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CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Speech from the Throne.

Hon. R.G. Rogers (Lieutenant-Governor) –– 3213

An Act To Perpetuate A Parliamentary Right (Bill 1). Hon. Mr. Gardom

Introduction and first reading –– 3218

Election of Deputy Speaker

Hon. Mr. Gardom –– 3219

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1984

The House met at 2:03 p.m.

This being the first day of the second session of the thirty-third Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to the proclamation of the Hon. Robert Gordon Rogers, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, 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. R.G. ROGERS (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, I extend greetings to you all on behalf of our Sovereign, on the opening of this second session of the thirty-third parliament of British Columbia. May I express the sincere wish that your goals and objectives and the interests of the people you represent will be met fully in the course of your service as individual members and as the Legislature of our magnificent province.

Since we last met we have learned of the death of Arthur James Turner, a member of this Legislature for Vancouver East from 1941 to 1966. Mr. Turner, who passed away at the ripe age of 95, was the first president of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, and upon his retirement was opposition House Leader.

Last month our province was honoured by the visit of the Premier of the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Zhao Ziyang. All British Columbians are excited by the vast commercial and cultural opportunities afforded by the most populous nation on earth. None are more so than the 140,000 British Columbians who trace with pride their ancestry to China. I am pleased that in May my First Minister will reciprocate Premier Zhao's visit in an effort to further expand relations between our two peoples.

Last September my First Minister hosted the annual meeting of the heads of government of Yukon, Alaska and British Columbia. Today the governor of our neighbour to the south, the Hon. John Spellman, will visit British Columbia, and in May British Columbia will host the annual meeting of the western Premiers. These forums provide a useful opportunity for discussion of matters of mutual interest to those who live in the west.

Plans are now underway for the visit to British Columbia in 1984 of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. This will be an event of significance not only to British Columbians of the Catholic faith but to all people in our province.

In the past three years, buffeted by a global and national tide of recession, our fundamental priorities and character as a people have been severely tested. Difficulties rose and confidence fell. British Columbians have had to redefine who we are and what we can expect. My government has had to count every dollar and to make every dollar count.

The problems we have been confronting are not the work of one person or of one generation. They are of worldwide scope and of long-standing origin. The tendency of government to grow, of taxes to increase and of regulations to expand is being grappled with all across this land, on several continents and by governments of diverse political orientation. British Columbians have met the challenge, have overcome the most serious obstacles and, in a spirit of cautious optimism, face the future with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. British Columbians have made progress in getting our house in order. Hope is around and confidence about.

Through my government's actions, the public sector now has available the necessary tools to restrain spending and minimize to the extent possible the burden on taxpayers. The tendency of government to grow is being reversed and opportunities for those working in the private sector are being expanded.

British Columbians have managed to preserve the most essential services, and can now venture abroad with a conviction that we have done what is right by affirming principle rather than yielding to pressure.

Having come through the worst of times, my government's restraint program has set in motion and put in place the fundamentals that through hard effort will permit a return to the best of times. I am advised that over the past two years the rate of inflation in British Columbia has been reduced from 14.3 percent to 5.5 percent. In the course of 1983, gains in production were realized for the first time since 1981. Nearly 14,000 new businesses were established in British Columbia, and by the end of the year the number of persons employed in our province was 2.1 percent higher than a year earlier.

Though much has been accomplished, much remains to be achieved. Too many of our people are still without employment. Interest rates and mortgage rates are still too high — kept high by massive government deficits in North America. All Canadians are paying the hidden tax of excessive interest rates. Interest rates must be lowered if our recovery is to work. My government believes that expanded international trade and private sector investment are the key elements in fostering new hope for the unemployed.

My government is providing leadership in restraint to governments across Canada. Members of this assembly will be asked to approve a budget for the next fiscal year that will demonstrate clearly the results that have been achieved by the stringent application of restraint since 1982.

My Minister of Finance has been assisted in his efforts by extensive consultation with interested parties. Although the process of adjustment has not always been easy, most British Columbians are prepared to work together and share in pursuit of restraint and recovery. My government will continue to pursue measures that maintain our financial integrity and enable us to maintain essential services even in times of recession and depressed government revenues.

