1992 Legislative Session: 1st Session, 35th Parliament
HANSARD
(Hansard)
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1992
Afternoon Sitting
Volume 1, Number 6
[ Page 87 ]
The House met at 2:06 p.m.
Prayers.
D. Mitchell: Hon. Speaker, we have with us here today in the public gallery a delegation from my constituency, West Vancouver-Garibaldi, from the unique community of Bowen Island. A delegation came here today to seek some information about some concerns they have over local government. I'd like to ask the House to welcome Joe Rogers, Hank Jasper and seven other members of the community of Bowen Island.
H. De Jong: It gives me great pleasure to introduce to the House today Russ Fraser, the former Attorney General of this province. Please give him a hearty welcome.
J. Weisgerber: It's a rare pleasure for me to introduce guests in this assembly and an even rarer opportunity to introduce guests from Fort Ware. Fort Ware is a very remote community several hundred kilometres north of Mackenzie in the Rocky Mountain Trench close to the Yukon border. An adult education class has been visiting Vancouver and Victoria over the last few days. I'm going to take the opportunity, if I may, to read out their names. There's Lila Boya, Gloria McCook, Johnathon Boya, John McCook, Darryl Rossetti, Felix Charlie, David Whitehead, Curtis McCook, Bevan Charlie and their instructor Susan Hatfield. Would this House give them an especially warm welcome.
Hon. G. Clark: Hon. Speaker, this must be Attorneys General Day. It's my delight to introduce to the chamber another former Attorney General and a former Member of Parliament for what was then Vancouver-Kingsway, the current riding that I represent. That's Alec Macdonald. I ask the House to make him welcome.
L. Hanson: We have today joining us, representing the Independent Contractors' and Businesses Association of British Columbia, their president Mr. Axel Gringmuth and Philip Hochstein, who is the executive vice-president. Would the House please make them welcome.
R. Neufeld: It is my pleasure to introduce a number of grain farmers from North and South Peace. Having different meetings with some of the ministers today, including the Minister of Agriculture, are Jim Collins, Garnet Berge, Ross Ravelli, Dennis Miers, Jean Leahy, Hart Hiadn, Mavis Nelson and Tony Stoeckl. Would the House please make them welcome.
L. Hanson: I also have a very good friend here, who has been a resident of my home constituency for a number of years. As a matter of fact, her husband, who has passed away, was once a freeman of our city. Please welcome Mrs. Helen Alexis and her daughter Margaret, from the city of Vernon.
The Speaker: Hon. members, before we signal the beginning of oral question period, this being a new week, I would like to bring members' attention to standing order 47A, which clearly requests that questions "be brief and precise...without argument or opinion," and that replies be equally brief and precise. With the cooperation of the whole House, we will then be able to accommodate more members' questions within each question period.
UBC STRIKE
D. Mitchell: Thank you for those guidelines. I hope all hon. members respect those, both in the questions and the answers.
I have a question today for the Minister of Labour. Mr. Minister, as I'm sure you're aware, the strike at the University of British Columbia is today entering its fourteenth day. A shadow has been cast over the lives of 30,000 students. Today, mail delivery in Vancouver was disrupted, cancer patients have had their surgery postponed, and 2,500 residents of the University Endowment Lands have effectively been held hostage during this dispute. My question to the minister is: what steps is the minister willing to take today to ensure that this type of suffering does not continue?
Hon. M. Sihota: The member asked a question in relation to what steps we are taking today. The member should know that at 11 o'clock today the parties were back at the bargaining table discussing the issues at hand. Secondly, the member should know that at 1 o'clock today I talked to both parties: representatives from UBC and from the union. I have scheduled another meeting this afternoon with the mediator involved. If the member opposite is looking for leadership from this administration, he's getting it.
D. Mitchell: A supplementary question to the minister. We are looking for leadership. Mr. Minister, the strike at UBC is the second major dispute in advanced education since this government assumed office. There are currently seven more expired contracts at six provincial institutions, and 14 contracts are to expire within a month. What reassurances can you offer to all those affected by the strike at UBC, and possible disputes at other post-secondary institutions, that they will not have to put their lives on hold because of the threat of more disputes in British Columbia?
Hon. M. Sihota: In response to the question let me say this: this government is committed to making sure that free collective bargaining in this province flourishes. If the hon. member has an alternative to free collective bargaining, he should state it. Otherwise, the position of this government is, and will continue to be, that we will support the free collective bargaining system.
[2:15]
[ Page 88 ]
D. Mitchell: Free collective bargaining is a right that we all aspire to in this province and is something that we believe in. We question whether or not we have free collective bargaining in the province today. Mr. Minister, when your party came to power, it was with the promise of better labour relations in British Columbia; instead we have turmoil.
In the dispute at BCIT this government came forward with extra funding. At UBC the government has also provided extra funding. Expectations have now been created. Is the minister prepared to come forward with clear guidelines for settlements in advanced education, so that disputes like the one we are seeing today are not repeated throughout our province?
Hon. M. Sihota: Hon. Speaker, this government's position is that we endorse the concept of free collective bargaining. I understand that the member opposite has indicated that his preference is to support the concept of free collective bargaining. I'm puzzled, therefore, when he says that he wants us to intervene by introducing some guidelines. You can't have it both ways, hon. member.
But the other point is important. The member questions whether the free collective bargaining system in British Columbia is working. My answer is that it is working. It is working well, and the nurses' tentative settlement is an example of that.
FAIR WAGE POLICY AND
PAY EQUITY FOR WOMEN
J. Weisgerber: A question to the Minister of Women's Equality. In December of 1989 the minister was chairman of the Surrey School Board. At that time the Surrey Leader said of the minister that she "slammed the government 'for legislation that forces the school board to accept the lowest bids for contracts. This law means work goes to non-union companies, and that must change'." From that I assume that the minister supports the current fair wage policy announced by the government in the throne speech, and I hope she would confirm that for this House and for British Columbians.
Hon. P. Priddy: As the leader of the third party knows, that is a matter of future policy.
J. Weisgerber: It's future policy to endorse a statement in the throne speech -- that's amazing. In any event, I'm going to take the liberty of assuming that she does support the government, the Premier, the Minister of Labour, and the other people who put together this so-called policy.
Given that conservative estimates indicate that this policy will cost taxpayers $200 million a year, does she believe, as the minister responsible for women's equity, that this money is best spent getting pay equity for construction workers or for women in the public service? Would she agree that the government's policy indicates that the highest priority is pay equity for construction workers? Does she agree with that policy?
Hon. P. Priddy: This government's commitment to pay equity is clear. It has been stated by this government, and we continue to work toward those initiatives. The comments the leader of the third party made last week highlighting the difference between the wages he quoted for construction workers and the wages he quoted for non-union support staff highlight how far behind women in this province have fallen in terms of wages. I would take that as support for an expanded pay equity program. I thank him in advance for that.
J. Weisgerber: Well, hon. Speaker, the place for the minister to look for support for money for pay equity is in cabinet, not in this Legislature. If she wants to bring a bill forward, I can assure you that members on this side will support her. My question is: will the minister ensure that the budget being tabled on Thursday has a commitment to pay equity for women at least equal to that to the so-called fair wage policy?
CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES AND
PAY EQUITY FOR WOMEN
G. Farrell-Collins: My question is to the Minister of Labour. Broken promise number one from the NDP's better way talks about open government. On behalf of the taxpayers of British Columbia, will the minister table in the House any government commissions, reports or studies -- any evidence at all -- that can justify his party's policy of government-legislated construction wage rates?
Hon. M. Sihota: I thank the hon. member for that question. This House will have ample opportunity to discuss the matter of fair wages when it's brought before the House.
G. Farrell-Collins: Given that there's absolutely no evidence, since the minister is not going to give it to us, to justify this government's plan to fix the wages of the construction industry in this province, can he give the people of British Columbia his personal word that the implications of any legislated wage rates will be debated in this House -- will be publicly debated -- before we, the taxpayers of this province, end up paying anywhere from $100 million to $200 million of our taxes to the election friends of this NDP government?
Hon. M. Sihota: First of all, let me say to the hon. member that the question is flawed, in the sense that it makes a false assumption around costs.
Secondly, let me say that this government has indicated its willingness to raise the issue in the House, and I know the hon. member -- being new -- doesn't quite appreciate that there will be ample opportunity. If the member is anxious for a debate, he can raise it during members' statements. Otherwise, this government will have a debate in this House around fair wages; that's our commitment.
[ Page 89 ]
G. Farrell-Collins: I'll be very glad to participate in that debate, and the people of the province will be watching very eagerly.
I have a question. Since the minister doesn't see fit to give us any sort of indication as to where this money is going to come from, I'd like to refer my next question to the Minister of Women's Equality. How can she be part of a cabinet that can justify giving $100 million to $200 million to the already well-paid construction industry, over 90 percent of whom are men, while telling the women of this province they have to wait up to ten years for pay equity -- well into the next century?
Hon. P. Priddy: I think, as the hon. member knows, it is a matter of future policy. That statement has been made.
G. Farrell-Collins: Oh, it's in your policy book. Or is that another broken promise to the workers?
HOSPITAL BOARDS
P. Dueck: Hon. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health. Before I ask my question, I would like to pay a compliment to the Minister of Health. In spite of the former Leader of the Opposition's many promises -- vote-getting promises and otherwise -- made before the election, she still looked at the reports that came in on the cancer clinic and where that should be located. She chose to go against political expediency and chose Kelowna, which was the correct decision. I compliment her for that.
Interjections.
The Speaker: Order. Could the member state his question, please.
P. Dueck: For many years democratically elected hospital boards have made decisions in their local hospitals as to what services they could or would perform. Now, by the stroke of a pen, this authority has been taken away from them. I would like to ask the minister whether she would reconsider that decision, because we've heard so much about open government, consultation and fair play. Would she reconsider that decision, perhaps go through the consultation process and then make the decision after that process? I believe that is the proper route to go, and I would consider that she do that. If not, perhaps hospital boards are no longer necessary and should be abandoned.
Hon. E. Cull: Hon. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for recognizing the political leadership that has been happening on this side of the floor. I also have to say that this government stands firmly behind a woman's right to choose. What we did on Friday was hold the marker on regional access for women to choose hospital abortions. We also announced a task force that is going to look at the bigger question of what regional access should be, and what services should be out there.
As for the whole question of democratically elected hospital boards, there were a number of recommendations in the royal commission. I submit that the way we elect hospital boards today is far from democratic.
PAY EQUITY FOR WOMEN
L. Reid: My question is to the Minister of Women's Equality. Is it true your government is going to delay pay equity by ten years, and what message is this sending to the women of B.C.?
Hon. P. Priddy: The answer to that question is no.
L. Reid: Supplementary to the minister. If indeed the answer is no, what specifically are you doing now to ensure that pay equity is in place?
Hon. P. Priddy: To the hon. member who asked the question around pay equity initiatives, this government is moving forward with pay equity initiatives. The House will have an opportunity to debate that and to look at those issues. It's a matter of future policy. It will be coming forward to the House, and the hon. member will have an opportunity to see that.
L. Reid: Your Minister of Health may recognize this quote: "It's time the Social Credit government got its act together on pay equity. It's time they stopped making promises and actually started doing something." Will this government take its own advice and implement pay equity? The women of British Columbia are not prepared to wait the ten years which your Premier has suggested it will take for women to start earning the same salaries as men. Is this government going to deliver, or is this just another broken promise?
Hon. P. Priddy: This government has, since the day it was elected, been working on initiatives around pay equity -- every single day. It will continue to do so. Women of this province fell farther and farther behind under the previous Social Credit government, and we will continue, every day, to work on initiatives towards pay equity.
Hon. G. Clark: Point of order. I just draw the House's attention to standing order 47, a good discussion of which is contained in this noted authority by George MacMinn, starting on page 75. I want to draw attention to several questions that were clearly out of order. I'm particularly concerned about the interim leader of the third party's questions which had to do with asking questions of the Minister of Women's Equality on an issue that is not in her jurisdiction. That is totally out of order. The minister answered the question to some extent. In future I will interject during question period with points of order when the member clearly knows it is completely out of order. You cannot ask a question of a member of the executive council in an area that does not fall within her or his jurisdiction.
J. Weisgerber: Point of order.
The Speaker: I will recognize the leader of the third party on a point of order.
[ Page 90 ]
J. Weisgerber: My point of order, quite simply, is that the question to the minister was whether or not she supported a position of the government; it wasn't a question about the ministry. The question was clearly in order.
While we're discussing points of order, I think we should seriously consider having the cabinet study the whole issue of future policy. For them, anything that's happening today is a question of future policy, and it's patent nonsense, as has been reported.
Hon. G. Clark tabled the public accounts for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1991.
[2:30]
Hon. G. Clark: Hon. Speaker, I am requesting leave of the House to move a motion without notice.
Leave granted.
Hon. G. Clark: I move that the public accounts for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1991, be referred to the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts pursuant to the orders of the House made March 17, 1992.
Motion approved.
(continued)
Hon. L. Boone: It's a great honour for me to rise in this House and speak in support of the Speech from the Throne. Although I am not a new member here, I have a new riding, and I'd like to take a few minutes to talk about my new riding of Prince George-Mount Robson. This includes a good portion of my old riding of Prince George North. That part is part of the city of Prince George, which is the northern capital of B.C.
I moved to Prince George in 1969. Over the years I have moved away from there twice, but I have come back three times, because I found that living in the north and in Prince George offers a lifestyle that I expect, that I like, and that I think other people would learn to respect as well. It's a very special place and has very special people there.
I have watched Prince George change over the years. We've had our ups and downs in terms of the growth of the city. I see we are on the verge of a change in our lives. There's no doubt at all in my mind or in the minds of the people of the north that UNBC will have a tremendous effect on the north and on Prince George. I see it as a turning point for our community.
Access to university for all our residents, young and old, will be an advantage that people who live outside the lower mainland can well appreciate, but I think those who live within driving distance of a university really have a hard time understanding just how important this university is to us. It will bring us social, economic and cultural development, something that we are all looking forward to. Let there be no doubt at all that this government is committed to UNBC. It will be built, and it will be successful.
It's pathetic the way the few remaining members of the third party continue to imply that the university is not proceeding or that there is no commitment to it. It didn't work in the pre-election period, it didn't work during the election, and it won't work now. The people of the north know that this government is committed to the University of Northern British Columbia and that it will take place. April 2 will see the Premier proving his commitment to the university in a sod-turning ceremony at the UNBC site. That should leave no doubt at all that UNBC will be proceeding as scheduled with this government.
Last week there was an announcement by the UNBC board of the delay at UNBC. It's unfortunate; however, it does not mean that the university is in jeopardy -- far from it. It means that our university will be developed properly. It means that staff will be able to develop first-rate courses which will serve us well. It means that we will have a university which will be strong and successful. Of course, I'd like to see the university open in 1993 -- everyone would -- but I would far sooner see it delayed by a year than have it proceed in such a manner and not be successful. It's far better that the time be taken to do it properly.
