2016 Legislative Session: Fifth Session, 40th 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)

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Morning Sitting

Volume 40, Number 6

ISSN 0709-1281 (Print)
ISSN 1499-2175 (Online)

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

The House met at 10:05 a.m.

[Madame Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers.

Tributes

JOSH LOCKWOOD

Hon. M. Polak: Every day the men and women who make up the conservation officer service work hard to minimize human-wildlife conflicts around the province and to protect our environment. It gives me great pleasure to introduce a member of the service who has done exceptional work for the benefit of all British Columbians.

Sgt. Josh Lockwood is here in the House today to be recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Officer of the Year. He is joined by chief conservation officer, Doug Forsdick; deputy chief conservation officer with the provincial investigations branch, David Airey; and assistant deputy minister of B.C. Parks and conservation officer service division, Jim Standen.

Whether it’s leading a high-profile investigation or mentoring a fellow officer, Lockwood excels at everything he does. His contributions to the COS go beyond his daily duties and include acting as an aide-de-camp, supporting the Lieutenant-Governor. Sgt. Lockwood is always supportive of those around him, and his career in the service is one to be recognized by all.

Since 1992, the Outstanding Officer of the Year award has been presented to a conservation officer who has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to the people of British Columbia. This is certainly descriptive of Josh Lockwood.

I hope the House would join me in congratulating and welcoming Sgt. Josh Lockwood.

Introductions by Members

M. Farnworth: Both sides of this House are privileged to have intelligent, eager, hard-working interns working for them each session, and this session we have had the pleasure of having a number of really talented individuals working with our caucus.

I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce and thank Sharday Buchart. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, first class distinction, in political science. While with our caucus, she’s assisted members of the opposition in preparing for the estimates of Advanced Education; Jobs, Skills; Labour; Economic Development; Natural Gas; LNG development; Housing; TransLink; Trade; and Multiculturalism.

Interjections.

M. Farnworth: Exactly, we load them up. But a fair wage is paid.

Robert Hill graduated from UVic with a Bachelor of Arts. While with our caucus, he’s assisted members of the opposition in preparing for the estimates of Arts, Tourism and Culture; Energy and Mines; local government; Sport; seniors; Social Development; and Transportation.

Rowan Laird graduated from King’s College, Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts, first class honours, in history and sociology. While with our caucus, she’s assisted members of the opposition in preparing for the estimates of Children and Family Development; Citizens’ Services; Environment; Technology, Innovation; green jobs; women in child care; and early learning.

David Macauley graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts, with distinction, in history. While with our caucus, he’s assisted members of the opposition in preparing for the estimates of Aboriginal Relations, Agriculture, Attorney General, Forests, Natural Resource Operations and Public Safety.

Michael McDonald graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts, again with distinction, in political science. While with our caucus, he’s assisted members of the opposition in preparing for the estimates of Education, Finance and Health.

Also this session we’ve had Kimberly Copeland joining us on a co-op term. She’s been a wonderful addition to the team and a great presence for us, as she welcomed people to our offices as the caucus receptionist. She is off to Bangladesh for six months to provide research and advocacy work for the UN 2016 Global Forum on Migration and Development.

Would the House join us in thanking all of these talented individuals.

[1010]

Hon. N. Letnick: It’s not very often I get to rise in the House and quote the Opposition House Leader and his words, sometimes in context and sometimes out of context. But in this case, I would like to quote. He says: “intelligent, eager and hard-working.”

That’s exactly who I want to talk about today, the intelligent, eager and hard-working staff in my office — in particular, Sahye Cummings, who’s celebrating 35 years today. Could we all join together and wish her a happy birthday.

J. Horgan: Joining us in the gallery today is a friend of mine and a friend of all workers in British Columbia, Mark Olsen, who is the western Canada regional manager of Labourers International Union — although Mark
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is here today in a more important capacity, as the host of the Star of the Sea elementary school from South Surrey. He’s volunteering along with teachers Mr. Pasta and Mrs. MacGillivray to show the kids of the grade 5 class just what democracy’s all about. Would the House welcome Mark, his teacher associates and all of the kids from Star of the Sea elementary from South Surrey.

I also have another introduction. Sadly, as I scan the galleries, the mainland contingent of the Horgan clan has not yet arrived — my two cousins, distant cousins, from across the Salish Sea. Heather Horgan and Suzie Hedden were to be here today to watch the last question period of the session. They represent, as I say, the mainland contingent of the Horgan clan. They’re outstanding human beings, and they’re great cousins. When they get here, I’m sure they’ll see a good show.

Hon. T. Lake: I just want to introduce someone that’s been introduced a few times this session, someone that is here often, but I wanted to recognize him one more time. Lynn Klein, of course, is in the gallery once again today. Lynn is a champion of our paramedic service. He’s written a book on the history of B.C. Ambulance Service.

I knew Lynn’s brother Ralph when we worked in media in southern Alberta back in the late ’70s, I fear to say. We’ve had an opportunity to have great discussions about politics, and we’ve had great discussions about the great ambulance service we have here in B.C. So I would like the House to once again welcome Lynn Klein to the gallery.

N. Simons: I’d like to acknowledge the staff of this building, the people who we see day in and day out in the hallways and at the front entrances: the Protective Services and the sessional folks, who are a constant in our lives and probably were there the first day we walked into this building. They’ve kept us from getting lost. They’ve kept us safe. In particular, today I think we should acknowledge those who are going to be retiring before we come back — unless, of course, someone calls us back early.

In particular, I’d like to recognize four Legislative Assembly Protective Services special provincial constables Sgt. Denis Brisson, Const. Lorraine Cormie, Const. Brigitte Miller, Const. Paul Rioux, and Const. Peter Zubersky. I just want to say that it’s nice to have friendly faces when we come into this building. Regardless of what’s happening in here, they’re constant, they’re consistent, and they’re friendly faces, no matter what. Richard Lupien is also a sessional officer who is retiring today, at the end of the afternoon.

On behalf of all of my colleagues on both sides of the House and Madame Speaker, I think we should wish them all the best in their retirement and thank them for what they’ve done for the people of British Columbia.

Hon. A. Virk: In the gallery with us today, we have Madikandan Kumar. Mani is former world paraclimbing champion from Bangalore and is in B.C. training for the upcoming world cup season and the 2016 world paraclimbing championships in Paris.