My government reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the compensation stabilization program. I am advised that progress continues to be made in moderating public sector wages fairly and equitably. Settlements in the British Columbia public sector are now substantially below those in other provinces and at the federal level. The scope for productivity bargaining has been expanded significantly. Our ability to maintain essential services in health and education has been enhanced; and, in contrast to other jurisdictions, collective bargaining continues to operate in the public sector of British Columbia, with all settlements to date having been achieved through the voluntary guidelines.

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My government is concerned over growing indications that the federal government intends to abandon its commitment to public sector wage restraint. While collective bargaining rights should be restored, wage restraint must continue. Furthermore, my government would urge Ottawa to take steps to reduce staffing levels that actually increased during the recession.

I am advised that significant progress has been achieved in reducing the size of government, including the number of persons employed in the public service. Organizations have been streamlined and certain functions transferred to the private sector. My government will continue to search for new ways to achieve economies and efficiencies for the taxpaying public.

To improve the productivity and decrease the overall size and cost of personnel services, my government is amalgamating the Government Employee Relations Bureau and the Public Service Commission and reducing the number of staff in the personnel departments of all ministries. This restructuring will be a significant step toward our objective of a leaner, more responsive public service.

My government last year achieved an important settlement with its principal union, the BCGEU. This agreement provides a negotiated layoff, recall and termination procedure to achieve reductions in the public service, and allows the provincial government to hold the line on payroll costs over the next two years, a crucial period in British Columbia's recovery.

I am advised that many of those in the private sector the employers and employees who create the wealth in our province — have demonstrated a new realism through the process of collective bargaining. Most importantly, the partners in enterprise have demonstrated a growing recognition that, whatever their differences, the common interest in productive, competitive and profitable operations must predominate if employment is to be preserved and new jobs created.

My government will emphasize economic recovery in 1984 within a context of continuing restraint. I am advised that North American economic growth is likely to continue and that growth in the Pacific Rim and in Western Europe will strengthen somewhat. Accordingly, British Columbia can expect to achieve accelerated recovery and continuing improvement in labour market conditions.

[2:15]

Nevertheless, I am advised that the world economic situation remains uncertain because of international debt problems, high interest rates caused by massive deficits and the still-too-weak recovery outside North America. As a province that is critically dependent on trade and exports for its economic health, we must continue to affirm the need for our industries to remain competitive, particularly in light of the weak international receovery.

The vitality of British Columbia's economy is directly and inextricably linked to its ability to export goods and services. Over the past 20 years Canada's exports have increased from a fifth of its output to almost a third. British Columbia's share has consistently been double that of the national average. By 1982 our exports were more than triple those of ten years earlier. As we enter 1984, I am advised that there is substantial evidence that exports and international trade will lead the economic recovery currently underway.

Historically the United States has been our largest trading partner, but in recent years we have diversified our economy as Japan and other nontraditional markets have become increasingly important. Our future prospects are immeasurably improved by our favourable location on the eastern edge of the Pacific basin. While our American friends are still paramount in importance, I am advised that our reliance on them has decreased dramatically in the last ten years. In their place, British Columbia has sold ever-increasing amounts of pulp, minerals and manufactured goods to Japan and the European Economic Community and to developing countries around the world.

Since 1980 my government has been actively pursuing the prospect of establishing one or more duty-free zones in our province. At present these zones are established in 77 countries. There are eight foreign made zones and four special-purpose subzones on the west coast of the United States alone. Duty-free zones could increase trade flows and foreign investment, and enhance British Columbia activities in manufacturing, assembly, distribution and finance. Major opportunities exist for expansion of deep-sea port capacity in conjunction with duty-free zones. My government welcomes the federal government's recent indication in its throne speech of a more positive attitude to such zones, and intends to renew its attempts to have Ottawa give approval to specific locations in our province.

My government will conduct a thorough review of the impact of tax legislation on economic development, and will consider innovative vehicles for stimulating investment in job-creating activities in large and small businesses. My government will also establish joint task forces with the private sector — management and labour — to seek out new opportunities in finance, manufacture, assembly and other areas that build on our natural advantages.

