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CONTENTS

Election of Speaker –– 1

Routine Proceedings

Speech from the Throne –– 3

An Act To Perpetuate A Parliamentary Right

Introduction and first reading –– 6

Presenting reports –– 9

The House met at 2 p.m.

This being the first day of the first session of the 34th Legislative Assembly of the province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation of the Hon. Robert G. Rogers, Lieutenant- Governor of the province, hon. members took their seats, after having taken the prescribed oath and having signed the parliamentary roll.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having entered the House, took his seat on the throne.

HON. MR. VEITCH: Hon. members of the Legislative Assembly, I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to announce that he does not see fit to declare the cause of his summoning you at this time and will not do so until you have chosen a Speaker to preside over your honourable body. His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor hopes to be able to declare, during the afternoon, his reason for calling you together.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

HON. MR. STRACHAN: Mr. Clerk, I move, seconded by my colleague the hon. member for Coquitlam-Moody, the opposition House Leader, that John Reynolds, Esquire, member for the West Vancouver-Howe Sound electoral district, do take the Speaker's chair and preside over the meetings of the assembly.

MR. ROSE: Mr. Clerk, I rise to second the nomination of the member for West Vancouver-Howe Sound, Mr. John Reynolds, as Speaker.

Mr. Reynolds is an old colleague, a former Member of Parliament and a very experienced member; in fact, almost an expert in baffling and confounding previous Speakers in this and other legislatures. But despite this, Mr. Clerk, the New Democrats offer their best wishes for a successful Speakership.

CLERK OF THE HOUSE: It has been moved by the Hon. W. Bruce Strachan, seconded by Mr. Mark W. Rose, that John Reynolds, Esquire, member for the West Vancouver-Howe Sound electoral district, do take the Speaker's chair and preside over the meetings of this assembly. Are there any further nominations?

I declare John Reynolds, Esquire, member for West Vancouver-Howe Sound electoral district, elected Speaker of this assembly and that he do preside over its meetings.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, permit me to return my humble acknowledgments to the House for this great honour that you have bestowed on me this day by selecting me to be your Speaker.

I would like to declare a short recess. I would hope all members would stay in their chairs until I return.

The House recessed at 2:11 p.m.

The House resumed at 2:14 p.m.

Prayers.

[2:15]

HON. MR. STRACHAN: Mr. Speaker, I would move that the second member for Vancouver-Little Mountain (Mr. Mowat) be permitted to vote on divisions in this House and in any committee thereof during the thirty-fourth parliament by raising his right hand.

Motion approved.

DEPUTY CLERK:

Mr. Ian M. Horne,
QC Clerk of the House,
Legislative Buildings,
Victoria, B.C.

Dear Sir:

Re: General Election, October 22, 1986

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, by his proclamation issued on the twenty-fourth day of September, 1986, was pleased to dissolve the Legislative Assembly of the province, and it was necessary to hold elections to fill vacancies caused by such dissolution.

The elections were duly held pursuant to the provisions of the Election Act.

I transmit herewith a certificate of the chief electoral officer, setting forth the names of members who have been elected in the electoral district indicated on the enclosed certificate.

Yours truly,
R.S. Plecas,
Deputy Provincial Secretary

Mr. R.S. Plecas
Deputy Provincial Secretary

Dear Mr. Plecas:

Re: Provincial general election, 1986

The thirty-third Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia was dissolved on September 24, 1986, and writs were issued on that date calling for a provincial general election. The writs were returnable on or before November 17, 1986.

October 9, 1986 was designated as the day for nomination of candidates and October 22, 1986 was designated as polling day.

Requests were made under section 122(l)(c) of the provincial Election Act for partial or complete rechecks in ten electoral districts, namely:

Burnaby-Edmonds
Burnaby-Willingdon
Dewdney
Kamloops
Mackenzie
Nelson-Creston
Okanagan North

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Surrey-Guildford-
Whalley
Surrey-Newton
Vancouver-Point Grey

The rechecks were performed prior to the final count with the exception of the electoral districts of Burnaby-Edmonds and Kamloops, which were performed in conjunction with the final count.

Because of a request made under section 130(l) of the provincial Election Act for judicial recounts for the electoral districts of Dewdney, Nelson-Creston and Vancouver-Point Grey, writ return dates for these electoral districts cannot be established at this time.

I hereby certify that the following members have been elected to represent their respective electoral districts as set out hereunder:

Yours very truly,
Harry Goldberg,
Chief electoral officer.

