Routine Business

Prayers.

[10:05 a.m.]

Introductions by Members

Hon. A. Dix: I wish to introduce in the gallery today Curtis Brandell, who is the president of the B.C. Hemophilia Society; Tomiko Spicer, who is Curtis’s partner; and Zachary Spicer, who is Tomiko and Curtis’s son.

I also would like to note members of the Taylor and Puusa families who are here and who have, in the past, courageously shared their family story to underscore the importance of a strong voluntary donor–based blood and plasma system. I want to introduce Johnna Puusa and Booey Puusa, who are here with us today, as well as Adam Lynes-Ford, from the B.C. Health Coalition.

Hon. S. Robinson: I’d like to welcome two special guests who are here with us in the gallery. My brother is here. He’s here because his daughter, Maya Rae, entertained us last night. My brother is Erle Dardick. He is raising three fabulous children. He’s the owner of MonkeyMedia Software, which specializes in software development for restaurant takeout, delivery and catering services here in British Columbia.

His daughter, Maya Rae, is a fabulous entertainer that we had yesterday at the Creative B.C. event. Maya released her debut album, Sapphire Birds, just last year, with support from Creative B.C. Next month she will be appearing in Toronto at the Jazz Bistro for Canadian Music Week. You can also see her here in Victoria, June 23, at the Victoria Jazz Festival. If you missed her there and you want to go to Edmonton, you can see her at the Edmonton Jazz Festival on June 28. Or you can wait till June 30, and you can catch her at the Vancouver Jazz Festival.

Would the House please make them welcome.

S. Cadieux: On an early Sunday morning last October, hardy, caring souls gathered for the Pumpkin Run in support of the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. The member for Surrey–White Rock, the member for Surrey-Cloverdale and I had a booth there, and we offered a prize of a visit to Victoria for the very fancily costumed runners to enter.

Today I’m happy to introduce our guests joining us for lunch today, Colleen Bloudell and Micayla Bobsien. I may have gotten the pronunciations of those names wrong, because I can only do the first ones for sure, but I’m sure they’ll correct me at lunch. Would everyone please make them welcome.

J. Thornthwaite: I have a couple of guests today, groups of guests. Firstly, I’d like to introduce Cathy Peters and Randine Hardy. They’re advocates for anti–child trafficking, and I’ll be speaking about them a little bit later.

Also, I see my friends from the film industry up there —Allan and Cynde Harmon, from Really Real Films. I see Jackson Davies there, from CapU, and George Paterson. Thank you very much for joining us. I know others from the industry will be introduced later.

Hon. R. Fleming: There are a few guests I’m very pleased to introduce today in the gallery, beginning with Dr. Peter Froese, who is the executive director of the Federation of Independent School Associations in British Columbia. I know that members on all sides of the House have worked with Peter over a number of years. He enjoys broad respect amongst the education partners across British Columbia in both the public education system and the independent school system. It’s very fitting that he’s here with us today. I think all members can join me and others in wishing him a very happy retirement, after eight years of service in his position.

With him is Mr. Chisholm, who is the principal of St. Ann’s Academy in Kamloops. He is the incoming executive director of FISA BC. He’ll have big shoes to fill, and we know that he’s capable of that. Mrs. Dhanani, who is the assistant executive director of FISA BC, is also with this delegation.

I would ask all members of the House to make these three individuals most welcome here today.

[10:10 a.m.]

Hon. C. James: I know all members in this House know that it’s really our staff who keep this place running and keep us going. I am incredibly fortunate to have a number of amazing staff in my office here and in my constituency office.

The parents of one of my staff — visiting today from the greater Toronto area, Emile and Jeanette Gillezeau — are meeting today. They’re here in the gallery. They’re here to visit their son Rob, who is a senior ministerial assistant in my office.

I’ve said thank you to them for sharing Rob and doing such a good job raising him, because I am incredibly fortunate. They’re also here because they are awaiting the arrival of their new grandchild in another few weeks. So they are becoming grandparents as well.

I’d ask the House to make them very welcome for their visit here to Victoria.

E. Ross: Today in the House, we have my biggest critic with us, joining us today. It just so happens she’s also my partner, my friend, my wife. We’ve been inseparable for 33 years. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. Please would the House make welcome Tracey Ross, my wife.

Hon. H. Bains: I have two sets of introductions.