I'd like to talk a little bit about a new part of my riding called Robson Valley. That is incorporated in the name, of course. It's right at the base of Mount Robson, a very important mountain in British Columbia. Unfortunately a lot of people don't know that the Robson Valley even exists. It's a pity, because they're missing a tremendous area. It's unfortunate that people haven't been to and travelled through the Robson Valley to see the wonders there.
The small towns of McBride and Valemount are nestled in a valley that is really quite beautiful. The Germans know they're there because quite a number come through in tourism. But I'd like to see more of us reach out to that area. We also have some unique communities there such as Dunster, Croydon, Crescent Spur, T�te Jaune and Dome Creek. These offer a lifestyle that values the land and independence of life.
Unfortunately the Robson Valley is suffering tremendously during the economic downturn, as they remain so dependent on the forest sector. The people of these communities are working hard to diversify, but that's not always easy.
The tourism potential of this valley is tremendous. Come and see the Fraser River before it is polluted and before it reaches Vancouver. Come to the Robson Valley, and you can see the Fraser River as it starts out -- clean and clear. I invite you to come forth to the Robson Valley to enjoy hiking, fishing and heliskiing -- and I've asked my colleague the Minister of Tourism to come forth and do this -- and skiing in the mountains there. Believe me, the Robson Valley will not disappoint you, as it has not disappointed any number of tourists who have come through there.
Hon. Speaker, my constituents and all British Columbians recognize the signals in this throne speech of a new direction for British Columbia. It signals new values and standards of conduct for government and new possibilities for all British Columbians.
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Most important, it signals the government's intention to win the trust of the people it serves. That's not an easy thing to do nowadays, hon. Speaker. As you trudged the streets during the election process, I think you probably recognized that politicians are not the favourite people out there nowadays. Diminishing trust in elected officials is a dangerous phenomenon. We're seeing it throughout the world, and it is particularly noticeable in some parts of Canada right now. Without trust in the people we elect to govern, we can have no confidence in ourselves as a nation or as a province, and without confidence we cannot hope to compete in this world. Even worse, we lose our ability and our will to solve social problems.
This Speech from the Throne makes the renewal of public trust and confidence a priority and indicates clearly how we intend to accomplish this priority task. We will bring in freedom-of-information and privacy legislation to enshrine the principles of openness. Information held by government on behalf of the public will be open to the public, except in specific circumstances. In those infrequent circumstances where the information cannot be released, we will clearly explain why.
Our legislation will be the result of careful planning and consultation, but we will go beyond the letter of the legislation to the spirit of it. We will bring about a culture of openness in the way we manage information and conduct our government business. Freedom-of-information and privacy legislation, together with stronger members' conflict-of-interest laws and the extension of the ombudsman's jurisdiction, form a package that will result in better, more trustworthy government. We also have promised to expand the role of the legislative committees to consider key pieces of legislation.
Opening the door to government is one step that we are taking to win back trust, and that's a big step. Another is to give people a real opportunity to be involved in an open planning process. We want the people of British Columbia to be involved. We want them to be able to follow, understand and contribute to the thinking process that leads to decisions on issues of public policy.
An early indication of how this government intends to do its planning in the open -- not hidden away from public view -- was the establishment of the Commission on Resources and Environment, which will work with British Columbians to develop a comprehensive land use strategy. The throne speech lists several other initiatives along these lines: the Premier's Summit on Trade and Economic Opportunity in June, the development of strategies for the coal industry and labour relations, and an independent review of MLA salaries and benefits.
People look to government to find solutions to problems, not to be the problem. Government has to put people first. This Speech from the Throne emphatically puts the people of British Columbia first. It contains concrete ideas for the protection of jobs and paycheques, with special concern for communities facing significant adjustments in their local economies -- and that is important to me as a member of a northern interior community.
Many of the communities in my constituency are vulnerable to decisions made elsewhere, like the American softwood tariff decision. I'm sure they appreciate the sentiments expressed by the Minister of Forests in his ministerial statement Thursday, and I'm sure they take comfort in the fact that we have promised to reinforce the role of the job protection commissioner.
My ministry is responsible for the Purchasing Commission, which will play a central role in ensuring the provincial government buys more goods and services from B.C. suppliers, particularly small business. Our overriding concern will be to exercise that very significant purchasing power in a way that meets environmental objectives. In today's climate that's very important. The Purchasing Commission is also responsible for air service, which, as the throne speech indicates, will be rationalized so we can provide better air ambulance service to the people of the province, better emergency response service and more efficient use of our aircraft. I expect to be making an announcement on this in the very near future.
Inequity, in addition to being unfair and unjust, is a weakness in society. Anyone interested in building a strong, resilient society must deal with the issue of equal opportunity for all. This throne speech promises to deal with social inequity and to deal with it resolutely. It sets out a number of steps, including elimination of financial disincentives that discourage people on income assistance from working, more options for families and social workers in child protection matters, introduction of legislation to ban discrimination, recognition of the need for improved access to abortion for women throughout the province, and $1 million in community funding for women's centres.
This government places the highest value on people as individuals wherever they live in this province, whatever they do for a living, whether they are poor or well off, married or single, old or young, male or female. This throne speech reaches out to people in language that is relevant. Each generation holds the province's wealth, resources and environment in trust for the next generation. Our obligation is to pass this province on in better shape than it was when we inherited it.
This throne speech promises to make British Columbia stronger and more equitable. We're not promising miracles. As we said during the election, the 48 points are goals that we will move and work towards and will try to achieve within the taxpayers' means. We may not accomplish them all this year, and we may not even make them next year, but we will be constantly working towards those goals in the interest of all British Columbians.
As I said at the beginning, this throne speech signals a renewal of trust in government and confidence in ourselves as a province, and I'm proud to stand here in support of this throne speech.
R. Neufeld: Just before I start, I'd like to introduce some other people I have in the gallery -- two people who are very near and dear to me. One is my daughter Chantel -- my son Nathan is in school and couldn't be
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here -- and also my best friend and my wife LaVerne. Without their support, I could not be here today.
It's a pleasure and a great honour to rise in this chamber for the very first time and address the thirty-fifth parliament of British Columbia. First and foremost, I would like to thank the voters of Peace River North for the support and trust they have placed in me as their Member of the Legislative Assembly. I will uphold that trust and be ever mindful of the constituents who placed me here. I congratulate all members of the House on their election. I would like to thank my predecessor from Peace River North, Mr. Tony Brummet, for his contributions and dedication to our constituency in British Columbia during his 12 years as MLA. I wish him well in his new endeavours.
I would like to give a brief overview of the great constituency of Peace River North, a part of the province that only a few have the pleasure of knowing intimately. Thank goodness I'm restricted by a time-limit, because otherwise I could talk on forever about this great constituency. Northern British Columbia is unique unto itself. The land is beautiful in a way that must be experienced by more than just reading about it in library or school books. The residents experience opportunities and, yes, hardships that those living in southern British Columbia may never know. With the temperature plunging to minus 40 in the winter and surging to 35 above in the summer, all people and activities adapt to survive.
[2:45]
I invite you now to travel with me through the constituency of Peace River North. There are four significant doorways to my constituency. One entry is at Hudson's Hope via Highway 29. It is here at this junction that you begin to appreciate the history of the north, and the massive contribution it makes to our province. Hudson's Hope, established in 1805 as a crossroads for the fur traders, is the oldest continuously inhabited non-native community in British Columbia.
This part of the constituency is home to the second-largest hydro dam in Canada -- the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. This dam and the Peace Canyon Dam are capable of producing 3,116 megawatts of electricity. Premier W.A.C. Bennett had the foresight and the commitment to undertake these massive projects, but the people of northern British Columbia made the dreams become realities. Many citizens benefited from the thousands of person-years of employment. Both the construction and the ongoing operations of the dam contribute immensely to the economic health of our province. All members should be ever mindful of the benefit of our hydro dams, not only when we switch on our lights in the lower mainland, but also in terms of tourism. We may not think of hydroelectric dams creating tourism, but those people in Peace River North do. The lakes create excellent opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking and boating. Indeed, the mighty Peace River plays a significant role not just in our economic livelihood, but in our recreational well-being as well.
As we drive northeast along Highway 29 we enter Fort St. John, the oldest non-native settlement in British Columbia. In 1793 Alexander Mackenzie came to the river flat on the Peace River, south of the current site of Fort St. John. He thought it would be a good location for a fur-trading post. In 1794 the first in a series of fur-trading forts was constructed as a result of Mackenzie's faith in the location to provide a terminus for fur-trading activity.
The city of Fort St. John was established by the North West Company in 1797. Fort St. John, with a population of 13,000, is home to many people working in an extensive forest industry, an agriculture industry, a large natural gas and oil service industry, and a flourishing tourism industry. The city is considered to be the energy capital of British Columbia. Gas and oil fields are bountiful both close to and many kilometres away in all directions from Fort St. John.
The community of Taylor provides the second of four doorways to Peace River North via Highway 97, which crosses the mighty Peace River. The community of Taylor may look like a typical small town but it's not. Taylor boasts excellent market gardens that are second to none in British Columbia, is home to a large sawmill, a recently completed state-of-the art pulp mill and a large natural gas processing plant capable of producing some 620 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily. Taylor is home also to a soon-to-be-completed cogeneration plant able to produce 100 megawatts of hydroelectricity.
Hon. Speaker, as we travel northwest from Fort St. John along the world-famous Alaska Highway, we should note with great pride that it was 50 years ago, in 1942, that the highway was constructed. This is cause for celebration because highways are truly vital to the livelihood of northerners. The NDP government must continue the process of upgrading and developing those important highway and rail links if northerners are to continue to contribute to the economic well-being of British Columbia.
We all know that W.A.C. Bennett recognized the importance of the north. He was responsible for developing the rail and the highway infrastructure that is so important to all northern resource communities. To truly understand the life of northerners one must drive the Alaska Highway -- all 2,000 kilometres from Fort St. John to the Alaska border. It is a spectacular way to see parts of British Columbia that many people call home. We see numerous roads leading off the highway and we imagine the many individuals and families living on farms, ranches and in resource sites that must be at the end of those long winding roads. We pass many lodges and small settlements which provide services to travellers and just places to raise families. At mile 300, 400 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John, we enter the town of Fort Nelson, with a population of approximately 5,000 people.
Hon. Speaker, some of the members are probably thinking: "Well, Fort St. John I can relate to, but another 400 kilometers north.... What in the world do people do there?" In fact, Fort Nelson was my home for 20 years. It is a very progressive community inhabited by self-reliant, confident individuals who are prepared to work long and hard for the betterment of their families and their neighbours. Fort Nelson was originally built by the North West Company in the year 1800, but was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times thereafter. It is now home to the largest chopstick factory in the entire
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world and one of the largest natural gas processing plants in North America, designed to produce 1.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. Fort Nelson is also home to a state-of-the-art plywood factory. We are proud of the fact that Fort Nelson is the beginning of the B.C. Rail line. From a northerner's perspective Fort Nelson is the start of the line, certainly not the end. You see, it all depends on which way you look at it.
The B.C. Rail line was another vision of W.A.C. Bennett, a man who knew that for B.C. to prosper, the north's abundant resources had to be developed. The rail line starts at Fort Nelson with cargoes of chopsticks, plywood, chips, sulphur, and then heads to Fort St. John and Taylor, where carloads of grain, lumber products, sulphur and general freight are loaded for shipping. Some 34,000 carloads cross the mighty Peace River and continue on to destinations in eastern Canada, the port of Vancouver and the United States.
Fort Nelson is also a bustling terminal for barge traffic heading north to the Beaufort Sea through the Liard and Mackenzie River system. It is possible at certain times of the year to travel by water from Vancouver to Fort Nelson, and it may come as a surprise to some members of this House to learn that a number of tugs and barges were built in Vancouver for use on our northern waterways. One 800-horsepower tug, the Shiela J., was built in Vancouver and operates every season shipping supplies through our northern river systems. Fort Nelson is a terminus for widespread economic activity from the shipping of natural resources and agricultural products to locations throughout North America to providing a gateway to the Beaufort Sea.
We continue northwest from Fort Nelson on the Alaska Highway, and we pass the third doorway to my constituency, Highway 77, which will take us north to the Northwest Territories, with links to Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Hay River. Once in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, one is immediately captivated by its splendour, its serenity and the utter, crystalline beauty of this part of British Columbia. Tourism spectacles, fishing, hunting, hiking and simply enjoying the beauty are some of the many experiences you will encounter on your travels in the north. The Liard Hot Springs provide travellers with a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna to explore. Without a doubt, many weary travellers have found welcome relief within the natural hot pools.
From Fort Nelson, we drive 500 kilometres northwest to the Yukon border to the fourth doorway to Peace River North. At this point, we are now more than 2,500 kilometres north of this city of Victoria. It is here that the world-famous Alaska Highway leaves the constituency of Peace River North.
But even after this brief tour, some members may still find it difficult to envision the vastness of my constituency. This one constituency is traversed by the Alaska Highway for approximately 800 kilometres. This is the approximate distance from Vancouver to Prince George. Peace River North, with a population of 33,000 people, is 62,000 square miles -- larger than England and larger than Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island combined.
The economic growth and the benefit it provides has taken place over the last 40 years, and was realized only as a result of the support and vision of many great Social Credit Premiers and Members of the Legislative Assembly. They did not shut northern B.C. out of the economic growth. They realized the potential of northerners and the great benefits to be had by drawing the north closer. As a result of this economic diversification of the north, many British Columbians enjoy the spinoff benefits of employment in entrepreneurial opportunities.
Tourism is a large and ever-increasing part of our economy. Rendezvous '92, the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the construction of the Alaska Highway, would be an excellent opportunity for the Minister of Tourism to tour the highway. Through you, hon. Speaker, I personally invite the minister to drive the highway, and I'll even arrange for the minister to travel with a truck driver, if you really wish to get a true flavour of the area. Last year more than 35,000 recreational vehicles travelled the Alaska Highway, and I should mention that those same tourists travelled through the southern part of our province. Yes, people come to see the Okanagan, to see Victoria and to ski at Whistler, but many come to see the north. In addition to tourism, we should also remember that agriculture is another mainstay of the Peace River region. Some 1.3 million acres of land is under cultivation, which has produced award-winning agricultural products for many years. Our long warm days in the north of up to 19 hours of sunlight provide an excellent growing season that is often a source of jealousy from farmers throughout southern British Columbia.
The agricultural industry in Peace River North does, however, require immediate attention from the government. This assistance was promised time and time again by the NDP during the election campaign. I sincerely hope that this is not just another one of their broken promises, because our farmers and ranchers in the Peace River area contribute as much -- or more, I argue -- to the provincial economy as do the fruit-growers in the Okanagan. I ask that the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food consider the needs of our farmers and ranchers and the challenges they face. Out of sight, out of mind is no reason to grant $30 million in aid to the tree-fruit industry in the Okanagan, but not supply assistance to the agricultural community in North and South Peace River.
