Routine Business

Prayers.

Speaker’s Statement

GREAT BRITISH COLUMBIA SHAKEOUT

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, this morning the Legislative Assembly will be participating in an international earthquake drill. The House will now recess and reconvene upon the ringing of the division bells.

This House stands in recess till 11 a.m.

The House recessed from 10:02 a.m. to 11 a.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Introductions by Members

Hon. C. James: I have two constituents who are visiting in the gallery today, Bill and Marsha Birney. They have with them today a visitor from the United States who is coming to see the Legislature and tour Victoria. Welcome, Monica Spaulding, to British Columbia, and welcome to the guests. Would the House please make them very welcome.

Hon. A. Dix: This morning members of the Legislature met with representatives of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, including the founding president, Wayne Hartrick; Adam Kreek, who is their champion and who members of the House will know is an Olympic gold medallist from 2008; Sam Omidi, who is the VP of digital; and Kalinka Davis, who is in charge of business administration for the foundation. They do extraordinary work. They were inspired here in British Columbia, and they’ve become a national movement. We’re very proud to have met with them today.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

BILL M203 — RIDESHARE ENABLING AND
INCREASED TAXI OCCUPANCY ACT, 2017

A. Weaver presented a bill intituled Rideshare Enabling and Increased Taxi Occupancy Act, 2017.

A. Weaver: I move that a bill intituled the Rideshare Enabling and Increased Taxi Occupancy Act, 2017, of which notice has been given, be introduced and read a first time now.

I am pleased to introduce a bill intituled Rideshare Enabling and Increased Taxi Occupancy Act for the third time. This bill introduces a regulatory framework that would allow ride-sharing to come to British Columbia.

Our economy is changing, and ride-sharing is but one example of that change. As legislators, we cannot bury our heads in the sand and ignore this change. We must embrace it and ensure that it leads to the best outcomes possible for British Columbians. Introducing ride-sharing into British Columbia is something that all three parties committed to do during the last election campaign. It’s time we fulfilled that promise collectively.

In introducing this bill, I’m offering a way forward, one that lets us grapple with the questions that this industry presents us with.

Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

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

Bill M203, Rideshare Enabling and Increased Taxi Occupancy 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)

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

M. Stilwell: When we find ourselves in need of health care, we want, of course, the latest technology and the best doctors. In British Columbia, we’re fortunate to have some of the best in Canada. Today I speak specifically of interventional radiology and radiologists.

Interventional radiology, known as IR, is a medical subspecialty of radiology, utilizing minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system by harnessing the power of advanced imaging such as ultrasound, X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs.

Interventional radiologists use imaging to treat complex and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Through a tiny incision in the skin, they deliver precise, targeted treatments. IR procedures are less invasive, provide reduced risk, less pain, shorter recovery times and, often, better outcomes.

Many in this House know that for several days this summer, I relied on the skills of this dedicated group of doctors from Vancouver General Hospital. They’re not only saving lives through revolutionary techniques; they are expanding our health care delivery by finding efficiencies and cutting costs in our health care system.

[11:05 a.m.]

A friend of many in this House, Jordan Bateman, from ICBA, was treated by the same radiologist group for blood clots in his leg this September. They saved his leg but, more importantly, his life.

These incredible individuals work around the clock, on weekends, in the middle of the night, on days they should be off to improve the lives of others while rarely getting the recognition they deserve.

Today I extend my gratitude and praise to all the staff, but especially Dr. Raju Heran, who sets the bar high for standard of care with his knowledge, his experience and, especially, his compassion. I’m not sure how he did it, but he always made me feel like I was his only patient. Thanks to him, I avoided major surgery, and I feel normal again — whatever normal is.

LADYSMITH HEALTH CARE AUXILIARY

D. Routley: I rise in the House today to bring congratulations to a wonderful group of people in Ladysmith. They are the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary. They’ve been nominated and are finalists for the Outstanding Philanthropic Service Club Award of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Vancouver Island chapter.

Founded in 1909, the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary began as a small group of local women determined to support their community by donating their services to perform various tasks at the local hospital. The Auxiliary evolved over years from in-hospital help and small fundraising events to a complex and vibrant community entity operating a range of health care–associated programs.

