[ Page 3221 ]

CONTENTS

Address to Legislature by Governor John Spellman –– 3221

Mr. Barrett

Hon. Mr. Bennett

Routine Proceedings

Oral Questions

Bus safety. Mr. Passarell –– 3223

Protection of St. Mungo site. Mr. Hanson –– 3224

Highways ferries. Mr. D'Arcy –– 3225

Taxation measures. Mr. Stupich –– 3225

Rent controls. Mr. Blencoe –– 3225

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Mowat –– 3225

Mr. Reid –– 3230

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1984

The House met at 2:05 p.m.

Prayers.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, in the galleries and on the floor of the Legislature today we have distinguished visitors to British Columbia, our good friends to the south in the neighbouring state of Washington. Governor John Spellman and members of his delegation met this morning in one of continuing meetings on outstanding issues, or areas in which issues may arise, between their state and our province and between our two peoples. This is the second official visit of Governor Spellman to this Legislature since he became governor and since we were fortunate enough to have the governor address us in 1981 as part of that visit. With the governor today in the precincts and the gallery as part of the delegation are: Mr. Richard T. Schrock, Director, Department of Commerce and Economic Development; Mr. Donald W. Moos, Director, Department of Ecology; Mr. Bill Wilkerson, Director, Department of Fisheries; Mr. Ed Devine, executive director of the Expo 86 Commission; Mr. Paul O'Connor, press secretary, office of the Governor; and Mr. Kirk Merrill, aide to the office of the Governor.

This morning we discussed a number of items of mutual interest to our people, dealing with fisheries, fishing enhancement and fishing agreements, hydro power and natural gas, and the resolution that has been achieved on the Skagit Valley as a result of previous negotiations and discussions. We had discussions on environmental matters regarding water and air, and we dealt with a major announcement — and one that's important to British Columbia, but it's not surprising that it should come from our closest neighbour — and that is the official announcement, of course, that the first state from the United States to announce their active participation in our Expo 86 is that of Washington. For that we thank the Governor and the people of Washington. Not only are they helping us to make our Expo 86 an outstanding international success but in many ways they showed us the way with the development of two expositions within their state in the last number of years that were outstanding successes and were enjoyed by many British Columbians, as well as by other visitors from around the world.

I want to say that over the period of his term Governor Spellman has not only been a good friend of British Columbia and Canada but has taken the time to understand our problems as they may exist and where the solution can be mutually arrived at. On many occasions he has picked up the phone and called the government when issues were pending. In many cases we have met together in delegations and as individuals, and I think that the relationship between us and the people of Washington, particularly in government, has been enhanced by his personal, friendly style, one which has with it a wealth of understanding because of his personal knowledge of our province and the time he spends here both officially and unofficially. As I say, we are honoured today to have this delegation here.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask leave of the House at this time to allow our distinguished visitor to address the Legislature, and at the same time I ask leave for the House to defer question period until the conclusion of his address.

Leave granted.

GOVERNOR SPELLMAN: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Premier, Members of the Legislative Assembly, my fellow Americans: I am again honoured to have the extraordinary opportunity to speak to this Legislative Assembly of Canada's most promising province. I am indeed grateful for the Speaker's neighbourly invitation. As I did in May of 1981, I stand before you, an old neighbour and friend, and I am again pleased to bring to you the warm and neighbourly greetings of the four million people of the state of Washington, who are the friends of British Columbia.

When I first stood before you, I came to reaffirm and re-establish a friendly and cooperative relationship that had sometimes been strained. We are now all witnesses to a new chapter in that historic saga of kinship and progress between our province and state. We are again working together in many areas of mutual benefit. We have shown that by low-key, pragmatic hard work we are able to work out the differences, as witnessed by the Skagit–Ross Lake treaty. There yet remain — and I suppose always will remain — issues upon which we will find ourselves initially divided. Premier Bennett and I engaged this morning in a frank discussion of many of those issues.

I think there is one subject, however, upon which we all intuitively and wholeheartedly agree: that is, that we are blessed to live in a virtual Camelot of natural splendour and quality of life, and that this equitable condition is not only good for our souls but very good for our economies. We of the Pacific Northwest understand, I think better than anyone else in the world, the economics of environmentalism. The best young medical graduates of the best schools in our country come to our state for their final training, because they want to live there. The best people from all professions — arts and sciences — gravitate to this northwest, because this is the place where they want to spend the rest of their lives. And, indeed, our best executives frequently turn down transfers to other parts of the nation, at a considerable monetary loss, rather than leave this area, which is so special.

[2:15]

Our environment and our economy work closely together. Our environment is our mainstay: agriculture, not airplanes, is Washington state's number one industry. We as stewards must assure the continuous bounty of our rich land and our clean water and clean air. We talked about that this morning.

Tourists from all over the world come to share the breathtaking stage upon which we are privileged to live out our lives. The whole world will be coming to Expo 86, a visionary world's fair that this province deserves the highest praise for putting together. Last year I requested our Legislature to establish an expo commission. They did, and I am indeed happy that we will be participating there. I hope that we can encourage other states to participate too, because it will be a grand international event. Like the Seattle World's Fair of 1962 and the Spokane Fair of 1976, the well-conceived facilities of Expo 86 are designed to be a continuous public resource, and that will be very good for the province. Spokane has literally been reborn as a result of their world's fair.

The forces behind Expo 86, and you, are to be congratulated for your forward thinking. Our foresight as stewards of this magnificent land does not always merit congratulations. There is one critical challenge upon which I would like to concentrate for a minute or two this afternoon. I come before you today with a plea to save the Chinook. A plentiful stock

[ Page 3222 ]

of salmon has always represented the jewels and crown of our shared and enviable quality of life. But the Chinook, which appropriately is called the king, is an endangered species. Because of overfishing, half a million Chinook per year never return to their spawning grounds along our mutual coastlines. That means that every year our commercial and sports fishing persons see about one million fewer kings in our waters, and that's a very serious business. We're witnessing a chain reaction: first, the Columbia River is overfished, then the Skagit, then the Fraser, and resource enhancement declines step by step. While we debate at the federal levels of our countries how 20 years from now we will divide up the catch between the provinces and the states of our two countries, we're watching the stock itself being reduced to almost zero over that period of time. There will be nothing to divide up in 20 years' time if we're not very careful. Like the lawyers in Bleak House, we may protract our contentiousness to the point that there will be no inheritance to divide up.

It's easy to avoid dealing with this problem, because our constituents — yours and mine, commercial and sports fishing people — are divided themselves. They are suspicious of any solution to this problem. The result of continued combined inaction, however, will be the loss of our and their precious heritage. The absence of a treaty is devastating to this natural resource, and our two countries must get back to the bargaining table and get the job done. It is vital.

I've worked with the Governors of the northwest states Oregon, Alaska and so forth — to gain support for a Canadian-U.S. treaty. I will be meeting with Governor Sheffield of Alaska later this month on this same subject. But let me formally, here today, call on the governments — not just our federal governments but the Governors of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, this assembly and the appropriate national officials of both countries — to act immediately to save the Chinook. Without a treaty the future is bleak; inaction will get us nowhere. I think we should adopt appropriate fishery regimes for the next two years, with or without a treaty, if we're to avoid further catastrophic results.

If we are wise stewards — and we have been — and continue to work together to avoid the tragic errors that we could commit otherwise, this great northwest has a glorious future. The people of Washington join you in looking toward that future. The century of the Pacific has finally dawned, and British Columbia and Washington are the two jurisdictions of their respective nations that sit on the Pacific Rim closest to the action of the new world economic order. Together we will be the great transportation hubs of trade between the two nations and the burgeoning countries on the Pacific.

