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Routine Proceedings
Speech from the Throne
Hon. R.G. Rogers –– 3455
An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament (Bill 1). Hon. B.R. Smith
Introduction and first reading –– 3458
The House met at 2:03 p.m.
This being the first day of the second session of the thirty- fourth 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 t the province, hon. members took their seats.
Prayers.
His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having entered the House and being seated upon the throne, was pleased to deliver the following gracious speech.
HON. R.G. ROGERS (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly, honoured guests, as we gather to open this second session of the thirty-fourth parliament of our province of British Columbia, I bring greetings on behalf of our sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen.
In a few short hours the elected representatives of this Parliament will again take up their duties on behalf of British Columbians. Before this work begins, it is fitting to look back so we can better understand the road and direction that lies ahead.
The achievements of the past year and the initiatives outlined in this throne speech must be viewed in the context of my government's goals. These goals are to eliminate the deficit and build a stable province that provides social and economic security for all British Columbians. We have begun with government, re-shaping the way it touches the lives of our people and the way British Columbians do business with their government. This restructuring involves an ongoing review and assessment of programs. It involves a careful but bold program of privatization. It involves a program of regional development to benefit all British Columbians. And it involves the continuing commitment to increased decisionmaking at the community level. This change in the face, style and operations of government has been both profound and positive.
It will continue — for while we have made a good start, my government will not stand still for standing still. Our gains, our accomplishments since taking office, are many and substantial. Those achievements outlined in the speech which closed the first session of this parliament have laid a solid foundation for an even stronger and more secure British Columbia. In the coming year my government will build on those gains. We will consolidate our position. And we will continue to deliver programs and services to people within a fiscal framework that is fair and affordable.
My government has shown strong leadership over the past 12 months. As a result, there is a renewed and strengthened sense of optimism in British Columbia. The results are showing. Our economy is strong and growing stronger. Ours is a province that out-performed most of Canada last year and promises to do the same again this year. Ours is a province where resource industries like forestry, pulp and paper, and mining, especially in the area of precious metals, are the strongest in years. Ours is a province that created more than 90,000 new jobs between January, 1987 and January, 1988, for an annual growth rate in employment of 7.3 percent, compared to a national rate of 4. 1 percent, or the Ontario rate of 4.2 percent.
Ours is a province that last year attracted $11.2 billion in investment, a growth rate of 17.4 percent, compared to 11 –– 8 percent for Canada as a whole. Ours is a province where economic diversification has caused manufacturing activity o grow at a rate three times faster than the Canadian average. Ours is a province where the high-tech industry now employs more than 10,000 people, and where the average growth rate since 1983 is 20 percent. Ours is a province where tourism, retail sales, housing starts and other key economic indicators all show significant upward increases. Most of all, ours is a province where sound fiscal management has increased consumer business and investment confidence.
Clearly, British Columbia is well positioned as we move towards the last decade of this century. While our prospects look bright, we will not be complacent. British Columbia must trade and export in a global environment. Our continued success depends upon increased productivity, stability in labour relations, a more diversified economy and increased investment. In the coming year, our maturity and our will to do what is best for British Columbia will be tested.
Public and private sector contracts affecting 55 percent of our unionized workforce are up for renewal. The eyes of the world's business and investment community will be upon us. My government is confident that by working together we will meet the test. My government will play its part. We will be fair but firm, serving the interests of all British Columbians rather than special interests.
We will lead the way with continued sound management and solid leadership in the coming year. We will encourage planned and organized growth so development does not bring pressures, problems and costs to threaten the quality of life we enjoy. We will act today so tomorrow's British Columbians will have a richer, more secure future.
My government will complete and put in place by yearend a long-term strategic plan for our province. This undertaking has the full support, endorsement and involvement of our private sector. The plan will allow British Columbia to take its place in the twenty-first century with confidence. It will lay out government's economic and social objectives for the next decade. It will be comprehensive, yet flexible enough so British Columbia can respond to external forces. Most important, it will provide the security and certainty essential to long-term decision-making and investment by our private sector. This initiative is off to a good start.
My government is drawing on the skills, talent and expertise of individuals, both in and outside government. Many of British Columbia's brightest academic and business minds are involved in the development of this plan. Working in a voluntary capacity with senior staff, MLAs and ministers in my government, their input and contributions will ensure a long-range plan that meets our needs for the nineties and beyond.
A draft White Paper outlining strategy in a broad range of areas, ranging from fiscal policy and economic development to social issues will be completed by August of this year. After review by cabinet and the Premier's Economic Advisory Council, the White Paper will be given wide circulation throughout the province so business, labour and all other affected groups can provide input and advice.
