[ Page 5123 ]

CONTENTS

Tabling Documents –– 5123

Oral Questions

Federal-provincial agreements. Mr. Skelly –– 5123

Women's economic rights branch. Ms. Brown –– 5124

Capital punishment. Mr. Lauk –– 5124

Federal-provincial forestry agreement. Mr. Howard –– 5124

Federal EPF funding. Mr. Stupich –– 5125

Throne speech debate

Mrs. Johnston –– 5126

Mr. Strachan –– 5129

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985

The House met at 2:06 p.m.

Prayers.

MR. GABELMANN: Mr. Speaker, I have two or three introductions this afternoon, if I may. Firstly, here from the village of Gold River in the constituency of North Island is an active supporter of mine, Mrs. Kay Ferrero. I ask the House to make her welcome.

Also visiting are some friends from Port Moody, Chuck and Susan Zuckerman. Susan was a teacher once upon a time in a one-room school in Port Eliza, which the Minister of Education (Hon. Mr. Heinrich) should visit one day. I'd like the House to make them welcome.

In the gallery as well this afternoon is a gentleman from Vancouver. He has a lot to do with events in North Island. I'd like the House to welcome Mr. Bert Gayle.

MR. MOWAT: Mr. Speaker, in your gallery today we have Prof. and Mrs. De Santis of Victoria. Dr. De Santis is a professor emeritus in the history department of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Mrs. De Santis is a graduate of Magee Secondary School and a very active member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. They are the parents of Dr. Owen Lippert, of our Social Credit caucus research department. I ask the House to make them welcome.

MR. SKELLY: Mr. Speaker, I too would like to welcome Kay Ferrero from Gold River, which was represented by the member for Alberni before the riding boundaries were rationalized in 1978.

1 would also like the House to join me in welcoming Eve Howden and Mrs. Lundgren, who are active in politics here in Victoria and throughout the province. They are also active in the campaign to save Meares Island.

HON. MRS. McCARTHY: Mr. Speaker, in the gallery today is Mr. Jack Ford, a businessman from Vancouver–Little Mountain and the city of Vancouver. I would like the House to welcome him and to express appreciation for the very fine work that Mr. Ford does in creating employment for handicapped citizens.

HON. MR. ROGERS: I have a friend in the gallery today, Randy Sandhu, who is visiting us from Vancouver South. Would the members please make him feel welcome.

HON. MR. WATERLAND: Mr. Speaker, may I join the member for North Island in welcoming Bert Gayle, who is here today representing the Canadian Forestry Association. I would also ask members to extend a welcome to John Murray, who is also with the CFA, and remind members that the CFA is very prominent in promoting the proper use of our forest resource.

HON. MR. PELTON: Mr. Speaker, I have in the galleries today three guests that I would like to introduce and have the House welcome. First are Al and Jill Jamieson. Jill is the secretary in the riding office in Dewdney and her husband Al is the president of the constituency association. The third person I would ask you all to welcome is Mr. Roman Evancic, a certified general accountant who is also an alderman in Maple Ridge.

MR. MacWILLIAM: I would like to take the opportunity to introduce to the House two residents of the city of Vernon in the constituency of North Okanagan, and two very important people in my life: my better half, my wife Arlene, and my son Matthew, who, I might add, is taking down notes on the business of the House and will be making a full report back to his grade 3 class come Monday.

MRS. JOHNSTON: Mr. Speaker, I have several introductions to make this afternoon. In your gallery I have two very special guests, Peg Anderson and Jean Heaney, who are visiting us from Portstewart in Northern Ireland; and Patricia Hopkins, Bill and Betty Anderson, Marguerite Leach, Jeanne Eddington, and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rink, all hardworking Surrey constituents and friends. Would you please welcome them.

HON. MR. GARDOM: I have two welcomes, Mr. Speaker. The first is to the hon. member for Burnaby North (Mrs. Dailly) to her new seat in the House, and to express to her our every sympathy in having to more closely endure the first member for Vancouver East (Mr. Macdonald).

Secondly, Mr. Speaker, I would be very grateful if all members would join me in welcoming to our assembly this afternoon Dr. Donald Balmer and his students from the political science department of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Welcome.

Mr. Mowat tabled the 1984 annual report of the Labour Relations Board.

Oral Questions

FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL AGREEMENTS

MR. SKELLY: Has the Premier concluded an agreement with the federal government which would allow the placement of provincial trade representatives in Canadian embassies and consulates overseas?

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, the Premier is not negotiating contracts on behalf of the government. Appropriate ministries are holding discussions. The question should be directed to the appropriate minister.

[2:15]

MR. SKELLY: Supplementary to the Premier, Mr. Speaker. Has the government concluded such an agreement with the federal government?

HON. MR. BENNETT: At such a time, Mr. Speaker, the government will make an announcement.

MR. SKELLY: I assume the answer is no, Mr. Speaker.

A supplementary to the Premier. Has the Premier or the government received an acknowledgement from the federal government recognizing their obligation or their commitment, as it was stated in the throne speech, to finance the Vancouver Island natural gas pipeline?

[ Page 5124 ]

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, the record of commitment from the federal government is well known from the election campaign, when there was a significant change made in the constituency of Nanaimo.

Secondly, on the pipeline, the federal government has in its possession the information that was made public, before the commitments contained in the election, from the PUC regarding the amount of funding the federal government would have to supply to meet the same standards and the same commitment as was made to the Atlantic provinces and to the province of Quebec from the same public commitment under which these pipelines were to be financed, both by the last government and now the present government.