Unfortunately, our forest industry continues to be hurt by special interest groups. We can only hope that this government can rectify the damage that has already been done. During the past few years the NDP stood idly by and watched environmental extremism undermine our forest industry. We are all environmentalists in that we strive to promote a well-reasoned use of our environment. With responsible attitudes and practices, I am sure we can promote the wise use of our forests and environment. I encourage the minister responsible to act immediately to correct the misperception about B.C.'s number one industry and to once again bring it to its peak capability.
[3:00]
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As I have said, the oil and gas industry is an important part of northern life, but it also is feeling the pinch of a global recession and the trepidation that comes with electing an NDP government. This, along with the continuing U.S. pressure to reduce rates for our products, has reduced the industry's exploration and production of this very important resource. I ask the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to do everything in her power to help this industry adapt and prosper in the face of the challenges that now confront it.
This industry is literally an underground industry. It's not seen by people, other than those who are where the resources originate. It is difficult for most people to comprehend the value to our province of an industry whose product is transported in buried pipelines. Some 1.2 billion to 1.8 billion cubic feet of product is transported daily in these pipelines -- most designated for export, and the balance for consumers in the lower mainland.
The Vancouver Island pipeline and its important contribution to a cleaner environment comes to mind when I talk of natural gas. Clean, safe communities can thrive in concert with the natural gas industry. We are proud of our long natural gas history in the north and the high quality it provides. This industry in the north provides not only millions of dollars in revenue to the province, but is also a source of extremely clean, efficient energy.
As illustrated by just a few examples, all of us can see that the economy in the north is extremely diverse. Mining, electric power generation, oil and natural gas, agriculture and tourism are all located in a climate and landscape as diverse as the industries themselves.
Yes, the industries are diverse. But where the people aren't diverse is in the political party they choose to represent them, and that party is Social Credit. Peace River North has been represented and served well by Social Credit MLAs in every parliament since 1952. Constituents know that Social Credit established the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George with the passage of legislation in July 1990. They realized that this fine institution would enable people of all ages in northern B.C. to obtain a degree without having to travel to the lower mainland. People of all professions would be encouraged to stay and work in the north, where they are needed and wanted. This promise to establish a freestanding university in northern British Columbia was a commitment made by the previous Social Credit government and agreed to by the NDP. It is for this reason that I was extremely disappointed to hear that the university's opening has been delayed for one more year, and now it looks as if their status may be downgraded to a university-college institution.
With our economy becoming increasingly competitive nationally and internationally, it is imperative that we attract skilled professionals and academics to northern British Columbia and retain them. The University of Northern B.C. certainly would have helped in this endeavour of encouraging academic talent to settle in the north and contribute to its economic diversification. We are very proud of our Northern Lights College campuses, located in Fort Nelson, Hudson's Hope and Fort St. John. The college offers academic, vocational, career, technical and college extension programs. Enrolment skyrocketed in 1991. It was up 15 percent over the previous year. With these campuses and a full-status university -- I repeat, a full-status university -- in Prince George, our constituents would have opportunities now that they didn't have a few years ago.
In September 1989 Fort St. John hosted the opening of a state-of-the-art high school. High-tech high schools have arrived in Fort St. John. College campuses have arrived in the North Peace. What is lacking is a full-status university in the north.
As well as the unique challenges faced by northerners in the area of education, those who live and work in northern B.C. have very different health care concerns than those living in urban centres. It's unfortunate that the ability of hospitals to provide basic medical services in rural and remote areas is threatened by a lack of health care professionals. In addition, the need to travel to obtain medical treatment can be a barrier to receiving proper health care.
I ask the minister to act quickly on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Health Care and Costs as they relate to health care services in rural and remote areas. Peace River North constituents look forward to seeing an expanded northern area travel allowance program and the funding of rural health care specialties.
Our citizens in the north are responsible for many accomplishments, some of which I've highlighted today. Oftentimes northerners participate in programs which provide financial support and options for raising funds. One such program that helps thousands of charitable and non-profit activities throughout our province is the B.C. Lottery Corporation's breakopen halfback program. The majority of the funds raised actually stay in the community of origin, benefiting groups who are dedicated and hard-working. Because the government has decided to change the way funding is allocated, many organizations had to make harsh midstream adjustments to their financial plans. Failure to consult with the affected non-profit and charitable organizations is unacceptable from a government that preaches consultation. Groups in my constituency, such as the Lions, Rotary, the Royal Canadian Legion and the B.C. Paraplegic Foundation, did not deserve to have the rug pulled out from under them.
I ask, on behalf of those organizations in my constituency and from throughout B.C., that the Government Services minister reassess her decision. It is possible, using the expertise of the organizations involved, to enhance the program so it would address all concerns without negatively affecting the charities involved.
Northern British Columbians are a very resourceful, self-reliant, resilient and entrepreneurial group of people who are determined to live in the north. They deserve to be recognized for contributions that often go unnoticed. Hon. Speaker, if I could accomplish one goal in this address it would be to have enriched each MLA's life with the knowledge of how important the Peace
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River North constituency is to the well-being of all British Columbians.
Hon. E. Cull: I wish to make an introduction, hon. Speaker.
Leave granted.
Hon. E. Cull: We have in the gallery today 45 students from the Pacific Christian School. Most of them are from Japan, and I would like to ask the House to make them welcome.
R. Chisholm: Hon. Speaker, my sincere congratulations on your election. Your position, as we all know, is a difficult and demanding one requiring finesse and tact, qualities I am sure you possess in abundance.
I also want to offer my congratulations and best wishes for success to all my colleagues in this chamber. Whatever our differences -- I'm certain there are many, and they should not be minimized -- I'm sure we are nevertheless united in our commitment to serve our constituents.
I look forward to the Speaker's guidance and leadership in ensuring that the dignity and decorum of the assembly is preserved. I share with my colleagues an earnest desire to be true to our ideals and practical in our actions, as we serve as Members of the Legislative Assembly of this beautiful province.
I am very aware of the history that has led to our being able to speak here for the public of British Columbia. I am very grateful for the opportunity to take my place here in this institution of democracy in which we now participate, as our forefathers have since the first Legislature of the province in 1872.
I want to thank all of the constituents of Chilliwack for their support, and I pledge to serve them to the very best of my abilities. I want to thank all the residents of British Columbia for bringing Liberals to Victoria and for wanting a fresh start, to which we are dedicated. I would also like to thank my tireless campaign workers, who helped me to be here today. Also a big thanks goes to my present constituency volunteers. I would like to thank my fellow caucus members for their support and assistance. Last but not least, I would like to thank my family and friends for their love and support, in particular my wife Janet.
May I also take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations and those of my constituency to the member for Powell River, the Hon. Gordon Wilson, the Leader of the Opposition in our province. It is indeed exciting and an honour to be part of a party represented by a leader whose commitment to a stronger economic future for our province and determination for success is commendable. His vision, enthusiasm, example and leadership have already brought the promise of stability and respect to this Legislature and have instilled confidence in the hearts and minds of the people, the workers and the investors of our province.
I commend Mr. Wilson for his leadership in establishing a revitalized opposition and a renewed spirit of economic enthusiasm, and I convey to him and to this House my commitment of cooperation and initiative in this regard. I am sure most of you know where the constituency of Chilliwack is located, but for those who do not, it is the finest constituency of all of what I consider to be super British Columbia. Chilliwack, the home of the famous, fertile Fraser Valley, is many times described as the green heart of British Columbia. It is an area of approximately 3,800 square kilometres, extending from the Abbotsford border to the west, north to the Fraser River, east to Jones Hill and the No. 1 freeway.
Agriculture is the historical and current mainstay of the economy. The gross farm income in the constituency represents approximately 10 percent of the entire farm income for the province. Because of the importance of agriculture in the economy, coupled with its inherently peaceful and quiet nature, agriculture has become a way of life in Chilliwack. Due to the free trade agreement, cross-border shopping, a possible subsidy decline due to the GATT talks, as well as farmland taken out of the ALR, agriculture in the Fraser Valley is in danger. It will be the duty of us all to work together here to ensure our agricultural sector in Chilliwack is not eroded.
In the throne speech, agriculture was barely mentioned -- just a few short lines with no indication of how the government plans to assist our farmers in the future. When British Columbia farmers went to Ottawa in February I was there with them, as the Liberal Agriculture critic, marching on Parliament Hill beside them, listening to their concerns and meeting with federal officials on their behalf. Why was the British Columbia government's Agriculture minister not there with me?
[3:15]
One of the biggest problems of the first legislative session is the crisis of agriculture in British Columbia. A viable agricultural industry is essential to B.C. We must maintain a capacity to feed ourselves, because it gives us a critical independence. It keeps us free of future market monopolies in an industry which, once lost, is impossible to replace. Farmland is not being made anymore. British Columbia farmers can compete -- they have in the past, so there is no reason why they can't in the future -- with a fair, competitive climate. This doesn't necessarily mean subsidies for farmers, but it would mean giving the British Columbia farmer the same breaks as their competition south of the border and rejecting surplus and subsidized products dumped at less-than-production prices by other countries.
I urge the government to ensure agriculture is preserved in British Columbia. We must urge the federal government to have the Justice department determine whether the free trade agreement with the U.S., which allows subsidies, would supersede any GATT agreement signed by the government.
Our party firmly believes the best investment we can make in our agriculture and food industry is the education of our young people, young men and women who will continue the long tradition and legacy of progressive agriculture in the Fraser Valley. We must ensure the agricultural industry is strong and viable; that new agricultural technology centres with natural labs are available to educate our young farmers. I will urge this government to work in consultation with the
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private sector in developing more of our primary agricultural products into marketable, processed and packaged goods. Underlying agriculture and farming is a dynamic, thriving processing industry, which our government must tap into. It is apparent that the agrifood industry plays a major role in the economy, and Chilliwack is a major player.
Forestry is also of major consequence to the economy and livelihood of the people of Chilliwack. The Chilliwack forest district has a large annual harvest from some of the finest forest land in British Columbia. As a result, reforestation and intensive silviculture practices are important. We will urge the government to develop a sound reforestation policy in order to develop a more revitalized industry, which is a critical part of our local and provincial economy. The continual development of secondary wood processing is also necessary to assist the industry in becoming increasingly important.
The Chilliwack riding is a place of action. Its growth over the last few years, according to statistics, has made it one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia. People are choosing to live in British Columbia because we offer a secure and quality way of life. People are not only choosing to live in Chilliwack, but they are also investing and opening up new businesses there. I encourage this government to ensure this trend continues. The people of Chilliwack believe in the spirit of free enterprise -- the freedom of our own initiative unencumbered by a government bureaucracy and supported by a framework of a positive business environment.
Tourism, hon. Speaker, is of great importance to the economy of this province. The Chilliwack constituency contributes to tourism in a positive way through the spirit of our community's friendliness and hospitality, set against a backdrop of the beauty and the natural attractions of the area -- attractions such as Chilliwack's museum and agricultural museum, Minter Gardens, Flintstone Park, sport fishing in the Fraser and Chilliwack Rivers, Bridal Falls and first-class golf courses.
Fisheries is another area of the throne speech which was neglected, with no vision given of future government policy. I was pleased to hear that the hon. Minister of Agriculture plans to dissuade the Americans from overfishing that will affect our fish supply in the Fraser River. I certainly support him on such efforts. I also urge him to support the hake fisheries in Ucluelet. We must undertake to have more of our fish processed in British Columbia rather than on foreign vessels.
Chilliwack is fortunate to have 13 percent of its population as senior citizens, 2 percent higher than the provincial average. Seniors contribute a great deal to the community, sharing their wealth of knowledge, contributing their time, raising funds for worthwhile projects and contributing substantially to a stable economic base. I therefore emphasize our need to care for this sector of our population and encourage rapid development of health care facilities and seniors' complexes to ensure a first-class level of service for seniors.
There are rumours that CFB Chilliwack will be closed. Although this is under federal jurisdiction, we must lobby hard against its closure since it will affect all of British Columbia economically. Its closure will be devastating to Chilliwack and the surrounding area.
There are 16 aboriginal bands in my riding. Aboriginal claims is an issue which must be dealt with, and immediately.
Chilliwack is in desperate need of a new courthouse. Presently many cases are heard in areas outside Chilliwack due to the inadequacy of our present facility. I have asked the minister about the status of the new approved courthouse, and am anxiously awaiting a positive reply.
The throne speech clearly demonstrated this government's need to identify issues, seek consultation and pursue solutions. Although I am in opposition, I will endeavour not to criticize for criticism's sake but to give constructive criticism, followed by alternatives. When the government gives good leadership and policies, I'll be the first to endorse them. I come to this Legislature in a spirit of cooperation. We'll urge laws designed to keep the province moving and not stagnating in confrontation that ultimately benefits no one.
Hon. Speaker, the opposition is committed to an environment of cooperation, where government is a partner in the economy and private sector companies and their employees become leading participants, achieving a strong and vibrant economy. This requires a view to the future, not only for those in the workforce today but also for those who look towards making a contribution tomorrow.
My constituents want to step away from confrontation and have a positive approach to a better education and a better future for our children. We want a continuing focus on education that complements and supports the community's desire to help its strengths and resources. In this regard, continued upgrading of our educational facilities and further development of the university of the Fraser Valley will provide the necessary foundation to help achieve that objective. We emphasize people through education initiatives, such as educational savings programs, science and technology initiatives and encouragement of post-secondary education.
Due to expanded growth in the population of Chilliwack and the whole Fraser Valley, pollution has become a major issue. This could be greatly reduced by reducing car emissions. To accomplish this I urge the government to take immediate action to install a rapid transit system from Chilliwack to Vancouver. British Columbia Rail lines are already in place and, if utilized, could substantially reduce the cost of the project.
Our constituency looks forward to the continued upgrading of the No. 1 freeway, to ensure car-pool lanes are installed. Transportation is a critical component of economic recovery, and we stress the need to develop the necessary infrastructure.
Our tax emphasis must be changed. The people of British Columbia cannot afford higher taxes. I urge the government to change taxation policies respecting job creation industries, with particular emphasis on small business. This government's new tax on restaurant food
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will hurt that industry, as well as tourism, which has already been hurt by the GST.
The future is built upon cooperation. The government must be committed to open participation, consultation, and developing the approaches that will encourage international and domestic financial activity. Our natural advantages are a potent combination which, in the coming years, will help to accelerate the development of British Columbia's financial sector. It is upon that growth that long-term stability can be founded, and those without jobs today can look to work tomorrow. It is upon that growth that our children can look to the future optimistically and not be burdened with the fear of economic disaster.
In closing, I must emphasis that I believe in a united Canada where all provinces and territories and their people are considered equal in all circumstances.
Hon. Speaker, I pray that I may serve this House and my constituency with humbleness, dignity and diligence.