First, Mike and Janis McDonald, very long-term friends. Mike, a labour activist, was the president of my Surrey-Newton constituency for a number of years. And Janis — what can you say about Janis McDonald? Again, a very good friend. This is an individual who, since I got elected in 2005, came into my office for the entire day as a volunteer, until they moved from Surrey a couple years ago.

I really want to say thank you to both Mike and Janis for helping me out and helping all of the others in the constituency and other places. Please help me to give them a warm, warm welcome.

The second set of introductions that I have is — I’m not sure whether they have made it into the gallery yet — 40 students from Tamanawis Secondary, led by their teacher Lindsay Hutchison and a few parents. Please help me give them a warm welcome as well.

Hon. G. Chow: I’m pleased to introduce the managing director of British Columbia’s trade and investment representative office in Hong Kong, Mr. Derrick Lee, who is in the House today. As you know, B.C.’s network of international trade and investment offices works tirelessly to introduce B.C. exporters to new markets and to attract job-creating investment into the B.C. economy.

Mr. Lee is a fellow certified management accountant and brings over 20 years of experience working with governments and businesses from Canada, Hong Kong and the United States. Most recently he worked as president of the secretariat at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. He also has worked with Invest Hong Kong and as a trade and investment specialist for the state of California.

As you know, B.C. and Hong Kong have long-standing cultural and economic ties. Hong Kong already represents a tremendous export market for B.C. companies, particularly in the agrifood sector, as well as being an important source of investment.

Derrick is here in B.C. for two weeks, meeting many B.C. companies and industry groups with an interest in advancing economic ties with Hong Kong. He’ll be meeting with a range of B.C. government ministry officials today in Victoria as well. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Derrick Lee to Victoria.

M. Bernier: It’s not often I actually get the opportunity to introduce someone in this House from my riding, being one of the most furthest ridings away. But I have a great introduction to do today of some constituents — most importantly, to acknowledge Ms. Teri Hanen, who is down here with her husband, Mark.

Teri yesterday was one of the recipients of the B.C. Community Achievement Award handed out by our new Lieutenant-Governor. It’s a real honour to have her and her husband, Mark, joining the House today. Could we please all make them welcome and congratulate Teri.

[10:15 a.m.]

M. Stilwell: I can’t see her because I think she’s up over where the press gallery is today, but Joan Miller is the film commissioner for Vancouver Island North Film Commission. She is a force to be reckoned with. She truly is a voice for Vancouver Island and building the film industry and helping communities see the tourism opportunities that can be created.

It’s been my pleasure to work with her over the past several years. We actually brought in a film studio right in Parksville. So things are happening in Parksville. I know many people think it’s a retirement mecca, but there are exciting things happening. Many thanks go to Joan for allowing it to come to our community.

Hon. C. Trevena: I would like, also, to welcome Joan Miller, who is, as the member for Parksville-Qualicum mentioned, the film commissioner for the north Island. She’s a true advocate for all things north Island and all things Vancouver Island as well as all things film for B.C. She’s here with the creative industries delegation, obviously.

She has done remarkable work in promoting B.C. and, particularly, the Island as a place where films can be made, where films should be made, working on studios in Parksville, working on studios in Campbell River, which is her home base. I think anybody who knows Joan knows her passion, her dedication, her love for the industry and her love for making sure that B.C. continues to be a creative force in the economy.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Saanich North and the Islands.

A. Olsen: I do have an introduction, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that.

I would like to welcome and introduce Adam Lynes-Ford from the beautiful island of Saltspring. Adam is here with the B.C. Health Coalition today and was one of the first meetings that I had after being elected to office, on my very first day, over on Saltspring — an eye-opening experience, to say the least.

Adam is the co-chair for the Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre for low-barrier services to trans and gender-diverse people and also the former national director for the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition. Could the House please make Adam feel welcome.

A. Kang: It is not often that I get to introduce some of my friends who are here with us in this House today: the Downton Singers. They are a versatile group of singers. They sing a range of music from renaissance madrigals to contemporary choral music. What is so special about this group of people is they are a happy and boisterous group of 65 and over — there are only two that under 65 — and very young.

I would like to, also, especially recognize the conductor, Peggy Hua, who is a good friend of mine and has been with me through thick and thin. I would like to recognize Peggy Hua, Carol Downton, Anne-Marie Etsell, Margaret MacPhee, Shirley Scratchley, Gord Harding and Jim Burge. I would like all my friends here to make them feel very welcome today.