It is a matter of significance, I think, that the Premier of China came here to British Columbia to visit, just as it was significant when in 1979 the leader Deng Xiaoping visited the state of Washington. China and the rest of Asia recognize our corner of the world as the doorway to the prosperity of the Pacific. Together we will be the crossroads of the twenty-first century — our children and their grandchildren. Our cosmopolitan cities will become multilingual service as well as transportation centres for the world. Our lives will get better and our children will face that boundless future. But today we must take the action necessary to ensure that in their day the quality of their lives and of the environment in which they will live will still constitute a remuneration more important than any paycheque they could ever receive.

I am pledged to continue cooperation with you. It is in our mutual best interests; it is in our interest as friends.

1 thank you for the opportunity to meet with you again, and I wish that God will bless each one of you.

MR. BARRETT: On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, it is rare in this chamber that I have the opportunity to welcome a fellow graduate of Seattle University. I think the House should also know that among the esteemed achievements made by the Governor is the fact that he has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Georgetown University, which was the first Catholic university in North America. That singular honour is a reflection of the commitment in the United States of a focus toward Washington state as an area in which to be and to live.

I am particularly moved by the governor's comments about his fellow Americans, and "fellow" North Americans is true. Would or could that the world would live in the tranquillity that we share in a common border. It would be an example for all others to follow, and there would be no threat to peace internationally.

Mr. Speaker, the Governor continues a tradition of visits to this province which has now been established for some time. His esteemed predecessor, Governor Evans, now a U.S. senator, deserves the congratulations and support of all people in the northwest, as he is a common voice for this whole region in that remote capital — almost as remote as our capital seems on occasion, Mr. Governor.

There is a memorial standing at the border in Blaine with an inscription that says we are children of a common mother. It is true, but like all people on earth, we have even a greater common mother. In particular, the common mother that we share with Washington state is in an inherited understanding of our different yet same political processes and democracies. There is a move in our province now, long due, to examine our parliamentary process. So we too, I think, could look to our fellow child of a common mother and some of their parliamentary practices in regard to the majority and the minority. Their long-held tradition and their longer experience with an entrenched bill of rights could indeed be useful to us as we examine some changes here. On that basis your visit is more than welcome.

On a final note, Mr. Speaker, let me say in all seriousness that it is absolutely essential, in my opinion, that political leaders of all jurdisdictions and of all political philosophies, continue to meet face to face to avoid the breakdown of communication that could lead to the annihilation of mankind. We have a deep abiding support for the president and the leadership in your country when it is committed to peaceful actions to bring peace in this world. Our own federal government has now embarked upon that course. Let it be said here today, in our own small way in showing this shared friendship, that it is sincere and it is well meant. Let us hope that it is a demonstration to the rest of North America, and perhaps to other jurisdictions, that the peace we enjoy here can be duplicated all over the world. Thank you for coming.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Governor Spellman, the eloquent remarks of the Leader of the Opposition indicate to you how much every member from every political party in this province recognizes how important it is that visits of this nature continue to take place, and that meetings such as we hold from time to time, and on a regular basis as well, continue to take place. While our two systems of government are different — yours is representative government, ours is

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responsible government — there are similarities of democratic principle that apply to both of our chambers and to our policies Therefore, Governor, we in British Columbia welcome you and your delegation, and warmly respond to the message you gave us today. Certainly the actions you are taking in Washington state, positioned as you are on the Pacific, as concerned as you are about your environment and your resources, whether it be wildlife or fish or those resources that develop and create economic activity and jobs for your people.... What is apparent is that there is something we share together. The thrust of your policies has been to expand tourism. So has ours. The thrust of your policies has been to expand international trade by personally led delegations to the countries of the Pacific. Your search for high technology has already paid dividends in attracting new industry to your area. These too are the thrusts and the goals for us in British Columbia. As we watch each other and learn from each other, let us rejoice in our differences but take pride in those many things we share together.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, at this time we will resume our normal course. I will ask if there are further introductions at this time.

[2:30]

MR. BARRETT: Mr. Speaker, I would like the House to welcome two guests from New York state, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Shatzkin. Mr. Shatzkin is in British Columbia speaking to a conference on book publishing and other related matters. I would ask the House to welcome him, and I hope he enjoys his visit.

HON. MR. McGEER: Mr. Speaker, this must be United States Day in our Legislature. It's my pleasure to call the attention of the House to the presence of Dr. Balmer and a group of students from Lewis and Clark College, who pay an annual visit to this Legislative Assembly. I think today they have witnessed a rare moment of harmony in the House. Perhaps it would be well for us not only to bid them welcome but to ask them to come back more frequently so that we can enjoy the tranquillity of our own Legislative Assembly.

MR. VEITCH: Mr. Speaker, seated in your gallery this afternoon is a good friend of mine, Mr. Dolphe Hoffman, president of the B.C. Construction Association and director at large for the Canadian Construction Association. I ask the House to bid him welcome.

HON. MR. RICHMOND: I have two or three introductions today. First of all, let me add my welcome to Governor Spellman and his entourage, and thank them once again for making me very welcome when I spoke to both of their Houses in Washington state last year. I too would like to see these reciprocal visits continue.

In the gallery today are several members of the B.C. Motels, Resorts and Trailer Parks Association. I would like to introduce Mr. Gayle Jensen, their new president, along with his son Neil; Mr. Earl Hansen, managing director of that organization; and Mr. Bob Kerswell, representative from the Thompson Country Tourist Association. I would ask the House to make them welcome.

Also, I would like to take a moment to introduce my wife Patricia to the House. She is visiting this week from Kamloops, and, as I forgot this morning, I would like to wish her Happy Valentine.

MR. CAMPBELL: In the gallery today from Vernon is the president of my constituency association, Mr. Tom Moore, and his wife Pearl. I would also like to welcome my own wife Isabel. I would like you to give them a welcome.

HON. MR. SCHROEDER: Mr. Speaker. we don't usually take notice of anniversaries, but today is an unusual anniversary. It is, after all, St. Valentine's Day, and I wish the House would send its best wishes to Austin and Louise Pelton. He's the member for Dewdney, and this is their forty-second year.

MR. SEGARTY: In the gallery today, along with all of those distinguished guests, is the wife of the member for West Vancouver–Howe Sound (Mr. Reynolds), Yvonne Reynolds. I'd like the House to welcome her, and also Marion Reid, wife of the second member for Surrey (Mr. Reid).

MR. ROSE: Mr. Speaker, this is not necessarily an introduction, but it is a kind of international day in this House. On behalf of the House, I would move that the House extend its congratulations to our first gold-medal winner in Sarajevo, Gaetan Boucher, who won his medal in the 1,000 kilometre speed skating this morning.

Interjection.

MR. ROSE: I'm informed that that's further than he actually skated. It's the 1,000 metre race, isn't it?

MRS. JOHNSTON: Mr. Speaker, in your gallery this afternoon I have four guests: Adolph and Joyce Frey visiting from Wilkie, Saskatchewan, my sister-in-law and her husband Pat and Dave Hopkins. They were previously residents in that great Cariboo town of Quesnel, represented by Hon. Alex Fraser, but they are now living in Surrey, which is the future terminus of the ALRT. I would ask you to welcome them, please.

HON. MR. HEWITT: Mr. Speaker, in your gallery is my constituency secretary Mrs. Joan Konfederak, who is visiting the Legislature for the first time. I ask the members to bid her welcome.

Oral Questions

BUS SAFETY

MR. PASSARELL: I have a question for the Minister of Human Resources, who is responsible for transit in the province. On February 9 I asked the minister if she was aware of the concerns of passengers and transit operators over the government's decision to close the Burnaby testing station on March 9, 1984. The minister took my question as notice, and I ask again: what provision has she made for regular safety inspections of transit buses after this date?

HON. MRS. McCARTHY: Mr. Speaker, I took the question as notice so that I could come back with a full and

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detailed report, rather than a quick report. If the member would be just a little patient, I'll do that in the next couple of days.

MR. PASSARELL A question to the Minister of Highways and Transportation. In the same week that a tragic bus accident took the lives of two students, the minister announced that the last remaining testing station at Burnaby would be closed on March 9, 1984. In view of the tremendous public concern over bus safety and the government's failure to ensure safety testing after that date, has the minister decided to reconsider his decision to eliminate the public safety inspection stations in the lower mainland?