My government recognizes that for British Columbia, with its relatively small domestic market, export trade and foreign investment tied to new markets are essential to economic well-being. Governments around the world are becoming increasingly involved in promoting the sale of their goods and services in the international arena. To maintain and strengthen British Columbia's share of world markets, my government will spearhead an expanded trade program targeted at the major developed and developing countries. My ministers will lead specific trade missions to the United States, Japan and Korea, Western Europe, the ASEAN countries, China and Latin America. Their task will be the building of harmonious long-term relationships that will ultimately lead to increased jobs, business opportunities and prosperity not only for British Columbians but for all Canadians. My government will sponsor missions, that include private sector representatives, to follow up specific opportunities in these areas as well as to India, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of Canada. My government will emphasize programs that assist British Columbia companies to attend trade fairs, undertake market development trips, upgrade their products or processes and sponsor visits by foreign buyers.

A key part of the government's strategy to build export markets will involve participation in the new Asia Pacific Foundation to be located in Vancouver. My government has strongly supported the concept of such a centre from the beginning. Broadening our relationship to include educational, scientific and cultural exchange is essential if we are to maximize our trade with the fastest-growing region of the world. As a practical demonstration of our commitment to

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this institution, my government will contribute financially towards the centre over the next several years.

The pace of international activities will hasten as British Columbia moves closer to its meeting with the world and as the world moves closer to its meeting with British Columbia. I refer of course to Expo 86, our province's international exposition of transportation and communications. British Columbia will be celebrating the centenary of the transcontinental railway's completion, and no theme can be a more fitting symbol of our past and of our future. By sponsoring Expo 86, my government believes Canadian unity will be strengthened. Several provinces will participate in the exposition, and the federal government's contribution to Expo — the Canada Place pavilion — will later be converted by Ottawa into a trade and convention centre and cruise ship facility.

Members of this House and all British Columbians can look forward with pleasure and anticipation to 1986, when my government will host the world. The spectacular pavilions and other exciting events will attract about 15 million visitors to view international, provincial and corporate exhibits — all displaying their contributions to transportation and communications over the ages.

British Columbia will also be the venue for a series of special events and attractions appealing to experts and enthusiasts alike, ranging from space technology to the golden age of steam locomotion to the performing arts.

Expo will provide a tremendous stimulus to our economy and will result in over 50,000 person-years of direct employment in British Columbia alone. The construction industry will receive a much-needed boost, as will the tourism and industrial sectors, as visitors from the around the world come to know people throughout this province and their industry.

By opening British Columbia's doors to the world, Expo 86 will prove to be of lasting significance to our people and economy. It will be an opportunity to attract investment and new technology. My government is undertaking this project to demonstrate that British Columbia is a good place to invest and create jobs, and that British Columbia is a reliable trading partner. The eyes of the world will be on British Columbia, and our people will be called upon to demonstrate that we can work together and deliver a product on time.

All British Columbians will be proud to learn that the largest resource development project in Canadian history, the development of the massive northeast coalfields, progressed to the operating stage in 1983. The work on this enormous project has proceeded on schedule and on budget, with the first deliveries of coal loaded aboard ships bound for Japan in January of this year. This project stimulated tremendous economic activity during the recession. It provided more than 6,000 direct construction jobs in 1983, representing over 12 percent of the province's construction workforce. I am advised that the project will result in over 3,000 permanent, direct jobs.

This world-scale endeavour is a brilliant testimonial to productivity and private and public sector cooperation and performance. Through the multi-product port at Ridley Island, it has provided British Columbia and Canada a second route to the Pacific Rim. The northeast coal and transportation project will provide a permanent legacy to future generations of British Columbians.

It is also my pleasure to advise members that new coal-mines in the southeastern region of our province have begun shipments of metallurgical coal to the steel industry in Far Eastern and Scandinavian countries. British Columbia will continue actively to market coal from all regions of the province. My government is pleased that the federal government has brought about changes to the Crowsnest Pass freight rates — changes that British Columbia has sought for many years. With the removal of rates that discriminate against our commodities, British Columbia can be assured of many additional construction jobs and an adequate transportation system in the future. My government is pleased that tunnelling contracts have already been announced in the southeastern part of the province.