MR. SKELLY: In the absence of simultaneous translation, Mr. Speaker, I assume the answer is no.

I have a supplementary to the Premier. Has the Premier or the government concluded any agreement with the federal government which will bring any additional money to the province of British Columbia over and above the $1.4 billion we receive annually in unemployment insurance and the $600 million we receive annually for welfare under the Canada Assistance Plan, both of which compensate for the province's failure to establish an adequate economic policy?

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Before calling on the Premier, I would recommend that all members take an opportunity to review the new rules for question period, which are contained in the blue books in your desks, and which clearly place upon me the necessity to rule that question out of order.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Well, Mr. Speaker, both the member for Prince Rupert (Mr. Lea) and I are aware of the conclusions the member for Alberni draws from discussions that may or may not have taken place, and of his need for simultaneous translation on a consistent basis.

WOMEN'S ECONOMIC RIGHTS BRANCH

MS. BROWN: Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the new Minister of Industry and Small Business Development (Hon. Mr. McClelland), but since he's not here, I'm wondering if the old Minister of Industry and Small Business would be willing to respond to it. This is because it's International Women's Week, and I specifically wanted to find out whether there were any plans on the government's part to reestablish the women's economics rights branch in the ministry, since its mandate was specifically to work for economic opportunities for women.

HON. MR. PHILLIPS: Mr. Speaker, the old minister would be quite happy to take that question on notice for the new, young Minister of Industry (Hon. Mr. McClelland), but at the same time remind that member that when I took over the portfolio, this much touted section of the ministry had never had a budget. It was set up in name only, and was more huff and puff on behalf of those people when they were government.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

MR. LAUK: Mr. Speaker, I couldn't resist a shot at the Attorney-General, who, it is reported, suggested the use of firing squads as a form of execution when he was in Barbados doing Her Majesty's business. There was a report that he said, "If it's good enough for Fidel Castro it's good enough for me," but I discount that. In light of the fact that in the Victoria area alone several retired brigadiers have offered to supervise executions if they're held in public, has the Attorney-General decided to recommend that executions be carried out in public?

HON. MR. SMITH: No.

MR. LAUK: Pursuant to the same secret memo that I received, has the Attorney-General decided to recommend that we have public floggings? If so, will offenders include cabinet ministers who still use the word "restraint"?

HON. MR. SMITH: Again, Mr. Speaker, the answer is no. If the member is interested in my remarks on capital punishment, they were made at a Canadian bar meeting in Barbados which that body decided to hold with the Caribbean bar. There was a panel on capital punishment, which consisted of Edward Greenspan, who is the distinguished defence counsel from Toronto, me on the other side and the director of public prosecutions from Barbados. It was a very long and excellent debate, with many submissions from the floor as well. In the course of that debate I naively made the observation that I didn't think capital punishment should be argued on the basis of the method of execution, as many people do. Trying to absolve themselves of the responsibility to decide whether they are for it or not, they advance more humane methods. I commended the policy of the state of Utah, which allows the condemned person to select his own method.

MR. HOWARD: Is old age an option? [Laughter]

HON. MR. SMITH: To be required to spend two hours' penal servitude in your caucus would probably be adequate punishment, hon. member.

MR. LAUK: In light of the Attorney-General's recommendation being regarded with widespread derision by civilized people, has he decided to stop watching late-night movies such as Beau Geste?

FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL FORESTRY AGREEMENT

MR. HOWARD: Mr. Speaker, I wonder if I could ask the Minister of Forests if he will explain to the House the reason for his continuing failure or inability to secure a federal-provincial agreement on forestry which would dramatically increase expenditure on forest renewal in B.C.

HON. MR. WATERLAND: Mr. Speaker, we have not failed to negotiate an agreement. We have not yet concluded the agreement, but we've certainly not failed in our efforts to negotiate an agreement.

MR. HOWARD: It's a good thing the minister knows the thesaurus is around, anyway.

Inasmuch as the federal government has insisted that projects financed by that proposed federal-provincial agreement be identified in the agreement, and sanctified and protected, but administered by the province, can the minister explain why he and his government have rejected that principal proposition put forward by the feds?

[ Page 5125 ]

HON. MR. WATERLAND: Mr. Speaker, the question posed by that member is based upon incorrect information.

MR. HOWARD: Why are you always at war with the federal government? Can't you get along with anybody?

MR. SPEAKER: Question please, hon. member.

MR. HOWARD: That's a question.

I want to ask the minister if he can confirm that the federal government has proposed that there be a longer term to the proposed agreement than the five years discussed publicly and referred to often by the minister and others, and that that longer-term agreement would have no reduction in the proposed average $60 million a year toward reforestation,

HON. MR. WATERLAND: Mr. Speaker, in response to the first question by the member, I get along very well with my colleagues in Ottawa. It is very nice to have the good representation of the western part of Canada in the House of Commons in the governing party. We have been very inadequately represented by members from British Columbia in the past few parliaments.

Mr. Speaker, in response to the second question from the member, I have not suggested, nor has my counterpart in Ottawa, that there be anything other than a five-year term with the total funding of $300 million for a forestry agreement.

MR. HOWARD: I take it the minister was misquoted earlier when he himself referred to ten years as having been an item discussed with the federal government,

I'd like to ask the minister whether he has agreed to accept, in the proposed agreement and under ERDA, the proposition that either party to the agreement can unilaterally declare that it terminate at the end of two fiscal years.