HON. A. FRASER: Mr. Speaker, the answer is no.

MR. PASSARELL: Why not?

PROTECTION OF ST. MUNGO SITE

MR. HANSON: Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Transportation and Highways. Near the right-of-way for the Annacis Island bridge, as the minister is aware, is one of the most important archaeological sites remaining intact in the Fraser delta area, called the St. Mungo site. This particular site is not on the right-of-way; the bridge will pass 40 feet in the air above it. I'd like to ask the minister why his ministry intends to bulldoze this site to store construction materials, which is equivalent to running a bulldozer through the Provincial Archives.

HON. A. FRASER: What I know about it is that we've dealt with the people responsible — the heritage branch and everything else — and I would assume that anything we're doing there is by agreement with people who are interested.

MR. HANSON: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. It is possible that you can encapsulate the site in gravel and protect it, to store your materials. You don't have to destroy the accumulation of 4,000 years of human cultural activity in that area. It is true that the provincial government has put some money into interpreting that site for school children. In fact, thousands of children and thousands of interested citizens have gone through there. Would the minister give an undertaking to the House that he would speak to his colleague the Provincial Secretary (Hon. Mr. Chabot) about measures to save the remaining deposit and not destroying it forever and a day just to store pilings on that site?

HON. A. FRASER: Well, Mr. Speaker, I thought we'd been doing that for the last two and a half years.

MR. HANSON: Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Secretary is aware of this site, and his department has put some money into excavating and interpreting this site. Would he meet with the Highways minister to discuss ways of encapsulating this deposit with a gravel pad and leaving it for excavation some time in the future?

HON. MR. CHABOT: Mr. Speaker, I'll take the question under consideration. However, I think it is improper for a member to ask a question of a minister which asks him to attempt to influence another minister of the Crown. So I think if you have a question of the Minister of Highways, you should direct your questions to him directly. If you have a question of me, direct it to me, and I will respond.

MR. HANSON: Mr. Speaker, the Highways ministry is planning to destroy this site this week. Would the minister give an undertaking to this House that he will meet with that minister at the earliest opportunity to save this precious, non-renewable heritage resource of this province?

HON. MR. CHABOT: I will take the question under consideration. I am sure that the member who asks the question, as an archaeologist himself, is well aware of the activities of this ministry at the St. Mungo archaeological site. The digging that has been taking place there for some considerable time is for the purpose of recording the activities that have been pursued there by our predecessors over many thousands of years. We are doing everything, under the circumstances of a new bridge being built there, to record those activities that have been pursued in that particular part of British Columbia.

No particular concern has been expressed to me about any activities of the Ministry of Highways that is that pressing. I have a lot of professional archaeologists in my ministry, and they have not come forward to me to express any anxiety that I meet with the Minister of Transportation and Highways this week.

MR. HANSON: If the minister had not fired the Heritage Advisory Board, it would have made representations to him on the heritage value of that particular site. You would have had plenty of opposing opinion. It took 4,000 years to accumulate that evidence of human occupation. Will the minister not give the Highways minister an opportunity to change his crew's schedule to save that site? You would be fully acclaimed by the people of the province and all the academic community if you would please do that.

HON. MR. CHABOT: I want to respond to the point made by the member for Victoria regarding the Heritage Advisory Board and the fact that their services are no longer required because the Heritage Trust has been beefed up. Not only that — I want to comment as well on the role fulfilled by the Heritage Advisory Board in the period of time before their disbandment. At no time did I ever receive a report from that advisory board to the minister in the approximately 12 to 13 months before they were disbanded. To suggest that now all of a sudden because an issue is strong in the mind of the archaeologist member from Victoria.... That does not suggest that I would have received a report from this advisory group.

Not only is there no longer a need for the advisory board because of the fact that the Heritage Trust and its role has been increased, but we have beefed up the heritage group within the ministry as well. In the ministry alone we now have 40 people with PhDs. Is the member suggesting that they're inadequate? Is he suggesting that maybe we have too many PhDs in the ministry? We don't need the Heritage Advisory Board, because we have so many capable people within the confines of the ministry, as well as a beefed-up Heritage Trust. So the disbandment of that particular group was necessary and overdue.

[ Page 3225 ]

[2:45]

MR. HANSON: Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the heritage conservation part of this government is a very small operation. They're being pushed aside by that big Minister of Transportation and Highways over there. Unfortunately the Provincial Secretary does not stand up for the heritage resources of this province.

My question is: stop your nefarious ways and protect this site.

HON. MR. CHABOT: Mr. Speaker, I thought question period was for members to ask questions, not to make speeches. I want to say, Mr. Speaker, that never before in the history of this province has heritage been in better hands than right now.

HIGHWAYS FERRIES

MR. D'ARCY: Mr. Speaker, yes, there is a great deal of heritage in that minister.

To my friend the member for Cariboo in his capacity as Minister of Transportation and Highways. The Castlegar-Robson ferry is one of the most heavily utilized ferries in B.C., comparing in total traffic to the Albion–Fort Langley ferry and to the major crossings of the Strait of Georgia, this in spite of having only one vessel in service. Has the minister decided to eliminate this run in spite of the high public use?

HON A. FRASER: Mr. Speaker, we're looking at all the ferry operations of Highways. We're certainly looking at the one you mentioned, but please don't get it confused with what you said, that it has the usage by the citizens compared to Albion. There is no comparison. We are looking at trying to economize, but no final decisions have been arrived at.

I might also say, Mr. Speaker, that there is a road around, in the case of the Castlegar ferry — a very good road.

MR. D'ARCY: Mr. Speaker, most of the freshwater ferries in the province, including all of those in the minister's own riding, have alternative road routes, if he wants to inconvenience the public.

A further question to the minister: you have mentioned, I gather, in the corridor, that this ferry and the North Bend–Boston Bar ferry are under consideration for closure.

What other ferries are under consideration for permanent downsizing?

HON. A. FRASER: I don't know what you mean by corridors, but we're looking at all the Highways ferries operations to economize.

MR. D'ARCY: Mr. Speaker, is the minister saying that he refuses to comment on what particular routes are under consideration for permanent closure?

HON. A. FRASER: We're looking at downsizing the service we're giving. We're also looking at permanent closures, and we haven't made a definite decision on any. As an example, if a ferry is running 24 hours, maybe under the conditions we're operating under today they can operate 18 hours and the taxpayers of British Columbia can save some money and not inconvenience too many people.

TAXATION MEASURES

MR. STUPICH: Mr. Speaker, a question for the Minister of Finance. A high-level delegation is presently lobbying MLAs on both sides of the House against proposals to amend the Assessment Act to provide retroactively for taxation of unfinished commercial projects. Will the minister reaffirm his commitment to provide for such property taxation retroactively to cover such assessment in prior years?

HON. MR. CURTIS: I think that the question impinges on future government policy.

MR. STUPICH: I was asking the minister to confirm something that he has said previously. By his answer, is he suggesting that it's an open question now and that he has backed away and is reconsidering his position?

HON. MR. CURTIS: No, the hon. member for Nanaimo is reading far more into his question than it deserves.

MR. STUPICH: The minister did suggest that the question deserved something; perhaps it deserves a better answer than it has had to this point. Would the minister reconsider his answer?

HON. MR. CURTIS: I have reconsidered the answer, Mr. Speaker.

RENT CONTROLS

MR. BLENCOE: I have a question to the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports that apartment vacancies in Victoria fell by 50 percent between April and October last year. In view of the notorious advantage to landlords in a period of low vacancy, has the minister decided to reconsider the removal of legislative protection for tenants under the Residential Tenancy Act?

HON. MR. HEWITT: Statistics that we have received in my ministry indicate that rent increases have been reasonable. As a matter of fact, with rent controls at 10 percent under the old legislation, we used to find that the ceiling became the floor and standard rent increases were 10 percent. Interestingly enough, this year — late 1983 and even into 1984 — many tenants are experiencing rental increases of less than 10 percent and in some cases no increase at all. In some cases landlords are making substantial offers to attract new tenants because they have many vacancies in their apartment buildings.