P. Ramsey: In opening, hon. Speaker, I want to add my congratulations on your election to those who have spoken before me. Your role is crucial in the operation of democracy in this parliament, and I want to wish you all the wisdom, calm and firmness that you're going to require in carrying out your duties.
I also want to offer congratulations to the member for Vancouver-Burrard on his election as Deputy Speaker. I didn't know that member well before I was elected here, but shortly after I arrived in this precinct, there was a little mix-up over office space, and the member was kind enough to let me share his office -- and, indeed, his desk -- during that period. I would like to recommend to all members of this House that if you ever feel the need for a little humility, if you want to feel like a child using adult furniture, try sitting at the desk of the member for Vancouver-Burrard.
I am proud to be here as a representative of the newly distributed riding of Prince George North in this thirty-fifth session of our British Columbia Legislature. It's an honour to be a member of this House, and I promise to approach my duties here with seriousness and energy.
I want to thank the voters of Prince George North who elected me last October, and particularly those who worked for my election. There were many volunteers, too many to name. Unlike the member for Yale-Lillooet, I couldn't get them all to come here today. But I would like to mention Bob Martin, who is currently president of my constituency association, Brenda MaKeechak, who ran my campaign -- without her work I would not be here today -- and my wife, Hazel Ramsey. Without her permission I would never have stood for election.
As the representative for Prince George North, I follow the present Minister of Government Services, the Hon. Lois Boone. The boundaries of my current riding overlap much of the previous riding of Prince George North, which she represented in the last Parliament. In 1986 Lois Boone became the first New Democrat elected from the Prince George area since Alf Nunweiler in 1972, and I believe she was the first woman ever elected from a Prince George riding. Her hard work and tireless representation of the interests of the north made my election easier, but she has also set a very high standard for me to live up to as a member of this Legislature.
[3:30]
The riding I represent, Prince George North, is an area of rivers and lakes, forests and hills. Its southeast corner lies in the centre of Prince George, where the Fraser and Nechako Rivers come together. From there it stretches a couple of hundred kilometres north to the small community of McLeod Lake. It includes a major portion of the municipality of Prince George and also many smaller communities: Ness Lake, Reid Lake, Salmon River, Nukko Lake, Bear Lake, Summit Lake, McLeod Lake. You can see that we value our lakes.
Our people include many from other provinces and countries. Only slightly more than 50 percent of the residents of my riding were actually born in British Columbia. It includes the Carrier people of the Lheit Lit'en nation and the Sekani people of the McLeod Lake band.
We're a young people. Of all ridings in British Columbia we rank near the top in the percentage of our population under the age of 18, and we're dead last in percentage of residents over the age of 65.
I want to speak today, in my first speech to this assembly, about the development of this region, its past, present and a little bit about what I see in its future. Prince George has always been a centre of transportation and remains that today. The two rivers which meet there were, of course, the highways of our first-nations peoples. Alexander Mackenzie passed down the Fraser River on his way to the Pacific in 1793 -- an event we're going to be commemorating next year. But he didn't stop at Prince George. Apparently he was either asleep or recovering from the previous night, and he missed the mouth of the Nechako in the fog and journeyed on south to Quesnel. A few years later, though, Simon Fraser had better taste. He stopped to explore the region in 1806, and a year later a Hudson's Bay post was established: Fort George.
In the nineteenth century, settlers' scows and steamboats replaced the dugouts and canoes of the explorers, trappers and first nations. The steamboats were replaced in their turn in the twentieth century by railroads and highways, but Prince George continues to remain a transportation centre and distribution centre for goods and services for north central British Columbia. We lie at the centre of the province. It's pretty hard to travel to the north of British Columbia by rail or by road and not go through Prince George.
Hon. Speaker, the Prince George area is part of that other B.C. that sometimes seems unknown to people who live down here where tulips bloom in March. It's up there where it snows 190 centimetres a year in Prince George on average. It's up there where you watch out for moose on the roads, rather than stray dogs, and where you measure the distance from one riding to another in hours of travel and not in number of stoplights. And it's up there where primary resource industries are still the backbone of our economy.
Prince George, like many other areas in the interior, is still heavily dependent on the forest industry. The
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recent study of the Forest Resources Commission identified that 58 percent of all employment income generated in Prince George came directly from the forest industry. The city really exists because of the expansion of the forest industry in the 1960s, when three pulp mills were built in the Prince George area and sawmills were consolidated. The economic health of the forest industry is still the prime determiner in the economic health of Prince George.
That's why, as the member for Prince George North and also as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests, I was very pleased to hear in the throne speech last week our government's recommitment to fight that softwood lumber import duty imposed by the U.S. That 14 percent countervailing duty threatens the jobs of many workers in the Prince George area. Our forest industry has already been in trouble because of the high interest rate and high dollar policy of the federal government in the late eighties. That did immense harm to employment in our area, and this countervail simply deepens the problem. Industry in my part of the province simply can't stand it for long.
We must not negotiate a compromise to this duty, as the previous government did when faced with a similar challenge in 1987. It must be opposed and it must be reversed.
Our forest industry will continue for many years to be the dominant economic activity in the Prince George area. And that's why, as our throne speech said, we must do a better job of ensuring that forest practices are economically and ecologically sustainable. It's not a question anymore of whether we're going to do things ecologically soundly, or whether on the other hand we're going to provide for the needs of industry. In order to have the one, we must do the other.
I recently attended a national forest congress in Ottawa and was pleased to be able to sign on behalf of British Columbia a Canada forest accord, which committed governments across this country to new standards of sustainability. That's the sort of commitment we're going to need to ensure that the forests are going to be there in our future, and not only as a supply of wood for our industries. We also need them for the recreation and tourism activities which are growing rapidly in the Prince George area as elsewhere in the province. We need them because enjoying those resources is part of the richness of living in the north. And we also need them for their spiritual values. They are places where we can reflect, where we can get away from the human-dominated urban centres where most of us live and work, and reflect on our true place in the ecology of life on this very fragile and very beautiful planet.
Hon. Speaker, we must sustain our natural resources, but equally we must enhance our province's other great resource -- our people. One very important way to do that is education. Michael Porter, an international author who wrote The Competitive Advantage of Nations and who recently completed a study for the federal government, states in many of his works that one real determinant of any country's or any region's prosperity in the twenty-first century will be the education of its citizens. If we want to compete successfully in the international marketplace of which we are a part, we'd better attend to the education of our population.
My background is that of an educator. I've worked in colleges and universities in this country for 20 years as an instructor and administrator, and I think I'm going to tell all members of the House right now that building a system of colleges and institutes and universities in this province that's second to none in Canada is going to be one of my goals as long as I remain a member of this House.
Next week, on April 2, the beginning of construction of the University of Northern British Columbia will be marked by a sod-turning ceremony in Prince George. I think that members from all parties will welcome this clear indication of our government's commitment to building our newest university.
Last week the interim governing council of the university had to announce a one-year delay in its opening until 1994. Everyone in the north wishes the University of Northern British Columbia could have opened in 1993 as originally planned. But I guess I would urge some of the members from the third party to stop questioning this government's commitment to building UNBC. The success of this university is going to depend on its ability to attract students from throughout the north. Questioning the commitment to building it and opening it in 1994 only sows doubt in the minds of exactly the people we want to attract as students -- the people of northern British Columbia. By questioning the commitment, the member from Peace River North and others of the third party do a disservice, and harm the very institution they say they are supporting.
I support the decision of the governing council to delay the opening of the university. I think it's for the best. I think it will allow time for careful program design and accreditation of those programs. I think it will allow time to carefully select staff; probably the most important decisions an educational institution can make are its hiring decisions at its start. It will allow time to develop plans to carry out the university's mandate to deliver programs throughout the north, not just in Prince George. And it will allow time to develop close cooperation between the university and the three colleges of northern British Columbia -- Northern Lights College, Northwest College and the College of New Caledonia. We must preserve and enhance the education offered by those institutions while we are building the new University of Northern British Columbia.
Hon. Speaker, when people speak of Prince George, too often they refer only to our forests, rivers and lakes -- and perhaps I've done a bit too much of that myself. But there is another aspect to our region that I want to talk about. Prince George has a diverse and rapidly developing cultural life. We're home not only to sawmills, but to the Prince George symphony. We have a vibrant and growing community of visual artists, and diverse and active musical and theatre groups, and we are home to nationally honoured writers.
The opening of the university will accelerate the development of cultural activities. I want to warn the
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Minister of Tourism that she may expect many visits from me as I seek assistance to encourage and enhance cultural activities in Prince George. We badly need a new art gallery, and a performing arts centre to serve the Prince George region is a dream that needs to become a reality.
Nothing in the throne speech last week will be more welcome to the people of Prince George than its clear vision of equal treatment for British Columbians. Its pledges to stop labour confrontation and introduce fair and balanced labour legislation, to set a framework for pay equity in the public sector and to end 120 years of shame and negotiate settlements with our native people are exactly the initiatives the people of Prince George expect from their government.
I do want to draw to the attention of this House, however, a situation of possible inequality where I come from. Last Thursday, throne speech day, a Prince George group called Equal Justice for Women was holding a rally in Prince George. They were commemorating the anniversary of a court decision in which sexual assault charges against a local physician were dismissed. Twelve women had come forward in court to assert that their doctor had violated the trust of his position and abused them. In dismissing the charges, the judge apparently said that since only 12 women of the thousands treated by the doctor came forward, he had difficulty in believing the substance of the charges. Twelve was apparently not enough. The motto of this group, Equal Justice for Women, is a very simple one: one is enough.
During this session I plan to work with our new Minister of Women's Equality -- who recently visited Prince George and, I believe, has a T-shirt that reads "one is enough" -- and the Attorney General to ensure that by the end of this parliament equal justice for women will not just be the name of a protest group, but a reality for British Columbia's women.
There is much I could add about the needs for health care in the north and some of the initiatives that I think this government will be pursuing. The difficulty of access to health services, particularly for people living in remote regions, was identified in the Seaton commission report and is something that this government will be acting on. But I think I will conclude soon.
[3:45]
My riding of Prince George North reflects all aspects of my region's history. At the very north end of the riding lies a small place called Fort McLeod, which was the first non-native settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. In the southeast corner lie three pulp mills, which are a symbol of current economic activity in my city and which employ over 3,000 workers. In the southwest corner of my riding lies the new site of the University of Northern British Columbia. I think those are fit symbols of the area's past, present and future.
My vision of that future is working for an end to the two-B.C.s phenomenon: one chronically weak cyclical economy in the interior and another diversified economy in the southwest corner of the province. I believe it's time for the province to start looking north again. As the north develops, the rest of the province will flourish. We can move ahead by providing that expanded range of health and education services, by developing not only distribution centres but cultural centres, by cherishing our natural resources and benefiting from them, and by building that diversified economy. I don't think megaprojects are the answer. The Tumbler Ridge phenomenon is too recent. It cost the British Columbia taxpayers $2.5 billion for an industrial centre that has a tough time staying afloat. The answer is slow evolution based on the skills and resources that the people of the north have and will use to build their own lives.
The north is not asking the rest of the province to develop us; it's asking for the tools so that we can develop ourselves in education, health, social services, adequate transportation and local control over our development. With these tools we will continue to develop the interior of British Columbia and build our region for our benefit and for the benefit of all British Columbians.
B. Jones: It's always an honour for me to rise in my place in this chamber, but never more so than today. It's not every day that one gets to respond to a throne speech of a New Democratic government. That's something that doesn't happen every day in this province. Madame Speaker, you know that I, my colleagues and many British Columbians -- members of our party and our movement -- have waited a long time for this occasion, and we are very proud to be in this position today to respond to a very progressive throne speech brought in by the new New Democratic government. How long has it been since we have seen a positive response from business, labour, opposition and editorial boards to the throne speech of a provincial government? It has been a long time. But it has happened on this occasion, with the many fine features that we see in our throne speech today.
I want to speak briefly to offer some congratulations and to speak to one point in the throne speech that is dear to my heart. Firstly, I would like to congratulate all members of the assembly on their election. Very clearly, we all believe deeply in the democratic system, or we would not be here. Those members have put their lives on the line, have worked hard -- often at great sacrifice to themselves and their families -- and have been rewarded in their constituencies. That can be a source of great pride for all members in this House, particularly the six Social Credit members and the lone ranger, who very clearly were going down with the Titanic. We had seen for the last five years the shuffling of the deck chairs and even the replacing of the captain of that ship, but those six members and the independent member swam upstream against that tide. It's to their credit, and to the credit of their standing in their communities, that they are here with us today. They will add a very valuable third voice to this chamber, a voice that has had some 37 years of experience in government. They will make a very valuable contribution to this chamber.
Secondly, I'd like to congratulate the new cabinet. We are very fortunate in this province to have women and men with such talent and ability. They are the ones who are putting in the incredibly long hours, and who have tremendous responsibilities in this province that is
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very difficult to govern. And to date, they very clearly have performed admirably in their responsibilities.
I particularly want to commend the Minister of Health, who I have the honour of working with as her parliamentary secretary. Clearly the reform of health care in this province is a tremendous challenge, assisted by the Seaton royal commission report, one that is going to be very difficult in the months and years to come, and one I know that minister will rise to. I join all British Columbians in wishing the new cabinet well in the performance of their duties.
With the tremendously long history of this chamber, I thought it would take me a long time to become an "old-timer" in this place. I didn't think it would just take two elections. But I have been joined by a number of very talented newcomers to this chamber, individuals who have an incredible variety of experience and backgrounds that will certainly bring to bear their abilities in the future. Let me just list a few of those backgrounds: two farmers, two engineers -- one civil and one locomotive -- a towboat worker, a doctor, three lawyers, a logger, a restaurateur, two teachers, a bricklayer, a lab technician, two economists, two college instructors, two university professors, a nurse and two labour leaders. Of those individuals, six of them have served on municipal councils, six have served as school trustees, three of them have served as mayors, and four have served on hospital boards. As you can see, this is a tremendously talented group of individuals who have already demonstrated that they are not reticent to stand up in our caucus or in this chamber for those things they believe in. We are going to be very well served in the years to come, and I am very proud to be associated with those newcomers. You may applaud.
I, of course, am very honoured to be returned to represent the constituency of Burnaby North, the area I grew up in and which has played such an integral part in my background. I want to assure my constituents I will continue to press to see their concerns are addressed, as I have done in the past; but this time we will have an administration that listens.
I expect the Minister of Transportation and Highways to review the projects of the previous administration. In order to see an end to the decades of neglect that have taken place in the northeast sector of the lower mainland, we might begin some rational, positive planning to end the insanity of huge expenditures of taxpayers' dollars on 1950s blacktop solutions in that area, and transfer some of those funds to the much-needed rapid transit system for that area.
I expect, too, that the Minister of the Environment will work to ensure that north Burnaby residents and the region are going to be protected from the heavy emissions in North Burnaby and the lower mainland. I look forward to working with my friend the Minister of Environment to see that this government provides leadership in the challenges to improve the quality of air that is breathed by one-half of the entire population of British Columbia in a very small basin in that area.
