2017 Legislative Session: Sixth 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, March 2, 2017

Morning Sitting

Volume 42, Number 8

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

The House met at 10:04 a.m.

[Madame Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers.

[1005]

Introductions by Members

Hon. A. Virk: It’s my pleasure to make an introduction today. We often talk in this House about diversity. We often talk about, in this House, how we have groups that have come across the oceans and come to this country and built a better life, built a better British Columbia and a better Canada.

The Hindu community in British Columbia is one of those communities. Today we are joined by members of the board and council members of the Vedic Hindu Society, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, in Surrey. We have with us President Satish Kumar and General Secretary Vinay Sharma. We have Rajesh Jindal, Rasika Acharya, Munish Goel, Mohan Moudgill, Kapil Goyal, Vineet Aggarwal, Sudeep Goyal, Karan Goyal, Pradeep Mahindru, Mahesh Gupta, Parshotam Goel, Suresh Bhayana and Deepak Sharma.

Ladies and gentlemen, if the members of the House would please make our guests, these proud, proud Canadians belonging to the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society, most welcome in our House.

C. Trevena: Later today, there is going to be an unveiling of a monument on the grounds of the Legislature for B.C. Search and Rescue. I’d like to note that part of this is to recognize four men from Alert Bay who lost their lives nearly 47 years ago: Reg Hunt, who was a pilot; Alfie Hunt; Norman Wilson; and Victor Hanuse. They were out searching for another plane that was lost. Their work is going to be memorialized today. In the precinct are family members Lillian Hunt, Christine Hunt, Corinne Hunt and Amanda Hunt.

I’d also like, at this time, to acknowledge the very hard work that search and rescue does. Campbell River Search and Rescue has one of the largest footprints in the province for its work. It includes from Oyster River out to Nootka Sound, over to the mainland inlets and up into the north end of the Island. Its sort of footprint mirrors my own constituency.

I’d like the House to recognize those who have lost their lives to search and rescue. The family members are here to help honour those memories and the hard work of all search and rescue crews in our province.

I have another introduction, if I might. This is a more personal one. In the gallery today is Martha James. Anybody who knows art and pottery and real artistic work will know of Martha and Gordon James, two potters who live and work on Quadra Island.

I’m very pleased that Martha is here in the gallery. Her husband, Gordon, was here yesterday because he is one of the 20 artists from the north Island who are being celebrated at Government House with an exhibition of north Island art, with art from the Campbell River Art Gallery.

Gord had to head back up Island today, but I’m very pleased that Martha — who is, as I say, a very well-known artist and a very well-known potter — is able to stay, watch question period and spend some time here in the Legislature. I would urge anybody who likes art to come to the Quadra Island Studio Tour in June. They will be able to come down to Gord and Martha’s studio. I hope the House will make them welcome.

J. Tegart: I am pleased to introduce my Legislative Assembly assistant, Sarah O’Connor. Sarah was raised in my riding, in the community of Lytton, so it’s wonderful to have someone behind the desk that understands Fraser-Nicola well. Would the House join me in welcoming Sarah today.

C. James: I have two constituents who are in the gallery today, two individuals who are active and engaged in their union and in their community, from one of the most important professions in our province, which is raising the future generations as teachers.

I’d like to introduce Don Peterson, who is the president of the Saanich Teachers Association; and Darren Companion, first vice-president of the Greater Victoria Teachers Association. They’re here visiting the gallery today and are going to enjoy lunch later on in the day. Would the House please make them very welcome.

[1010]

G. Kyllo: We are joined in the House today by two individuals that provide us a lot of support here in the building. We have Zach Millward, the assistant legislative assistant; and Ms. Shala Robins, who does an amazing job of supporting a number of us down in the east basement. I just wanted the House to please make them feel very welcome.

A. Weaver: It gives me great pleasure to introduce an inspirational young woman who I have the distinct honour of hosting on a job-shadow today. Her name is Jillian McCue, a 13-year-old grade 8 student at Gordon Head Middle School. Would the House please make her feel very welcome.

Hon. T. Stone: I know we all have outstanding staff in our respective offices in this building. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce two of my staff who are here
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in question period for the first time: my administrative assistant, Jacqueline Chapotelle, as well as my administrative coordinator, Lida Paslar. Would the House please make them feel welcome.

J. Wickens: Today in the Legislature, I have two guests, Stephanie Wagner and Bree Kozak. They are both moms from my community, who came over. They’re very passionate about public education and child care. I’m hoping that the House will make them feel very welcome.

Hon. S. Anton: I, too, would like to welcome the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society here during their visit today to Victoria. I know that they will have members who are in my riding of Vancouver-Fraserview.

Speaking of people from Vancouver-Fraserview, I’d like to welcome Adele Thorne, who is here today. Adele is an international speaker and educator and a psychologist. She is here today to visit the Legislature. I look forward to talking to her a little later.

S. Simpson: I’m pleased to introduce Terrance Kosikar, who’s here with a couple of his colleagues. Some of you may know of Terrance’s work. Terrance is a past first responder who has been flipping a 200-kilogram tire around this province wearing 50 pounds of chains. The reason he’s been doing this, most recently up a mountain at Whistler last weekend, is really to draw attention to the issue of PTSD and first responders. Terrance has been doing this. I know he has recently authored a book on the issue. He’s here today for the introduction of a piece of legislation.

Terrance has a unique way of bringing and drawing attention to this, but a very effective one, I must say. I’ve seen him out there, and he draws a crowd like nobody’s business. People say: “Who is this guy in the chains with the tire?” Then he gets to talk to them about the issue of PTSD, first responders and others. He does that in a very compelling and inspirational way. Please welcome Terrance to the Legislature.

L. Larson: I’d like to introduce Andrew Reeve to the House. He is the LA in the Whip’s office, so no further explanation is needed. Will the House please make him welcome him this morning.

Hon. N. Yamamoto: I, too, have a constituent who is here today. Would the House please welcome Graham Carswell.

H. Bains: It’s my pleasure to welcome some really good friends from my constituency, Surrey and the Lower Mainland, the leaders of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. If you have an opportunity to come to Surrey any weekend, they have some cultural or religious programs going on, inviting thousands of people to come and enjoy and celebrate and share their values that they bring with them.

I want to say thank you very much for doing the great job that you guys do.

Please help me welcome them to this House.

L. Reimer: It’s my great pleasure to welcome to the House today Mr. Simran Sahota and Katherine Griffin, who are fabulous legislative assistants. Also, our fabulous assistant legislative assistants, Mr. David Decolongon and Mr. Stephen Lee. Would the House please make them very welcome.

Hon. P. Fassbender: I want to join my colleague and the member for Surrey-Newton in welcoming the individuals from the Vedic Hindu Society. They do great work in the city of Surrey. Their temple is in my riding now. I want to say welcome and ask the House again to welcome them.

[1015]

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

BILL M233 — WORKERS COMPENSATION
AMENDMENT ACT, 2017

S. Simpson presented a bill intituled Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2017.

S. Simpson: I move a bill intituled the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, and ask that it be introduced and read for a first time now.

Motion approved.

S. Simpson: This legislation will institute a presumptive clause for first responders in British Columbia. Under the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, if a first responder is diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress injury, it will be deemed to be as a result of their occupation. This will end the hurdles around WorkSafe B.C. claims and the related unacceptable delays that too many of these public servants who need support are facing today.

First responders — including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, sheriffs and corrections officers — suffer PTSD at more than double the rate of the general population. Tragically, we saw 63 first responders commit suicide across Canada last year, and 19 of those preventable deaths were in British Columbia.

This serious mental health challenge that first responders face is directly related to their service. It is an injury in every sense of the word, an injury that is caused by the critical and difficult work these public servants do every day. First responders treat those with health emergencies, ensure public safety and protect the citizens of
[ Page 14009 ]
British Columbia. In doing that work on our behalf, they too often face extreme and traumatic situations that most of us could not begin to comprehend.

We are seeing those stresses exacerbated by the opioid overdose crisis in our province, where our first responders face this tragedy dealing with fatalities and numerous overdoses every day.

We know that PTSD, like other mental health challenges, is not typically the result of a single event. Rather, it is cumulative in nature. Facing these difficult situations day in and day out over a career has been shown to trigger PTSD or other mental health injuries.