Orders of the Day

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

MR. MOWAT: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to move, seconded by the hon. second member for Surrey (Mr. Reid), that we, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects of 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 our present session. It is a personal honour for me to have the opportunity to move this motion before the House.

His Honour's speech is one of realism and hope during troubled times in the life of our province. I also thought it

[ Page 3226 ]

appropriate — indeed humane — to inform the House in advance as to the identity of the member who will be seconding these remarks, as this will, as I can obviously see, allow the members of the opposition to leave and return with icepacks and first-aid kits. They can rest assured that I will be gentle in my remarks toward them, but they can most certainly expect that I will be presenting them with several serious challenges — challenges to which I trust they will respond with sensitivity, courage and speed.

The year 1983 was a year unlike any other in the history of our province. Therefore 1984 must be a year of new beginnings, building on a firm base, realizing our immense potential, and, most importantly, gaining in wisdom from the hard lessons we learned in the recent past. If I have learned anything in my life it is this: you do not solve problems by failing to recognize them or by running away from them. Resolution is not found by dealing with problems in a superficial way while ignoring basic, underlying causes. The first step toward surmounting any difficulty is through a realistic appreciation of its nature and dimensions, followed — and I mean followed — by an open-minded inquiry as to the commonsense means available to solve it.

[Mr. Strachan in the chair.]

In 1983 our government tackled, with enlightened determination, the enormous problems of readjustment faced by British Columbia. This readjustment is not, however, due only to the recession, and I wish most emphatically to stress this point. Far too many people still think only in terms of temporary solutions to meet the demands of those temporary problems brought on by a very severe recession. We must project ourselves a great deal beyond the recession and address the permanent changes in the global economy which are sweeping across the world at an incredible rate. These changes are quite simply altering the rules of the game as radically as the invention of the automobile, the harnessing of electricity and the evolution of the factory system did in the past. It should be noted that those great changes in the past were not brought about by politicians; rather, the most common scenario is that of political and legal institutions scrambling to keep up with the profound economic technological and social changes swirling around them, with their response time usually too slow and too late.

We all know of the immense human misery generated by governments who fail to respond quickly and adequately to the great dislocations occasioned by the Industrial Revolution. I firmly believe that we are still in many ways paying a heavy price for past failures which are being remedied only painfully and gradually over more than a century of intense conflict and debate. As Alvin Toffler suggests, we are beginning to feel the effects of a new wave, which he calls "the third wave of change." This wave will lift all boats, if they are well prepared, to distant horizons, but will crush and swamp them if they are not prepared.

Most British Columbians, encouraged and supported the strength of leadership shown by our Premier, who, fully backed by the Minister of Finance, the Provincial Secretary, the cabinet and the strongest back bench in history, tackled with honesty and tenacity the awesome task of reducing the cost, size and burden of government. Most British Columbians breathed a sigh of relief, saying: "Yes, this is the change we have been waiting for, and what we voted for." Others, however, had misgivings, either because they found themselves personally affected or because of misunderstandings resulting from misinformation and half-truths. People also faltered from some uncertainty as to those seemingly urgent measures being taken by the government. This is only natural in view of the considerable reluctance shared by all human beings to face change. It has often been said that no fear is greater than the fear of the unknown. It was made clear in the closing speech of the last session that the government knew its massive jolt to institutional inertia, to the status quo, would be challenged. Moreover, it anticipated that it would be grossly misrepresented by all those groups who serve narrow political or financial self-interests. Coupled with all these factions were those who were taken in by and swallowed the rhetoric of the extreme left. Their tactics were described by one Vancouver columnist as those of the cause-of-the-month club. Aware of all this, the government still went ahead in a conscientious belief — rather, I should say, in the sure knowledge — that our whole future prosperity and way of life depended on the outcome. Even by beginning at once we might barely have enough time to succeed.

The Premier expressed the gravity of the problems we faced in the closing hours of the last session. I wish every citizen of British Columbia could have been here to listen to that speech. By so doing they would have gained an understanding of where we are going and why. I will not repeat it for you, but I will say this: before, during and after the election of '83 this government stood tall in principle, and the majority of the British Columbia electorate stood firmly behind us. Gradually, as the positive results of that unwavering stance are seen over the next few years, more and more people will be heard to say: "Thank God we had a government with the guts to do the right thing."

[3:00]

Positive signs of progress are already in evidence. His Honour noted the sharp decline in inflation from 14.3 percent to 5.5 percent in the past two years. Without question this is a major economic accomplishment. It is also a major social achievement. While inflation is a hidden tax which we must all pay, it is also the cruellest tax of all, falling most heavily on the poor, the retired on low fixed incomes and the disabled on limited pensions. Thus the decline of 8.8 percent is of great significance in these people's lives. Let no one in this chamber or beyond it suggest that this government has not reduced the tax burden of the poor. We have helped to slash inflation by 62 percent in two years, and inflation is the most burdensome tax that the poor have to endure. We have made every tax dollar count as never before. It is a record of which this government is proud. It is precisely why today we have renewed confidence in the future of British Columbia.

We have proved that our thousand-year-old Anglo-Saxon parliamentary system can work and is relevant to the needs of the people in the 1980s. Mr. Speaker, the constituency of Vancouver–Little Mountain, which I have the privilege of representing together with the Minister of Human Resources (Hon. Mrs. McCarthy), is one of incredible diversity. I do not know for certain how many languages are voiced in the streets or houses of our constituency; I do not think it would be an exaggeration if I were to say 50 or even 100. Yet all of them share one thing in common: a deep love for the freedom which is enshrined in this institution and the House of Commons in Ottawa. At the same time that I welcome the announcement of parliamentary reform, I believe that our institutions do work so well because they grow and learn and

[ Page 3227 ]

change, and are therefore better able to serve the growing, learning and changing people of our province.

On a more personal note, I hope that, beyond changing the rules to encourage more civilized debate, all members will be supplied with wheels on their chairs so that they will gain a broader and more down-to-earth perspective on access to our public buildings and services across this huge province. I would also like to point out that with wheels on their chairs it would be easier to move members in and out of this chamber.

In addition to the intestinal fortitude needed to act swiftly and persuasively, and thereby lead our country in breaking new ground in controlling the cost overruns of this government — which is surely the only way of ensuring our competitive position in world markets, and the only way to guarantee jobs, prosperity and generous social services for all — this government has demonstrated its willingness to listen, not to the megaphones on soap-boxes but to responsible, constructive and creative criticisms from those who are as concerned about the future of this beautiful province as is this government. These individuals and groups have their own positive suggestions and ideas about how we can improve upon our legislation and work together for the shared goals of a sustained prosperity and a humane society.

I am most particularly pleased that the government has consulted so widely in the field of human rights. No fair-minded person could justify the old system, yet there is probably no other field of legislation which is more complex and delicate to formulate, often creating injustice on the one hand while trying to eradicate it on the other. Over the years I have had a great deal of personal involvement in this arena, and I know of what I speak. If the law is too general, the innocent are potentially exposed to harassment and even extortion, and thus are denied the fundamental right to know in advance what conduct is and is not permissible under the law; however, if the lines are drawn too narrowly, many genuine cases of tangible abuse could go without effective remedy. So I speak as one who looks forward with anticipation and optimism to those modifications taken by a government based on its broad consultation. I would like to applaud the Minister of Labour (Hon. Mr. McClelland) for pursuing this course and proceeding with dispatch to update the law in this most vital and complex area of human rights.

As I have just made reference to the Minister of Labour, I think it is in order that I now touch on the field of industrial relations. It is at this juncture that I indeed, as promised earlier, issue a challenge to the members of the opposition. I am sorry there are only four members present in the House.

