[ Page 4215 ]

CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Prorogation –– 4215

The House met at 10 a.m.

Prayers.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of the members, I would very much like to welcome not a guest but a great friend of this assembly and of all the members of this assembly — and that's the return of Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, we're all delighted with your recovery. You have our best wishes, and we hope that at all times you will shepherd your activities. Take care, and God bless.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Would I be permitted a few words?

As I've said to many before, it's good to be anywhere.

May I tell you, hon. members, that while I was out there I learned something that up until now I had only heard about. During those hours of uncertainty in an illness you know what is happening, but you don't know the severity of what is happening and you only judge the severity by the concern that is etched on the faces of those around you. At a time like that there are only three things that sustain you: one is your faith, one is your family and the other is your friends. I want you to know, hon. members, that you've played a large part in sustaining me during that time. "You" includes not just those members called MLAs, but also the officers of this assembly — the people in blue, even the people up above me and behind me who are not really here, and the people in a number of offices throughout the precinct. The warmth of your assurance arrived in stacks of cards; it arrived in at least a small greenhouse full of plants and flowers; it arrived in books and arrived in baskets, and I want you to know that it helped.

I carry with me today a deep sense of gratitude, and I wanted an opportunity to express it to you. Language is many times inadequate, and today is one of those times. In the simplest terms, let me just say with as much sincerity as I can muster, thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor entered the chamber and took his place in the chair.

HON. MR. BELL-IRVING (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, in closing this second session of the thirty-second parliament, I must commend you for the concern and dedication you have shown in handling all of the matters that came before you.

I was most heartened at the unanimity you reached in the two days of debate devoted to Canadian unity. It is comforting to know that in speaking on behalf of your constituents there is such a strong desire by our people for this great country to remain united.

It was gratifying to note your concern for the burgeoning problem of energy supply through the passage of statutes designed to ease this problem for our people. Your decision to encourage the use of more fuel-efficient automobiles by offering a tax incentive to purchasers of those vehicles is a very positive step toward energy conservation in our province. Establishment of the British Columbia Utilities Commission as an overseer of all public utilities in the interests of economy and energy conservation also indicates a very progressive attitude toward instilling concern for energy conservation by our people.

I also noted your decision to approve legislation establishing B.C. Place in the city of Vancouver. With the full support of the citizens of British Columbia — and the City of Vancouver — my government will undertake the largest downtown redevelopment project in Canada, which will revitalize the industrialized area of False Creek, and provide a mix of public and private development. This area will be the location of a major facility for exhibitions and cultural and sporting events for the enjoyment of all British Columbians.

I am aware also of the wide and continuing research going on with government in the search for alternative energy sources, particularly through the development of our massive provincial coal deposits.

It is also pleasing that you have enhanced our strong economic position through legislation that earmarks some $168.6 million to assist in applied research, to provide low interest loans to small business in British Columbia and to assist our young people through a youth employment and training program.

Your concern for adequate affordable housing for our people has been evidenced in your approval of some $200 million for the creation of more rental as well as owner occupied accommodation.

You have also recognized the necessity for a denticare program for the young, the elderly and the disadvantaged. This program will extend dental insurance to more than 900,000 of our people.

You have shown commendable concern for the future of our country through the creation of a Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations, carrying the responsibility of helping all of our ten provinces to continue to develop and prosper within a cohesive and cooperative federation, without taking from any one of them their historic autonomy. This interest is further evidenced with the opening this past summer of a British Columbia office in our nation's capital.

You also created a new Ministry of Tourism designed to nurture this valuable and rapidly growing industry, which brings such great economic benefits to our people.

These are but a few of the highlights of your recent and imaginative deliberations to help meet the needs and desires of our people and I am most grateful for them.

Honourable members, I now relieve you of your legislative duties, and I trust the blessing of Divine Providence will be with you as you shortly resume those duties.

HON. MR. WOLFE: Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, it is His Honour the Lieutenant Governor's will and pleasure that this Legislative Assembly be prorogued until 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, and this provincial Legislative Assembly is hereby prorogued accordingly.

The House prorogued at 10:20 a.m.