The bake sales and bazaars have given way to one of the best thrift stores on the Island as well as a well-stocked gift shop. They operate Meals on Wheels, they coordinate youth volunteers in the local assisted-living facility, they coordinate knitters and crafters who produce goods for patients and the thrift store, they operate and maintain a memorial garden behind the health care facility, they have bursaries every year for high school students headed towards health care professions, and they offer patient comforts and transportation and Lifeline for shut-in patients.

This is a wonderful group that has, in the past year, donated $260,000 worth of medical equipment and support for health-related, non-profit organizations. Their fundraising efforts have not gone unnoticed by everyone in our community, and we have all benefited.

Congratulations to president Pam Fraser, vice-president Jennifer Forest, treasurer Elsie Vernon, assistant treasurer Lil Kroll, corresponding secretary Deb Henderson, recording secretary Rosemary Leo, director of membership Deanna Noonan, director of public relations Bonnie Weiss and past-president Irene Telford. Thank you so much for all that you do for our community.

WINE INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY
EVENTS IN OLIVER AREA

L. Larson: The wine industry in B.C., and specifically the Okanagan Valley, has created its own growing economy and attracts tourists from all over the world. That growth and energy in the Oliver area has also presented opportunities for several unique and novel events to flourish, like Uncork the Sun and the Pig Out, but I’d like to expand on two of the larger events.

Started in 2010 by local Jack Wessell and the Oliver-Osoyoos wineries, the Half-Corked Marathon was created as a fun run/jog/walk through vineyards, dirt roads and trails connecting wineries. Participants can stop and enjoy wine tasting and delicious foods along the way. There are prizes for costumes and special participant dinners before and after the race. In 2010, there were 200 participants; in 2017, over 1,000. The event has become so popular across Canada that tickets to participate are allocated through a lottery system.

The single largest wine event in the Okanagan is the Festival of the Grape in Oliver. From its humble beginnings in 1996 with a handful of wineries and 400 visitors, it has grown to more than 50 wineries and 4,500 guests.

In addition to wine tasting, there is grape stomping. More than a dozen teams and some rather interesting costumes give grape stomping a valiant effort. Teams of three do their best to produce the largest volume of juice in a timed event. The result is messy, but the local volunteer fire department kindly helps with the cleanup by hosing everyone down. Festival of the Grape is a family event with special licensing that allows children on site with their parents and provides lots of kid-friendly activities.

[11:10 a.m.]

As always, small communities like Oliver rely on volunteers. Volunteers are the heart of any event like this. I want to give a shout-out to Marie and George Boychuk. They have volunteered every year since the first festival 21 years ago. We are incredibly blessed to have volunteers like the Boychuks. Thank you to all of the volunteers who make these great events possible.

DIXON TRANSITION SOCIETY AND
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

J. Routledge: There’s an organization in my community that provides a vital service. In fact, it’s so vital that its exact location is a secret. I’m talking about Dixon Transition Society.

Dixon Transition Society is a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and the service they provide changes lives. They offer emergency shelter and counselling, as well as the emotional and practical support women need to transition to independence.

I had the opportunity to visit them a couple of weeks ago, and I was particularly impressed by what they do and how well they are organized, because I worked as a volunteer at a transition home 35 years ago in Ontario. We’ve come a long way since then. Remember when male federal MPs laughed at Margaret Mitchell in parliament when she asked government to do more to stop violence against women?

Today transition houses are government-funded. The police are trained to take women seriously when they’re called to intervene in domestic disputes. Women are less likely to be stigmatized when they leave violent relationships, and girls are more equipped to someday support themselves economically.

Yes, we’ve come a long way since the 1980s, but we still have a long way to go. Dixon Transition Society alone serves more than 550 women and children every year, but they turn away more than 1,100 every year for lack of space.

While the exact location of transition houses must remain secret, it is equally important that we turn a bright light on the many ways that women experience violence and vulnerability in our society today.