T. Shypitka: Today in the House, I’ve got three guests all the way from Tanzania. My Tanzanian guests are in Victoria this week and in Cranbrook next week to showcase the collaboration between the Mwanza Regional Vocational Training and Service Centre and the College of the Rockies, which they have undertaken, on removing barriers to women entering and succeeding in male-dominated trades and training programs.

This week, on Monday, they’re going to be in Victoria. Representatives from Tanzania and the College of the Rockies will address the annual Conference of Colleges and Institutes of Canada. They will then travel to Cranbrook to discuss ongoing ways that the college and the institutions in Tanzania can learn from each other to promote gender equality in trades training.

My guests are accompanied by Chelsea Ruiter, the international projects officer of the College of the Rockies. Will the House please welcome John Kengese, the principal, Mwanza Regional Vocational Training and Service Centre; Thereza Makinda, the gender equality coordinator at Mwanza Regional Vocational Training and Service Centre; and Hildegardis Bitegara, the Vocational and Education Training Authority regional coordinator.

R. Singh: I want to wish a very dear friend, the member for Burnaby–Deer Lake, a very, very happy birthday. Would the House join me in wishing her the very best for the year ahead.

J. Sturdy: Today it’s my pleasure to introduce to the House a favourite constituent of mine up in the gallery. Shirley Henry is here this morning. I had the pleasure of witnessing Shirley receive a B.C. Community Achievement Award yesterday at Government House. She was one of 28 very, very deserving British Columbians who received this award, all of whom…. I think everyone in this House shares in honouring their contributions to the community and the province.

[10:20 a.m.]

I have here in front of me Shirley’s resumé, which is several pages, single spaced, so I won’t go into it — but a couple a highlights, if I might. She was born in Chilliwack, taught school in 100 Mile. She later moved to Pemberton, where she spent 19 years on council, including 15 years as mayor, including during the big flood of 1984. She’s been involved in every single part of Pemberton’s community life — agriculture, recreation, airport, Community Futures, economic development, Aviation Council, tourism, health boards, Volunteer of the Year, Golden Jubilee Medal recipient, Freedom of the Village — and almost single-handedly has driven tourism into an unstoppable force in Pemberton. She is certainly, by no means, finished.

She’s here today with her husband, George, her daughter Michelle and grandson Alex. I hope that the House will join me in making her feel very welcome.

Hon. L. Popham: I think all of us can agree that when we sit in here for a week, it seems pretty long, and it’s a bit of a slog. But this week in particular, it felt more entertaining and more creative. That’s because the creative industry representatives are here to help make that happen. We appreciate them so much. I’m going to be introducing a few people. As well, my colleagues will follow up.

We have Peter Leitch, the president of North Shore Studios; Liz Shorten, managing vice-president, operations and member services for Canadian Media Producers Association; Phil Klapwyck, business representative from IATSE Local 891; Bill Guidera, SVP government affairs for 21st Century Fox; Wendy Noss, president of the Motion Picture Association of Canada; and Heidi Waechtler, executive director, Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia.

Welcome to the chamber.

R. Chouhan: I have two sets of introductions to make. First, in addition to my colleague from Burnaby–Deer Lake, I also would like to introduce four members of Downton Singers. They are Dave Scougal, Ruth McKenzie, Gudrun Howard and Diane Griffith. They’ve been entertaining the community for 22 years. This is the second generation of the singers that are joining us today.

My second set of introductions. It gives me great pleasure to introduce 38 grade 11 students from Byrne Creek, one of the best schools in British Columbia. They are led by the best teacher, Mr. Greg Neumann. Please join me in making them very, very welcome.

S. Furstenau: I’m delighted to introduce Adele Therias, who’s spending the day here at the Legislature with me. She’s a fourth-year geography student at UBC and a grandchild to Merelyn and Maurice Lobe, who are two wonderful community members in Shawinigan Lake.

I’m delighted to have Adele spend the day here, and I look forward to her meeting with the member for North Coast to share Adele’s experience of winning the Resilient CommUnity Design Challenge in Atlanta, Georgia, where she contributed to an engineers for sustainability project to look at how to best survive after earthquakes. Adele hopes to work on urban design, with an eye for planning for the challenges that we will be facing with climate change.

I’d like to also welcome Ms. Johnna Puusa, from Cowichan Valley, who is here with her husband and children. Johnna and her mother, Darlene Taylor, are champions for a safe public blood system. Please make them all feel welcome.