Six provinces have seen the evidence and adopted comparable legislation. In B.C., the suicide numbers would suggest the urgency for action is even more dire, and we have not acted. While this legislation is specific to PTSD, I know there are a number of other mental health challenges that deserve consideration as well. I believe this legislation can set that foundation.

If we are going to take meaningful action to support and protect those who save our lives every day in British Columbia, we need to take that action now. It’s time for the government to say yes and pass this bill.

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

Bill M233, Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2017, 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.

Madame Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition seeks leave to make an introduction.

J. Horgan: I thank my colleagues for indulging me….

Interjections.

J. Horgan: Did I get an aye there?

Madame Speaker: Just in the nick of time.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

J. Horgan: The reason I’m late is because joining us in the gallery is my legislative assistant, Elizabeth Parkinson, and she would have normally given me this, and I left early.

Joining us in the gallery is Elizabeth Parkinson, my legislative assistant, as well as her mother, Jane, and two friends from the great constituency of Juan de Fuca, Ben and Kay Prosser. Most importantly, and I’ve been wanting to say this before the cameras of Hansard and before all of you: also joining Elizabeth, Jane, Kay and Ben is Elizabeth’s delightful daughter, Bella.

Would the House please make them all very, very welcome.

L. Reimer: I just wanted to make a correction to an earlier introduction that I made. Mr. David Decolongon is a legislative assistant, not an assistant legislative assistant.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

BILL 2 — ADOPTION
AMENDMENT ACT, 2017

S. Cadieux presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Adoption Amendment Act, 2017.

Hon. S. Cadieux: I move that Bill 2 be introduced and read a first time now.

Motion approved.

Hon. S. Cadieux: I am pleased to introduce Bill 2, the Adoption Amendment Act, 2017. This is a short bill that makes amendments to the Adoption Act to confirm and clarify established adoption policy in British Columbia.

[1020]

The amendments ensure that the director of adoption has the ability to place children for adoption in homes that will be in their best interests, whether those homes are inside or outside of the province.

The amendments also confirm that when a child is relinquished for adoption into the care of the director of adoption, the director is the sole guardian of that child and no other guardians can be appointed.

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 2, Adoption Amendment Act, 2017, 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.

Statements
(Standing Order 25B)

SENIOR C DRAGON BOAT TEAM

D. Eby: If you’ve visited Vancouver, of course you’ve seen our fantastic dragon boat racing teams in False Creek.

While there’s good reason for pride among all the teams in False Creek, certainly, in my mind, the senior C dragon boat team stands out. Founded in 2010 by then commodore Pat Pawlett, the senior C team requires that their youngest members be no younger than 60 years old.
[ Page 14010 ]
Now, those are the whippersnappers. Their steersperson Ron MacDonald is 85 years old.

The team boasts 45 men and women. Their illustrious members include coach and former Olympian, Kamini Jain; co-coach, Andrea Dillon; and captain, Gary Cohen.

Racing as a women’s team, a men’s team and mixed teams, the senior Cs are national and international standouts. They have won five Canadian national championships, two world championships and performed exceptionally well at the most recent world championship last April in Adelaide, Australia. Many of the senior Cs are on the Canadian national senior C team that is competing at the World Nations Championship in China this October.

Commitment and drive are required if you’d like to join the senior Cs. In order to win championships, these racers train and race year-round in dragon boats, cross-train in outriggers and undergo fitness training.

Members of this team travel as far as Campbell River on the Island and Penticton in the Interior and practise in the early mornings, in sleet and snow and wind and rain, twice a week. Practices are held on Thursday and Sunday mornings.

I’m told that they’re always looking for new members, so long as you pass the age requirement and, of course, their fitness test.

It’s not just hard work. The team recently surprised steersman Ron MacDonald with a Hawaiian-themed birthday party on Granville Island. Aloha.

Let’s wish the senior Cs luck with their 2017 goal to win the national championships in Welland, Ontario in order to qualify for the 2018 world club championships in Hungary. Keep paddling, senior Cs.

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS
AND VOLUNTEER MEMORIAL

J. Sturdy: Today I rise in the House to recognize the tremendous work done by search and rescue teams all across this province.

The province of British Columbia has more than 80 ground search and rescue teams. In my riding of West Vancouver–Sea to Sky, I have five hard-working teams that I want to recognize: Lions Bay; Squamish; Whistler; Pemberton; and, of course, North Shore search and rescue.

Their counterparts in PEP Air act as eyes in the sky to find those lost in the back country. Road rescue teams provide emergency response on B.C.’s long and winding highways.

The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue has more than 30 rescue stations along B.C.’s coast. They brave rough waters to find those lost at sea.

This group of selfless men and women consistently give of themselves to bring others home safely, braving the harsh and often inhospitable landscapes of our beautiful province to reunite and recover their friends and loved ones.

Sometimes — thankfully, rarely — these brave volunteers make the ultimate sacrifice. Today at noon, a permanent monument will be unveiled in honour of those who have given their lives to save others — a memorial to brave search and rescue volunteers, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue volunteers, and PEP Air volunteers.

On the south lawn of these precincts, their names will stand alongside the B.C. emergency services Garden of Honour and the memorials dedicated to British Columbia’s fallen peace officers, firefighters and paramedics.

I would also like to note that today has been proclaimed Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial Day in the province of British Columbia.

On behalf of the members of this House and the people of this province, I want to thank every search and rescue team and search and rescue family for your service and your sacrifice.

[1025]

SMALL BUSINESSES IN
VANCOUVER–MOUNT PLEASANT

M. Mark: Small businesses are an essential part of B.C.’s economy, contributing to job growth and providing income to a large cross-section of individuals and families throughout the province. Beyond their economic value, small businesses also serve as community hubs and meeting places. Not only do they provide us with essential services; they really shape an area’s identity.

In Mount Pleasant, businesses are the heart of every neighbourhood throughout Chinatown, Railtown, Gastown, along the drive, Main Street, Kingsgate Mall, along Kingsway or Broadway. You can get your favourite coffee, visit your local credit union, meet a friend for dim sum, buy local produce, pick up some art supplies or get your hair cut. Small businesses are the backdrop of our communities and relationships. Whether it’s the craft brewery where you hooked up or the café where you broke up, these local businesses shape our memories.

One business in my constituency that I’d like to shine a light on is the Lion’s Den Cafe. This family-run restaurant has been serving up amazing breakfasts and Jamaican delicacies since 1999. Owners Ken and Junko always have a great story to share and a rich history of supporting local artists and musicians. Even after Ken suffered a stroke, he can still be found at the café, greeting people with a smile and sharing his positive energy with the community.

One of the signature events at the Lion’s Den Cafe is their creole soul food night with Big Al, an evening of comfort food and passionate conversation. On March 25, they’ll be celebrating Ken’s 64th birthday. Ken and Junko and the rest of the Lion’s Den family aren’t just café owners; they’re agents for change. They bring the community together through food and music and facili-
[ Page 14011 ]
tate the cross-cultural connections that make Vancouver–Mount Pleasant so progressive and diverse.

In a rapidly changing community like Vancouver–Mount Pleasant, it is all the more important to support these local businesses and keep the unique character of each neighbourhood alive. Next time you’re on Fraser Street, please visit the Lion’s Den. Thank you so much.

NORBURN INTERAGENCY
SERVICE AGENCIES COLLECTIVE

R. Lee: Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of attending the meetings of the Norburn Interagency. Founded in 1990, Norburn Interagency is an interagency body comprising profit and non-profit service agencies in North Burnaby. These organizations have come together as a collective to share information and resources, as well as to discuss and address current social needs in the area.

This collective includes very diverse organizations, from Burnaby Children’s Community Table, an organization which serves childhood and school-aged children; to Literacy Now, a group that’s dedicated to building and enhancing literacy services, programs and networks; and also Burnaby Food First, a group of community members and local agencies who work towards achieving food security. However, all these agencies have one thing in common: the desire to provide excellent social services to Burnaby.

Norburn Interagency provides a forum for steady communication between profit bodies and non-profit agencies, and this sharing of information makes everyone all the richer. The meetings are available to any local organization that wishes to join. All you have to do is send them an email.