First, allow me a few moments to outline my perspective on these matters. Historically I believe that our organized labour movement shaped itself as a defence force which easily moved into the vacuum left by governments — to which I alluded earlier — which have failed to meet the unprecedented social needs created by our first Industrial Revolution. In this it was largely successful, and we all — and I wish to emphasize the word "all" — owe a great debt to the movement for its hard-won victories in fostering so many of the benefits which we now often take for granted. This took place in many different jurisdictions under administrations of every conceivable political stripe and has endured for more than a century. Indeed, it is a record of which to be proud.

But records are to be built on, not to stand on. If we examine closely the relative winners and losers among the industrial nations since the Second World War, there is one striking and untenable thread: the nations of the industrial world have won or lost any gains in competitive position in almost direct proportion to their ability to establish a cooperative and progressive climate of labour-management relations. Hence West Germany and Japan have been clear winners, with Great Britain and Italy net losers. We in Canada have fallen somewhere in between. In the last 15 years we have tended to lag farther behind in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, where labour-industrial history began as an almost direct extension of that of Great Britain. Even today the thinking and the atmosphere is more British than North American. It is certainly light-years from where it could be and should be,

I mentioned before that we are still paying for the failures of past governments to deal effectively with the Industrial Revolution. I will be more specific: I believe that in the confrontational climate of labour relations in this province, which even spills over into our politics, we are still paying, in 1984, for the sins of the British coal-owners in the 1880s. The time has come to move beyond this over-defensively fearful and even vengeful mentality at the bargaining table, and to move to an open and cooperative mode of thought. We must try to develop an attitude which forges together the common interest of both employees and employers, thus helping them to present a united front to the incredible tidal surge of the new industrial revolution. We even face unprecedented competition in maintaining our traditional national resource markets, which are not in any event the real growth or targeted areas for future expansion in British Columbia.

Our Minister of Labour is to be congratulated on his initiatives in bringing forward changes through a process of consultation which sets a new course of labour-management relations in this province.

My challenge to the members of the opposition — through you, Mr. Speaker — is that I most urgently appeal to them to join us in a quest for solutions to the unique problems we are facing in this third wave of change. Do not be persuaded by slogans, loyalties and perceptions of another age. Do not oppose for the sake of opposing. Do not oppose out of fear or rancour. Do not become like the British Labour Party, the chief reactionary force in society and the chief stumbling block to technological change, modernization, economic progress and social harmony. This same party has loyally followed the banner of class warfare as they march even today into oblivion.

It is not in our province's interest, and heaven knows I should not be saying this, but it is not even in the interest of your partisan political interest to oppose change in the direction and climate of the labour relations in our province. I think that you do so not only at the peril of your own political fortunes but undoubtedly at the peril of the future of the province we are all sworn to serve. This, ladies and gentlemen, is our first obligation, and it should be, as it must be, above politics. You will always find things to criticize in government proposals, no matter what they are. Fair enough. That is an important part, but only a part, I hasten to add, of your role, as I conceive it. My challenge to you — and my appeal — is to join with the government in a spirit of mutual endeavour. Let us look forward and not refight the battles of yesterday as if this were Belfast or Beirut.

Accept our good faith, for surely it is that, and supply us with creative and dynamic suggestions. Help us to quickly resolve and dispel the uncertainty as to the future stability of

[ Page 3228 ]

industrial relations in our province, so that the real investment needed to stimulate job creations for all of our constituents will be accelerated. Thusly the recovery can really take hold and the resultant revenues can be used for the enrichment of all.

These are not idle words. I have never been more sincere in my life. You, the opposition, currently enjoy a relationship with many powerful and influential trade union leaders, which gives you an opportunity to be a great force, either for progress and peace or conflict and chaos in our community. Nothing that you have ever done before or will do in the future may be as important as your response to this challenge.

Before I turn from my remarks to the opposition, Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to the Leader of the Opposition. He has told us of his plans to retire from that position and eventually leave our company. I am a new member in this House, as he once was many years ago. I must say that I am glad to have had the opportunity to serve in the same House with him and to witness in person his very well-known parliamentary skills. He is the only self-described socialist ever to serve as Premier of this province, and that is something we should remember. Indeed, I hope and I trust that this distinction will never be taken away from him.

His long record of public service deserves recognition by political friend and foe alike, and we will no doubt hear from him even after he leaves.

Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure in the past of playing rugby against the Leader of the Opposition. Yes, we were on opposite sides even in those days. I can assure you that he is a better politician than he was a rugby player.

I represent Vancouver–Little Mountain, which I call the heart of Vancouver. His Honour's speech contained many vital interests to my constituents. The Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs (Hon. Mr. Hewitt) will soon be bringing forward modifications to legislation regarding rental accommodations. These changes will be incorporated with others which were already on the drawing board during the last session. All of those will be much appreciated by the many tenants of our constituency, especially those residing in the northern quadrant. Also pleased will be the numerous landlords, who look forward to a speedy means of resolving disputes at an affordable cost.

[3:15]

His Honour reaffirms the commitment of our government to health care. This is clearly our number one priority. Our province leads all of the provinces in Canada in its dedication to the maintenance and improvement of the health system.

The Social Credit movement has, from its very inception, been a leader in hospital construction, health services and the modernization and growth of medicare in our country. I'd like to briefly expand on this point. In the past two years the Minister of Health (Hon. Mr. Nielsen), who in my view deserves much praise in his handling of this extremely sensitive portfolio, has been subject to hysterical criticism and abuse, more often than not based on selectively erroneous misinformation. Thus the impression has been fostered that we are callous towards the sick and that somehow we are bent on undermining medicare and the public's access to the health care programs. This is not only a patently undeserved insult to our minister, but it is a slander upon our intelligence as well. All over the world there is a health-care cost crisis. This is brought on by many interlocking factors which are exaggerated by the political game of depicting responsible and necessary efforts at cost control as evil and cruel, or at the very best, callous and uncaring. Most of the fantasies tend, curiously, to mushroom at election time, and to fade just as mysteriously the day after the ballots have been counted.

The fact is that we have an outstanding health care system available to everyone, and coping remarkably well with the needs of the public at large. I invite anyone to come and look at the Vancouver General Hospital in my constituency, as well as the new Children's Hospital, the new Grace Hospital, the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre and the soon to be completed Shaughnessy Research Centre. Come, I say, and witness first hand the improvements that have been instituted under this government's stewardship.

Mr. Speaker, we are working with diligence to preserve our medicare system in spite of the desperate sniping of the federal government, a government in political ruins and financial shreds. I applaud our minister. He knows, as I do, that the real enemies of medicare are precisely those who would ignore all cost control accountability and all abuses to the system.

When we speak of abuses, we do not attack the patients, the nurses or the doctors, but rather those who, perceiving that the service is free, abuse it. It is not, however, free. The public does not have a bottomless pocket to fund the unheeding and unscrupulous. The minister is to be commended for standing firm and reviewing facilities in order to avoid duplication, and for initiating cost accountability measures aimed at eliminating vast overruns in spending.

If the Minister of Health has been used to unwarranted abuse, then my constituent colleague the Minister of Human Resources (Hon. Mrs. McCarthy) is an all-time prize-winner in this ring. But they have both proven that they can take it and keep on working and fighting for the people. And the people remember, Mr. Speaker; the people remembered on May 5, 1983.

Our Minister of Human Resources handles a complex and difficult job with great skill, often dealing with the fragile emotions of those bruised and rejected by our fast-moving mainstream. The staff of this ministry is of the highest calibre, and many Canadians who have migrated to our province from other parts of the country will attest to their excellence. The minister has firmly taken the helm and steered in the direction of independence. Her charted course exemplifies the firm belief of this government that people should be encouraged to be as independent as possible and as soon as possible, and for as long as possible, and not herded into constituencies of dependency for the cynical purpose of political manipulation fired by tactics of fear and uncertainty.

