancouver East, who served in the years 1953 to 1956 as Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition.

Also now gone from our midst are those outstanding British Columbia athletes, Fred "Cyclone" Taylor, Lynn Patrick and "Torchy" Peden, and the well-known journalist, Jack Scott, all of whom brought fame to themselves and recognition to our province.

All Canadians are proud of recent actions taken by our national embassy in Iran. My government joins in expressing appreciation to those who participated, and hopes that the continuing confrontation in Iran will be resolved soon and the American hostages returned safely to their families. It is our prayer that the cause of world peace will prosper in this new decade.

We were honoured during the past year through the visits of many distinguished people, highlighted by the visit last April of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness, as president of the United Council of the United World Colleges, made his first visit to British Columbia, toured, and attended meetings at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific on Vancouver Island.

Their Excellencies Governor-General and Mrs. Schreyer made their first official visit to our province in February, at which time His Excellency officially opened the Institute of Ocean Sciences at Patricia Bay and visited the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific.

Other distinguished visitors during the year included the Hon. Jay Hammond, Governor of Alaska; the Hon. Dixie Lee Ray, Governor of Washington State; the Hon. lone Christensen, Commissioner of the Yukon Territory; M. Jacques Pelletier, Secretary of State for Education of the Government of France, and Mme. Pelletier; and many ambassadors and high commissioners from countries throughout the world.

We were also honoured last summer with the presence of Lord Denning, Master of the Rolls, who graciously consented to participate in the official opening of the new Vancouver law courts.

I note with satisfaction the celebration of 1979 as the Year of the Child and the Family, and the various programs that were introduced by my government relating to this event.

My executive council has been increased by four ministers and I extend my personal congratulations and wishes to each of them for a successful and fulfilling time in office.

My government also has initiated two new ministries and reorganized others. Legislation relating to these changes will be laid before you.

The Ministry of Universities, Science and Communications will be responsible for higher learning in the province, and for the continuing advancement of scientific exploration. As a separate entity, my reorganized Ministry of Education will be in charge of public school education from kindergarten to grade XII, colleges, vocational schools and institutes, including the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the Open Learning Institute.

The Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations will coordinate and develop policies, strategies and activities for our province's relationships with other governments, and be responsible for constitutional matters. The ministry also will undertake certain executive council administrative duties.

Recognizing the inestimable value of our tourist industry, my government has re-established as a separate ministry the Ministry of Tourism — to take full advantage of the benefits that may be derived from the enjoyment of our abundant natural heritage.

On the national scene, my government renews its commitment to the cause of national unity, its commitment to one Canada, and to all of our provinces being within that one Canada. It continues to hold the view that current stresses within the Canadian federation demonstrate even further the need for substantial changes to the constitution of our country.

We British Columbians today have little more representation in many of the central institutions that govern the activities of Canada than our forbears did in 1871 when the united colony of British Columbia entered Confederation. My government has long been concerned about this lack of representation.

Four years ago my government led the way among the provinces by proposing specific constitutional changes that would guarantee all regions a continuing participation in the determination of national policy, regardless of the make-up of the House of Commons. Since that time, other areas in Canada have followed my government's lead. There is an emerging agreement across our nation that Canada's constitution must reflect today's realities and must ensure that each region of Canada has its rightful place and rightful emphasis in Confederation.

My government's approach to constitutional change calls for all the regions of our widely diverse country to have a stronger and more effective voice in federal decision-making on matters that affect the provinces. Thus, far from seeking to withdraw from Canada, British Columbia will seek a greater role at the nation's capital.

Our province today stands on the threshold of the most

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challenging and exciting decade in its history. To prepare for this, commitments must be made that will establish our direction for the next ten years. My government accepts that challenge. Through long-term planning and aggressive management of our vast natural resources it will continue to lay the foundation on which to build the unparalleled economic strength that will ensure a secure future for all British Columbians, for this generation and for generations to come.

Energy supply, unemployment, inflation and government growth and spending are all matters of immediate and deep concern to my government.