Robert Plecas,
Deputy Provincial Secretary.

Dear Sir:

Further to my certificate of November 17, 1986, I now have the return for the electoral district of Nelson-Creston. The date for the return of the writ of election for Nelson-Creston had been amended to an indefinite date because of a judicial recount before the county court of Nelson. The said writ was returned to me on November 18, 1986.

I now certify that Howard L. Dirks has been elected to represent the electoral district of Nelson-Creston.

Robert Plecas,
Deputy Provincial Secretary.

Dear Sir:

Further to my certificate of November 17, 1986, I now have the return for the electoral district of Vancouver-Point Grey. The date for the return of the writ of election for Vancouver-Point Grey had been amended to an indefinite date because of the judicial recount before the county court of Vancouver. The said writ was returned to me on November 28, 1986.

I now certify that Kim Campbell and Darlene Marzari have been elected to represent the electoral district of Vancouver-Point Grey.

Yours very truly,
Harry Goldberg.

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Robert Plecas,
Deputy Provincial Secretary.

Dear Sir:

Further to my certificate of November 17, 1986, I now have the return for the electoral district of Dewdney. The date for the return of the writ of election for Dewdney had been amended to an indefinite date because of a judicial recount and a subsequent appeal from the decision of the county court of New Westminster. The said writ was returned to me on December 5, 1986.

I now certify that Norman Jacobsen and Austin Pelton have been elected to represent the electoral district of Dewdney.

HON. MR. VEITCH: Mr. Speaker, I move that the letters of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and the certificates of the chief electoral officer of the result of the election of members be entered in the Journals of the House.

Motion approved.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor re-entered the chamber and took his seat on the throne.

MR. SPEAKER: May it please Your Honour, the House of Assembly has elected me as their Speaker, though I am but little able to fulfil the important duties thus assigned to me. If in the performance of those duties I should at any time fall into error, I pray that the fault be imputed to me and not to the assembly, whose servant I am, and who, through me, the better to enable them to discharge their duty to the Queen and country, humbly claim all their undoubted rights and privileges, especially that they may have the freedom of speech in their debates and access to your Honour's person at all seasonable times, and that their proceedings may receive from Your Honour the most favourable interpretation.

HON. MR. VEITCH: Mr. Speaker, I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to declare to you that he freely confides in the duty and attachment of the House of Assembly to Her Majesty's person and government, and not doubting that their respective proceedings will be conducted with wisdom, temper and prudence, he grants, and upon all occasions will recognize and allow, their constitutional privileges.

I am commanded also to assure you that the assembly shall have ready access to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor upon all seasonable occasions and that their proceedings, as well as your words and actions, will constantly receive from him the most favourable construction.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

HON. R.G. ROGERS (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, as we open this first session of the thirty-fourth Parliament of our province of British Columbia, I extend greetings on behalf of our sovereign, the Queen.

Today, as a new parliament, we begin a new chapter in the history of this assembly, with 39 members taking part in their first session. My government bids them a special welcome.

My government's mandate stems from its commitment to make a fresh start in order to create a stronger economy and jobs for our people. We promised an open and accessible style of government that responds to the needs of people. We said we would free up the private sector and work with it as a partner to get our province moving. We vowed to restore confidence in the vitality of our province's economy.

We said we would sharply cut government interference in the lives and activities of British Columbians and business. We will deliver. We will listen, consult and lead by example, saying what we mean and doing what we say. We will seek cooperation to develop policies and programs to strengthen our province and provide security for our people. Difficult decisions must be made. Revenues are down, spending demands are up and the deficit must be reduced. My government will show strong leadership.

[2:30]

We will follow the right course, not the most expedient, refusing to sacrifice a better future for all by bowing to the demands of a few. We will instead pursue the long-term interests of all British Columbians, whose rights and welfare must always be paramount.

With that aim in mind, my government takes up its task with confidence. Our new style and approach has created a growing sense of optimism about our province and its prospects. Thousands and thousands of British Columbians have told us they want to be part of our fresh start. My government will build on this momentum and work with the private sector to break down barriers to opportunity.

We have a plan for a new economy; we will make it work. We will act to bring long-term stability in labour-management relations. We will strengthen small- and medium-sized business to diversify our economic base. We will decentralize government and cut red tape to free up business activity. We will be aggressive in seeking investment and markets. Most important, we will invest in our most valuable resource — our people. That means quality education, job training and creating fresh entrepreneurial opportunities through our private sector.