Our Vancouver–Little Mountain constituency looks forward to a busy and exciting year in 1984. We will soon be voting for a new Cambie Street bridge. And, Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that this government offered the citizens of Vancouver, through Vancouver city council, $50 million to build the new Cambie Street bridge if the council would work with us on rapidly approving the plans of British Columbia Place. However, the Vancouver city council did not see fit to cooperate fully, and now the citizens of Vancouver will have to pay $37 million towards this new bridge.

Speaking of Vancouver city council, Mr. Speaker, I'm surprised that the Mayor of Vancouver has not yet contacted you, although I realize I am not a statesman of the stature of Mr. Henry Kissinger. I was sure he'd be asking for equal time in this chamber in order to express his views and those of some of his Vancouver council colleagues about my views I am expressing here today. My constituency is progressing at

[ Page 3229 ]

a great rate, and in the Little Mountain Neighbourhood Society we are seeing a complex being built that will house many of our disabled, our blind and our senior citizens. A complex costing $9 million is situated on the grounds of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind at 38th and Main.

We are looking for further improvements to take place at the world-class facilities at B.C. Place. I see that both Toronto and Edmonton are now green with envy when they think about our fabulous B.C. stadium.

Our constituency is totally caught up in the preparation for Expo 86, which will present the largest single boost to our economy in history, hosting an estimated 15 million to 20 million visitors and generating 56,000 man-years of job opportunities and some $2.6 billion in economic activity. All these will show off British Columbia to the world as never before, and where better to do it than in Vancouver–Little Mountain. Expo 86 will be a world-class state of the art of transportation technology exposition, and where better than in British Columbia, where successful Social Credit governments have proved unparalleled leadership in this domain.

I was delighted by His Honour's reference to future transportation initiatives throughout the province in 1984. Now is the moment to laud the Minister of Transportation and Highways (Hon. A. Fraser) for the realization of all the magnificent projects and particularly for his initiatives in the Annacis crossing and Squamish Highway 99, which will have encatchment basins. These are of vital importance to our lower mainland residents and to the continued expansion of the fantastic ALRT. Many of us have ridden on the demonstration model ALRT, and to some of us it is one of the most exciting happenings in the lower mainland. My colleague Hon. Grace McCarthy, the minister responsible for the ALRT, tells me the ALRT is on track and on budget, and, with her in charge, on time. The Highways minister is looking northwards. There are several major projects to be completed in 1984, with a number of first-ever bridge crossings, including those over the Fort Nelson bridge on the Laird highway, over the Thompson River in Kamloops, and over the Nass River at Greenville.

I know that a large number of my constituents have taken a keen interest in the issue of the Skagit Valley flooding over the past years, and I wish to convey to the Minister of Environment (Hon. Mr. Brummet) their most profound satisfaction at witnessing the conclusion of these negotiations, which have succeeded in guaranteeing us that a precious part of our natural heritage will remain unflooded.

Also most welcome are initiatives in hazardous waste treatment — an element ever so present in our industrial world and of considerable worry to my constituents, as they are, I'm sure, to those of the minister. The proposal for wetlands enhancement, in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited, is likewise an undertaking in which I share a longstanding personal interest, and it is to be hoped that the imaginative suggestion in His Honour's speech that students be encouraged to create their own summer jobs is followed through. They would certainly find enormous satisfaction in working in environment enhancement projects which would both stimulate and invigorate their inquiring young minds.

The Minister of Education (Hon. Mr. Heinrich) has introduced the concept of measurable performance standards in schools, and I am one of the most happy that this practice is going on and going to be retained and extended even further. Amazingly, some have protested that these exams are not to test the students but rather to test the teachers. The amazing thing here is that there are people in this province who think that for the enormous amounts we spend on education we should not have some standard or measure of teaching quality. How on earth are we, otherwise, to determine just what we are getting for our money? To use the vernacular, Mr. Speaker, that kind of attitude blows my mind. His Honour has emphasized quality and has noted that dollars spent are not a yardstick of quality achieved. Amen to that. Enhancing the excellence of our classroom teaching should be our paramount objective over all others. I roundly praise this emphasis, as I am sure do most parents, students and teachers.

I'm looking forward, Mr. Minister, with hope and great expectations to your sterling efforts in this area. The renewed emphasis on math and science is a welcome part of our overall adjustment to the new technical age. Government, education, labour and industry must consult very closely on future skill requirements and job opportunities. I know that some will accuse us of anti-intellectualism for this, but they are tragically mistaken. Indeed, I believe such critics to be guilty of the worst kind of stereotyping. I would like them to talk to the unemployed university graduates who I know are very bitter today about how they were left without guidance about the choice of realistic career opportunities based on the various educational avenues open to them.

I have faith in people, but they must be given decent and honest information when they need it. It is too bad that consumer protection laws have never applied to post-secondary education. We cannot, economically or socially, afford to waste the human resource of our young people. We must not let them commit themselves to courses of study while being ill-informed as to where these studies will equip them to function in the real world. We all know MAs who are driving cabs. I am appreciative of any initiative which will help clean up the sorry state of affairs.

[3:30]

We are looking at a multitude of other needs too, such as providing more serviced Crown land for residential housing construction and streamlining land use deals for mining and commercial development. It would be a surprise to no one that I was delighted to hear reference made to an emphasis on disabled housing; to a record of 105 million trees planted — the first time we have gone over 100 million trees in a single year; to the speeding up of workers' compensation appeals; to the new School Act; to the continued review of regional district operation; to the encouragement of private trade zones; to continuing, in an orderly but purposeful way, the downsizing of government; to agricultural initiative; to liquefied gas and northern B.C. development; to the new Asia Pacific Foundation to aid our most vigorous world marketing drive ever; to northeast coal — on stream and on budget; to the manufacturing of car parts in the lower mainland; and to those initiatives and senate reform and aboriginal rights which are now coming to fruition.

One of the continuing frustrations of western Canadians, Mr. Speaker, has been the way in which the national economy policies reflect an overly narrow and centralized conception of the national interest — in particular, toward Canada's economic development potential and prospects. I am therefore pleased by His Honour's reference to the continued efforts to ensure better British Columbia representation in the vital national decision-making bodies and, most specifically, the exciting prospectus of initiatives in the area of duty-free trade zones.

[ Page 3230 ]

Not only would such zones in British Columbia be an enormous stimulus to the growth of trade and to the employment generated by it, but it could also lay the foundation for manufacturing, processing and assembling industry to serve our Canadian market in high technology and other fields — all this giving the consumer some badly needed relief from self-imposed inflation and protectionism.

In 1984 or early 1985 we will witness a Canadian federal election. Let us use this rare opportunity to get solid commitment from all contenders on British Columbia priorities such as western transportation, the upgrading of Pacific trade development and federal cost-sharing social programs, and federal contributions to such things as the salmonid enhancement program. Mr. Speaker, I hope I have not overlooked anything, but there is a great deal of substance here, and all the ministers of government are to be congratulated for their strong and positive efforts. I know that my constituents will support these splendid and forward-looking recovery drives, and they will support the deep measures of human concern such as the ever-widening attack on the devastation of drunk driving — something for which my colleagues in the Canadian Paraplegic Association have been pressing for many years across the length and breadth of this vast country.

Before concluding, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extol our government's several major contributions to community pride. Firstly, there's the B.C. Festival of the Arts, which was so ably organized and chaired by Mr. Norman Young in Kamloops in 1982, and will take place with equal flair in Penticton in 1984. Then there are the Summer and Winter Games of the Provincial Secretary's ministry. We have truly led Canada in this field at a very moderate cost. My colleague the member for Dewdney (Mr. Pelton) has spoken of the outstanding volunteer effort — 3,600 in Maple Ridge — for the 1983 Summer Games. In March of this year the Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing (Hon. Mr. Brummet) will host 2,200 young athletes and thousands of visitors to Fort St. John for the Winter Games. In July 1984 we will see the Summer Games again, and this time in Burnaby. I am sure that our Whip will be there with his track shoes on, and we can even hope that he may use them. It is my understanding that a quarter of a million British Columbians will have competed in the playdowns for these games, and this is a super good-news story relayed around our province twice a year.

