Hansard -- Volume 2, Number 2 -- Wednesday, July 25, 2001

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY



CONTENTS

	Routine Proceedings
		Time

Introductions by Members		1405

Oral Questions
Transit dispute in lower mainland		1410
	J. MacPhail
	J. Kwan
Softwood lumber agreement		1420
	R. Visser

Standing Order 35 Motion		1425
Transit dispute in lower mainland
	J. MacPhail
	Hon. G. Collins
	J. Kwan

Tabling Documents		1430
Draft letter to George Puil regarding transit dispute in lower mainland

Motions without Notice
Amendment of standing orders for legislative session. Hon. G. Collins		1430

Throne Speech Debate
	S. Orr	1430
	B. Bennett	1450
	J. MacPhail	1505
	R. Harris	1550
	J. Les	1600
	M. Hunter	1620
	J. Nuraney	1630
	B. Lekstrom	1645
	K. Stewart	1705
	W. Cobb	1715
	J. Bray	1720
	B. Kerr	1740
	T. Bhullar	1750

Hon. G. Campbell: I'd like to recognize Greg Jadrzyk from the Northern Forest Products Association. Mr. Jadrzyk has worked tirelessly on behalf of communities across the north of our province to remind them of the importance of their forest industry not only there but to British Columbia. He's been a true contributor as we've looked at challenges like the northern pine beetle. I hope the House will make him welcome and thank him for his constant efforts.

Hon. L. Reid: It's my absolute privilege to welcome two very fine young souls to the gallery, and they are Carly and Olivia Millman. They are probably future parliamentarians — probably for about the forty-third parliament of this Legislature. I would ask the House to please make them welcome.

Hon. G. Abbott: Today in the gallery we have four visitors from Australia. The hon. Jeanette Powell is a Member of the Legislative Council, parliament of Victoria, and deputy leader of the National Party. She's accompanied by her husband, Mr. Ian Powell. We also have in the gallery today the hon. Andrea Coote, also a Member of the Legislative Council, parliament of Victoria, and she's accompanied by her husband, Mr. Alan Naylor. Would the House please join me in welcoming these four distinguished guests from Australia.

J. MacPhail: I am going to make what is truly a wide-ranging and non-partisan introduction today. This extends all the way to Trail, B.C., where the provincial Little League championships of 11- and 12-year-old boys is going on. Not only is my son playing in it, but the son of the press secretary of the Premier is also playing in that. So it is a truly non-partisan but hopeful mom saying: "May the best little boy win."

Hon. S. Hawkins: Today visiting in the gallery we have delegates from the B.C. Pharmacy Association. Would the House please help me welcome Marshall Moleschi, who is the president. Geoff Squires is the president-elect. With them is Mr. Tony Toth, Ken McCartney and Bob Kucheran.

K. Krueger: Hon. Speaker, on your behalf, I'd like to welcome two guests in the gallery this afternoon. Linda Friesen is the Speaker's constituency assistant, who is visiting from Kamloops, and accompanying Linda this afternoon is her daughter, Jennifer Friesen. Jennifer is visiting today from the Cowichan-Ladysmith riding. I'd like to ask the House to please make these ladies welcome.

R. Stewart: I'd like to introduce two guests with whom I've met this morning to discuss francophone issues. First I'd like to introduce Mr. Jean-Louis Hérivault. Mr. Hérivault is the representative of the Quebec government responsible for western Canada. My second guest is Mr. Claude Provencher. Mr. Provencher is the president of the Francophone Federation of British Columbia.

Il me fait plaisir aujourd'hui de vous présenter deux invités. M. Jean-Louis Hérivault est le représentant du gouvernement de Québec responsable pour l'ouest canadien. Le deuxième invité est M. Claude Provencher, qui est le président de la Fédération des francophones de la Colombie Britannique. Je demande à l'Assemblée de les accueillir chaleureusement. Would the House please make them welcome.

Hon. J. Murray: I'd like to introduce my friend Lori MacDonald, who's visiting in the gallery today. Would the House please make her welcome.

Hon. S. Santori: At this time I would like to welcome two of the three very special people in my life: my wife, Wendy, who is here today; and my son, Kevin, who has taken four days off from the warm waters of Christina Lake to be here with his father.

J. MacPhail: Today is day 116 of the transit strike in the lower mainland, and tens of thousands of people who rely on transit are becoming second-class citizens. They are unable to get to work or to school, they can't go shopping for groceries, they can't make doctors' appointments, and they can't take their children to day care. We know, because we see it every day, that students are hurting. Seniors are hurting; they're falling into despair. Small businesses are hurting. And day after day the buck is passed from the province to TransLink to Coast Mountain Bus Co.

My question is for the minister responsible for TransLink. Can the minister please rise and tell us how much British Columbians pay in provincially collected taxes so that TransLink can provide transit services to the people of the lower mainland? And can she tell us how much a month is collected from British Columbians, which is then turned over to TransLink for them to provide transit services?

Hon. G. Campbell: The transit dispute started 116 days ago. Our party has been committed to free collective bargaining in the province of British Columbia. We recommended to the previous government that they impose a cooling-off period so that this matter would be dealt with when we had a

The people have paid the price of the inaction of the two third parties for too long. I have directed the Minister of Skills Development and Labour to meet with representatives of Coast Mountain, to meet with the CAW and to tell them it is time for them to put the public interest at the front of their agenda. The seniors, the young people and the small businesses that the member has talked about have paid a price for too long.

We would like free collective bargaining to work. I have directed the minister to meet with representatives as soon as possible and to tell us what they are going to do and how they are going to act to make sure that the public interest is on the agenda, so that we have a transit system in the province that people can depend upon, that is financially sustainable and that is managed in the public interest.

J. MacPhail: It's interesting to note that prior to this government being elected, there were two identical public transit disputes going on — one in this city and one in the lower mainland. Prior to this government being elected, the transit dispute was resolved with hardly any effect on the community whatsoever. It was resolved to the benefit of both parties, both those using transit and the employer. But the minute this government got elected…

J. MacPhail: …all resolution stopped in resolving the matter in the lower mainland.

This government thinks of itself as decisive. They managed, within hours of taking the reins of power, to give British Columbians a huge tax break — the day after they were sworn in. Now they've admitted they'll pay for that tax cut with deep cuts to public service. Is there another agenda going on here?

But when ordinary people who rely on the bus need help, they dither. They put in place a process, they reject the mediator's report, and they pass the buck.

I have a question for the minister responsible for TransLink. Let's have open and honest and accountable government. To the minister responsible for TransLink: since the strike began, Vancouver air quality has deteriorated, ICBC claims are up, the number of people volunteering at the food bank is down, seniors centres are empty and people are losing their jobs.

To the minister responsible for TransLink: can the minister rise today and tell us how much is sitting in TransLink coffers while the buses sit idle? Does the minister agree that it is a clear violation of the act for which she is responsible to continue to let those dollars flow to TransLink while this strike continues?

Hon. G. Campbell: For this member to stand up and claim that she has one iota of care for the people who have been suffering under the transit system is simply not plausible. It was that government, the previous government, that established both the financial and the jurisdictional framework that Transit is operated under.

I can tell you this, hon. Speaker. This government does believe in free collective bargaining, but we are going to be sure that the public interest is put at the front of that agenda. We are going to demand that the CAW and Coast Mountain Bus Co. come and talk with the Minister of Skills Development and Labour and tell him how they are going to solve this problem now. That's what this government is going to do.

J. MacPhail: You know, this is the one time when the Premier can do nothing but take responsibility for the hurt that his government is causing on the people of the lower mainland.

J. MacPhail: Perhaps the people didn't vote for the government opposite, but it is his responsibility to represent those people.

Let me tell you about TransLink and how his government values the system that was negotiated under our government. Let me quote: "TransLink has acknowledged that the province provides exceptional financial support to TransLink." As former TransLink CEO Ken Dobell, now the deputy minister to the Premier, recently said, there isn't a transit system in Canada that wouldn't kill for our revenue base, Mr. Speaker.

J. MacPhail: This government likes to think of itself as absolutely decisive, so I am asking….

J. MacPhail: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. I will put it to the minister responsible for TransLink, so that people can actually get an answer from this government that says it's open and accountable….

J. MacPhail: Here is the question: will the minister commit today to immediately stop the flow of provincial money for transit and put it into an escrow account until TransLink settles this strike?

Hon. G. Campbell: The transit situation in the lower mainland has caused huge damage to the people in the lower mainland. It is unacceptable to us. There is a balanced response that's got to be brought forward. The Minister of Skills Development and Labour and myself have consistently urged the third parties to resolve this matter. They have evidently not been able to do that. We are now going to tell them clearly and unequivocally that it is time for their private interests to include the public interest. It is time for them to understand that we are going to have a transit system in British Columbia that is financially sustainable and that is manageable, so that the public interest is served. That's our goal; that's our objective. I can tell you that we are expecting those third parties to act now so that people in British Columbia have the benefits that they deserve.

J. Kwan: My question is to the minister responsible for TransLink. Given that your Premier has agreed that TransLink has the responsibility for transit services, given that the mayor of the city of Vancouver has agreed that the TransLink board has the responsibility for transportation services…. The only person who doesn't seem to agree on that front is the chair of the TransLink board, George Puil. Will the minister stand today in support of this Premier and say that the responsibility lies within the TransLink board?

Hon. J. Reid: It is very important, this issue of TransLink and how it affects people's lives in the lower mainland, and we are very concerned. We are very concerned with what has gone on, very concerned with the responsibility. This is the responsibility of Coast Mountain and the union. There is a process in place, and it's really important that we allow that process to take place. We are monitoring it. Certainly we have concerns about the situation as it exists right now, and as the Premier said, we expect this dispute to be resolved.

J. Kwan: The act is clear in stating that the TransLink board is the employer and is responsible. Your own Premier, on BCTV — on what date? on July 14, not too many days ago — actually said that the responsibility lies within TransLink. Why will the minister not stand up and say it is the TransLink board's responsibility and hold them accountable?

Hon. J. Reid: As we've said, this situation has caused problems for people — really stressful problems. We take it very, very seriously, and we take seriously the rights of the different parties involved to be able to negotiate. We take seriously their responsibilities. We expect that they're carrying out those responsibilities in a forthright manner. I think it has been clear that the province is losing patience with that, and we are urging them to take the proper steps to be able to resolve this dispute because of the huge, huge problems it's causing for people.

Mr. Speaker: Further supplemental from the member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant.

J. Kwan: The act is unequivocal on that matter and where the responsibilities lie. My colleague and I have actually taken the liberty of preparing a letter to Mr. George Puil for the minister responsible, ordering the board to hold a vote on the mediator's recommendations. All it needs is her signature and for this to be forwarded to TransLink for this Friday. If the Premier is interested in settling the matter immediately, he could do so. The minister could take this draft letter, which I will table at the end of question period, and have it forwarded to George Puil and demand that they vote on the Vince Ready recommendations.

Hon. G. Bruce: It's a pleasure to once again be able to stand in these chambers and take part in this debate. It's particularly wonderful to be back here on a bright sunny day when all of British Columbia is hoping that every single one of us will be able to offer a great contribution to this province here, all of us that are debating these issues. The attitude that's out there today is wonderful. It's a positive feeling.

We do have a problem or two left over by you two, which we are going to have to resolve. But we've only been government for 45 days. You were government for ten years. You left the place in a mess. We intend, on behalf of the people of British Columbia, to once again restore the credibility of British Columbia so that everybody in Canada will look at B.C. as a great place to live.

R. Visser: My question is for the Minister of Forests. As we're all aware, softwood lumber negotiations are ongoing in Washington, D.C., with the potential of causing great harm to forest-dependent communities across the province. Could the minister tell us what the government is doing to address this issue and how we are making our best possible case in Washington today?

Hon. M. de Jong: Thanks to the member for the question. I think and I hope every member of this House understands the significance of the issue that is facing the province — the biggest single bilateral commodity trade between two countries. I can report to the House today that the preliminary determination that was set by the American commerce department for later this week will actually take place on August 9.

Insofar as the steps we are taking, I would say this to the member: it is fundamentally important that Canada be united in addressing this issue. I'm happy to say that one of the first things the Premier did after he was sworn into office was to go to Ottawa, and he said to the federal minister responsible: "This is the number one trade issue for British Columbia and for Canada."

That message has been re-emphasized in meetings I have had with the federal minister. It has been re-emphasized in Ottawa. It is fundamentally important, also, that British Columbia be unified and that all stakeholders, all communities, all the people that are going to be impacted come together and bring a common strategy and a common approach. We're going to do that. The objective is clear, and I know the member shares this objective. It is unencumbered, unfettered, equal access to the American marketplace, and that's what we intend to achieve.

J. MacPhail: Hon. Speaker, I rise under standing order 35 to seek leave to move a motion that this House do now adjourn for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.

As all members of this House are well aware, the transit strike in the lower mainland of our province is causing tremendous hardship. Regardless of what the members opposite may think about the world — that it's sunny and bright for everybody — there are people hurting, there are businesses hurting, there are lives being thrown into despair because it's day 116 of a transit strike. It is causing tremendous hardship for thousands of people who depend on a transit service for a wide variety of reasons. Whether it is to take themselves to doctors' appointments for medical treatment, to take themselves to school, to take their children to school or to day care, or to take themselves to work, transit in the lower mainland is an issue of incredible importance.

It is also an issue of huge importance to small business owners. A government that purports to bring in a new, bright, sunny era for the economy…. It's not working in the lower mainland because of this transit strike. Day after day small businesses stand up and ask this provincial government to resolve this transit strike and make sure that we have transit that customers can depend on to bring them to their places of business and to bring their employees to the business. It is absolutely essential that this debate carry on, that this issue be debated in this House immediately.

Hon. Speaker, I'm providing you with a written statement on this matter, and I ask you to allow for an emergency debate immediately.

Mr. Speaker: The hon. member seeks leave to adjourn the House for an emergency debate under standing order 35. Further comment on this request?

Hon. G. Collins: I think every member of this Legislature, indeed probably every member of the public, agrees that the hardship that people are experiencing as a result of the transit strike is something that is extremely unfortunate. Clearly, I think, over the last number of years the legislation that was brought into place by the previous government — the member who spoke before me was the minister responsible, I believe, for that legislation — is what has created this conflict that we're in right now. It has a very significant impact on the people of this province. This is an issue that is important to British Columbians, and I find it interesting that the former minister who was responsible for this issue didn't think it was urgent and important when she was the Deputy Premier and had the ability to solve this thing if she wanted to.

Hon. G. Collins: She says that she resolved it, that she was also responsible….

Hon. G. Collins: …logic of the two members opposite applies now in their argument, then it applied when they were in government and they were also accountable and responsible for it. But clearly, under the rules of this Legislature, the request by the member opposite does not qualify. This debate in itself is not urgent. While the issue is of significant importance to the people of British Columbia, this debate is not urgent. Nothing has changed dramatically from two days ago that would require this to happen now.

We will be speaking in reply to the throne speech presently, which gives members wide opportunity to address this issue, if that's what the member wishes to do. In fact, we're probably going to have six days of debate, and the two members opposite can spend all their time talking about this issue and debating this issue if they so choose. So there is clearly the ability, even today, for the member opposite to get up and have this discussion if she wishes. She does not need to adjourn the House under standing order 35 to do that.

J. Kwan: Hon. Speaker, as a matter of fact, today is the first time in which the House has sat since the escalation of the transit strike and since the Vince Ready recommendations. If the members opposite want to ensure that services are being provided, then the minister responsible for TransLink would indeed take the draft letter and forward it to TransLink, put her signature on it now and ask for the matter to be voted on at the TransLink board meeting on Friday.

Mr. Speaker: Thank you, hon. members. I think I've heard enough comment on the request. The Government House Leader wishes to comment further?

Hon. G. Collins: If I may add one point in response to the comment of the members who just spoke. In fact, this Legislature did sit once before, and I don't recall either member raising this issue at that time.

Mr. Speaker: Thank you, hon. members. I will take the request under advisement and bring back a ruling in due course.

J. Kwan: I'd like to table a draft letter to the chairman of the board of TransLink, George Puil, for your records and for the minister's information, and to ask that she forward this letter to the TransLink board.

Mr. Speaker: Hon. member, you must seek leave of the House to submit this letter.

Hon. G. Collins: Mr. Speaker, I seek your guidance on this. I'm about to seek leave to move a motion which is about three pages long. It has to do with amending the standing orders for this session of the Legislature. I'd like to do that with unanimous consent. I've already spoken to the member for Vancouver-Hastings regarding it. If she'd like, I can read the whole thing into the record. Otherwise, I can just introduce it.

S. Orr: I move, seconded by the member for East Kootenay, that: "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."

It is a great honour and privilege to rise today representing the people of Victoria-Hillside and give my first speech in these chambers. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity and bring congratulations from my constituents on your new position. Your wisdom and fairness, I know, will serve us well. I would also like to congratulate the returning members, and I would particularly like to congratulate the new members, of which I am one. In fact, I am No. 77. And because I was the last member to be elected, I was bestowed the great honour of being the first to speak and move the throne speech.

I appear to have inherited the nickname, "Number 77." Every time I hear that, I cannot help but think of the game of hockey. I understand that hockey player Raymond Bourque, who wore No. 77, just retired — along with his number. I feel some affinity to this man — and I have the surname Orr — and the number 77, after my election campaign.