A little-known fact is that we have one of the top-three climbing walls in the world at Stelly’s Secondary School in Saanich, and that’s the Boulders Climbing Gym. Would the House please welcome Mr. Kumar to the House.

[1015]

L. Popham: I would like to introduce and welcome Chris Wiserac to the chamber. Chris was a resident of Saanich South for many years and graduated from high school last year with top honours, where he excelled academically in youth leadership and in sports. He’s just finished his first year of university, where he’s taking political science. I am looking forward to very much spending time working on projects in Saanich South with him over the summer.

Hon. A. Wilkinson: Today is bracketed by two important days — that is, yesterday and Saturday — which are the birthdays of the two long-suffering administrative staff in my office: Collette Charpentier and Cindy Flesh.

G. Holman: I have two introductions today.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members, this is still introductions.

Please continue.

G. Holman: Thank you, Madame Speaker, for trying to bring order to this place. It’s a thankless job.

I have two introductions I want to make today. I’m making a statement later today about the passing of Wendy Bergerud. I want to welcome to the House Wendy’s husband, Bill Roland, and her friends, family and colleagues. Would the House please make them welcome.

Also, I want to extend my apologies to the family. There was confusion on my part about when I was supposed to be making this statement, which caused a lot of inconvenience for the family. For that, I want to apologize to them.

I want to welcome, also, to the House Susan Stroud, who is a long-time activist in Central Saanich and now serves on the executive of the Saanich North and the Islands constituency executive.

Finally, I want to welcome to the House my wife, Alicia Cormier, who is also a Central Saanich councillor — the bravest woman I know, and not just because she married me.

Would the House please make all of these guests feel very welcome.
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Hon. P. Fassbender: Well, my wife, Charlene, is not in the House today. She’s watching question period. I would like to thank her for 49 years of support as of tomorrow.

Sweetheart, I will be home, and we will have a date tomorrow night.

D. Routley: I’d like the House to help me welcome young David Schneider, who’s up in the gallery. David is a grade 12 student from Duncan. He’s interested in politics, law and journalism and has a love of international affairs.

David is also a football fan, a big CFL fan. That’s good. He played football until his knees gave out, which is some indication of the effect of football on an 18-year-old.

He’s a musician. He plays guitar and ukulele and plays bass in his own band, the Avid Optimistics. We’ll cure him of that today. He does say that if any members have suggestions, the band is open to a new name — just saying.

He works at London Drugs in Duncan in the post office, so now I know who to blame. He’s a history buff, so we’re reading his name into history today. Would you please help me to welcome young David Schneider.

D. Ashton: I’d like to introduce everybody to Anna Hardy, regional director for Central 1 Credit Union, which is the credit union’s lender of last resort, just like the Bank of Canada. You might say Anna is our local Mark Carney.

Uniquely, in this province, credit unions represent over one-quarter of the retail banking business. They know their customers incredibly well and have lower mortgage loan loss ratios than the big banks and are a big fact of growing importance to small businesses throughout the province. The credit union family is growing.

Also, I would like to congratulate Anna and her husband. They’re expecting their first child in October. Would the House please make Anna welcome.

[1020]

M. Mungall: Well, she’s become a regular in this House, and she’s joining us again today: Sheenagh Morrison, who’s just an amazing young woman. She loves coming to the Legislature, and I think she’s setting a trend. I hope more British Columbians fall in love with question period, as she has. She just simply can’t get enough of it.

May the House please make her welcome.

Hon. M. Bernier: When I listen to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development — 49 years — obviously, I think he must have gotten married at a ripe young age of two years old, was it?

Myself, it was shortly after my 20s. This weekend I’m excited to get home to visit with my wife, celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. She’s put up with me for 28 years, 25 of it married. It’s been, I know, a real pleasure that entire time, for myself. I hope she says the same this weekend when I get a chance to meet her.

S. Chandra Herbert: Well, I have two good friends in the gallery today, Sharon Isaak and Jen Robe. One was a constituent and is now living in Victoria. The other is still a very active constituent, and both are very outspoken housing advocates. If the House would join me in making them welcome.

I also have a large group. I’ll list their names: Lily Alba, from Delta North; Wei Wa, from Vancouver-Fraserview; Maryann Markusdel, from Abbotsford-Mission; John Andrews, from Burnaby North; Curtis Allstead, from Surrey; Harriet Olders, from Victoria; Alastair Grims, from Parksville; and from the Peace country, Sam Davis.

All are members of the transgender community — not transgendered, as the Minister of Justice stated yesterday in the House. They are all here to watch the presentation of petitions to support their rights being made explicit in the law.

D. Bing: I have the pleasure of introducing some visitors from my riding of Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows today. They are a class of grade 6 students from the Haney Christian school.

Would the House please make them welcome.

J. Rice: I would like to just make a welcome to a constituent who isn’t here, who wanted to be here. She watches question period every day faithfully. I just wanted to say hello and thank you to Shelly Star, from Prince Rupert.

M. Hunt: I would like to join with the member for Surrey–White Rock in welcoming two groups of students from Star of the Sea School in our ridings.

They will be with us, circulating through here in the next few minutes. They are two groups of 30 students and six adults from Star of the Sea, with Dennis Pasta as their leader.

We just want to welcome them, and I’d ask that the House would join me in welcoming them to the House.

A. Weaver: Today in the precinct, I have some guests from St. Michael’s University School who are touring the Legislature. They are 21 grade 11 students, learning about governance in British Columbia. They’re accompanied by their teacher Daniel Baer. They should be upstairs there shortly, if they’re not there already.

Would the House please make them feel very welcome when they arrive.

S. Hamilton: As was mentioned earlier in the House, there are a couple of anniversaries. I thought I’d take this opportunity to, in the words of the Advanced Education Minister, talk about another long-suffering individual.
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Thirty-two years today marks the day that a young lady by the name of Kristen McNichol decided to take me on. I know what the folks in the House are thinking. I don’t look nearly old enough to have been married for 32 years, but it is the truth.

Anyhow, we’ve had a wonderful life together. There have been a lot of forks in the road, and true to my nature — both personal and political — we’ve made all the right turns.

Would the House please wish my wife a happy 32nd anniversary.

J. Shin: It’s the last question period and the last opportunity for me to invite a group to the House. Today I would like to welcome the members of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of B.C. The Ghanaians from West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea brought with them their love for diverse wildlife and thousands of years of rich culture to British Columbia when they first started arriving in the 1940s.