Good government does not work behind closed doors. Our words and intent will be matched by action. My cabinet and committees of this House will travel across our province to bring government to the people. We will seek answers and find solutions from all, because there is no monopoly on good ideas or constructive proposals.

My government will increase involvement in decisionmaking in and outside the Legislature. As a priority, my government will expand the number and roles of the all-party committees of this assembly. I will ask all members to become more involved in the business of our parliament.

My government will act to have a board of internal economy appointed early in this session. Under the chairmanship of the Speaker, it will develop fair procedures and rules for the financial management and administration of this assembly. These procedures, including formulas to fund the operations of the caucuses of government and the official opposition, will be in place for the 1988-89 fiscal year. My government will in the interim substantially increase funding so that the official opposition has the resources to meet its obligations in this session. And since government's business is everybody's business, my government will act to provide coverage of the Legislature on television and radio by late fall.

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In keeping with its open approach, my government will spell out its intentions.

In this session members will be asked to strengthen the democratic process and individual rights by considering measures to provide more just and equitable expropriation procedures for all British Columbians, to formalize self-government for the Sechelt Indian band and for other bands, and to end dual constituencies and provide mail-in votes for the handicapped. In regard to this latter initiative, my government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Justice Thomas K. Fisher as a commissioner to inquire into and make recommendations on single-constituency boundaries.

My government will also act in this session to improve and enhance programs and services for British Columbians. My government will introduce more support programs to meet the needs of victims and witnesses of crime. We will also continue to provide specialized support to victims of sexual assault, child abuse and wife assault.

A new Police Act will strengthen the investigative and inquiry powers of the B.C. Police Commission, ensuring more fairness to police and citizens. The Adoption Act will be changed to give adults access on request to an adoption disclosure registry. Measures to ensure lawyers are competent, financially responsible and subject to appropriate disciplinary procedures will be introduced. We will act to make sure spouses make timely support payments to families and dependent children.

My government is pleased to announce that Barry Sullivan will head the royal commission which will investigate education in our province and report by April 1988. Training manuals to assist educators to deal with sex abuse and sex offenders in schools will be presented. A basic provincial guideline program on family life and sex education, supported by instructional material and appropriate staffing and funding, will be issued to school districts by September. The program will deal with the topic and related health issues in an open but sensitive and careful way that is both appropriate and acceptable.

My government will provide funding in this session to reduce the high rate of abortions in our province. Support programs for single mothers, more day-care facilities and increased adoption opportunities will be made available to address the ever-increasing number of abortions. We will also move quickly to increase welfare rates for those most in need, particularly families and single parents. My government will soon name a task force to work with the private sector to open up job opportunities for the disabled.

Education is the bedrock on which we must build our new economy. My government will introduce a range of new and imaginative initiatives throughout our education system. We will pursue how to offer a tax-deductible registered educational savings plan. We will implement a scholarship credit plan that will allow Grade 8 to 12 students with high academic standing to earn credits towards the cost of their post-secondary education, and we will establish a government program to match corporate and private donations towards scholarships.

All British Columbians are proud of their public education system, which has fared well in evaluation and testing across the land. But special mention must also be made of the independent school system, which has shown unprecedented growth and acceptance. Therefore, in fairness, my government will be providing special financial assistance to help further relieve those who have, in a democratic system, chosen the independent education process for their children.

Our advanced education system will play a hands-on role in economic development. Post-secondary funding will be increased to ensure that colleges and universities are a full partner in the process. The new economy will demand new skills and new education programs for our people. Our educational institutions will be given the tools to do the job.

My government will coordinate, on behalf of our post-secondary institutions, the marketing of educational services on an international basis. Emphasis will be placed on programs that strengthen our growing relationship with Pacific Rim nations.

All British Columbians should be extremely proud of the individuals who head our universities and colleges. With the help and cooperation of these educational leaders, my government will establish a Premier's science and research council with representatives from our advanced educational institutions, business and government.

Further, my government will, during this fiscal year, coordinate a phased and full transfer of responsibility for its science and technology component to the post-secondary education community through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Job Training. My government will present a science and technology strategy to bring together the universities, the private sector and governments as partners. Aerospace, biotechnology, ocean industries, microelectronics and nuclear research will be target areas of growth.

British Columbians are well served by those who work for government. My government will, through the Provincial Secretary, consult with public servants on ways to improve both morale and productivity and to ensure that they have the fullest opportunity to use and enhance their skills within the public service.