HON. MR. WATERLAND: Mr. Speaker, in all agreements there is a clause which would say that if circumstances arise which at that time cannot be anticipated, the parties can mutually agree to terminate the agreement. I think that's probably fairly standard practice. But there is no intent on the part of the provincial government — or, as far as I understand, on the part of the federal government — to enter into an agreement for anything less than five years. It is entered into in good faith with every intention that such agreement shall carry on for that period of time and accomplish those goals which have been agreed to.

MR. HOWARD: A final supplementary. Is the minister aware that the ERDA agreement does not contain a provision about mutual agreement to discontinue it in less than the ten year period for ERDA but contains a specific clause in there that says the agreement may be terminated at the end of any fiscal year by either party giving notice — in other words, unilateral termination of the agreement? Is the minister aware that that's in ERDA?

HON. MR. WATERLAND: Mr. Speaker, firstly, the member is referring to the forestry agreement, which is an agreement under the umbrella of ERDA, and now he's referring to ERDA. I have not read the ERDA master agreement, but if such a clause is indeed in it, it would not surprise me at all. It would also be fairly standard practice.

FEDERAL EPF FUNDING

MR. STUPICH: I have a question to the Minister of Finance. Federal spending estimates tabled recently in the House of Commons show that B.C. will get some $98 million extra in health funding. Has the minister decided that these funds will be passed on to the health care system and not be diverted, as has previously been the case?

HON. MR. CURTIS: Mr. Speaker, I think there might be a difference of opinion with respect to the last portion of his statement, which he attempted to make part of the question. Mr. Speaker, you and the member will know that we are very close now to the presentation of the 1985-86 budget for the province of British Columbia. Therefore I would take the question as notice.

MR. STUPICH: Mr. Speaker, I have another question. The minister may want to take this as notice too, but in that it affects other bodies, I am wondering.... The federal spending estimates tabled recently show that B.C. will receive an extra some $40 million for post-secondary education funding.

Interjection.

MR. STUPICH: Yes, extra.

Certainly in that case the minister can't say that it has been passed on in the past, because the amount available has been reducing year by year. That being the case, has the minister decided, since these institutions have to know, whether these funds will be passed on to the post-secondary education system and not diverted, as has previously been the case?

[2:30]

HON. MR. CURTIS: Mr. Speaker, I would attempt to help the member to this extent: he has mentioned federal money for health and federal money for post-secondary education, and I can make a couple of comments, I think, that do not in any way infringe upon what may or may not be contained in the budget.

The fact is that again we see another example of individuals across this country falling prey to the myth that the money is divided. It is transfer money — dollars and tax points — under a heading called "EPF." It was the unilateral decision of the former federal government, and the former federal Minister of Finance, in particular — notwithstanding the fact that the former Prime Minister, Mr. Trudeau, some time earlier indicated that it was block funding — to say: "Surprise! The money is going to be split into two different sections, some for health and some for post-secondary education."

British Columbia is not alone in rejecting that unilateral move. Indeed, most provinces, if not all — and I'm subject to correction — have rejected that decision taken by a former Minister of Finance, for whatever reason, to say: "So much money and tax points for post-secondary education; so much money and tax points for health care and health services across the country." It is a myth, and one which I think most provinces reject, and I hope that in the course of this session we can discuss that further.

I think it is up to all of us who believe in the provincial system within this nation to remind Ottawa — those who

[ Page 5126 ]

served then and those who serve now — that it's still block money. I notice the federal Leader of the Opposition, the leader of the Liberal Party, recently fell into the same trap when making a statement in, I believe, the lower mainland area, by saying that money for post-secondary education had been diverted into other programs.

Mr. Speaker, the record is very clear in British Columbia: we move money for those two activities within the block. The member for Nanaimo nods his head in agreement. We move money within the block for those two purposes, not to other purposes. Indeed, I think it's time that all of us at the provincial level made it very clear that just because some minister now gone from Ottawa decided to change is no reason why an agreement should be broken.

MR. KEMPF: Mr. Speaker, I would ask leave to make a special introduction.

Leave granted.

MR. KEMPF: Today is the turning point in the life of one of our faithful Sergeant-at-Arms staff, Mr. Cliff Ludtke. Yesterday Cliff reached that marvellous age of 65 years and is retiring from this place as of today. But before he goes, there are just a few things that I wish to read into the record of this House.

Cliff Ludtke, born March 4, 1920, in a small wooden frame homestead house in southeast Saskatchewan, the ninth child of a family of 13, has a distinguished record on behalf of this country. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces early in 1940, serving with the army until his retirement on March 26, 1974. During that time Cliff served in Canada, the United Kingdom, northwest Europe, the U.S.A., which included a tour of duty in Korea with the famous Princess's Patricia Canadian Light Infantry regiment and a tour with the United Nations in the Sinai Desert, serving in the Gaza Strip as the regimental sergeant-major of Camp Rafha. Cliff completed his last three years of service in Newcastle, New Brunswick, after which he and Ina — my faithful secretary of nine years — moved to Victoria. On April 3, 1974, he joined the staff of the Sergeant-at-Arms here in this building, where he has served well until this day. Cliff Ludtke is presently the president of branch No. 172, Royal Canadian Legion, Esquimalt, and belongs to several service branches involved in assisting senior citizens throughout the Legion movement.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of us here in this chamber I would take this opportunity to wish Cliff the utmost of happiness in his retirement, and on behalf of all British Columbians — in fact, all the people of Canada — for the distinguished service that he has given us in this country, thank you, Cliff, and good luck.