As a member of this Legislative Assembly, I know how important it is to connect with those on the front lines providing services to your constituents. I would like to express my profound thanks to Norburn Interagency for all of the work they do to bring us all together, as well as my appreciation to all the non-profit and public bodies that participate and continue to do so, for their great work in North Burnaby.

JILLIAN McCUE AND ADVOCACY FOR
SAANICH BYLAW CHANGE

A. Weaver: I’d like to pay tribute to an inspirational young woman who I have the distinct honour of hosting on a job shadow today. Her name is Jillian McCue, a 13-year-old grade eight student at Gordon Head Middle School.

I first met Jillian in April 2013 during a meet-and-greet that I was attending in the lead-up to the last election. Midway through the event, Jillian, then only nine, entered and requested that I ask the audience to sign her petition. I didn’t know who she was or what the petition was about, so I suggested she make the pitch directly. It was compelling, grounded in evidence, and eloquently and passionately delivered. Jillian was setting out to change the fact that Saanich municipal bylaws did not permit miniature goats to be kept in backyards, and she convinced every single person in the room to sign the petition.

[1030]

She’d done her homework. She learned that in 2007, Seattle city council approved keeping miniature goats as pets. She undertook her own research to disarm the potential criticism that goats would be smelly. Participants in her goat-poo smell study were asked to smell two bags: one containing dog poop and the other containing goat poop. They were then asked to rate the smelliness on a Likert scale of 1 to 5. Her survey data confirmed her hypothesis. On average, dog droppings smell twice as bad as goat poop.

Armed with her research, a petition signed by 132 people in her neighbourhood and well-structured PowerPoint slides, Jillian made a presentation to Saanich council. She was peppered with questions that she easily handled, and Saanich subsequently referred the matter to no less than three separate committees. So began the gruelling municipal approval process.

Jillian persevered. She presented to each of the committees and fielded many questions. She responded to numerous media requests. Three years later — yes, that’s three years — Saanich finally agreed to allow a pilot project to be undertaken. Jillian was able to obtain two miniature goats.

After watching Jillian navigate the complexities of municipal politics, I’m convinced that her determination, skills and ability to take on big challenges could allow her to achieve one of her life goals. That is to be the Prime Minister of Canada.

LHÁ:LT/HARRISON-CHEHALIS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

L. Throness: Last Friday I spoke at the announcement of the new Lhá:lt/Harrison-Chehalis wildlife management area on the territory of the Sts’ailes First Nation. The WMA will protect 1,000 acres of priceless wetlands on the west side of the Harrison River and the thousands of eagles that gather to feed there every fall.

This environmental initiative was 20 years in the making, long opposed by the district of Kent east of the river, which had legitimate concerns about farmers draining their fields, removing gravel from the river to prevent flooding and the possible loss of recreational and commercial opportunities on the river.

When I became MLA, the initiative had been stalled for many years. To break the logjam, I opposed the agreement’s approval until the district’s concerns were satisfied, which forced negotiations to begin in earnest. Ministry staff adjusted the boundaries of the WMA and drafted a creative memorandum of understanding to protect the
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district’s interests. In consequence, the district passed a motion last summer to support the WMA, leading to Friday’s celebration.

There are two lessons here. Environmental initiatives are sustainable only when they are mutual, when all significant parties around the table support them. It’s worth taking the time and energy needed to negotiate and get it right. Finally, we need to stop any wrong-headed thinking that the environment is good and economic interests are bad. In fact, they are both good and necessary, and the secret to wise administration is to accommodate both, not to sacrifice the economy on the altar of the environment or the other way around.

Congratulations and thanks to Forests and Lands staff, to the Sts’ailes people, to volunteers and NGOs involved and especially to the district of Kent, which stuck to its guns and got a good deal for the environment and for the economy.

S. Simpson: I ask leave to make an introduction.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

S. Simpson: I just wanted to say that with us today is Bob Parkinson, the health and wellness director for the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia. He’s joined by Vancouver paramedic Sophia Parkinson. They were here today for the introduction of the Workers Compensation Amendment Act. Please make them welcome.

Oral Questions

GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING

J. Horgan: Anyone who has a television set, anyone who has a radio and anyone who has access to the Internet has been inundated and swamped by feel-good government ads trying to buy back the support of British Columbians after 16 years of neglect of critical health services, critical education services and a host of other things that government could better spend that money on.

For example, I’ve been watching hockey games, and it’s more difficult. The Canucks aren’t as good as they could be, but the ads are killing me. I can’t watch my own hockey team anymore because the government is so bent on self-satisfying ads.

I want to ask the minister responsible. I believe it’s the minister of propaganda over there. I want to ask him when we can expect the ads telling British Columbians about the 28 percent increases in their hydro bills. Or when can we expect the ads telling us about the $1.5 billion that ICBC has lost over the past three years? Or, better yet, when will we see the ads that tell British Columbians that their medical services premiums have doubled since the B.C. Liberals have been in power?

[1035]

Hon. A. Wilkinson: It’s, of course, a pleasure to stand up and embellish upon our existing advertising campaign by answering this question.

This being a government of the highest integrity and transparency….

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members, this House will come to order.

Hon. A. Wilkinson: This government abides by the directive from the Auditor General in 2014, that advertising programs must be fact-based, must point to or provide information on government priorities and services and must engage the public, providing an opportunity to interact or comment.

All of our advertising satisfies those requirements. All of the advertising is designed to let British Columbians know about the services available to them, because this government is not ashamed of cutting $1 billion off the MSP bill….

Interjections.

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

J. Horgan: This is read-back-the quotes day. The minister of propaganda has given me a quote that I just must share with everyone in British Columbia, because they might not have caught it the first time he said it.

With respect to advertising budgets and the fact that we’re now going from what was advertised in the last budget to try and spend money leading up to the current election, the minister said that when circumstances change, they have to respond to that change and they have to make sure that we’re not slavishly held to a budget that was put together a year ago, when they had no ability to anticipate some of these things happening.

Now, I don’t know about the rest of the people in this House, but I know that there’s an election on May 9, because it’s been on the books for 16 years. I also know that the second Tuesday in February is when the Minister of Finance stands up and delivers his budget. So I don’t know what unforeseen circumstances the minister was referring to. We know that we have a fixed date for elections. We have virtually a fixed date for delivering
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budgets. But somehow we had to amend the propaganda budget for unforeseen circumstances.

So a simple question — and it’s a direct one. I know he’ll appreciate that, because I’m certain I’ll get a direct answer back. Can the minister tell me how much it cost the people of B.C. to advertise during the Oscars last Sunday?

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Just wait.

Hon. A. Wilkinson: The Leader of the Opposition likes to trivialize this phenomenon, to rebrand my ministry with a different name. Yet, at the same time, he mocks the issue…

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

Hon. A. Wilkinson: …of changing circumstances.

Let’s talk about changing circumstances. The advertising budget was set before 915 people died in British Columbia in 2016. The opioid awareness campaign started on August 31, 2016. The website has had more than 76,000 views, as it instructs people on where and how to use naloxone. If the Leader of the Opposition thinks this is a subject of mockery, he needs to reconsider his employment.

J. Horgan: Well, I can tell you that, certainly, Jean Donaldson, who spent 36 hours in the lobby of the Eagle Ridge Hospital would prefer to see some of the $16 million you’ve allocated for propaganda put into health care services.

It’s not just those of us on this side of the House who are concerned about these things. Let me read you the following quote. “People don’t want the government to spend 700 grand of their money so we can find out how to access services; people want the government to spend their money so that those services are there for them to access. That’s what British Columbians want.”

[1040]

Can the minister answer this? How many firefighters and how many police officers would be on the streets if we had spent her advertising budget on services? Well, that was the person by the name of…. I can’t read it. She’s currently the Premier of British Columbia, in 1999. So what has changed? What has changed between 1999 and 2017 is the quantum of the expenditure. It was $600,000 in expenditure in 1999; it’s $16 million today.

How many services would this government be able to provide to British Columbians if it cut back on the propaganda and started delivering programs?

Hon. A. Wilkinson: I think it’s a bit of a disappointment to all of us to see how quickly the Leader of the Opposition shifts from mockery to anger when he’s cornered.