The key player in our plan for a new, more diversified economy will be a vibrant and growing private sector. Government has no money of its own; its ability to deliver and improve essential social programs is only as good as its tax revenues.

My government will act to let business get down to business — and rekindle the spirit of enterprise across our province. Job one is to get government off the back and out of the way of the private sector. My government, through the minister responsible for privatization, will immediately appoint a private sector task force to work on privatization of Crown corporations. The task force, working cooperatively with the Ministry of Economic Development, will report within three months on activities which should be turned over to the private sector and how Crown corporation cash requirements can be cut. As part of its mandate, the task force will recommend a means by which the debts of Crown corporations can be retired. Private sector expansion will be financed by privately run venture capital funds.

Government pension fund programs will be revised to channel capital to B.C. companies. A one-stop centre will let the private sector interact with government economic ministries. A network of privately run trading corporations will be set up to market and sell B.C. products and services around the world.

An economic development council composed of business and labour representatives with special contacts in our province, Canada and abroad will be appointed by April 30 to advise my government on implementation of our plan for a new economy.

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My government will open the door to more opportunities in employee participation and investment to further enhance the small- and medium-sized business sector's proven record in job creation.

My government will amend its role in terms of aid and assistance to entrepreneurs. We believe new business should have an appropriate level of assured private financing prior to government involvement through loans or guarantees. My government will help British Columbians turn their energy, talent and ideas into profitable one-, two- or three-person businesses.

We will by October develop a program to provide marketing and management skill support for these individuals to help them operate cottage industries at the local level. Such assistance will also be directed to single parents and welfare recipients, to help them develop their skills and talents in order to become self-supporting. My government will in addition introduce a major employment and job training program for employable welfare recipients.

My government will act to reduce our deficit. This problem is a priority task. No single act will do more to stimulate public and business confidence — and confidence is the key to investment — than a reduction of this burden. We will be careful — but caring — in our spending policies, making sure help is available when needed, and at the same time that tax dollars are spent wisely.

My government will act early in this session to bring about long-term stability in labour relations. In the international markets where we compete for sales and investment, no issue affects us more. It is imperative — and this was reinforced by the long and costly forest industry dispute last year — that we break fresh ground. British Columbia industry must produce and deliver on time and at a fair price, or lose credibility — and, even worse, investment, customers and jobs.

[2:45]

As a result of extensive consultations, my government will make significant changes to the laws and institutions that govern the industrial relations community. These changes will restore the democratic rights of individuals in the workplace. Equally important, they will protect the forgotten third parties — the British Columbians and their families who suffer most during prolonged work stoppages.

My government will undertake a provincial initiative to attract entrepreneurs and investment to British Columbia. At the same time, we will monitor and evaluate our tax system to ensure it stays responsive to British Columbia's changing requirements. My government intends to move towards a system of taxation for job creation industries that is based on profit rather than on fixed charges.

But to build a healthy economy that creates jobs and provides security, we must do more. My government will undertake a broad range of complementary initiatives in its dealings with the private sector and other governments. We will actively pursue the early export of surplus hydroelectricity to the United States. We will work with the private sector and other governments to seek out new markets in Canada and around the world for our coal. At the same time, we will evaluate the use of coal to generate hydroelectric power and other more diversified and marketable products.

My government will in this session take steps to deal with the recommendations of the Mining Industry Task Force. We will develop stronger business, trade and tourism links, with the U.S. Pacific Northwest and California as a priority. My government will safeguard British Columbia's interests while strongly supporting a comprehensive trade agreement with our largest customer, the United States.

My government cannot stress enough the importance to British Columbia, and indeed to all of Canada, of an early and successful conclusion to the current free-trade negotiations. We pledge our continued and intensive support to the Prime Minister of Canada and his government for this initiative.

The powers of provincially regulated trust companies, credit unions and insurance companies will be extended. Action will also be taken to improve provisions related to insurance liability for municipalities. All these initiatives are part of the framework within which we will focus our number one priority — economic renewal.

My government will work cooperatively with the federal government to ensure our province gets equal treatment as a full partner in Confederation. The recent agreement between my Premier and the Prime Minister of Canada to establish a working federal-provincial council of ministers to deal with matters of concern to both governments is clear evidence of the cooperative spirit, and bodes well for British Columbia's active participation in a growing Canadian economy. My government is confident the council will ensure that our request for a fair share of federal procurements and contracts, as well as increased representation on federal boards and agencies, will be met.