As our economy emerges from the depth of the recession, the private sector has emerged as the fundamental underpinning of a healthy and resurgent economy. I am pleased to report that Toyota Motor Co. began construction in 1983 of an aluminium alloy wheel manufacturing plant that will employ initially 100 people. The plant will manufacture in British Columbia products for the international market which, given our province's relatively small population, must be our target if we are to diversify our economy. With the increasing scale of Japanese auto operations south of the border, major opportunities exist for British Columbia to expand its involvement in this sector.

I am advised that proceeds of the housing and employment development bonds are helping put British Columbians back to work. Through the LIFT initiatives, more than $70 million has been committed to over 500 manufacturing, processing and high technology projects. This has been accompanied by small business investments of about $66 million. Through this vehicle my government and the private sector have preserved over 3,000 jobs and created almost 5,000 new, permanent jobs.

The business information centres operated by local chambers of commerce in over 70 communities around the province continue to provide a valuable service to small businesses that do not have ready, direct access to government services. In 1983 the BICs assisted over 30,000 potential or existing entrepreneurs. My government will continue its commitment to create an attractive investment climate for the private sector and to support business and industrial job creation opportunities. A coordinated strategy has been developed to market available serviced industrial land, thus encouraging economic development at the local level.

The small business sector, the backbone of the province's economy, will continue to be assisted through a variety of information, advisory and advocacy services, including the business information centre program, which will be modified and enhanced in response to the needs of small business.

To encourage the entrepreneurial spirit among our younger citizens, my government will support enterprising students who create their own summer jobs. My ministers will seek to find new ways to facilitate the flow of private risk capital, both foreign and domestic, to sectors that have the potential to thrive, grow and create new employment opportunities.

Employment in British Columbia's third largest resource industry — agriculture — remained strong through 1983. The food sector now employs 62,000 persons distributed throughout all regions of the province.

My Minister of Agriculture and Food visited key agricultural areas of Europe and Great Britain last year. My government intends to provide encouragement and assistance to enable the agricultural industry to utilize advanced technology in both production and marketing of agricultural

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products. A replacement program for the expiring federal/provincial agricultural and rural development subsidiary agreement will be negotiated.

Several major initiatives are being pursued to improve the currently depressed markets for British Columbia's natural gas. My government is in the process of restructuring the industry's institutional and financial framework in order to encourage a healthy industry which can create and take full advantage of future market opportunities.

My government continues to support the proposed Western LNG project which will export liquefied natural gas to Japan. The way is now clear for project sponsors to enter into direct contractual arrangements with gas producers. While my government will make every effort, in conjunction with Japanese and Canadian interests, to move the project ahead, the support of the governments of Alberta and Canada will also have to be forthcoming if the project is to proceed.

An interim natural gas export pricing regime developed in consultation with the Alberta and federal governments and industry has contributed to slowing the erosion of gas export sales. British Columbia is continuing to work with these parties to explore alternative pricing options for the future to increase export sales and to expand provincial and producer revenues from this important source.

My government remains committed to the Vancouver Island natural gas pipeline. Terms of reference have been set and commissioners appointed to evaluate proposals. Public hearings are in process, and the report of the hearing panel is expected later this year. Federal funding, as announced in the National Energy Program and as already undertaken in Quebec and the Maritimes, will be necessary if this project is to proceed.

Federal/provincial public hearings concerning the environmental impact of petroleum exploration drilling in offshore areas will be held during this session.

[2:30]

My government has examined various methods of increasing B.C. Hydro's sales so as to reduce surpluses, increase revenue and minimize rate increases to British Columbia customers. My government has now approved long-term firm electricity exports by B.C. Hydro. Other measures such as industrial price discounts and private power developments that create jobs have either been implemented or are under review.

Despite the generally depressed conditions in world metal markets, I am advised that over 100,000 mineral claim units were recorded in British Columbia in 1983. This all-time record demonstrates a confidence felt by the British Columbia mining industry in its future. I am further advised that 1984 is expected to be another year of vigorous mineral exploration activity in the province.

In keeping with my government's long-standing commitment to encourage new mine development, additional steps will be taken this year to eliminate regulatory roadblocks. The approvals process for mine development will be streamlined by reducing the number of agencies involved.