And of course, we have….

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

Hon. A. Wilkinson: Since the member refers to the 1990s, we have, of course, the chance to read the ad of October 9, 1998, featuring a full-sized picture of Ms. Penny Priddy, then the Health Minister, saying how she’s here to protect medicare.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the members opposite, when they formed government, spent nearly double what is being spent this year in advertising.

At the same time, given changing circumstances, we’re not ashamed to say the single-parent employment initiative saw a 15-fold increase in recruitment because of the ad campaign because that took 4,200 British Columbians — single parents — out of social services and into higher education so that they could form part of the middle class of the future. That’s a record we’re proud of.

If the members opposite think we’re ashamed of helping British Columbians learn about new programs and helping them to make better lives, then we can see what’s going to happen in the coming campaign. It’s a shift from mockery to anger.

GOVERNMENT VIDEOS
ON INTERNET CHANNEL

A. Weaver: Last time I looked, it was 2017 and not 1998.

In the United States, the Trump News Channel bills itself as the world’s first media outlet dedicated to positive news about Donald Trump. Here in B.C., we have our own. It’s called the ProvinceofBC channel.

This alternate news outlet is not drawing an awful lot of viewers, and we have to wonder why it exists. For example, of the 39 videos that have been posted, 37 have been complete flops.

The B.C. jobs plan video got 148 views in three weeks. The video of the Premier responding to the federal government’s marine strategy was viewed 118 times in three months. A Health announcement of $5 million on spending to boost paramedic response to B.C.’s overdose crisis got 135 views in two months.

The government of B.C.’s channel even produced a one-minute video of the Premier, highlighting her in the Hong Kong Terry Fox Run. It got, in one year, 484 views.

My question is this to the minister: how much is this channel costing the people of British Columbia, and why does it exist?
[ Page 14014 ]

Hon. A. Wilkinson: The member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head constantly talks about being evidence-based. Well, let’s talk about some evidence.

First of all, the reason why the videos remain available is so that members of the public and the media can hold us to account for what has been said in the past.

Secondly…

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Just wait.

Hon. A. Wilkinson: …the member seems to think that the only vehicle for people to learn in the world today is to go dig around in the government website for videos. He forgets that the public don’t consume their news that way these days. They find it through social media, through television — through other forms of communication.

That’s why we have been able to see the increases that we have. The property transfer tax exemption campaign ran for three months and saw a 34-fold increase in traffic in registrations for the service. That’s evidence.

Madame Speaker: The member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head on a supplemental.

[1045]

A. Weaver: The minister clearly doesn’t actually know his file, because this is not on the ministry website. It’s their own ProvinceofBC news channel.

The minister also says people get their news from other areas. This clearly is a large waste of taxpayers’ money. They’re professionally produced videos put out to the public that aren’t being used. As an example, my right-to-roam legislation, which I put forward, has received 100,000 views in less than a week.

My question, back to the minister, is: why are they doing it, who is paying for it, how much is it costing, and when are they going to take it down or actually make it accessible to a more diverse array of people?

Hon. A. Wilkinson: Well, given the quality of work we do and the quality of communication, we don’t need the Green Party bot to make 100,000 hits on our site.

We are not ashamed to say that we have introduced new programs that need to have the level of public awareness that is provided by a variety of communications channels. We maintain those communications vehicles for public scrutiny and for media scrutiny as time goes by. We are certainly not ashamed to have advertised and promulgated the information about the opioid awareness campaign, the property transfer tax exemptions, the single-parent employment initiative, the property tax deferment.

These are critical to British Columbians, as they go through their lives. They are entitled to know that they exist. They are entitled to get access to them. And they are particularly entitled to know that we run a balanced budget that provides $1 billion in MSP rebates. People are entitled to collect that rebate, and the member opposite should be proud of us for doing so.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members, the Chair will hear the answers and the questions.

AVAILABILITY OF SCHOOL SPACES

J. Wickens: Stephanie Wagner is in the House today. Stephanie registered her child Jack in kindergarten and before- and after-school care at Cedar Drive Elementary School down the street from her home. Yesterday she learned that her son did not get into Cedar Drive Elementary because it is completely full, and there is a huge wait-list.

The school Jack has to go to now is far and has no room in before- and after-school care. As a result, their family is forced to consider whether she or her husband will have to quit their job. Many families across British Columbia are facing similar problems due to overcrowding, a result of this government’s school closures and failure to plan for growth.

My question is to the Minister of Education. Does the minister think Stephanie should have to quit her job because of this government’s failure on education?

Hon. M. Bernier: It’s a pleasure to stand up and answer this question. In fact, when you look at the balanced budget that we just put forward, there’s almost $2 billion in that budget going towards capital for new schools and seismic infrastructure.

The member opposite well knows, too, that there are 60,000 fewer students in the province of British Columbia. We have vacancies in lots of schools all around the province, and the school districts are looking at how we can use those opportunities to have better education in our province of British Columbia. When you look at the record funding, historic funding, that we put forward in this budget, in the operating budget, just under $6 billion is being spent now in education in the province of British Columbia.

I’ll remind the member opposite — and she can remind the ladies in the gallery — that the local school district makes the decisions based on the best needs for the students. I encourage all parents to work with the school districts, who make sure that when there are spaces, those students are accommodated for the best education possible.

Madame Speaker: Coquitlam–Burke Mountain on a supplemental.
[ Page 14015 ]

J. Wickens: It is always someone else’s fault from this government — always. Government is supposed to plan every day, not just before an election.

Bree Kozak is also in the House. She has no idea where her child will go to kindergarten. Burke Mountain is bursting at the seams because this government failed to plan for growth, leaving it until election time, until they suddenly take interest in it.

[1050]

Schools have been closing across this province, and many of the remaining schools that are open are bursting at the seams. We’ve seen it happen in Kamloops. We know families in other communities — like Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria — facing the same challenges. The failure to plan is this government’s fault, and now the government is not there for families like Bree’s and Stephanie’s.

Does the minister really think it’s fair that parents have to think about quitting their jobs for their child to go to kindergarten?

Hon. M. Bernier: What’s fair is that we make proper investments for the parents, for the students. That’s why the member opposite…. I’d like to thank her for being at the last ribbon cutting, where we were announcing the school in her riding just a few months ago.

You know, hon. Speaker….

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members. Members.

Please continue.

Hon. M. Bernier: One of the advantages we have on this side of the House is the relationships we have with the school districts. We look at the pressure points. We find out where we need to make those investments. With the economy that we have, that we’ve created, we have the money to make those investments.

The member opposite knows that. She’s been to the events where we’re announcing the record funding, not only in her riding but the new schools that are being built for the pressure points, so the parents that want to put their kids in those schools have those schools. That wouldn’t have happened if they were in government.

RECORDS OF GOVERNMENT
COURT CASE WITH TEACHERS

R. Fleming: An entire generation of kids was held hostage in this government’s 15-year war on teachers, with over 250 schools closed, thousands of teachers and specialist teachers fired and hundreds of millions of dollars in costs downloaded onto school districts that necessitated classroom cuts. It all started…

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

R. Fleming: …when this Premier attacked teachers with legislation that was ruled unconstitutional — not once, not twice but three times in the supreme courts of this country. And she stuck taxpayers with the bill.

Now that the case is settled, now that this government’s illegal attack has been exposed for what it is, the Premier, who spent millions of tax dollars in court, doesn’t want the public to find out about what they said in open court about teachers.

My question is to the Minister of Education. If the minister is so proud of her record, why are her lawyers blocking the public’s access to court records on how this government conducted itself?

Hon. M. Bernier: The member opposite knows well that we are at the table right now negotiating with the BCTF. In the interim time, we actually just announced $100 million that’s going to create almost 1,100 new teachers in the province of British Columbia.

I think the member opposite is living in a bit of a dreamland. He’s not paying attention to what’s going on right now in education.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Just wait.

Members.

Please continue.

Hon. M. Bernier: While we’re making these record investments, we’re also cutting taxes. Maybe the member opposite would not want to fight against those like he publicly says he’s going to.

Madame Speaker: Victoria–Swan Lake on a supplemental.