They’re engineers, doctors, professionals and entrepreneurs in all corners of our province, sewing into strengthening the multicultural fabric of our society.

[1025]

Of course, today’s delegation is led by Dr. Charles Quist-Adade. I would like to thank him for all the work that he does.

On behalf of the House, I would like to make sure they feel congratulated for the 30th anniversary of their association. They’re here with their families and family members — the young one too, making his voice loud and clear in the House. I hope I didn’t make him cry.

On behalf of all the members of the House, I hope you feel very welcomed, and thank you so much for joining us in Victoria.

G. Holman: I neglected to mention that our spokesperson for Education and myself will be meeting with James Taylor, who’s president of the COPACS for school district 63, to discuss the budget deficit that the school district is facing next year.

Hon. T. Stone: First off, I just want to say, to a couple individuals back in Kamloops that work in my constituency office, Leah Caldow and Pat Nagy, a big thank you. They’ve been working short-staffed for a while now, and I really appreciate the tremendous work that they do on behalf of the people of Kamloops–South Thompson.

I also want to acknowledge some staff here in the buildings who, for the first time, are actually taking in question period in person: Lindsay Borschneck, who’s an administrative coordinator in my office; Greg Moy, who’s my ministerial assistant; and Nathan Clark, who’s my executive assistant. They do a tremendous job in supporting me. I thank them very much for that.

Last but not least, I’m pleased to welcome a constituent who’s here today, Dr. Anders Ganstal, who’s a very good friend of mine up in Kamloops, and of the Minister of Health as well. He’s an emergency room doctor at Royal Inland Hospital. He should be very proud of the fact that he has pioneered a new electronic health records system in the emergency department at the hospital in Kamloops, which we think will be a tremendous model for other health districts around the province.

He is a prolific Ironman competitor and just an all-around great guy. I will say to Anders, both the Minister of Health and I look forward to attending his big five oh in June. Would the House please welcome Dr. Anders Ganstal to the chamber.

A. Dix: I wanted to welcome, in the front row as most days, my friend — our friend — Tim Schindel and, beside him, Jason Goertzen. They are here today, as they are every day, thinking of us. We think of them today, and thank them for all their service.

Statements
(Standing Order 25B)

ELECTORAL REFORM WORK
OF WENDY BERGERUD

G. Holman: Wendy Bergerud, one of the leaders of Fair Vote Canada, recently passed away.

Wendy was a member of the citizens’ assembly established to examine voting reforms in British Columbia. Apparently, Wendy knew little about the issue, but by the time the assembly’s work was done, she was recognized as one of its most knowledgable members — in part, perhaps, because she was a statistician in her day job.

Wendy was a passionate advocate for proportional representation — though as a Star Trek fan, she admitted that no voting system would achieve the Borg standard of perfection — and was a key activist in both the 2005 and 2009 referenda in British Columbia. Wendy was optimistic that one day our elections would ensure that voter preferences would be more fairly represented in parliament and in our Legislature.

For years, she worked tirelessly with Fair Vote Canada, organizing events, presentations, pub nights, media interviews and more. Even through her illness, Wendy continued to maintain an interest in the local chapter of Fair Vote Canada and, according to friends, remained glued to her keyboard until her death in March.

Wendy Bergerud was the first person I talked to when I was appointed spokesperson for democratic reform. Although I’ve heard from her friends that she did not suffer fools gladly, she endured my foolish questions with good-natured patience.

The executive of Fair Vote Victoria assured Wendy they will be as active as under her presidency, although
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her knowledge, wisdom and sense of humour at chapter meetings will be sorely missed.

[1030]

I’ve spoken about Wendy through the lens of electoral reform because that was my connection with her and because it was such an important part of my life. I will do my best to contribute to her dream of a fairer voting system, but I want to convey from all of us in this House our appreciation for Wendy Bergerud’s legacy and our deepest condolences to colleagues, friends and family.

AGRITOURISM AND LOCAL FOOD

J. Sturdy: British Columbia welcomed almost five million international visitors last year. They come to #explorebc. They come to see what we’re renowned for: untamed wilderness, beautiful mountain vistas, exciting outdoor activities and a vibrant arts and culture scene that is shaped and inspired by the nature that surrounds us.

Camping, hiking and skiing aren’t the only things offered by our bustling tourism industry. B.C.’s rich agritourism sector provides amazing opportunities for domestic and international visitors to sample fresh products and experience the flavours and aromas of our province’s bounty. From our award-winning wineries to our fairs, exhibitions, farmers markets and farm tours, B.C. has a range of events and activities for visitors to plan their own agricultural adventures.

Agritourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of British Columbia’s multi-billion-dollar tourism industry. Fairs and exhibitions attract more than 1.6 million patrons each year. Farmers markets, which have proven very popular with tourists and locals alike, generate more than $100 million annually for the provincial economy. Agritourism also provides local growers with terrific exposure and with opportunities to raise awareness of the variety, availability and health benefits of locally grown fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products.

We’re blessed with a wealth of natural, homegrown resources. Our agritourism industry provides fantastic ways for locals and visitors to connect with local culture, sample our freshest produce and support local businesses. With the summer season on its way and many farmers markets already open, now is the time for everyone to start planning their agritourism adventure to support locally grown products and to see and taste all that British Columbia has to offer.

KISPIOX VALLEY RODEO

D. Donaldson: In the Upper Skeena region of Stikine, centred on the Hazeltons in the Kispiox Valley, the values about how we live our lives are founded on the interface between two dominant cultures: the settlers and the Gitxsan. The interaction between these two world views is strong, intertwined with deeply shared currents running together.

An example of this will be on display at the 69th annual Kispiox Rodeo coming up June 4 and 5. Yes, that’s 69 years for the “Biggest little rodeo in the west.” Founded in 1947 in the Gitxsan village of Anspa’yaxw before moving up the Kispiox Valley the following year, it is a celebration of the love of horses, a love of the land and a way of life.

Not that long ago, horses were a primary mode of transportation in the Upper Skeena and points east. Before the coming of the grand trunk railway in 1914, massive pack trains were used to transport goods from paddle-wheelers on the Skeena River in Hazelton to communities, farms and prospectors well into the Interior, all the way to the Omineca gold fields. Some of these pack trains were 100 horses long, with Gitxsan and settlers working together and learning skills that would later be showcased in rodeo competition.