British Columbia is blessed with possibly the widest variety of energy sources of any comparable area in the world. It is my government's commitment that they be monitored, harvested, converted as and when necessary and practicable, and utilized for the energy self-sufficiency of our people now and for the years to come.

An energy policy has been formulated to meet the challenge of providing within our provincial borders an ample and secure supply of energy. Legislation will be introduced to establish review procedures relating to the selection of alternative energy projects so that new sources will maximize social and economic benefits to all British Columbians while minimizing environmental impact.

In the field of non-renewable energy resources, my government will continue to encourage the current extensive exploration for natural gas. You will recall that in 1975, our province's natural gas reserves were declining in spite of clear warnings throughout the world of coming energy shortages. My government began to take positive steps in 1976 to stimulate development of our natural gas potential, including the construction of the Grizzly Valley gas pipeline. The result of these steps is that today the estimates of the province's gas reserves exceed seven trillion cubic feet — equal to more than 20 years of present domestic consumption. My government expects that increased exploration will result in considerable expansion of these reserves.

While exploration in British Columbia has so far found only moderate reserves of natural oil, in-depth consideration will be given to the alternative of converting portions of our enormous quantities of coal into gasoline.

The Ministry of Universities, Science and Communications is establishing a research group with a broad mandate to study the feasibility of British Columbia coal conversion. Considering that through existing technology a metric ton of coal can produce up to three barrels of gasoline, and considering that our Hat Creek coal deposit alone is estimated to contain up to 15 billion metric tons — and possibly more — the potential of this new source of energy for British Columbia and Canada all but staggers the imagination.

In the area of renewable energy resources, our province, which in size is larger than the American states of California, Oregon and Washington combined, today only harnesses about one-third of its potential hydroelectric power. The remaining two-thirds, which is roughly equivalent in energy potential to the total amount of oil British Columbia now imports, rushes unused into the Pacific Ocean. Full consideration will be given to salvaging this huge energy source, but in such a way that it will not diminish our abundant salmon fisheries.

Another renewable energy resource, much of which is also unused, lies piled into small mountains of sawdust in the various milling areas in British Columbia. I am advised that the Ministry of Universities, Science and Communications will be asking scientists to look for ways of converting this wood biomass into useful products, again aiming specifically at our shortage of provincial petroleum.

A third renewable resource, solar energy, is being investigated by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources with the first large-scale field test in Canada of the use of this source to produce hot water for domestic use.

In order to balance and control the development of our potentially vast renewable and non-renewable energy resources, and to see that their products are sold at a fair price to consumers, new legislation will be introduced to create a B.C. Utilities Commission. In anticipation of the federal government transferring its jurisdiction over B.C. Telephone Company rates to our province, the commission's mandate will also include the authority to hold hearings on proposed telephone rate increases. Procedures also will be established for reviewing applications for the export of energy from British Columbia, to ensure that future energy requirements of all of our people are fully protected.

In order to enhance the protection of our environment during the coming decade, a new Ministry of Environment Act will be introduced as a first step toward a full review of environmental legislation. Also legislation will be introduced to allow my Minister of Environment to provide immediate response to pollution emergencies.

Another matter of deep concern to my government is unemployment. The population of our province in recent years has been growing at a greater rate than the rest of Canada. To meet this growth, British Columbia has been creating about 15 percent of Canada's new jobs, even though we only have 11 percent of the population.

In spite of this, unemployment persists in our province. This is unacceptable to my government. To meet this problem directly you will be asked to approve programs and expenditures to create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

In education an expansion of career and vocational education in secondary schools will be proposed. New facilities will be established in five community colleges and in the B.C. Institute of Technology. Apprenticeship and job-training programs will be enriched.

My government plans to provide, through job opportunities, access to training and initial working experience for more than 14,000 young people.

In order to stimulate our home market for British Columbia forest products, my government last year acted immediately under the powers of the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing Act and launched a $200 million program to provide most favourable mortgage interest rates for new homes and rental accommodation.