The race in Victoria-Hillside was not just a Stanley Cup race that went to the seventh game but one that went to double overtime before victory was achieved. I hope to serve my constituency as well as Raymond Bourque served the game of hockey. I will wear the number 77 proudly, and despite the close result I intend to represent all of the people of Victoria-Hillside.

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great honour to move the throne speech, because I genuinely believe that this is the speech that will usher in, for all British Columbians, the new era of hope and prosperity that we promised during the campaign. The Premier has already demonstrated that he is a man of his word and that he has the courage to fulfil the mandate given to him by the people of this province.

I look forward to seeing the new era come for the people of Victoria-Hillside — a population that traditionally, over the past few decades, has voted NDP. Now it is up to me and our government to show my constituency and all of the province that a Liberal government can bring hope and prosperity back to British Columbia, that you can have open and accountable government and that you can have a government that will tell you the truth. It might not be everything that you want to hear, but it will be the truth.

Mr. Speaker, to tell the truth, it is with great awe that I stand in this House for the first time. I am not the first woman to represent this constituency. In fact, Nancy Hodges was the first female Liberal candidate to win the seat of Victoria. That was in 1941, and she sat

in these chambers until 1952. She was Speaker of this House from 1950 to 1952 and was the first woman Speaker in the Commonwealth. It seems that Liberals have a history in this House. As No. 77, I know that.

In 1953 yet another woman won this seat — Lydia Arsens for the Social Credit Party. Of course, after the constituency split, let's not forget Gretchen Mann Brewin, who served her community well as a councillor, as a mayor and as MLA for the neighbouring riding of Victoria–Beacon Hill and also as Speaker of this House. So I feel honoured to be in such company and proud that these strong women blazed the trail ahead of me.

Victoria-Hillside has many beautiful areas. We have parks and we have trails. We have a wonderful municipal golf course and many cherished Garry oak groves. We have a history and a culture. But this is not a wealthy riding. We have people with middle-class incomes. We have many people who live on a very modest income. They are proud, hard-working people from all walks of life. We have a very active Indo-Canadian community. We have three temples in my constituency. The Jewish Community Centre is in my constituency, and the synagogue is only 20 feet outside my boundaries. In fact, it is the oldest synagogue in Canada. I have a large Chinese community. Victoria's Chinatown is in my constituency, with its rich history. We have many Latinos. We have many Vietnamese and Iranian people — just a wonderful mix of many cultures.

One of the strengths of Victoria-Hillside is the sense of community demonstrated by the number of active and successful community groups, many of which I have already been involved with. For example, the Burnside-Gorge Community Association, under the leadership of Dean Fortin, is working very hard to build a new community centre. They already have many partners in place. Blanshard Community Centre is another shining example under the leadership of a terrific role model, Leni Hoover.

We also have the Oaklands centre and the Cridge Centre for the Family, under the superb leadership of Colin Moorman. They are about to start to build their new child care centre. Their final project goal will be an entire village for families and seniors. This organization has a long history in Victoria-Hillside, as this used to be an orphanage. We have business leaders today living in our community who lived as children in this orphanage and have wonderful memories of the centre and the Cridge family.

The Kiwanis Club has just completed an extension to their housing project, adding another 50 suites for seniors. They are nearing completion on a wonderful new project to house single moms with one child and also to provide a support system to help these moms get back on their feet. All the Kiwanis projects are done without any help from government or any subsidies.

These organizations are committed to helping the needs of our families, seniors and especially our children — one of our most important and precious resources. What is so very important to me, and one of the many reasons that I sought a seat as a Liberal in this Legislative Assembly, is this government's commitment to these values.

We not only have a Minister of Children and Family Development, but we also have a Minister of State for Early Childhood Development. At a meeting last week that this minister organized, I had the pleasure of listening to the wise words of Dr. Fraser Mustard, who is a leader in early childhood development. He said that the health and well-being of the population has a bearing on the economy, and it starts right here with our children, right at their beginnings. Likewise, a healthy economy leads to a better environment in which to raise healthy children.

An example of a better environment that is changing the face of a community is a large subsidized housing complex in my community called Blanshard Court. Over the years it has had tough times and bad press. Blanshard Court is now changing. With help from B.C. Housing, they are having a makeover. Ugly blacktop is being removed and replaced with clay areas, lawns and even a water park, if we had water. The buildings have new windows and doors and are being repainted, and all the residents are busy picking the building colours. I was fortunate enough recently to be at those meetings, and it was lots of fun.

The perception of Blanshard Court has always been as a place where the police spent a lot of time. That was true in the past but certainly not now. Several weeks ago I did a late-night ride-along with Victoria Police Chief Battershill, and he told me that Blanshard Court had fewer calls now than some of the more upmarket neighbourhoods. So we have decided to shake off the name and show people what Blanshard Court is today. We are having a competition with the residents to change the name, and when all the painting is finished, we are going to have a ribbon-cutting and a party. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate a wonderful neighbourhood that houses proud, hard-working people.

The reason I told this story, Mr. Speaker, was to make a point: all people really want is hope. All they want is a chance to get ahead and be treated with respect. They want someone to watch over their hard-earned tax dollars and give them a tax break — a promise under the leadership of our Premier that we have already fulfilled. Because of the characteristics of my community, I probably know better than most that as well as a growing economy, it is important that we also ensure that we have a government with a social conscience and that a safety net is there for people who genuinely need it. Our government has also made another historical first step by appointing the first-ever Minister of State for Mental Health.

On my night ride with the Victoria police chief, we talked over our concerns and issues that I have been working on for many years: adult and children sexual exploitation and our concerns over substance abuse. All of these issues are very complex but have not been addressed well in the past decade. I know that personally, because I work with these people all the

time. I intend to work closely with the ministers responsible to ensure that these problems get the attention they clearly need in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I do not want to give you the impression that everyone in our community is in need of a social safety net. For example, in my constituency live many government workers, and over the past few weeks I have had many calls from the rank and file of the civil service. This body of people is hard-working. They are the engine that makes good government work. Many have served the people of this province for several decades, and all they want is to do a good job in a professional and open civil service. They tell me that they are excited about the openness we have created, especially open cabinet meetings.

Victoria-Hillside has many, many businesses, both large and small, and houses the industrial core of the region. I have also owned several small businesses, and I understand it when these business owners say to me: "Just get out of our way, and let us get on with the business of doing business." Mr. Speaker, I can tell you it is a great relief to these people that we announced a Minister of State for Deregulation.

Businesses have been choking on red tape for years, and of course, many have closed down. It is a great message that we have sent out: B.C. is open for business again. Come home; we want your business. Things are looking up. This government is committed to cutting red tape and the regulatory burden by one-third within three years.

Over the past weeks I have had the opportunity to talk to many of my local businesses. They have struggled over the past years, but since this government was elected, I am hearing stories of optimism. Victoria-Hillside has many of the major car dealerships, and over the past four weeks business has dramatically improved. You know, that tax break did make a difference.

A local company that makes windows is swamped with work, with the sales rep working until 11 every night to keep up with the orders. Customers who had put their renovations and building on hold, too worried about where British Columbia was going, are now starting their projects. The local house painter that I called to get my own house painted is trying to fit me in, because all of a sudden the customers that he quoted to last year, including me, are now ready to go ahead.

The local vacuum cleaner store said last week that things have never looked so good. But most important was the call I received from my son. My son, who lives in Tofino and is a fish farmer on a very, very modest income, said: "Hey, mom, I got more money on my paycheque, and I'm going out for supper."

I ran in the community of Victoria-Hillside because the issues of this riding are near and dear to my heart: social issues, small business, economic growth, hope and a future — a health care system that always puts patients first and a school system that always puts children first. There are many things that I will be working on in Victoria-Hillside, but the one thing that I have promised and guaranteed to my constituents is access — access to me.

I have promised a community office that matches what our government stands for: access, openness, accountability and willingness to listen. I will not be able to solve all the problems, but I will try. I come from a municipal grass-roots background, and I know from that experience that people want to be heard by those they elected — for us to remember why we are here and a mandate to renew people's trust in government.

One of the reasons I am particularly proud to be a member of the government benches in this assembly is our commitment during the election to the New Era document and the Premier's 90-day agenda. We are fulfilling what we promised to do, and the people I have talked to are very understanding that everything we want to do will not be easy, especially in the short term. Growing the economy is something that doesn't take place overnight. Meanwhile, financial pressures will be difficult, but we do know that this is what the people of B.C. want.

They want this province to get back to what it used to be — to number one. Our government is prepared to work with all segments of the community to find the most effective ways to make British Columbia once again the best province in Canada and to restore a new era of hope and prosperity, which is what I believe all British Columbians really want — especially the people of my constituency, Victoria-Hillside.

B. Bennett: It's my privilege and honour today to second the motion made by the member for Victoria-Hillside. My remarks today are made from the perspective of the people who live, work and raise their families in the riding of East Kootenay. I'm sure this perspective will also be recognized by those members who come from the other rural areas of British Columbia.

East Kootenay is a large riding. It extends from the Alberta border in the east to a few kilometres west of Cranbrook, down south to the U.S. border and north almost to the city of Kimberley. Our riding consists of five distinct communities with vast tracts of mountain wilderness between those communities.

Our communities are: Cranbrook, the regional service centre and the business, government and entertainment centre; Fernie, the beautiful burgeoning town with the great snow and the flourishing ski industry; Sparwood, the first community which is inside the Alberta-B.C. boundary and home to many of the valley's miners; and Elkford, which is a lovely little town in a wilderness setting north of Sparwood. The fifth area is a sprawling area of rangeland and ranches and villages between Cranbrook and Fernie. We call that the south country.

There is much to celebrate today and many reasons for the people of the East Kootenay to have renewed hope in the future of British Columbia. As British Columbians work their way clear of the past ten years of lost opportunity, we in the East Kootenay appreciate

the honesty and the fortitude it takes for this government to simply tell it like it is. The results of the fiscal review panel announced on Monday set out in an objective, unbiased way just how serious our fiscal situation really is in British Columbia. Clearly we have been living beyond our means.

Admitting there is a problem is the beginning of a solution. Our new government has already begun the public policy changes so desperately needed to get our fiscal house in order and to make British Columbia competitive once again with the rest of Canada and the rest of the world. I refer particularly to the dramatic reduction of personal income taxes for all British Columbians — not just for the wealthy, as has been suggested by some, but a dramatic reduction of personal income taxes for everyone who pays taxes in B.C.

As it has in all other jurisdictions, letting our citizens keep more of their money will ultimately create more jobs and more revenue to pay for our valued social programs. On a personal level, it makes me very proud to be a member of a government that actually does after the election what it promised to do during the election.

When I decided to enter politics a few years ago, I encountered the now Premier at a political convention in a Kelowna hotel, and I asked him point-blank: "Do you mean what you have been saying about more open and accountable government? Will you really allow free votes in the Legislature? Will you actually make ministers personally accountable? Will you really set fixed election dates?"

I got my answer in the hallway of that Kelowna hotel, and I decided then to seek election to this House. British Columbians got their answers to those questions yesterday during the Speech from the Throne, and I'm sure they are very pleased with those answers. Again, I'm honoured and grateful to be a member of a government that keeps its promises.

I want to use the rest of my time today to talk about some of the issues that are specific to my riding, the East Kootenay. One thing that we all have in common in B.C. is that we all think that our own part of the province is the most beautiful place on the face of the Earth, and we tell each other that all the time. Well, the people of Cranbrook, Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford and our ranch country all know in our hearts that our valleys and our mountains and our communities are the most beautiful places on Earth. I can tell you that when the sun comes up over the spectacular Rockies and drops down over the gorgeous Purcell Mountains — and at all times in between — those of us who are lucky enough to live in this paradise are grateful to God that such places still exist. We need to protect and conserve these places.

Amidst all its natural beauty, the hard-working people of the East Kootenay manage to make a significant contribution to the provincial economy. Mining and forestry in particular make huge contributions to our province's capacity to pay for health care, education and our other social services. Every day, seven days a week, six to eight coal trains wend their way west from the Elk Valley, each with 110 cars loaded full of coal. They go across the beautiful Kootenay River and up the Rocky Mountain Trench to the Columbia Valley and into Golden, where they join the TransCanada rail route. And on they go, six to eight trains a day, out to the west coast, where they unload onto ships destined for Japan.

One car carries 100 tonnes of coal. At $40 a tonne and at eight trains a day, this beautiful little patch of Rocky Mountains called Elk Valley pumps $4 million a day into the B.C. economy. Another way to look at it — and I can't say that I thought of this; this comes from David Baxter of the Urban Futures Institute…. If you take just the direct taxes from a couple of coal trains from the East Kootenay — never mind the fuel tax, the PST, the employee income taxes and corporate taxes — you can pay for a bypass operation. So with eight trains per day, that works out to four bypass operations every day that are paid for by East Kootenay coal.

The men and women who mine that coal in the Elk Valley and the people who work in the many businesses which supply the mining industry throughout the East Kootenay appreciate the fact that our government will encourage mining exploration after an 80 percent decline in exploration over the past ten years.

The Sullivan Mine in Kimberley, which is just outside the boundaries of my riding, closed this year after 100 years of contributing to the B.C. economy. In fact, we here in B.C. have been losing more mines than we have been gaining. So it's reassuring to the thousands of East Kootenay families that depended on the mining industry to know that this government will eliminate the backlog and delays in Crown land applications and will increase access to those Crown lands so that mining can continue to contribute to the economy of our province and can continue to provide the highest-paid resource jobs in British Columbia.

Like all the other economic regions of B.C. — except one, which happens to include Whistler-Blackcomb — our region receives its largest economic boost from the forest industry. Times have been very tough for East Kootenay forest workers and forest companies, as they have been for the whole B.C. forest industry. As with all commodities, when the price of pulp or lumber goes down, we lose jobs. Our shopkeepers, mechanics, realtors, tradespeople and accountants all feel the decline. But over the past ten years the hard-working people of the East Kootenay have suffered from a surprising enemy: their own government. The regulatory burden imposed on those who work in the forest industry by the former government has brought the once-proud B.C. forest industry to its knees. The practical consequences of this decline: lost jobs; closed mills, including the Cranbrook sawmill; and personal hardship for every single person in the East Kootenay whose livelihood depends on the forest industry.

I commend our government for taking action to improve the Forest Practices Code. I have seen firsthand on the mountain slopes of the East Kootenay

just recently the effort and the time and the resources it takes forest workers on the ground to follow the byzantine and sometimes conflicting regulations prescribed by the code. Forest workers are professionals. They have practical experience, and they have common sense. If the objectives and the standards in the code are clear, they will find the most efficient and sensible way to meet those objectives and standards. If they don't, the company will suffer penalties.

I also commend our government for its speedy action relative to the pine beetle crisis. The pine beetle epidemic came through the Flathead region of the East Kootenay roughly 20 years ago. Fortunately, the companies and the government of the day listened to the professional foresters, and the epidemic was controlled and not allowed to spread throughout the rest of the East Kootenay. I toured this huge reforested area in the Flathead, just north of the Montana border, a few weeks ago, and the regrowth, the wildlife, the birds and the diversity in this area are overwhelming.

Finally, I commend the government for its commitment to using a small portion of provincial stumpage fees to educate our markets about the real B.C. forest practices. There are groups in the world today who threaten the livelihoods of thousands of families in my riding and around this province. They are spreading false information. The facts about B.C.'s forest practices must be told.

Hon. Speaker, it wouldn't be fair to the tourist or real estate development industries of my riding to leave an impression that the East Kootenay is completely dependent on the core resource industries. In fact, we've been diversifying our economy through the development of a very strong tourist industry and recreational home development, and there is great potential to develop a high-tech component in our economy in places like the city of Fernie, which many in the ski industry around the world have said will be the next Whistler. The expansion of the ski resorts at Kimberley and Fernie have helped our regional economy, as has the development of several world-class golf courses in the Cranbrook vicinity. This economic diversification is critical to the future of the East Kootenay. It makes our communities more self-sufficient, and it keeps those dollars circulating in our regional economy.

Interestingly, all of the investment in tourism and recreational home development in the East Kootenay has come from our neighbours to the east, in Alberta. Though it's been difficult to compete with Alberta business because of B.C.'s tax and regulatory structure, we in the East Kootenay are generally grateful to be so close to the booming economy of Alberta. Their free enterprise dollars have shielded the East Kootenay to some extent from the stagnant economic reality of the past several years.

We look forward to a renewed investment climate in B.C. We are envious of Alberta's strong economy, and we are very pleased that this government wants to change B.C. public policy to allow our business community in B.C. to compete with Alberta and every other jurisdiction in the world.

The East Kootenay is a diverse place, and the region, like the province, contains people with disparate interests and values. We are thankful that there is a capacity in the hearts and the minds of the people of the East Kootenay to tolerate these differences.

One group of the East Kootenay people that I want to say just a few words about today, who are not always tolerated by our urban friends, are the men and women who go into the mountains of our region every fall to pursue an honourable 10,000-year tradition. These folks are conservationists. They love the mountains and the streams and the wild places. Every year they assist provincial wildlife managers at no cost to taxpayers on a myriad of beneficial projects. They also gather and report valuable information on wildlife population numbers, and they supply that to our provincial wildlife managers.