R. Fleming: You know what British Columbians aren’t going to forget? They’re not going to forget the arc of defunding education by this government — that for 15 years we went from the second-best-funded K-to-12 system in Canada to today, when we’re the second-worst, just because we’re on the eve of an election.

It took the Supreme Court of Canada…

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

Continue.

R. Fleming: …just 15 minutes to find out that this Premier and her government were totally wrong. This
[ Page 14016 ]
was a stunning defeat. It’s one that taxpayers paid for dearly — and all because this Premier was bound and determined to provoke a fight and then a strike with B.C. teachers.

[1055]

Now the taxpayers are stuck with the Premier’s legal bills. Surely, they deserve to know what she argued on their behalf. British Columbians deserve to know the truth about a court case that cost them millions and cost their children classroom resources and learning conditions over 15 long years in this province.

Can the minister explain what is in the court’s transcripts that he is so desperately trying to hide from British Columbians?

Hon. M. Bernier: I guess it’s not just the present Leader of the Opposition that wants to be everything for everyone; it’s also the member from Swan Lake. In fact, this morning he’s quoted as saying: “The system has survived and has a lot of strength in it. The kids are going to be fine.” So which is it?

We continue to make record investments in the province of British Columbia.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

Hon. M. Bernier: We are working with the B.C. Teachers Federation right now, as the member knows. We are working closely to make sure that we have funds available. As I mentioned, we have the funding that’s gone in already, $100 million. I’m sure the members opposite are going to vote against that as well.

In the meantime, why do we do this? While we’re making record investments, we are tops in the English-speaking world in math, in reading, in science. When a parent sends their child to school every morning, they should be proud of what’s happening here in the province of British Columbia. Our outcomes have increased. When you look at students with special needs, the investments we’ve been making in our LIF funding…. We spend almost $1 billion helping students with special needs, and what do we get? Their increase. The graduation rate has now gone up 195 percent under this government.

C. James: A very simple, straightforward question to the minister: when will the minister release the court documents publicly?

Hon. M. Bernier: As everybody in the House knows, we are working with the BCTF right now, discussing the outcomes from the Supreme Court of Canada decision. We are making sure we’re having respectful dialogues with them. We need to respect the process going through right now with the BCTF at the negotiating table.

Madame Speaker: Victoria–Beacon Hill on a supplemental.

C. James: Again to the minister. This is not part of the negotiations. This is not part of looking at resources for the classroom. This is ensuring that the public knows exactly what the government put forward as an argument in their case, since after all, it was taxpayer dollars that paid for this court case.

When will the minister release the documents publicly?

Hon. M. Bernier: I’ll try to explain this again. We are going through a legal process right now. We’re making sure we’re following the steps that the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled on.

We are working with the BCTF right now. We cannot prejudge anything, but we also don’t want to be discussing or having any of those discussions right now while we’re in the process of working with the BCTF. The members opposite will be very surprised that we actually have a good relationship. We’re working closely with them, and we’re going to have great opportunities, going forward, for education.

CLEANUP OF SOIL DUMPING SITE IN
SHAWNIGAN LAKE WATERSHED

B. Routley: The mess at Shawnigan Lake should never have happened. The Minister of Environment should have ensured that due diligence was done. She should have acted in the public interest and never let it happen. Now the people of Shawnigan Lake deserve to be able to sleep at night and not worry about whether the next storm will result in further runoff from the contaminated soil dumping into their drinking water.

Now that the permit has been cancelled, when will you act to remove the contaminated soil?

[1100]

Hon. M. Polak: First, to the beginning part of the member’s question. When it comes to the granting of the permit, which was a decision of a statutory decision-maker, not only the Environmental Appeal Board but also the court ruled in part that the ministry SDM actually acted quite appropriately and in accordance with the Environmental Management Act. The court did not find fault with the decision-maker in that process.

With respect to what will happen to the site, that is now a matter for review by the technical staff within my ministry. They will be doing that in conjunction with a potential amendment to the spills prevention order, which they have advised the proponents of, as well as any potential amendments to their closure plan to insure that they adjust for the change in circumstances with the cancellation of the permit. In all circumstances, those staff
[ Page 14017 ]
seek to protect the health of the people in the area as well as the environment.

Madame Speaker: The member for Cowichan Valley on a supplemental.

B. Routley: The minister has clearly failed in her duty to protect the public interest. She should have listened to the community, to the hydrologist, to the CVRD or even her own scientists, who had called for further testing before the permit was issued. Instead, she has spent millions of the taxpayers’ dollars defending this permit in court.

My question, again, to the minister is: when is this contaminated soil going to actually be removed, and who is going to pay for it?

Hon. M. Polak: Again, the decision as to what will happen on the site will be made by statutory decision–makers with the appropriate technical expertise within the ministry. It is not a political decision for the political level of government.

In terms of who pays, we have a polluter-pay model here in British Columbia. We expect that proponents, that operators of sites, will be responsible. When they are not, we take them to court. A really good example: the province took Alpha Manufacturing to court after years of them dumping — I believe it was — construction waste into Burns Bog. That court action resulted in jail time in addition to fines.

CONDITIONS AT
PRINCE RUPERT MIDDLE SCHOOL

J. Rice: Prince Rupert Middle School, in my riding, not only has asbestos in the walls but has lead in the drinking water. It is sinking in the back because it’s situated on a toxic dump site. The basement frequently floods. Sewage and water pipes are failing, and the roof needs replacement. Classrooms at Prince Rupert Middle School have to be frequently vacated because fumes from the dump site situated below the school are wafting up into the classrooms.

Children and teachers are complaining about headaches and breathing problems such as asthma. The chair of the school board says that the shop classroom may have to be permanently closed down due to the stench. This is not a healthy environment for Prince Rupert Middle School’s children, and the minister’s own reports know this.

When can parents, teachers and children in Prince Rupert expect to see these atrocious health and safety matters addressed, and when can they see a much, much needed new middle school?

Hon. M. Bernier: The provincial health officer has noted that there is no evidence of any adverse effects on any of the students in the province of British Columbia. But at the same time, we’ve been working really closely with school districts all around the province, including that member’s school district.

Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members.

Hon. M. Bernier: One of the things that we’re making sure that we do is not only make sure that the school districts are testing for lead in the water but, if found, that there are mitigation processes put into place, whether it’s filtration or whether it’s replacing the water lines.

Our government has actually committed with the school districts. Last year, $65 million was put in an enhancement fund to help school districts do upgrades in the school systems — such as water lines, for that member opposite. So I encourage her to talk with her school district, because they have been applying, and they’re working at opportunities for that to be fixed.

[1105]

[End of question period.]

Tabling Documents

Hon. S. Anton: I have the honour to present the annual report of the B.C. Ferry Commission for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016.

Orders of the Day

Hon. M. de Jong: Continued debate on the budget.

[R. Chouhan in the chair.]

Budget Debate

(continued)

V. Huntington: I rise to provide not only my thoughts about the 2017 budget but also some parting thoughts about my time in this place, time that has been unique and fascinating and filled with the wonder of working in these halls. There is also a bit of sadness that the experience and contribution of the majority of the members could have been so much richer had this government not insisted on being the democratic dinosaurs they are.

Firstly, the budget. I am always conflicted when speaking to the budget, and 2017 is no different. I welcome a balanced budget and can support the fiscal management that the balanced budget represents. There is no denying it is an achievement and puts British Columbia in an enviable financial position.

But the difficulty I always face is whether I support how the government achieved that balance. Was it fair?
[ Page 14018 ]
Is the government really trying to do the best it can for the weak and vulnerable in our society? Is it managing provincial debt appropriately? Are the numbers pretence or truth? Is the language nothing but spin, exaggeration or doublespeak? On these issues, I do have concerns.

Let me say that I detest election-year spring budgets. It is a blatant vehicle that allows the Liberal Party to use public funds to influence voters. So clever. So insincere. Clever because the communication gurus wreak their profession upon the people, and insincere because the political dinosaur that is the B.C. Liberal Party willfully refuses to do what all other jurisdictions have done in the name of democracy and efficiency — move the election date to the fall.

Gosh, that means we would actually finish a real budget. We would actually adopt a budget. Voters could test its veracity. But no, government keeps the election date where it is so that it can manipulate the budget and hand out election goodies.