As well as assisting British Columbians to own their own homes, this program is stimulating all phases of our home construction industry and reducing unemployment.

My government emphasizes that government growth in all of its forms is of continuing and deserved concern to all Canadian taxpayers. It is my government's commitment that British Columbia taxpayers receive full value for their tax dollar, that government growth be measured qualitatively, and that the cost of government be held in check by a balanced budget. The job of government in the 1980s is to accommodate the citizen rather than the other way around. To this end, British Columbians have already seen major tax reductions introduced since 1975. The social services tax rate, for example, has been brought to its lowest level in more than a quarter century.

The scourge of inflation is also of deep concern to my government. It continues to persist in our province, as it does

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across our nation and in other nations of the world, including our main trading partner and good neighbour, the United States.

As a province that has to rely on imports and exports to survive, it is unrealistic to believe that British Columbia alone and on its own can stop this worldwide problem at its borders. But it is not unrealistic to take positive steps to counteract its impact on the lives of all British Columbians. My government believes the positive way to fight inflation inside British Columbia, while still providing the many and varied services which our people require, is to build a strong and vibrant economy within our own boundaries.

Our largest and most important industry is forestry. You will recall that the forest and range legislation enacted by the Legislative Assembly in 1978 set the stage for the orderly transition from an era in which emphasis was placed on the utilization of the province's old-growth forests to the modern challenges best characterized by intensive forest and range management practices.

The time has now come for a major commitment to the most important aspect of the future of the forest industry in British Columbia, a commitment to perpetual reforestation. Although during the past four years you were asked for and gave approval to increasing the amount of reforestation over previous years, it was given on an annual basis. This year you will be asked to make a major long-term commitment which, in conjunction with intensive management of established timber stands, will raise the quality and ensure the future of the most important renewable resource in British Columbia. This perpetuation will form the basis of a secure economic future for all British Columbians, for this generation and for generations to come.

The assembly will also be asked to consider amendments to the Forest and Range Acts to improve administration of the province's forest and range resources and authorize further decentralization of authority within the administration of the ministry to promote more flexible and prompt decisionmaking at the local level.

Early in 1976 my ministers prepared a blueprint for an over-all industrial strategy which would aid the recovery of our economy. This has served us well, but now is the time to meet the challenges of the 1980s and nineties. My Minister of Industry and Small Business Development informs me that a new industrial strategy will be completed by his ministry shortly.

The importance of developing marketing strategies for British Columbia products is a prime concern. Our province's rate of economic growth is normally greater than that of either Canada or most other developed countries, and my government wishes to continue to maintain and, if possible, increase this lead through a combination of sound planning and innovative programs. It is realized that only a strong economy can ensure the future of our young people and provide the tax dollars which will sustain our social programs.

My minister this year will be completing a thorough export development strategy for Pacific Rim nations. The potential market for British Columbia products around the Pacific is vast. By 1985, through the initiatives of my government, British Columbians can expect to be selling more than $11 billion worth of products each year to these nations.

Following highly successful missions last year to Japan and Korea, my government is opening up a market for British Columbia forest products in Japan that is expected to return to our province $1.5 billion a year by 1985, more than 2 1/2 times that which is being sold now. In recognition of this burgeoning market, my first minister recently took part in the official opening of a sawmill in Nanaimo that is designed to produce forest products solely for export to Japan.

My government is also opening up a proportionately large market for British Columbia forest products in Korea, with sales in 1985 expected to reach $100 million a year.

The strengthening of British Columbia's competitive position in world coal markets will continue to be a high priority of my government in the coming year, including vital road, rail and port developments.

To encourage the continued growth of small business in British Columbia and to create employment opportunities, the Ministry of Finance Small Business Venture Capital Corporation Act will create a new type of investment company whose role will be to provide small businesses with venture or equity capital. As indicated last year, a special British Columbia income tax deduction will be proposed for both individual and corporate taxpayers who invest in such venture capital corporations.

