Hansard — Monday, October 3, 2011 p.m. — Volume 25, Number 1 (HTML) p.m.

2011 Legislative Session: Fourth Session, 39th Parliament 
HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

official report of 

Debates of the Legislative Assembly 

(hansard) 

Monday, October 3, 2011 

Afternoon Sitting 

Volume 25, Number 1


CONTENTS
Page
Speech from the Throne	7899
Introduction and First Reading of Bills	7905
Bill 1 — An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament
Hon. S. Bond
Appointment of Deputy Speaker	7906
Appointment of Assistant Deputy Speaker	7906
Appointment of Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole	7906
Printing of Votes and Proceedings	7906
Appointment of Select Standing Committees	7906
Motions Without Notice	7906
Membership, powers and role of Public Accounts Committee
Membership, powers and role of Children and Youth Committee
Membership, powers and role of Health Committee
Membership, powers and role of Finance and Government Services Committee
Membership, powers and role of Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides
Membership, powers and role of Special Committee to Appoint a Representative for Children and Youth
Legislative sitting hours
Hon. R. Coleman

[ Page 7899 ]

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011 

The House met at 2:03 p.m. 

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.] 

This being the first day of the fourth session of the 39th Legislative Assembly of the province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation of the Hon. Steven Point, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, hon. members took their seats. 

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, the Rev. Steve Bailey, deacon of St. Laurence Anglican Church of Coquitlam, will lead us in prayer. 

S. Bailey: Loving God, in whom is heaven, known by many names and whose spirit is present among us, we are reminded today that the great wisdom traditions from which we draw strength and purpose impress upon us, as Jesus taught, that the kingdom of God is within us and manifest in our relationships to the divine, to the earth and to one another. We therefore pause to look within ourselves and call to remembrance how each of us can bring about the reign of peace and justice among us all. 

We are thankful for this beautiful province, made up of many people drawn together from different cultural, faith and ethnic backgrounds. We truly live in a land of splendour without setting, a land of natural richness and beauty and diverse resources, a land long recognized by its ancient inhabitants as one reflecting the glory and bounty of the Creator, who has entrusted it to us to live in partnership with it. 

May we be thankful in this Thanksgiving season and express our thankfulness through the customs and traditions of the cultural and spiritual traditions that we represent. 

We rejoice that the Creator has endowed the creation with powers of regeneration and new possibilities. We honour the insights of the ancient inhabitants of this land, and we honour their descendants today. May we be mindful of their vision. 

[1405]

Empower this House to lead us into a future of new possibilities. May all who have been elected to be part of this Legislative Assembly find within themselves a place of resourcefulness characterized by integrity, conviction and humility, which together make up true servanthood. For as Jesus reminded us, the greatest among us are those who serve the good of us all. 

We ask, therefore, for the spirit of wisdom, charity and justice, that the members of this House would faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people in these challenging economic times. 

Sovereign God, may our purposes reflect your eternal purpose. May the differences of opinion that often divide us not distract us from our central purpose. Give us forbearance for one another through the gifts of listening and meaningful, vigorous debate. 

As this Legislature begins a new session today we give thanks for each member, each elected to represent a constituency where unique needs and concerns are put before the whole body. Be with our Lieutenant-Governor, Steven, and with the leaders of this House — our Premier, Christy; our opposition leader, Adrian; and our Speaker, Bill. 

Give to their staff and co-workers strength and wisdom. May all work together in recognition that our dominion under God is based on values founded on eternal principles. May all who serve in this place know a shared joy in serving the people of British Columbia. 

We pray for all of those in public service across our province as they respond to the very real needs of people. We are mindful of and thankful for the ministers of the Crown and their deputies and all who work in each ministerial area. 

We pray for our armed forces, for families whose members have made the ultimate sacrifice, for our veterans and for those who support them. 

As we enter into this session, may our mindfulness and purpose be echoed in this ancient prayer: "God be in my head and in my understanding. God be in mine eyes and in my looking. God be in my mouth and in my speaking. God be in my heart and in my thinking." So be it. Amen. 

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, if you would remain in your seats, the Lieutenant-Governor is in the precinct. 

[1410]

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor entered the chamber, took his seat on the throne and was pleased to deliver the following gracious speech. 

Speech from the Throne 

Hon. S. Point (Lieutenant-Governor): Fellow British Columbians, Members of the Legislative Assembly. Every generation speaks of its own unique place in time, of the great forces of change bearing down upon it. We are facing monumental change. The economic challenges swirling around the globe are daunting. Your government must chart a course for British Columbians, a course that will create and defend jobs for families in every corner of the province. 

The magnitude of the challenges can be overwhelming. It can be tempting to try to hide from them, but your government is setting a different course — a course that sees change as an opportunity, a course of courage to make the difficult decisions and hard choices that lie ahead. We will draw inspiration from British Columbians and, in particular, from the courageous and remarkable citizens who've passed away since I last addressed you from this chair. 
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We are inspired by Betty Fox, a woman who did not surrender to the numbing pain of losing a child but who took her son's triumph and built it into something people around the world could neither predict nor resist. 