These folks are the hunters of the East Kootenay. The East Kootenay is referred to as the Serengeti of North America. We are blessed with large herds of Rocky Mountain elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, Shiras moose, bighorn sheep, high populations of cougars and wolves, countless smaller creatures and, of course, large populations of black bears and grizzly bears.

Recently our government lifted a blanket moratorium on grizzly bear hunting, imposed by the former government against the advice of the government's own professional wildlife managers. I can tell you that to the people of the East Kootenay and, I'm sure, to the people in the north, this decision was symbolic of the way that the former government sacrificed rural rights and interests for crass political purposes.

This decision just reminded us of how so often in B.C. — in fact all over this country — rural people are told by their governments: "Don't worry. We know what's best for you." Our government, on the other hand, listened to its own experts and to rural people and imposed scientifically based closures only in areas where grizzly populations do not require a harvest. I was very pleased to hear in the Speech from the Throne that government management of the environment and natural resources will be performed on scientific principles. That will be a change from what we've been used to over the last ten years.

Let's be clear about one thing, though. The opposition to the grizzly hunt in B.C. is not about the future of grizzly bear populations, as some groups would have the public believe. I am confident that the scientific review will determine that there are large populations of grizzly bears in B.C. and that hunting a few bears each year is the best way to control those healthy populations.

The opposition to the grizzly hunt is based on a fundamental disagreement about the morality of hunting wildlife. Although rural people resent how hunters are sometimes characterized by some of those

who do not share the same values, hunters accept the disagreement about the morality of hunting as inevitable. It's not commonly known across the province, particularly in the lower mainland, that hundreds of younger, so-called nuisance black and grizzly bears are shot every year by conservation officers because they were driven out of a territory belonging to an old boar.

Neither do most British Columbians see the carnage on our highways with countless serious accidents from the proliferation of the deer and elk population. Most hunters don't take an animal. When they do take an animal, there is enormous respect from the hunter for the animal. For anyone who doesn't hunt, it is, I think, impossible to fathom the intuitive connection felt between the hunter and the prey and between the hunter and the natural world.

Hunters buy their licences and tags. In addition, they contribute to what's known as the habitat conservation trust fund, which incidentally was conceived in Cranbrook in 1981, when Rafe Mair was Minister of Environment. This habitat conservation trust fund was created by hunters for habitat conservation, protection, management and acquisition of lands. It is a self-imposed tax on hunters, fishers, trappers and guides.

Hunting in B.C. is very strictly regulated in order that healthy populations can be maintained. Those who hunt harvest only surplus members of healthy, expanding or stable populations. No less than Albert Schweitzer, when working in Africa, said that removing surplus animals to manage populations by hunting is essential to the survival of a healthy population of wildlife.

I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about one of the challenges of having so much wildlife in the East Kootenay. Imagine, Mr. Speaker, if you had 20 to 150 uninvited guests arrive for breakfast and dinner day after day, year after year. I know that you are a patient man, but I bet you would grow tired of the extra burden these uninvited guests would place on you, your family and your household budget. The ranchers of the East Kootenay and elsewhere in B.C. put up with just this very predicament every day. Every morning when the sun rises over the Rocky Mountains, ranchers in my riding look out their windows to see herds of elk devouring their crops and trampling their fences. It seems that elk prefer alfalfa to pine grass, and who can blame them? I suppose it's the difference between steak and wieners.

I hope that during the next four years we can recognize that the ranchers in B.C. carry much of the burden of the province's large wildlife populations and that this unfairness should be addressed. Ranchers and farmers are trying their best to produce our food, and I think that sometimes we take them for granted.

I've talked about some of the challenges of our region and how the East Kootenay makes a significant contribution to the provincial economy despite its relatively low population. This financial contribution to the province is important for many reasons, not the least of which is the delivery of health care and education services in our region.

It may be, in fact, more costly to deliver those services in our region and other rural regions than it is to deliver those same services in urban areas. I want to say that it's a relief to those of us who live in the East Kootenay, and it brings us great hope for the future to know that this government is committed to maintaining the budgets for health care and education and to know that this government has made the commitment to provide health care and education services to rural British Columbians on a scale that will meet the needs of the people who live in the regions.

This is an important commitment from this government: to provide health care to the rural areas of the province to meet their needs regardless of where that service is provided. Without adequate health care and education services, my constituents would not be able to live and earn their livelihoods in the East Kootenay. Without these people living and working in the East Kootenay, the province of B.C. would not have revenues from coal, minerals, pulp, lumber, tourism and agricultural products.

I want to conclude today with a true story. The Premier, over the past few years, has been heard to tell a story about meeting a father in the Kootenays whose 18-year-old son had to go to Alberta to find a decent job. The Premier, before he was the Premier, used this story to illustrate the personal, human costs of the former government's public policy shortcomings.

That 18-year-old young man is my son Dylan. He left home to work in the oil patch in Alberta four years ago. He's now 22. He attends college in Alberta. He's met a nice young woman from Alberta and, from all appearances, will make his life in Alberta. His mother and I miss him a lot. He loves B.C., but his quest for meaningful employment took him away. That's something that my wife and I must contend with, just as other parents in the East Kootenay must contend with the reality that we have the highest youth unemployment rate in B.C.

I have a second son, Daniel, who's now 17. We want him to have the choices that our first son did not have. If he decides to move out of B.C., we will of course support his decision. But if he, as he now indicates, wants to stay in B.C., we want him to be able to find a good job or profession right here at home.

The direction set out by our government's Speech from the Throne gives parents in the East Kootenay great hope that we now have responsible government in B.C. and that our children will have the option of building their lives in this province. Let's get our fiscal house in order. Let's address the lack of competitiveness and productivity in B.C. Let's find ways to be creative and innovative. Let's unleash the power of individual entrepreneurial initiative, hard work and risk-taking.

I commend the Premier for the direction set out in the throne speech, and I can say unequivocally to the people of the East Kootenay that B.C. is now on the road to recovery. There is hope. We will once again have prosperity.

J. MacPhail: Mr. Speaker, let me begin by congratulating you for your office. I wish you well in your deliberations in what I consider probably the most important physical chamber that exists in society today. It is the place where democracy must prevail, where balance and thoughtful discussion must take place. I very much look forward to you guiding us through these times in the course of the coming four years. I also welcome the Deputy Speaker to the chair when he sits there in your absence.

This is my third time that I rise after an election to talk about the future as we see it, as it unfolds in British Columbia. It is a good time, because it's the reply to the Speech from the Throne, at which time we members get to rise and talk about our ridings.

Often we have roles that extend beyond representing our own constituencies, which don't often allow us to reflect on the strengths of being able to represent our own constituents. So let me take a few moments to talk about Vancouver-Hastings and the changes that have taken place in my riding in the last few days and weeks and months.

Vancouver-Hastings is a wonderful community. I say, with the greatest of respect to each and every person in this chamber, that I live in the best community in all of British Columbia. It is the northeast corner of the city of Vancouver. The city of Vancouver often gets lauded as the best and the most livable city in all of the world. It wins award after award after award. Within that city, the northeast corner, with the greatest of respect, is the best part of the city.

Why? We're a diverse community. Forty percent of our neighbours speak a language other than English as their first language. Most are Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking. That's 40 percent. The diversity in our community is so wonderful. We are a young population. There are many people who move to Vancouver-Hastings because homes are still within the affordable range. Even given the context of Vancouver houses being the highest-priced in all of Canada, within our corner of the world houses are still affordable. So young families can move in and raise their children.

They of course do need much support in our community. They need day care; they need transit services; they need parks; they need community centres. At least until recently, all of those were available in Vancouver-Hastings. But we are also a community where there are many people who rely on social assistance. There are people that face employment challenges, and while they're looking for work and getting retrained, they rely on social assistance. They are my neighbours as well, and they make a wonderful contribution to our community.

There are also people, my neighbours — I would say virtually every single one in my community — who care passionately and deeply about their quality of life and the environment in which they live. They care and are concerned about the air quality. They don't want to wake up each and every morning and face the circumstances that people on the east coast are facing today or that people in Toronto are facing today, where they cannot breathe, where the air pollution is so substantial that children have to stay inside their homes. My community cares passionately about air quality. They care about their water quality. They want to make sure that the water they drink and the water in which they swim is of the highest quality.

We're also a community of first nations people. I share with my colleague the member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant the largest urban first nations community in all of Canada. That adds a wonderful rich flavour to our diversity. There are challenges that the first nations community in my neighbourhood faces. They are challenges of poverty; they are challenges of concern. There's a rising tension amongst first nations people who live in Vancouver, because of their treatment as second-class citizens that seems to be appearing each and every day. That creates a tension in Vancouver-Hastings, a tension that wasn't there a few weeks ago.

There are issues that face our community — yes, that have faced our community over the last ten weeks, the last ten months and the last ten years and that are still there. Yes, those issues are still there. Are they improving? Have they improved over the last decade? Yes, they have. I will talk about some of those improvements that may now be at risk.

There still are challenges that face the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings, and it is those challenges that I will address today. I stood for office and hoped dearly to be re-elected, facing very, very difficult circumstances — I recognized that but hoped to be re-elected — because my compassion and passion for my community is exceeded by only one thing: the love of my son. Nothing can exceed that. Today I rise with concern that one can only feel when one has that passion for one's community, hon. Speaker.

There has been great progress made throughout the nineties for the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings. Over the course of the last decade we have seen more community health centres arrive in Vancouver-Hastings. Parents now no longer have to go to emergency centres to have their children looked after when doctors' offices are closed. They have the services of community health nurses. They have the services of nutritionists right in their own neighbourhood. They can see a physiotherapist. If they need the assistance of a social worker, there are community health centres that opened in the last decade that will serve the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings. They have greater than ever access to inoculation programs for young children. That's the good news for our citizens.

Our schools are safer. Children can go to school now and not fear being bullied. Children go to smaller classes if they're the youngest in our society. Children up to grade 3 will now go to school each and every morning, and they will be able to sit with their teacher, and their teacher will have the fewest students in all of Canada to teach. That is so important, Mr. Speaker. I expect that we'll be having this debate over and over

again in the coming weeks, but there is not one pedagogical expert who will deny that our youngest are not served better by smaller class sizes.

When students go to Laura Secord, when they go to Lord Nelson, when they go to Hastings School, when they go to Macdonald School, when they go to Begbie School in Vancouver-Hastings, our youngest are getting a better education, because teachers have the ability to teach, at the most, 22 students. If you're in kindergarten, a very crucial year, they are teaching a maximum of 20 students. That's such good news. I know that those of us who have young children or nieces and nephews or even neighbours know how important it is to invest early in our youngest.

The young families of Vancouver-Hastings, over the last decade, have seen a quadrupling of the number of day care spaces available right in our community. Believe you me, these day care spaces are needed so much. This is one area, I freely admit, where more needs to be done. Yes, we've made huge progress over the last decade, but even more needs to be done, and I know that progress is under threat.

Why day care? Is it, as one of the members opposite said, so that West Vancouver moms can go and play tennis and have their children put in day care? Well, certainly not in Vancouver-Hastings. In Vancouver-Hastings there are hundreds and thousands of single parents who have no choice. They don't have the luxury of staying at home with their child, but they love their children. They want to make sure that while they're out earning a living, their child is receiving the best possible care. They know that means affordable, licensed, safe day care. That's now what they have available in Vancouver-Hastings — the vast majority of parents.

Not only is it affordable, but it's affordable like only one other jurisdiction in Canada. Only one other group of parents has day care that matches what we have in British Columbia, and that's the moms and dads in Quebec. We rightfully say we took our lead from Quebec, because it was so successful on behalf of the children and families of Quebec. Now parents of children who are 12 years old or younger, if their children are in school, pay a maximum of $7 for before- and after-school care each and every day — only $7.

But I fear that those parents are going to wake up one morning, look at their tax cut of $18 or $20 a paycheque and say: "My gosh, my day care for each and every one of my children is now up to $12 per day, $14 per day, $15 or maybe $20 per day." They're going to look at that tax cut of $18 or $20 per two weeks and say: "That isn't enough to pay for one day of the increase in my child care fees." That's what the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings are fearing and what they're worried about each and every night as they come home from work. A tax cut means nothing under those circumstances.

I also expect that the families who, each and every month, receive their family bonus of $107 per month per child from the B.C. government and rely on that to feed and clothe and pay for music lessons and school books for their children are worried that maybe this month is the month that that cheque may stop. They're worried that once again they will be driven into a greater level of poverty that they haven't faced for a decade. I worry that the family bonus is at risk because of the actions of the government in so quickly giving away massive tax cuts to the wealthiest in this province.

I'd very much like — and I've never had a member of the Liberal caucus offer this — the members of…. Actually, that's not true; I take that back. The member for Vancouver-Langara has been to Vancouver-Hastings and has met with the constituents of Vancouver-Hastings. Beyond the member for Vancouver-Langara, I don't know of one Liberal member who has cared a whit about the members from Vancouver-Hastings, but right now I would like this government to come and meet with those who live in Vancouver-Hastings. I'd like them to come to Kiwassa Neighbourhood House and see all of the community programs that are going on there: skills development programs, pre-employment programs, youth programs, day care programs, multicultural programs, Chinese senior programs. I'd actually like a member from the now government to say: "You know what? We do care about Vancouver-Hastings, and we're going to come and meet with the people who live there and explain to them how the new era works for the members of Vancouver-Hastings."

The Liberal person who ran in Vancouver-Hastings had very strongly held views about Vancouver-Hastings, was very honest about the future for Vancouver-Hastings and what a new Liberal government may mean for Vancouver-Hastings, and his honesty was devastating to the neighbourhood. His honesty is now proving to be exactly what will come true for not only the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings but the rest of British Columbia, when he said: "Of course there will be cuts to programs in your community." He said that directly to the citizens: "Of course you'll have to expect cuts in programs when we give a tax cut." The citizens of Vancouver-Hastings said: "How can you do that? These programs are needed. We can't give up our day care. We can't give up our English-language training. We can't give up our school lunch programs. What is it that you would cut, Daniel Lee? What is it you would cut that would be made up for by the $18-to-$20-every-two-weeks tax cut you're going to give us?" He didn't have an answer for that.

Now it is that the truth that was told by Daniel Lee in Vancouver-Hastings and denied outright by every other Liberal candidate…. The lack of forthrightness by every other Liberal candidate turns out to be true. In these open cabinet meetings we're having, these show-and-tell programs, even this government can't deny that they're going to

cut programs. It turns out that they're just about ten weeks too late for the truth to have any effect on the constituents.

It turns out that people don't have any choice about deciding about cuts to programs, because they were denied that information during the election. Those who were actually told the truth by the Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Hastings chose not to elect a Liberal candidate. Not one other Liberal candidate, either being elected or re-elected, told the truth during the election, and now the citizens of British Columbia will reap the whirlwind of that.

I must say that the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings know what they need to be concerned about in the future. Let's just talk about some of the concerns that they're faced with right now, as we speak, in the first ten weeks of this Liberal government. We have a very, very serious economic situation and social situation facing us….

J. MacPhail: You know, it's interesting. I think the Liberal members will probably learn to hold their cheekiness until I've actually finished, because the economic situation, the crisis that faces the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings, is solely the creation of this Liberal government. The transit situation and the lack of transit services in the lower mainland is creating an economic crisis that is beyond the ability of small businesses to survive. Each and every day small businesses write directly to this Liberal government, because I get copies of the letters, in the hundreds. They write letters to the editor saying directly that because of the transit strike, our economy is failing.

I was prevented from asking a question on behalf of small businesses because of the inability to rise and be recognized today in question period. If I had been able to rise and speak on behalf of small businesses, I would have stood and read out all the concerns raised by small businesses throughout the lower mainland, urging this government to resolve the transit strike. Small businesses know absolutely clearly that this government has legislation before them that allows them, right now, to order TransLink to resolve the dispute.

The Premier himself knows that TransLink is responsible for this — sections 3 and 4 and 9 if anybody, including the minister responsible, would care to read their own legislation — and knows that TransLink must resolve this strike. But instead, the Premier, the minister responsible, relies on the ridiculous assertion of their best friend, George Puil, who says: "Oh, it's not me. That $100,000 I get paid for chairing TransLink doesn't actually give me any responsibility to solve the TransLink strike. Governments, small business, Chinese seniors, students…. I'm being paid this huge amount of money to not have the responsibility for the job that I'm being paid for.

"Section 9 of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Act, which requires me to resolve compensation issues for all of the workers, doesn't really mean I'm responsible. Sections 3 and 4 of the GVTA act, which requires me to provide public transit in exchange for revenue from the provincial government, doesn't mean I actually have to provide public transit. Somebody else is responsible. Somebody else that I, George Puil, created — the Coast Mountain Bus Co., which wasn't even contemplated under the legislation — is responsible. And you know what, citizens of Vancouver? Even though there are tens of millions of your tax dollars going to TransLink from the provincial government, with direct responsibility for providing public transit, I, the Liberal government, am not going to actually demand anything for those taxes."

Perhaps this Liberal government could actually take responsibly its requirements to collect those taxes and ensure that the public gets service for it. They could have done that today; they refused to do it today. So the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings, the small businesses of Vancouver-Hastings, are worse off, and that's the economic crisis created by this Liberal government and no one else — no one else.