At this time I would like to advise you that the free distribution of British Columbia Resources Investment Corporation shares to the people of our province and the sale of additional shares to raise investment capital have been received and widely acclaimed in a most favourable manner. You have enabled the people to share directly in the wealth of our vast natural resources through the extension of individual ownership of corporation shares.

My government is now working hard to bring to British Columbia a major world exposition, Transpo '86. This exciting and highly significant international event could draw the attention of all countries to our province, as well as serve to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inception of Montreal-to-Vancouver rail service in Canada in 1886.

Needless to say, great enthusiasm has been generated at all levels — national, provincial and civic — and British Columbia's submissions have been most favourably received by the Bureau of International Expositions. Legislation to incorporate Transpo '86 will be presented to you.

Transpo '86 could well be one of the most spectacular events in British Columbia's history and provide a multiple of short-term and long-term benefits — and opportunities — which will be felt throughout the province.

This most important exposition is proposed for Vancouver — and it will have as its centrepiece a large amphitheatre on the north shore of the city's False Creek area. Designed to house major sports and cultural events and large-scale meetings, the amphitheatre will be part of something even bigger — British Columbia Place, the exciting development which will stretch along the north shore of False Creek from the Granville Bridge to the Gastown-Chinatown area in the east.

I am advised that tourism is expected to become the world's number one industry by the year 2000. Hence, during the next ten years, it is anticipated that world competition for the tourist dollar will increase dramatically.

The Ministry of Tourism will bring strong emphasis to our visitor industry, which is one of our five basic provincial resources. My minister will be concentrating on upgrading our tourist facilities, and reaffirms that in British Columbia the atmosphere is such that tourists are not only wanted, but are genuinely welcome and will receive both great hospitality and good value.

My Minister of Municipal Affairs will lay a program before you which will afford our municipalities an opportunity to redevelop their downtown districts so that they may

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revitalize commerce and provide new sources of community pride.

My government will initiate a long-range plan to work in partnership with our municipalities to provide public transportation systems, including all types of transit, of which we can all be proud.

My Minister of Transportation and Highways will propose that the existing provision of the Highways Act be amended so the province may establish provincial highways in any city or city municipality. It presently excludes city and city municipalities from having classified provincial highways where the population exceeds 30,000. The amendment will remove anomalies created by the expansion of a number of cities within the province in recent years.

While the desire for special forms of transportation to ease rush-hour commuter movements has become a high priority in the lower mainland at this time, it is equally vital that highways and major streets in the greater Vancouver area maintain their capacity to move conventional traffic adequately as population centres expand. Forecasts that population south of the Fraser River, for example, will by 1985 be double that of 1971 are holding true and cannot be ignored.

My government recognizes the seriousness of this situation. It is already moving to ease trouble spots.

An important need is for relief to the Massey Tunnel and the Pattullo Bridge, where the greatest increases in traffic pressures are from the areas of north and east Delta and of south and west Surrey. It is evident to this government that the most effective solution to these problems is to construct an additional crossing of the main arm of the Fraser River in the vicinity of Annacis Island. From this crossing additional street and highway capacity will be constructed to move traffic to the west and north, and to the central Richmond area. Steps are being taken to complete the necessary consultations and arrangements with the municipalities involved so that this large and highly significant project, with its resultant job opportunities, can get underway as soon as possible.

My government further intends to continue to expand its overall, enlarged program of highway construction and paving, particularly on the north bank of the lower Fraser River, on Vancouver Island, and throughout the interior and north of the province.

As part of my government's transportation policy, measures will be introduced to rationalize the financing of British Columbia Railway, and put it on a basis that is consistent with the approach taken to the financing of the provincial ferry services and highway system. These measures will aim to provide good fiscal management and an assurance for the future of the railway.

You will be asked to enlarge the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture to include a responsibility for the food industry. This will see the ministry work more closely with the industry to promote British Columbia–grown and –manufactured food products. Legislation for the maintenance of a healthy cattle industry will also be introduced.