We are motivated by other leaders who gave of themselves so that we could receive a better province to pass on to others. We join First Nations communities in honouring the memory of elders and councillors Jeff Thomas, Earl Claxton Sr., Roy Morris and Rick Jacobs. 

We mourn the loss of former members of this assembly, Mel Couvelier, Allan Williams and Frank Howard; and the loss of civic leaders Vic Jolliffe, Ike Patterson, Allan Cassidy and Irene Brock; and of Canada's official opposition leader, Jack Layton. 

We recognize those who helped protect and shape our province: former British Columbia Supreme Court justice Don Brenner, Dr. Brian Wharf, Merv Wilkinson, Jane Rogers, Yorke Edwards and Gary Bannerman. 

We honour artists and cultural leaders who helped express our province's soul: Lois Smith, Jane Heffelfinger, Darshan Gill, David Y.H. Lui and Eric Nicol. 

We remember Rick Rypien, a young man whose passing reminds us that the tragedy of mental illness is indiscriminate about whom it touches. We recognize the passing of 42 B.C. public service employees, and we honour the paramedics, police officers, firefighters and members of the Canadian forces who put their lives on the line for us every day. 

Fellow British Columbians, change is an ever-constant. Since I last addressed you, change has come to your government as well — new leadership and a new point of view that seeks to partner with British Columbians and build on the strong, stable foundation built over the last ten years. This leadership is grounded in respect for all British Columbians and for our environment, and a commitment to a prosperous entrepreneurial economy that can sustain a caring, generous and ambitious society. 

Your government has brought forward a family lens through which decisions are made, decisions to preserve and strengthen the economy, the environment and our social programs for the sake of the families who depend on them, families of all kinds — large and small, same-sex, culturally diverse, foster families and adopted children, new Canadians coming to a new world, a single mother caring for her young daughter, a son caring for his aging father. 

Families are the first educators and the first line of healing and protection. They are where we turn when times are tough and when we seek inspiration. Families can extend beyond bloodlines to one's support network of friends and mentors. How we define them is a personal choice. Families instil character and make good citizens, and good citizens make a great country and a great province. 

With families at the heart of decision-making, the government has taken steps to make life a little bit more affordable. The minimum wage is being raised across British Columbia. The second increase in the wage will take place on November 1. By the year 2012, British Columbia's minimum wage will have increased by over 25 percent. 

Your government has made visiting our spectacular provincial parks more affordable. Parking fees have been eliminated. 

[1415]

Non-profit groups provide a helping hand and critical services to families. Earlier this year your government injected an additional $15 million into gaming grant funding to non-profit organizations across the province. An independent review to ensure ongoing stability has engaged hundreds of groups and citizens. It is nearing conclusion. 

Planned rate hikes by B.C. Hydro have been reviewed and will be reduced by half. Your government has taken a hard look at B.C. Hydro's operations to ensure it meets its critical role as generator of reliable, renewable and affordable power. The government will take a similar hard look at all Crown corporations starting in January to ensure taxpayers and families are protected and the interests of all British Columbians are well served. 

We also await a report on the operations of B.C. Ferries from the ferry commissioner. The government's response to the commissioner's report will be informed by consultations and engagement with coastal communities. 

The government is also taking steps to make our province an even better place to live. Family day will be inscribed in calendars across British Columbia, joining three other provinces in holidays in February celebrating families. Given our economic circumstances, British Columbians' employers will need time to adjust to this new statutory holiday. Therefore, the first B.C. family day will fall on February 18, 2013. 

B.C.'s recreational facilities are important to families and healthy lifestyles. The government is making a $30 million investment to communities around British Columbia to improve the recreational infrastructure. Recreational facilities are more than just bricks and mortar. They are where communities come together. Despite challenging times, arts and culture funding was restored, recognizing its value to communities. Arts and culture groups are B.C.'s storytellers, who bring our province to life. 

British Columbia's creativity resides in all corners of our province, and technology can help unleash it. A new telecommunications agreement makes possible fibre optic connectivity in more than 450 schools across British Columbia, leading to improved opportunities for students to learn in the outlying world. Cellular coverage on highways across the province will also be enhanced. Just remember to talk hands-free. Ninety-seven percent of British Columbia will be connected to the Internet, meaning more of rural B.C. will have access
[ Page 7901 ]
to on-line services and will be able to participate in the on-line economy. 

Transit is also fundamental to connecting our citizens. Communities north of the Fraser River have been waiting too long for the development of the Evergreen line SkyTrain extension. Your government is committing $583 million to funding the Evergreen line, which will relieve congestion, improve air quality and link Port Moody and Coquitlam to the SkyTrain system. Over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created during construction. B.C. is ready to build, and we await the decision of the Mayors Council to confirm its share of the funding. 