The benefits and rewards of this undertaking will be immense. British Columbians will see a vast improvement in
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the development and delivery of programs and policies. Government itself will become more efficient, accountable and affordable. The private sector will be able to operate in a climate of predictability and security. And finally, we will show the world's investors and our international customers and trading partners that Canada's Pacific region has a goal and a game plan.
The Pacific region is above all a trading region. Because of our strategic location and our economic strength, no one is better positioned than British Columbia to compete in the growing economies of the nations of the Pacific Rim.
My government, welcomes and fully supports the free trade agreement with the United States. This agreement offers major opportunities for economic growth in our province and vastly enhanced trade with the United States. Free trade means new jobs, lower prices for Canadian consumers and more secure and enhanced access to the vast United States market. It means new customers for B.C. business and new ways to diversify and expand our economic base. It means more economic activity as overseas investors locate in British Columbia in order to access the United States market.
Our trade horizons are wide. My government will enhance our valuable trade ties with our other partners in the Pacific Rim. We will make British Columbia known around the world and profile our province, its people and its products as never before. My government will enact legislation to help B.C. business and industries increase trade through the Pacific Rim. This trade opportunities legislation will maximize trade with the United States and the other nations of the Pacific Rim, help B.C. business and industries take full advantage of the free trade agreement with the U.S., provide assistance where appropriate to help businesses or sectors adjust to the free trade agreement, promote British Columbia to international investors, and encourage closer ties with Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska.
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While British Columbia will take independent action to build and develop its economy, my government will continue to fight for a fair share of federal resources and aid. The Pacific region has historically paid its way and played its part in the development and evolution of Confederation. Look at the record. British Columbia's financial contribution to Canada far outstrips what the federal government returns to our region. British Columbia has been an active and vocal supporter of the federal government's free trade initiative. British Columbia supported and played a key role in the finalization of the Meech Lake accord. British Columbia cooperated fully to assist Ottawa in resolving the softwood lumber dispute. Yet despite our continuing contributions and cooperation, our share of federal resources and spending remains disproportionately low.
My government has been patient, but we have seen too many inequities and the allocation of too many grants, subsidies and federal resources to central and eastern Canada, The result has been a deepening feeling of alienation in our Pacific region. For too long British Columbia has been out of sight and out of mind of successive federal governments. For too long the federal vision failed to see beyond central Canada. Even now, that vision of western Canada appears to encompass only prairie grain and Alberta energy.
My government initiated the establishment of the Canada-B.C. Council of Ministers as a means to bring about increased fairness towards British Columbia. However, little has been accomplished.
My government has seen a major financial commitment by Ottawa to build a fixed link to Prince Edward Island. British Columbia still awaits a federal contribution towards the Vancouver Island gas pipeline, despite having paid hundreds of millions of dollars in energy taxes.
My government surrendered sovereignty and valuable land to establish the South Moresby National Park. British Columbia still awaits compensation from Ottawa.
My government is spearheading the kaon development project which offers the promise of medical and other discoveries that will benefit all Canada. British Columbia's efforts have been given minimal support by the federal government. My government intends to act to remedy this situation.
Action will be taken to enhance British Columbia's stature and increase its share of the benefits of Confederation. We will heighten federal awareness of the Pacific region and its importance as Canada's gateway to the Pacific Rim. We will monitor and evaluate British Columbia's standing within the federal system. We will identify shortcomings in the federal-provincial system as it relates to the Pacific region. We will develop ways and means to bring about more equity for British Columbia and make public on a regular basis an evaluation of our status and treatment within Confederation.
My government will examine and evaluate areas of federal jurisdiction within British Columbia. Our goal will be to determine if these functions might more appropriately be administered by the province.
We will target our actions towards key sectors of economic growth, such as communications, airports, port facilities, boards and commissions and other agencies. We will identify deficiencies in the existing system and determine priority areas of action.
My government will negotiate with the federal government to restructure the economic and regional development agreement. We will seek a reduced emphasis on direct loans, in favour of increased involvement by commercial lending institutions. Where appropriate, my government will consider loan guarantees or equity investments.
We will pursue the development of trading zones in British Columbia to encourage export-oriented industrial development. And we will act, through the budget process, to help our small business sector further improve its record as a job creator and economic generator.
Social programs — health care in particular — remain an area of commitment and concern to my government. While we enjoy one of the world's finest health care systems, we pay a high price: one-third of the provincial budget. My government is concerned that the people of British Columbia receive full value for their dollars and continued access to high quality care. All British Columbians will be asked to share the responsibility for maintenance of this excellent system. That responsibility ranges from practising a healthy lifestyle, to increased public awareness of our health care system, and the most effective use of all services.