A sound reforestation policy continues to be a priority for my government. Working with the private sector, we will plant trees at a rate better than harvesting and losses due to natural causes like fire and infestation. My government believes our forest industry offers untapped potential for fresh economic growth. A fund will be set up to make our province a world leader in forestry research and to encourage the development of new technologies to make our industry even more productive.

My government will, this year, establish a Pacific Rim institute of tourism to ensure a world-class standard of professionalism in our industry. Cooperative tourism promotion programs with the private sector and other governments in the Pacific Northwest and California will build on the success of our world exposition. My government will encourage goals in agriculture, aquaculture and our food and beverage industries by helping them capitalize on domestic and foreign market opportunities.

We will, in addition, work with the private sector to turn more of our raw agricultural resources into marketable, finished and packaged products. An aquaculture advisory council will be appointed by May 15 to ensure the orderly and responsible growth of this increasingly valuable industry.

My government places a high priority on health care services to British Columbians. We will maintain world-class levels of service and, at the same time, ensure British Columbians get the best value for their dollars. My government will continue to provide new medical techniques and facilities to benefit our people, including the establishment on Vancouver Island of a B.C. rehabilitation centre for victims of brain injuries. The development of this centre, in cooperation with the Insurance Corporation of B.C., the Workers' Compensation Board and the University of B.C. Health Sciences Centre, will eliminate the need to send such patients to the United States for specialized treatment.

My government will preserve and protect our environment, as illustrated by the establishment of an advisory panel

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to deal with the issue of special wastes. We will attempt to expedite the federal-provincial negotiations for establishment of a national park on South Moresby in the Queen Charlottes. My government will seek a bilateral agreement with the federal government to develop the enormous tourism potential this area offers. Working together, our two governments can create a national park and tourism environment that will not only generate major economic benefits for all British Columbia but, in particular, new employment and income for the friendly people of the Queen Charlottes region.

British Columbians deserve government that fits local needs. My government will restore more decision-making and functions of government to the community level, because increased attention to local autonomy is long overdue. The recent Premier's Conference on Decentralization was the first step. Our government looks forward to receiving recommendations in the very near future from a provincial-municipal committee on ways to speed up this process. Action will also be taken to provide greater local autonomy and efficiency at the regional district level.

My government seeks a new, mutually productive relationship with the native Indian people of our province. The recently formed committee of cabinet responsible for native Indian affairs will work closely with our native people on self-government and matters of mutual interest. My government will seek private-sector support to establish a native Indian heritage centre to reflect and preserve the language and culture of our first citizens.

Provincial regulations will be amended to reduce red tape and complement federal changes to rules governing interprovincial and trans-border trucking.

Legislation will be introduced to improve the administration of the horse-racing commission and further the development of the horse-racing and -breeding industries. My government will appoint Richard M. Macintosh, a deputy chairman of the B.C. Police Commission, to head a gaming commission to oversee and police all aspects of gambling in our province.

Mr. Speaker, my government has laid out the broad elements of a realistic and workable plan for a new economy and social progress in our province. The full details will become apparent when my government presents its budget and spending plans for the coming fiscal year.

British Columbia today stands at a crossroads. As a people, we must now make a choice. We can walk the traditional path of doubt and distrust, wasting our energies and our time in partisan political strife, or we can step out together on a new road that leads to a more secure future for all British Columbians. My government believes British Columbians would have us take the latter route. Working together as a people, regardless of our political affiliations, status or association, we can make this province one of the most favoured places on earth. Working with purpose, we can provide our people — individuals and families — with greater security and fresh opportunities for success and personal fulfilment. If we are willing to harness and use our resources and goodwill, there is no limit to what we can accomplish together. The give-and-take we engage in today will pay enormous dividends in the future.

My government believes there is no more fitting way to conclude this Speech from the Throne than with the words used by Her Majesty in her message today to the Commonwealth: "I would ask all of you, wherever you may be, to do all you can to help the cause of human goodness, to share with others your enthusiasms and visions, your thoughts and hopes, and above all, your understanding."

My government agrees and further adds that, on behalf of all British Columbians, we support and endorse those words as a statement of principle upon which we can move forward towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Mr. Speaker, I now ask all members of this assembly to begin their work on behalf of the people of our province. May God's blessing be with them all as they carry out their duties.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, in order to prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor's speech.

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO PERPETUATE A
PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT

HON. B.R. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to introduce a bill: An Act to Perpetuate A Parliamentary Right. The purpose for introducing this bill is to demonstrate and reinforce that long tradition of four centuries that the business of the people, through its elected representatives, takes precedence over the business of the sovereign.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, you have heard the motion. All in favour?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: Opposed? I declare the motion carried.