Pre-election budgets are a profound waste of time and money. Our fixed spring elections allow the governing party to muster the resources of the bureaucracy to craft an election platform document. There is no quarterly report update, no public accounts from the Auditor General, and the House will be back in a few months to do it all over again. Budget 2017 is an election platform document paid for by taxpayers who are paying an additional $2 million to advertise it.

Let’s talk about the remarkable increase of $2 million for additional government advertising. Just before the election, you will learn that a 50 percent cut to MSP premiums is coming, but you won’t learn that government had increased MSP by 50 percent, that you have to apply for the cut and that it won’t be available until next year. And that is only if the fall budget doesn’t dump it. You will learn that there is a welcome $50 increase to disability allowances, but you won’t learn that the $50 is simply returning the horrid clawback of the bus pass in 2016.

Using government advertising for partisan purposes is a specialty of this government. It is a complete disrespect for the tax dollar and the voter. It is ethically questionable and should be against the law, but of course, this government has refused to permit opposition bills that would ensure the Auditor General reviews all public advertising. B.C. is always the political dinosaur.

[1110]

What about the fees this government is imposing on the public? Fees that are out of control. Fees that are filling the holes in B.C. Hydro and ICBC that were dug by this very government. In ICBC alone, rates have increased 32 percent since the Premier took office, and they still look for more.

Fees and licences are taxes by another name, and they are out of control in this province. They are wiping out discretionary income, and they are monetizing every aspect of our interaction with government. Fees even put a cost on public recreation. When can we expect coin-operated biffies in the very campgrounds where we pay for the site and pay for the wood and pay for the reservation — if we can get it?

Have members ever taken a look at the master list of fees and licences? There are 2,500 different fees and licences. In the mad dash to reduce red tape, I’ll bet the government never once looked at what is on the master list of fees and licences. Heaven forbid they rationalize a cost to the public, a fee to the treasury. It boggles the mind to think that there are 2,500 different fees levied by this government.

But rather than continue with a litany of concerns, I would like to speak specifically about a disenchanting line item that affects the Delta school district — the ultimate catch-22. This budget formalizes a $15-million-a-year program to eliminate school bus fees where they exist. But wait. Delta has no school bus fees. Why? Because there aren’t any school buses anymore. Why? Because previous government cutbacks in education forced Delta to cut school bus services for all non–special needs students.

Nothing we did would convince the Minister of Education that he needed to change the bus funding formula. Delta has a large rural area cut by four major and dangerous provincial highways. Would government listen? Of course not. So Delta gets no money to eliminate bus fees because we have no buses anymore — unbelievable and unfair.

As these may be my last words in the House, I want to take advantage of the tradition that the throne speech and the response to the budget are vehicles through which members may comment on their time in this place.

How does one thank an entire constituency, all of Delta South, for the honour of representing them in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and for the incredible leap of faith they took in electing the first independent in 60 years — and then to honour me with the privilege of being their voice in Victoria for a second time? The people of Delta South re-elected an independent for the first time in British Columbian history. How can a member properly thank the voters for that trust?

I was first elected in what I’ve always called a draw. But I won, and it was because the people were angry and had been lied to and because they ultimately decided to turn their back on a government that no longer listened to the people. This was a riding that was so Liberal that it named a park after the beloved MLA Fred Gingell — whose desk, by the way, I still use.

I hope I have treated the people of Delta South with the dignity and respect that they have shown me. My constituency office is nothing if not compassionate and hard-working. It has served the community with such determination that I honestly don’t know how properly to thank the people doing the job.

My constituency assistants are second to none. Bernadette Kudzin has been exceptional in her inter-
[ Page 14019 ]
action with troubled individuals. She has resolved the most serious of cases. She has personally found housing where the system said there was none. She’s helped people who had no food, no money, no place to sleep. She has notified social agencies when caseworkers aren’t doing their job. Everyone who has ever visited the office comes away with a feeling of inclusion and a sense of being listened to and that we care.

Yvonne Parenteau is my office manager and the other wonderful public face in my office. What could we possibly have done without her intelligent interest in doing things right and making sure I am accountable? Yvonne and Berni were both involved in my first campaign, but it was Yvonne who, in the crazy days after winning, would knocked on my door and say, “I will do this and this and this, and you don’t have to worry about it anymore,” and then she would leave and do it. Members have to know that as an independent, there was no one to help me. It was a confusing, scary time, and without Yvonne, I don’t think I would have survived.

Then there is dear Jeannette Cormier, who has faithfully volunteered for eight years in my constituency office, doing everything she could to relieve Berni and Yvonne of the enormous workload we have.

[1115]

Delta South has no government offices, and Surrey is over two hours away by bus. My office became the de facto government one-stop shop. Berni and Yvonne absorbed a workload and expertise that was not intended for a constituency office. Jeannette was the soul of discretion in service and support, and I will never be able to properly thank her.

I must also thank Peter and Richard, who came to us from Community Living and who have cleaned our offices for all these years. We have loved learning from them and are so grateful we had the opportunity to employ their services. And then there’s Jamie, who also came to us from Community Living. Jamie comes in once a week to do our shredding, and nobody shreds quite like Jamie.

I want to mention my delight in all the youth who’ve been part of the Delta South youth legislative advisory committee. They’ve shown everyone how devoted, intelligent and hard-working the youth of our communities can be. They should all be proud of their accomplishment and the introduction they have had to the politics and issues of this province. As a matter of fact, the present members of the advisory committee will be visiting the precinct next Monday, and I look forward to introducing them.

It is always dangerous to thank a few when many have contributed their time and energy and loyalty to a cause. That is what my riding association has done — revelled in the cause of independence, the belief that an independent can serve as the voice of the people in a manner that is not possible for members of a party caucus.

Phil Horan, my long-serving president, has been a staunch, precise, careful and faithful leader and is adored by everyone. We could not have managed without Phil. Nor could we have managed without Dan Tate, our financial agent and treasurer. Dan is a fierce believer in doing things right, and woe be to any of us that try to cut corners. Dan’s ethics kept us on the straight and narrow, and we will be forever grateful.

Julie Berks, the professional woman working in a high-powered job in downtown Vancouver, is our secretary and managed all the communications with our 400 members and 800 supporters. Her counsel was sought by all, and her wisdom was a leveller for our more enthusiastic moments.

Lois Wilkinson and Frank Addison were my fundraisers and advisers and are fixtures on my executive, and what an executive it is — hard-working, always ready for a challenge, always ready with support. I will never forget them and cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and faith in the role of an independent. Whether it was policy advice, organizational advice, event organizing or a shoulder to lean on, they were always there.

I can’t forget my legislative office. Carla Perry had worked in Delta South for Fred Gingell and then here for the Liberal caucus. Carla let me talk her into working for me. Without Carla, I couldn’t have organized the office or understood the first thing about being here in this place.

Shawn Courtney, who’s now clerking in the Supreme Court; Brad Densmore, who is now with the Ombudsperson; and Aldous Sperl. They were superb researchers and much appreciated.

And then there are Stephen Harrison and Andrew Patrick. Stephen came to my office when Bob Simpson returned to Quesnel. After Bob, I’m sure my office was not quite up to his normal standards, but Stephen persevered and has guided me, chided me, led me, brought me lunch and made sure I knew what to say and when. He has an extraordinary mind, of unimpeachable ethics, and I am forever grateful for his skill and dedication.

Andrew has been my communicator. I would say that most members would join me in saying he has done an amazing job. We fight over what I should or could and can say, and I always lose. I have been so well served by these two remarkable young men.

I have no caucus to lean on, so the Clerk’s office became my go-to phone number. I cannot thank Kate, our Deputy Clerk, and Craig, our Clerk, enough for their advice and assistance.

Similarly, the facilities staff in this building were so welcoming and so helpful that it’s hard to express my full appreciation. They are wonderful people, and I’m grateful for their friendship.

So too, just down the hall from me, were the Hansard men and women, who always made room for me when I went to visit and to listen to their stories. They do know a lot about us, you know.

I don’t want to forget the Sergeant-at-Arms, who has given me such good advice and support over the years,
[ Page 14020 ]
as have the protection staff and the pages in this House. What wonderful people serve and protect the members of this facility.