My Attorney-General will be proposing for your scrutiny the Holiday Shopping Act. It will place responsibility at the community level for determining restrictions in the operation of retail businesses on holidays.

My Minister of Labour will propose extension of the coverage under the Workers' Compensation Act to improve the administration of occupational safety in the province.

Legislation will be presented to codify employment standards which include workers in the agricultural industry. To clarify and improve construction procedures and requirements, my government will present a number of proposals.

Initiatives are underway to streamline procedure, cut red tape and improve government safety regulations in the planning, construction and occupancy of buildings.

The Fire Services Amendment Act will be laid before you to provide for the adoption of modifications of the national Fire Code to suit British Columbia's requirements and assist in establishing uniform and consistent fire prevention and safety standards throughout the province.

A simplified appeal system for citizens adversely affected by land-use decisions will be proposed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

The social services ministries will be proposing new coordinated programs to serve children with special needs. My Minister of Human Resources will lay before you a family and child services act that will encourage and support the role of the family in matters pertaining to child welfare. To aid victims of crime you will be asked to approve an increase in present compensation to ensure that criminal injury awards will be consistent with those awards granted under workers' compensation.

Legislation will be introduced by my Attorney-General to allow the provincial Judicial Council to discharge more effectively its important role in the administration of the affairs of the provincial courts and members of that court.

In order to protect the public and to help eliminate confusion between the role of the police and that of the private security agencies, the Private Security Agencies Act will be introduced to regulate private security agencies in the province.

My Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs will place before you amendments to the Credit Unions Act to expand the financial stability and management accountability of credit unions. Also amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act will propose extending coverage of the Act to permanent residents in hotels.

An increase will be proposed in the chiropractic, naturopathic, physiotherapy and pediatric benefits under the Medical Services Plan.

During the past four years my government has introduced many new social measures and strengthened existing programs as part of its pledge to meet the needs of people. Let me name just a few: GAIN (Guaranteed Available Income for Need) to bring income assistance to qualified British Columbians in the 55- to 59-year age group and to all single parent families; Shelter Aid for the Elderly Renter; Universal Pharmacare, to provide all British Columbians with a measure of protection from the high cost of prescription drugs; increased allowances for the handicapped; the Long-Term Care Program, to bridge the gap between the existing Acute-Care and Extended-Care Programs; increased homeowner grants; increased help for first-home buyers; and the largest program of hospital construction in the history of the province.

Underlying all these programs is the dedication of my government to the principle that only through sound management of the financial and material resources of the province can such programs be achieved and endure. My government is determined that British Columbians shall enjoy a program of health care second to none in North America. In keeping with this resolve, the Dental Care Assistance Program, proposed by my Minister of Health last year, will be implemented later this fiscal year.

In conclusion, my first minister advises me that these

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proposals and various others that are to be placed before you will have a primary purpose in mind: that is to increase the security, prosperity, well-being and enjoyment of life of all British Columbians, for now and for the years to come. That is my government's commitment. That is its mandate.

I ask your most careful consideration of these matters and of the budget to follow. I further pray that Divine Providence may guide your deliberations.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I leave you now to discharge your legislative duties on behalf of the people of British Columbia.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, in order to prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy of His Honour's speech.

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO PERPETUATE A
PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT

Hon. Mr. Williams presented a message from His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled An Act to Perpetuate a Parliamentary Right.

Bill 1 introduced, read a first time, and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that the speech of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into consideration at the next sitting of the House, and that this order have precedence over all other business except introduction of bills until disposed of.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. WOLFE: Mr. Speaker, I move 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.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I move 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 economic affairs;

(3) On agriculture;

(4) On municipal affairs and housing;

(5) On labour and justice;

(6) On health, education and human resources;

(7) On transportation and communications;

(8) On environment and resources; 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), and by leave said committee to be composed of Hon. G.B. Gardom, Hon. E.M. Wolfe, Hon. P.J. Jordan and Messrs. Brummet, Hyndman, Cocke, Gabelmann and Howard, and that pursuant to standing order 72(a)(6) the said special committee appoint members of the House to fill any existing vacancies on the Committee on Crown Corporations.