Even after the advent of railways, horses were still an important part of transportation in the economy in sectors like forestry — with horses used to skid logs out of the bush — of course, ranching and in the guiding and outfitting business for hunting and fishing excursions. In fact, there are still guide-outfitters using horses in their businesses today.

All of this leads to a special atmosphere at the Kispiox Rodeo. The competition is world-class, with participants testing their skills that are founded in the tradition of working with horses in packing, skidding and riding. In that setting, cowboys and Indians don’t exist. They are one and the same. It’s about a shared value set based on love of the land and deriving a living from it without destroying what we love best. The Kispiox Rodeo is a great social gathering that shows, in the Upper Skeena, we have a way of living that is worthwhile and worth fighting for.

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

M. Dalton: Thirty years ago a group of parents had a vision for a school that would challenge their children intellectually, nurture their interests and strengths and teach them the value of service to the community. With this vision, Meadowridge School first opened its doors in September 1985 to educate the next generation of leaders.

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Meadowridge has come a long way from when it first opened. From a ramshackle collection of mobile classrooms on rented property, Meadowridge is now a very attractive, modern facility with over 500 students. Meadowridge offers students a university preparatory education from junior kindergarten to grade 12.

The school focuses on building a strong sense of community in their students. In fact, their mission is: “Learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community.”
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Meadowridge provides numerous opportunities to get involved in the school and in the community. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular and club options to supplement their classroom learning.

I would like to thank the headmaster, Hugh Burke, and deputy headmaster, Jason Parker, as well as all the teachers and staff, for their continued dedication to the students. Their vision, dedication and passion for learning are clear in how successful their students are. Meadowridge boasts 100 percent post-secondary acceptance rates since 1999. It’s clear that the students who attend Meadowridge school have a successful future in front of them.

Congratulations to Meadowridge for 30 years of excellent education, and congrats to all the graduates.

NANAIMO MARINE FESTIVAL

D. Routley: This summer the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society is celebrating 50 years of bathtub racing. What began in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday has become a world-class event attracting competitors and spectators from around the world. Bathtub racing has overflowed into New Zealand, Washington state, all over Vancouver Island and the Okanagan.

All in the boat together, the Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival, the child development centre’s Silly Boat Regatta, Snuneymuxw First Nations and the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society, this year’s marine festival will wash over the entire month of July 2016. The Nanaimo Marine Festival dives in with the 14th annual Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival. The Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival Society donates the net proceeds to assist in improving the diagnostic treatment process and care of breast cancer patients.

Next, the Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s Silly Boat Regatta and a lot of funny sinkings. Race-day festivities include boat-building, music performers and family tree activities.

Finally, the bathtub weekend. A farmers market and a huge concert featuring iconic Canadian rock band Trooper join over 100 entries in the Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade throughout downtown, tons of free events for the whole family, arts and craft fairs, food vendors, beer gardens, waiters races, watermelon-eating contests and Bathtub Idol competitions.

On Saturday night, soak in one of Vancouver Island’s biggest firework displays, the Quality Foods Festival of Lights. Then on Sunday morning, join thousands of excited spectators as over 50 tubs compete in the great international World Championship Bathtub Race. This gruelling race takes over an hour and a half to complete.

Don’t miss this full month of fun and activities held in Nanaimo, the sun porch of Canada, the jewel of the west and the bathtub racing capital of the world. Come take the plunge. Join us for the world’s cleanest sport.

LEGISLATURE STAFF

D. Ashton: Along with my peer from Powell River–Sunshine Coast, I, too, would like to share with you some of the true stalwarts of the British Columbia Legislature — the men and women who work here day in and day out with no involvement in the politics of this place, who contribute their working hours to the significance and importance of this beautiful icon of democracy and free speech, who make up the security staff, the cleaning staff, the maintenance staff and the gardeners, just to name a few.

These are the people that make a difference to where we work, and make it very enjoyable. They’re the people with the friendly faces and cheerful attitudes — people like Sally Lee and Esther Rzeplinski, who work daily with others showing off this building to the thousands of visitors, or Polla Savage, who, along with her staff in the gift store, offer the visitors mementos of the grandness of this building and what it represents to show their friends when they return home.

There are many, many more that work in this establishment whose unwavering pride in their work makes this such a great place to be. Their pride is reflected not only in their work but in how they help us daily — like Iona Reid and her peers in the library, who seem to be able to put their hands on the most obscure book and article requests almost immediately.

Let’s not forget the great staff in the restaurant, like Dominique Boutin and Christine Smith, who, along with the other staff and chefs, make our meals so enjoyable. And speaking of nutrition, hon. Speaker, many thanks to Karen Armstrong and Angela Larsen in your office and the staff in the Clerk of Committees office for the nibbles that keep our energy up all day.

[1040]

Let’s not forget the sessional officers. Many are here today, the wonderful folks in this chamber that make everything run so smoothly and quench our thirst continually — individuals like Janice Davis, Michael Bradley, Robert Taylor and Richard Lupien, who is retiring this year. And the Sergeant-at-Arms staff, led by Gary Lenz, whose team keeps us safe and sound, including individuals like M.J. Mayo, Kelly Dukeshire and Pete Shepherd. They’re always so personable.

Last but not least, I would like to say a special thank you to a gentleman by the name of Oscar Desiderio, a real gentleman that keeps our hallways and our offices immaculate.

To all the members, please remember to say hi to these incredible individuals as you pass them as they’re doing their jobs in this institution. And to each and every one of you, have a wonderful summer, and we’ll see you again shortly.
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Oral Questions

PAYMENT OF LEGAL COSTS IN
BREACH-OF-TRUST COURT CASE

J. Horgan: Yesterday we asked the Attorney General what broader scheme the special prosecutor was referring to with respect to the guilty plea on behalf of the B.C. Liberal Party from Maitland Communications, and the Attorney had no answer. Then we asked the Attorney about any communications there had been between the RCMP or the special prosecutor and her office, and again there was no answer. We finally asked if there was, in fact, being an indemnity provided to Mr. Brian Bonney for his legal bills in the special prosecutor case, and again the Attorney General had no answer.

Today I’d like to try again with respect to the indemnity, because I believe that there is a principle at stake here. If we approve moneys in this Legislature for the Attorney General to discharge her responsibilities within the justice system, there is also an obligation to tell the public where those moneys are going. With respect to that, could I ask the Attorney General: are we giving an indemnity to Brian Bonney?