I want to congratulate, literally and figuratively, the man who I think has the biggest heart in this chamber, both literally and figuratively, and that is the individual who is taking the chair right now, the Deputy Speaker. He has served the residents of the West End and the downtown east side with distinction for some 20 years -- so long, in fact, that he remembers the last NDP government. Those of us who were here in the last session and the sessions prior to that understand that he is one of the few individuals who has engendered real affection from both sides of this chamber. In my view he epitomizes the best that New Democrats stand for. He also has the honour of being the namesake of my son Emery. Through you, Madam Speaker, congratulations to the member for Vancouver-Burrard.
[E. Barnes in the chair.]
Of course, I want to congratulate the Speaker in her election as Speaker. I have the advantage over many members in this chamber of having known the member for Burnaby-Willingdon for a number of years. I know that this chamber made an incredibly wise choice in selecting her as Speaker. No one is more conscientious, hard-working or dedicated. I know that she will have the ability to guide this House through what I'm sure, on occasion, will be some very difficult times. But I think we all have the respect of that individual to perform admirably in that role.
My comments to date have been very positive, but I think I would be remiss if I did not comment on the behaviour of the opposition House Leader at the time of the nomination of our Speaker over this chamber. I felt that it was outrageous and inexcusable for that member to abuse the opportunity of seconding that nomination by using use it as an opportunity to question the process by which this House was given their Speaker.
I'd like to make it very clear that I do not object to the raising of the issue and to the notion of a free vote and a secret ballot. In fact, I support both those and will do whatever I can to ensure that notion receives positive support in my caucus. What I object to is the timing. That member had four months, if not four years, to bring forward that issue and raise it for debate in this chamber or in committee. In fact, he did so by introducing a private member's bill two days later. But to use opening day, which provided an opportunity for that member to be gracious -- very clearly that opportunity was lost and that member chose in a backhanded way, in my view, to embarrass the Speaker by calling into question the method by which she was elected. I hope that in the future we can expect better behaviour from that member, who occupies a very important role in this chamber. I say that because we all have very high hopes that we will see a more effective functioning of our parliament in years to come.
[4:00]
There was no question that the October 17th election was a turning point in the political history of this province. It was a landmark election, which ended five years of breach of trust. The electorate at that time -- and it has been acknowledged by the third party -- spoke loud and clear, and they voted for change, for integrity and for open and honest government. I share the enthusiasm that the Vancouver Sun editorial board had for this area of the throne speech. I quote them: "If
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the government achieves nothing else in the current session, it will have performed a valuable service."
They were, of course, referring to the suggestions in the throne speech of expanding the jurisdiction of the ombudsman, of bringing in the toughest conflict-of-interest legislation in the country, of expanding the roles of the committee system in this chamber and also of introducing legislation that will move this province from the dark age to the information age, legislation that will end the siege mentality that has existed in this provincial government for many years, and legislation that will let the sun shine in and make this government the most open provincial jurisdiction in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, such legislation has been introduced many times in this chamber in the last 20 years. The former Attorney General, who was visiting the chamber today, was the first one to introduce a private member's bill -- a sunshine bill -- some 20 years ago. Liberals, Conservatives, my predecessor Eileen Dailly and myself have all introduced private members' bills, and we even saw a government bill two days before the ending of the session last year. So we have seen much interest in this legislation in the last 20 years. None of those were debated. None of those were approved by this Legislature. But freedom of information -- landmark legislation that will rank right up there with legislation that protects agricultural land and creates public auto insurance -- will be brought in and approved in this Legislature this term.
Never again will cabinet ministers be able to hide behind a veil of secrecy. Never again will the public be denied information on how their tax dollars are spent. Never again will the public be denied full and meaningful participation because of a lack of access to information.
But there are two things that I predict this legislation will not do. It will not allow groups or individuals access to information that will fetter the decision-making process of our cabinet, and it will not allow access to personal information given to government agencies in confidence. That is the situation in all other jurisdictions; and I think there are some other expectations for this legislation. This legislation will, however, enshrine the public's right to know, and it is a vital sign of a healthy democracy that we would have such legislation. Such legislation is an essential cornerstone for meaningful public participation, and it is the hallmark of open, accountable government. It is legislation that I hope and I expect will be endorsed unanimously by this Legislature.
I very much look forward to this session and future sessions, to working with members on both sides of this House, because I think it is everyone's desire that we see this parliament work better, more effectively and more constructively than it has in the past. I think, if we were honest, we would recognize that despite the adversarial nature of provincial politics there is much that we agree on, probably more than we disagree on, and particularly in the more meaningful, the more substantive areas of public policy.
I very much look forward to this session. I look forward to working with the women and men on both sides of this House for a better British Columbia. Thank you very much.
Deputy Speaker: Hon. members, before I recognize the next member, I would just like to, with your permission, thank the member who just took his seat for those kind words with respect to myself. I very much appreciate it.
D. Mitchell: It's a honour for me to rise today for the first time in a debate on a throne speech in this assembly. I would like first of all to congratulate the government and wish the members of the executive council well in their new responsibilities. I would like to remind them that their responsibilities are important, that they execute them on behalf of all British Columbians.
I would like to congratulate as well all members of this assembly, the class of '91. I hope we will one day be looked back upon as members of the reform parliament. With so many new members here, there may never be a better opportunity to change this institution, to make it more relevant, to make it a dynamic place where ideas are expounded and differences are debated in a thoughtful, constructive manner.
I also want to take a moment to wish our new Speaker and yourself well in your new challenge as the presiding officers of this House. I also hope that our new Speaker will now be able to convene an early meeting of the Board of Internal Economy, so that we can deal with a number of pressing administrative concerns shared by all members of this House. And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I know that you and the Speaker will look with great interest upon the proposal that I have placed before this assembly in the form of a bill that seeks to reform the process by which future Speakers will be elected in our Legislature.
The member who preceded me, the Member for Burnaby North, supports the proposal, and I appreciate his support for my bill. He takes some objection, however, to my reference to the old process by which the Speaker has been elected in this assembly, and the fact that that was referred to on opening day. He and I will disagree on this. My sense is that the opening day proceedings went very well in this House. I was proud to participate in them. Having spoken about my proposals with the Speaker-designate prior to that, I knew that she was not offended, and I hope that all members of this assembly will be able to look upon that proposal in a constructive manner. That was certainly my intention in raising it on opening day.
I also want to commend the mover and seconder of the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. The member for Bulkley Valley-Stikine and the member for Yale-Lillooet both made fine speeches in this House, and I look forward to their future contributions to the proceedings of this parliament.
Few parliaments in history have had as high a proportion of first time members as this one, and as a new member I feel I'm in good company here. As I look around this House, I see a number of members with the finest of experience and training as members of municipal councils, park boards and school boards, and as
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community activists, business people and people from a variety of professions. I'm proud to be one of your colleagues in this, British Columbia's thirty-fifth Parliament.
I'm familiar with the institution of parliament. Some 14 years ago, right here in this assembly, I served as a legislative intern. It was an important part of my education in preparation for this new role that I'm serving in today. I'm pleased to be serving in a House with another former B.C. legislative intern, the member for Victoria-Beacon Hill. It's interesting. Who knows, perhaps one day one of our current group of legislative interns will sit and serve as a member of this assembly.
I also had the distinct honour to serve as a Clerk-at-the-Table in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. That was for a period of some three years. It was an exciting time of change in that Legislature, just as we are witnessing here in our House. I remember well what it was like to sit at the table in the middle of a sea of partisanship -- a kind of parliamentary Sinai. I hope I have lost neither the wisdom nor the objectivity which I accumulated during those happy years in my life.
In this debate, the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, I have noticed that most hon. members have very warm feelings about their ridings. I certainly do about mine, West Vancouver-Garibaldi. The historic election campaign of last fall was an exhilarating, emotional event in my life. I would like to offer a tribute and thanks to the other candidates in West Vancouver-Garibaldi as well as to their families and all of their campaign workers and supporters. Their spirit reflected well on our democratic process.
I would also like to express my thanks to all of my supporters and my enthusiastic volunteer workers: dedicated, hard-working and spirited individuals who share my idealism and optimism about the prospects of building a better British Columbia.
I would especially like to thank all the members of my own family for their support, concern and love. In particular I would like to pay a tribute and my deepest, strongest respect to the memory of my late father, who passed away in the middle of the election campaign. He was my inspiration, and he is still. I wish he were here with me today.
I want to pledge to all of the citizens of West Vancouver-Garibaldi, whether they voted for me or against me or whether they voted at all, that I will diligently and to the best of my ability represent their interests in this assembly.
West Vancouver-Garibaldi is a constituency that is quite diverse, and I'm proud to be the first member for this riding. However, I am aware that the area has been strongly represented in the past. The most recent member for the region was John Reynolds, a former Speaker of this House. The previous MLA to him was Allan Williams, who was first elected to this assembly as a Liberal before he lost his way. Earlier the area was represented by Ray Perrault, who was the leader of the Liberal Party of British Columbia, and who now serves as an active and distinguished Canadian Senator. Even earlier, I am proud to say, my constituency was represented by Gordon Gibson Sr., the bull of the woods and the father of another leader of the Liberal Party of British Columbia, Gordon Gibson Jr. I am proud to restore this strong Liberal tradition to my riding.
West Vancouver-Garibaldi is a large, diverse constituency made up of the suburban residential area of West Vancouver all the way to Horseshoe Bay. It includes the unique island community of Bowen Island, moves north along the Sea to Sky highway, and includes the communities of Lions Bay, Britannia Beach, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Mount Currie and D'Arcy.
The range of issues that are important to my constituents reflects the broad range of issues that concern all British Columbians, and in that sense my riding is the province in miniature. Education, health care, transportation and housing are all vital concerns. So too are taxation, economic diversification, the environment and the settlement of native land claims. Tourism in my riding, particularly in Whistler, is a major generator of economic growth for our province as a whole. However, the resource industries -- particularly forestry -- also form an important economic foundation for my constituents.
[4:15]
I see my role as MLA to be one of mediation in disputes or potential conflicts among different groups or different values represented in my riding. For that reason, I'm helping to spearhead the establishment of a Howe Sound regional round table on the environment and the economy. The recent report of the provincial round table recommended the formation of local round tables to develop and provide consensus-based resolutions of disputes over land use or other environmental conflicts.
The Howe Sound region represents a good potential model for this kind of approach. It incorporates portions of both my riding and the riding of my leader, Powell River-Sunshine Coast. A round table for this region would be based upon the support and participation of five municipalities, three regional districts, electoral districts, the Islands Trust, native governments, government agencies, businesses and community groups, all located within the Howe Sound watershed. If we are successful in establishing this round table, our hope would be to make the provincial government's job easier and simpler by developing solutions to regional problems at the local level through consensus.
It's an ambitious task, hon. Speaker, but I feel it's worth a try. I'm pleased to note that the Minister of Environment has offered me encouragement in this task. My hope is that the environment will actually become one of the issues that can help bind together the diverse communities within my riding.
I was disappointed that the Speech from the Throne did not address in a more substantive way the crisis our country is now facing on the constitutional front. I know that many British Columbians are tired of the seemingly endless discussion and debate over the constitution, but we can't neglect this vital issue affecting the future of our citizenship. We can't allow our country to fall apart because of indifference. The democratic process of constitutional reform needs to be focused now like never before. Democracy is like love.
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It can survive almost any abuse except indifference or neglect.
Our nationality, our democratic tradition here in Canada won't necessarily be saved by our efforts today, but one thing is certain: if we don't try, if we don't care, our country will fail. We can't afford to lose our country by default. We are proud British Columbians and must defend our province as a strong and equal partner within Confederation. Yes, but let us not forget, we are also Canadians.
I'm honoured to have served as a member of our Legislature's Members' Committee on the Constitution. However, I am concerned about our province and our collective ability to take a strong position of leadership on the crucial question of national renewal.
[The Speaker in the chair.]
I am particularly concerned about our young people and the kind of country they will inherit from us. After all, it's their country. We must think of the future and the kind of Canada that can survive and succeed well into the twenty-first century. That's why I'm pleased to be able to inform this House today of a small initiative that I have undertaken in my riding in an attempt to involve our youth directly in the constitutional process.
This coming weekend grade 11 and 12 students from five high schools in my riding will meet with me to review the recommendations of the recently released report of the Special Joint Committee on a Renewed Canada -- the Dobbie-Beaudoin committee report. These high school students from Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish and West Vancouver will be joined by a group of distinguished constitutional experts, facilitators and rapporteurs at the Whistler Conference Centre, where we will spend the weekend discussing the questions of Canadian unity, Quebec as a distinct society, Senate reform, aboriginal rights and the social covenant.
My hope is not only that we will leave this weekend forum better informed and better equipped to face the future, but that the students will take our conclusions back to their classrooms and classmates for further discussion. We plan to send our recommendations in the form of a resolution directly to the first ministers of our country.
I would now like to briefly mention my critic portfolio, Advanced Education, Training and Technology. I would like to thank the minister for his kind cooperation in providing me with access to the ministry. His officials have been both open and accommodating to my requests for information, and I would also like to wish the hon. minister well in the challenges ahead in one of the most important portfolios in our provincial government.
Why is it so important? It deals with the future. Every tax dollar spent in Advanced Education is capable of generating a healthy return on a short payback. Our goal here in British Columbia must be to develop a learning culture dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning. How can we do that? By recognizing that education and training are not two separate areas of priority, but part of a single strategic thrust into a future where British Columbians will hopefully be able to remain at home here in our province and work in well-paid, stable jobs, even in the face of an increasingly competitive world.
There's no possible reason why we can't build in our province a system of post-secondary education that is the envy of the country and the world. But it's going to take political will and a vision for the future that will not tolerate British Columbians of any age being forced to leave their homes, families, friends and the communities in which they were born and raised to go to communities elsewhere to study. It's going to take a vision of the future that will not tolerate the recruitment of professionals, specialists and skilled trades people from outside our province simply because we haven't got the ability to educate them here. We are going to have to invest in our universities and build new ones. We're going to have to invest in our colleges and training institutes and build new ones. And we're going to have to think of new ways of delivering the highest quality advanced education to British Columbians of all ages.
Yes, it's going to cost money. But if managed properly, it's going to generate a level of economic growth and development that will propel our province into the next century with energy, hope and confidence. It's the best investment we can make as a society.
How do we do it? How do we develop a plan for our training and education needs as we approach the twenty-first century? Some members of this House who may also be students of history as I am will be aware of a special council of MLAs that was established half a century ago to help prepare British Columbia for the aftermath of World War II. It was called the Postwar Rehabilitation Council. I know the Premier is aware of it, because I've discussed it with him. This council worked for over two years before coming up with a plan for meeting the training and worker requirements for the postwar economy. Its two reports in 1943 and 1944 also provided an amazingly accurate blueprint for the development of the province during the following generation. The council was chaired by Harry Perry, who was Minister of Education, and was composed of an impressive group of MLAs, including W.A.C. Bennett, Harold Winch, Tillyy Rolston, Nancy Hodges and Dorothy Steeves. It was a genuine non-partisan effort, and the reports of the council helped shaped the province.