How is this hurting Vancouver-Hastings citizens? Well, let me just give the members here a few examples. In Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, a group of Chinese seniors meets every week. They are relatively new citizens, not brand-new citizens — some of them have been here for months; some of them have been here for years — and I meet with them regularly. They have Friday lunches where the food is unbelievable. They meet and discuss issues about the community. They practise their English. They teach me English. They talk about issues in the community. One thing that they have described to me is the despair that they're facing now because of the lack of their bus service.

They have learned to travel around their community. They have learned the bus schedules. They have learned the transit routes. It is that regular, consistent transit service that they rely on to get around. They take their grandchildren to and from school. They take their grandchildren to and from community centres, where there are services. They meet with other Chinese seniors groups in other neighbourhoods.

I also have a Chinese seniors group at Thunderbird Community Centre, and they have joint programs. You know what? In order to have the joint programs, they actually have to have a bus service. They can use their English in a way that's understandable and allows them to not be threatened by anything. The bus service was regular. They understood how to read the service schedules. Now they are in complete despair. Why? Because this government doesn't value the Chinese seniors in my riding one iota to the same level that they value the CEO of Cominco or the CEO of

B.C. Gas, the Jimmy Pattisons of the world. Not one iota does this government value the Chinese senior who needs her bus service to the same extent. That is harming my community in an unprecedented way.

There are other matters in my community that are being severely harmed by this transit strike. The air quality is deteriorating on a daily basis in Vancouver-Hastings. Mothers and fathers are having to keep their children home. This is in the summertime when children should be out playing in the parks, when they should be outside in our swimming pools. Because of the deteriorating air quality, children are having to be kept home. Why? It's because of this transit strike.

The transit strike is also raising huge concern amongst people in my community who have chosen to give up their cars for environmental reasons, to live close to where they work and shop and go to school. There are young men and women who live on Commercial Drive and Victoria Drive who have chosen to live there specifically so they could rely on public transit. What do they see? They see a government that doesn't care one iota or share their values on the environment — not one iota. They have a Liberal government who would rather deregulate around the environment than properly regulate to protect the environment. They see a government that doesn't care one iota about making sure that people get out of their cars and have public transit and save our air quality. That's what they see — the young people who live on Victoria Drive and Commercial Drive.

They also see a government that says: "Not only do we not care about air quality, not only do we think that the Kyoto protocol is ridiculous…." That lower greenhouse gas emissions are important, as the rest of the world has agreed…. This government has chosen to side with those who would say: "Let's have more greenhouse gas emissions; let's ruin our environment more. Let's get more oil and gas out of our waters. Let's not only do it in a way that may be able to take advantage of the most advanced environmental technology…."

This government has said "pooh, pooh" to any discussions, to any studies. "Let's go in and drill the waters right now, and let's scoop out more oil and gas. Let's have more greenhouse gas emissions. Let's go against the worldwide trend to reducing oil and gas emissions."

Why? That's what B.C. Gas wants; that's what all of the big, rich oil companies want. Let's kowtow to them — be darned with the environment, be darned with the worldwide trend to reducing oil and gas emissions. Let's make sure more people are in their cars. Let's cut public transit; let's put more people in their cars. Let's make sure we drill out more oil and gas, even if it puts our environment at risk.

Let's once again go back to the eighties. Let's stand out from worldwide trends and go back to the eighties — in some cases, the fifties — and really not care about the environment. Let's make sure that we deliver only for our corporate backers who funded our election. We'll do anything to make sure that they're happy. Yes, Mr. Three Bags Full from B.C. Gas and the oil and gas companies. Yes to the forest companies who need bigger and cheaper fuel sources. Let's say yes to them.

I will worry, along with my constituents, not only about this government's lack of resolve to provide public transit and order their farm team to resolve the matter. I also will share the concerns of my constituents about the future of our province. We used to be world-class in our environmental standards. I worry terribly about that.

I worry about our young people who feel shut out by this government — the student councils from Templeton high school and Vancouver Tech high school, the young people who go to Capilano College, Vancouver Community College and Langara College, who no longer have a say in this government. I worry about their future.

You know what? They worry too. They worry about the fact that this government sets up what this government refers to as — I love this euphemism — a progress board. Progress for the corporations who trade on the stock exchanges — that's progress. Progress for corporations who want to have the biggest tax cuts for their own benefit at the expense of the lower income — that's progress. Progress for the wealthiest billionaires in this province, who want big tax cuts.

But students say: "What about progress for me? How am I going to be represented on that progress board? How is my voice going to be heard? Am I going to have to stand outside and protest in order to make my concerns heard? Certainly this government isn't welcoming me into the decision-making process. How is it that I'm going to make my voice heard in a way where 77 MLAs care not one whit about my future in colleges or universities? How is it that I am going to…?"

J. MacPhail: Mr. Speaker, it is a very, very important challenge for this government, with their overwhelming voice, to allow at least some other voices to be heard. They don't want other voices to be heard either inside this chamber or out. I do appreciate the very, very important role from that chamber to allow other voices to be heard clearly and unequivocally. I think, hon. Speaker, that you have a very important role to play in that.

J. MacPhail: Students who have no voice within this government and have been completely shut out, people who care passionately about the environment, who have been completely shut out…. Our working people represented by unions have been completely shut out. They have very serious concerns about having their voices heard. You know, tomorrow this government could stand up and say: "We need to

expand the Progress Board. We need to include others that are not cut from exactly the same cloth as our current members. We need to bring onto the Progress Board a Chinese senior from Vancouver-Hastings or from Vancouver-Kensington or from Burnaby North. We need to bring forward a Chinese senior to do that."

Or they could stand up and say: "We need to expand the Progress Board. We need to bring on a student who has made her way up and is now studying at Vancouver Community College." That would be good news. Or they could stand up and say: "You know, we forgot, on the Progress Board, to take into account triple-line accounting. Therefore, we need to make sure that there's someone who cares and understands passionately about environmental technology and environmental accounting. We need to add him or her to the Progress Board."

I expect we'll wake up tomorrow and we won't see that. That's why the citizens in my community are very concerned. They're very concerned because, of course, none of their concerns were addressed in the throne speech yesterday. They were left out.

Women who have family responsibilities — the only thing they were told was: "Gosh, if you're in the private sector, make sure you understand that your pay equity rights are threatened. Make sure you understand that." Not a mention of child care. Not a mention of how this government was going to continue the progress in the area of child care. If you're a young person who is concerned about student financial aid, not a mention about that. If you're a young person who needs transit out to Simon Fraser University or out to UBC, not a mention of how their life was going to be better. Not a mention of how the protection for reproductive choice was going to carry on in this province — not a mention of that and how the good work in that area needed to be continued.

First nations people in my community…. What they were told yesterday in the throne speech was: "Your rights are going to be put to a referendum." Even though the citizens of Vancouver-Hastings and Vancouver–Mount Pleasant form the largest off-reserve first nations community in all of British Columbia, they're still the minority. They're still the minority, and all they were told yesterday was that their minority rights are going to be voted on by the majority. That's all they were told yesterday. Not one iota of concern about the fact that in the last ten years, while progress has been made on education for first nations students — substantial progress, better than anywhere else in Canada…. Not one mention of the fact that more work needs to be done.

In this great era of giving more choice, not once has this government ever said: "We want to have more choice so that aboriginal students can reach equality along with non-aboriginal students." Not once has their level of choice in education ever addressed the real issue of inequality. Not once have I heard that government stand up for aboriginal children. Why? Because it's not on their agenda. Aboriginal students were left out of this government's agenda during the election, they were left out yesterday in the throne speech, and I predict that they'll be left out of the agenda on Monday, when this government tables its budget.

Well, all of the constituents who were left out of yesterday's throne speech.... Women who need child care, women who need family leave, women who need to have a decent paycheque and didn't get it in their tax cut, people who care passionately about the environmental achievements that have been gathered up over the last ten years, people who care about human rights for aboriginal people, people who care about human rights for same-sex couples: all of those people were left out of the throne speech yesterday.

You can rest assured that the member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant and I will be standing up to hold this government accountable. Will it be easy? No, because already, in the first ten weeks, we have seen a dismaying lack of humility in the huge mandate that was given them — a huge lack of humility. Yes, each and every day we are reminded that the Liberal government received a huge and overwhelming majority. We accept that; we absolutely accept that. But that huge and overwhelming mandate is usually picked up as a cudgel by other governments in a way that says: "Yes, we approach our responsibility with humility. We understand that any arrogance is simply unacceptable. We understand that we have a responsibility for all citizens, regardless of whether they voted for us or not."

Yet there is a dismaying lack of that understanding by the Liberal government. We see it each and every day. We see it each and every day when they move with unbelievable haste to give away to those who need it the least and take it from those who need government protection the most.

I hope that is just as a result of a learning curve, that eventually the members who now reside on the government side will give up their cheeky arrogance and their in-your-face ability to say: "We're on our agenda. Come hell or high water, we're on our agenda. And stand aside, those of you who may have concerns, who may want to tweak the agenda or maybe just have input to it. Stand aside. We don't want to have a thing to say to you." If I hear this one more time: "The election gave us the mandate to do this…." Regardless of whether people want to just have input to that mandate, maybe you want to suggest that there could be a better way of doing things, even to say that we could achieve the same thing but not have it deal so many people out.

What does this government do? It says to those people: "Stand aside. We won." I hope that arrogance and that lack of understanding of the role of government ebbs with the days that it continues to hold office. British Columbia will be better served by a change in that arrogance and that lack of humility that comes with their office. While the task will be difficult, while the task that remains with us is a huge challenge — a challenge that we understand but accept — we

will do our best to ensure that there won't be more people who have to protest outside the chamber of democracy and who will actually be able to hear their voices represented inside this chamber.

It is with a great deal of pleasure and pride that I stand in the House for the first time, also, as the representative from Skeena. I'd like to take this opportunity first of all, along with the other members, to express my congratulations to the Speaker for his election to the honoured position and also to the Deputy Speaker for his selection. I'd also like to extend my congratulations to the other members of the Legislature on their election to their positions.

I am pleased to be able to stand here today and share with and inform the members of this House on the beauty and the richness of my part of a spectacular province, and that's Skeena. As a previous member before me so eloquently stated, Skeena means water of the clouds. The scenery is as beautiful as the name is poetic. From the beauty of the Douglas Channel in the west to the spiralling peaks of the Seven Sisters range in the east, the beauty and awe of Skeena is truly breathtaking.

Skeena itself is comprised of seven communities. On the edge of the Douglas Channel is the port city of Kitimat and the first nations community of Haisla. In the centre of the riding is Terrace, bordered on the east by Kitsalas and on the west by Kitsumkalum. Into the far east of the riding, nestled in the mountains, are the communities of Gitwangak and Gitanyow.

We are peopled by a large aboriginal population as well as diverse ethnic peoples from around the world, with very different values and goals and aspirations. Like myself, we are all committed northerners, and with the Legislature's permission I plan on making each and every one of you very painfully aware of that.

I'd like to direct my first comments, though, to our first nations communities. I cannot speak for them, and the chiefs and elders today speak so eloquently to their concerns. I clearly understand their frustrations with a system that has not worked for any of us. It is clear today that their issues are ours, and what each of us is looking for is opportunity for ourselves and a future for our children. For many years now we've heard successive governments talk of making real progress in the area of treaties. In fact, very little has happened. The first nations communities in the north struggle under some of the highest unemployment rates in the province — in most cases, in excess of 80 percent.

A key component to restoring economic prosperity to all communities in the north can only be achieved by finally moving ahead on interim agreements that build on our common interests. No community in the north can prosper in isolation. We must collectively find our answers and take back direction, decision-making and, with that, control of our lives.

I am pleased to be part of a government which is committed to engaging all British Columbians in the treaty process. I believe that with that renewed sense of purpose, we will finally move forward in building a future that has eluded the aboriginal people and bring about the new era of hope and opportunity that we all spoke so passionately to during the election.

The Premier has allowed me to participate in a number of committees. Treasury Board and the Natural Resources Committee are two. The committee that excites me the most, and I believe provides the best vehicle ever for those of us in the north to finally have meaningful access to government, is the northern caucus.

For too long the north has been victimized by one-size-fits-all politics that have not benefited remote and rural communities and, in some cases, have penalized them, usually in the name of expedience or politics. The areas represented by these ten northern MLAs cover over half of the province. The northern caucus must build consensus, challenge inaccuracies, educate the urban centres and mould public policy that at the end of the day works for everyone.

We must provide access to civic mayors, first nations, business and community groups so that they can have a platform to provide input into the development of public policy. We must ensure that government commitments regarding health care and education are kept in the north. We will be the conduit for ideas and opportunities that will attract investment back into northern B.C. I am proud to say that our Premier and this government have finally taken the bold step to make this an inclusive government, not an exclusive club.

I'd like to say that Skeena is riding the wave of prosperity, but it's not the case. The last ten years of misguided government policy and mismanagement have left Skeena with some significant challenges. The continuing uncertainty of SCI provides little security to people of the northwest.

The issues around how we manage marginal timber stands still need to be addressed. The Forest Practices Code, as well as other regulatory burdens, has significantly added to the cost of operating in B.C. Mining exploration in the northwest has gone from a $110 million industry in 1990 to a $6.5 million industry today. As a result, we've seen population in every community shrink, putting strains on existing social, educational and civic services.

Terrace was named forest capital of B.C. for 2001 by the B.C. Forestry Association. For my constituents, forestry and logging are a proud part of our heritage and have a significant role to play in our future. I am proud to say that I will be an advocate, not an apologist, for that industry.

I am pleased that the throne speech has confirmed this government's commitment to finding ways to develop the policies that will assist the industry in becoming competitive again. This government's commitment to a working forest land base, tenure and stumpage reform, as well as moving to a results-based forest code, is the cornerstone to moving forward. I am encouraged by the government's willingness to finally tackle the issues around how we've managed marginal

timber in transitional zones, a huge issue in Skeena — rather that the one-size-fits-all policies that we've had in the past. We will never stabilize any industry in this province if we don't face up to the realities.

It is with a great deal of relief that the people in Skeena welcome the Premier's appointment of a Minister of State for Deregulation. If there's one area that's affected every person in this province, whether it's an employee or employer, small business operator or large corporation, community group or individual, it's the mass regulations that control not just what we do but how we do it. It is truly time to bring some common sense back to our lives.

The measuring stick of a good standard is not the size of the manual but rather the standard itself. By focusing on our objectives — on results — rather than on processes, we will finally tap and unleash the ingenuity and talent of the workers and professionals of this province.

Mr. Speaker, the port city of Kitimat makes up 11 percent of the total manufacturing GDP of this province. Aluminum smelting, pulp and paper, methanol and ammonia production are the major industries. All of these industries are under stress today. In fact, over the last year both Alcan and Methanex have had to curtail production. The jewel for Kitimat has been the power generated from Kemano; it is a jewel we must preserve. Aluminum smelting at Alcan is at a critical time, as over the next two years a decision on rebuilding will be made. This $1.5 billion project has the potential to benefit not just Kitimat and the northwest but this entire province.

Another issue of concern in the northwest is the need to diversify our economies. The port of Kitimat as well as the power from Kemano provide an opportunity to develop complementary industries for the existing facilities as well as attract new industries into the Kitimat area. The creation of a regional airport and the pending installation of an ILS system will greatly improve the reliability of air traffic service. The Yellowhead corridor with its underutilized rail and highways, the availability of large tracts of land in the Kitimat valley, along with the advantages of the private port of Kitimat, make the northwest an ideal solution for the congestion problems we now see in the lower mainland.

As I stated earlier, Skeena, with its wealth and natural beauty, has enormous potential for tourism, commercial as well as ecotourism. The sport fishing industry is already well established, and we need to build on that base. The first nations communities are actively pursuing heritage village projects in Kitlope, Kitselas Canyon, Kitwanga and Gitanyow. International projects like the Seven Sisters Ventures may hold a place in our future. This is an industry that we must continue to nurture and encourage.

A topic that is discussed frequently in the constituency is the need to strike a balance between resource development and the environment. There is a place for both in the economy of the northwest. The concern in the north is that decisions on our future will be made in the urban areas. This fear is real, as history has demonstrated that politics more than science drives the agenda. Those of us who have chosen to live in the rural areas of this province have done so because we understand the unique bond we have with the land. We, more than anyone else, have understood that we don't inherit the earth from our parents, but rather we borrow it from our children. I welcome our government's commitment that sound science and not special interest groups will be the basis for sound environmental decisions on the future of the north.

Mr. Speaker, health care is without a doubt a major challenge facing every region in this province. The Skeena health region is no different. In the past my constituents staged health-watch rallies in both Terrace and Kitimat to bring attention to the major issues surrounding rural health care. The solution to our problems in health care are complex, and they will take time. As individuals and communities, we will have to look past parochial interests to find regional solutions. The critical state of health care is going to require that each of us must be part of finding those answers. As we move forward to protect the public health care system, long-term solutions can only be found by looking past conventional wisdom and thinking.

In closing, this throne speech is a blueprint for the future. It is a statement that will change the face of government in B.C. forever. We have embarked to restore the public's trust in government by doing what we said we would do. I look forward to this session of the Legislature as it takes us through fulfilling our 90-day commitment and more. The Premier has kept his promise to open up government. It is a door that, once open, can never be closed again.