Hon. S. Anton: The Leader of the Opposition is correct that the public should know, and the public does indeed know, because there is an annual reporting of indemnities through the Minister of Finance.

In terms of specific indemnities, as I have said a number of times in this House, this is not a political matter. These questions do not come to me. They are decided at the senior official level. In terms of whether or not a specific person gets an indemnity, as I said, that is not my decision. It’s senior officials. And I will say — as I have said a couple of times — in a general way, in criminal matters, if a person receives an indemnity and is found guilty, then they are obliged to pay it back.

Madame Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental.

J. Horgan: I’ll start from the end and work back to try and unpack what the Attorney General just said there. She said if someone is found guilty, they are obliged to pay back the indemnity. Well, I’ve got about six million responses to that with respect to the Basi-Virk case.

I know that the Deputy Premier thinks that the public has a short memory on these things, but a $6 million legal bill to guilty parties, paid for by the province of British Columbia, definitely puts the lie to the statement that the minister just made.

I also want to talk about the disclosure of information. I have before me a three-quarters-of-an-inch document….

Madame Speaker: If the leader would withdraw that remark.

J. Horgan: I’ll withdraw unreservedly.

I have a document here. We requested, through freedom of information, for the indemnity provided to Athana Mentzelopoulos. Not only did we get the details; we got redacted suggestions for media responses to a member of the press gallery from the Vancouver Sun. So I think it’s selected memory, to a certain degree, with respect to releasing this information.

I also want to refer the minister to the Toope report that was done with respect to the Basi-Virk case and the $6 million payoff of their legal bills after pleading guilty. At no time did Mr. Tooke discuss anything about confidentiality of individuals, so I will concede to the minister’s point that it is entirely appropriate that public servants make the determination about granting an indemnity. But it is entirely the responsibility of the Attorney General to be responsible for the expenditure of that money.

Will she advise the House if a decision has been made by the Deputy Attorney General to provide an indemnity to Brian Bonney?

Hon. S. Anton: As I have said many times, this is not information that comes to me. These decisions are not made at the political level. They are made at the senior official level. They are a matter of personal privacy for anyone who receives an indemnity, and I believe that members on the other side of the House will be very familiar with that policy.

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So they are not something that…. Not only is it not known to this House, but it would be improper to discuss it in this House.

Madame Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition on a final supplemental.

J. Horgan: Well, the Auditor General also did a report on the special indemnities provided by government, and they seem to be piling up. We get, again, redacted information on a fairly regular basis as a response to our freedom-of-information requests. But at no time before 2012 was there any requirement for confidentiality. In fact, the notion of the public interest in these matters, when public moneys are being expended — in this instance, for criminal charges — I think is appropriate.

I’d like to cite a noted parliamentarian who used to sit on this side of the House. I could cite the current Finance Minister. I could cite a former Attorney General. But who better? What more noted scholar on parliamentary practice than the Premier in 2000, when she said: “Hon. Speaker, the public is paying the bill for these lawyers,
[ Page 13308 ]
and the public has a right to know how much they’re paying for their lawyers. That’s the principle we’re discussing here today.”

So if I could cite the revered parliamentarian from West Kelowna, would the Attorney General at least comply with her request and let the public know how much we’re paying to cover up Liberal corruption?

Hon. S. Anton: Madame Speaker, I would dispute the last part of the member’s question. There is a matter before the court, and it is highly improper to make any reference to that matter here.

In terms of the public reporting of the indemnities, indeed, they are publicly reported on an annual basis.

L. Krog: The fact that Mr. Bonney has been charged publicly is not exactly a secret to the people of British Columbia. When this is a public charge — this isn’t an interview with a witness — on the record, available in every newspaper in the province, surely the taxpayers of British Columbia have the right to know whether they are paying Mr. Bonney’s legal bill or someone else is. That’s his privilege, but if it’s the taxpayers of British Columbia, they have every right to know.

Will the Attorney General finally do the right thing, stand in this House and tell us whether or not she knows if Mr. Bonney’s legal bills are being paid by the people of British Columbia?

Hon. S. Anton: As I have said many times, that is not information I am privy to. Decisions about indemnities are made at the senior staff level, and they could be made for any person in this House. They could be made for any number of reasons for a person in this House — and have been. None of the persons in government who might possibly get an indemnity…. Those individual indemnities are not for discussion in this House. They are a matter of personal privacy.

I will repeat what I have said many times. Speaking generally, in a criminal matter, if a person is convicted, they must repay any indemnity which they have received.

DENTAL SURGERY CLINIC AT
VANCOUVER GENERAL HOSPITAL

J. Darcy: Lelainia Lloyd, from Port Moody, has been waiting five months for an appointment for specialized dental surgery at Vancouver General Hospital. Lelainia has a rare medical condition, and the VGH clinic is the only clinic where general surgery can be performed under general anaesthetic for adults with specialized medical needs and developmental disabilities.

In late April, the clinic was closed with no explanation. Lelainia’s surgery, like many others, has now been delayed even further.

Can the Health Minister explain why Lelainia and others are having their medically necessary surgeries cancelled or delayed even further?

[1050]

Hon. T. Lake: Well, the member is incorrect. There was an explanation. Vancouver General Hospital is changing the way that they provide specialized dental services. They are contracting with a professional dental organization that can provide a higher level of care to those specialized patients that require it.

This will take some time in terms of hiring practices, in terms of setting up the space, but the result will be a much better level of care, and that was fully explained by Vancouver General Hospital.

Madame Speaker: The member for New Westminster on a supplemental.

J. Darcy: What is really shocking is that people like Lelainia are being left to wait and wait and wait. She desperately needs this surgery. She’s on immunosuppressants. She’s allergic to antibiotics. She’s already waited eight months just to get an appointment at the clinic and will have to wait now months more. During that time, Lelainia has developed two serious infections — infections that could lead to further complications as serious as brain infections.

Yet this minister justifies closing the only clinic that offers dental surgery under general anaesthetic for people with specialized medical needs and developmental disabilities.

Again, to the Health Minister, why has he closed the only clinic that can perform dental surgery for Lelainia and so many other patients like her?

Hon. T. Lake: Well, firstly, I want to assure that patients that do require urgent or emergent care will be seen at Vancouver General Hospital through the emergency department and through the operating room if they require general anaesthesia for that specialized dental care.