Mr. Speaker, in the gallery this afternoon are Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Young, friends of Cliff and Ina from Alameda, Saskatchewan, and with them is my secretary Ina. I wish the House to also bid them welcome.

MR. MITCHELL: Mr. Speaker, I would join with my colleague from the government side of the House in wishing Cliff the very best. Cliff has a distinguished war record, and also a very deep part in the heart of Esquimalt as the honorary marshal of every parade that we have; it's his duty as Legion president and other duties. We in Esquimalt really wish Cliff the very best, and a long life. As a member of his Legion, I know he will be watching what I do and reporting regularly.

MR. SKELLY: I understand this is the time on the order paper, Mr. Speaker, to present petitions. Pursuant to standing order 73, for the information of the Minister of Health (Hon. Mr. Nielsen), I have a petition to present on behalf of 5,391 citizens and voters in the province of British Columbia. Would you like me to read the petition, Mr. Speaker?

MR. SPEAKER: No, hon. member. It is the opinion of the Chair that under the new rules we simply submit our petitions without comment; at that time we await the decision as to whether it will be disposed of favourably or otherwise. It does not call for any remarks, hon. member, other than a simple tabling of the document.

MR. SKELLY: Can I ask for a clarification? You do not want me to tell you that this is a petition to stop the logging of Meares Island?

MR. SPEAKER: That's right, hon. member. Otherwise, we violate the spirit, I believe, of the new act.

MR. SKELLY: Mr. Speaker will be happy to know that it's similar to one that was presented last year on behalf of 12,000 other petitioners.

MR. SPEAKER: That's most interesting, hon. member, but not really valid at this point.

MR. LAUK: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, am I to understand that under standing order 73, this petition containing thousands of signatures of British Columbians who want to stop the logging practices of Meares Island is out of order?

MR. SPEAKER: Yes, that's correct, hon. member.

Hon. members, it is equally in violation of our standing orders to do by one means what we cannot do with another. I would hope that members bear that in mind and not place the Chair in a position of having to take any other actions against members who wilfully disregard the rules.

Orders of the Day

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

MRS. JOHNSTON: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to move, seconded by the hon. member for Prince George South (Mr. Strachan): "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."

I am extremely pleased to be the mover of the 1985 throne speech, because I believe it is a message of optimism that all people can respond to in British Columbia. After three long years of sacrifice, they are looking forward to better economic times, and that is exactly the message His Honour has brought before us.

Partnership, cooperation and initiative are the ingredients of success, and these are the ideals that I'm sure we shall all pursue together in this year of new optimism for our province. As well, we're looking forward to the new spirit of cooperation in this House. We're looking forward to hearing the specific ideas opposition members have developed over

[ Page 5127 ]

the past nine months to deal with the economic challenges we face. We're looking forward to an opposition which renounces the personal attack in favour of the practical proposal.

Before referring to some of the specific items mentioned in the throne speech, Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with you some examples of real-life success stories which are helping to give many of my constituents in Surrey some of that sense of optimism to which His Honour referred.

On a personal level, we are all very much aware of the courage and achievements of Steve Fonyo, and I want to say that all our thoughts and prayers are with him. Steve is a former resident of Surrey, and perhaps that gives his mission a special meaning for us. I had an opportunity to talk with Steve's mother yesterday, and this young man, who will be 20 on June 29, covered 32 kilometres on Sunday. I was pleased, as I know we all are, to learn that the leg which was giving him some trouble earlier is much better. This remarkable young man, who lived on 40th Avenue in Surrey from 1978 to 1983, has always been a fine example of our British Columbia youth. While attending Immaculate Conception School in Delta he still found time to work during the summer months and part-time at a small repair shop in White Rock on 152nd Street near 16th Avenue. It is a testimony to the individual human spirit, a reminder that a great vision can raise, inspire and free all of us from the doubts, fears and suspicions that are the greatest impediments to our success.

[2:45]

I believe that the ALRT was a great vision, and the $270 million phase 2 project which is bringing ALRT to Surrey will be as proud a part of our skyline and as eloquent a statement of our faith and vision as was the Lions Gate Bridge in its day. It is a funny thing that whenever anyone has a vision in our province, it seems that it has to be criticized and nitpicked, without mercy, until it is completed. Then it becomes part of our heritage and everyone wants to claim credit for it,

A new beginning that I would dearly like to see in our province is a new partnership in hope, faith and vision. Surrey people understand this very well. The B.C. Transit information centre in Whalley has been overwhelmed by people coming in to look at maps, models and charts of the phase 2 program. Our mayor, Don Ross, was quoted as saying: "In my ten years of involvement in municipal politics out here I've never encountered anything that has been so unanimously endorsed by the general public." Mr. Speaker, the concept is exciting: automated light rapid transit, designed and built in Canada by Canadians, a partnership between British Columbia and Ontario — a partnership, I might add, which has future export potential for our province as we work hard to sell our best to the world.

It will be in operation by the winter of 1988. We're looking at eight new ALRT cars, six kilometres of line in Surrey and a 33-minute trip to downtown Vancouver. Can you imagine: Surrey to Vancouver in 33 minutes? There will be rush-hour rides for 4,000 to 5,000, with more to come: a transit-only bridge, two Surrey stations, 2,000 person-years of primary employment and great economic spinoff effects for our community. We expect a total of at least 3,000 person-years of work for Surrey.

