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Prorogation –– 5583
The House met at 10:09 a.m.
Prayers.
DEPUTY CLERK OF THE HOUSE:
December 5, 1988
Mr. Ian M. Horne, QC,
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly,
Parliament Buildings,
Victoria, B.C.
Dear Sir:
Re: By-election,
Alberni Electoral District,
November 19,
1988
I am pleased to enclose herewith a copy of a letter from Mr. Harry M. Goldberg, chief electoral officer, certifying the election of Mr. Gerard A. Janssen as a member to represent the Alberni electoral district in the Legislative Assembly.
Yours sincerely,
Melvin Smith, QC,
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Deputy Provincial Secretary
Mr. Melvin H. Smith, QC,
Dear Sir:
Re: By-election,
Alberni Electoral District,
November 19,
1988
The May 10, 1988, resignation of Robert E. Skelly, the member for the Alberni electoral district, created a vacancy in the membership of the Legislative Assembly. A writ of election was issued on October 22, 1988, requiring that a by-election be held to fill the vacancy. Accordingly, November 19, 1988, was designated as election day. The completed writ of election has been returned to me, and I hereby certify the election of Gerard A. Janssen as the member to represent the Alberni electoral district in the Legislative Assembly.
Yours very truly,
Harry M. Goldberg,
Chief Electoral Officer
HON. MR. REID: Mr. Speaker, I hereby move that the letter of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and the certificate of the chief electoral officer of the results of the election of the member be entered upon the journals of the House.
Motion approved.
MR. SPEAKER: The member for Alberni may take his seat.
Hon. members, I am advised His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor is in the premises and should be entering the chamber very shortly.
[10:15]
His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor entered the chamber and took his place in the chair.
HON. MR. LAM (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, in closing this second session of the thirty-fourth parliament of British Columbia, I wish to commend all the members of the House on the accomplishments of the past year. This session has seen the passage of nearly 60 measures of wide-ranging and significant importance to the people of our province. Four private bills sponsored by individual members of this assembly have also been passed.
This House is to be congratulated on the passage of the motion for a resolution to authorize an amendment to the constitution of Canada. In giving support to this resolution which adopts the Meech Lake accord, British Columbia continues in its tradition of constructive participation in the ongoing process of constitutional reform. In this past year British Columbia's economy has grown and become even stronger.
My government's program of regional development continues to provide incentives for significant new investment in the province. Exports have increased substantially and many new employment opportunities have been created. Even as the economy prospers, my government recognizes that the economy has a cyclical nature. To address this reality, you have approved the creation of the budget stabilization fund to ensure that in times of economic downturn our major social programs providing health care, education and assistance to the people of British Columbia are not diminished. In addition, you approved amendments to the tax system to make it fairer and more equitable.
Attracting investment to meet the economic needs of the province continues to be an important element of my government's policy. Legislation passed by this House established Vancouver as an international financial centre. I am advised that these measures have already resulted in the registration of a number of firms in Vancouver, with more expected in the near future.
In addition, you have adopted legislation which strengthened the regulation of securities markets in British Columbia. This will assist the Vancouver Stock Exchange in developing its role as a key international market for venture capital.
Amendments to the Credit Union Act were passed to facilitate the amalgamation of supervised credit unions, to establish a government guarantee and to clarify the extent of deposit insurance.
As part of my government's program of privatization, you approved legislation which formed the basis for the successful sale to the private sector of
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B.C. Hydro's Mainland Gas and Victoria Gas divisions as well as the rail division.
To retain the proceeds of government operations successfully privatized, you established the privatization benefits fund.
During the past year you enacted legislation that confirms the rights of victims in the criminal justice process and assists children in giving evidence in court cases. These are important steps in creating a more effective and responsive justice system in British Columbia. Further, you adopted measures to ensure that procedures under the Family Relations Act are accessible to both married and unmarried parents and that all mothers and children are treated equally under the law.
You approved a new Police Act strengthening the investigative and inquiry powers of the British Columbia Police Commission and providing improved procedures for dealing with citizen complaints.
You enacted changes to the Property Law Act to clarify the extent of personal liability when a mortgage is assumed in the context of a property purchase.
You also adopted measures which will minimize the social costs and promote moderation in the use of alcohol.
You are to be commended on the passage of the Commercial River Rafting Safety Act, legislation which will ensure that river-rafting operations are safe, well-equipped and run properly.
Finally, action taken by this House gave tangible evidence that my government is committed to assisting those with disabilities who face special challenges. This session you passed legislation establishing the Premier's Advisory Council for Persons With Disabilities. I am pleased to advise you that a chairman and members of this council have now been appointed and have begun their work.
Hon. members, as this second session of the thirty-fourth parliament of British Columbia comes to a close, I wish to express my appreciation for the care and attention you have given to the many important measures which have come before you. I thank you for your efforts on behalf of all British Columbians, and I now relieve you of your legislative duties.
His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.
HON. MR. REID: I am duty-bound to inform you that it is His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor's will and pleasure that this Legislative Assembly be prorogued, and this provincial assembly is hereby prorogued accordingly.
The House prorogued at 10:27 a.m.