If I can channel a former Health Minister and say that in the NDP world, nothing should ever change. We know that. This is a change that will improve patient care, that will provide a high level of specialized dental care for people with developmental disabilities and other complex needs.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

Hon. T. Lake: But I know the members opposite never like to see change, never like to see progress. We know that, because they stand in the way of progress at every single turn. When Dr. No goes on his summer tour,
[ Page 13309 ]
he’ll be standing in the way of progress all over British Columbia.

But, here, we are going to continue to progress and provide better care for British Columbians.

DISABILITY BENEFITS AND
BUS PASS PROGRAM CHANGES

M. Mungall: For four months now, advocates, people with disabilities and their families, have been begging and pleading with the B.C. Liberal government to end this bus pass clawback. For four months, the minister has used….

Interjections.

M. Mungall: Yes, actually I’m right that families around this province, thousands and thousands of people, have been calling on this government to do the right thing, and I would be right to say that this government has ignored them over and over and over again.

In fact, the minister has used every tactic to deflect from this issue. She’s been insulting British Columbians, sending out false infographics, dismissing people’s very real stories that we bring to the floor of this Legislature about how this policy is going to impact lives. She’s been changing her spin so often that nobody in British Columbia can actually keep up anymore.

Yesterday more than 150 organizations signed an open letter asking the minister to stop all this, to just listen, do the right thing and end this clawback. They are very clear they will not stop until she does this.

To the minister: please, no more insults, no more excuses and no more spin-doctoring. Yes or no — are you going to end the bus pass clawback and do the right thing for British Columbians? Do it today.

Hon. Michelle Stilwell: The fact of the matter is that every single person on disability assistance will now receive a transportation allowance to meet their transportation needs. Absolutely no one is losing anything. Absolutely every person on disability assistance is receiving more.

[1055]

They will receive an increase to their rate allowance of $25. They will receive $52 on their transportation allowance in the form of cash or a bus pass if they choose. We have made a $170 million investment to raise the rates and help assist people with disabilities.

The member opposite likes to make it appear that we don’t do things for people with disabilities, that things haven’t changed in the last nine years. In fact, we continue to make investments. We continue to change policies. We continue to put different reforms in place, like the single-parent employment initiative, the annualized earnings exemption and the exemptions to gifts and assets.

We continue to make changes to break down barriers, to help assist people who need the support from government the most.

INDEPENDENCE AND ROLE OF
AGRICULTURAL LAND COMMISSION

V. Huntington: Two years ago my office filed an FOI request for any data supporting the decision to split the ALR into two zones. It took 600 days and a formal appeal, but we finally have a response. These documents show that the reporting requirements written into the agricultural amendment act, 2014, were specifically designed to limit the independence of the Agricultural Land Commission. One document notes that Bill 24 moves the ALC “from operating independently of the ministry and government” to being “fully accountable to the government.”

The former Agriculture Minister stated that a consequence of his legislative changes would be “the reduced operational independence of the ALC.”

Can the Minister of Agriculture explain to this House how he can stand and tell us, ad nauseam, that the ALC’s independence is unchanged when it was his ministry’s explicit goal to undermine it?

Hon. N. Letnick: The member is just plainly wrong. The Agricultural Land Commission is a very strong commission. It’s independent of government when it makes its decisions. We’ve increased its budget from $1.9 million three years ago when I first became the minister. Right now the base budget for the Agricultural Land Commission is $4.5 million. There’s approximately 31,000 hectares more in the ALR today than there was in 2001.

The Agricultural Land Commission now has a CEO, split up from the chair of the commission, who’s now running things, making sure that all the administrative processes are in place and supporting great decisions by local panelists all around British Columbia.

Madame Speaker: The member for Delta South on a supplemental.

V. Huntington: Just so that we’re clear, these were quotes from a draft submission to cabinet. They weren’t just something out of the blue.

The same documents include a briefing note for the then minister. Apparently, one of the problems with the ALC was its “myopic focus on farmland protection.” Correct me if I am wrong, but I’ve been under the impression that the statutory mandate of the ALC was to do just that: protect farmland.

Perhaps the minister could explain why his government feels that the land commission’s legal mandate to preserve and protect the agricultural land base of British Columbia is a problem that needs to be neutralized?
[ Page 13310 ]

Hon. N. Letnick: Again, the member is just plainly wrong. The agricultural land reserve is stronger today than it’s ever been. There’s more land in the reserve today than there was in 2001.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members. This House will come to order. We’ll just wait.

Please continue.

[1100]

Hon. N. Letnick: Thank you, hon. Speaker.

Agriculture in B.C. is booming. We had $12.3 billion in agrifood sales last year, a record year. We had $312 million in net farm cash receipts last year, another record year for farmers and producers all over B.C. We have great panelists, split up into six regions of the province, that are making wonderful decisions based on local knowledge. Under the umbrella of the Agricultural Land Commission Act, it’s stronger than it’s ever been. British Columbians can rely on this government to make sure the ALR continues to be strong for generations to come.

FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR
FIRST NATIONS SCHOOLS

C. Trevena: Last week we asked the Premier why she granted $150,000 to Old Massett for a school that is solely a federal responsibility. Can the Education Minister explain to this House what process or program he went through to find $150,000 for a federal school?

Hon. M. Bernier: I think what’s important to stress is, first of all, how large the province is, the diversity we have around the province of British Columbia and how we’re always trying to make sure we have opportunities for all our students, for all our school districts right around the province of British Columbia. I need to remind the members opposite, especially the Leader of the Opposition, by the way, that Haida Gwaii is part of British Columbia.

We’re always looking for opportunities. We want to make sure we have a feasibility study to look at how we can help the First Nations students in Masset. We look at the opportunities. We work with the chiefs. We work with the local governments.

We want to make sure, when we look at Haida Gwaii specifically, that we look at every opportunity to make First Nations, the aboriginal students in that area, get the best education possible. We’ve had huge success in the province of British Columbia. Our completion rates are up from 30 percent to over 60 percent — something we’re proud of. What it boils down to is making sure we have the relationships and the partnerships, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing.

C. Trevena: The minister says he wants opportunities for all students. I gave him the opportunity to help students in my constituency back in February. I approached the minister about providing broadband support for an on-reserve school near Port Hardy. The government was already providing broadband access to the public school just 400 metres away, so we suggested to connect the band school too.