The Scott Road station will be as modem a transit facility as there is anywhere in the world. We're excited and we're proud. We had 800 Surrey residents attend two recent public meetings, and that's just a small reflection of the interest and enthusiasm. Bridge construction is scheduled to begin this fall, and we're all looking forward to that very much.

Several of our local businesses have been awarded a number of contracts and subcontracts to work on Expo 86: Onyx, Calwood, Maxwell Floors, Shamahaus, Surrey Iron Works, Martina Enterprises, Dominion Metal, Alnor, Southwest Contracting, Surrey Power, Van Ingern and Cloverdale Glass. These are the good news stories of today, and there are plenty more to come where Expo and ALRT are concerned. Good news doesn't just happen. It's no accident. It happens when people have vision; and just as important, it happens when people have the courage to make things happen.

I'd like to at this time pay tribute to the fantastic job that our Minister of Human Resources (Hon. Mrs. McCarthy) has done with ALRT and to the outstanding assistance she has received from my colleague, the second member for Surrey (Mr. Reid). They have contributed in a very major way to the greatest project in the history of our community and one of the greatest projects in the history of our province.

You only make history, Mr. Speaker, by looking to the future. That is the hallmark of governments in British Columbia, and that is the theme of His Honour's address.

The creation of real permanent jobs for British Columbians is our number one priority today, We are far closer to that objective today because of the sacrifices which our people have made over the past three years. I say that with confidence, because I am referring to permanent jobs. In today's world that means jobs that will meet the new needs of a new world economy which has emerged very quickly, flowing from the fantastic advances made in technology in recent years and from the new economic power of advancing nations, particularly in the Pacific.

In order to take full advantage of the new opportunities, we had to break some old habits. We had to recognize the need to trim the size of government to an affordable level, and to examine how our taxation system could be improved in order to help our existing industries meet their competition, survive and expand.

This is where cooperation is vital. I was involved with our municipal government for a number of years. I know that local governments have a real part to play, along with the province and the federal government, in ensuring that the climate for business expansion and new investment is attractive in terms of taxation levels, provision of services, regulations and administrative attitudes.

The renewal of our forest and mining industries and the continuing vitality of our hospitality and secondary industries are critical to our economic future. I am very pleased by the priority they have received in the Minister of Finance's (Hon. Mr. Curtis's) taxation review, in the Premier's recent TV address and in the throne speech.

I'm really encouraged by the proposal for a commissioner of critical industries, because I believe that all members will agree that the desire is there as never before for cooperation to save jobs and to encourage new investment. Our labour unions have done a great job over the years of fighting for the wages and working conditions of working men and women. I believe that today they more and more see the need to fight for their jobs, as well as for the survival and success of their industries in cooperation with government and responsible management. I am delighted to see this new vehicle to give them that opportunity, free from any of the historical problems they may have experienced with other processes or institutions. This is a new beginning, Mr.

[ Page 5128 ]

Speaker, and perhaps the most important that we have seen. While government can do much to make our province a more attractive place in which to invest, nothing that government does at any level — civic, provincial or federal — can guarantee new investment or new jobs unless labour and management also exhibit a positive willingness to try new approaches to a harmonious relationship, even while great changes are taking place. Confidence is like oxygen: we can't see it, feel it or hear it, but we can't live without it.

There is sometimes a tendency to seek one quick fix to problems. I'm glad to see we aren't falling into that trap. High tech can be of great importance to our province, and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our Science minister (Hon. Mr. McGeer) on his recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with Mr. Siddon, his federal counterpart, who is also a scientist and a British Columbian. That bodes very well for the future of high-tech industry in our province, and is another reason that my constituents are looking forward today with renewed optimism.

We have not forgotten, however, that our existing industries can and should be strengthened at the same time that we are pursuing innovation. New investment from outside Canada can be beneficial, but I'm glad we are not forgetting that British Columbians want very much to develop this province, and we are encouraging them to do that. When we are looking for new investment, we should never forget our fellow British Columbians and fellow Canadians.

When we look at job creation, we must remember that one size does not fit all. British Columbians come in every size, shape, colour and creed, every personality, taste and ability. We are a great people because of this diversity, and I believe that our vision, enterprise, human and economic potential are second to none. That diversity is nowhere more evident than in our small business sector, and I firmly believe that in most sectors of our economy it is the small business sector, particularly where it is developing innovation, products or services, that will lead the way in new job creation.

The reference to our cultural heritage is a welcome one. So too is the agreement of Canada's cultural ministers to actively pursue the job creation potential of the cultural sector. Our government has sometimes drawn remarks which refer to "Hollywood north." I don't know about you, Mr. Speaker, but I wonder what is wrong with that. I'm sure there are hundreds of young people in my own constituency who would love to work in the film industry or in other creative fields.

Another very exciting area for job creation is the field of energy, and I must say I was very pleased with my appointment as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (Hon. Mr. Rogers). I believe we have a great energy future in our province, and I very much want to work closely with the minister in promoting energy-related job-creating investment throughout British Columbia. We have not begun, for example, to tap the true potential for natural gas in our province; but we have the vision to do so, and we shall, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased to note the importance accorded to our mining industry, which has had to contend with severe world market conditions, and I am looking forward to learning a great deal more about this important industry. I am sure we all endorse the premier's strong message of support and the intensive efforts which are underway to preserve and restore jobs in some of the hard-hit facets of this historic B.C. Industry. Hopefully the tragic British experience has given us all an object lesson in the need to replace ideology with common sense and cooperation, not only in mining but throughout our economy.