Are we ready today for this kind of an approach? Yes, British Columbians are ready. I'm aware that studies are being and have been done. For instance, the Human Resource Development Project, which was initiated by the Ministry of Advanced Education, holds some great potential. But it's time for some different approaches. It's time for serious, non-partisan approaches to planning our province's future. An all-party body similar to the Postwar Rehabilitation Council of the early 1940s should be considered. I would like to propose that a select standing committee of this House have referred to it an ambitious and broad mandate to develop a strategy for British Columbia's training and development requirements into the next century.
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Much has been made of the lack of experience of members in this House. That's true. The government is composed of members who have never served in government before. They sometimes seem confused. They think they're still in opposition. The official opposition is composed of new members who have not served in this role before, and we are trying hard to resist the sins of the past. Virtually all members in this assembly are inexperienced in their new roles, and that's all right. It's all right because democracy is based upon the ideal that ordinary people have extraordinary capabilities when put to the test, and this is our test: to accurately represent the interests of all British Columbians, all our constituents.
I'd like to comment just a little further on the virtues of inexperience as opposed to the presumed benefits of experience in politics. In our province's new executive council we have three ministers who are also rookie MLAs. They're inexperienced. But the Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs, Women's Equality, and Highways and Transportation are doing a very commendable job under challenging circumstances. In fact, they may have an advantage over their colleagues in cabinet who were trained under the tutelage of a previous administration.
I would like to issue a warning today. If by experience we mean a tendency to behave arrogantly, to indulge in dirty tricks, to waste the taxpayers' hard-earned money on political stunts, then this government should refrain from boasting of experience. For if it does, the people of British Columbia will judge this government every bit as harshly as they did the governing party that preceded them. British Columbians voted for change last October, and if this government is not prepared to offer genuine reform, then I can assure you that the official opposition is prepared. I believe we were voted into office as a new Parliament precisely because of our inexperience. Soon, however, we will become accustomed to this House and its procedures. Hopefully we will not lose our reforming zeal.
But let me tell you, hon. Speaker, that experience alone does not prevent the possibility of foibles. For instance, we have an interesting proceeding in this House called question period. In its time it was supposed to be a great parliamentary reform. Whether it can still be considered such is certainly open to discussion. But one thing question period has done is that it has forced members of cabinet to come here to this House every day prepared to answer questions that are both urgent and pressing. The only problem is that so few have a chance to be tested, and I can tell each day at the conclusion of our question period how disappointed members of cabinet are that they haven't had a turn to field a question. In fact, most members get up in apparent anger and immediately flee the House right after question period. I've noticed that.
I have a modest proposal for reform in this area too. Our question period in British Columbia is the shortest in Canada. Why not lengthen it by 10 minutes, and allow for a more thorough canvassing of the issues of the day every day? It's the kind of reform that's overdue, and I hope that we can adopt this change to our standing orders early in the life of this Parliament, because we want to see all members of this House have the opportunity to rise and ask questions of members of the executive council.
As far as experience goes, many members may be interested to know that the first oral question was asked in this House in March of 1973 by a leader of the opposition whose name was Bennett, W.A.C. Bennett. He had been a member of the House for more than 30 years at the time. Some would call that experience. And in that very first question period, the first B.C. question period, the very first question, the question was called out of order. I think his second question was called out of order as well. So much for experience.
Hon. Speaker, I would like to conclude my remarks today by saying that the Speech from the Throne was somewhat vague, but it did suggest some policy initiatives which I can support. A new freedom of information act, expanding the role of the ombudsman and expanding the role of legislative committees are positive moves in the right direction. However, there are some problems with the speech as well, problems that are difficult for me to ignore. The first two planks in the NDP election platform are conspicuously absent in the speech. The speech is silent on the practice of playing favorites with political friends and insiders, and it completely ignores the promise to institute an open tendering process for public contracts. Why? For now, I will leave it to British Columbians to speculate on the question of why the NDP has become strangely silent on the first two promises in its election platform -- broken promises number one and two.
That's why I supported and seconded the amendment put forward by the official opposition. Now there are other disappointments as well, and let me mention just one. The speech speaks highly of the business information centre program -- a program in need of strong support because of the help it provides to small businesses. However, no mention is made of the recent axing of the B.C. Business Network system -- a vital component of many B.C. business information centres. An example I would cite is the phenomenal growth in my own riding of the Squamish-Howe Sound Chamber of Commerce: over 112 percent over the past three years. Much of that growth has been attributable to the B.C. Business Network system. In fact, this database is such a powerful tool that the provinces of Alberta and Ontario are using it as a prototype for their own systems. Now, inexplicably, this government discontinues this valuable resource, which is especially valuable for small towns and communities in our province. Yet the throne speech speaks in positive terms about the business information centre program. I hope all members of this House will prevail upon the government to take a second look at this matter, and I hope this government will not be above taking a second look from time to time.
[4:30]
We in the official opposition will do our best to come to this chamber prepared to debate. We are ready to leave our weapons at the door and enter this House armed with ideas and prepared to make a contribution to a better British Columbia. We know about the qualities required to serve in government in the 1990s.
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There are two in particular I would like to note before I take my seat. We need hard heads, and we need soft hearts. We need hard heads because government needs our best business experience and wisest judgment in order to ensure that tax dollars are spent prudently, and that the tax burden and our public debt is decreased over the course of time. We need soft hearts because we must ensure that those British Columbians who are truly needy are well cared for by a compassionate society.
Hon. Speaker, I wish this government well as it heads toward meeting the challenges we all face, and I hope it never forgets the most important lesson of parliamentary democracy: a strong opposition makes a strong government. Unfortunately, I must close by noting that I do support the amendment, and I second the amendment. Let me remind all members of this House of what it says: "...but this assembly regrets that after five months of inaction, the government has failed to address the pressing need to deal with the deteriorating provincial economy, and in particular the increasing vulnerability of resource-dependent communities in British Columbia; and furthermore, regrets that the Speech from the Throne provides only a reiteration of empty election promises rather than a sorely needed vision of hope and optimism for the future of our province and our country."
I encourage the members of this House to support the amendment.
D. Schreck: Hon. Speaker, it is a delight for me to be here to represent the men and women of North Vancouver-Lonsdale. As many of you know, I tried for quite a few years. I congratulate the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker on their elections, and I congratulate all members of this House on the manner in which we unanimously elected our Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Hon. Speaker, both your patience and your qualifications are an asset for this House. I am proud to be a member of the government caucus. I am proud of our open and honest government. A constituent came into my North Vancouver-Lonsdale office a couple of weeks ago and mentioned how nice it is to read newspapers without seeing a different scandalous story each and every week. We may have differences in policy in this House, and I look forward to clarifying those differences during what I hope will be a high level of debate. But the worst days of the past administration are behind us. The commitment in the throne speech of my government to provide access-to-information and protection-of-privacy legislation should help to keep all future governments open and honest. I remind the members that it was the last NDP government that introduced Hansard and question period to this House.
My constituency is made up of parts of two former constituencies. Part of Lonsdale is from the old constituency of North Vancouver-Seymour, most recently represented by the late hon. Jack Davis. I ran against Mr. Davis in two past elections, and I can say that despite policy differences I had with Jack Davis, he had -- and he has -- the respect of people throughout the North Shore.
Part of Lonsdale is made up of the old riding of North Vancouver-Capilano, which was most recently represented by Angus Ree. A tiny portion of my constituency, consisting of one playing-field and a new housing development started by the Rotarians, actually comes from West Vancouver. I am pleased to meet with the mayor of West Vancouver, Mark Sager, to also hear the concerns of constituents from West Vancouver.
I can't pass without thanking some of the people who have made enormous contributions. One of those is personified and that is my cat, Lucky. My cat Lucky is going through enormous pain and anguish due to my long absences, but it's a commitment that Lucky is willing to make on behalf of debate in this House.
The constituency of North Vancouver-Lonsdale lies between two bridges -- the Second Narrows Bridge and the Lions Gate Bridge. Between those two bridges is the area covered between the Upper Levels Highway and the harbour. The city of North Vancouver accounts for about 80 percent of my constituency. I run into Mayor Jack Loucks, mayor of the city of North Vancouver, at events throughout the North Shore. We should all be so fortunate as to be as respected as Mayor Jack Loucks is.
The district of North Vancouver accounts for almost all of the balance -- save that little piece in West Vancouver. The mayor of the district is Murray Dykeman. I've known Murray Dykeman since the days when I was involved in the design of B.C.'s first Pharmacare program. Mayor Dykeman was preceded by Marilyn Baker, with whom I have had some very serious policy differences recently, especially when she ran against me as the member of the third party, but who is also very widely respected throughout the North Shore. A very small part of my constituency comes from the district and, as I mentioned, I'm pleased to meet with all three mayors: Mayor Sager, Mayor Loucks and Mayor Dykeman.
North Vancouver-Lonsdale also includes the Mission and Capilano reserves of the Squamish nation. I am honoured to count Chief Joe Mathias among my constituents.
The hon. Attorney General preceded me as a New Democrat representing the North Shore. Like me, my colleague was the only government member from our very distinctive region. I appreciate the advice of my colleague in how he received representations from throughout the North Shore.
I congratulate my colleagues on the opposition benches on their election. The opposition House Leader, the member for North Vancouver-Capilano, the member for North Vancouver-Seymour and I make up what I refer to as our North Shore caucus. I had the privilege of hosting the first luncheon meeting of our North Shore caucus at a fine restaurant near my Lonsdale office. I should add that there are many fine restaurants in lower Lonsdale, and I invite all of the members of the House to visit my constituency and dine at those fine restaurants.
An Hon. Member: Are you buying? Are you picking up the tab?
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D. Schreck: I picked up the tab last time. I'm looking forward to the three members opposite calling the next meeting, taking their turn at picking up the tab, and perhaps they can even recommend a fine B.C. wine -- that's without an "h."
The third party must also recognize the central importance of North Vancouver-Lonsdale as they have chosen my constituency as the location for a new office serving the entire North Shore. I look forward to meeting the staff from that office and hope my constituency office will be of service to them on any concerns they may receive.
North Vancouver-Lonsdale, by itself, includes such a large part of the port of Vancouver that it is larger than most other North American seaports. Port activities and shipbuilding have historically been an important part of the economic base of the North Shore. It saddens me -- no, I should say it angers me -- that the federal government has abandoned its plans for the Polar 8 and with it the federal commitment to west coast shipyards. The displaced shipyard workers in my community want the same treatment the federal government provided to eastern shipyards. I know my cabinet colleagues have heard the concerns of these workers and are attempting to negotiate a satisfactory program with the federal government. I wish them speed, as older workers have little time to wait.
North Vancouver-Lonsdale is also the home for important new and growing industries for our province. The film or television program you see tonight might well have been made in North Vancouver. The internationally recognized Sharpe Sound Studios located in my constituency near North Shore Studios, which is also a valuable provincial resource, makes films which are seen worldwide. Many associated companies in the film and TV industry have chosen to locate in North Vancouver. I compliment my cabinet colleagues for meeting with representatives of this industry to hear and act on their concerns. Other high-technology firms, from software companies to firms specializing in environmental technology, have located in the commercial-industrial centre of the North Shore, the waterfront area of my constituency.
Some people have a stereotype of the North Shore, that it is made up purely of wealthy families. There are some, but there is as much diversity as one would find in other parts of the province. According to the last census, the constituents in North Vancouver-Lonsdale have family incomes which, on average, are slightly below the average provincial household income. Furthermore, the last census shows that, on average, the renter-occupied housing in my constituency is almost twice that of the provincial average. Almost 65 percent of my constituents live in renter-occupied housing.
There are as many individual concerns in my constituency as there are constituents. Throughout the election campaign, however, one concern ranked far above all others: integrity in government. In my introduction, I mentioned how we have already overcome the worst aspects of the previous administration. I am proud to say that our government's record of keeping election commitments also demonstrates a positive contribution to integrity in government.
We have had a New Democrat government for only five months, yet we have already made major strides in the implementation of our campaign commitments. Women have been assured freedom of reproductive choice. Children need not sit in school hungry. Freedom and responsibility have been returned to collective bargaining. Agricultural land has been protected. Sensitive forest areas have been preserved, and a process has been put in place to give responsible stakeholders the opportunity to plan land use. The list of this government's accomplishments in under five months is as impressive as its commitment to a fair and balanced process approach to government. Perhaps that is why my constituents tell me that they are so pleased with the early days of this government. We were elected to govern for more than five months, though, and it will take more than five months to address many of the problems that have taken years to develop.
The people in North Vancouver-Lonsdale tell me that they are concerned about health and education. Public health insurance was originally developed to protect people against the economic disaster of accident and illness. It is interesting to note that public health insurance was talked about and implemented in many countries long before the miracles of modern medicine, even before aspirin was invented. Today we have to deal with the problem in health care of not just preventing the economic disaster to individuals but considering the economic consequences for society as a whole, at the same time that we look at the effectiveness of our system.
I am impressed with the approach that my colleague the Minister of Health has taken to consider the report of the Royal Commission on Health Care and Costs. It further affirms the approach of this government to managing better and spending smarter, while getting our priorities right.
Hon. Speaker, my constituents tell me of their concerns for education. They particularly mention the use of portables and the need for portables at schools only one year old. They are concerned about the condition of playing fields and about the future of community schools. As the only member of the government caucus from the North Shore, I have received these concerns from all North Shore constituencies. In fact, all those concerns have been expressed to me by constituents in North Shore constituencies outside my own riding.
I am pleased to work with my neighbours to help address these concerns, but I respect the independence of the school board in its jurisdiction. The North Vancouver School District has many unique programs, including an outdoor school, an outstanding band program and a popular French immersion program, to name a few. It also has far more administrators than is standard, as funded in the block. Clearly it must be the school board that helps to balance some of these priorities. I am pleased with the contribution that my colleague the Minister of Education has made to the process by announcing earlier than normal the adjustment to the block funding formula for next year.
In this my first speech, I fear that I might offend some of my constituents if I do not mention all their
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concerns and how my government is making progress in addressing them. Nevertheless, time does not permit an exhaustive inventory. We will be here for some time, and I can assure my constituents that I will always be accessible for them. Rather than continuing with the hundreds of individual concerns, I might best conclude my remarks by stressing the approach our government is taking on all concerns: an approach that is first and foremost characterized as open and honest; and an approach that has seen major campaign commitments implemented in less than five months, commitments that are now turned into fair and balanced programs which put people first.