It would’ve cost the minister a tenth of what was spent on Old Massett and would’ve been a tremendous help to those children at the band school. Can the minister explain why he approved a $150,000 feasibility study for the school in Old Massett and didn’t support a $15,000 broadband connection for the band school on the Tsulquate reserve?

Hon. M. Bernier: You know, we continue to look at all the opportunities to help the school districts around the province. When you look at our fruit and vegetable program, which helps 90 percent of the schools around the province….

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Order.

Just wait.

Victoria–Swan Lake.

Please continue.

Hon. M. Bernier: We have a fruit and vegetables program that helps 90 percent of the schools around the province of British Columbia. We have $52 million in a CommunityLINK program.

I know that later on today, the members of this House are going to be very excited at noon today, when we’re going to be announcing more funding for every single school district. That’s every single member opposite of the House who, I’m sure, is going to be in the rotunda to talk about the opportunities it’s bringing to their school districts. Looking forward to seeing the members at the announcement later on today that’s going to help every single one of their areas.

SEISMIC UPGRADE FOR
SHORELINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

M. Karagianis: Shoreline Community Middle School, in my community, is at high risk of collapsing and killing children during an earthquake. The greater Victoria school district put together a plan to seismically upgrade that school. The minister has turned it down.

[1105]

Now, we all know earthquakes aren’t scheduled. They aren’t something that the Education Minister can put off for another day. I’d like to ask the minister: why did he turn down Shoreline’s seismic upgrade plan, or is this
[ Page 13311 ]
simply a signal that he’s yet again going to shut down a very vital community school?

Hon. M. Bernier: One of the things we’re very proud of with our government is the fact that we actually put a seismic mitigation plan in place in 2005, something the members opposite cancelled in the 1990s, because they said they couldn’t afford it.

In fact, we’ve invested $2.2 billion in seismic mitigation plans right around the province.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members. The Chair will hear the answer.

Hon. M. Bernier: The Victoria school district is actually a model school district when it comes to working with the province to try to get seismic mitigation plans done. In fact, we’ve spent $77 million on 14 projects already. In fact, two-thirds of the seismic plans have already been completed in Victoria. We work closely with the school district. They’ve put forward more plans, and we’ve committed to working with them to make sure every student is safe in our schools in British Columbia.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

J. Wickens: According to the Canadian Psychological Association task force in their 2014 position paper on school psychology, the ratio recommended is one school psychologist for every 1,000 students. In my school district of Coquitlam, we currently have one school psychologist for every 5,000 students.

Fewer psychologists mean fewer students with disabilities are getting the supports they require. The problem isn’t isolated to Coquitlam. Across this province, parents are being told they have to wait up to four years for an assessment.

To the Minister of Education: how can he justify vulnerable children waiting precious years for the assessments required so that they can reach their potential in the classroom?

Hon. M. Bernier: One of the things we’ve done, working with the school district, is that we’re investing $481 million to help students with special needs right across the province, making sure that programs are in place. That specific member’s school district has seen a $72 million increase to their budget — $260 million.

It’s unfortunate that that member opposite continues to discredit the hard work of the people and the teachers and the staff that are in that area, when they talk about the fact — and she publicly says — that students aren’t even getting the basic education.

We’re very proud of the hard work those students are getting because of the teachers in the area. We’re going to continue to make sure that those investments are there to help all of the students.

Madame Speaker: Coquitlam–Burke Mountain on a supplemental.

J. Wickens: When students don’t have access to the assessments they need to access their education, they are not accessing their basic education, and that falls on the feet of this Minister of Education.

The ministry has failed to take responsibility for long wait times for psych-ed assessments. This has forced parents to pay thousands of dollars out of their pockets for private assessments. I know this, because we were forced to wait three years for an assessment for our son and had to pay $2,000 out of pocket. Parents across British Columbia cannot afford to do this.

To the Minister of Education. He has stated publicly, on record, that early identification, early intervention, is essential for our children. When will he finally make that a reality for psych-ed assessments in the province of British Columbia in every school?

Hon. M. Bernier: You know, the member is right. We want to make sure that we have early identification, which is why we’re investing so much money in our government, making sure we’re helping students with special needs. So $481 million in our budget. If you look over the next three years, we have almost $20 billion being spent in education in the province of British Columbia — something that we’re very proud of.

[1110]

One other thing that we’re starting to see success in is our learning improvement fund. When you look at the fact that we have 1,200 new part-time and full-time teachers, 250 more support staff…. Those are teachers right in the classroom, helping all of our students in British Columbia, specifically students with special needs, who are getting hands-on, quality attention.

SAANICH SCHOOL DISTRICT
COSTS AND FUNDING

G. Holman: Contrary to statements made last week by the minister, school district 63 is facing a $1 million deficit in their next school year, not through any fault of their own but because of arbitrary decisions made by government. This government forced the district to cut another $700,000, which is then being clawed back into the general revenues, perhaps to help pay for the $230 million tax gift to B.C.’s top 2 percent income earners — maybe.

Almost $300,000 in additional costs are also being imposed on the school district. After years of teacher and classroom cuts and six school closures in my school dis-
[ Page 13312 ]
trict, 63, how can the minister justify this unfair clawback and cost downloading that’s going to result in fewer classroom services for students?

Hon. M. Bernier: I appreciate the member opposite standing up and asking this question. It gets me the opportunity to remind him, because I didn’t happen to see him there at the huge announcement, of $7.1 million being spent in his riding to fix Bayside’s roof — something that the school has asked for, something that we worked for. We are very proud to be able to do that. You know, I’ve met….

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members. This House will come to order.

Nelson-Creston.

Hon. M. Bernier: Well actually, what I’d say the hashtag is, is #strongeconomies. That’s how we can do those investments.

[End of question period.]

Tabling Documents

Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, for the information of members, I’m in receipt of a correspondence from the Minister of Justice, dated May 11, in response to the recommendations of the Special Committee to Review the Independent Investigations Office, which I’m hereby tabling in the House.

Hon. S. Anton: I have the honour to present two annual reports. They are the Forest Appeals Commission Annual Report 2015 and the Environmental Appeal Board 2014-2015 Annual Report.

Petitions

S. Hammell: I rise to table a petition. The petition is signed by 116 people requesting that the House support a comprehensive ADHD strategy that includes access to all medications approved by Health Canada for ADHD.