Government plays many vital support roles in our economy: in educating, training and retraining our people, in providing the transportation systems essential to development, and in ensuring plentiful energy at a reasonable cost. As we prepare to reach out to the world through a new Ministry of International Trade, in trade missions and in Expo 86, we must do more to ensure that our young people and those who are unemployed because of automation, markets and structural changes in our economy have available the quality of education, training and retraining that they will need to take maximum advantage of the economic opportunities which will become available as a more cooperative and incentive-oriented economic climate fosters job-creating investments in our province.

We must continue to develop that outstanding transportation system which has built our province over the decades and is continuing to build it — at Prince Rupert, the Annacis crossing, the ALRT and the Coquihalla, to name but a few.

As I've said, we must recognize the full potential of our energy resources, and I'm very pleased to be able to congratulate the government on its innovative proposal for incentive electricity rates. It is only because of the vision which was shown in developing plentiful energy supplies in our province that we can consider this creative option.

I have spoken of visions, Mr. Speaker. It took a great deal of vision to build the outstanding health care system that we have in British Columbia, and the education, social services, transportation and energy supply systems. It will take equally great vision to adapt them to the needs of this decade and decades to come.

The wide-ranging review and consultative process now underway with respect to our School Act is timely. It will require courage and consultation, and a consistent commitment to both quality and cost-effectiveness. I am pleased to see that the government wishes to strengthen emphasis on maths and sciences. Our grandchildren will, I am sure, look on typewriters in the same way that we look at horse-drawn carriages.

I would like to ask the young women in our school system to examine opportunities in science and technology. They are every bit as open to them as to young men. Science has been largely a male preserve — not by design, but by traditional attitudes which fostered a lack of awareness on the part of young women. I want to urge all of the young women in our schools to take full advantage of these opportunities. Let's make two-scientist families a part of our west coast cultural identity, Mr. Speaker. It seems to work so well for our Minister of Universities, Science and Communications. I believe it is an idea whose time has come.

[3:00]

Once again, Mr. Speaker, government has a role. Government can provide the opportunities, but, as in the field of labour-management relations, it is ultimately the people who have the power and the responsibility to change their own lives and their community for the better.

I am very pleased that the Throne Speech reflects the continuing need to encourage women in their training for career advancement, while at the same time recognizing the fundamental importance of the family.

Mr. Speaker, the proposal for rewarding outstanding teaching ability is excellent. This is the sort of approach

[ Page 5129 ]

parents in Surrey want. For too long the only reward for a good teacher was to make him or her an administrator. From the point of view of classroom instruction, that was often counter-productive and, in some cases, just plain dumb.

The teaching profession is, as it should be, one of the most honoured in our community, and the recognition of outstanding merit is an important step in enhancing the quality of education and in recognizing the pursuit of excellence. Every member of this House knows that having a really good teacher is even more important to the quality of a child's education than whether there are 22 or 24 students in a class. It's time we recognized that.

Our children are very concerned about their future, and they're willing to work hard in order to do well. I am very pleased with the reference to a new scholarship program which will recognize and reward those successes. Young people want something they can believe in, and I believe that if we dedicate ourselves to the twin pursuits of excellence and innovation, their achievements will surpass our greatest hopes, just as did our magnificent British Columbia athletes in qualifying in such large numbers for our Olympic team.

Congratulations are in order to the nearly 2,000 athletes who just competed at our Winter Games in Osoyoos and Oliver. These games involve many thousands in playdowns all across B.C. They encourage fitness and health awareness throughout B.C. They exemplify the values of community spirit, volunteer effort and, once again, the pursuit of excellence.

[Mr. Veitch in the chair.]

If we can carry those values over into our pursuit of economic renewal, our future will be bright indeed. Taking personal responsibility, expressing one's own creativity, volunteering to help others, being conscious of health and environment, taking interest in science and new technology, looking with interest to the cultures and economies of the Pacific and other advancing countries, valuing and participating in our own cultural diversity, working toward better understanding between all groups in society and pursuing equal rights for all citizens: these, I believe, are among the finest values, which are typical of British Columbians and which I believe we are recognizing and affirming in the Speech from the Throne.

While the concern with job-creating is paramount, we are renewing at this time our commitment to environmental protection in addressing the issues of acid rain, ozone and flood control — all of which, I might add, have a direct relevance to my own constituency. We are taking strong initiatives to promote British Columbia agricultural exports, a very positive step for the Fraser Valley, the Okanagan and other food-producing regions in our province.

I am sure that the international food exhibition at Expo will provide a major boost for our farmers. Access to markets and stronger marketing initiatives are the keys to expansion of our agricultural industry, and the minister is to be congratulated on his outstanding efforts on behalf of our farmers.

We are reaffirming our historic commitment to quality in education at all levels and in job training for all ages. We are addressing the serious problems faced by women and children in our legal system. We are declaring war on violent pornography and the abuse and sexual exploitation of the young. We are recognizing the invaluable service of volunteers to the handicapped and the poor. We are proposing a working partnership with federal and local governments and with business and labour in an innovative way to strengthen our existing industries — the forest industry, the mining industry — to aid in the terrific growth potential of our tourist industry as it gears up for Expo 86 — a $3 billion boost to the B.C. economy. We are working to create job opportunities for young people, including a venture capital program which taps their creativity and allows them to be their own bosses.