Our province has a great future, and our government has shown vision in putting its program before this Parliament in its first address. We cannot perform miracles, but we can manage better and we can spend smarter. Hon. Speaker, I am honoured to be associated with this government.
[4:45]
B. Simpson: I am honoured this afternoon to address this Legislative Assembly as the newly elected member for Vancouver-Fraserview.
At this time I would like to congratulate you, hon. Speaker, for the unanimous decision in having you elected as Speaker of this Legislative Assembly. You have indeed been responsible for history being made in British Columbia by being the first woman elected to this august position. And I would like to congratulate the Deputy Speaker, a man of great stature who is loved and honoured, respected by all of us who have known him during these many years. He has faithfully served his constituents. I'm sure that both of you will bring much honour to the positions that you have been elected to.
I would also like to recognize Russ Fraser, the former Attorney General -- who was here this morning but unfortunately is no longer here this afternoon -- and Stephen Rogers. As you know, Mr. Rogers held numerous cabinet positions, and before he resigned from this House, he held the position of Speaker. I also want to recognize a close personal friend of mine who served Vancouver-South for many years. That was Norm Levi. Norm served as the Minister of Human Resources in the Barrett government. Norm was not only best man at my wedding, but many years ago he urged me to run for public office. For that I'm most grateful.
Finally I want to recognize one of the greatest parliamentarians that Canada has, and that's the Hon. John Fraser, the Member of Parliament for Vancouver South. Like yourself, hon. Speaker, he was elected by the unanimous consent of all political parties in the House of Commons, and is now serving as Speaker, and is bringing much dignity and decorum to that House. He has taken on at this time the rather daunting task of talking about Canadian unity, and he is travelling throughout the country. I'm sure we wish him well in this very important mission.
I also want to thank the hundreds of workers who ensured my nomination and my election. I know that many of you are out there watching these proceedings this afternoon, and I just want to assure you that I am most grateful and I will not let you down.
Finally I want to show my appreciation to my family, who encouraged me to run. They hopefully are quite prepared to make the sacrifices that they'll be called upon for during the coming years, as indeed all the families of all the honourable members in this House will be required to do.
Hon. Speaker, they say there are about 57 ethnic restaurants in Vancouver, and I would venture to say that many of those ethnic communities are located in Vancouver-Fraserview. The East Indian, the Ismaili community, the Hindi community, the Punjabis, the Chinese, Vietnamese, Koreans, Portuguese, Spanish, German, Italian, Fijian, it goes on and on. Even though there's a wide diversity of cultural groups in Vancouver-Fraserview, they have one thing in common. It is that they want a better life than the life they left, which in many cases was absolutely deplorable. They look to this government for leadership in providing that quality of life, and leadership will be provided.
Vancouver-Fraserview is primarily a middle-class riding -- blue-collar and white-collar workers. We have more than our fair share of the poor, the elderly, the disabled, the infirm, single mothers. Some very exciting things are happening in Vancouver-Fraserview, and that's the rapid growth that's going on along the Fraser River -- the Fraserview lands, which makes us probably the fastest-growing riding in Vancouver. We anticipate about 4,000 new residents by the end of this decade. The gem of Vancouver-Fraserview is the Champlain Heights housing development. This was conceived many years ago by then-Mayor Mike Harcourt, where co-ops, social housing, affordable housing are brought together with a mixture of private condominiums, and shows what can be done when a person has vision and determination. It's an outstanding success.
Hon. Speaker, we have a crisis in this province at this time. We have the crisis of the lack of confidence by the electorate in their elected representatives. Time and time again I asked those with whom I was campaigning: "What is the main issue?" They told me the same thing that they told each and every hon. member in this House: "Honesty and integrity in government." I have no doubt that through the collective goodwill of the 48 new members in this House, as well as that of the old-timers, we will be able to restore confidence in the elected representatives of the people of British Columbia.
This throne speech sets out definite things that are going to be done to restore that confidence. We're going to intensify the Conflict of Interest Act with the appropriate amendments. We're going to enhance the bipartisan legislative committees to the extent, I believe, of 13. We're going to go throughout the province and receive input. Indeed, the constitutional committee now travelling throughout the province is receiving widespread support from the electorate. I understand that hundreds of people are now attending these committees.
There's the freedom-of-information act, and there's going to be the establishment of the independent review panel to review our salaries, benefits and
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remuneration. There is the expansion of the B.C. ombudsman's jurisdiction, which will include hospital boards, school boards, municipalities and universities. I have no doubt that by the time we're finished our first term in office, integrity and confidence in the elected representatives will be restored.
The second crisis of equal magnitude is regarding the mess that we have been left. I don't want to dwell on the past, except to say that the myth that the Social Credit government was competent in the area of the people's finances has forever been destroyed. I venture to say that W.A.C. Bennett would roll over in his grave today if he saw how the last administration shattered the superb legacy that he left them.
Definite steps have already been taken to create wealth and to bring the finances under control. As we campaigned, we said time and time again that if we don't have the money, we're not going to spend, that we must live within our means. Translated, what that means is that there cannot be sufficient funds put into those items that are so dear to us -- education, health, social services -- until we get the finances of the province under control and create wealth.
The Peat Marwick report set out the mess, but it also set out specific recommendations as to how we can create wealth and avoid these mistakes in the future. I know that our Finance minister is closely reading these recommendations, and I am confident that he will be implementing many of them.
I was particularly pleased when our Finance minister met with leaders of the business community shortly after he took office. There were about 100, representing all segments of the financial community of the B.C. economy. He had his senior Finance ministry officials there. He opened up the books, told them what the problem was and, to their amazement, asked for their recommendations. To their greater amazement, he has listened. About three weeks ago, he spoke at a board of trade luncheon. He was warmly received by the 250 business leaders there.
Definite steps have been taken to start creating the wealth. Our Premier went to the Asian-Pacific shortly after he was elected, met with Asian financiers and businessmen and reassured them that we're open for business and that we welcome their investment. Let us not forget, hon. members, that the Asians have put $6 billion into this province during the last three years. It can be argued that to a certain extent that softened the recession. Our Premier also went to Europe and New York. He's been widely acclaimed as a person determined to bring back fiscal integrity into the province's finances.
There are other things taking place. The labour community wants to be part of the solution. I was delighted to hear that the great labour leader Ken Georgetti, under the auspices of the Asia Pacific Foundation, attended a conference last year in Hong Kong and assured Asian investors that the trade union movement is determined to have labour stability to encourage investment in this province. Not only are business and labour determined to help find the solution, but so is the academic community. I am pleased to hear that Dr. Strangway, the president of UBC, Dr. Saywell, the president of SFU, and Dr. Michael Goldberg, the dean of commerce at UBC, are making their facilities available with regard to trade with Asia-Pacific. Many institutions in the business community are anxious and willing to help us get out of the dilemma that we find ourselves in. I refer to the Vancouver Board of Trade, the Business Council of B. C., the Asia Pacific Foundation and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
I just want to read a couple of letters here, and admittedly these were done well in advance of the budget, which is coming down this week. This is from Mr. R.T. Stewart, chairman of the Vancouver Board of Trade: "To the Hon. Glen Clark: We are pleased with the position you and Premier Harcourt have taken regarding fiscal management and the province being open for business." I want to read a letter from Kathy Sanderson, director of provincial affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which incidentally has 8,500 members in British Columbia and is the backbone of our economy: "Reducing the government's debt is a priority for this budget, and we have supported Mr. Clark's call for cuts in government spending."
[5:00]
Everybody wants to be part of the solution, and in the next couple of months we are going to have an economic summit where the business community, the labour community and all other interested bodies can come and help us work out a plan for how we can compete in the global economy. Under the dynamic leadership of the new chairman of B.C. Trade, Wilson Parasiuk, we're going to be opening up new markets in Vietnam and North Korea, which is now resolving its differences with South Korea. And the day will come -- perhaps I'm the first NDP member of his House who has ever said this -- when we will be trading with South Africa, in view of the historic vote last week that marked the beginning of the end of apartheid. Each of us must become salesmen for British Columbia. The hon. leader of the third party -- and I'm sorry that they seem to have diminished by almost 100 percent today; this was my worst fear come true; there's only one member left -- is a salesman. I believe he's a car salesman, and he knows the importance of developing contacts with customers -- networking -- and of the potential customers having confidence in you. That's why we must aggressively go out and sell, because that will be translated into jobs -- and not for insiders.
I'm pleased to see that the Seaton report has at least two very important ideas, which are designed to save us hundreds of millions of dollars. The first one deals decisively with the cigarette companies as it relates to them plying their trade among our youth.
If I can get personal for a moment, I've had a little bit of personal experience. I lost two parents to the scourge of cancer, my mother to lung cancer, and the doctors had no doubt that it was because she was smoking. Several years ago I was the chairperson of the Canadian Cancer Society Vancouver campaign. I had a tour of the Cancer Control Agency with the director at that time. As we were in the elevator going up to the third floor, I started smelling cigarette smoke. I turned to the director, and I said: "This cannot be. I'm at the Cancer
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Control Agency. How can I be smelling cigarette smoke?" He said: "You haven't seen anything yet." We got off at the third floor, and we went down the hall. Perhaps some of you have done this little tour. We turned to the left, and the cigarette smoke was getting heavier and heavier. He opened up the door for me. Hon. members, I saw the most bizarre sight I've ever seen. Through the blanket of cigarette smoke there were at least a dozen patients, each with their blue gowns and IVs in their arms, walking back and forth and smoking cigarettes.
So don't let the cigarette companies tell us that their product is not addictive. Let us deal decisively with them now. Make sure this legislation is passed quickly so they don't poison our youth.
Secondly, I was delighted to see that the Seaton report deals with and emphasizes prevention and care in the home. Several months ago my son Jory and I went to San Francisco. For Jory the highlight was the Oakland A's game. For me the highlight was visiting the On Lok Society. The On Lok Society is a day care facility for the elderly in the heart of Chinatown, at 1421 Powell Street. As Jory and I arrived at 8:30 in the morning, we saw the On Lok van come and help the elderly Chinese -- predominantely Chinese -- out of the van. The average age was 80. Each one had a minimum of four or five diseases -- dementia, circulatory problems. Each one, hon. Speaker, lived in their own residence. Each one was certifiable to go into an institution in the state of California. They were brought into the day care facility, and there were the health care workers waiting for them. There were nurses, nutritionists, chiropractors and chiropodists. They examined these elderly people thoroughly for the first hour to make sure their disease processes were under control and that there were no incipient diseases starting up. After they were finished checking in, they proceeded through the day with recreational facilities. It was heartwarming to see these elderly people singing, reading, playing mah-jongg. The quality of life these people had was phenomenal.
I asked the director how many residents they had there. He said 325. I asked how many at any one time would be in the hospital, because obviously some of them would be in a hospital or nursing home. He said seven. I asked him how many would be in these facilities if they were not part of the On Lok process, and he said: "At least seven times that amount."
Can you imagine, hon. Speaker, the hundreds of millions of dollars that would be saved in the health care system and the enhanced quality of life of our elderly if we had hundreds of these facilities throughout the province? There are certain communities now that are developing these programs. I know the Jewish community is, and the Chinese community is at Mount St. Joseph Hospital. We must encourage that to enhance the quality of life of our elderly.
Certain things in the throne speech are happening which are very beneficial, not only to the constituents of Vancouver-Fraserview but also to all British Columbians, and I want to point out a couple of those.
I was extremely pleased to see the reference to doing away with portable classrooms in schools. In Vancouver-Fraserview we have Moberly Elementary School, which has 12 portables. I know that that may sound like a small number to those who come from Surrey, but believe it or not, this is the largest number of portables in Vancouver. I'm glad to see that eventually we're going to be tackling that problem.
The giving of the free lunch to those children who cannot afford lunch is certainly of great benefit to our riding, as indeed is putting money into those facilities that help the immigrants adjust.
I just want to conclude by saying: let's forget about the past and let's stop hurling recriminations against the previous administration. Let us start building bridges to those groups who have had very little connection with their government. Believe it or not, I'm talking about the business community. Unfortunately, if some of the advice in the business community had been listened to by the previous administration, perhaps we would not have had the northeast coal or Moli Energy fiascos. I'm talking about building communication to our trade labour movement, to the aboriginal people, to the academic community, to the poor and the disabled.
Each and every one of us has had dreams of the type of society that we would like to live in. I know I was most inspired by the address given by the hon. member for Vancouver-Langara when he talked about the type of society that we should live in. We've all had these dreams. But it's no longer time to dream, hon. Speaker; it's time for the dreams to come true.
The Speaker: Before I recognize the next speaker I want to remind hon. members that in accordance with standing order 45A I will be calling the vote on the amendment at 5:30.
D. Symons: Hon. Speaker, members and visitors in the gallery, it is with pride, mixed with a touch of anxiety, that I stand before you here in the Legislature for this first time.
The pride is in being a part of this opposition team. Our presence here today is visible proof that the people of British Columbia want a change from the polarized politics of the past. I look forward to working in a positive way to bring about this change. The restoration of dignity and respect for the institution of government is sorely needed in this province, and it is my hope that all of us, no matter what our political affiliation, can work together for the good of the people of this great province.
The anxiety arises from the trust and responsibility that my constituents of Richmond Centre have placed upon me -- and that I might live up to their expectations. Indeed, the responsibility rests upon each and every one of us to exercise integrity, honesty and fiscal responsibility in carrying out our duties as government. I and my colleagues are dedicated to that task.
I congratulate all members of this House on their being elected. I have been a high-school teacher for 30 years. It's interesting that the school I taught in was in the previous speaker's riding -- John Oliver. In that capacity I have worked with young people as a teacher, as a sponsor of extracurricular activities and, I hope, as a friend. But two years ago I took early retirement, and so during the election campaign I had the luxury of free
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time that many of you who are here for the first time, as I am, did not have. I salute those of you who tried to carry on a career and election campaign at the same time -- a most difficult task.
It might be worth noting at this time that I believe we need electoral reform in this province. There should be a cap on election spending, both in the ridings and by the party. There should be disclosure of campaign contributions of over $100. We need a fixed election date so the government of the day cannot play games with the people. We need good, firm conflict-of-interest legislation, and I am pleased to see that your government is preparing to introduce this. Past experience has shown us how badly it is needed.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all who have worked so hard to get me elected. At times I felt like Robin Hood, with his merry band, struggling against the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. Come to think of it, in light of recent financial revelations, that analogy is not far off the mark. In particular, I would like to thank my wife and family. Without their support and active involvement in this campaign, it is most likely I would not be here today. Their eagerness, however, to get me elected causes me at times some concern as to their motives.
Hon. Speaker, my constituency of Richmond Centre is one of the most desirable communities within this province to live. It covers the northwest portion of Lulu Island and Sea Island in the Fraser River delta. It includes the Vancouver International Airport, the air gateway to the Pacific Rim. It also has two major shopping malls, industry, warehouses and a small remnant of the farming that used to dominate the landscape when I first moved there 30 years ago. The major portion of the riding is residential.
