[ Page 5585 ]

CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Speech from the Throne

Hon. Mr. Lam –– 5585

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament (Bill 1). Hon. S.D. Smith

Introduction and first reading –– 5590

Presenting Reports –– 5592

The House met at 3:09 p.m.

This being the first day of the third 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. David C. Lam, Lieutenant-Governor of 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.

Speech from the Throne

HON. MR. LAM (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, with great honour I open this third session of the thirty-fourth parliament of British Columbia. I wish to convey to you, and all citizens, greetings on behalf of our sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen.

I extend my personal wishes to all members of this assembly. You have the unique privilege of representing the people of British Columbia, and in reflecting, debating and legislating those policies and programs needed to match their needs and aspirations.

It is with gratitude and affection that we acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor, the twenty-fourth Lieutenant-Governor, the Hon. Robert Gordon Rogers. He and Mrs. Rogers represented Her Majesty and our province with great distinction.

One of our most respected jurists, the Hon. Nathaniel T. Nemetz, QC, has retired from the bench. Justice Nemetz was appointed to our Supreme Court in 1963 and became Chief justice of British Columbia in 1979, and has had a most distinguished career of service to the province.

We mourn the passing of Dr. Phyllis Gregory Ross. She made many contributions to the province, both at Government House and as chancellor of the University of British Columbia.

Since this assembly last met, we have been saddened by the passing of two former members of the assembly. Air Vice-Marshal Leigh Forbes Stevenson served this House as the member for Vancouver–Point Grey from 1946 to 1952. Mr. Arthur James Richard Ash served this House as the member for Saanich from 1948 to 1952.

In the past year my government hosted a number of distinguished guests and visitors, among them Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Netherlands, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Prime Minister Takeshita of Japan, and Vice-Premier Tian of the People's Republic of China.

My government was pleased to receive many diplomatic representatives accredited to Canada.

During the year past, several Members of our Legislative Assembly chose the opportunity of representing British Columbians in our national parliament. We wish those members every success and commend them for their continued contribution on behalf of our citizens. You will welcome several new members to this assembly in this session.

British Columbia hosted the world's communities at Expo 86 and the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Vancouver in 1987. In 1988 the citizens of greater Victoria were successful in securing the 1994 Commonwealth Games for the province. This reflects the continuing dedication of our citizens, this province and Canada to the Commonwealth of Nations and to the principles on which the Commonwealth was founded.

My government is committed to a stronger Canada and the promotion of Canadian ideals in the world. Those ideals have long been recognized as reflecting the values of international peace and cooperation and equality for all.

With British Columbia's entry into Confederation, Canada was forged as a great nation, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. British Columbia secured Canada's presence on the Pacific, and that position will grow to be Canada's most important. The political and economic focus of the world will be a Pacific focus in the closing decade of the twentieth century. The twenty-first century will belong to the Pacific nations. British Columbia will be Canada's gateway, and we will fully realize the potential of our promise in joining Confederation. This fundamental belief and vision guides my government on behalf of its people.

My government was recently invited to a world economic forum in Switzerland where international leaders focused on British Columbia and opportunities in Pacific Canada. The vision of my government was shared with world business and political leaders who recognize the boundless potential of British Columbia in the emerging Pacific economy.

We are now witness to this global transition and its problems and opportunities. Managing this change on behalf of British Columbians is a fundamental challenge for my government. Recognizing this responsibility, government has embarked on an unprecedented process of consultation with the citizens of the province on many strategic issues. Government has consulted on economic, transportation and resource development issues. Dialogue has been established on environmental matters and access to and improvement in our educational, justice and workers' compensation systems. An open and accessible government will remain a commitment of this administration.

It is the goal of my government that the many changes we now witness and which shape our economy, our population and our communities will not distort our values and our quality of life, or our dedication for the environment and our natural resources.

The province's economic base is maturing and diversifying. Strength is emerging in all regions. Our population is growing, both through migration from other provinces and immigration. Our renewed population growth will bring with it those strengths

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from which this province has always benefited. We will develop an intellectual and cultural richness, contributing directly to the well-being of all British Columbians.