I left this rundown of the Summer and Winter Games until the last, because more than anything else, I think they symbolize the hope of our province — the spirit of meeting challenges in fellowship and friendly competition, all of this within the context of great and deep pride in community.

Within the short span of a few months, our shores have been and will be graced with the presence of many foreign dignitaries: last month the Premier of China visited us, later this year His Holiness Pope John Paul II will be here, and even on this very day we are honoured by the most welcome presence of Governor Spellman of the fine state of Washington, who, I am sure, shares many of our dreams for this great Pacific northwest, of which both our governments share responsibility as caretakers.

Our Premier and ministers have gone out among the nations of the world to sell our products and will be continuing to do so. As the shining prospect of Expo 86 grows nearer, the eyes of the world will be increasingly turned toward British Columbia.

I thank the House for its attention, Mr. Speaker, and in closing I would like to thank the Sergeant-at-Arms for all their assistance to this House, and particularly to me. To you, the members of the opposition, I leave my challenge: join us in letting this province attain the greatness of its destiny.

MR. REID: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to second the opening speech of His Honour Lieutenant-Governor Robert G. Rogers.

Might I point out that I am quite disappointed that the elegant speech given by my colleague was not witnessed by more members of the opposition, especially the Leader of the Opposition, who has been pleading to return to this House for two and a half months. At the first opportunity we provide for him to hear two most elegant speeches, he doesn't see fit to attend. That answers the question of why he's not here. I hope he has his microphone on, because he'll probably be running back in here by the time I finish my speech.

[Mr. Pelton in the chair.]

Mr. Speaker, this throne speech tells it like it is. Those who ignore or misinterpret its messages are ignoring today's realities. I commend my good friend and colleague the member for Vancouver–Little Mountain (Mr. Mowat). Your excellent speech and thought-provoking challenges to all members of this House demand action from many. I for one accept your challenge of being on wheels only for a day, in order that I gain a broader and down-to-earth perspective on access to public buildings across this vast province.

Mr. Speaker, there's a renewed sense of purpose and determination on this side of the House. As we discuss the throne speech in this session, we're beginning to emerge from a period of economic recession which seriously and severely tested the government's mettle and ability to meet the challenges presented by the world financial and market forces, which are largely beyond our control. As British Columbians, we have met the challenges of 1983. Now we must push to '84 and the future with optimism, confidence and purpose.

Mr. Speaker, the tendency for governments to grow and for taxes to increase has been enormous. The public sector restraint program has reduced much of the burden on our taxpayers. Our Premier has shown the kind of leadership that's necessary during tough economic times, and we thank him. We preserved essential services to the people and at the same time cut size and cost of government.

The continuation and refining of the compensation stabilization program is providing all parties with some breathing room. The acceptance of voluntary guidelines within the framework of collective bargaining should lead us with some hopeful result now into productivity bargaining. Government employees, during our last session, reached agreement on negotiations, layoff, recall and termination procedures. This agreement allows the government to hold the line on payroll costs and assists, in large measure, our economic recovery.

Working together in pursuit of recovery through restraint and the preservation of our essential services requires the federal government's cooperation and their determination to reduce the size of their government. Streamlining and transfer of more functions to the private sector and the commitment of further economies and efficiencies as relief for the

[ Page 3231 ]

taxpayer should be the total commitment of all political representatives, federal, provincial and municipal.

Mr. Speaker, the private sector employers and employees create the wealth in this province. Their dedication to productive, competitive and profitable operations continues to preserve present jobs and create more new ones. Our government will assist with job-creating activities in large and small businesses, with joint task forces of labour, management and the private sector to promote our products and resources. We've got a lot going here in B.C., and it's up to us to show the world what we have and what we can do.

Our economy is linked to exports of goods and services, international trade, and bolstered by the private sector, its confidence and its investment. In these times of slow world economic recovery and the very explosive international debt, a challenge for us now as British Columbians is to lead rather than follow. Our industries and manufacturers must be kept competitive. We must aggressively promote and market our goods around the world.

The free-trade and duty-free zones sound exciting. Their creation should encourage foreign investment and much increased trade. Expansion of our deep-sea port facilities and promotion of more activity in manufacturing and assembly, distribution and finance, at the same time allowing B.C. to be competitive on an international scale, sounds exciting.

We have recently hosted the Premier of the People's Republic of China, Zhao Ziyang, and our opportunities for commercial and cultural trade with the world's most populous nation are now being fostered. Our Premier will reciprocate the visit this May. At that time our Premier will promote to the Chinese people our province as both a prime provider of resource products and a very good place in which to invest.

[3:45]

Speaking of visits, we were honoured today to have Governor John Spellman of the state of Washington visit our province. We were saddened by the recent passing of Senator Jackson, who was a good friend and a good neighbour. I know that the mutual respect and cooperation that existed with the late senator will continue between our leaders and citizens on both sides of the border, as evidenced by the good words and the message left by the Governor's visit here today.

Historically the United States has been our largest trading partner. But we must now place more emphasis on the Pacific Rim countries, the European Communities and developing countries around the world. I am totally encouraged by the aggressive program that has been introduced in the throne speech. Worldwide trade missions led by cabinet ministers are lined up for the United States, ASEAN countries, China, Latin America, Europe and others. They will create more interest in B.C. products and services, thus creating more jobs and business opportunities and more investment here at home. These trade missions will include private sector participation in developing markets, product upgrading and increased productivity knowledge, as well as encouraging foreign buyers and investors to visit and see firsthand just what we here in B.C. have to offer. In showing that B.C. is a good place in which to invest, we also show that we're a good and reliable trading partner, and we'll attract new technology and new interest in our province.

We can all be proud of the largest resource project in Canada's history, northeast coal. As you all know, the first deliveries are now being made from this major project, which was on time and on budget. In its development the project triggered 6,000 direct construction jobs last year. Now that's in operation, we have a legacy of 3,000 permanent jobs, as well as the completion of the Ridley Island port of Prince Rupert, which provides western Canada with another major port to the Pacific Rim trading area. It is testimony to the world that by working together, the government and the private sector can make good things happen. Coal production from the southeast region is also now being shipped in large quantities to the Far East and to the Scandinavian market. Our trade missions will be seeking further international markets for B.C. coal, with top level, hard-sell campaigns. That's leadership. These are two examples of the B.C. spirit being alive in private and public sector cooperation.

Industrial relations and recovery deserve prominence. The Minister of Labour (Hon. Mr. McClelland), in consultation with parties, is bringing forward exciting and positive changes, which are long overdue, in the labour legislation of the province of British Columbia. A positive action, in my mind, would be to consider the ruling recently brought down in Alberta by the chairman of the Labour Relations Board that a union contract cannot remain in effect after its expiry date and until a new contract is signed, being equally fair to management and labour. Maybe it wouldn't be popular, but it sure as hell would be fair.

The Workers' Compensation Board changes are long overdue. The backlog of appeals from injured workmen is embarrassing and a disgrace. The financial policies of the Workers' Compensation Board have been questionable and have required attention for some time. I welcome this initiative. Any improvement or streamlining of the Workers' Compensation Board process will be a welcome relief to thousands.

I was encouraged to hear in the throne speech that in 1982-83, for the first time ever, B.C. foresters planted over 105 million new trees, providing a stronger and competitive forest industry in this province for the future.

Interjection.

MR. REID: That's plantership.

The anticipated recovery of residential construction in the United States and Canada has not totally materialized. We all hope for some accelerated growth early in 1984 to help shore up this industry. Improvement in the Japanese and European markets is being aggressively sought at this time.

Mr. Speaker, too many British Columbians are still without work. As the second member for Vancouver–Little Mountain (Mr. Mowat) so aptly put it, we must forge together the common interests of both employee and employer with a united front, and that must be above politics, I would like to repeat that line, because there is a member down to my right who might not have heard it. I said: "That must be above politics."