These actions are the beginning of what change looks like in British Columbia, but they are far from the end. The government has an important role in providing sustainable services that families rely upon and in providing assistance to citizens who do not have family to support them. Of course, these services depend on a strong economy that generates ample revenues, but it takes more than money to provide quality services. It also takes innovative approaches. 

With us today are two of the 2011 Premier's public service award winners, public servants who drive innovation every day in the important work they do. 

Ramona Soares serves the province in the workers advisers office. Her team is dedicated to ensuring injured workers are treated fairly. Together, her team has developed an early dispute intervention that not only improves how injured workers are treated but has also saved taxpayers close to half a million dollars in just four years. 

[1420]

Cheryl McLay is a regional manager for the Vancouver Island coast region in the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. Through her efforts, Cheryl has helped the community she works with raise $2 million in new capital for economic development and community improvement projects in just the past two years. These remarkable achievements are indicative of the high calibre of B.C.'s public service. 

This summer citizens voted in a referendum. The result of that vote is being acted upon. The people have spoken, and British Columbia is moving forward. The government has committed to return to the former tax system responsibly and as quickly as possible. 

The government will also review the provincial tax system to ensure that it supports job growth and innovation, the result of which will be considered in Budget 2012. 

We live in a time of financial instability on a global scale, with challenges to manage here at home. We are not an island in today's economy. This year British Columbia's economy is expected to grow but at a modest rate and below the expectations of just a few months ago. Revenues are expected to be smaller than forecast. 

Two years ago the government set a net zero mandate for public sector labour negotiations. Working with B.C.'s public sector labour leadership, the government secured agreements covering the majority of employees. At that time it was hoped by both sides that the global economy would rebound, that stronger economic growth would take place providing greater financial flexibility. However, in the past six weeks forecasts for the Canadian, American and eurozone economies have signalled a continued slowdown in consumer spending and overall growth. 

These developments have had a direct impact on government treasury. They mean that the fiscal situation is significantly more challenged than was envisioned during the last round of collective bargaining. While government continues to hold negotiations with the B.C. Teachers Federation based on the previous mandate, we have also begun to turn our minds to the contracts that expire in the spring of 2012. 

Though tax-funded public sector wage increases will be challenging to achieve and must fit within the fiscal plan, your government understands that public servants need to be treated fairly. This requires being creative in how resources are identified for any improvements in collective agreements. Therefore, the government will facilitate a process for collective agreement improvements by working with ministries and employer groups to find savings through collective, cooperative gains. The government will be asking public sector employers, unions and employees to join in this process. 

Defending and creating jobs. Maintaining our province's hard-earned status as a safe harbour for investment is critical to our central mission: defending and creating jobs. In British Columbia fiscal prudence and one of the most competetive tax regimes in North America have inspired confidence and preserved our province's triple-A credit rating. 

Our province's fundamentals are solid, and we have many unique advantages: a highly skilled and educated workforce, an abundance of energy and natural resources, leadership in emerging green technologies, and our proximity to Asia. 

Canada starts here. The B.C. jobs plan builds on these advantages. From aboriginal youth, hungry to seize opportunity, to Asian and South Asian communities who have helped build our province for more than a century, our diversity is a key economic asset in British Columbia. 

The B.C. jobs plan recognizes that this historic strength is built on three pillars. The first pillar is enabling job creation. The government recognizes that it has a responsibility to lead the way but at times needs to get out of the way to accelerate job creation. 

A major investments office will be created to work with investors to take projects on paper and then make them a reality. A jobs and investment board will be up and running in 50 days to hold government's feet to the fire, clearing the way for job creation while continuing to
[ Page 7902 ]
monitor key economic and social indicators. The government is investing $24 million across our natural resource ministries over two years in order to eliminate the backlog and key authorizations that are preventing projects from proceeding. 

[1425]

The second pillar of the B.C. jobs plan is making sure that the right connections are in place through investments and smart infrastructure. Building Canada's Pacific Gateway will continue to be a massive project, performed hand in hand with local governments and with the federal government. 

Our province has a special duty to ensure that marine ports and airports linking Canada to Asia and the rest of the world are the best they can be. The government is making significant new investments at the Port of Prince Rupert and at Deltaport. 

We will sustain our partnerships through continued investment with the federal government's Building Canada fund and work with them to design future infrastructure improvement programs. 

But our gateway is more than roads, rails and ports. It is people. We will be a catalyst sparking new relationships and strengthening human connections overseas. 

The government is developing an international education strategy to increase enrolment of foreign students by 50 percent over four years, adding $500 million to our provincial economy. We will also work with the federal government to attract more entrepreneurs and workers through the skilled worker program and the provincial nominee program. 

The third pillar of the B.C. jobs plan is about opening up markets for B.C. goods and resources. Your government recognizes the historic opportunity provided by liquefied natural gas exports. We are committed to enabling the development and operation of three LNG terminals by 2020 with sufficient sources of electricity to make it possible. 

British Columbia's story must be told in markets that matter. British Columbians are modest about success, but we cannot take it too far and be the world's best-kept secret. 