My government will continue to focus on three sustaining priorities for British Columbians: continued economic growth and diversification, the preservation of our environment and an education policy to meet our future needs.

My government's economic policy is driven by the twinned principles of sound government fiscal management and a strong private sector generating economic growth. My government recognizes that budgets must be balanced over the business cycle to ensure the continuity and stability of social and other essential programs. Government also recognizes the need for fiscal prudence such that revenue can be set aside during buoyant economic times to meet essential needs during times of economic slowdown. Vulnerability to interest and exchange rates, as well as commodity prices, dictates such an approach for British Columbia. Additionally, government's capital programs must be tailored to business cycles to maintain economic and employment stability.

In the coming weeks you will be asked to support a provincial budget which will, in its achievement, be matched by no other province.

Government policies must foster a business climate that encourages private investment and which rewards enterprise and productivity. My government's privatization program, the most ambitious and successful in Canada, has been a key element in our economic reform. Creating a positive investment climate and marketing the province's goods and services are central to my government's strategy for diversified economic and employment development.

As a trading economy British Columbia will continue to be dependent on international markets for business growth. Government and business must recognize and respond to the importance of our ties with our trading partners and establish new trading links. We will strengthen international marketing programs through our overseas offices in London, Tokyo, Dusseldorf, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong.

My government was pleased to see the ratification of the Canada-United States free trade agreement. To take advantage of the benefits to be derived from that agreement the government entered into a Pacific Northwest partnership agreement with the state of Washington. British Columbia just recently opened an office in Irvine, southern California. Further, commercial services will be expanded in San Francisco to promote trade, investment and tourism interest in what is the world's fifth largest economy.

[3:30]

British Columbia's Trade Development Corporation will commence operations this year. This will be a vehicle with strong private sector direction to enhance our exports to the rest of Canada and to the world.

My government will focus greater attention on trade policy issues. We will establish programs to assist British Columbia companies to take advantage of and meet the challenges of Canada's free trade agreement. The province will actively assist and provide input to the current round of multilateral trade negotiations under the GATT and develop programs to anticipate the creation of a new European Economic Community in 1992.

My government has embarked on a program of regional diversification to attract new employment generating investments. Consultation with local community and business groups is reshaping economic policy to achieve diversification and realize the potential of our individual communities.

In the past year, my government has provided the financial spark for a billion dollars of job-creating investment for projects like the new mine at Cassiar, the hydrogen peroxide plant in Prince George, modern pulp mills at Taylor and Port Mellon, a cyclotron in Vancouver, a ferrochromium plant in Nanaimo, and many others. Government support has attracted private sector investments in communities eager to diversify their economies.

The government's business information services are becoming an increasingly important tool for our business community and investors. The B.C. Business Network and the Enterprise Centre experienced a 22 percent increase in requests for information in 1988, rising to 94,000 business inquiries. My government will expand programs to assist small business. Twenty new community business information centres will be added to the existing network of 80.

My government's small business forest enterprise program will provide additional opportunities to establish new businesses and encourage the production of specialty, higher-value-added forest products.

In the coming year, my government will introduce comprehensive business assistance legislation consolidating and enhancing existing programs.

A strong financial sector is essential to our business development. Accordingly, you will be asked to approve a financial institutions act and further amendments to the Securities Act. A personal property security act will also benefit our business sector.

In the past year, we adopted new legislation governing international financial institutions, and businesses have already established in British Columbia. Our International Commercial Arbitration Centre, one of seven in the world, adds to British Columbia's broadening spectrum of services available to firms conducting international business.

The government will introduce an employee equity program to enable workers to participate directly in business development in the province.

My government will stimulate economic growth and regional diversification through the development of provincial services. The Minister of Transportation and Highways will initiate a comprehensive highways redevelopment program in the coming year. The Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations will provide the details in the forthcoming budget for a major capital rebuilding program for the British Columbia Ferry Corporation. This initiative, commencing this year, will improve access to Vancouver

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Island and regenerate shipyard employment in British Columbia. My government will seek federal participation in this program.