Late last year, my government completed studies on the development potential of the northwest which identified major mineral resource potential in the region, particularly for base metals and coal. My government has indicated that it is prepared to respond to the need for infrastructure in this region when the private sector comes forward with specific development proposals.

During this "Year of Tourism," efforts will be concentrated on encouraging more Canadians, particularly the province's residents, to vacation in British Columbia. This can be achieved by our hospitality sector offering superior service and by making our transportation, accommodation and food costs more attractive relative to our major competitors south of the border.

The Los Angeles Olympics will be a major competitor this year in all our major markets, and my government is undertaking an aggressive advertising campaign to encourage those attending the Olympics to vacation in British Columbia after the games.

Despite the recession in our markets, the resulting decline in business travel, the shrinkage of the expense account market, the drop in consumer spending, and the bad weather during June and July, tourism in British Columbia fared better than in 1982. It recorded increases in trips and tourism revenues generated. During 1983, the most difficult year in recent decades, tourism proved its resilience and its role as an economic stabilizer by recording an increase in employment.

Progress has been made in transferring government functions to the private sector. My government will complete the privatization of the Cypress Bowl ski area, the Manning Park Lodge and the Gibson ski area during the coming year. Other potential areas for privatization are still under study. My government will be announcing additional initiatives in the future.

An increased number of housing starts is anticipated for 1984 and 1985. These will be aided by serviced parcels of Crown land which will be marketed for residential development by the private sector.

In the social housing field there will be special emphasis upon housing for the disabled, including assistance for disabled people leaving institutions for community living.

My government will introduce new legislation to achieve a better balance between the interests of tenants and landlords as well as an expeditious process of dispute resolution.

My government recognizes the dominant influence of world markets for forest products on the provincial economy. Markets for the products produced by the forest industry improved in 1983, after two extraordinarily difficult years. B.C.'s industry suffered unprecedented financial losses in 1982, losses that resulted in plant closures and widespread layoffs. That experience underscores the importance of the forest industry to the province's economic well-being.

For lumber producers, especially those in the interior, the recovery of the key U.S. residential construction industry has resulted in increased sales and somewhat better prices. U.S. housing starts in 1983 are estimated to have been 1.7 million, compared to about 1.1 million in both 1981 and 1982. While interior producers now operate at or near full levels, coastal producers have unutilized capacity and await improvements in the Japanese and European markets.

Pulp and paper markets have also strengthened recently. Producers are experiencing firmer prices and will benefit as markets improve in the coming years. Positive industrial relations are essential if these benefits are not to be lost.

My government recognizes the importance of a strong, competitive forest industry and the necessity for forest management to provide for the future. A record 105 million trees were planted in B.C. In 1982-83, marking the first year ever that over 100 million trees have been planted. Consistent with my government's confidence in the ability of the private sector to carry out a greater share of activities that have been

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undertaken by the public sector in the past, the Ministry of Forests will be pursuing new initiatives to permit redistribution of forestry functions to the industry.

My government will continue to work toward reducing driving hazards through enforcement of regulations and legislative initiatives. Special attention will continue to be given to the problem of drunk drivers.

Construction of the major crossing of the Fraser River at Annacis Island will be continued. Projects to be completed during 1984 include first-ever bridge crossings over the Fort Nelson River on the Laird Highway, the North Thompson River at Kamloops and the Nass River at Greenville.

New projects throughout the province will include vital bridge replacements, repaving and reconstruction of sections of important highways, and the construction of debris catchment basins on Highway 99.

Protection of the environment continues to be an integral part of my government's program. Construction of a special wastes treatment facility and development of a secure landfill to deal with wastes that require special disposal techniques will be underway this fiscal year. The critical problem of solid waste disposal in the lower mainland has also been recognized, and my government has taken a lead role in co-operation with local authorities to develop a plan to be implemented in the next two years.

The Habitat Conservation Fund is now fully operational, providing an opportunity for sportsmen through a surcharge on licences, and others through direct contributions, to play a direct role in habitat protection and enhancement of our fishery and wildlife resources.