ME TOO CAMPAIGN AND
ROLE OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY

S. Furstenau: I rise today to say: me too.

Women have been sharing their stories and shining a light on the shocking prevalence of sexual harassment and violence in our society. The stories have been heart-wrenching and painful, the storytellers brave and heroic.

Yesterday we commemorated Persons Day in this House, remembering that 88 years ago women were recognized as persons under the law in Canada and given the right to be appointed to the Senate. But law and reality can be divorced. Yes, we as women can and do hold public office in this country, but that does not mean we are not subject to sexism, harassment or bullying in our workplaces, our homes, our communities.

What Me Too shows us is that the work is far from over. Equality is not achieved just through legal decisions or legislation. Equality is not achieved by women feeling empowered and safe enough to speak out.

Equality will be achieved when we all recognize our shared responsibility to create a world where these stories are not the norm — when all members of our society, especially those who do not have a Me Too story, understand that if we do nothing, we are complicit in a culture that has made these horrific stories all too common.

To do so will take more than the usual responses to sexual violence. We must look deeply at how our society has permitted this situation that so many women face, where they are not treated as persons but as objects. And we must not be afraid to make the changes so that we can build a better world where Me Too is not the norm. [Applause.]

DIWALI AND BANDI CHHOR DIVAS

R. Singh: I want to take a moment to wish the members of this House and the residents of B.C. a very happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Both these festivals are celebrated every year across the world with enthusiasm by Hindus and Sikhs.

[11:15 a.m.]

Canada, being a diverse nation, has also embraced these festivals, and today both these occasions are being observed from coast to coast by Canadians. While Diwali is the festival of lights and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and enlightenment over darkness, it also marks the return of Lord Rama after years in exile.

Bandi Chhor Divas marks the anniversary of the return of the sixth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind, from the Gwalior jail, where he was imprisoned for standing up against oppression. Upon his release, he asked for the freedom of 52 kings who were also detained there.

In today’s world, when intolerance is on the rise, the message behind these festivals is even more significant. As we celebrate and exchange greetings and sweets, we must also resolve to continue our struggle for an enlightened and just society.

Oral Questions

REGULATION OF RIDE-SHARING INDUSTRY

J. Thornthwaite: Yesterday the Minister of Transportation proudly told us that she finally read the report from her high-priced consultant. Better late than never. Now we know the minister has problems with timelines, and her own consultant confirms this. Dan Hara tells the CBC: “Presumably, there will be, especially if something is to go forward, more formal public hearings and processes.”

Let that sink in: “If something is to go forward.” Even the NDP’s high-priced help doesn’t know if the minister will ever introduce ride-sharing.

To the minister: you’ve missed 2017 for introducing ride-sharing. Can you give my constituents a date, a timeline, anything, when we will see ride-sharing in British Columbia?

Hon. C. Trevena: Well, we can understand why that side of the House, when they were in government, realized that they couldn’t get it done by the end of the year, as they said in their throne speech of June 2017. They did say, in June 2017: “Your government” — of the time — “has heard the message that legitimate implementation concerns remain. Any proposed legislation will be referred to an all-party committee for extensive consultation with the public and stakeholders — in particular, regarding boundaries and insurance.”

That side of the House finally saw the light, realized it was a complex problem and acknowledged it will take a little longer. We are doing the prudent thing. We have hired a consultant who is looking at the taxi industry. We are engaged with the ride-share companies. We will make change.

Mr. Speaker: The member for North Vancouver–Seymour on a supplemental.

J. Thornthwaite: The minister has completely bungled this file. She doesn’t have a grasp on this file and will not give a straight answer to when, or even if, ride-sharing will be introduced. She’s rehired the same guy who did a taxi report last year, and he admits that the minister may never introduce anything. It would be comical if it wasn’t so pathetic.

All I’m asking for today is clarity. Could the Minister of Transportation tell this House when ride-sharing will come to B.C.? Is it going to be 2018, 2019, 2020 or — gosh forbid — never?

Hon. C. Trevena: What is comical is the level of passion from that side of the House, who were in government since before 2012, when Uber first came to B.C. and said: “We want to introduce ride-sharing.” What have we seen? Nothing.