I will keep my commitment to the people of Skeena, who have given me their support to represent their interests and goals in a positive and productive manner in the Legislature as a member of this government.

J. Les: It's with a great deal of pleasure that I rise in this House for the first time. It's a great honour but also a distinct privilege to be able to serve in this House on behalf of the residents of Chilliwack-Sumas specifically, but generally also on behalf of the residents of British Columbia. It is my fervent hope that I serve in this place in a manner that is dignified, constructive and conducive to building the future of this great province.

Allow me to add my congratulations to the Speaker on his selection as Speaker of this assembly. He is a steward of the debate, decorum and traditions of this place, and I look forward to his guidance and wisdom as the House conducts the public affairs of this province.

I'd also like to add my congratulations to the hon. member for Kelowna–Lake Country on his selection as Deputy Speaker and also to the hon. member for Powell River–Sunshine Coast on his election as Deputy Chair of Committee of the Whole.

I wish to acknowledge the many members who, like me, are serving in this House for the first time, as well as the other members who have been here before. I am honoured to join you all, and I have no doubt that together we will lay the foundation for a prosperous future for all British Columbians.

I also want to acknowledge the voters of the constituency of Chilliwack-Sumas who elected me on May 16. They provided me with an extremely generous majority of the vote — in fact, the second-largest majority in the province. For that I am extremely grateful but also cognizant of the fact that from that support flows an enormous responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders. I hope and pray I will be able to live up to the trust that has been placed in me.

As I stand in this place and contemplate the distinguished British Columbians who have preceded us here, it can seem somewhat daunting. I think of such people as Sir Richard McBride, John Oliver, Duff Pattullo, W.A.C. Bennett, Bill Bennett and others who have made illustrious contributions to this province that we all cherish. I hope my time in this House will be a credit to the memory of these and others who have served this province with distinction.

I'd also like to acknowledge the member for Abbotsford-Clayburn and the member for Chilliwack-Kent, who have both been enormously helpful to me in these last number of months as we've made the transition to government. They are both experienced members in the Legislature, and they and their staffs have been enormously helpful to me and to my staff as we've got our constituency office up and running. I'm pleased to inform the House that as of yesterday, we actually have telephones and a fax installed in my constituency office. For that, again, we are enormously grateful.

I'm very proud to represent my riding of Chilliwack-Sumas, and if the House will indulge me, I'd like to take you on a bit of a travelogue around this riding. Now, it's not nearly as large a riding as, for example, the member for Skeena just described to us in his particular case.

In Chilliwack-Sumas, if we start at the Sumas border crossing, there's the small community of Huntingdon, and as we move east, we're into the community of Arnold. People in Chilliwack-Sumas generally don't even know where Arnold is, but it's nestled between the Southern Railway tracks and the American border. It really is one of the most idyllic and pastoral places in the entire Fraser Valley.

We then move slightly north into Sumas Prairie, which prior to 1924 was a very shallow lake that was drained upon the construction of the Vedder Canal. It is today one of the breadbaskets of the province. Everything from dairy to hogs to berries to small fruits to turf and many other products are grown in that very fertile Sumas Prairie.

We then move into the community of Greendale, which was settled by Mennonite settlers in the early part of the previous century — again, a very picturesque part of the community. Yarrow, as well, has a similar background in the southern part of my riding. Vedder Crossing is largely known because there once was a military base there, which unfortunately was closed just a few years ago, resulting in the loss of about 2,000 full-time jobs in the Chilliwack area. We mourn the loss of the military base in Chilliwack, but we have gotten over it in other ways, and I'll describe at least one of those ways in just a few minutes.

My riding also includes the western portion of Sardis, the western portion of Chilliwack proper and also the communities on Chilliwack Mountain and Sumas Mountain. Sumas Mountain is where the regional district is hoping to create a major new regional park that will be there for the enjoyment of all Fraser Valley residents.

As I've said, agriculture plays a very significant role in my riding, but our riding is very diversified in its economic base. Very recently a new company started its operations in Chilliwack. It's a technology support centre headed up by Stream International. By the end of this year, 900 new employees will be working at that location on Evans Parkway in Chilliwack.

I alluded earlier to the election of May 16. We enjoyed a spirited campaign in Chilliwack-Sumas,. My opponents came from the New Democratic Party, the Marijuana Party and the B.C. Conservative Party. I wish to thank all of the candidates for a good campaign, for a good debate and for good humour.

During the campaign I laid out my vision for a renewed and reinvigorated B.C. economy based on respect for free enterprise and private initiative. I talked about the critical need for a healthy economy to provide the resources required to support a first-class health care system, how we must have an excellent education system to provide our youth and others with the tools they need to participate in the economy of tomorrow.

I talked about the need to protect the environment and how the previous administration had neglected the people of the Fraser Valley by not aggressively intervening with the Washington State authorities with respect to the matter of Sumas Energy 2. On these and many other matters I sense strong support, and I commit to do my very best in the four years ahead to ensure that the concerns and issues of Chilliwack-Sumas residents are addressed and resolved.

Mr. Speaker, allow me, also, to pay tribute to my family. Firstly, to my parents, Chris and Leny Les, who immigrated to Canada and to British Columbia as newlyweds. I arrived about a year later, to be followed over the years by 11 brothers and sisters. My father was a dairy farmer who started with nothing but through hard work and perseverance was able to provide a good living for our family and was a great encouragement to all of us as we set out in our various fields of endeavour and interest. Unfortunately, my father passed away last year, but I will always cherish his memory.

My wife and I have six children, currently aged 15 to 27. Their support and understanding are vital to me.

As we all know, public life is extremely demanding, and families are often called upon to tolerate and to forgive. We also have three grandsons, and I'll tell you that there aren't any three more adorable grandkids anywhere, bar none. It is my children, grandchildren and their peers who often provide me with the inspiration to put in place those policies that will allow them an unlimited future ripe with opportunity to succeed and to thrive.

I've had the privilege of previous experience in public office. In 1983 I was elected as a councillor in Chilliwack. In 1987 I was elected mayor. In addition, in 1990 I was elected chair of the regional district and served in that position for nine years. I served as national president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and thereby had an unparalleled opportunity to learn about and experience our great country in a way that I could only have dreamed about previously. I was also a trustee of the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C. and served on the board of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. I loved municipal politics, and I am grateful to the voters of the city of Chilliwack who allowed me to serve for 16 years.

In 1999, however, as the municipal election approached, I needed to make a decision as to whether to run for re-election. Our municipal government in Chilliwack had accomplished much. We enjoyed some of the lowest property taxes in the province. We were within four years of the elimination of all — and I repeat, all — our debt, and we had excellent financial reserves. Also, we enjoyed a solid reputation as a business-friendly community with a well-deserved can-do attitude.

I had become increasingly aware, however, that the previous provincial administration was becoming increasingly detrimental to the welfare of this province and, in many cases, was thwarting the best efforts of people around the province who were trying to build a better future. In short, I had become frustrated and decided to leave municipal politics. Therefore, I did not seek re-election in 1999 and decided to seek the nomination in the new riding of Chilliwack-Sumas.

Which brings us to today and a throne speech that was delivered yesterday by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. If I had to characterize the throne speech, I would say simply this: it was like a breath of fresh air, a welcome tonic after a decade of despair, decline and despondency — after ten long years finally a solid sense of direction and a sincere commitment to excellence in public service.

Let me briefly review the ten major priorities as set out in the throne speech. Firstly, a commitment to a top-notch education system. Clearly, if the young people of today are to thrive tomorrow, they need to have access to the very best education opportunities that it is possible to provide. I believe we have excellent schools today, but we need to adapt and change to ensure that our schools continue to set the pace in the future.

In the Fraser Valley, for example, we need to ensure that the University College of the Fraser Valley continues to expand its programming, as it often provides the best option for post-secondary education for Fraser Valley students. Discussion has started regarding redesignation to regional university status, and I will be most interested to pursue this further with the Minister of Advanced Education.

Second, the need to provide high-quality health care. There is much discussion today about the challenges facing health care, with the reality of an aging demographic and new technologies — they are much appreciated by patients; however, they can be extremely expensive — amongst other challenges.

However, it is clear to me that the biggest threat to health care is an ailing economy. If we want a strong health care system, we need a strong economy. If current trends continue, however, soon we will need only two government ministers — one, a minister of revenue to squeeze as much out of British Columbians as is humanly possible; and second, a minister of health who would spend the whole works. That clearly is not the kind of future that British Columbians would be looking forward to. We need to turn that matter around so that we have indeed a sustainable and workable health care system in the future.

Third, a commitment to a thriving private sector economy without the heavy hand of government interference. I am strongly of the opinion that the invisible hand of the marketplace is almost always to be preferred to the strong arm of government compulsion.

Fourth, safety in our communities. Every resident deserves to be protected from those who would do them harm. We must encourage respect for our legal institutions.

Fifth, better services for children, families and first nations. Allow me to focus on first nations in this regard. It seems to me that all the resources that are being spent today — as much as billions and billions — really result in not much improvement for first nations people. This is a human as well as a financial tragedy, and one that must be addressed, working together with first nations people and our federal counterparts as well.

Sixth, we are committed to fostering the fastest-growing technology sector in Canada. It has always puzzled me why we haven't been able to do better in this area. Why is it that Ottawa, of all places, has become a technology hotbed? We in B.C. have the lifestyle and benign climate that should be very conducive to the emergence of this industry sector. I strongly suspect that our fiscal and economic policies will play a large role in expanding this industry, working with the Premier's new council on technology. It has been my experience that people are often overflowing with great ideas. Sometimes all you need to do is ask.

Seventh, we are committed to ensuring that our forest industry continues to be a world leader in terms of both its productivity and environmental

responsibility. This industry is vital to the economic performance of this province. We need to do more to ensure that the world knows how well our forests are managed in B.C., and we must not accept the unwarranted efforts of those who would like to discredit our industry. Like any other industry, the forest industry needs a stable and predictable policy framework to foster investment and job creation.

Eighth, B.C. needs to achieve appropriate recognition in Canadian Confederation. British Columbians need to do more to voice their concerns in a constructive way. Equally importantly, Ottawa needs to ensure that it listens carefully to British Columbians' concerns. I for one am committed to improving on the federal-provincial relationship. As always, this needs to be a two-way street. In this context, I call on the federal government to support the Whistler bid for the 2010 Olympics at least as enthusiastically as the recent support for the Toronto bid.

Ninth, we are committing ourselves to greater openness and accountability. British Columbians have already seen evidence of this. I am convinced that this will increase the level of trust in governing institutions that has been eroded in the past. Too often information was kept from people, and too often government simply required people to trust them. Trust must be earned; it should never be automatically expected.

Finally, responsible management of the public's resources and finances will be a hallmark of this government. These resources belong to the people. They are not for government to squander — sometimes $463 million at a time.

For too long we've had government that knew only how to spend with reckless abandon and had no idea how to foster a healthy, thriving and vigorous economy to pay for the many important public services that our citizens require.

In summary, the framework set out in the throne speech will, I believe, create the conditions where B.C. business and enterprise will once again be able to prosper and thrive. There is no doubt that we will be enormously challenged as we set about this ambitious agenda. A decade of decay is not reversed overnight. I would ask all British Columbians to unite in a spirit of pride, unity and common purpose as we embark on the future of this enormously blessed province.

M. Hunter: It's with some trepidation that I rise to speak for the first time in this House. My nervousness has nothing to do with a lack of experience in public speaking but rather arises from a deep appreciation of the responsibility that accompanies the honour of occupying a seat in this House.

As I was preparing this speech, I felt a real sense of humility as I recalled some of the famous men and women who have stood here and in places like it — Westminster and Ottawa amongst them — men and women whose contributions have shaped our democratic institutions and will never be emulated. It is a humble man indeed who stands here now. I can simply hope that I will prove a worthy occupant of this seat in the Legislature, a legislature which stands at the very centre of our rights and freedoms as citizens in this great country and province.

Before I continue, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, on your selection to that position and congratulate the member for Kamloops on his election as Speaker of this assembly. The position which you occupy is steeped in a tradition for which, you will already have gathered, I have enormous respect. I want you to know that you can count on my full cooperation and assistance as you carry out your tasks.

I stand here today proud to represent the people of the constituency of Nanaimo, the people who had the confidence to put me here. This is their seat, not mine, and I will strive to be conscious always of that fact and to represent the interests of all of them to the best of my ability. Of course, I am proud to represent the constituents of Nanaimo as a member on the government side of the House, although it seems to me that that term is somewhat misleading in this parliament.

I sought election, like others in this House, because I believed and continue to believe that I can make a positive difference to this province we call home. Frankly, as a semi-retired consultant just one year ago, I found myself becoming more and more angry about the sad state into which this province had sunk. I was becoming more and more frustrated as British Columbia moved further and further away from the just and productive society that all British Columbians want. So I sought public office for the first time in my life. I sought to join the ranks of one of the country's least-regarded professions. Like many of my fellow citizens, I was cynical about the political process and about the way in which our important political institutions had become a subject of mockery and scorn.

I am determined to do my part to change the public's view of this place and of our public institutions. I am elated by the importance which we on this side of the House attach to the values of openness, honesty and ethics in the conduct of the people's business. To see those values being applied as promised and right from the start of this government's term of office is progress indeed.

I'm also determined to do my part to make sure that this government's plan to restore our province to its rightful place in the Canadian Confederation, as set out so clearly in the Speech from the Throne yesterday, is a plan which is indeed executed. Without that plan and without a change in our fundamental approach to what we expect of government and its role in our lives, we are doomed to the margins, or beyond, of this great country's wealth and potential. My commitment to my fellow British Columbians and to the constituents of Nanaimo who put me here is to help bring back the spirit of energy and enterprise that will again make this province the place of choice to live and invest in Canada.

Let me speak a little about my constituency, as is the custom at this time. The Nanaimo constituency's name is in and of itself a little misleading, since it encompasses only half of the geographical limits of the city of Nanaimo. The other half of the city, I might note, is most ably represented by the member for Nanaimo-Parksville.

My constituency comprises the southern part of the city of Nanaimo proper, the southern, more rural areas of the regional district of Nanaimo including Cedar, Yellow Point, South Wellington, Extension and Cassidy. It also includes a number of the northern Gulf Islands, the most populous of them being Gabriola Island, and a vast tract of land which stretches to the west almost to the boundaries of Port Alberni.

It is a constituency with significant roots in the history of human settlement and the industrial development of our province. It is the home of the Snuneymuxw people and was the centre until the middle of the last century of a significant and pioneering coalmining industry. Today Nanaimo, with its protected deep-water port, is an important service centre for the coastal forest industry as well as being the location of a number of lumber processing plants and the jobs that come with them. As in the rest of British Columbia, the forest industry continues to be the largest single generator of wages and the largest single buyer of supplies and services in my constituency.

Nanaimo is also the home of many businesses which depend on the traditional fishing industry, as well as the developing aquaculture industry. It is the home of Malaspina University College, a dynamic institution that has served and will continue to serve Nanaimo and the entire mid-Island with distinction.

I also want to mention the growing strength of the research and technology sector in Nanaimo and the emergence of a vibrant, small manufacturing sector. I should, as well, draw the attention of the House to the increasing attraction of Nanaimo as a tourist destination. We have the world's best cold-water diving right outside our harbour, and I would ask that you tell your friends about it, because their cousins in Europe and around the world already know. Let me mention the great recreational facilities and resources that lie in the constituency. Whether you want to swim in our new, Olympic-sized pool or enjoy the outdoors, we have it all, and we have people who care about it.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, those who stop in Nanaimo will find my constituency to be much more than the large service and retail sectors that have emerged in Vancouver Island's second-largest city. Most importantly, it is a constituency with huge potential, a potential that was seriously set back by the policies and errors of the last government about which other members have spoken. The very spirit of my constituency was seriously dampened in the last decade by the scandals and mismanagement that seemed to have their focus right in my community. The sub-par performance of our provincial economy in the past decade and the policies of the previous government hit Nanaimo especially hard. We have amongst the highest rates of unemployment and access to social assistance in the province. I intend to work to my utmost ability to change this unacceptable situation.

Nanaimo is also at the southern end of what I call the retirement belt of eastern Vancouver Island. So the pressures in my constituency on health care and seniors care are special, and they require the kind of special attention that the past government failed to provide and which this government will address. Despite the tough times of the past few years, there is a spirit in Nanaimo that will not be beaten. The residents of my constituency are nothing if not resourceful. Let me give you an example of that resourcefulness. It should interest this House to know that Nanaimo, with a regional population of some 80,000 people, is home to almost 800 volunteer agencies. It is estimated that over 20,000 people in the region, including many people in my constituency, spend some part of their lives helping those who are less fortunate. That is a huge credit to people in my community and an example to other British Columbians.

The spirit of Nanaimo is showing itself in other ways. Since the election in May there is an excitement in the community and the emergence of a new dynamism and community spirit. People in businesses know that the potential of the constituency under the policies outlined in the Speech from the Throne yesterday is enormous. Ask people in my constituency, Mr. Speaker, about the impact of the election of this government, and they will say overwhelmingly that the change of government has had an impact both immediate and positive on the city, its businesses and its citizens, and so it should. My constituents were looking for change, looking for a government that would offer a new era of hope, hope that their children could live and work in Nanaimo and raise their families there if they chose to do so.