My Ministry of Environment, under an agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada, will be studying potential wetlands for enhancement of waterfowl. The non-profit organization is committed to spending $25 million on enhancement projects over the next five years. This will be undertaken in co-operation with other resource users, including agricultural interests.

The protection from flooding of the Skagit Valley in British Columbia has been a long-standing concern for my government. I am pleased to report to this House that over the past year intensive negotiations toward a mutually satisfactory settlement have borne fruit. My Minister of Environment will be authorized to enter into agreements with Canada and the city of Seattle to preserve the Skagit Valley from flooding. A treaty between Canada and the U, S.A. is anticipated this year to conclude the non-flooding agreement.

Positive industrial relations are a key element of British Columbia's economic future. My government has been conducting in the past year an exhaustive review of labour legislation. A committee of independent experts will provide ongoing advice to my Minister of Labour. My government wishes to ensure that the parties involved in industrial relations and British Columbia's economic development are served by new approaches to industrial relations to be pursued this session.

British Columbia is entering a new era in human rights where a greater emphasis will be placed on individual responsibility for eliminating discrimination. The government will be introducing legislation supporting this fundamental principle. The legislation will reflect extensive consultation and recognize concerns voiced by experts and citizens alike. Human rights is a responsibility we all share.

My government is concerned that appeals of Workers' Compensation Board awards are not being handled in a timely and judicious, manner. It is the government's desire to eliminate the existing backlog of appeals awaiting hearing and remove this injustice to injured workers. The financial policies of the Workers' Compensation Board and the board's accumulated unfunded liability are matters which from the view of government, labour and management require attention.

My government, through its restraint program, has managed to preserve the integrity of our most essential service, health care. All British Columbians — be they in the dawn or the sunset of life — can rightly take pride and feel confidence in the first-class quality of health care provided in our province. Health is and will continue to be the number one priority of my government. It accounts for nearly one-third of our provincial budget, the highest proportion of any province in Canada.

The coming year is one of new challenges to our health system. A partnership among those who work in the system in the interest of greater efficiency is absolutely required. To this end, unnecessary duplication will be eliminated, and the commitment of medical practitioners towards restraint will be encouraged. The co-operation of those who must use the system is absolutely essential if we are to benefit fully.

Recent legislative initiatives of the federal government threaten the quality of health care provided to British Columbians. It is restricting the financial options available to provinces and, at the same time, reducing its own contribution to what is the largest single item of provincial spending. My government believes that federal-provincial co-operation in a spirit of sharing is essential if our health services are to be preserved. To this end, my government will put forward concrete proposals and new legislation to improve our health system.

My government continues to believe that quality education must be the number one priority of our school system. Children are our greatest hope for the future. We must promote excellence and prepare our young people to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

My government does not believe that throwing money at problems is the way to enhance quality education. Excessive salary increases and inflated payroll costs detract from quality by competing for scarce dollars available to fund education. My government believes education is for children, and that investments in education should be directed towards acquiring skills and knowledge that will serve them well in the future.

Educational standards and basic values must be reaffirmed. Discipline must be restored, professionalism stressed and challenging situations promoted. Without challenge, there is no achievement. Without standards, there is no excellence. Accordingly, final examinations for all grade 12 students in the province have been reintroduced. In the coming year, grade 11 students will be required to write examinations as well.

With the need for British Columbians to become even more competitive in meeting technological change, discussions are proceeding with a view to introducing more challenge to the secondary school curriculum, including increased mathematics and science requirements for all students. Wide distribution of discussion papers regarding curriculum and graduation requirements will invite full participation from all interested sectors.

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My government will consult with interested groups in preparing a revised School Act. A reordering of responsibilities in education to enhance decision-making at the local level will be proposed.

My government will continue to direct our colleges and provincial institutes towards programs and courses which both meet and anticipate the needs of all sectors of business and industry. Private trades training will be encouraged where possible.

British Columbia's ninety recreation and sport associations will be given more scope to set their own performance targets as they assist my government in stimulating widespread participation in sport and fitness activities and in developing athletic talent.

Special focus will be placed on encouraging volunteers to play an even greater role in the development of sport, while on the playing field my government will be reviewing ways of ensuring that the principles of fair play and safety prevail.