Our government is going to act. We are going to bring in ride-share. We are engaged with the ride-hailing companies, we’re engaged with the taxi industry, and we will make change.

Mr. Speaker: The member for North Vancouver–Seymour on a second supplemental.

[11:20 a.m.]

J. Thornthwaite: What the minister forgets is that when British Columbians voted this spring, they were promised, by all three parties, ride-sharing by the end of this year. Instead, the minister has strung along my constituents, including Zak from Deep Cove. Zak has written to me about how deeply disappointed he is that “the NDP is going back on their promise.” Zak says we don’t need any more studies. He just wants to know when the minister is going to actually get on with it.

Will the minister tell Zak and the rest of my constituents and this House when she will introduce ride-sharing like she promised, and if not, why not?

Hon. C. Trevena: It’s my recollection that that member of the House— along with, I think, all the members of that side of the House — voted in favour of a throne speech in June which said there would be delays in bringing in ride-sharing.

J. Johal: Clearly, there won’t be ride-sharing in B.C. this year — another broken NDP promise. Instead, the government is getting a report on taxi modernization from a high-paid Ottawa expert on taxis — not on ride-sharing, not on innovation, but on taxis.

Given this government’s love of reports and consultations, there will be another report after this one, and then another one, followed by consultations. We’re in the midst of consultation paralysis, thanks to the Minister of Transportation and her government. Just yesterday in question period, the minister said she was going to see what comes from the review.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the question.

J. Johal: Then she said they would be talking to ride-sharing companies.

To the minister of taxis: when asked how much a taxi modernization report cost, you told Jon McComb on CKNW that within this current budget, there was $165,000 available. How many future budgets does she imagine will be needed?

Hon. C. Trevena: I’m not quite sure how often I have to tell the opposition that we are committed to bringing ride-share to this province.

The opposition is obviously very confused about this. I mean, one of the people who wants to be the Leader of the Opposition, who’s going to lead the opposition for many, many years to come when he takes over, has said: “It is my belief our party rushed too quickly to welcome Uber to British Columbia. We need to develop a road map to get this improved service for consumers that maintains passenger safety, treats everyone fairly and creates a level playing field for the competition.”

That’s exactly what we will be doing as government.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Richmond-Queensborough on a supplemental.

J. Johal: I remind the member that we’re talking about your election promises, your government. You have to answer to the people of British Columbia. I want to add the report…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, please. We shall hear the question.

J. Johal: …on taxi modernization comes from an author who has donated to the NDP. The report terms of reference could have been written by the taxi lobby from Vancouver. Coincidentally, they donated a big chunk of change to the provincial NDP.

In the three months leading up to the election, taxi companies and associations donated over $50,000 to the NDP. The taxi lobby also donated significantly to Vision Vancouver, who was kind enough, of course, to provide the Premier with his chief of staff and other senior staffers.

[11:25 a.m.]

Given all of the above, how can the citizens of British Columbia trust the minister to bring in a truly fair set of rules for ride-sharing — and how many consultations and how many more delays?

Hon. C. Trevena: And how many more times do I have to tell the House and the members opposite that we are bringing in ride-share, that we are doing consultations and that we will be bringing in legislation for ride-share?

A. Weaver: The righteous indignation emanating from members opposite on this file is truly something to behold. Two years ago the member for Kamloops–South Thompson, the then Minister of Transportation, said that this former government was going to bring in ride-sharing, but he got soundly smacked down by somebody, and we don’t have it.

Twice before, I brought in a bill.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, the member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head has the floor.

A. Weaver: On Monday, the government provided British Columbians with a road map for how introduction of ride-sharing will happen in our province.

One could be forgiven for finding the announcement somewhat underwhelming. Gone was the end-of-year timeline — or any firm timeline at all, for that matter. Instead, we’re now going to embark on a review of the taxi industry without engaging ride-share companies and without considering the impact that they might have. In essence, we’ll waste time and money to establish a new status quo.

To the Minister of Transportation, why are we making an effort to update legislation for the taxi industry without even engaging ride-sharing companies and considering the changes they may force on this industry?

Hon. C. Trevena: We are engaging with the ride-share companies.