Above all, we are offering a new optimism to all British Columbians, who have sacrificed so patiently and who have earned the right to hope for a much brighter future. The sooner we get to work together, Mr. Speaker, the sooner and the brighter that future will be.

MR. STRACHAN: Before I begin, I would be remiss if I didn't join with the member for Esquimalt–Port Renfrew (Mr. Mitchell) and the member for Omineca (Mr. Kempf) in offering my very best wishes to Cliff Ludtke. He has served this assembly in an outstanding manner. I had a family member who also served with the Victoria Patricia — the PPCLI — and I can assure you that it was a proud regiment, and men such as the calibre of Mr. Ludtke contributed to the record and honour of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry,

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to second the motion of the first member for Surrey. His Honour's address contained many positive initiatives, and as a representative for British Columbia's third-largest city I am pleased to acknowledge the direction taken by His Honour in recognition of the vital potential of not only my community of the central interior but of the whole province.

As well as being a significant time for our province, this week and this year hold a special significance for Prince George. Although, as I mentioned earlier, Prince George is our province's third-largest city, we are certainly not the oldest. However, I am pleased to tell you, Mr. Speaker, that tomorrow is a very special day for our city, as March 6, 1985, will mark our city's seventieth birthday. When I reflect on His Honour's statement that our government believes in the power and potential of individuals — it is their initiative, their efforts and their creativity that have made our country and our province great — I reflect on the individual spirit of our Prince George pioneers who contributed so much to the dynamic community that I live in today.

Mr. Speaker, they came from all comers of the world, our pioneers — from southern China, Greece, Italy, eastern Europe from Yugoslavia to the Ukraine, the United States, the Maritimes, Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and the Scandinavian countries. Some were mighty figures — aviation pioneers such as Grant McConachie and Sheldon Luck who served the north. I'm sure the member for Omineca (Mr. Kempf) can share in stories on the character of those two very significant pioneers. Significant political figures drew the blueprints for development in our central interior: Ray Williston, the Moffat family, the Assman family, John McGuiness. Our city's pioneers had names like Brkich, Berdusco, Yip, Houghtelling, Bellos, Ewert, Sintich — and on that point I might note that Mr. Sintich's son is in the buildings today, and I'd like to recognize him for the record — Roin, Ambrose Trick, Harold Mann, the Williams family, Dr. Lyon, Dr. Alward, the Prudentes, Pete Wilson, the Hoy family, Ivor Guest, Martin Caine. Native Indian families contributed so much: the Bird family and the Quaws.

[ Page 5130 ]

They freighted on the Fraser River; they built the railroad; they built bridges. They were Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, agnostic. They were Liberals, Conservatives and CCF MPs and MLAs. They would work outside at 40 below, and in the summer they had horse-races on 3rd Avenue. They had spirit, determination and an undefeatable momentum. Job creation in those days — 70 years ago — was not a government program; job creation was an essential element of staying alive.

Those pioneers are being remembered tomorrow and for 1985 in Prince George. I would like at this point to acknowledge for the record the history committee who have done such a good job in putting our seventieth birthday together, in particular Garvin Moles and Bob Harkins, and some of the speakers who have come. We have had the opportunity to have Sheldon Luck come back to Prince George and speak about his early days in aviation — very exciting, I might add. Ken Bernshon spoke about the IWA organization of the lumber industry. Bob Gallagher spoke about the Northern Interior Lumbermen's Association and how they recognized 20 years ago that they had a unique and distinct product to sell but they had to clean it up, market it and get it known throughout the United States and throughout the export world. We now have the reputation in the central interior as probably being the leading edge in terms of quality lumber and quality exports in North America, if not the western world. To those men and women with the strength and fortitude, we say: "Happy birthday and thank you."

At this point I'd also like to extend my best wishes to the member for Prince Rupert (Mr. Lea) and to his community, who this weekend are beginning their seventy-fifth anniversary celebration. The member for Prince Rupert, in his own inimitable style, with much humour, said: "This must be the week of the Princes." So that's his line, if you like it.

As we reflect on past achievements and remember those who gave us this fine province, we must also reflect on what lies ahead. That, of course, is why we have a Speech from the Throne, which can highlight our best wishes, our initiatives, and our 1985 style of determination.

There arc many individual and seemingly separate statements in His Honour's speech, but they follow a significant course and combine to form an entity larger than the simple sum. Like our Prince George pioneers, we are challenged in the face of adversity. We've had pitfalls, we've had setbacks, we've had the equivalent of a 40-below chill in our economy, but we've won. We've weathered the cold and we're better for it. We're not yet at our summer horse-race celebrations, but we're ever so close. We have one more chill to overcome, and it's really just a matter of our own attitude. Let's look at us all in this assembly — all of us seemingly bogged down with one concern or another. It's time to get out of the bog, Mr. Speaker. Let's start that momentum. Let's do something. We can do it. All of us assembled in this room — we know our communities, we know our strengths. We know how to build and how to contribute. There's not one of us in this room who is not capable of action, initiative and determination. If it were otherwise we would not be here. Some of us have political philosophies that differ from others, but that's democracy. The belief in a particular policy or philosophy is what attracted those who voted for us. But irrespective of philosophical differences, we have a common goal, and that is to build a better British Columbia. No one here in this room could admit they are here to tear down or destroy. We are here to build, create, develop and take satisfaction in our own accomplishments. Where do we begin? Right now. We begin by assessing the reality of 1985 and examining the details, the potential, the momentum, and the absolutely clear direction contained in the throne speech.