The government will double its trade presence in places like China and India. We will reach out to help B.C. companies entering Asian markets. We will be better equipped to welcome foreign investors through a new hosting and business development program. 

The Premier will also lead a provincial trade mission to India and China this fall to build and strengthen relationships forged over the past decade and to identify opportunities for the next. 

Opening markets has real impacts for our citizens. It means new jobs at a sawmill in Quesnel and new mining jobs in Princeton. It means students from China studying in Nanaimo and clean energy solutions developed in Metro Vancouver improving the quality of life in cities in India. 

These pillars stand on a foundation of sound fiscal management and a skilled B.C. workforce able to meet the demands of our economy. 

Education and skills training should allow each British Columbian to earn a living in their own town. We are establishing regional workforce tables with seats for community, industry, First Nations and labour representatives to collaborate. The government will ensure resources dedicated to labour market and training programs are targeted to meet regional and industrial needs. 

As B.C. grows, there is tremendous opportunity for the skills of young people to grow with it. While we welcome workers from other provinces, our first priority is to fill jobs with British Columbians. By putting these measures into action, the B.C. jobs plan seeks to make British Columbia one of the top two Canadian provinces in both GDP and job growth by 2015. 

Semi-annual reports will chart our progress. These reports will reflect engagement with British Columbians. 

Your government is also committed to sustaining its leadership in the fight against climate change and to maintaining clean air and clean water throughout our province. 

B.C.'s revenue-neutral carbon tax accelerates the transition to cleaner fuels and technologies, and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. All funds collected through the carbon tax are returned to British Columbians, citizens and businesses through a range of tax relief. 

As we look beyond 2012, we will consider next steps in our clean energy and environmental strategies in partnership with communities, industry, First Nations, non-government organizations and, most importantly, citizens. 

[1430]

Your government sees the economic benefits of clean technology as part of a diverse economy. We will look at the large picture and consider how tax policy, energy policy, incentive programs and new technology contribute to a renewed vision of B.C.'s green economy. 

Our strategy will be grounded in pragmatic, cooperative solutions that protect our economic competitiveness and spur regional development. The government also embraces strategic partnerships to help drive the B.C. jobs plan forward. Our constructive relationships with the federal government, our new west partners in Alberta and Saskatchewan and our neighbours in the Pacific Northwest will yield many opportunities. 

Partnerships with First Nations are poised to unleash major economic benefits for British Columbia and increase capacity and opportunity in aboriginal communities. Your government will focus attention on establishing agreements with First Nations that will create certainty over our respective responsibilities. And while treaties may be an option for some First Nations, there are many
[ Page 7903 ]
ways to reach agreements that can benefit all communities, aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike. 

To further improve the investment climate, your government will work with First Nations to create a new business and investment council to foster wealth-creating partnerships. The gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal British Columbia remains too wide and too deep. New economic partnerships will contribute to our shared goals of family and community stability, bringing new opportunities and hope for young people. 

Services for B.C. families. Working to develop and implement a jobs plan with all British Columbians exists for one reason: to support and strengthen families. It is vitally important to be able to provide services and supports that families need and our society's most vulnerable citizens can count on. 

Modernizing education. In British Columbia we are fortunate to have thousands of dedicated teachers in our elementary, middle and high schools. Day in and day out they prepare our children for their future, and, in turn, the future prosperity of our province. 

Over the coming year your government will act to improve the education system, provide supports to teachers, and improve student safety in the classroom. Students need skills that will allow them to adapt to a world that is changing more quickly than ever before. These skills can be taught by our teachers, but not using a 20th-century curriculum with 20th-century teaching methods. 

Over the coming weeks my government will introduce a series of important changes to improve the skills of our current teachers and ensure that future teachers are provided with the tools they need to produce first-class graduates. Because teachers make the difference between good students and great students, our government will dedicate funding to address issues of class composition in British Columbia. 

Today school boards and parents are seeking additional flexibility and choice when it comes to educating our students to provide an education second to none. These changes will be bold and represent a significant improvement in how, when and where education takes place. They are necessary, now more than ever. 

The government is also committed to safer schools and will ensure that those very few individuals who abuse their position of trust are removed and not permitted to return. And important anti-bullying policies in our schools will be expanded to include a comprehensive training regime, on-line reporting tools and advanced threat-assessment tools and protocols. 

Protecting the most vulnerable. Complex social issues confront every government in every jurisdiction across the world. Since 2003 British Columbia's child poverty rate has declined almost 38 percent. The government shares the aspirations of all British Columbians to eliminate poverty and other adverse social conditions. 

The government has expanded StrongStart programs and full-day kindergarten and has introduced a nurse home-visitation program to support young, low-income, first-time mothers. The government funds more than 99,000 child care spaces and provides child care subsidies for about 54,000 children a year. 

[1435]

Over 16,000 new affordable housing units have been created, with 5,000 more either planned or under construction. 

The rental supplement supports about 9,000 B.C. families, and nearly three-quarters of a million British Columbians received MSP premium assistance this year. 