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

A. Weaver: Well, I actually had not heard an answer to that question previously, so I would disagree with the minister.

Obviously, the minister has said historically, and I agree, that legislation needs to be updated on an ongoing basis. The minister has told local media: “We’ve got six pieces of legislation that we have to potentially modernize, one going back to 1924. Things were very different in 1924 than they are in 2017.”

The act being referred to here is the Motor Vehicle Act, which was first introduced in 1924. It’s a year known for the introduction of the classic Chrysler model B-70, a lovely automobile of its day, and the Oakland 6-54A, another amazing vehicle of its day.

Interjections.

A. Weaver: I’m going to go on eBay to see if I can buy one, and I’ll give it as a gift to the member for Powell River–Sunshine Coast.

The impression that was left by this comment is misleading. The Motor Vehicle Act was actually substantively updated in 1996 by the NDP government and has been amended numerous times since then. The same goes for the Commercial Transport Act. First introduced in 1959, it also referred to acts that need to be….

To the minister: why can we not work simultaneously to regulate ride-sharing while updating legislation that pertains to the taxi industry?

Hon. C. Trevena: The member is quite right. It is a complex issue, and this is why we want to take some time to look at it. This is why we have engaged an expert. This is why we are talking to ride-share companies. This is why we’re looking at these six pieces of legislation the member cited, some of which have been updated but some of which will need to be changed substantially if we are introducing a whole new mode of ride-hailing to the province, which we are intending to do.

[11:30 a.m.]

We are also dealing, obviously, with our public insurer, which we’re very proud…. The opposition, clearly, has not got the same sense of reverence and concern about the public insurance company, by the way it’s been left. So we have that to deal with.

We also have the Passenger Transportation Board, which makes B.C. a unique place for introducing ride-share to the norm. It is not a simple approach. We are approaching this so that we have — as Dr. Hara actually said, in an interview — a win-win-win situation; so that we can have something that will ensure that those people who want to use ride-hailing on an app, or however they are using ride-hailing, can do that; so that the taxi industry, where there are people who have been working for many years, can continue working; and that we have the knowledge of passenger safety and driver safety all covered. That’s why it’s complex, and that’s why we’re taking this approach.

ATTENDANCE OF AGRICULTURE
MINISTER AT AQUACULTURE EVENT

P. Milobar: Yesterday the Minister of Agriculture said how important consultation with industry, First Nations and the federal government was, and she said that the intimidation letter was part of “our communications back and forth.” So you can imagine my surprise when I discovered the minister was scheduled to speak at Seafood West, here in Victoria. She could talk to industry. She could talk to the federal minister who attended. She could have talked to the Norwegian ambassador who was here and, yes, she could have even talked to the First Nations that were here.

But the minister, who wants constant communication, no-showed and passed up on her speaking opportunity, even though she was part of the program that was listed on line.

Can you tell us why you passed up this chance to talk to stakeholders?

Hon. L. Popham: I’m happy to answer that question.

I was scheduled to speak, but I had to cancel my speaking opportunity because I flew to Vancouver to engage with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans at the federal level. That conversation was critically important to our engagement on this issue.

Mr. Speaker: The Member for Kamloops–North Thompson on a supplemental.

P. Milobar: Just to make sure that we have this scheduling conflict correct, as far as I can tell, the minister and the Premier visited the north Island on October 10. October 11, when the minister was scheduled to speak here in Victoria, you spurned the chance to actually communicate with stakeholders.

Instead, you spoke at the orca conference. Yes, the federal minister was there and speaking at that orca conference. However, I would note the federal minister also came to Victoria and spoke at the same conference that you decided not to speak at on the same day.

Two days later a letter of unprecedented intimidation is sent out by the minister. In fact, the Georgia Strait Alliance has even posted on Twitter that the minister penned an eviction notice–like letter to fish farms.

Minister, businesses doing lawful business want to know: are you coming for them next?

Hon. L. Popham: If the member is concerned about my schedule, I’d be happy to give him a copy of my schedule that day.

You know what is not good for business? The fearmongering from that side of the chamber.