Last year we had a federal election in this country that resulted in a majority government with majority support in every part of Canada for the first time in many years. We see that as a great opportunity for cooperation and Canada-wide partnership.

It's interesting to consider and reflect that federal systems were not really designed with the modem mixed economy in mind. They were most in vogue during the era of a very limited government involvement in economic affairs. That's unfortunate, since one of the legacies of our very decentralized federalism had been kind of an institutional barrier impeding fast and effective response to external economic change. But as you know, Mr. Speaker, and my honourable friends on both sides of the House, since we last sat for a full session we've seen massive change in our province and in our country of Canada. We have a new federal government — a new awareness. I can tell you that for the first time in my political career, I hear Ottawa saying: "British Columbia is not part of the problem; British Columbia is part of the answer." I'm beginning to feel like it. I'm sure I speak for all of us in this room and for everyone in this province: I'm beginning to feel like a Canadian again, and it feels good.

As I look at Canada from Prince George, I see a limitless horizon. It doesn't stop at the 49th parallel or the Alberta or Yukon border or the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It doesn't stop anywhere; it just goes and goes. It is northeast coal to Japan. It is Prince George pulp and paper to Germany. It is Prince George helicopter avionics to Singapore. It is dimension lumber to Italy. It is B.C. gas and hydro to the United States. It is a Prince George consulting forester to New Brunswick. It is the same Prince George spirit that split rails 70 years ago that is now a world leader in high-recovery computerized sawmills.

At that point, Mr. Speaker, I would like to dwell a moment on an item that both the Minister of Education (Hon. Mr. Heinrich) and I are extremely proud of. It's a sawmill in our city of Prince George — Lakeland Mills — which recently won a Canadian award for excellence in labour-management relations. That's what I mean by grassroots cooperation and changing attitudes.

[3:15]

In December 1980, Lakeland Mills made what has been described as a quantum leap from the mechanics of a relatively inefficient scragmill to the sophisticated microelectronics of a modem studmill, with a computer with up to 145,000 cutting combinations, which improved lumber recovery by some 30 percent. The mill has drawn worldwide attention for its efficiency in production. What makes the story truly remarkable, Mr. Speaker, is the way in which the modernization was carried out. We all have a fear, I'm sure, when we think of new technology, of losing jobs. There were very few, if any, jobs lost on that — total cooperation. The Canada award went to Bob Stewart of Lakeland Mills and to the IWA representative, Mr. Tage Mogensen. I'm proud to mention both their names and to have them put on the record here.

As I look at the initiatives in the throne speech, particularly the commissioner of critical industries, I would recommend to that commissioner that he or she, when appointed — and that commission — use Lakeland Mills as a

[ Page 5131 ]

model for modernization and good, effective labour relations.

That's British Columbia right now, Mr. Speaker. It's a world leader. So much of it is staring us right in the face; I wonder at times if we can see it. We can control cost, quality, reliability, and we have the promise of better things to come. These are simple words, yet they sum up virtually all of the interrelated factors that will spell success or failure in our world markets, the success of which we must depend upon for our jobs, schools, hospitals and social programs.

All the natural and human resources in the world won't earn us a living unless we can deliver quality goods and services on time, dependably and at a reasonable price. If in addition we can develop a reputation as an innovator, we will have the edge over those who match us on the other criteria, because change in itself has become an integral element of world markets in the eighties and beyond.

If members will carefully examine His Honour's address, they will see ample evidence that these critical elements, which must be present to create and preserve jobs in our economy, are addressed in every page. As a matter of fact, every initiative in the throne speech draws the circle of British Columbia ever wider.

Mr. Speaker, we will increase trade. We will market our British Columbia determination. We will welcome the world, not only at Expo but at every other conceivable opportunity; and the world will welcome us. We have spirit. We have the will. And we must and will succeed. That is the absolutely clear promise and that is the absolutely clear direction of the throne speech.

Mr. Speaker, there is one more item stemming from yesterday's business that I would like to address briefly before closing, and that is my election as your Deputy Speaker. I want to share with all members my appreciation and thanks for the trust you have once again placed in me as one of your presiding officers. I would imagine that to an outsider who would recognize my particular political philosophy, to come from a government bench and sit objectively in the middle of heated debate requires some fondness, I guess, for masochistic schizophrenia, but it's not that way at all. Many members who have occupied a position in the middle, and in that setting, recognize that Parliament is supreme. I want to assure you that the supremacy of Parliament will continue to be my priority.

On this note, may I also offer my congratulations to the member for North Vancouver–Capilano (Mr. Ree) on election as the deputy chairman of committees, and sincerely thank, I'm sure on behalf of all members of the Legislative Assembly, the contribution, assistance, good cheer, charm and style that was so much enjoyed of my former colleague at the chair, the current and newly appointed Minister of the Environment (Hon. Mr. Pelton).

Mr. Speaker, hon. members, thank you for your indulgence. I look forward to the ongoing debate and the opportunity to hear opinions which may vary from mine. In closing, may I say that it is with sincere pleasure that I second the motion as proposed by the first member for Surrey (Mrs. Johnston).

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

MR. SKELLY: Mr. Speaker, I also would like to congratulate the mover and the seconder of this motion, and to acknowledge the appointment of the new ministers to the cabinet. In the spirit of cooperation, I would move adjournment of this debate until the next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mr. Nielsen moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 3:22 p.m.