Interjection.

MR. REID: You can read the Blues; they will tell you. I am pleased to see that there are now four members of the opposition listening to this great speech.

The pulp and paper industry, while currently totally shut down — much to the support of the NDP, I suppose....

Our hope is that their industrial relations will soon improve in order that B.C. can once again be back in production and leaders in the pulp and paper industry.

[ Page 3232 ]

Another B.C. industry is natural gas. Increased export sales and market opportunities will be another top priority of this government. We will be encouraging more transportation vehicles of all kinds to convert to this form of fuel during the coming months, with government fleets leading the way. It is also our hope that Vancouver Island will be provided with B.C. natural gas with the completion of the proposed pipeline.

I am encouraged by our recent large sale of surplus hydro power to the United States and the additional discussions underway with private power developers to further expand job-creating opportunities in British Columbia.

The mining industry will be assisted with less regulation and more encouragement. New and interesting developments in the northwest area of our province by the private sector are encouraging.

We will project an attractive investment climate for the private sector, creating job opportunities and promoting small business ventures. They are the true backbone of our economy. Their resurgence in private sector activities triggers investment and creates new jobs. Private risk capital to create new opportunities and support enterprising young people with fresh ideas and enthusiasm will be developed. We're going to help our young people with a support framework for those with exciting, bright and challenging ideas for summer employment programs. B.C. agriculture and food will be receiving a higher profile in the development of further markets and advanced technology in areas such as production and much more aggressive marketing.

The education standards and the basic values in this province must be reaffirmed. Discipline must be restored, professionalism stressed and challenging situations promoted, for without challenges there is no achievement and without standards there is no excellence. The success of grade 12 exams, which were introduced back into the system by our minister this previous year, has paved the way for the system to introduce similar exams for grade 11 students this coming year. The challenge to seek quality education will continue to be a top priority of this government. A further commitment to offer direction and assistance, with preparation towards excellence and opportunity, should prepare our youth to meet all the challenges of tomorrow.

Expo 86 is creating enthusiasm and anticipation for all of British Columbia to host the world in 1986, with commitments from international, provincial and corporate participants in transportation and communication exhibits and special events including space technology — old and new. What an exciting time ahead! Expo 86 will showcase British Columbia to the world, and British Columbia expects the world. Participation, as announced today, by the state of Washington is certainly welcome. With over 15 million visitors anticipated during the period of the exposition, the majority of these visitors will be arriving in Surrey. The Surrey extension of the ALRT, the Spirit of B.C., is a must. We can expect that extension to be the most utilized section of the whole system from day one. In this regard, the first member for Surrey (Mrs. Johnston) and I expect the announcement of the extension very soon, a wise decision that makes economic sense. We must and will follow through and get on with the job. Isn't that right, Mr. Premier?

I'm happy to see the Minister of Highways (Hon. A. Fraser) back in the House. He's always active and is usually here, and I appreciate that he's returned. Contracts are now being let for the Annacis crossing. The estimates for the contracts came in $20 million under engineering estimates, which was excellent news. This crossing will provide a much-needed access for commuters both north and south of the Fraser River. The benefits of easier access for residents, tourists and the business community cannot be emphasized enough. Strong government decisions must be made soon to provide total accessibility to this new facility, especially in the North Delta and Surrey traffic corridors.

The B.C. Summer Games now receive close to 6,000 volunteers annually in each community which hosts this fantastic event. Support for the Fort St. John 1984 Winter Games in March is encouraging. Also, I would encourage all of those members to support as well the Burnaby Summer Games in 1984. I understand our Whip will be participating in those games, and that encourages total participation. Participants and communities alike would welcome your support. The interest in competition for the 1986 Summer Games which are to be announced for Surrey....

Interjections.

MR. REID: Sorry, that's a misquote. The interest in the competition for the 1986 Summer Games is nothing short of phenomenal.

The Spirit of B.C. welcomes with enthusiasm this year of tourism, and it is our hope that more Canadians and British Columbians will vacation here in British Columbia, helping to bolster B.C.'s tourist industries, a wide range of accommodation, excellent food services and all modes of transportation, with beautiful scenic and recreational activities within the bounds of our beautiful British Columbia.

[4:00]

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Speaking of visitors, B.C. will be honoured this summer by thousands of visitors before and after the Los Angeles Olympics. Our minister will increase and intensify our efforts to sell British Columbia as a mecca for those tourists at the Los Angeles Olympics. Then in September, under the able chairmanship of the former minister, Bill Vander Zalm, B.C. will host His Holiness Pope Paul II in Vancouver.

AN HON. MEMBER: John Paul.

MR. REID: John Paul — whatever.

AN HON. MEMBER: Whoever.

MR. REID: I didn't say whoever; I said whatever. We're going to welcome him anyway; that's the spirit of British Columbia. You see, I can be corrected.

I am encouraged by the proposal to put forward some legislative reform in this session, and look forward to participation in this much-needed process.

The visit of His Holiness the Pope will be a very significant event in the province of British Columbia for all people.

Mr. Speaker, with a sense of purpose and support we accept new challenges and stand committed to build a stronger and vibrant British Columbia, with good government and good leadership.

In closing, I ask everybody, this being February 14: will you be my valentine?

[ Page 3233 ]

MR. SKELLY: Mr. Speaker, I'm just responding to the last question. I'll have to take it as notice.

I move adjournment of this debate until the next sitting of the House.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: I move that the House at its rising do stand adjourned until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

MR. HOWARD: It's the right of the government House Leader to move that kind of motion if he so desires. He exhibited his desire and the opportunity to do that last summer ad infinitum. But we did pass a motion yesterday that says that there be one sitting on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The motion before the House now is a variation from that, and it would seem incumbent upon the minister to advise the House what's going on — why the extraordinary kind of approach to a meeting tomorrow morning.

I've heard rumours that the government has another one of those secret timetables that it's intent on imposing upon the House — that it's not intent upon following the normal course of things in the progress of the throne speech debate — and that that secret timetable involves the budget and the desire of the government to have the budget on a certain day, come hell or high water. I wonder if this is what this motion before us is seeking to do — to accommodate that secret timetable with respect to the budget.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, it's hardly a secret timetable, because I informed the hon. House Leader of the opposition of that fact, and now he is.... If it's a secret, I can assure you it's only a secret to him. I guess I'd have to say: roses are red, violets are blue, the NDP are awfully edgy and you are too.

Mr. Speaker, so that there is no confusion in the minds of the opposition — at least of those who are present, and I can't really vouch for those who are not present — I'd like to indicate to the House that, yes, we're planning to sit tomorrow morning and tomorrow afternoon. We would very much like to have the budget on Monday. So we can invite people to attend — get out the usual protocol and attend to those kind of things.... If that's not acceptable to the opposition — and we are all appreciative of the rules of the House, which are that there be a maximum of six sitting days and eight sittings — and, if we don't happen to finish Monday, we will have the budget at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. That, of course, could require us sitting on Friday, perhaps Friday afternoon, and on Saturday as well.

MR. HOWARD: This is a point of order, because I can't engage in the debate any longer, Mr. Speaker. I would have thought it incumbent upon the government House Leader to have been open and honest and to have revealed that information to the general public earlier. The only reason I rose was to smoke him out.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

MR. HOWARD: Perhaps you would wait until one point of order is finished.

MR. SPEAKER: It must be a point of order, hon. member.

MR. HOWARD: Secondly, what the Minister of Intergovernmental Relations said in the latter part of his remarks about Tuesday or some other day was not the subject of the discussion between him and me.

HON. MR. GARDOM: On the same point of order, Mr. Speaker, I don't have any difficulty whatsoever with my interpretation of honesty or openness — that's number one.

MR. HOWARD: Ever since you joined the Socreds.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Well, there's our friend: ever since I joined the Socreds. You seem to enjoy mud more than you enjoy attending to responsible policies and programs.

Interjections.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, the question is adjournment until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 4:07 p.m.