HON. MR. STRACHAN: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the opposition House Leader, that F.C. Austin Pelton, Esq., first member for Dewdney electoral district, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

[3:00]

Motion approved.

HON. MR. STRACHAN: Mr. Speaker, I move, as well seconded by the opposition House Leader, that Carol Gran, first member for Langley electoral district, be appointed Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Whole for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. VEITCH: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. VANDER ZALM: Mr. Speaker, I move that the select standing committees of this House for the present session be appointed for the following purposes:

(1) Economic Development, Transportation and Municipal Affairs;

(2) Labour, Justice and Intergovernmental Relations;

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(3) Tourism and Environment;

(4) Forests and Lands;

(5) Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources;

(6) Agriculture and Fisheries;

(7) Health, Education and Social Services;

(8) Finance, Crown Corporations and Government Services;

(9) Public Accounts;

(10) Standing Orders, Private Bills and Members' Services; and that standing order 68(l) is hereby amended to so reflect, which said committees shall severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as shall be referred to them by this House, and to report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for persons, papers, and records; and that a special committee be appointed to prepare and report, with all convenient speed, lists of members to compose the above select standing committees of this House under standing order 68(l), the committee to be composed of Mr. R.G. Fraser (convener), Hon. E.N. Veitch, Hon. W.B. Strachan, and Messrs. Hewitt, Ree, Pelton, Rose, Williams and Hanson. I so move, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SKELLY: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Coquitlam-Moody (Mr. Rose), that the motion be amended by adding committee number 11 on job creation, job training opportunities, and the reduction of poverty, with particular reference to the problems facing youth, women and visible minorities.

MR. SPEAKER: I would advise the House that the motion as presented by the Leader of the Opposition is out of order. If the Leader of the Opposition would agree to eliminate all words after the word "poverty, " the motion would then be in order.

MR. SKELLY: Agreed, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is in order.

MR. SKELLY: Mr. Speaker, this motion, as you will notice, is very similar to a motion which we presented last year to amend the list of committees presented by the Premier of the day. Last year we proposed an amendment which would have added a committee on regional economic development. The reason we presented this motion was to allow the Legislature to deal with a problem that we feet is a particularly serious problem in the province of British Columbia today: the problem of economic development, the problem of lack of job opportunities in this province, the problem of lack of adequate opportunities for training for job opportunities, and also the serious problem that has been drawn to the attention of the government and acknowledged by the government as well, the problem of growing poverty and unemployment in the province of B.C.

We're very pleased to see in the throne speech that the government has recognized that there are serious problems in our province, Mr. Speaker, and that the committees are needed to deal with these problems.

This amendment is intended to deal with a serious and an emergent problem in the province, a problem which the House must deal with as quickly as possible. People are suffering throughout the province of British Columbia. They're suffering from unemployment and poverty, especially the groups that we mentioned in the original form of our amendment: women, young people and visible minorities. Native Indian communities are also suffering from those same problems of unemployment and poverty, and we would like to see a select standing committee of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia get to work on this specific problem as quickly as possible.

We are pleased, Mr. Speaker, to see that the Premier and the government have indicated in their throne speech that they want to see the members of this Legislature working again in the select standing committees of the House, that the members of the Legislature should be getting out and communicating to and talking to the people of the province of British Columbia, getting input from the people within the regions of British Columbia as to what their particular problems are, and the solutions that they have developed to deal with those problems: problems of unemployment, problems of lack of educational opportunities, problems of poverty that especially impact those groups that I described.

We are very pleased that the government has taken this new approach, and that they are going to be putting these select standing committees to work.

Now I heard in the throne speech that the government has an economic plan for the province. I think that's a good idea, Mr. Speaker. A government should have an economic plan. But an economic plan cannot be developed in the back rooms of the cabinet offices here in Victoria. An economic plan cannot be developed by a small group of people working here in the capital city and then having that plan imposed on the people of the province. If a plan is really to work and garner support from all of the people of the province of British Columbia, to make it work and to make it work effectively for the groups that I described, that plan has to arise from the grass roots, and it has to originate in the regions of the province, from various social and economic groupings within the province. I think that that is the advantage of the committee that we have proposed here today.