Improved air service to British Columbia is a priority for my government. My ministers will work closely with the government of Canada to ensure the earliest upgrading to the Vancouver International Airport, made urgent through growing Pacific oriented travel.

My government will propose an energy policy that will assure British Columbia's communities and industry of inexpensive, stable and environmentally sound sources of energy through the future.

My Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has prepared an electricity strategy detailing a plan to further our economic growth and development, increase regional and resource diversification and improve environmental quality.

To enhance our energy sources and improve our environment, my government will access cost-sharing programs for cogeneration using waste products from industry and from municipalities. This will reduce pollution, extend the lifetime of waste disposal facilities and add new supplies of electrical energy.

British Columbia enjoyed phenomenal growth in employment and labour force last year. Many jobs were created by new small businesses, often involving high technology and almost all requiring special skills and training.

My government is committed to ensuring that new employment opportunities are available to all citizens in all regions of British Columbia. Notwithstanding the tremendous pace of economic development and growth in new jobs, the province continues to be affected by an unacceptable high level of unemployment. That level is driven by the business and employment shifts which have occurred in our economy over this decade.

Through the early 1980s, there was significant capital investment and modernization of our resource and manufacturing industries. In some instances, the resultant increases in productivity displaced workers who have contributed for many years to the province. Workers aged 55 and older, often the most experienced, most committed and most willing, could not find re-employment.

At the same time, economic activity was insufficient to absorb the large number of young workers seeking their first employment opportunities. As a consequence, youth unemployment and unemployment among older workers is a perplexing and complex issue facing government.

Accordingly, my government will establish a task force comprised of representatives of the Legislative Assembly, business and labour from throughout the province to report to government on policy and program initiatives which can reduce the incidence of unemployment and assist the unemployed in British Columbia.

We are aware that knowledge-based industries will be the main generator of new jobs in the future. Government is initiating a major restructuring of the provincial education and job training systems. This will ensure that all British Columbians, and particularly our younger generations, can face the opportunities of tomorrow with ability, confidence and security.

My government challenged a Royal Commission on Education to discuss new directions for our educational system with parents, interested citizens, business and community groups in the province. My Minister of Education will introduce a new school act and independent school act and appoint an education advisory committee to implement the thrust of the royal commission.

Our new educational program will stress curriculum changes to focus on development of thinking, reasoning and analytical skills combined with creativity and independent learning. It will emphasize regular assessments of student progress, provide ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness and address the needs and development of our teaching profession. My government has committed to a ten-year implementation funding level of $1.4 billion to achieve these objectives. An additional $1.5 billion has been committed over the next six years to allow for new school construction to meet enrolment growth and upgradings of current facilities.

We will continue our initiatives within the province's school system to give our students and future leaders a better understanding of the history, culture, economics, laws and languages of the Pacific Rim nations.

My government believes that advanced education is an investment by society in its future. Improved access to advanced education will be a priority for the government in 1989. The Minister of Advanced Education and Job Training will introduce programs to strengthen our post-secondary system. My government will enhance access to university programs in all parts of our province, improve coordination between institutions and expand capacity within our existing systems.

[3:45]

The Ministry of Advanced Education and job Training has announced new initiatives to strengthen job-oriented training. The Training and Enterprise Centre Network, involved in both training and business development, will be expanded.

The training and investment program, designed to expand employer-based training, is another initiative to improve the qualifications of British Columbia's workforce. Government will involve itself in cost-sharing of direct training costs to improve the skills of our workforce and increase job opportunities. Strengthening of apprenticeship programs will also be carried out by the Ministry.

There is a strong consensus that an internationally competitive, more diversified British Columbia economy will be based on high technology and information management. The province requires highly educated workers with skills to learn new technologies and to adjust to change. Accordingly, the educational challenge for adult members of the workforce must be addressed. The Ministry of Ad-

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vanced Education and Job Training will develop new initiatives through 1989 and will lead the task force on unemployment to determine training and other needs.