D. Routley: I rise to table a petition. This petition is signed by many dozens of residents of the Cedar community, between Ladysmith and Nanaimo. They are protesting the potential infilling of a beautiful bay and the cutting off of access from historical trail systems that have served travellers in the area for over 100 years. They would like this House to support their petition.

Reports from Committees

J. Martin: I have the honour to present the second report of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills for the fifth session of the 40th parliament.

On May 17, 2016, the committee undertook the examination of the revision of the Municipal Replotting Act pursuant to the Statute Revision Act and recommended to the Lieutenant-Governor that the revision be approved and brought into force.

I move that the report be taken as read and received.

Motion approved.

Petitions

S. Chandra Herbert: I rise to present a petition signed by thousands and thousands of British Columbians calling on this Legislature to add gender identity and expression to our human rights code.

[1115]

Orders of the Day

Hon. M. de Jong: First, I’m asked by our very able staff to remind all members to clean out your desks and take those materials with you, or they will disappear another way.

Then I, firstly, move that the reports of resolutions from the Committees of Supply on March 1, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, April 4, 5, 13, 14, 26 and May 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 be now received, taken as read and agreed to.

Motion approved.

Hon. M. de Jong: Secondly, I move that there be granted to Her Majesty from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the sum of $38,155,598,000 towards defraying the charges and expenses of the public service to the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. This sum includes that authorized to be paid under section 1 of the Supply Act (No. 1), 2016.

Motion approved.
[ Page 13313 ]

Hon. M. de Jong: Thirdly, I move that there be granted to Her Majesty from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the sum of $778,706,000 towards defraying the disbursements for capital expenditures, loans, investments and other financing requirements of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. This sum includes that authorized to be paid under section 2 of the Supply Act (No. 1), 2016.

Motion approved.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

BILL 26 — SUPPLY ACT, 2016-2017

Hon. M. de Jong presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Supply Act, 2016-2017.

Hon. M. de Jong: I move Bill 26 be introduced and read a first time now.

Motion approved.

Hon. M. de Jong: This supply bill is introduced to authorize funding for the operation of government programs for the 2016-17 fiscal year. The House has already received, taken as read and agreed to the reports of resolutions from the Committees of Supply after consideration of the main estimates.

In addition, the House has resolved that there be granted from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the necessary funds towards defraying the charges, expenses and disbursements of the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017.

Madame Speaker, as is customary, it is the intention of the government to proceed with all stages of the supply bill this day.

Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, I would ask you to remain in your seats for a few minutes while the bill is being distributed.

The member for Surrey-Panorama seeks leave to make an introduction.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

M. Hunt: I note in the House that the second group from the Star of the Sea School in South Surrey has come to join us. On behalf of the member for Surrey–White Rock and myself, I would ask the House to join me in welcoming them here to the precincts.

[1120]

Madame Speaker: In keeping with the practice of this House, the final supply bill will be permitted to advance through all stages in one sitting.

Bill 26, Supply Act, 2016-2017, introduced, read a first time and ordered to proceed to second reading forthwith.

Second Reading of Bills

BILL 26 — SUPPLY ACT, 2016-2017

Hon. M. de Jong: I move that Bill 26 be read a second time now.

Motion approved.

Hon. M. de Jong: I move that Bill 26 be referred to Committee of the Whole House for consideration forthwith.

Bill 26, Supply Act, 2016-2017, read a second time and ordered to proceed to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration forthwith.

Committee of the Whole House

BILL 26 — SUPPLY ACT, 2016-2017

The House in Committee of the Whole (Section B) on Bill 26; R. Chouhan in the chair.

The committee met at 11:21 a.m.

Sections 1 to 3 inclusive approved.

Schedule 1 approved.

Schedule 2 approved.

Preamble approved.

Title approved.

Hon. M. de Jong: I move the committee rise and report Bill 26 complete without amendment.

Motion approved.

The committee rose at 11:22 a.m.

The House resumed; Madame Speaker in the chair.

Report and
Third Reading of Bills

BILL 26 — SUPPLY ACT, 2016-2017

Bill 26, Supply Act, 2016-2017, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.

Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor is in the precinct. Please remain seated while we await her arrival.

[1125-1130]

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor requested to attend the House, was admitted to the chamber and took her seat on the throne.

Royal Assent to Bills

Deputy Clerk:

Great Bear Rainforest (Forest Management) Act

Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Amendment Act, 2016

Fire Safety Act

Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Amendment Act, 2016

Industry Training Authority Amendment Act, 2016

Mines Amendment Act, 2016

Motor Dealer Amendment Act, 2016

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Statutes Amendment Act, 2016

Safety Standards Amendment Act, 2016

Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2016

Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2016

Community Care and Assisted Living Amendment Act, 2016

Local Elections Campaign Financing (Election Expenses) Amendment Act, 2016

Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Amendment Act, 2016

Environmental Management Amendment Act, 2016

Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act

Profits of Criminal Notoriety Act

Miscellaneous Statutes (General) Amendment Act, 2016

Millar College of the Bible Act

In Her Majesty’s name, Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor doth assent to these acts.

Supply Act, 2016-2017

In Her Majesty’s name, Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor doth thank Her Majesty’s local subjects, accepts their benevolence and assents to this act.

Hon. J. Guichon (Lieutenant-Governor): Thank you for the prodigious amount of work that you have all accomplished this year, and thank you for decorum befitting this House. Have a wonderful summer.

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

[1135]

[Madame Speaker in the chair.]

Hon. M. de Jong: I move that the House, at its rising, do stand adjourned until it appears to the satisfaction of the Speaker, after consultation with the government, that the public interest requires that the House shall meet or until the Speaker may be advised by the government that it is desired to prorogue the fifth session of the 40th parliament of the province of British Columbia. The Speaker may give notice that she is so satisfied or has been so advised, and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and, as the case may be, may transact its business as if it has been duly adjourned to that date and time and that, in the event of the Speaker being unable to act owing to illness or other cause, the Deputy Speaker shall act in her stead for the purpose of this order.

Motion approved.

Madame Speaker: Members, travel safe. Take a moment to reflect on the pride and privilege that all of us have to serve the province of British Columbia.

Hon. M. de Jong: Best wishes to all members. Safe travels. À la prochaine fois.

Hon. M. de Jong moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

Madame Speaker: This House stands adjourned until further notice.

The House adjourned at 11:37 a.m.

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