My government believes it is an appropriate time to undertake a new and innovative approach in dealing with health care. The Ministry of Health will therefore initiate and spearhead a pilot project involving both the Greater Victoria Hospital Society and the Capital Regional District. The pilot project, unique in Canada, will focus on new strategies, new
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techniques and new ways of delivering health care, particularly to senior citizens, through a community-based integrated delivery system. The project will result in area hospitals taking increased responsibility for managing all health care resources including acute, rehabilitative, home care and long-term care; hospital control of use of their facilities by doctors and other health professionals; establishment of senior care centres — one-stop, specialized, health care centres staffed by salaried physicians, nurse practitioners and alternative health care practitioners — in the district; action by government to reduce the cost of physicians' services in the Capital Regional District; hospitals being encouraged to use alternative care practitioners; award of a $100,000 grant to the University of Victoria to develop new health information systems to better assess community health care needs.
Mr. Speaker, this pilot project is timely, both in terms of delivery of health services to the general public and in the delivery of care for seniors. My government recognizes that senior citizens have special health care and social needs. At the same time, many seniors feel the present system does not meet their requirements, and it is evident that loneliness and isolation are a serious problem. Under the current care system, seniors too often find themselves in a frustrating and costly circle of referrals to specialists and other practitioners. My government believes senior care centres, which will offer integrated, appropriate and better-quality care, represent a positive way to promote the health and well-being of the elderly.
My government will also enhance and strengthen programs to deal with substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs. The cross-government coordination of such initiatives will be undertaken by the Ministry of Labour and Consumer Services.
My government remains committed to supporting and strengthening families in British Columbia. Last year a highly effective family life program was introduced in our schools to help our young people make responsible decisions. That program is continuing, and my government will soon make available to all British Columbians a new family support initiative. We will offer assistance in a number of areas, including a marriage preparation program. For women facing unwanted pregnancies, we will provide information and direct support, including the provision of shelters. Further, given that there are some 3,000 British Columbia families who wish to adopt babies, my government will speed up and bring about increased flexibility in adoption.
Individuals required to pay maintenance to their families must live up to their responsibilities. My government will fund a program to bring about increased enforcement of maintenance orders. This will benefit all British Columbians, since many families are forced to rely on income assistance.
GAIN support and shelter allowances were increased last year by 11 percent. My government will reorganize the delivery of income assistance and social programs in the coming year. We will further improve services and ensure that assistance is provided only to those who are in need.
While negotiations are continuing with the federal government, my government will make additional funding available for day care.
My government believes that the best investment it can make is to provide an education system that lets young British Columbians reach their full potential. My government has made major improvements to the funding system for schools.
This will result in an increase in school district shareable operating budgets of about $175 million. This increase is a higher percentage than those announced to date by the provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba, and one of the highest in the country this year.
We must ensure our students have the tools they need. My government will make a substantial investment to bring computers into our classrooms. Students who work hard will be rewarded for good scholastic performance. My government will provide tangible aid through our Passport to Education program. which awards credits towards a college or university education.
The contribution made by our independent school system will be recognized. My government will increase funding to reflect increased enrolment in its schools.
The royal commission report on education will be received June 1. My government anticipates specific recommendations for both legislative and regulatory change and will act swiftly after reviewing the report's contents.
The importance of our universities and colleges as agents for economic growth is accepted by all British Columbians. My government will provide increased post-secondary support and make major improvements in financial assistance to students. The private sector will be encouraged and challenged to make financial contributions to our universities. My government stands ready to match such contributions up to a significant amount.
Mr. Speaker, my government wants this parliament to be as productive and as effective as the last. In addition to the steps and measures outlined so far, my government will act in the following areas:
Mandatory basic safety inspections will be extended to include automobiles and light trucks. A computerized registry of potential organ donors will be developed in conjunction with the motor vehicle department. Initial funding will be made available for preliminary work on the proposed new Vancouver Island Highway.
The Provincial-Municipal Committee on Decentralization will recommend and enact the additional transfer of controls and responsibilities to local government. New regional district legislation which reflects extensive consultation with local government will be introduced.
My government will examine and review the tax structure in the mineral industry to ensure our province remains competitive. To encourage industry participation in the management and development of British Columbia's mineral, petroleum and natural gas resources, my government will investigate the establishment of joint-venture operating boards.