It is said that a change is as good as a rest. Well, I intend to see that Nanaimo does not rest as a result of the change of government. We have been on the bench long enough. Working together in Nanaimo with the city and regional governments, with business and volunteer organizations and others, we will seize the opportunity that is presented to us now under the terms of the Speech from the Throne to attract new investment and to restore a new prosperity to my constituency.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to say, here in the most public forum in our province, a huge thank-you to Joy, my wife; to my family and friends; and to the many, many people who encouraged me to seek public office and then supported me every step of the way. Let me say to those people who, like me, think that I can make a difference to our province: I will not let you down.

J. Nuraney: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I would like to add my congratulations to our new government and to all of you for your election to this office. I would like to thank, also, the Clerk and the staff for an informative and very gracious introduction to the etiquette and procedures of this House.

We heard the throne speech yesterday, and it is very gratifying to observe that the government is very determined to deliver on the campaign promises and on the 90-day agenda. This demonstrates a desire to restore the trust that politicians seem to have lost in the past years. The people of British Columbia spoke with a clear voice in the last election and have accorded this government a strong and emphatic mandate. With this very assuring mark of confidence and faith, however, come heavy responsibilities.

During the election campaign, in our New Era document, we laid down the path and the direction we wish to follow. Deep thought and reflection went into these measures necessary to restore confidence and to bring back prosperity to our province. Never before in the history of this province has there been a need for concerted and decisive action to repair the damage that has been inflicted by the previous government. As we go through this process of restoration, let us also be mindful of the opportunities.

Our changing lifestyles and the rapid intrusion of technology into our lives will call for a new and innovative method of governance. It was not too long ago that my children could walk to school and play in the park, and I would not be concerned. It was not too long ago that I could leave my home unlocked and unattended, and I would not be concerned. I had never heard that there was a child going hungry in British Columbia.

I ask myself: what has happened to our society? It seems that our social standards are breaking down. Never before has the challenge of living fully been so clear. You can hardly name a sphere of human activity — be it transportation, health care or education, be it economics or sociology, be it commerce or mining, politics or philosophy — in which our values are not tumbling, in which there is not a cry for leadership and members with dedication and commitment in true cause. It is, for me, very reassuring that we have in this House these leaders and members who are ready to carry out the momentous task of redefining the future of our province.

Our government has already begun this task. The dramatic tax cuts and the unprecedented openness in the deliberations of our cabinet are examples of the determination to lead the way. Some of the challenges facing the new government include new demographics, increasing pressures on our health care system, bridging the digital divide, developing infrastructures, attracting investment and re-establishing confidence. There is no doubt in my mind that there is the will not only to face these challenges but to resolve them. There is a new sense of hope right across British Columbia. For me, it is a real privilege to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this process. I have to thank the voters of Burnaby-Willingdon who have given me this honour to serve.

Allow me to share some of my personal background. Almost 30 years ago my family and I suffered enormously as we became victims of injustice. Not only was our property taken away from us, but the very ability to earn our livelihood was denied us by demagogues and dictators like Idi Amin of Uganda and Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire. From the position of being leaders in our business and industry, we became destitute. We were forced to seek a safer haven. We were looking for freedom and true democracy so that our children would not have to face these indignities again.

We found this safe haven. It was in Canada. It is a matter of great pride for me to say that not only have I found this freedom and democracy, but today I have become a defender of these values.

I am very grateful to this great country, Canada, and the province of British Columbia, where my wife Gulshan and I have made our home for the past 27 years and have raised three wonderful children, Nick, Asim and Naseem. I also feel a great sense of pride and honour to be the first member of the Ismaili Muslim community to be elected to serve in this House. Ismaili Muslims are the followers of His Highness the Aga Khan, who is the forty-ninth direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed and is considered our spiritual leader.

I represent the riding of Burnaby-Willingdon. This is a real microcosm of Canada. It has the attributes of natural beauty, with its lakes, the greenery and the rolling hills. Demographically, it is a community of diverse ethnic backgrounds, bringing forth the cultural mosaic of its true traditions and heritage.

Burnaby is a city which has received awards for its beautification programs, a city thoughtfully planned with a good mix of commercial, industrial and residential developments of both high and low densities. Burnaby has become a home of many high-tech companies of world renown, like Ballard Power Systems, Electronic Arts, Creo and PMC-Sierra. We also have Canada's most innovative institute of higher learning, BCIT, the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Burnaby Hospital continues to play a critical role in tending to our health. This hospital has suffered the stresses and strains of the system. The building is now 50 years old, and owing to lack of planning in the past, it is now showing signs of fatigue and disrepair. Plans are afoot to build on site a renewed facility to meet the demands of the community. I will be promoting the need for this expansion to this hospital as one of my goals to serve my riding.

As any cosmopolitan city, Burnaby also has its challenges: crime, poverty and an aging population. It is my solemn duty to look after the interests of my riding and to work towards resolving some of these issues and concerns. Mr. Speaker, as we move ahead towards fulfilling the agenda of our government, let us

not forget that we are not acting in isolation. Our actions will impact on all British Columbians. It is therefore important to remember that a balanced approach is as important as a balanced budget.

The academics can very easily get caught up in the language of economists and statisticians, but we must never forget that while economic activity is reported in numbers, it is experienced in the lives of British Columbian families. They would like to reasonably plan their lives. To them, the economy is being able to afford a home, being able to buy groceries or being able to plan their children's education. They ask about their wish for a secure retirement and a health care system that is there when they need it. When we talk about the economy and planning our future budgets, let us not forget that these are the factors that must be directed towards improving the lives of our people.

Mr. Speaker, I have every confidence in the ability of our Premier and a faith in his vision. Considering the resources with which our province is endowed and the will of the people to move forward, there should be no question in anyone's mind about the future of British Columbia. I believe in our country and our province. I believe because in it, we are free. We are free to choose our government; we are free to speak our minds and to observe and respect our differences. I believe because we are generous in our freedom. We share our rights with those who disagree with us. I believe because we set no limit to a person's achievement. This is a great country and a great province.

I have tried to outline my aspirations and the challenges facing our government. Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me say that we have great dreams for British Columbia, and we now have the opportunity, God willing, to make those dreams come true.

B. Lekstrom: It's certainly a privilege to stand here before this Legislative Assembly today to give my maiden speech to this House. It's something in life that I'm sure not any individual boy or girl starts out thinking — that one day they're going to end up in politics, representing the people within their constituency. But as we all grow and learn about life and business and society as a whole, we make a decision. Some people make the decision to serve in public life, and I've made that decision. My heartfelt thanks go out to the people of Peace River South who cast their ballot for myself. For the people that cast their ballot for the others, it is my intention to earn their respect through hard work, trust and integrity. I plan on bringing that to this Legislative Assembly to the best of my ability.

There are a number of reasons I ran for this position. I was honoured for a number of years to be a participant in our local city council — one term as a councillor and two terms as the mayor of the city of Dawson Creek. At that time, I learned a great deal about local government, a great deal about provincial government and some about federal government.

In Peace River South we share a number of things with the people of British Columbia, one being the feeling of alienation from what we see from Ottawa towards British Columbia. I hope to be able to bring a relationship and the ability to mend that relationship with Ottawa to this House. For many years the people of Peace River South have felt alienated from Victoria for many, many reasons. There's a uniqueness in every aspect of our province, the Peace being certainly one of those.

This is probably the toughest job to get. You go through the toughest job application process I'm aware of in our country. It's something that we all enter into willingly. Nobody forces us to go into this job. We take it on because we believe in our hearts that we can make a difference, and we put our names forward. We don't do it without the support of our families. Should we do that, I think we're putting our priorities in the wrong order.

As I indicated earlier, I will bring honesty, integrity and a strong voice not only for the people of Peace River South but for the people of British Columbia in every aspect. I can tell you that in the short time we as a government have been here, the learning curve is tremendous. I came to a realization that it will be years and years before a person feels comfortable with all aspects of government. It's not something we come in and learn in one month or one year. It's going to take years.

When I say that, I mean it in the best possible way. I would hope that there's not a member in this Legislative Assembly that doesn't learn something new every day. When we do reach that point where we can't learn something new, possibly it's time to move on.

I want to talk briefly about the size of our riding, Peace River South. It's a very large riding, very diversified. We run from the Rocky Mountains going west. Mount Le Moray is roughly the border. Peace River South runs up through a number of communities: Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe, Taylor. We also have Cecil Lake; we have Baldonnel. It stretches up to the south side of the Doig River.

To put that in perspective, if I begin a drive at one end of my riding, it will take me roughly five hours to reach the other end. That's providing I can get access through the roads. I'll touch on that in the future here.

We have a number of issues that face us. I want to talk about a large number of issues and the resources that we have in our riding. We're very blessed; we're very diversified in Peace River South. We have mining, which has taken a hit lately with Tumbler Ridge. There's a community that didn't give up; they didn't throw in the towel after the first mine closed out there. They gathered up, came back together and wanted to know what they could do to make sure they remained a vibrant community. I'm sure most people are aware that they took on a very ambitious plan to sell the homes the Teck Corp. has put forward. They have managed to sell hundreds and hundreds of homes to a very diverse group of people — people who have

moved from the city, people who have come from other countries, people from within our own region who have moved to Tumbler Ridge for the affordable housing and the quality of life out there.

Chetwynd is another example of a community that has struggled but has put the best they can on a situation that I think has deteriorated over the last decade to a point of grave concern for all of us. Forestry is certainly the lifeline of British Columbia. It is a main industry, and we all count on it. What we have to do in forestry is make sure that we get our message out there.

The environmental aspect in British Columbia — and I'm going to speak on British Columbia and not just Peace River South — is something that I think we all support. I think we're all environmentalists at heart, but certainly I have grave concern for the extreme element of the environmental movement. For years we did not put the message out on what we are doing in British Columbia and what we have to do. We are going to do that. We as British Columbians, I think, were led astray by some of the environmental groups putting a message out that benefited their cause, maybe put money in their pockets. But the facts are: the truth will come out, and it will come out through this government.

The oil and gas sector. We're very fortunate in Peace River South and Peace River North — my colleague the hon. Minister of Energy and Mines…. It is interesting to look around this province and see the devastation that has taken place and to know that an area like Peace River South, with the oil and gas industry, has been able to help soften that blow for many by contributing to the provincial economy. I think we can expand on oil and gas not just with offshore oil and gas but by redefining and looking at the regulatory burden that's placed on the industry, by looking at our labour climate and the laws that exist here — and not doing that at the expense of the environment but with a balance that will show the private enterprise system that they can invest in British Columbia. They can have some certainty about what's going to take place here and not be wondering if they have to pull up and move east to Alberta. In Peace River South, hon. Speaker, I can tell you that happens all too often. We will work hard to make sure that oil and gas benefits all British Columbians.

The issue of agriculture and ranching in Peace River South is huge. I think that for years — actually, my entire life, when I look back on it — we have taken that industry for granted. Agriculture and ranching, I can tell you, is really the backbone of society, and I mean that. You can take oil and gas away, you can take forestry away, you can take mining away, but if you take the food off our tables, society will not continue. I think we as a provincial government will have to work hard to gain the respect of our agricultural community again. They're feeling left out. Through our government I know that our commitment is there to recognize the needs of our agricultural community, to recognize the diversity that has taken place in that community and to recognize their importance and to let them know that our government sees that industry as a vital part of the economy of British Columbia. It's my intent to make sure that voice is heard here in this Legislature.

My background in local government has given me the ability to see firsthand how things can happen and how can they can't happen. I gained a great deal of knowledge through my work on local government. I had the honour of serving as president of the North Central Municipal Association, an organization that represents all member municipalities and regional districts in the northern part of this province.

The areas of concern were very large. They range from issues in the northwest down through to the central part, which I would call Prince George. When you look at a map of British Columbia.... We talk about northern British Columbia, and most people in the lower mainland, in particular, think Prince George is northern British Columbia. I encourage everybody to take out a map and put your finger in the centre of British Columbia, and you will see Prince George. Northern British Columbia in my eyes — and I mean this will all due respect — begins on the other side of the mountains. It's certainly different; it's distinct, and the challenges we face are unique.

Environmental issues, as I touched on earlier, are of significant concern. We need to work together. We need the environmental groups, we need government, and we need all British Columbians working together to make sure that we have a sustainable environment. We do it with a balance that will see industry prosper, create jobs, create revenue for government while still enhancing the environment in which we live. If we cannot look after the environment in which we live, I can tell you that we cannot look after anything.

Education within our province right now is certainly an issue, along with health care. Health care in the north…. We in Peace River South do not expect to have a children's hospital in Dawson Creek or in Chetwynd or in Tumbler Ridge. We don't expect to have open heart surgery performed in our hospitals. What we do expect is that when that need arises for one of the citizens of our riding and my riding of Peace River South…. Equal access is what we're after.

Right now, when people deal with a medical problem, there's a huge amount of stress within that family, regardless of the seriousness. As a father, I know that when your child falls and gets hurt, you feel that pain. For far too long we've seen people who have needed to come for cancer treatment, to come down to Children's Hospital with their children, not only have to worry about the issue of access to that health care but the issue of a financial burden as well. Not all costs are covered for the people that have to travel from the north to areas to get the treatment that's needed. We do truly have a two-tier health care system in this country and in this province. We have made a commitment, as our government — and I'm very proud to be part of

this government — on the travel assistance program that will help deter that inequity that exists right now.

The health care issue is huge. I'm not about to go into the issue and the debate of what's taking place within the labour movement right now. I can tell you that this government will do its best, but it will take all British Columbians — and it will also take the medical staff — to bring this back on track.

The issue of medicare, our health care systems…. I think, when I look at what's taken place with it, we've been scared to change the provision of health care because it has been so near and dear to our heart. But the fact is that society is changing, and as society changes, the needs change. Our demographics have changed, and the bottom line to the situation that we face today is poor long-range planning. We will correct that as well.

Moving on, I want to talk a bit on the education aspect, something I think that all of us, whether we have children in the system — whether we have children at all — realize is really the backbone of society, the ability to progress. Education, far too often in my eyes again — and I speak from my heart when I talk about this — is used by many people possibly for the wrong reason. The education system and the teachers are there doing the best job they can. They're trying to educate our children to the best of their ability with the resources that are available to them, and I believe they're doing a good job. The reality is that education doesn't stop at 3 p.m. when the bell rings. Far too many parents in this province and in this country don't open their children's textbooks and sit down with them and go through their math homework or go through their history just to show them they're interested, to show them they care and also to learn a little bit.

I have two daughters, one going into grade 7 and one going into grade 12, and I can tell you that there isn't a single day that we don't at least discuss what took place in school, what went well, what didn't and what they thought. To get a child's view…. I guess my eldest daughter and my youngest daughter are beyond being called children; they're young ladies. It certainly enlightens my ability to look to make positive change, and I will bring that.

Our government's commitment to open and transparent government is a key issue for all British Columbians — not just the members elected to this Legislative Assembly, but to every British Columbian. Every British Columbian deserves good government. That's what we're here to do, and we will provide it. We will provide a government that listens to the people regardless of their political beliefs. I think we have to understand, when we look at the percentage of the people who voted, that we were overwhelmingly elected. It doesn't mean we now neglect the people that didn't cast their ballots for this government. It means we work harder to gain their support, and we will do that.

The challenges we face are many. The bridges we have to cross to get to the other side will be there, and we will cross them. The issue of first nations, I know, is a huge issue. Many people are scared to touch on it and to say, really, what's going on and what has to take place. We have a government today, the B.C. Liberal government, that is committed to going to a referendum, not — and I repeat, not — on individual treaties but on what we are going to do and the principles that British Columbians want us as their elected government to negotiate that mandate under. We will do that. That is true democracy, and for the life of me I don't understand people that are opposed to this referendum. We're going out in a democratic way to ask the people what principles they would like us to negotiate the treaties on. That's it. We will then take that direction and negotiate on behalf of all British Columbians — first nations as well as everybody else — because there has been an inequity.

In all honesty, the understanding by most British Columbians — including myself — is, I think, very limited. It is a huge issue, with each band having its own concerns and issues that have to be raised. We as a government will look at those. We will come to a resolve, and once and for all we will reach settlements. We will move on, and then we will treat everybody equally, and society will be a better place once we get to that part.

The financial situation we find ourselves in in British Columbia is, I think, of grave concern. I think we have just seen, with the information that was put forward, the concerns I've just raised and the situation we're in. It's not one where we can continue going down the same path as we're on. As British Columbians, we've lived beyond our means. We've seen money spent when the money wasn't there. You cannot do that.

The issue of sustainability is key. Right now there is debt being incurred. There is debt that is acceptable debt when you're building infrastructure, when you're building schools, building roads, building hospitals. It's like buying a house. Most people incur debt because they do not have that kind of capital.

But it is totally unacceptable to go out and borrow money to run the operations of government, in the sense…. I compare it to a household that has borrowed money to go buy a house, to go buy a car, to build on that asset. If a household went out and borrowed money continuously to buy the groceries, pretty soon that household wouldn't be operating. That's the position we find ourselves in, in British Columbia, and we have to correct that.