Community Living British Columbia delivers high-quality services to almost 14,000 adults with developmental disabilities. There is a growing budget and growing demand. The government recognizes the importance of these services provided by CLBC to families across B.C. and is focused on finding solutions to meet their needs. 

The government is actively engaged with the non-profit sector through the government/non-profit initiative. We will consider innovative next steps by hosting a summit on social innovation in November with non-profit organizations. 

With increased movement of aboriginal peoples into urban centres comes the opportunity to strengthen and align our efforts with urban aboriginal communities. The government will work with aboriginal partners, the federal government and local governments to develop an off-reserve aboriginal action plan to achieve better education and job training, healthier family life and strengthened cultures and traditions. 

Healthy communities. Our health care system is a rock on which families rely. It is also a resource that is adjusting to the impacts of our changing, aging society. While the health system is changing, your government is committed to making sure the principles underlying it never do. 

Over the past few years the government has made significant investments in health care infrastructure. Major hospital expansions have recently opened in Victoria, Fort St. John and Vernon. Significant investments are currently underway in Nanaimo, Kelowna, Nelson, Prince George and Vancouver. 

In Surrey we saw the opening of the brand-new Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre this past May and are witnessing the largest single health care capital investment in British Columbia with the expansion of Surrey Memorial Hospital. 

Since 2001 over $7 billion has been invested in health care infrastructure. Over the next three years a further $1.9 billion is allocated to improve facilities across British Columbia. This is the largest health care infrastructure investment plan in the history of our province. 

While the physical infrastructure is improving, more work remains to improve the health of our citizens. The
[ Page 7904 ]
government has identified four key strategies to improve the health and well-being of British Columbians: prevention; family practice and community care; hospital care and safety; efficiency. These four strategies are the foundation upon which we will improve the provision and access of health care in British Columbia. 

Under the prevention strategy early actions include a sodium-reduction campaign and an informed-dining program, which will partner with restaurants to provide more transparent nutritional information. The strategy also includes a new tobacco-cessation program, providing smokers who want to kick the habit with cessation products free of charge. This program came into force last week, and already many hundreds of citizens have signed up. 

The family practice and community care strategy involves finding family doctors for all British Columbians who wish one by 2015. It means that seniors will be able to receive more consistent care from medical professionals who know them and their history. New partnerships with the B.C. Medical Association are creating groups of family doctors to reduce gaps for patients and provide new clinical training for family physicians. 

The hospital care and safety strategy is about achieving better services, in part through the construction of new, innovative hospitals where families can be more involved with loved ones' care and where health providers can provide better service. It's also about improved clinical care guidelines — safeguards to improve medical care safety and to ensure the right medication is provided to the right patient. 

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The fourth strategy, efficiency, is designed to ensure we get the best return for every dollar. By applying lean design principles in our hospitals, we've been improving work flows and reducing costs, and a patient-focused funding initiative has resulted in lower costs per procedure as hospitals and staff become more efficient. 

Over the past five years annual health care spending has risen by $4.4 billion — a 36 percent increase. This provides vastly improved services and equipment, but pressures remain. Seven years ago the federal government and the provinces came together to create a long-term sustainable health accord that focused funding on measurable targets. 

In January 2012 our Premier will host a meeting with Premiers from across Canada to discuss how the renewal of the federal accord can help sustain our public health care system and drive innovation. Just as your government is leading the way in finding innovation in health care, we will lead our country towards a renewed federal health accord. 

Safer communities. Between 2000 and 2009 the rate of violence and property crime in British Columbia declined by 27 percent. Despite these declining rates, many British Columbians lack confidence in our criminal justice system. They have said they want a system that responds more quickly when a crime has been committed — a system that is more accessible and more adaptable to emerging issues. 

Your government shares this desire and is acting upon it. To add capacity to the courts, the government will introduce legislation to relax restrictions that limit the service time of senior part-time judges, and under the Provincial Court Act retired judges will be reappointed on the recommendation of the Judicial Council of B.C. to provide surge capacity. 

Following an exciting and unifying playoff run for the Vancouver Canucks, the Stanley Cup riot was a dark stain on our province. The actions of rioters were disgraceful, particularly in contrast to the community spirit exhibited by thousands of citizens who helped the city to recover in the days and weeks that followed. 

This breakdown in civil order requires that justice be done and that it also be seen to be done. A dedicated team of Crown counsel is in place to swiftly process all Stanley Cup riot charges and ensure that justice is served. The government also respectfully asks and has requested Crown counsel to advocate for television and radio access to the courts during proceedings for those charged in relation to the Stanley Cup riot. 

More can also be done to improve access to the judicial system by diverting certain types of proceedings from the courts. The following actions will be taken. The government will introduce the new family law act during this session to promote early resolution of family law problems. The government will also bring forward legislation in this session to create a streamlined process for traffic fine violations that resolves disputes and frees up Provincial Court time. 