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Legislation will be introduced to strengthen the development of Vancouver as an international financial centre. Private sector trading-house activity will be encouraged to help market and sell B.C. products and services around the world. We will act to facilitate business immigration.
Legislation to place commercial river rafting under provincial authority and increase safety will be introduced.
A program to bring about comprehensive management of special wastes in our province will be implemented. The Waste Management Act and the Litter Act and other measures will be amended to encourage the re-use and recycling of municipal wastes.
Legislation will be introduced to provide a statutory base for programs and services designed to aid victims of crime.
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Changes will be made to the Property Law Act to reduce the liability of individuals in certain types of property transactions. Steps will be taken to improve the justice system so that it is more relevant, accessible, efficient and less costly. A new provincial parole act for prisoners in provincial institutions will be introduced.
Legislation to ensure reforestation of all harvested areas will be implemented. Initiatives to double the amount of timber available for competitive sale and changes in the tenure system will be introduced. My government will continue its efforts to reduce tariff barriers in the wood products sector. Initiatives to enhance forest research and promote secondary manufacturing and production of value-added products will be taken.
New policies will open up backcountry recreational opportunities for our own people and visitors. My government will support and assist the effort to bring the 1994 Commonwealth Games to Victoria. Legislation will be introduced to encourage all British Columbians to preserve and enhance historic and heritage sites in the province.
Our agriculture sector's economic viability will be enhanced by a long-term strategy to develop new markets and products. New programs will encourage investment and transfer technology in the aquaculture and greenhouse sectors to increase production and markets. My government will act to enhance the viability of the horse-breeding and racing industry in the province. Legislation will protect farmers from frivolous nuisance legal actions that hinder their ability to operate intensive agricultural businesses within the agricultural land reserve.
Members of this House will be asked to debate and endorse the historic Meech Lake agreement.
Rick Hansen's epic Man in Motion tour heightened public awareness of the need to open up new doors and avenues so the disabled can take their full place in our society. My government will consult widely with groups and individuals to introduce legislation to establish a Premier's Council for Persons with Disabilities. My government believes these initiatives and others to be revealed in the budget will do much to strengthen our province's position.
Our policies and programs are designed to make British Columbia Canada's strongest and most prosperous province. There has never been a better time to be a British Columbian, not just because of what we've done but because of what we can still achieve. Economically and historically the sun is now rising in the west. With our strength, our diversity and our ideal location, British Columbia can lead the way as Canada's high-performance province.
British Columbians have a proud record as high achievers, people who get things done. If we continue to work together, we can make our great province shine with golden opportunities for all our people. The best is yet to come.
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 blessings be with them as they carry out their duties.
His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.
[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: To prevent mistakes, I have obtained copies of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor's speech, and they will be distributed right now to all members.
Introduction of Bills
AN ACT TO ENSURE THE
SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. B.R. Smith presented a bill intituled An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament.
HON. B. R. SMITH: This bill is no antiquarian formality. It is as important as ship money and the mace. It reinforces four centuries of parliamentary tradition. That tradition is that the people's business, through its representatives, takes precedence over the business of the state.
Bill I introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.
HON. MR. VEITCH: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to 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;
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, 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, the committee to be composed of the Hon. W.B. Strachan, the Hon. E.N. Veitch, Mrs. Gran, Messrs. Fraser, Pelton and Ree, and Messrs. Gabelmann, Rose and Williams.
Motion approved.
HON. MR. STRACHAN: I move, seconded by Mr. Rose, the hon. member for Coquitlam-Moody, that F.C. Austin Pelton, Esq., the first member for Dewdney electoral district, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly.
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Motion approved.
HON. MR. STRACHAN: Secondly, Mr. Speaker —again seconded by my hon. friend the opposition House Leader — I move that James Rabbitt, Esq., member for Yale Lillooet electoral district, be appointed Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Whole for this session of the Legislative Assembly.
Motion approved.
MR. ROSE: Mr. Speaker, I'm going to ask for your ruling on a particular matter that has never come to my attention before, and I'm not requesting that it be done today, but we have noticed that the rendition of the Speech from the Throne left out some very important parts. What 1, on behalf of my caucus, would like to know is whether the speech as written or the speech as spoken will end up in the permanent record of Hansard.
MR. SPEAKER: I can advise the member that if it's spoken in the House, it will be in Hansard.
HON. MR. VANDER ZALM: Mr. Speaker, I think all House members could agree that it was inadvertently left out, and I would therefore move that it be as written.
Motion approved.
HON. MR. STRACHAN: I move that the House at its rising do stand adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Motion approved.
The House adjourned at 3:40 p.m.