Lastly, I want to make sure that I recognize the dining room staff, who never once made me feel I shouldn’t be included in that lovely room downstairs. They always made me feel welcome.

[1120]

Penelope Chandler and Jared, of the opposition, and the offices of the House Leaders have been wonderful in keeping my office informed, because people do forget we’re there. They have always managed to let us know what was going on.

Lastly, to the members of this House, and especially the members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition: thank you for the respect you have shown the lone elected independent. It would have been a difficult experience without the collegiality you’ve extended. But to the NDP caucus I owe a special thanks. From the House Leader to the chair, and to members of the standing committee on agriculture, you’ve always been available to me — to advise me, to help find me when I was lost and to let me join you for dinner, to buy me the odd glass of wine and even to invite me to your occasional Christmas party. I am grateful and indebted to each of you.

Independence is not a sport one can engage in lightly, nor does the opportunity come along very often. It is a coming together of the stars, and it takes a team to support a successful independent MLA. I could not have done the job, this amazing job, without all of the people I have mentioned. It has been an experience, but independence is what the people, in the depths of their heart, want from their representatives. They want to know what we think and what we are saying on their behalf.

I’ve been honoured to devote my energy to being the voice and servant of Delta South. It has been an experience never to be forgotten in a House that must always remember its purpose: to serve the people and the public interest with honour, integrity and honesty. Thank you all for the honour of sitting in this place. [Applause.]

R. Lee: I rise today to respond to the budget and to talk about what it will bring to my community and our province. But first of all, I would like to thank the residents of Burnaby North for giving me the opportunity and honour to serve them in the past 16 years. I would like to thank my constituency assistants Gary Begin, Winney Xin and Wei Long Wei, and also my legislative assistant Andrew Reeve and communications staff Doug Secord and Jennifer Wizinsky for their assistance in my work to serve the community.

As every member of this House knows, we rely very much on our assistants to serve our constituents. Gary Begin has brought his 27 years of experience as a Burnaby school board trustee and a city councillor to my constituency office since 2008. He has followed up many difficult cases with the help of ministry staff and has brought many smiles to the people we serve.

As Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole, I am also grateful to the invaluable advice from the Clerk of the House regarding procedural and House matters. Thanks to Craig James, Kate Ryan-Lloyd, Susan Sourial, and Loredana Catalli-Sonier. It is indeed an honour to be able to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, and I am even more honoured to have the trust of the House to serve as Deputy Speaker.

When I look back, I know that my grandfather, an immigrant to British Columbia in 1913 from the city of Zhongshan in the province of Guangdong, China, would be very proud of me, and he would have no regrets in choosing British Columbia as the place to live and work. My grandfather farmed on the Musqueam Indian reserve in South Vancouver for many years. Musqueam leader Larry Grant told me he used to play around one of the market gardens, the Hong Kong Garden, where my grandfather lived and worked.

As a peasant’s great-grandson, who immigrated to this land of prosperity in 1971, I truly value the opportunities provided to me and many immigrants over the years. We are fortunate to live in the best province of the best country of the world.

[1125]

Today our province is leading Canada in economic development, and this year’s budget represents a very important milestone. It is the government’s fifth consecutive balanced budget. While almost every other province in Canada is posting deficits, our government has balanced the budget.

At the same time, it’s investing in British Columbians and returning significant amounts of money back to the pockets of B.C. taxpayers.

What has made it possible for our government to deliver this balanced budget? It’s because British Columbia has the strongest economy in Canada. In 2016, British Columbia posted the strongest economic growth in real GDP of any province in the country.

We have the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.6 percent. And last year, B.C. added 73,300 jobs. This is the fastest annual job growth that British Columbia has seen in nearly 25 years. It’s important to note that the strongest growth was in full-time employment. Since 2011, B.C. has led the country in full-time job growth, adding over 118,000 full-time jobs.

It’s clear we are delivering on our commitment to deliver a strong economy for British Columbia. By having a strong economy, we have been able to steer British Columbia into a sound fiscal position. Since 2013, British Columbia’s operating debt has seen a 90 percent reduction, and we are now within reach of eliminating our operating debt in the coming years.
[ Page 14021 ]

We are also seeing a reduction in British Columbia’s debt-to-GDP ratio. By the end of fiscal 2016, our debt to GDP will fall to 16 percent.

Properly managing our debt and fiscal position has allowed B.C. to maintain our triple-A credit rating. We are the only province in the country that has a triple-A credit rating. That means real results for British Columbians. Our strong economy and strong fiscal discipline will result in over $500 million in interest savings over the next three years. That’s $500 million that can be spent on services for British Columbians —$500 million that, if we weren’t in a strong fiscal position, would have been spent instead on servicing our debt.

By encouraging economic growth and in carefully managing our fiscal position, our government is in the position to invest in British Columbians. This budget does just that. This Budget 2017 includes nearly $3 billion in targeted investments over the next three years.

That includes $796 million for children, families and those in need; $740 million for our K-to-12 education system, funding that will help provide new resources for our classrooms so British Columbian students can reach their full potential; $700 million for first-time homebuyers, money that will help the next generation of British Columbians to be able to afford their own home.

These investments are helping us build a better tomorrow for all British Columbians, including those in my riding, Burnaby North. For example, last year our government invested $1.18 million at the Pacific Vocational College in Burnaby. That funding is going towards high-priority trade seats. These training spaces will help apprentices gain the valuable skills and certification they need to prosper in their chosen career that will help them get stable employment and earnings they can use to provide for themselves and their families.

Since the launch of B.C.’s skills-for-jobs blueprint, $4.6 million has been invested in my riding’s British Columbia Institute of Technology, BCIT, for new industry-standard trades-training equipment and $2.2 million for 577 additional critical-trade seats. This will include replacement of high-precision machines and equipment. This equipment will provide students with the hands-on experience they need for successful careers in the trades.

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BCIT is the largest provider of skilled-trades training in the province British Columbia. BCIT has approximately 18,000 full-time students and approximately 28,000 part-time students enrolling, annually, in six schools: business, computing and academic studies, construction and environment, energy, health sciences and transportation.

BCIT also has more than 1,700 full-time and more than 500 part-time faculty and staff. This government is directly investing more than $1 billion in planned capital expenses into the post-secondary sector over the next three years.

We have invested and committed more than $3.3 billion in capital and infrastructure projects at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. since 2001, with more than 1,900 capital projects throughout the province.

I know BCIT will continue to be the top skilled-trades-training institute in our province. And more good news to come in the future.

Why are we investing in post-secondary education? We know that it’s important. In order to help those generations truly prosper, we have to invest even earlier. That’s why in Burnaby, we are providing $2.75 million to expand University Highlands Elementary School. This expansion will mean that the school will have 24 new before- and after-school-care spaces, as well as 195 new student spaces.

We are not just limiting this investment to elementary schools in Burnaby. For example, we are providing $27.2 million to Alpha Secondary School. This funding will replace two classroom wings with better organized and modern space and provides seismic upgrade enhancements to ensure that children can go to school and be safe.

These investments and similar ones around the province are helping us lay the foundation for the future of our province, ensuring that the next generation of British Columbians have the skills and talents — the key to succeed.

But in order to afford people to truly meet their full potential, we need to ensure that once they finish their education, they will be able to find jobs. And that is why this budget introduces measures to ensure B.C.’s small businesses can remain competitive and prosperous.

Small businesses are the economic engine of our province, and 98 percent of all businesses in B.C. are small businesses. They employ over one million British Columbians.

We recognize the importance of small business, and that is why this year’s budget will decrease the small business tax rate to 2 percent. This will mean that British Columbia has the second-lowest small business tax in Canada.

We will also exempt businesses from having to pay provincial sales tax on electricity. This is estimated to save small and medium-sized businesses almost $50 million. Small businesses are happy about this decision. The Burnaby Board of Trade had this to say about our budget:

“Overall, the Burnaby Board of Trade was very pleased to see the fifth consecutive balanced budget and applauds the provincial government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and its prudent fiscal management….

“Budget 2017 announced eliminating PST on electricity over the coming two years, a positive move which will help businesses across the board — particularly manufacturers and resource firms.”