The government is also moving forward on other important justice and policing matters. A new independent investigation office that will investigate police-related incidents involving deaths or serious harm is on track and will be operational in the first half of 2012. Destruction to infrastructure and property due to metal theft will be targeted through new legislation regulating scrap metal sales. And the government is committed to good-faith negotiations with the federal government with respect to the RCMP contract in British Columbia. 

Open government. The world is changing constantly. We use technology in ways we could not have imagined just a few years ago. Citizens' expectations are changing the way people interact with their government and the way they expect to receive services. Our government is committed to openness, transparency and engaging with British Columbians. Simply put, we need to be open with the information people have a right to see and open to ideas they have a right to voice. 

In June our government launched several initiatives to increase openness and transparency. British Columbia is the first province in Canada to launch an open-data
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website releasing 2,500 data sets in formats that allow anyone to license and use the information. 

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Our government is also proactively releasing freedom-of-information responses, and a new government website is making it easier for families to find the services they need. 

However, further changes are needed to allow government service delivery to keep up with technology while respecting people's right to privacy. This fall the government will be introducing changes to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The act was written in 1992, when many of us were still using electric typewriters. 

The amendments will take the work already underway and enshrine our commitments to openness and transparency into law. By modernizing the act, your government will enable citizens to have more seamless access to government services and create the conditions for greater engagement with other citizens. And the new provisions include additional authority for the Information and Privacy Commissioner to ensure that what we design is done in a way that enhances and is respectful of privacy. 

Openness and transparency are important for all levels of government. Your government will be introducing legislation to create an office of the municipal auditor general. The municipal auditor general will support existing open and transparent processes, be a resource for local government and ensure the public knows they are getting value for their tax dollars. 

Open government is also about listening and engaging with people we serve. Our government has taken significant actions to open the lines of communication with citizens, and those efforts will expand. 

The B.C. jobs plan is an important part, but only one part, of our open government and engagement efforts. Reviewing gaming grant funding and a summit with non-profit organizations are other examples. 

The government will also continue to promote the use of the Legislature's select standing committees as venues for government and opposition to find common ground. The Select Standing Committee on Health has been mandated to look at the impact of demographic changes on our health care system, and a bipartisan committee seeks the best solutions for regulating cosmetic pesticide use. 

The government will continue to engage citizens with town halls in communities around British Columbia. In the coming months, a new web space will be launched where British Columbians can see and access all of the consultations and engagements underway across government. 

Our citizens and their knowledge are among our greatest resources. By working together, we can use our collective experience and wisdom to find solutions that benefit more people and achieve far more than by working alone. To get in the spirit, I invite citizens to go on Twitter today and make their own contribution at #throne2011. In 140 characters or less, tell your government about the kind of B.C. you want for your family. 

Fellow British Columbians, your government has charted a course to help prepare our province for the new and challenging realities of our time. The history of British Columbia reveals itself through our written records and the traditions of storytelling — accounts and stories of everyday people overcoming great obstacles and making great progress. 

Together, we write this new chapter. We will not lose sight of shared goals — supporting job creation, defending the jobs we have, protecting the environment and providing support and protection for the most vulnerable among us. 

Your government is committed to change, committed to improving life for British Columbia's wonderful and diverse families, and committed to open government. Your government will face the challenges ahead with humility and respect for its citizens and with optimism and confidence for the future. 

[1450]

Now before I depart, this will be the last time that you will see my private secretary, Herb LeRoy, coming into this facility, as he is leaving office — this week, in fact. But he has served three Lieutenant-Governors extremely well. He is highly respected among his peers and in Rideau Hall, and he will be missed in my office. I hope you will join me in bidding farewell to him and thanking him for his service as private secretary to the Lieutenant-Governor's office in British Columbia. [Applause.] 

I want to thank the Songhees First Nation Chief Robert Sam, who has given this staff to my office, to all of us here, in memory of the announcement of the Salish Sea. I thought I would bring it in today just to publicly thank him for his gift. 

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber. 

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.] 

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, in order to prevent mistakes, I've obtained a copy of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor's speech. 

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills 

Bill 1 — An Act to Ensure
the Supremacy of Parliament 

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

Hon. S. Bond: I move that Bill 1, intituled An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament, be introduced and now read a first time. 
[ Page 7906 ]

Motion approved. 

Hon. S. Bond: The introduction of this bill prior to consideration of the throne speech expresses the established right of parliament, through its elected members, to deliberate independently of the Sovereign. As such, it is an important part of our parliamentary democratic process. It is a right that was first asserted by the Parliament at Westminster in the year 1603, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. 

I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. 

Bill 1, An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. 

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY SPEAKER 

Hon. R. Coleman: I move, seconded by the member for Juan de Fuca electoral district, that Linda Reid, member for Richmond East electoral district, be appointed as Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly. 

Motion approved. 

APPOINTMENT OF
ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER 

J. Horgan: I move, seconded by the member for Fort Langley–Aldergrove electoral district, that Dawn Black, the member for New Westminster electoral district, be appointed Assistant Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly. 