MR. HOWARD: I rise here very briefly to put to the House a proposal which will enhance and greatly strengthen our democratic system and our electoral processes. The last provincial election was so blatantly subjected to partisan manipulation that this Legislative Assembly must take corrective measures. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, keeping in mind a ruling made by Mr. Speaker Murray on the first day of the second meeting of the 28th parliament, I'm pleased to move, seconded by the hon. member for Shuswap-Revelstoke (Mr. King), that the motion be amended by adding "(9) On unfair election practices;" after the word "resources."

HON. MR. GARDOM: A copy would be appreciated, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Are copies available? Please assist.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER: The amendment appears to be in order, hon. members.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, the government accepts the amendment.

Amendment approved.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, that's the best applause I've had all year from the hon. opposition.

Mr. Speaker, I would move, seconded by Mr. Howard, the hon. member for Skeena, that Walter Kenneth Davidson, Esq., member for Delta electoral district, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I would move that report No. 9 of the Select Standing Committee on Standing Orders and Private Bills, adopted by this House on February 27th, 1973, relating to oral questions, be adopted by this House for the present session.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I would move that on each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this session there be two distinct sittings on each day, one from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and one from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m., and on each Friday there be one sitting from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., unless otherwise ordered.

Motion approved.

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Presenting Reports

The following reports were presented:

By Hon. Mr. Wolfe:

Public Inquiries Act under Hon. Mr. Justice P.D. Seaton.

Annual report of the British Columbia lotteries branch, April 1, 1978, to March 31, 1979.

The Public Service Labour Relations Act, 1979.

The First Citizens Fund Advisory Committee, January 1, 1979, to December 31, 1979.

Annual report of the Public Service Adjudication Board, 1979.

Annual report of the Members of the Legislative Assembly Superannuation Act, March 31, 1979.

Annual report of the Public Service Superannuation Act, March 31, 1979.

Annual report of the College Pension Act, August 31, 1979. Annual report of the Municipal Superannuation Act, December 31, 1978.

Annual report of the Teachers' Pensions Act, December 31, 1978.

Annual report of the Public Service Commission of British Columbia, 1979.

By Hon. Mr. Curtis:

Public Accounts of British Columbia, March 31, 1979.

Return submitted in accordance with section 46(2) of the Revenue Act, Revised Statutes of B.C., 1960: refunds and remissions made under section 46(1) of the Revenue Act, Revised Statutes of B.C., 1960, for the calendar year 1979.

Return submitted in accordance with section 85(4) of the Taxation Act, remissions and refunds made under authority of section 85(1), (2), (3) of the Taxation Act, Revised Statutes of B.C., 1960, for the calendar year 1979.

Statement of unclaimed money deposits under authority of Unclaimed Money Deposits Act, Revised Statutes, 1960, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1979.

Annual report of the Purchasing Commission, January 1, 1979, to December 31, 1979.

By Hon. Mr. McGeer:

Annual report of the Science Council of British Columbia.

Annual report of the Universities Council of British Columbia.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 2:56 p.m.

APPENDIX

20 Ms. Brown asked the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources the following questions:

With reference to the Provincial Rehabilitation and Employment Program (PREP) —

1. What are the names, salaries, previous occupations, and locations of the "Job Finders" in the program and the Provincial Co-ordinator?

2. What is the total number of administrative staff, excluding the Job Finders?

3. What is the total cost and the number of months covered for the program for 1977, 1978, and to date in 1979?

The Hon. Grace McCarthy replied as follows:

"1. The names, salaries, previous occupations and locations of the 'Job Finders' in the program are as follows

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NOTE—Due to regionalization of the P.R.E.P. program in March 1979, the Provincial Co-ordinator's position was eliminated.

"2. 27.

"3. From January 1, 1977 to March 31, 1979, inclusive, the cost was $2,124,307."