The United Nations has designated 1990 as the international year of literacy. The province will expand free literacy and upgrading programs to ensure that citizens lacking those skills will have the opportunity to personally benefit and more fully contribute to our society.

The Premier's Advisory Council on Science and Technology developed a comprehensive science policy for the province. Applied science and technological development is becoming a business strength in British Columbia and a key to enhancing our economic expansion.

My government believes that our prospects as a province cannot be achieved at the expense of any group or through sacrificing values which we have maintained for decades. One of our most fundamental values is that which we attach to our environment. My government's concern for the natural environment is not limited to British Columbia. We must participate in and be a force shaping global attitudes and urging greater world collaboration to recover and sustain environmental quality.

My government has established a task force on the environment and the economy. We must foster economic growth while maintaining our environmental integrity. My government believes responsibly managed economic growth requires that our natural environment is protected and that we steward our resource base conscientiously for the benefit of our future generations. The task force will assist in focusing the key policy elements contributing to sustainable development.

Regulation of environmental matters is especially sensitive in British Columbia because so much of our employment and economic well-being depends on natural resources. The forest industry generates over one-half of the total value of our manufacturing shipments. Mining and mineral exploration are major contributors to our export-based economy. Petroleum and natural gas are growing in economic importance. Hydroelectric power has been the backbone of economic development in the past several decades. The agricultural sector utilizes a great share of our provincial land base and is of vital economic importance.

Government will continue its program of consultation and cooperation with citizens, business and communities on environmental matters. The government will also review all environmental legislation and regulations, and, where necessary, environmental enforcement will be strengthened. You will be asked to support amendments to the Mines Act which will provide both improved protection for mine workers and greater environmental and reclamation standards. Regulations and licensing programs will be introduced to assure environmentally sound development of the aquaculture sector. You will also be asked to support legislation improving resource management practices, including amendments to the Wildlife Act and a new game-farming act.

We will expand our reforestation program significantly, and one billion seedlings will be planted in the next three years.

My government was deeply distressed by the tragic oil spill affecting the west coast of Vancouver Island. While clean-up activities have largely been successful, the incident warns of the tragedy that potentially flows from a much larger oil spill. My government will take whatever actions are necessary to accelerate the completion of the Vancouver Island gas pipeline, thus diminishing the transport of crude oils in the Strait of Georgia. This pipeline is essential for environmental considerations as well as for economic growth. My government will ensure that the pipeline is achieved, and you will be asked to support necessary legislation.

The Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations will provide additional resources in the forthcoming budget to strengthen the services available to the Minister Responsible for the Environment and also enhance resources available to the provincial emergency program.

Government will seek federal participation in establishing centres of excellence in environmental research and engineering at British Columbia's universities. We will be prepared to offer matched funding in support of joint initiatives that will ensure that British Columbia and Canada remain as world leaders in these fields.

In the coming year, my government will develop legislation to address consumer concerns respecting the use of chemicals in food production and ensure environmentally sensitive food-processing methods. There are numerous opportunities in our agriculture and food sector to lead in this emerging market.

Much of British Columbia's flourishing tourism industry is based on the exceptional quality of our environment and our provincial park system. My government has added significantly to lands dedicated to parks and will continue that process. Members will be asked to support legislation confirming the University Endowment Lands as a park for all British Columbians.

The Minister Responsible for the Environment will introduce the British Columbia environmental youth services program. This program will provide for seasonal employment for 1,000 young British Columbians to be trained in environmental enhancement and reclamation projects. These young citizens will be able to apply those skills in any environmental crisis when called upon by the ministry.

My government recognizes the value and urgency of recycling and solid-waste management programs. My Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Environment will undertake consultation with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to ensure that recycling initiatives are available in every municipality and regional district of our province. These consultations will follow the tabling of the provincial task force report on solid waste management. Additionally, legislation will be proposed to strengthen controls

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and sanctions against littering throughout the province.

The mandate for our environmental programs must be strengthened. Accordingly, a ministry of environment will be re-established, focusing solely on those critically important programs.