In proposing this committee, we are taking the government at its word. They have indicated that they want to reduce the level of confrontation in the Legislature. They have indicated that they want to increase the level of cooperation that goes on in the Legislature. They have indicated that they want to bring the government and the opposition and the people of this province together in order to work on our problems and resolve our problems so that this province can be the best that we can possibly make it. I am pleased that the government has taken that position.

When I presented this motion last year in the Legislature — an amendment to the motion setting up these select standing committees — the government responded by saying: "We've had enough talk. Now we need action." But it is obvious that this Premier has taken a different approach. He wants to see those committees working. He wants to see those committees consulting as between government and opposition and consulting with people throughout the regions of the province, and we are very pleased to take the Premier at his word on this proposal.

I am hopeful that the Premier will take this amendment, incorporate it into his resolution and get this committee to work as quickly as possible to develop solutions to the kinds of problems that we see people experiencing out there in the regions of British Columbia.

The throne speech says that job one in the province of British Columbia is to get government off the back of the private sector and out of the way of the private sector. When you look at the unemployment statistics in British Columbia today, it is pretty clear to all of us in the Legislature, and to the vast majority of the people out there in the province, that job one of this Legislature, job one of this government, is to

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create more employment through economic expansion in this province.

This amendment allows us to set up a committee that should get on with the real job one of the province of British Columbia: that is, creating employment for all of the people of this province. We are very pleased at the sentiments expressed by the Premier of this province and by the government through its throne speech — the desire to work together with the opposition and with the people of British Columbia to create employment, economic expansion and diversification, and to deal with the problems that are experienced in particular by women, young people, visible minorities and native people in British Columbia. We would urge the first minister of this province to accept our amendment and to get down to the business of accomplishing job one in the minds of the people of B.C.

HON. MR. VANDER ZALM: Mr. Speaker, I am extremely pleased to hear the Leader of the Opposition say that this is an excellent throne speech and that it addresses many of the things that have been certainly referred to in his remarks, and that, in fact, many of the solutions will undoubtedly come from the opportunities provided by suggestions, recommendations and proposals put forth in the throne speech. We intend to pursue those very actively. I agree that we in British Columbia suffer from unemployment. Unfortunately, unemployment is a problem throughout the country. But the degree to which we suffer from it, especially in some regions of British Columbia, is something we want to address very seriously and for which, as the Leader of the Opposition said, there are obviously approaches outlined in the throne speech.

[3:15]

I would like to take this opportunity to perhaps seek out assurance — although I think it was already given in part — from members of the opposition that we will work at this together, that we will seek these solutions together, and that in fact we will work for that common goal of providing opportunities for people in British Columbia.

I was aware that some amendment would perhaps be forthcoming. I was hoping that there could possibly be some suggestion to say that we should refer a matter to one of the committees that we have already established, or that we are proposing to establish, in this motion, and that this committee would then give it the necessary priority. We have gone from nine committees to ten committees. The last thing I want us to do is go back to the old thing that governments too often do; that is, to committee the process to death, to simply, every time we have some disagreement between us — and this will undoubtedly come about, but hopefully we can keep it to a minimum — begin to then establish another committee, that simply the establishment of a further committee is the answer to the problem. I realize these things should be given priority consideration, and I know that all members of the House agree that we want to address them in the committee system as we're proposing it.

We have, for example, in this amendment a reference to poverty. The thing that all of us — and I'm sure people much before us and people after us — want to eliminate, more than anything else, is poverty and the suffering therefrom. Some of it we as people in government and in opposition — people in the Legislature — can address and do things about; others, unfortunately, we can't ever address, except perhaps only on a temporary basis, providing good social programs. But we continue to strive and work in whatever ways in order to accomplish that elimination of poverty, however it has come about. Some of the poverty that I'm sure we're referring to is not necessarily because of people being unemployed, which again is a terrible problem; it's possibly because of a social problem in the unit, be it family, community or whatever, and is best addressed through the committee dealing with social programs.

So maybe we could break down the amendment and say that that could best be referred to the committee dealing with social programs, and the other, the matter of job creation and job training, could be referred to the educational committee or the economic development committee. There's room in all of those committees to take on those particular problems that are of concern to all of us, government or opposition. If we now start breaking it down because we say, well, it's our thing and therefore we want to establish a special committee, as opposed to addressing it in one of the committees already set up, what will happen is lots of meetings, lots of committee meetings, lots of travels perhaps, lots of expense — but it won't get to the people who are suffering from the poverty or the lack of jobs, or who need the training; it will go to a committee traveling.