21 Ms. Brown asked the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources the following questions:

With reference to the number of social assistance recipients placed in employment—

l. Were any placements made in 1976, 1977, and 1978?

2. If the answer to No. l is yes, how many persons were placed in each month in 1976, 1977, and 1978?

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3. Were any of these placements made in ministries of the Provincial Government, and if so, how many, and in which ministries?

4. Were any of these placements made in ministries of the Federal Government, and if so, how many, and in which ministries?

5. Were any of the placements in private employment subsidized in any way by the Provincial or Federal Governments?

6. If the answer to No. 5 is yes, how many jobs were subsidized and what was the total cost to (a) the Provincial Government and (b) the Federal Government?

7. Were any of the placements made through Canada Manpower?

8. If the answer to No. 7 is yes, how many in each month?

The Hon. Grace McCarthy replied as follows:

"l. Yes.

"2.

*_{P.R.E.P. began May 1976, and statistics were not available until July/August 1976.}

"3. Yes.

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"4. Yes.

"5. Yes.

"6.

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NOTE—The data sought in this question is not normally required P.R.E.P. statistical records. The figures quoted were obtained by the individual P.R.E.P. offices in a process of tracing back through client placement files for the period indicated.Therefore, the quotations are made subject to claim of accuracy only to the point allowed by this method.

"7. Yes.

"8.

*P.R.E.P. began in May 1976, and statistics were not available until July/August 1976."

24 Mr. Hall asked the Hon. the Provincial Secretary and Minister of Government Services the following question:

With reference to staff members employed in the Premier's Office, the Executive Council and Intergovernmental Relations Office, and the offices of Ministers of the Crown—

What are the names of each person employed, their positions, and present annual rate of salary or other stipend?

The Hon. E. M. Wolfe replied as. follows:

"The following persons are employed as of July 31, 1979:

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*Subject to increment adjustment.

*Subject to increment adjustment.

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*Subject to increment adjustment.

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*Subject to increment adjustment.

18 Mr. Barnes asked the Hon. the Premier the following questions:

1. When making application for BRIC shares, an applicant must produce two identifying documents, such as driver's licence, birth certificate, or social insurance number. Are applicants required to produce proof of Canadian citizenship at the time of application?

2. If the answer to No. 1 is no, then could the Premier advise the House whether or not the banks and credit unions, etc., who are acting as agents for B.C. Resources Investment Corporation, are paid their $5.00 per application fee for qualified applicants only, or are they paid for all applications received, whether they are later proven to be Canadian citizens or not?

The Hon. W. R. Bennett replied as follows:

"1. No.

"2. The financial institutions are paid $2.50 for taking the application. In addition, they are paid $2.50 for issuing the shares. Should an incorrect certification as to Canadian citizenship be discovered prior to delivery of the shares, the financial institutions would be paid only $2.50 as they would be notified not to distribute the shares."

29 Mr. Barber asked the Hon. the Premier the following question:

With reference to the 25 cents per share paid to agents selling BRIC shares, what was the total amount paid to (a) chartered banks, (b) investment houses, (c) credit unions, and (d) other agencies?

The Hon. W. R. Bennett replied as follows:

"The payments of the 25 cents per share to agents selling BRIC shares are in the process of being made. They were payable when the shares were delivered and the agents submitted a final report. The first payments were made in November 1979 and are expected to be completed in March 1980."

30 Mr. Barber asked the Hon. the Premier the following question:

With reference to the $5 fee per application for lots of 5 BCRIC bearer shares, what was the total amount paid to (a) chartered banks, (b) investment houses, (c) credit unions, and (d) other agencies?

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The Hon. W. R. Bennett replied as follows:

"The $5.00 fee per application for lots of 5 BRIC bearer shares was payable in two instalments, $2.50 for each and $2.50 application processed for each lot delivered. The first instalment was paid in July 1979 as follows:

The payments of the second instalments began in November 1979 and will be completed in March l980."