Our environment initiatives will substantially assist in maintaining the quality of life we cherish. That quality will further be ensured as government continues to help those in need through well-designed and effective social service programs.

My government believes it is essential to continue our strong emphasis on the value of the family. Parents have the fundamental responsibility for the care, intellectual and emotional development, and well-being of children. The existence of problems like child abuse and family violence must be addressed. This requires skilled intervention, ensuring protection and assistance for those most in need. My government will provide those programs.

[4:00]

My government will expand Project Reconnect into urban areas throughout the province, providing services to street children through family, educational, medical, residential and employment program. The Ministry of Social Services and Housing will undertake a comprehensive review of child care policy and practice to establish the foundation for new policies.

The Ministry of Social Services and Housing will strengthen its family maintenance program, enhance the GAIN program and provide additional services for handicapped British Columbians.

My government is committed to ensuring that all British Columbians have access to housing. Sweeping and innovative policy changes will be announced to enhance our housing programs and to begin to rebalance the stock of housing with the demand. A provincial housing action plan has been formulated which addresses rental assistance, rental supply and home ownership issues. These programs will provide both short- and long-term solutions to the social and general housing issues facing the province.

The Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations will detail, in his forthcoming budget, these innovative and far-reaching policies. These will include: initiation of a rental housing development fund to stimulate construction of affordable rental housing; matching startup grants for non-profit seniors' housing projects; added resources to the current social housing programs under the federal-provincial global agreement; improvements to the Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters program; and increases to the shelter portion of GAIN for income assistance recipients.

Further, my government will introduce a renter tax credit program and introduce new social housing initiatives involving Crown lands and our municipalities. Changes will be proposed for the second mortgage program. Further, you will be asked to approve amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act to protect long-term rooming-house residents.

You will also be requested to approve amendments to the Workers Compensation Act, developed in consultation with representatives of labour and management groups in the province.

My Minister of Health, Responsible for Seniors, will embark on a program to enhance services available to seniors in British Columbia. A strategy entitled "Toward a Better Age: Strategies for Improving the Lives of Senior British Columbians, " will soon be released. A task force will be established to meet with seniors groups throughout the province to form policy and program options. New legislation will introduce a seniors' advisory council. The ministry will establish an office for seniors to provide ongoing support to this initiative.

It is in the area of health care where our seniors are often most in need. In this session you will be asked to approve a continuing care act to enhance these services. To assist seniors, the user fee charged in short-stay assessment and treatment centres will be eliminated.

My government will introduce a new medical services act, the most progressive medical legislation in North America. It will ensure that our health care system remains fiscally responsible while providing quality care and access throughout the province.

British Columbia has an exemplary health care system, built in large measure on the dedication and abilities of many health care professionals and related workers. I wish to acknowledge the commitment made by these individuals to all British Columbians.

My government will introduce legislation incorporating many of the recommendations contained in the report of the justice reform committee.

My Solicitor-General will introduce a wide range of traffic safety and driver training initiatives intended to improve safety and reduce loss of life on our provincial highways. In support of this new initiative, you will be asked to approve amendments to legislation to establish fines for moving traffic violations.

My Minister of Labour and Consumer Services will continue our alcohol and substance abuse program. These initiatives are all part of a concerted three-year effort to reduce the social and economic costs associated with substance abuse through community awareness and action plans.

My government recognizes that it must have policies and programs which ensure equal access and opportunity for all our citizens. Accordingly, my government will establish a minister of state responsible for women's issues during this session. This ministerial responsibility will ensure women's access to decision-making, assess government's programs in assisting workers with family responsibility, review access to skills and training programs and guide the province in developing day care policies.

My government wishes to strengthen its relations with our native community. The government will establish a Premier's council on native affairs and host a series of round table meetings with native leaders and elders. The council, with the assistance of the

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Cabinet Committee on Native Affairs, will assess government economic and social policies necessary to support and assist in the further development of our proud native peoples. Additionally, specific ministries such as Education and Advanced Education and Job Training will form advisory committees with native representatives.

My government is committed to strengthening our relationship with the government of Canada and each of the provinces.