The B.C. Games have now been successfully undertaken for six consecutive years. During this time, 33,000 athletes have participated in competition. The private sector now provides about 30 percent of the funding, and volunteers in the communities throughout the province provide the backbone for the Games. For example, 3,600 volunteers participated in the 1983 Summer Games in Maple Ridge.

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This March the 1984 B.C. Winter Games will bring more than 2,200 young athletes to Fort St. John to excel in an atmosphere of friendly competition. More than 2,000 volunteers will make the games possible. In July the Summer Games will be held in Burnaby. Together, more than 250,000 athletes will have participated in the playdowns for the Winter and Summer Games. Planning has already begun for the 1985 Winter Games in Osoyoos.

Even in difficult times we cannot forget the role of artists and artisans in enriching the quality of our lives. In the arts, 1984 will be a banner year as more than 1,500 artists in music, dance, theatre and fine art converge on Penticton for the B.C. Festival of the Arts. This festival will give tomorrow's professional artists an invaluable opportunity to team and develop through top-level competitions and adjudication, master classes and performances. In addition, it will give them a chance to mix with artists of other disciplines to exchange ideas and to share their common devotion to art.

Members of this assembly are acutely aware of the need for reform of the legislative process. All members share in this responsibility, and the public will benefit immensely. British Columbians share an overwhelming interest in expeditious, relevant and dignified parliamentary proceedings. Accordingly, my government will place high priority on achieving legislative reform.

A second first ministers' conference on native rights will be held in Ottawa in mid-March of this year, in accordance with a resolution enacted by this Legislature in October. My government will continue to take an active role in representing British Columbia interests at these conferences.

As early as 1978 British Columbia put forward a comprehensive set of proposals to reform the central institutions of our federation, including the senate. Other governments, most notably those of Ontario, Alberta and Canada, are now pursuing this objective. My government will continue to press for major changes to the senate so as to make this body more responsive to the regional needs of British Columbia, and indeed to all parts of Canada. Moreover, representation from this province on many of the major boards and commissions of the country continues to be insufficient, and my government will continue to seek to redress this imbalance.

In its relations with other governments, my government will continue to play a constructive role, co-operating in the interests of the people of British Columbia with the federal government and with other provincial governments. In the defence of those interests with respect to particular issues, such as the, effective management of the national health system, my government will not hesitate to speak up for British Columbians in a forthright manner.

My government will continue to examine the Municipal Act, with the intention of further streamlining and reducing the regulatory features of land use legislation. The operational review of regional districts initiated by the Minister of Municipal Affairs will be continued. Implementation of the recommendations will be pursued where it is in the public interest.

Hon. members, you now begin a most important and demanding session. Our people are beginning to sense a new confidence, but much yet remains to be achieved. But our people have shown they are strong, and our people have shown they are energetic. I pray that in carrying out your duties you will reflect fully on the effect of your decisions on the people of our province and country. Through the continued leadership of my ministers and through the efforts of this assembly you must strive to build a stronger British Columbia.

May Divine Providence attend your deliberations.

In our Sovereign's name I thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: In order to prevent mistakes, hon. members, I have obtained a copy of His Honour's address.

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO PERPETUATE
A PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT

On a motion by Hon. Mr. Gardom, on behalf of the Attorney General (Hon. Mr. Smith), Bill 1, An Act to Perpetuate A Parliamentary Right, 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. CHABOT: 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.

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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;

(9) On Crown Corporations; 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 72A(l), and by leave the committee to be composed of Hon. G. B. Gardom, Hon. J.A. Nielsen, Hon. H.W. Schroeder, and Messrs. Ree, Segarty, Veitch, Howard, Cocke and Hanson.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the hon. member for Skeena (Mr. Howard), that William Bruce Strachan, Esq., member for Prince George South, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I move that on each Tuesday and Thursday of this session there shall be two distinct sittings, one from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and one from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and on each Monday and Wednesday one sitting from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and on each Friday one sitting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., unless otherwise ordered.

Motion approved.

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

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, before moving adjournment I would very much like to express the best welcome and good wishes to the many guests of all hon. members on the floor of the House and in the galleries. I'm sure that all the members will hope that you may again visit us and hear our deliberations as the session progresses.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 2:55 p.m.