I make the pledge to this Legislative Assembly that I will work with all the other 78 MLAs in this Legislative Assembly: 76 other B.C. Liberal MLAs and our two MLAs from Vancouver-Hastings and Vancouver–Mount Pleasant. I will commit to the people of British Columbia that I will listen to everybody. I will listen to the members if they have good ideas, valuable debate and can contribute. A good idea, regardless of your political stripe, is a good idea. I think we have to get over the hurdle that if it comes from the other side, it's not a good idea, because there are many good ideas out there.

I won't take up too much further time, but I do want to touch on a couple of things that are very, very important to the well-being of Peace River South — and in the well-being of Peace River South, the well-being of all of British Columbia. The issue is roads and the road infrastructure in the Peace region. For those of you who haven't travelled up there, my words cannot describe the reality of what's taking place with our rural road infrastructure.

We have an industry, very diversified when I talk of agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas. Those industries are suffering because they cannot travel these roads in any decent time, if at all. If they can't get to the resource, they can't extract that resource, they can't sell that resource, and they can't contribute to the economy of British Columbia.

We're very proud in the north of our contributions to the provincial economy over a number of years through all the industry we've talked about. We don't ask for a whole lot, and we don't ask to be treated above anybody else in British Columbia, but what we do ask is to be treated fairly. We ask that a fair amount of revenue is reinvested in Peace River South and Peace River North and in the north in particular, on our roads in particular.

We have a situation where we've just incurred a huge amount of flooding. We now are in a situation where we have farmers ready to harvest the fescue. We have the oil and gas industry and forestry that can't get out to deal with the resources that generate the revenue for this province, and that is unacceptable.

I will do my best in this Legislature, with all of my colleagues, to make sure that the recognition is there and that proper investment is put back into the Peace region, so we can generate even greater revenues to help build on education and health care and social services that we have come to need and enjoy in this province.

For years we have seen a system where those services are deteriorating, and I don't mean because we're not handing out the money. I think we have to look at the way we administrate government. More money is not always the solution to every problem. We have to look at how we administrate that system, how we spend the dollars and how the people that are receiving these benefits are bettering their lives. We have to make it so that people have an incentive and want to get out there and work. Most British Columbians are like that.

We're going to create an environment in British Columbia that is second to none in this country. I have always been proud to be from British Columbia through all of the hard times, the good times, the challenges that we've faced. But it's sometimes discouraging when you can see the potential of this great province, and we haven't reached it. I can tell you that the report card will be there in four years for the people of British Columbia, and that report card, I think, is going to be a very shining one.

The key to good government and the key to what the B.C. Liberal government is going to do is that we're going to do what we said we were going to do in the campaign. People are very skeptical of government right now, and for good reason. I think that far too often one thing is said and another thing is done. I'm very proud to be part of this government. I'm proud of our Premier, who has allowed open votes in this Legislature. Had that not been a key issue, I wouldn't be here today, because certainly I, like every other MLA, I believe, have ideas of my own and a voice of my own.

First and foremost, I stand before this Legislature telling the members and my colleagues here that I will represent the people of Peace River South first, and I will do it in this Legislative Assembly and under the banner of this government because we have by far the best ideas to implement that will turn our province around.

I will touch briefly, in my concluding remarks, on my family. It's very interesting that everybody…. You know, when you run for politics…. I started off by saying this: I wanted to do this; I enjoy this job; it's truly an honour and a privilege to hold it. But without the support of my wife, my two daughters and my mom, I wouldn't even have put my name forward. I think that's probably true for each and every one of us in here. My priority, first and foremost, is my family. After that, the citizens of Peace River South and the citizens of British Columbia have my true commitment to work on their behalf on every single issue.

Probably not every decision I make is going to be right. I will stand here today and start off by saying that if I'm here in four years standing before you — and I will be; let me tell you that — there will be mistakes that have been made by each and every one of us. The difference will be that if I make a mistake, whether it be in this Legislative Assembly or whether it be an issue or a cause that I take up, I will admit that mistake, I will correct that mistake, and we will move forward. I will not try and justify a mistake. Far too often that's what happens in politics, and that's why people are so cynical about politicians.

In closing, once again I want to thank my family. I want to thank my colleagues who gave me the support over the number of years that I've thought about taking up this position. Most of all, I want to thank the people of Peace River South for putting their trust in me to provide the representation that they expect, and that is a strong voice, an honest voice and one that brings integrity with it. I plan on doing that.

K. Stewart: For many of us new to the House, this entrance into the thirty-seventh Parliament of the B.C. Legislature is indeed a special day, a day to embark on a new opportunity and adventure. Personally, it is a great honour to represent and be the voice of the people of Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows. It is truly a humbling experience to be elected to an institution with the great history and tradition represented in this most remarkable building.

Over the coming months, as we continue with the people's business, it is comforting to see the interests and desires of British Columbians so represented by this throne speech. The throne speech, to me, represents the true desire on behalf of the government to effect the necessary change to move away from the traditional way of doing government business. The throne speech represents the desire by many to improve British Columbia, to get B.C. back on top. The reality is that we cannot turn back the clock. We live in a much different world than that of the heyday of the 1950s to the eighties. Industry has changed, technologies have changed, the world has changed, but the way government operates has not yet.

As we advance into this new millennium, we have the opportunities to again be leaders. We have a tough challenge ahead to overcome the downward economic trend of the past dozen years. Hard work, good leadership and a new way of doing the business of government will eventually move us back into first place.

When I look around the chamber, I see the willing and I see the committed — those who share both my desire and desperation to forge ahead with change. Over the coming months, as we move through the agenda of this session, I know there'll be times of confusion and second-guessing. It is at those times that we must embrace the desire and the will of British Columbians to again become the true voice of the people. We must adjust and confirm with our constituents that democracy is working and that our programs are having the desired effect for the future of British Columbia.

This opportunity for change has been an inspiration for my involvement in politics, taking me back 30 years to my final years in high school. I recall this passion for changing government being kindled by an English teacher who had a great interest in politics. We had many hours of discussion on politics, though I was to find out later in life when I took English at university that he was much better at mentoring in politics than he was at teaching English. The one comment I remember the most, as if it were yesterday, was that the trouble with changing a political system is that by the time you work your way into a position to effect change, you'll have become so indoctrinated into that system that you will have forgotten what it was that you were intending to and inspired to change in the first place. Well, as I stand before the House today remembering those very words from my past, I know I have, without compromise, reached a position and the ability to effect that real change.

In Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows we share similar challenges with the rest of British Columbia: health care, education, transportation, economic and environmental concerns. In health care, the escalating cost of service delivery will severely test our relationships in the Simon Fraser health region. Recent years have seen the health care budget skyrocket right out of control. Without severe intervention, this single item could disrupt our government's ability to do its business. It was encouraging to see, reflected in the government's agendas, initiatives and change that will eventually allow our health care spending to be sustainable.

In education the board of school district 42 has already favourably received the proposed legislation introduced by the throne speech. Parental input and essential service designation will ensure a safe and productive environment where a continuous stream of educational services can be delivered. Multi-year funding should drastically reduce the time spent on financial crisis management and allow our school boards to get on with their business.

With respect to transportation, the issue of connectivity between surrounding communities has been an ongoing promise. I've already addressed the issue of a new Fraser crossing with the minister and have received some direction as to what avenues to pursue. With the advent of the GVTA, other levels of government will need to play a major role in such a project. With current public funding difficulties, private sector participation may be part of this solution. Our government's strong commitment to the 2010 Winter Olympics may also grant some transportation opportunities for our region.

With many traditional economic generators fading away in Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows, the proposals outlined in the throne speech should help stimulate new local economies, while traditional forest-dependent industries should also benefit from the forest-based initiatives that were outlined yesterday. Personal income tax reductions will also help to stimulate local retail outlets, while deregulation and broad-based improvements to business tax structures should assist in the industrial and manufacturing perspectives.

Environmental concerns are always high on the list of the interests expressed by those in Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows. The quality and abundance of recreational space has always been important. Our communities are blessed with a natural splendour. This greatly enhances the livability of our neighbourhoods. A continuation of the Blaney Bog reserve to the Codd Island section of Blaney Creek will be a priority, while my personal commitment to wetland enhancement is unwavering. In looking to support other recreational activities, I will be enlisting support for improving the trail system within our local provincial park.

During the election I committed to open availability and access. We are pleased to have opened our new constituency office right in the heart of Maple Ridge, next to the new library. As our riding has two major town centres, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, I will be scheduling regular times in Pitt Meadows to meet the needs of those constituents who are unable to get to our Maple Ridge office.

As I stand here in Victoria, concentrating on the business of the province, I have not forgotten the individual needs of our constituents. I assure you that the work here will have effect not only on the future of our provincial prospects but on you as individuals. The Speaker's initiative to expand question period to allow questions from constituents outside of the

In closing, I want to again thank our constituents for the confidence they have shown in this government and myself. Your overwhelming support will allow us to continue to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of all British Columbians. Included, through my participation, will be those living in the riding of Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows.

W. Cobb: Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislature, first let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election, not only in your riding but as Speaker of this House. Congratulations.

It is a privilege for me to be here on behalf of the people of Cariboo South. It is an honour to be part of the team that is going to make history. We will be remembered not only for our successes at the polls but for the way we perform and the things we are able to achieve as government.

The people of Cariboo South elected me because they wanted to send a message to Victoria. They wanted to be listened to, they wanted change, they wanted accountability, and they wanted to be better represented. Give them that opportunity, and they will do the rest. I will do my best to meet those obligations.

The dynamics and the history of my riding are interesting. The Cariboo has been represented by as many as three MLAs at any one time. It was changed to one in 1916 and back to two 70 years later, in 1986. The boundaries have been changed, and of course today the riding is split into two, Cariboo North and Cariboo South. It's still larger and more diverse than the country of France, so it's a huge area. My other colleagues who have described their areas…. I am pleased to be able to share that responsibility with the member for Cariboo North.

There are key issues in my constituency that I have been involved in, in the past, and I hope now to be able to address those concerns at the provincial level. Land use, natural resources and the environment will continue to be on the agenda and will no doubt dominate my time and energy.

Coming from the northern part of this great province, I am pleased that there are now regional caucuses. In particular, I am happy to be part of the northern caucus. Together our voices on the issues will be delivered from a collective perspective. They will not be lost in the views of the masses, but they will more accurately reflect the needs of our constituents. The role of the government caucus committee is also a channel that will serve the people well, specifically the Natural Resource Committee. This committee is of great importance to the new era, and I'm happy to be chairing that committee.

Natural resources are still the generator of great wealth in this province. The committee is a diverse and talented group who are ready to work towards striking a balance between sustainability and success, the environment and engineering. The broad spectrum of resources B.C. possesses makes this a challenging job. Finding the balance is imperative. Charting the correct course will allow natural resources to continue to be the backbone of our economy now and into the future.

The commitments outlined during the election have already served as a platform for innovation. Even though we were given a huge majority, it was not without some skepticism on our ability to follow through. We have set out an ambitious 90-day agenda, and I am proud to say that we have already been able to deliver on some of those promises. We have been given the opportunity to turn this province around. Not only do we have the opportunity; we have the responsibility. I will do everything within my power to represent the views of my constituents and be part of making that happen.

The level of commitment and enthusiasm exhibited by my colleagues and the drive shown by our leader, not only on the 90-day agenda but for the long-range plan, are encouraging. I am positive that all of our commitments made during the election will be fulfilled.

We are also in the process of a core review of all boards and commissions. This will address the issues and faults within our system, and it is long overdue. One of the reviews in the process is of Forest Renewal B.C., which in my estimation was flawed from the outset. I was representing my community as mayor at the time when Forest Renewal was being structured and the directors were being established. I attended a forestry conference in my community, at which time I brought to the attention of the chair of FRBC that my community was disappointed and angry that there was no representation on the board in the northern part of the region. That individual looked at me and in no uncertain terms told me where to go.

That attitude from within government or any of our representatives is unacceptable. I believe in a government that rests squarely on not only the values of representation but also the values of accountability, legitimacy and integrity, and I am here to ensure that it is with these values that we lead the province of British Columbia.

I was going back over the Hansard — some of the promises made by British Columbia's elected officials — and it was very interesting. Some were far-fetched, at times even ridiculous. But most importantly, many of those promises were never kept. The people of British Columbia saw no change in legislation or innovation in the field of policy. The new era will change that. Many of those past promises were tales spun from the pages of philosophers — grand statements of social engineering — with little application to the real situation facing our electors. You will soon learn, if you don't already know, that while I am not a philosopher or a great orator, I am a doer. It is with that in mind that I look forward to my four years in the Legislature.

J. Bray: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Let me join all my colleagues who have congratulated you on

your election as Speaker. I'd like to pass my congratulations along to the Deputy Speaker as well. Both of you will certainly be presiding over a most unique Parliament.

I would also like to congratulate all my colleagues who were elected in the last general election and especially those new members, like myself, who are here for the very first time. I would like to acknowledge the support and the guidance of our South Island colleagues. Their wisdom and their attention to the issues of the South Island made this election truly exciting. I wish to particularly thank the member for Saanich North and the Islands and the member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head for their guidance and their wisdom.

Mr. Speaker, the throne speech speaks to our government's commitment to a new era of hope and prosperity for British Columbians, and it is a vision that I share wholeheartedly. The throne speech also elicits the excitement and the enthusiasm felt by many British Columbians that this province can again be number one. B.C. has such incredible assets: its natural beauty, abundant resources, exceptional schools and post-secondary institutions and, most importantly, an extraordinarily talented and caring population. These attributes are found in no greater abundance than right here in the capital city.

I am proud to be part of this new team, Mr. Speaker, and I am committed to preserving the honour that holding this seat entails. Being an elected public servant is an incredible privilege and responsibility.

I would also like to recognize at this time the tremendous community work accomplished by my predecessor, Gretchen Mann Brewin, who served Victoria–Beacon Hill with distinction over the last ten years.

It is indeed an honour to stand and speak in this noble chamber. I am mindful, however, that I speak not for myself but for all my constituents in the riding of Victoria–Beacon Hill.

The throne speech also speaks to the considerable mandate provided to us by the people of British Columbia. It is indeed an extraordinary result for a province that is generally polarized along two divides. The unity within this government and the support expressed by such a majority of British Columbians provides a unique opportunity for positive and productive change.

However, as you may be aware, Mr. Speaker, my constituents were more evenly supportive of myself and my commendable opponents for the New Democratic Party and the Green Party. Following the theme of my colleague from Victoria-Hillside, I guess I represent the Spirit of 76. The closeness of the election in Victoria–Beacon Hill indicates for me the need, as their elected representative, to be closely connected to my community and to ensure that all voices are heard and represented. This is a responsibility I take very seriously.

The closeness of the election in my riding also highlights the great diversity in the population. Victoria–Beacon Hill has often been viewed as a sleepy little community of retired folks. In fact, the largest group of residents in my riding is between the ages of 20 and 44. Seniors do comprise a significant portion of the riding and are joined by young families, university students and those whose children have left the nest to venture out on their own.

As a relatively young man, married and a father to a 13-month-old daughter, the issues affecting young families hit close to home. As the proud son of two parents who are both in their seventies, issues such as health care, elder care and continuing care are ever-present for our family. My wife's family has five generations still going strong and living throughout Vancouver Island. From the youngest to the oldest there is not an issue that the province must deal with that doesn't have an impact on our family. As a result, like my constituents, my family has a lot invested in how government operates. My connection to my riding is therefore personal as well as geographical.

Many in my riding have spoken about how positive and excited they feel about the future as a result of our government's initial actions. I received calls today from many of my constituents who were pleased to see so many of our election commitments reflected in the Speech from the Throne. I, too, am proud of a government that will deliver on its promises.

I've also received many calls commending your initiative, Mr. Speaker, to allow outside questions to be presented in question period. I, too, congratulate you and support you on this bold and democratic initiative.

Like everywhere else in the province, as we've heard today, health care and education are issues that are very important to my constituents. These are core services that my constituents feel should be top priorities for government. That is why I am so proud of the leadership shown by the Premier to ensure health care and education are first protected and then strengthened.

Making education an essential service will ensure that the rights of children to a top-notch education will be protected and that the concerns of parents that fell on deaf ears for so long will now be heard and respected. The separaing of the previously monolithic Ministry of Health into four key areas signals our intention to bring order, logic, planning and, most importantly, patient care back to health care. This is something I strongly endorse and something that will bring positive change in the capital health region.

At this time it's customary for new members, in their maiden speeches, to describe the riding they come from. I would like to do this at this time. I wish to portray the positive attributes that exist and highlight those issues that have been identified in my riding as specific concerns.

Firstly, as the constituency that includes the parliament buildings and Government House, it is indeed a privilege to be the elected representative. However, Victoria–Beacon Hill is much more than just the seat of government. Victoria–Beacon Hill also boasts a significant portion of B.C.'s second-largest downtown. We have the second-busiest harbour on the

south coast, and it is a harbour with exciting future prospects. My constituency also supports a pulsating arts community, with the Royal B.C. Museum, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Royal Theatre, the Belfry Theatre, Langham Court and the causeway over in the inner harbour. This riding is the hub of South Island's arts activities.

The throne speech spoke of our government's active participation in the 2010 Vancouver-Whistler Olympic bid. One of the key components in this effort will be to highlight our wonderful arts community to the world. Whether it's a picnic in Beacon Hill Park, a walk along Dallas Road or strolling through the gardens of Government House, my riding has much to offer the resident and visitor alike. I invite all members and staff to visit the many wonderful attributes of your temporary home here in Victoria–Beacon Hill.