As the member knows…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, we shall hear the response. Thank you.

Hon. L. Popham: …these tenures aren’t being cancelled. They are coming up on a review of a renewal process that’s part of normal business practice.

[11:35 a.m.]

We have committed to making sure the health of our wild salmon is at utmost importance. The Premier, myself and my colleagues travelled to Alert Bay, where we were invited by First Nations to sit in the big house. It was a really big honour and an important meeting. We took this very seriously, to hear from First Nations.

We sat and listened, and we heard stories of the dwindling wild stocks. We heard that their freezers are bare. That is very important to this side of the House, and we will do everything that we can to protect the health of wild salmon.

LETTER FROM AGRICULTURE MINISTER
TO FISH FARM OPERATOR

M. Stilwell: Minister, let’s be clear. Let’s talk about this fearmongering. You wrote the letter designed to intimidate the people who want to create jobs. The minister penned a letter that the Georgia Strait Alliance calls an eviction notice, and she did it after she declined an opportunity to talk directly to the workers who were under threat — directly to the First Nations — and declined an opportunity to meet with the federal minister, who managed to work it into his schedule to make it there.

If you’re a guide outfitter, a miner, a rancher or any other employer that relies on government keeping its word, you can only imagine the fear that they are feeling today.

Can the minister confirm that her colleague, the Minister of Transportation, is correct, and you plan to remove all fish farms?

Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the member for her question, but I’m wondering how the amnesia struck the other side. Not three months ago they were the government. Not three months ago they understood that tenures didn’t last forever unless you’re picking up B.C. Rail for 999 years. That’s the only time.

Tenures are up for review regularly, and I appreciate that correspondence between a minister and a company seems to be egregious, but here I have a press release sent out by the government of British Columbia, 2015 edition. It says the following, and I hope the members will listen carefully. They might have missed it at the time. “As indicated in my Minister of Agriculture mandate letter, the government will examine the rules and restrictions that guide the application and allow the process to ensure that aquaculture operations are socially and ecologically sustainable and can co-exist.”

Interjections.

Hon. J. Horgan: Please, no, it gets a whole lot better. We implemented the Cohen condition. Unbelievable. Okay.

So we’re going to examine the protocol that we received from the stewardship council to ensure that farms are appropriately sited. While these actions are being undertaken, the province will not consider any further other approvals.

The new salmon farm tenures. “The government remains committed to science-based….” And so it goes.

What’s good for the goose should be good for the gander. After 16 years of not protecting wild salmon, we now have a government that will.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Parksville-Qualicum, on a supplemental.

M. Stilwell: The Premier can get up and defend this minister all he wants, but it doesn’t change the facts. This is about a letter that the minister penned that was intimidating. She wrote the letter. She doesn’t seem capable of defending the letter, and you’re coming to her rescue. To give the minister credit, there’s no ambiguity.

[11:40 a.m.]

You are coming for employees and jobs that you just don’t like. Site C, Kinder Morgan and the George Massey replacement, and now the letter — shades of NDP Minister Dave Zirnhelt saying that “government can do anything.”

Well, Minister, government can’t do everything. So here’s one more chance: will the minister tell British Columbians that she was wrong and she doesn’t actually plan to shut down employers simply because she feels like it?

Hon. J. Horgan: I guess the members on the other side forgot. In that this press release, it cites two separate reviews that were going to be undertaken — afraid to make decisions on the other side. Instead, they pushed it off to review.

There is some irony that we’re awaiting one of those reviews that was into the very question we’re talking about here, which is the siting of fish farms and the existence of tenures in that sector. Now, I find it interesting….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, I’m concerned that visitors in the gallery aren’t able to hear the response and, likewise, the question. So if we may.

Premier.

Hon. J. Horgan: For no other reason, I agree. We would want to let those watching hear what we have to say.

It’s interesting that the only member that doesn’t seem concerned about aquaculture is the former minister — the very individual who put in place the reviews to ensure that the siting of farms and the tenures for fish farms were ecologically sustainable and had social licence.