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When small businesses prosper, so do people. By reducing taxes on business owners, the government helps businesses expand, employing more people and helping grow the economy.
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We are also helping small businesses prosper by focusing our efforts on diversifying trade. In 2001, when we were first elected, 70 percent of British Columbia’s exports went to the United States. Today the number has declined to 54 percent. Since 2001, trade with China has increased more than 700 percent, going from $786 million in 2001 — 2.4 percent of our total exports — to $6.3 billion in 2016, over 15.6 percent of our total exports. We have seen substantial export growth to South Korea and India as well.

Diversifying our trade partners means that businesses have access to new markets, which provides more opportunity for growth and expansion. It also means that since we are less reliant on our trading partners, we can better withstand uncertainty and instability in the national economy. To support our efforts in diversifying our markets, Budget 2017 includes $1.7 million to establish a new trade and investment representative office in Southeast Asia. This new office, located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, will work alongside our existing offices in the Philippines and Indonesia and will help B.C. businesses take advantage of the growing opportunities in the region.

In addition to helping small businesses and growing our markets, we are also committed to helping British Columbia, the people here, to keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets. Budget 2017 will see a reduction of 50 percent in MSP premiums for anybody with an annual family net income of less than $120,000 a year. This will mean that any family paying full premiums will see an annual savings of $900 a year. We are making this reduction in premiums without raising any taxes or fees. This savings will go directly into the pockets of British Columbians.

We believe that individuals know best how to spend their own money, better than government. We will continue to fight to keep taxes in British Columbia among the lowest in Canada. In fact, British Columbians already have one of the lowest tax burdens in the country. For example, a two-income family earning $90,000 a year pays the second-lowest taxes in B.C. compared to anywhere else in Canada, and that includes income tax, sales tax, property tax, payroll tax and health care premiums. This means that at the end of the day, B.C. families have more money in their pockets for themselves to spend the way they like.

That’s the reason why people from across Canada are choosing British Columbia to be their home — because of our strong economy. British Columbia is leading the way when it comes to interprovincial migration.

Our government is also taking action to help people achieve the dream of home ownership. “The province’s commitment to housing action is driven by six key principles: ensuring that the dream of home ownership remains within the reach of the middle class; increasing housing supply; expanding transit services; supporting first-time homebuyers; enhancing consumer protection; and, finally, increasing the rental supply.”

We are investing in the newly built home exemption program. This program will save purchasers up to $13,000 in property transfer tax when purchasing a newly constructed or subdivided home worth up to $750,000.

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Between February 17 and December 31, 2016, because of the newly built home exemption program, more than 9,100 families saved an average of $7,500 on their newly built home. Also, we have already the first-time-homebuyers program. That helps families as well.

We are constructing quite a few things around these developments — for example, investing our dollars in transit around the province. I’m happy to say that in my home community of Burnaby, these investments are already underway. Construction of new upgrades are ongoing at Metrotown station, around the Expo Line, one of the busiest transit stations in the province. Our government has invested $23.2 million towards the project, and upgrades are expected to be completed by December 2017.

TransLink has recently announced phase 1 of the improvements to SeaBus and SkyTrain services in the Lower Mainland. Phase 1 of the investment includes a federal, provincial and regional government investment of $2 billion.

Funding will also be provided for handyDART services. TransLink is set to expand the bus services across the region later this spring. Also, funding to extend weekday peak-hour services and to increase the midday and early evening services on weekends on the Expo and Millennium Lines. That’s why we introduced many programs to benefit everyone in the province.

[Madame Speaker in the chair.]

I know my time is limited, so I will move on to affordable housing support. Our government has announced $355 million for construction and renovation of more than 2,000 units of affordable rental housing. In addition to this funding, our government announced in September of last year an additional $500 million for the investment in housing innovation program. This program will create another estimated 2,900 units of affordable housing.

In my riding of Burnaby North, we are benefiting from the government’s affordable housing investment. In November, the government confirmed $2 million for the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion to provide new affordable housing units to people with developmental disabilities.

In health care, Budget 2017 includes funding for mental health which focuses on supports for youth. This includes $45 million to the Ministry of Children and Families for three years for more mental health counselling and treatment for children; $12 million for up to 28 additional specialized youth addictions treatment beds;
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$9 million for the expansion of five youth service centres, each expected to reach 1,200 to 2,500 more clients annually; up to $5 million to support mental health services for post-secondary students; $11 million, over three years, for the B.C. Centre on Substance Use; and $65 million for specific funding to provide affordable housing for the homeless, including people with mental health or substance use issues.

It’s because of our balanced budget and strong fiscal discipline that we are able to make these investments. This budget lays the foundation for building a better British Columbia. By keeping taxes low and making smart investments, we are moving British Columbia towards a path to prosperity and growth for all British Columbians.

This budget is focused on health care priorities, especially for seniors and youth. An additional investment of over $4.2 billion, over the next three years, is going to go a long way, including $100 million in funding to address mental health and substance abuse issues, particularly for youth.

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I’m excited to see the commitment to $2.7 billion in health care capital spending. I am optimistic that the Burnaby Hospital renewal project is part of this investment.

I’m proud to stand and support this budget. It’s a budget that supports small businesses, helps young families achieve the dream of home ownership, makes record investments in health care in order to support our seniors, and provides more funding and assistance to those who need it most. Being a balanced budget, it achieves all this without adding to the debt burden facing future generations. Most importantly, it leaves more money where it belongs: the pockets of B.C. families.

A. Weaver: I do recognize that according to the standing orders, I have very little time. I just rise quickly to state that obviously, I do not support this budget. This budget is filled with political calculations in an election year — for example, the MSP premium, which is highlighted in this budget, as a big cut. It’s something you still have to apply for. It’s something that won’t be in effect until 2018. It doesn’t actually eliminate MSP. It still retains the burdensome administrative overhead. There are many, many other examples here.

It’s a budget without a vision. It’s a budget from a government that’s lost touch with the people. It’s a budget from a government that didn’t recognize that its windfall came from an out-of-control real estate sector in Vancouver. Instead of using that money to help those who have been affected by it, through affordable housing, it’s putting it to boutique tax credits for their friends and relatives.

With that, I’ll say that this budget is not something I can support. I look forward to standing with my colleagues on this side of the House and voting against it very shortly.

Madame Speaker: Minister of Finance closes debate.

Hon. M. de Jong: To all of the members who participated in the debate — some, I do say genuinely regretfully, for not as long as they may have liked…. I think that was, perhaps, inadvertent, as opposed to by design.

In other circumstances, I might, perhaps, have lengthier closing comments. I know that at the front end of the debate, I inflicted myself upon members in the House for an extended period of time.

Happily, over the course of not just the next number of sitting days but the next number of weeks, the next few months, British Columbians will have an opportunity to consider the merits of this fifth balanced budget, what we have accomplished as a province and the rationale behind the government presenting this fifth balanced budget and an opportunity to consider whatever merit they see in the comments of other members of the House.

I hope they will pose questions and be engaged, but we are at that stage in the electoral cycle where people will have a direct opportunity to express their views on how we have done as a province and how this budget is reflective of the successes that we have enjoyed as a province.

I therefore move, seconded by the hon. Premier of British Columbia, that the Speaker do now leave the chair for the House to go into Committee of Supply.

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Motion approved on the following division:

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

BILL 11 — SUPPLY ACT (No. 1), 2017

Hon. M. de Jong presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Supply Act (No. 1), 2017.

Hon. M. de Jong: I move first reading of Bill 11.

Motion approved.

Hon. M. de Jong: Consistent with past supply acts presented in election years, Bill 11 would provide interim supply for government operating expenses during the first six months of 2017-18 fiscal year.

Bill 11 also purports to provide interim supply for government’s financing requirements for the 2017-18 fiscal year, including two-thirds of the year’s voted capital expenditures and loans, investments and other requirements and 100 percent of the year’s requirements for revenues collected for and transferred to other entities.

I move that Bill 11 be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill 11, Supply Act (No. 1), 2017, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

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

Motion approved.

Madame Speaker: This House, at its rising, stands adjourned until 1:30 this afternoon.

The House adjourned at 11:57 a.m.

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