Motion approved. 

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHAIR,
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 

Hon. R. Coleman: I move, seconded by the member for Juan de Fuca electoral district, that Douglas Horne, member for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain electoral district, be appointed Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole for this session of the Legislative Assembly. 

[1455]

Motion approved. 

PRINTING OF VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS 

Hon. S. Bond: I move that the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same. 

Motion approved. 

appointment of
select standing committees 

Hon. C. Clark: I move the select standing committees of this House for the present session be appointed for the following purposes: 

1. Aboriginal Affairs; 

2. Education; 

3. Finance and Government Services; 

4. Health; 

5. Public Accounts; 

6. Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills; 

7. Crown Corporations; 

8. Children and Youth; 

which said committees shall severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as shall be referred to them by this House and to report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for persons, papers and records; and that a special committee be appointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed lists of members to compose the above select standing committees of this House under Standing Order 68(1), the committee to be composed of the Hon. Rich Coleman, convener; Gordie Hogg; Joan McIntyre; Eric Foster; Ben Stewart; Maurine Karagianis; John Horgan; and Shane Simpson. 

Motion approved. 

Motions Without Notice 

MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND ROLE OF
public accounts committee 

Hon. R. Coleman: I rise to move a series of motions reactivating six parliamentary committees and naming their membership. The full text of these motions has been provided to the Opposition House Leader and independent members. 

By leave, I move the first motion regarding the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts. 

[1. That the reports of the Auditor General of British Columbia deposited with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly during the Fourth Session of the thirty-ninth parliament be deemed referred to the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, with the exception of the report referred to in section 22 of the Auditor General Act which is referred to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, in addition that the following reports of the Auditor General of British Columbia be referred to the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts: 
[ Page 7907 ]

British Columbia Coroners Service, July 2011; 

An Audit of the Environmental Assessment Office's Oversight of Certified Projects, July 2011; 

The Status of Enterprise Risk Management in the Government Ministries of British Columbia, June 2011; and, 

Observations on Financial Reporting: Summary Financial Statements 2010/11. 

2. That the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts be the committee referred to in sections 2, 6, 7, 10, 13, and 14 of the Auditor General Act. 

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee be empowered: 

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; 

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House; 

(d) to retain personnel as required to assist the Committee, 

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment, or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly. 

The said Select Standing Committee is to be composed of Bruce Ralston (Convener), Douglas Horne, Randy Hawes, John Les, Joan McIntyre, John Rustad, Ralph Sultan, John van Dongen, John Yap, Spencer Chandra Herbert, Kathy Corrigan, Lana Popham, Shane Simpson, Guy Gentner and Vicki Huntington.] 

Leave granted. 

Motion approved. 

MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND ROLE OF
CHILDREN AND YOUTH COMMITTEE 

Hon. R. Coleman: By leave, I move the second motion, regarding the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth. 

[That the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth be appointed to be empowered to foster greater awareness and understanding among legislators and the public of the BC child welfare system, and in particular to: 

1. Be the committee that receives and reviews the annual service plan from the Representative for Children and Youth (the "Representative") that includes a statement of goals and identifies specific objectives and performance measures that will be required to exercise the powers and perform the functions and duties of the Representative during the fiscal year; 

2. Be the committee to which the Representative reports, at least annually; 

3. Refer to the Representative for investigation the critical injury or death of a child; and 

4. Receive and consider all reports and plans delivered by the Representative to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. 

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon Select Standing Committees of the House, the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth be empowered: 

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; 

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House; 

(d) to retain personnel as required to assist the Committee; 

The said Select Standing Committee is to be composed of Joan McIntyre (Convener), Barry Penner, Gordon Hogg, Douglas Horne, Kevin Krueger, Richard Lee, Claire Trevena, Leonard Krog, Mable Elmore and Nicholas Simons.] 

Leave granted. 

Motion approved. 

MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND ROLE OF
health COMMITTEE 

Hon. R. Coleman: By leave, I move the third motion, regarding the Select Standing Committee on Health. 

[That the Select Standing Committee on Health be empowered to: 

1) Examine the projected impact on the provincial health care system of demographic trends to the year 2036 on a sustainable health care system for British Columbians. 

2) Outline potential alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of the baby boomers on the provincial health system, and 

3) Identify current public levels of acceptance toward the alternative strategies. 

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Health, the Committee shall be empowered: 

a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; 

b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House; 

c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and 

d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee; 

And shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly. 

The said Select Standing Committee is to composed of Norm Letnick (Convener), Ron Cantelon, Colin Hansen, Dave Hayer, Bill Bennett, Dr. Moira Stilwell, Richard Lee, Mike Farnworth, Sue Hammell, Katrine Conroy and Guy Gentner.] 

Leave granted. 

Motion approved. 

MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND ROLE OF
finance and government services
COMMITTEE 

Hon. R. Coleman: By leave, I move the fourth motion, regarding the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. 
[ Page 7908 ]

[That the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services be empowered: 

1. To examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to the budget consultation paper prepared by the Minister of Finance in accordance with section 2 of the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act and, in particular, to: 

(a) Conduct public consultations across British Columbia on proposals and recommendations regarding the provincial budget and fiscal policy for the coming fiscal year by any means the Committee considers appropriate, including but not limited to public meetings, telephone and electronic means; 

(b) Prepare a report no later than November 15, 2011 on the results of those consultations; and 

2. (a) To consider and make recommendations on the annual reports, rolling three-year service plans and budgets of the following statutory officers: 

(i) Auditor General 

(ii) Chief Electoral Officer 

(iii) Conflict of Interest Commissioner 

(iv) Information and Privacy Commissioner 

(v) Merit Commissioner 

(vi) Ombudsperson 

(vii) Police Complaint Commissioner 

(viii) Representative for Children and Youth; and 

(b) To examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to other matters brought to the Committee's attention by any of the Officers listed in 2 (a) above. 

3. The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services shall be the committee referred to in sections 19, 20, 21 and 23 of the Auditor General Act and that the performance report in section 22 of the Auditor General Act be referred to the committee. 

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, the Committee shall be empowered: 

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; 

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House; 

(d) to retain personnel as required to assist the Committee, 

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment, or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment, and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly. 

The said Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is to be composed of Rob Howard (Convener), Bill Bennett, Dave Hayer, Pat Pimm, Dr. Moira Stilwell, Jane Thornthwaite, Doug Donaldson, Bruce Ralston, Mable Elmore and Bill Routley.] 

Leave granted. 

Motion approved. 

MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND ROLE OF
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
cosmetic pesticides 

Hon. R. Coleman: By leave, I move the fifth motion, regarding the Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides. 

[A Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides be appointed to examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to the elimination of the unnecessary use of pesticides in British Columbia and to conduct consultations on this issue with the public and key stakeholders, by any means the Special Committee considers appropriate. 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing to consider, the Special Committee shall specifically consider: 

1. The scope of any ban on the sale and use of pesticides, including those used solely for cosmetic purposes; and, 

2. Any appropriate exemptions and restrictions on the sale and use, which may apply. 

The Special Committee shall provide recommendations to the Legislative Assembly with respect to the development and implementation of legislative provisions regarding the unnecessary use of pesticides. 

The Special Committee so appointed shall have all the powers of a Select Standing Committee and is also empowered: 

a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; 

b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House; 

c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and 

d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee; 

and shall report to the House as soon as possible or following any adjournment, or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly. 

The said Special Committee is to be composed of Bill Bennett (Convener), John Slater, Ben Stewart, Barry Penner, John Yap, Rob Fleming, Scott Fraser and Michael Sather.] 

Leave granted. 

Motion approved. 

MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND ROLE OF
SPECIAL committee to appoint a
REPRESENTATIVE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH 

Hon. R. Coleman: By leave, I move the sixth motion, regarding the Special Committee to Appoint a Representative for Children and Youth. 

[That a Special Committee be appointed to unanimously recommend to the House the appointment of a Representative for Children and Youth, pursuant to section 2 of the Representative for Children and Youth Act, and that the said Special Committee shall have the powers of a Select Standing Committee and in addition is empowered: 

a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; 

b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House; 

c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and 

d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee; 

The said Special Committee is to be composed of Colin Hansen (Convener), Rob Howard, Ben Stewart, Dr. Moira Stilwell, Mable Elmore, Maurine Karagianis and Claire Trevena.] 

Leave granted. 

Motion approved. 

Legislative sitting hours 

Hon. R. Coleman: I also rise to move a motion to permit the House to adjourn at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Once again, the text of this motion has been provided to the Opposition House Leader and independent members. By leave, I move the motion amending the standing orders for the fourth session of the 39th parliament. 

[That effective immediately, the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia be amended as follows for the duration of the Fourth Session of the Thirty-ninth Parliament, which commenced on October 3, 2011: 

1. That Standing Order 2(1) is deleted and the following substituted: 

Sittings 

Daily sittings. 

2. (1) The time for the ordinary meeting of the House shall, unless otherwise ordered, be as follows: 

Monday: Two distinct sittings: 10 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Tuesday: Two distinct sittings: 10 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Wednesday: 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday: Two distinct sittings: 10 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

2. That Standing Order 3 be deleted and the following substituted: 

Hour of interruption. 

3. If at the hour of 6:30 p.m. on any Monday and Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, the business of the day is not concluded and no other hour has been agreed on for the next sitting, the Speaker shall leave the Chair: 

On Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday 

On Tuesday until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday 

On Wednesday until 10 a.m. on Thursday 

On Thursday until 10 a.m. on Monday 

subject to the provisions of Standing Order 2(2)(b).] 

Leave granted. 

Motion approved. 

Hon. R. Coleman moved adjournment of the House. 

Motion approved. 

Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. 

The House adjourned at 2:59 p.m.

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