So my advice to those on the other side: get comfortable, enjoy your time in opposition, but don’t fearmonger. No licences are being revoked. No tenures are being lifted. Tenures are being reviewed, as they should be, as the government of British Columbia protects the interest of all British Columbians, not just those that give you cheques.

TREE FRUIT REPLANT PROGRAM FUNDING

D. Ashton: Prior to the last election, the B.C. tree fruit growers received a government commitment for an additional $5 million for the very successful B.C. tree fruit replant program. This program helps B.C. tree fruit growers replace existing low-value fruit trees with high-value, high-quality varieties like the Aurora Golden Gala, which many sampled this past week here, so that growers can take advantage of the local and, especially, international market opportunities.

In estimates, the minister was asked if the additional $5 million would be provided to the B.C. fruit industry. The minister wouldn’t answer directly and instead would only would say we’re evaluating things. Well, I need to emphasize to everyone is that this is a critically important program to all fruit growers.

I would like to ask the minister again: will the government follow through on their commitment for the $5 million replant program?

Hon. L. Popham: I would like to start by thanking the member for the box of apples that he delivered to our government. Thank you.

The member brings up a very important program by the government of British Columbia, and that is supporting our fruit tree growers with the replant program. We believe in that program. We are right now evaluating the commitments that we need to make.

I can tell you one thing about the fruit tree growers. We have a great relationship with them, and they are super excited about our mandate, which is to grow B.C., feed B.C. and buy B.C. They’re looking forward to the opportunities that that’s going to bring for them to add value-added to their industry.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Penticton on a supplemental.

D. Ashton: While we’re re-evaluating, the fruit growers really need this increased funding. It’s unfortunate for the fruit growers that this seems to be a pattern at this point in time by the government — taking money away from an existing program or a project and sending it to review and refusing to answer directly. It might be hard for the minister to admit, but it really does sound like another cancelled program. But the fruit growers really deserve a straight answer.

I would just ask the minister: again, is there an opportunity for this full increase in funding? Just a simple yes or no, Minister, would suffice.

Hon. L. Popham: I do appreciate the question, because there’s nothing I like talking about more than our agriculture producers in British Columbia.

[11:45 a.m.]

We are just entering into our budget process right now, and I will be able to give the member a answer at a later date.

The fruit tree growers do know that we are committed to them. I am committed to them as the Minister of Agriculture, and we have an open line of communication. As soon as I have news, I will inform the member.

FREEDOM-OF-INFORMATION REQUESTS
FOR WILDFIRE LOSS CASES

C. Oakes: I’ve raised the case of the McNab family in the House on September 18 and again earlier this week. The McNabs’s mill and five other buildings were lost on August 12 in the Plateau fire. They are seeking documents that they require to rebuild their life.

Earlier this week the Minister of Citizens’ Services said that if there is an investigation in these cases, they “are not able to release that information” — quite a change from the earlier assurances that she made in response to the constituents of Pressy Lake. I’m starting to suspect why. You see, the McNabs have received a phone call, a call informing them that there is officially no help or compensation from the government and that their only avenue may be to take the government to court.

My question to the Minister of Citizens’ Services, has she seen the information that’s being withheld from the McNabs, and is a reason why she’s not expediting anything for them because the information is damaging to the government?

Hon. J. Sims: This wildfire season was unprecedented in British Columbia’s history, and many people have lost property and are seeking answers. I can feel the real concern that the member across the way has for her constituents. Each and every one of us in this House, no matter where we sit, cannot know, actually, what families are facing right around this province.

We appreciate people wanting to know what happened in their communities. We’re making every effort to be transparent regarding wildfire services and are proud of the heroic work done, not only by wildfire crews but the amazing togetherness and support that other British Columbians have shown as well.

We have worked with opposition members, those affected by the wildfires, and the Wildfire Service to proactively get as much information out to the public as quickly as possible. The RCMP has released some of the information requested, which we have already shared proactively with the residents.

We expect that more will be available soon, and as soon as that information becomes available, we proactively release, except for items that pertain to personal information and protection of privacy. Our staff is working diligently and professionally to make sure that people get the information they need as expeditiously as possible. But we are limited by the….

Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Minister.

Hon. J. Sims: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[End of question period.]