Victoria–Beacon Hill is a composite of urban British Columbia. We are blessed first and foremost with several vibrant, diverse and distinctive neighbourhoods within the riding. Each locality is protective of its distinct characteristics but welcoming to all who visit.

Despite being part of a large urban area, residents in my riding know and care for their neighbours in a manner reminiscent of another era. It is one of the attributes that makes living here such a joy. During the last year leading up to the general election, I was literally able to knock on thousands of doors in every corner of the riding. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn about each district in my riding.

First, let me start with the newest addition to our riding, Vic West. This neighbourhood blends the old with the new to create a vital area of heritage and rebirth. Vic West has a long association with the harbour and the Gorge and is the scene of some vibrant new developments. However, along with other parts of the riding and, indeed, the province, Vic West has many residents who have struggled with the issue of leaky condos. This is an issue that has ruined not just their investments but in many cases their health and their enjoyment of life. I will vigorously support our government's efforts to work with the federal government in pursuit of fair relief for those devastated by this issue. I will also continue to meet with all persons affected by this tragedy and ensure that their voices are heard in this chamber.

Now, few neighbourhoods, Mr. Speaker, can boast more diversity than James Bay. From young families to seniors, from old heritage homes to new modern housing complexes, James Bay has it all. The summer weekend would not be complete without a visit to the James Bay Community Market. It is also a neighbourhood which mobilizes its citizens exceptionally well, and no better example of that exists than the James Bay Community Project. This diverse community partner has been a fixture in the district for almost two decades and is responsible for an ever-increasing array of community initiatives. The community health clinic is also a leader in designing new ways of delivering primary care services to the area.

People in James Bay spoke to me passionately about the need for effective, accessible child care and comprehensive family support services. Many in James Bay spoke of the need for a more holistic approach to the services government provides and said that government programs need to be measured both by tangible and intangible outcomes. This is a concept I support strongly. As we heard in the throne speech, true outcome measurements on government services will ensure full value to taxpayers, and I will work to ensure that those measurements encompass the full slate of positive outcomes that recipients of contracted programs experience.

Fernwood is an exciting and eclectic neighbourhood. With the Fernwood Community Centre and Vic High, along with the Belfry Theatre, Fernwood is a hub of community-focused activity. Many residents in Fernwood spoke to me about the need for greater community planning and sustainable neighbourhood development. There was a desire to have more involvement from their elected provincial representative, and I am committed to holding open houses in the community to invite all citizens to directly speak to me on issues of concern.

The Jubilee Avenue and Fort Street junction area encompasses Royal Jubilee Hospital and many health support agencies. There is also a dynamic mix of rental housing, strata housing and single-family dwellings. This brings a diverse mix of individuals and families to the area. This mix also makes for an exciting and ever-changing neighbourhood.

The residents of the Jubilee and junction area take the notion of quality of life issues in their environs very seriously. Many spoke to me about issues related to leaky condos, street planning and the need for improved health care. This neighbourhood also raised many concerns regarding landlord-tenant issues. These discussions reflect a concern for the current process and were elicited from both tenants and landlords. As the MLA for Victoria–Beacon Hill, I will work to ensure that my constituency office provides effective assistance to any party involved in a landlord-tenant issue.

Cook Street and Cook Street Village is an area that takes the concept of community very seriously. This is a neighbourhood in which anyone visiting can feel energy and vitality. Whether one is having coffee in the village or taking one's children to play in one of the playgrounds in Beacon Hill Park, one feels a part of this neighbourhood. When on the doorsteps in the Cook Street area, I heard concerns over how our society deals with the environment. An urban riding, many in this area described a great affinity for our natural surroundings, and they want to ensure that we all act as stewards of the land, air and water. That is why I am so pleased that the throne speech highlights our government's strong commitment to ensure that environmental sustainability is a key component for all government decision-making.

Gonzales and Rockland are nestled in the Garry oaks along the Fairfield slopes. These neighbourhoods boast wonderful heritage homes, and some of the history of bygone days has included names such as Douglas, Pemberton and Helmcken. This areas is filled with the works of the duelling architects, McClure and Rattenbury. The latter, as you know, Mr. Speaker, designed this place. Residents spoke of their desire to see the province take the necessary steps towards economic recovery. There was a concern that working families, especially those with young children, were losing the battle to stay ahead of the rising costs of raising a family. Many also spoke to me of the sense that few new opportunities for growth and career advancement were being generated here in Victoria.

The throne speech highlights many of the key government initiatives that will turn our economy around and help make British Columbia the economic leader again. As one of the two MLAs for the capital city, I will work to ensure that this new era of economic growth benefits all in the community.

Fairfield is home to one of Victoria's most family-friendly neighbourhoods. Door-knocking in Fairfield always meant encountering a game of street hockey, families walking the dog and the sound of children playing in back yards. This is also an area where many of my fellow civil servants have chosen to live. There is also a cooperative spirit that exists in Fairfield that revolves in part around Sir James Douglas School and the Fairfield Community Association. And of course, Fairfield is host to the Moss Street Market and the annual Moss Street Paint-In.

Residents in Fairfield spoke to me about issues related to public safety and the safety of their children. Also, as I mentioned earlier, many of my fellow civil servants live in Fairfield. I was therefore pleased that issues related to a professional, non-partisan civil service were so prominent in the throne speech. Many civil servants have advised me that they wish for the veil of politicization to be lifted so that they may do their work in a professional manner and receive the respect they so richly deserve.

Our commitment to merit employment legislation is welcomed by the vast majority of civil servants. I will continue to ensure that the experienced voice of the best civil service in Canada is heard as our government fulfils the promises made in the throne speech and our election platform.

As I mentioned earlier, a large portion of downtown Victoria is in my riding of Victoria–Beacon Hill. I heard concerns from many that downtown business has been suffering. We must do all we can to stimulate year-round business and tourist and cultural activities in the downtown core. More opportunities like the Government Street Market will help bring citizens back downtown. As the MLA for this area, I will work with my other South Island colleagues to help revitalize our downtown, the second-largest in the province.

Downtown is also home to many who have chosen an urban lifestyle that keeps them in touch with the pulse of the city. They spoke to me about their concerns for public safety, adequate social programs and the need to continually improve public transit. I believe that the throne speech delivers on many of those issues, and I will continue to work with the community to improve our urban landscape.

However, downtown is also home to some who may not have chosen to live there. I speak of the homeless, youth at risk, people with substance-abuse issues and those suffering from mental illness. This group of citizens has often been neglected by government or has not profited from the limited programs offered by government. They have simply fallen through the cracks. I am therefore exceptionally pleased that the throne speech has identified our priority of focusing services on those citizens most in need. I was especially pleased to note that there is now a Minister of State for Mental Health. I believe our commitment to restore the $125 million to mental health spending will make a significant positive difference to some of our community's most vulnerable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I'm excited by the message of hope and prosperity we heard in the throne speech. More importantly, I'm proud to be part of a team that has set such a bold agenda for positive change in our province. And I, along with my colleagues, am committed to fulfilling the promises we set out during the election. My constituents all expect elected representatives to keep their word and follow through on their commitments. I believe the throne speech and our 90-day agenda provide the groundwork for restoring faith and trust in government.

I am personally committed to ensuring that the residents of Victoria–Beacon Hill receive the best service from my community office. I wish to bring government to the community and community to government. With such a diverse riding to represent, I must ensure that all voices are heard and that I make myself available to all in the community. I wish to thank the people of Victoria–Beacon Hill for asking me to be their representative, and I'm committed to earning and honouring that trust.

At this time, I'd also like to express my appreciation and love for my family — my parents; my wife, Launa; and my daughter, Madison — whose support is so important and allows me to be here.

B. Kerr: Hon. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate you on your election to an honoured post so steeped in parliamentary tradition. I wish you well in presiding over this House and its hon. members. I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow members, both incumbents and those recently elected. I feel privileged to serve with such a distinguished group in the government caucus led by the Premier, who has already shown his dedication and commitment to the people of British Columbia.

This occasion is particularly exciting for me, as it is truly my maiden voyage on the seas of politics. I come

to this hallowed chamber by way of the private sector. I have never before served as an MLA, a mayor, a councillor or even on a school or parks board. But I hope my experience as a chartered accountant and business person is of value to the government caucus of British Columbia.

Beyond my initial excitement at the privilege of being a member of this House, I am honoured and humbled to be able to serve the people of Malahat–Juan de Fuca. I owe them a great deal of personal gratitude for electing me as their MLA, and I'll work hard to show them their trust is not misplaced or in vain.

I am also thankful to my election campaign manager, Pat Rouchoy; to Dave Pedley, the director of the South Island B.C. Liberals, who is recovering from a very serious heart attack; and to the many others from across the riding for their help and support in ensuring that I'm in this chamber today.

Prior to the election I shared a deep feeling with my fellow citizens of Malahat–Juan de Fuca and indeed with people across British Columbia. In a word, I was angry — angry at the way the affairs and the finances of our great province have been managed, angry at the way in which the government of the day was squandering our potential and, most of all, angry at the degree to which community spirit and hope for the future had diminished over the past decade.

My frustration with this state of affairs is at the heart of my rock-solid commitment to my constituents in Malahat–Juan de Fuca to work toward a bright and prosperous future for communities from Port Renfrew through to Sooke, from Langford and the Highlands to Mill Bay and Glenora.

It has only been a couple of months since the election, but you can already feel the difference. There is a true sense of having embarked on an important and exciting time in British Columbia. As part of our 90-day agenda, we have already made significant progress with actions like the tax cut, the elimination of photo radar, open cabinet meetings and the waste-buster initiative to identify, report and stamp out waste in government. On that last point, coming from the private sector, I heartily applaud any move to reduce inefficiency in delivering government services to taxpayers.

Hon. Speaker, I consider myself fortunate to be part of this legislative session, to be involved in making the important decisions we will make as we move forward in completing our 90-day agenda and the legislative initiatives outlined in the Speech from the Throne. I want to give you and the hon. members present some idea of the tremendous potential of my riding, especially as it relates to the agenda set out in the throne speech.

Malahat–Juan de Fuca is an incredibly beautiful and diverse part of south Vancouver Island. It takes two and a half hours to drive across it. It has it all, from the west coast beauty of the Port Renfrew area to the spectacular Malahat to the up-and-coming centre of Langford, which is becoming the community of choice for so many young families. The riding can be divided into three areas, and I'd like to spend a few moments on each.

The Sooke region includes a natural harbour ringed by East Sooke Regional Park on one side and the new Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park and the Juan de Fuca Marine trail on the other. A boom in tourism is just waiting to happen, with a whole lot more serious tourism activity just around the corner. Already well over 100,000 people from all over the world visit East Sooke Regional Park each year. In the summer months every inn and bed-and-breakfast from Sooke to Port Renfrew is at full capacity. With community infrastructure, good marketing and support and encouragement for tourism services like wildlife viewing, nature appreciation, hiking, kayaking and whale watching, there is every reason to believe the Sooke Basin will become a major tourist destination.

Another bonus for the region is its municipal council. Under the very capable leadership of Mayor Ed Macgregor, it is dedicated to strong tourism, balanced growth and sound community development. All in all, the Sooke region has a winning combination, one that can make the region the jewel in B.C.'s crown.

With the scope prescribed in the throne speech, there is now potential for new partnerships between local government, the chamber, the tourism sector and appropriate provincial government ministries to identify priorities and implement initiatives to ensure timely development in this vital area of economic and community development. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this area meets its full potential.

At the mayor's charity golf tournament in Langford this summer, Mayor Stew Young received a standing ovation for his efforts on behalf of the community — and no wonder. Langford has embarked on an ambitious redevelopment program under the mayor's leadership. The redevelopment includes new municipal parks, widened thoroughfares, wireless street lighting, interlocking brick sidewalks, a new municipal hall, a new fire hall and general beautification.

A significant part of the cost is being borne by the private sector in return for permission to establish big box stores like Costco, Home Depot and Staples, and the additional tax base they bring contributes greatly to the social amenities in the community. Langford is ready and poised to take full advantage of a new era in British Columbia — a new era which encourages small business by reducing red tape, regulation and taxes; a new era where profit is not a four-letter word.

There are over 300 small businesses in the area that can participate in the building infrastructure needed to support projected population growth over the next two decades, creating thousands of jobs in the construction and service industries. I propose that the provincial government, the municipality and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce work closely together to maximize local employment and business opportunities arising out of properly planned community growth.

I reside in the north Malahat part of the riding, but as MLA for the entire riding, I can no longer say I've saved the best for last. Nevertheless, it is home for my wife, Elaine, and me, and we are especially fond of it. There are a number of important issues in this part of Malahat–Juan de Fuca, and I'd like to cover them briefly. Now, with all due respect to my colleague from Saanich North and the Islands, north Malahat is home to the famous Mill Bay ferry. The refit should be completed soon, and I'm pleased to say that I'm looking forward, with the South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, to taking advantage of the decision to continue the ferry service.

The Malahat Drive, while beautiful and scenic, has significant safety issues. Five deaths in the past three years alert us to the fact that the Malahat highway is in some places unsafe. I've talked to Mayor Young and fire and rescue officials, and there is in my mind no question that safety upgrades should be completed as soon as possible to make the road safe. I look forward to working with both the Minister of Transportation and local officials to ensure that these vital safety issues are addressed as soon as possible.

The Cowichan Bay Improvement Association is dedicated to upgrading the Cowichan Bay area with the intention of attracting more tourists. Included in the association's plan is the addition of a floating breakwater. Community ratepayers and tourism organizations support the initiative and are currently working with the environmental groups to gain their support. I support the efforts of the improvement committee in working towards the completion of this project, as it will provide a strong impetus to tourism and economic development in the Cowichan Bay area.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that there are certain frustrations experienced relating to local government issues, particularly in regional districts. I believe all members of the riding of Malahat–Juan de Fuca look forward to the work of the Minister of State for Community Charter. I particularly look forward to working closely with the ministry in this regard, as it has a considerable effect on my riding.

People in all areas of the vast Malahat–Juan de Fuca riding have one thing in common: they share my optimism for the future now that the government has changed. There is optimism that the economy will be both strong and will prosper, and there is optimism that communities from Port Renfrew to Sooke in the west, Langford and the Highlands in the centre, and Mill Bay, Cobble Hill and Cowichan Bay in the north will benefit from the completion of our 90-day agenda and other throne speech initiatives. I share their optimism, and I'm completely committed to ensuring that I and my government do not let them down.

Finally, I would like to thank my wife, Elaine, for agreeing to support me in this new venture, because without her support and love, I would not have been able to take on this challenge.

T. Bhullar: Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate you on your election to this prestigious post. Your distinguished career, I know, has provided you with a deep understanding of our institutions, an understanding that will benefit all of us.

While our assembly has evolved to meet the needs of the society it serves, its fundamental traditions and conventions carry on. As we move forward into a new era for British Columbia, I take comfort in the guidance provided by these foundations. As I stand here, I am humbled as I consider the responsibilities that accompany this seat in this House.

This institution is responsible for protecting our core values. Although the list of cherished values is extensive, for my part I would like to focus on two. First, the tradition of representation. Representation extends beyond those whose ballots were cast for a member. They were cast for each and every British Columbian.

Equally important is the preservation of the rule of law. It is the rule of law that brings dignity, respect and honour to this institution. Mr. Speaker and fellow members, we can never waiver in our duty to preserve the rule of law. In upholding the rule of law to the best of our ability, we pay tribute to our democracy and to those who so diligently served before us. Our responsibility is immense, as we are keepers of the legislative pen. At all times when using this pen, we cannot meander from the public interest.

I am excited about what this new government will accomplish. Already it has fulfilled its promise of a long-overdue tax cut. And the momentum is building. Our government is committed to making each and every member more accountable. I'm proud of a government that encourages more free votes in the House as well as fixed election dates. These are bold steps, steps indicative of a dynamic government.

Part of democracy is being open and accessible. In its most literal sense, this Legislature opens its doors daily for public visitation. It is visited by thousands each year. Many of those visitors are school children from all around our beautiful province.

I recall coming to view this special place as a grade 9 student. I was from a small town in Surrey called Cloverdale, where I grew up on a blueberry farm. At that time, Surrey had only two MLAs, the King George Highway was only a two-lane road, and travelling into Vancouver was considered going into town. How things have changed. There are now seven MLAs from Surrey. The population growth and the development have been amazing.

I represent the constituency of Surrey-Newton. It was at one time composed of a lot of pastoral farmland. Now it is a poster child of a new cultural mosaic, with the new and old residents whose diverse contributions make this whole province a wonderful place. I cannot stress enough how truly marvellous it is to see this cultural mix.

When I visited this institution as a grade 9 student, we were taken to visit a cabinet minister. I recall that morning, as we braved the ocean crossing and I first saw the Legislature, being in awe when I stood in this building and the minister's office. At the time, I was

struck by the finely crafted wood handrails and the towering sculptures and the minister, who spoke with such authority.

I left absolutely mystified. It was all a little overwhelming. Ironically, I stand before you 20 years later, and very little has changed in the building. I realize that it is truly a remarkable place when the dreams of a young boy to serve in this institution can come true, and he can serve in the noblest of professions.