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CONTENTS

Prorogation –– 7265

The House met at 3:06 p.m.

Prayers.

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

HON. MR. ROGERS: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, as I speak to you on this closing day of the third session of the thirty-third parliament of British Columbia, I wish to express my appreciation for the attention and careful consideration given the numerous and important measures, particularly those related to economic renewal, outlined in my message to you on opening this parliament on March 4, 1985.

The accomplishments of the past year included the passage of more than 70 measures proposed by my government, many of major significance and benefit to the people of our province. You have also enacted six measures proposed by individual members of this assembly.

Amid growing signs that our province is emerging from the worst effects of the international recession, you approved, as part of my government's long-range program for economic renewal, a range of stimulative measures to strengthen and expand our economy. These measures included a three-year, major program of tax reductions for businesses small and large to make our province a more attractive place to do business and employ people. These tax changes included elimination of the corporation capital tax, property taxes on machinery and equipment, reduced commercial and industrial school tax rates, and tax credits for small business. You brought about these tax reductions while maintaining control of government expenditures and retaining the second-lowest personal income tax rates in Canada.

You established a critical industries commission to assist our mining and forest industries, provided electricity discounts to attract new industry and assist existing industry to expand their operations and increase employment and enacted a bold, new economic partnership with municipalities.

You aided our vital small business sector through a new public sector purchasing policy designed to stimulate employment in our province. You also approved the Small Business Venture Capital Act and the Equity Investment Plan Act among additional measures to encourage greater economic activity, diversify the economy and create new employment opportunities for our people.

These and the other measures you approved are playing and will continue to play an important part in helping British Columbia business and industry expand and grow and are further broadening the economy beyond the vital resource sector, while increasing the strength of these industries as well.

You established a Ministry of International Trade and Investment to seek new markets for our products and new job-creating investments, and enacted a new Securities Act to strengthen our province's financial sector. In addition you enacted measures to bring several provincial laws into conformity with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and established a commercial arbitration centre to take advantage of growing opportunities in international trade.

For the second straight year the economy of our province has demonstrated growth and increased strength. Employment has increased substantially and unemployment has declined steadily.

A number of other positive indicators — including housing starts, retail sales and the incorporation of new businesses — all support this trend towards increased consumer and business confidence and renewal across British Columbia.

Our people have seen the successful completion of the initial phase of our modern and efficient rapid transit system. Between Vancouver and New Westminster, the system is serving thousands of commuters, and rapid transit will soon be extended into Surrey and other areas.

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We have also witnessed the near completion of two major projects: the first phase of the challenging Coquihalla Highway project, and the new Annacis Island bridge across the Fraser River, both of which stand as magnificent engineering achievements.

Our steady economic progress and the continuing diversification of our economy have been matched by the growth of a new consensus in our province and a much-improved industrial relations climate. I am advised that British Columbia's industrial relations record was the best in 20 years. Credit for the improvement is due to both our workers and management.

The critical industries commissioner, with the cooperation of workers, management and my government, has been instrumental in assisting six forestry and mining firms to keep operating, thus safeguarding more than 1,500 jobs across our province.

You approved the Provincial-Municipal Partnership Act, which directly involves local government in the provision of taxation and other incentives to stimulate job creation.

During the past year you enacted legislation designed to enhance stability in revenue-sharing with municipalities, and amendments to simplify and make more efficient the planning and development provisions of the Municipal Act are now being implemented.

In the past year 14 industries benefited from discount sales of surplus electricity, and it is my government's intention to use this surplus in the coming year both as a domestic incentive for industrial expansion and as a valuable export commodity.

You approved measures that established a market-oriented regime for both domestic and export sales of gas and established a royalty system that is responsive to the marketplace. Another important step was to set up attractive incentives to encourage oil exploration and development. I am advised that the result of these energy initiatives has been a resurgence of oil and gas drilling activity in the northeast of our province and a major increase in revenue to my government as a result of record bonus bids by the industry.

As my government's long-range strategy brings new investment and new economic activity through the development of both small and large projects, there is agreement that we must continue to work together if we are to continue our steady progress.

While my government's main priority remains the creation of new employment opportunities for British Columbians, there is also agreement that we must invest the benefits of an expanding economy to further improve government services to people, particularly in the fields of education and health.

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This agreement on our priorities has been matched by the support that British Columbians are giving to Expo 86. Members of this assembly are to be congratulated for their part in the preparations being made to welcome the nations of the world to our fair. This challenging and exciting undertaking will provide millions of visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation of our people and the immense potential which exists in every region of our great province. Expo 86 represents a pivotal point in British Columbia's fortunes. It will be a catalyst in my government's long-range plan to attract new investment and new business, and will pave the way for a stronger and more prosperous future for our province.

Hon. members, you will soon be returning to this chamber to again represent the interests of the people of our province. You will be asked to consider and debate a range of measures to enhance economic renewal over the remaining years of my government's mandate and beyond. My government's priorities are twofold: to strengthen and diversify our province's economic condition and create employment opportunities for our people, and to improve education and health services for all British Columbians. Both goals are important; neither can be subservient to the other. All British Columbians can be encouraged by the progress that we have made together. The challenge that lies ahead is to ensure that it continues. I know that all of you as elected representatives will work to meet that challenge.

Hon. members, I thank you for your efforts on behalf of all British Columbians. It is now my duty to relieve you of your legislative duties. I trust the blessing of Divine Providence will attend you when you shortly resume those duties in this House.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

HON. MRS. McCARTHY: Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, it is His Honour the Lieutenant Governor's will and pleasure that the Legislative Assembly be prorogued until 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 1986, and this provincial Legislative Assembly is hereby prorogued accordingly.

The House prorogued at 3:20 p.m.