My government looks forward to engaging in productive constitutional reform discussions in September in Charlottetown. We will also focus on the concerns raised for many years by British Columbia and other western provinces regarding the need to improve our voice in key central institutions. Members of this assembly will be asked to provide their views with respect to the reform of the Senate of Canada.

A stronger partnership has been built with the government of Canada over the past year. We have successfully concluded a number of agreements of great importance to British Columbia. These include the agreement on the Vancouver Island natural gas pipeline, the kaon factory engineering design and impact study, the Moresby national park agreement, the grape and wine adjustment assistance agreement and our joint commitment to the Commonwealth Games.

My government will strengthen our resources in Ottawa and continue direct and more frequent representation on issues of concern to the province, including current federal fiscal and monetary policies. My government looks forward to completing negotiation for renewal and expansion of federal-provincial economic and regional development agreements.

My government believes strongly that participation in sport and recreation enhances the independence of our youth and the health and quality of life for all British Columbians. On behalf of this Legislature I extend warm congratulations to the people of Nelson and the 2,300 athletes of the B.C. Winter Games. All British Columbians can look forward to an equally successful Summer Games this August when Surrey will play host to over 4,000 athletes. The B.C. Games have enjoyed increasing success because of thousands of volunteers in the host communities. My government wishes to pay tribute to their efforts.

On behalf of all members of this assembly I wish to extend appreciation and admiration to all provincial employees. They are dedicated and skilled and deserve recognition for their efforts on behalf of this assembly and the people of the province.

Members of the Legislative Assembly, you are now beginning the final session of this decade. British Columbia is currently experiencing strong economic growth and has a quality of life that ranks with the best in the world. The next decade will bring many opportunities and the pressures and difficulties associated with ongoing change.

I pray that in carrying out your duties you will adhere to the highest standards of this assembly and that with a spirit of cooperation you will all work together for a better British Columbia.

May wisdom and fairness attend and guide you in your deliberations.

In our Sovereign's name, I thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

[4:15]

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

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

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO ENSURE THE
SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT

Hon. S.D. Smith presented a bill intituled An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament.

HON. S.D. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, this Bill re-establishes, as it has for some 400 years, the notion that the business of the people as conducted through those elected here shall take precedence over the business of the Sovereign.

Bill 1 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. REID: 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, before I make my motion, I would like to read a message that I have received from the hon. first member for Cariboo (Mr. A. Fraser).

All Members:

Due to my health, I will not be able to attend the opening of the Legislature. I am sorry my health will not permit my attendance, because this is the first opening I have missed in 20 years. I wish the Speaker and all Members of the Legislature the very best in the forthcoming session.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of us in the legislature, I wish to extend our heartfelt support to the first member for Cariboo and his family. The first member for Cariboo is now in his fortieth year of distinguished and honourable public service. His record of achievement and service not only to his constituents but to all British Columbians is truly exemplary.

MR. ROSE: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the opposition I would like to say that we on this side share the regret of the hon. first member for Cariboo that he is

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unable to be with us today. We are saddened, also, because the member is a distinguished parliamentarian and we know how much Alex loves and respects this place. In closing, I would like him to know that we miss him here today.

[Applause.]

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:

Economic Development, Transportation and Municipal Affairs;

Labour, Justice and Intergovernmental Relations;

Tourism and Environment;

Forests and Lands;

Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources;

Agriculture and Fisheries;

Health, Education and Social Services;

Finance, Crown Corporations and Government Services;

Public Accounts;

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 (1), the committee to be composed of Hon. C.H. Richmond, convener, Hon. W.B. Strachan, Hon. H. Dirks, Hon. J. Weisgerber, Messrs. Bruce, Messmer and Rabbitt, and Messrs. Gabelmann, Rose and Williams.

MR. G. HANSON: Mr. Speaker, I rise to make an amendment to the motion: namely, to add after the words "members' services" to the following: "Aboriginal Affairs."