The community serves its residents well. They have sports and recreation facilities that are second to none, community centres and an active and well-used live theatre, a growing hospital and Minoru Place, which is a centre for our seniors. We will soon be opening a new cultural centre and an expanded library to round out our community services. Our city council and our school boards have served our community well. Richmond is also blessed by a large number of community-minded citizens who give their services to others. Volunteerism is alive and well in Richmond, and it's a city that, in spite of its rapid growth, has maintained its feeling of community.
Madam Speaker, this September the doors will open on the new campus at Kwantlen College. I thank the previous government for providing the funding for this much-needed facility. Its projected enrolment, however, on opening is already near its capacity. The current government must continue to expand post-secondary education opportunities, as it is upon a well-educated society that the future of our country depends. We must be prepared -- children and adults alike -- to face the challenge of a rapidly changing economic world. We must also have a framework of values in order to meet the societal changes that are occurring. Honesty, integrity and concern for others are values that we ask of government, but we should also promote these values in business and in society in general. Old-fashioned morality has a place in our modern world.
[5:15]
Education is an important issue in Richmond. Our school district is one of several that have particular problems that the block-funding formula -- and that has been mentioned earlier today -- does not adequately address. We are a rapidly growing city, and the school funding did not, up until now, fund students who entered the system after the end of September. I am pleased to see that the government has recognized that problem and is moving to correct it.
There are, however, other problems that need addressing. Our rapid growth includes a large number of new Canadians. While this adds to the richness of our cultural diversity, it also creates additional needs for English-as-a-second-language classes. These needs are not being adequately funded. There is also a need for increased funding for special-needs students. The mainstreaming of these students will only be successful if adequate resources, personnel and equipment are there to assist the school to meet these needs. The method of school funding needs to be adjusted, and I shall be addressing these concerns further during this session.
Hon. Speaker, in my caucus I have the role of critic of Transportation and Highways, and in that role I hope to see that this government lives up to its responsibility to provide good highways and transportation to the citizens of the province along with quality maintenance in a cost-effective manner. I should like to start this part of my address by reminding the government of some transportation problems relating to the city of Richmond.
Richmond is an island. It contains a major international airport. To the south are some fairly large and mainly residential population centres: Tsawwassen, South Delta, South Surrey and White Rock. Add to this the ferry traffic for the Tsawwassen terminal and the increase in this traffic that will result when the superferries go into service, and I think you can begin to see the problem. Our highways and bridge system in this area are not sufficient to handle the traffic.
The Deas tunnel is operating at overcapacity, and the Laing, Oak Street and Knight Street bridges are packed. There is a need to improve the flow of traffic through Richmond to Vancouver, and there is a need to provide adequate transportation to Vancouver for the residents of Richmond. A rapid transit system from Richmond to downtown Vancouver is needed and it is needed now. The costs of providing such links are high, but the costs of not providing them are even higher.
More automobile exhaust emissions contribute to pollution. More bridges, more roads, more parking, more cars, more auto insurance -- the list goes on, but the point is that it costs. For the lower mainland in general, we need to wean people from their cars by offering reasonably priced rapid transit, better bus service and high-occupancy-vehicle lanes, and by providing alternative forms of transportation, for example safe bicycle routes.
Hon. Speaker, I have grave concerns regarding the Highways ministry, concerns that the rumours about significant cuts to funding at the Highways ministry
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may be true. It would be the height of folly for the government to think that they can save money by cutting back on highway maintenance. It just doesn't work. Other jurisdictions that have gone that route have discovered to their dismay that the later expense of repairing the deterioration caused by insufficient quality maintenance outweighed the short-term savings of cutbacks.
In a province like this, fragmented by mountains and waterways, transportation links are the glue that holds it together. Highways, ferries and what's left of rail service are vital to our economic survival. We need more, not fewer, of these links to ensure a continued economic growth.
In closing, hon. Speaker, I intend to be liberal in my commending the government when it does well, and just as liberal in encouraging it into the right path when it strays. I have a love of the province and of our great country, Canada. We must keep both united and strong. I wish the government well in the tasks ahead. May we all have the wisdom of Solomon in our deliberations. That is my hope and my prayer.
J. Beattie: It is a pleasure today for me to rise and give my first speech in this House, Hon. Speaker, and I would like to add my words of congratulations to you and to the hon. Deputy Speaker for assuming the responsibility and the role of Speakers. I would also like to commend my peers in the House for rising before me to present their speeches of matter and of introduction, and I thank them for breaking the ground for me -- these uncharted waters. They've certainly made my task a little easier. However, I'm afraid some of their comments are causing my remarks to pale in comparison. I am honoured to be among these individuals in this House, and I welcome you all.
Many of us on this side of the House were candidates for a good long time. My mother Mary Beattie, from Hamilton, Ontario, was one of those expectant people waiting for the writ to be dropped. In order to be of assistance to me she came out to visit during the spring of 1991, and unfortunately the writ wasn't dropped. However, during her visit I had the opportunity of doing some precampaign campaigning which I think helped turn the tide in my favour. I would like to thank her very much for her efforts on my behalf. I would like to thank her as well for the values of honesty and caring that she tried to give to me; to those values I'm very much indebted. Actually, she always felt that I would make a very good gardener or baker, perhaps. I'm sure she'll overlook my choice of careers to be proud today.
Last week the leader of the third party, the member for Peace River South, alluded to the fact that the New Democratic Party had strong party policies. He spoke of the New Democratic Party, its policy and the directions this government will therefore tend to take. The idea that there is something restrictive or dishonourable in well-thought-out, representative party policy is something that I've heard before, but still I fail to understand the basis of the concern.
In fact, the approach the New Democratic Party takes towards the making of policy is very much in the tradition of British parliament. I would like to quote from a recent article in Parliamentary Government: "The British take their party platforms very seriously. The parties devote substantial effort to their formulation, and the electorate take them into account when they cast their ballots. The platform is an explicit statement of intention." I feel that approach is the hallmark of open government.
The Premier of this province, along with many members on this side of the House, has spent many years consulting with average British Columbians to establish the type of party and party policy which we put did forward in the throne speech, and upon which we intend to base the actions of this government.
I would like to give a brief description of the riding that I represent, Okanagan-Penticton. It was a larger riding before the last election and was called Boundary-Similkameen. It extended from Summerland to the border, and over to Hedley and Grand Forks. With the rearranging of the boundaries, the southern section went from Penticton south, and my riding now includes Penticton, Naramata, Summerland, Peachland, the Penticton Indian band and the communities there. Previous to my election the area was represented in the whole by the hon. member for Okanagan-Boundary, the Minister of Agriculture, and by Ivan Messmer, who was defeated in the last election. Ivan Messmer served for a number of years as the mayor of Penticton, and he was known to be a hard-working, honest individual. I would like to thank him for his efforts in the communities of Penticton and surroundings.
The cities of my riding include Penticton, represented by Mayor Jake Kimberley; the Penticton Indian band, represented by Chief Archie Jack; the community of Summerland, which is represented by Mayor Bob Shewfelt; Peachland, by Mayor Waldo; and the community of Naramata, which is not incorporated but has an elected water board. The head of that water board is Arie Brusse.
It's a complex group of communities existing in a semi-arid landscape, which, as we all know, has the beauty which the Okanagan is well known for. The type of landscape that the Okanagan represents is very delicate, as a result of the fact that it is extremely dry, and despite development in the area which has been rapid and is increasing daily, there is still a sense of beauty and rawness about the Okanagan which makes it a very attractive place to be.
However, given the fact that it is the centre of a very hot development and housing market, there are serious concerns arising with regard to urban development in the area. There is a complex interplay of economic and social forces taking place within my constituency. We have, on the one hand, an economy that is based to some extent upon resource extraction. A lot of timber is taken from the hillsides of the Okanagan and from the watersheds of Naramata and Penticton.
In the resource sector, we also have mining. Brenda Mines was at one time one of the largest mines in the interior, and it just recently closed down. There are, however, many other developments that may take place in mining in the Okanagan.
[ Page 112 ]
Among the resource-based industries we have the agricultural field, which the Okanagan is well known for -- the tree-fruit industry, the grape industry and, in more recent years, the high quality of wine which is produced in the Okanagan.
We're not without our heavy industry as well. In fact, Penticton has one of the most productive and efficient foundries in all of British Columbia -- the Penticton Foundry -- which manufactures casts used in all mining developments in British Columbia. A great many of their moulds are exported out of the province and out of the country.
We have a sizeable light industrial area in both Summerland and Penticton -- manufacturing of wood products, the making of fibreglass canopies, the manufacturing of cabinets and a very extensive maintenance section for our agricultural industry. Added to that is, of course, the very bountiful tourism industry, which exists by virtue of the fact that it is such a beautiful place.
Another driver in the Okanagan is house construction. Again, the building industry is very much an important economic driver as more and more people move into the Okanagan for the qualities that it has.
Moving from these economic forces, we have two very fine educational facilities in the Okanagan: the Okanagan College campus, which is centred both in Penticton and in Summerland, as well as the En'Owkin Centre, a native education and publication organization. Natives from all over North America come to have their skills upgraded, to participate in theatre and drama courses. It's quite a wonderful operation.
Another very distinctive trait and quality of the Okanagan is the fact that we have a very high percentage of seniors. The percentage is between 25 and 30 percent, which rivals the senior population of any place in British Columbia. The seniors bring with them some very special values but also some very special needs in the areas of health and support services.
As a result of the combination of all the various factors I have outlined -- the diversity in the economy, the diversity in the ecology and the diversity in the population -- there are some very distinct challenges to be met within the Okanagan. One of the key ones is that we have a very high unemployment rate, and partly as a result of the agricultural and tourism industries, which are seasonal enterprises.
Maintenance of the quality of the environment is something many of my constituents talked to me about. The watersheds that feed the lakes must be protected from the type of clearcut logging we've seen in the past, which has had a detrimental effect on the quality of water. Also, we've had to deal with the question of effluent in our lakes. This presents a very serious problem in the Okanagan, particularly in my constituency, where three of my towns don't have sewage treatment facilities: Peachland, Summerland and Naramata.
There is a great shortage of affordable housing in the area. This has been a problem in the past, and it is a problem now. The buildings going up are primarily for those people who have come to retire or who have the ability to expend a great deal of money on their housing. At this time there are very many people in Penticton living in motels, and once the tourist season begins, these people must move out into the community. Hence we have a difficult housing situation.
[5:30]
But not everything can be done at once. This type of complexity I've tried to outline with my speech requires a broad vision and a direction. From the throne speech, which we have just presented in the last number of days, I feel that we are moving in a direction in which all of these concerns I have mentioned can be addressed. High on the list of items that I'm very pleased about within the throne speech are the environmental initiatives brought forward with regard to a new environmental protection act, recycling and ones that address the need to do close studies on the quality of air in the Okanagan.
I'm very pleased to see that the small business forest enterprise program will be strengthened again. If the province....
The Speaker: Order! Would the member please take his seat.
I regret that I had to interrupt the member, but in keeping with standing order 45A, it now being 30 minutes before the daily adjournment, I will now call the vote on the motion.
For the information of the members, the motion before you is as follows:
"That the motion 'We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, in session assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech which Your Honour has addressed to us at the opening of the present session,' be amended by adding the following: ', but this assembly regrets that after five months of inaction, the government has failed to address the pressing need to deal with the deteriorating provincial economy, and in particular the increasing vulnerability of resource-dependent communities in British Columbia; and furthermore, regrets that the Speech from the Throne provides only a reiteration of empty election promises, rather than a sorely needed vision of hope and optimism for the future of our province and our country'."
Amendment negatived on the following division:
| YEAS -- 18 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Farrell-Collins | Reid | Wilson |
| Mitchell | Gingell | Stephens |
| Hanson | Weisgerber | Tanner |
| Hurd | Jarvis | Chisholm |
| K. Jones | Symons | Anderson |
| Dalton | Fox | De Jong |
[ Page 113 ]
| NAYS -- 37 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Petter | Marzari | Sihota |
| Priddy | Edwards | Cashore |
| Barlee | Charbonneau | Jackson |
| Pement | Beattie | Schreck |
| Lortie | MacPhail | Lali |
| Conroy | Smallwood | Hagen |
| Gabelmann | Clark | Zirnhelt |
| Blencoe | Barnes | Pullinger |
| Copping | Ramsey | Farnworth |
| Evans | Hartley | Streifel |
| Lord | Krog | Randall |
| Garden | Kasper | Simpson |
| Janssen | ||
On the motion.
J. Beattie: It was a welcome break. I'm glad there are more people here to listen to the end. I usually get warmed up towards the last couple of minutes.
I was referring to the throne speech and talking about some of the initiatives that I was pleased to see. I had just mentioned support for the small business forest enterprise program, which is so essential for this province if we intend on turning around the jobs from the resource sector and placing them into the remanufacturing sector. The future of this province will depend upon the use of its resources in a very rational, orderly development of the small business enterprise program. So I'm glad to see that more wood will be made available to our remanufacturers.
I was glad that the government's throne speech spoke about the introduction of some of the key directions that the Seaton commission refers to, particularly with a new Health Act and a delivery system remodelling that will help to put the preventive and public programs in the hands of local communities and cause the public to become more aware of just what it takes to be a healthy individual in this society.
Finally, I'm very pleased to see that we will be moving quickly on the freedom-of-information and conflict-of-interest guidelines, which will give government the opportunity to win back the respect of the people.
Hon. Speaker, before I was elected as an MLA to this House I worked for three years as a federal constituency assistant to Jack Whittaker, Member of Parliament for the Okanagan-Similkameen riding. As an advocate for the Member of Parliament, I learned quite a bit about dealing with people's concerns. I learned that, more than anything, the public expects from the process fair and equal treatment under the regulations and legislation that the government introduces. Many was the time when an individual would come into the Member of Parliament's office looking for some help with a problem and, after a thorough examination of the situation, recognized that despite the fact that they did not get exactly what they wanted, they had received fair treatment. It then became their responsibility to work towards the changing of legislation that they would feel would address their concerns more aptly.
[5:45]
In a sense, I believe that a fair and equal process is the only thing that we as elected individuals can guarantee. We cannot guarantee that sustainable development will give us clear water 25 years down the road. We cannot necessarily guarantee that we will have trees 25 years down the road. But we can guarantee that our approach to dealing with people can have an element of sustainability, in that we treat people in a fair and equal way. The best that government can do is to consult, to discover the direction that the electorate wishes to take and to continue to implement those demands.
Hon. Speaker, I feel that this throne speech reflects many of the aims and ambitions of British Columbians. I believe it is as close to representing a consensus as any throne speech has ever been in British Columbia. Our task as legislators is to enact it. During that enactment we must continue to consult with the people of British Columbia, so that we know what is to be present in the second throne speech, the third throne speech and throne speeches from now on.
Hon. G. Clark moved adjournment of the House.
Motion approved.
The House adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
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