The one thing I really had hoped for is that I could this time accept the recommendation to amend. I was really looking forward to accepting the amendment to the motion. What I hadn't anticipated, Mr. Speaker, was another committee. I hope we can instead address it; come back to it another way and make it a part of the function of one of the already established committees. I cannot accept another committee being established, and therefore must reject the amendment.

MS. SMALLWOOD: Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of the amendment to the resolution. The opposition sees this as a message to this province, and we would hope that the government would support the amendment, sending a clear message to the people of this province that we recognize we are in a crisis situation; that unemployment, youth unemployment and poverty have become institutionalized in our province. We are looking to send a message to the people of this province that we see the people of this province as a significant resource; that these people have a strength; that they have answers to the problem. We feel this committee can go to the people of our province, work with them directly, ask them — because we believe they know what the solutions are.

What we are saying, by moving this amendment, is that we are naming the groups of people who have the least power in our society. We are naming the youth, with 27 percent unemployment; we are naming women; we are naming the visible minorities. We are acknowledging that this group of people in our society makes up the majority of people living in poverty. What we are saying and what we are looking for from the government is an opportunity to work together, to put this crisis clearly on the front burner. We want to send a message to the unemployed. We want to send a message to those people who are living with the cruel realities of poverty. We want to send a message that we are prepared to work together, to work with them to look for solutions.

HON. MR. RICHMOND: Mr. Speaker, I rise in my place today to speak against the amendment and in support of the motion made by the Premier. I think this Premier has demonstrated to this province a desire for wide-open, accessible government such as probably no province in this country has seen before. The ministers and MLAs of this government have traveled the province in the few months that we have been the government such as has never been seen before. The

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response from the people of this province has been overwhelming.

I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that the committee that I chair for this government, the Cabinet Committee on Social Services, has received a response in the two ridings that we've been in — in Prince George and in Comox — such as has never been experienced by this member or by most of us before. The fact is that we are literally taking this government to the people of the province.

In striking the ten committees that the Premier has suggested, I think that if the members opposite will look at those committees carefully they will see, as the Premier has said, that there is room to discuss every aspect of the problems and challenges facing the people of this province without segregating them any further.

So I am very pleased to support the motion of the ten standing committees of this Legislature comprised of members from both sides of the House. We look forward on this side of the House with all sincerity to working together with the members opposite and the members on this side, working in a harmony and openness that probably hasn't been seen in this province for many years. I think we can do it with the structure recommended by the Premier.

Amendment negatived on the following division:

YEAS — 22

NAYS — 43

Motion approved.

HON. MR. STRACHAN: I would move, seconded by the opposition House Leader, that Craig Harley James of Victoria is hereby appointed Second Clerk-Assistant and Clerk of Committees of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This motion follows from practice recommendation No. 4.

Motion approved.

MR. SKELLY: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I think there was a section missed out of the proceedings today, and that is that after the Hon. B.R.D. Smith introduced Bill 1, he neglected to move that it be placed on orders of the day.

Interjections.

MR. SKELLY: We would like to perpetuate that parliamentary....

HON. B. R. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, lest that parliamentary right disappear in a breach of procedure, I move that the bill be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

Motion approved.

Presenting reports

Hon. Mr. Brummet presented the annual report of the Ministry of Education for the period July 1, 1985, to June 30, 1986.

Hon. Mr. Michael presented the annual report of the British Columbia Ferry Corporation for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1986, in compliance with the provisions of the Ferry Corporation Act.

Hon. Mr. Savage presented the annual report of the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission for the year ending March 31, 1986.

Hon. L. Hanson presented the fourteenth annual report of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia for the period ending December 31, 1986.

HON. MR. STRACHAN: At the outset I wish to advise the House that pursuant to standing orders the House will meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. to consider the Address in Reply. Further, by agreement with Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, the House will meet this Thursday at 10 a.m. and have a question period. It will adjourn at 1 p.m. on Thursday and following that, the House will reconvene Monday next at 2 p.m.

On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly, may I welcome our assembled guests in the Legislative Assembly and those who have viewed our deliberations in the Ned DeBeck Lounge. We thank you for attending and hope you will visit us again in the not too distant future.

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[3:30]

MR. ROSE: I would just like to confirm, Mr. Speaker, that what the hon. government House Leader has told the House is substantially correct. We certainly appreciate this new era of consultation and cooperation. I would like to add my welcome to those assembled and also welcome, with some relief, his motion for adjournment.

Hon. Mr. Strachan moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 3:31 p.m.