This amendment would establish a select standing committee of this House on aboriginal affairs. The adoption of this amendment would allow this House a vehicle to inform itself on matters of interest and importance to the indigenous people of this province. The provincial government is a major player in the daily lives of native people, the delivery of education, health care, social services and the justice system, to name only a few. The provincial impact is significant, yet no committee of this House exists to explore in depth matters which relate to native circumstances and concerns.

British Columbia, through this House, has a special responsibility in this country, as one-third of all the Indian bands of Canada reside within our provincial boundaries. The urban native population in Vancouver alone, including status, non-status and Metis, is estimated at 40,000 persons.

The culture of poverty which exists is obvious to all members. The need for this House to understand and address complex problems as a result is great. A select standing committee would signify the responsibility that all members of this House feel towards addressing concerns of native citizens.

Mr. Speaker, this motion is presented in good faith, with the intent that constructive and useful benefit can accrue if such a vehicle of communication is established between this House and the native people of this province. I urge all members to support this addition and to envision the possibilities which could exist as a result. This could be an important and historic first step.

HON. MR. WEISGERBER: I rise to speak against this amendment. Let me hasten, first of all, to say that I think the intention of the members opposite is honourable and very sincere. I think also they must recognize that in the past several years and, indeed, several months this government has taken several initiatives to improve relations with native people in British Columbia. The Cabinet Committee on Native Affairs meets here to discuss native issues, to meet with native groups and to travel around the province to meet with native groups.

On July 6 the Premier upgraded Native Affairs from a secretariat to a full ministry, and I spend a good part of my time looking at issues and working with native people to help them accomplish some of their objectives. Indeed, today we heard that the Premier was forming a council on native affairs, one that will involve native leaders and elders in ongoing discussions with the Premier and with cabinet on issues and ways that we can work with native people to help them reach their goals in life.

Native involvement on major boards of Crown corporations has increased many times over in the last few months. We now have members on the board of directors of B.C. Rail, B.C. Ferries, the Open Learning Agency and many others. This government has been particularly active in areas of economic development, education — both K-to-12 and postsecondary — and we heard today that additional advisory native boards will be established in the upcoming year.

Our record in the area of social services is good. The Attorney-General (Hon. S.D. Smith) has also indicated that he will improve access for native people to the justice system. I think we have demonstrated clearly our intention to improve, and particularly to help native people improve, their lot in life. While I appreciate the motive for the motion, I don't think another group is the answer to the problem.

In closing, let me say that I speak against this amendment.

Amendment negatived on the following division:

[ Page 5592 ]

YEAS - 22

NAYS - 40

Motion approved.

HON. MR. RICHMOND: It is indeed a pleasure for me to rise and move, seconded by the opposition House Leader that F.C.A. Pelton, Esquire, first member for Dewdney electoral district be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Further, Mr. Speaker, it is also my pleasure, seconded by the opposition House Leader, that James Rabbitt, Esquire, member for Yale-Lillooet electoral district be appointed Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Whole for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Motions approved.

Presenting Reports

Hon. S.D. Smith tabled the 1988 report of the compensation advisory committee established pursuant to section 7.1 of the Provincial Court Act.

Hon. Mr. Vant tabled the 1986-87 annual report of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.

HON. MR. BRUMMET: I have the honour to table the 117th annual report of the Ministry of Education. Although it has been public for some time, I think it would be appropriate for the records of this House to table the Sullivan royal commission report on education and the supplementary summary of findings.

Hon. Mr. Michael tabled the following reports: the fifty-third annual report under the Pension (Public Service) Act; forty-ninth annual report, Pension (Municipal) Act; forty-seventh annual report, Pension (Teachers) Act; twelfth annual report, Public Service Benefit Plan Act; and finally, the thirty-third annual report, Legislative Assembly Allowances and Pension Act, Part 2.

Hon. L. Hanson tabled the sixteenth annual report of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia for the year ending December 31, 1988; and the annual report of the Industrial Relations Council for the year ending December 31, 1988.

Hon. Mr. Richmond moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, I will remind you that you are invited to the library rotunda with your guests for a reception afterwards.

The House adjourned at 4:34 p.m.