N. Simons: I’d like to join my colleague, the Minister of Agriculture, in welcoming guests from MPPIA. It’s my honour to introduce George Paterson, Dawn Williamson, Jennifer Buchanan and my favourite actor and the donor of this beautiful Beachcombers pin, Jackson Davies. I’d like the House to please welcome them all.

Hon. H. Bains: The students from Tamanawis Secondary that I introduced earlier just made it into the gallery, led by their teacher Lindsay Hutchison. Please, now let’s give them a warm, warm welcome.

B. D’Eith: I also would like to talk about the number of people here from the creative industries. I was very lucky to have worked in the creative industries for 28 years. I have a lot of friends here, so bear with me.

[10:25 a.m.]

I’d like to welcome Ruth Linka, associate publisher at Orca Book Publishers; David Shepheard from Vancouver Film Commission and Vancouver Economic Commission; Richard Olafson, a co-editor and publisher of Pacific Rim Review of Books; and Carol Sokoloff from Pacific Rim Review of Books.

I also wanted to have a special welcome to someone who really, normally, is in a galaxy far, far away and is in the precinct today, R2-D2. It’s a very great and honourable guest we have.

I also wanted to say thank you and to welcome to the precinct Liz Shorten from the CMPA; Scott Johnson, the president of Music B.C.; Lynn Ross from the city of Vancouver; and Leslie Wootton and Peter Leitch from MPPIA.

Please make them all feel very welcome.

S. Chandra Herbert: While with Creative Industries Week, I want to welcome a few other folks. Jacqueline Dupuis, the executive director of the Vancouver International Film Festival, makes a huge difference in Vancouver, with our cultural vibrancy; Allan and Cynde Harmon, friends of a number of us, with Really Real Films; Dusty Kelly with the musicians union; and Andrew Wooldridge from Orca Book Publishers.

Just for Andrew, I want to say thank you for publishing Alligator, Bear, Crab and Beach Baby and Holi Colors. They’re the favourite books around my house right now, and they chew good too.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

BILL 30 — CANNABIS CONTROL AND
LICENSING ACT

Hon. M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce Bill 30, the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act. This bill establishes the provincial regulatory regime for the possession, sale, supply and production of non-medical cannabis in B.C.

It establishes a licensing scheme for private cannabis retailers as well as training and registration requirements for cannabis workers. It establishes a minimum age of 19, and it sets restrictions on the possession, public use and cultivation of cannabis by adults. Further, the bill establishes a comprehensive compliance and enforcement regime for both licensed cannabis retailers and illegal sellers.

This bill represents a balanced response to the federal government’s decision to legalize non-medical cannabis. It reflects the feedback we have received from stakeholders, Indigenous and local governments and tens of thousands of British Columbians.

It reflects our government’s goals of prioritizing the health and safety of British Columbians, protecting children and youth, reducing crime in the illegal market and supporting economic development opportunities in our province.

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

Motion approved.

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

Bill 30, Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, 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.

BILL 31 — CANNABIS DISTRIBUTION ACT

Hon. M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Cannabis Distribution Act.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce Bill 31, the Cannabis Distribution Act. Working together with Bill 30, the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, the Cannabis Distribution Act establishes a public wholesale distribution regime for non-medical cannabis in British Columbia.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. M. Farnworth: 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 31, Cannabis Distribution Act, 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.

[10:30 a.m.]

BILL 17 — MOTOR VEHICLE
AMENDMENT ACT, 2018

Hon. M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce Bill 17, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018. This bill proposes amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act that will make B.C. roads safer by enhancing the provincial administrative framework for drugs and driving. One significant change in this bill would restrict new drivers, those in the graduated licensing program, from operating a motor vehicle with any THC in their system. Another important change will establish a new 90-day administrative driving prohibition for drivers who operate a motor vehicle while affected by a drug or a combination of a drug and alcohol.

These amendments represent a first phase of changes to detect and deter drug-affected driving in this province. But make no mistake. While further changes will surely come before this House in the near future as research evolves and new technologies become available, the laws to address drugs and driving in B.C. and the country are getting a lot tougher. This bill provides a strong foundation to deter drug-affected driving and increase safety on B.C. roads — a foundation that we believe strikes the right balance between public safety and administrative fairness.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. M. Farnworth: 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 17, Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018, 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.

BILL 29 — VOLUNTARY BLOOD
DONATIONS ACT

Hon. A. Dix presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Voluntary Blood Donations Act.

Hon. A. Dix: I move that the Voluntary Blood Donations Act be introduced and read for a first time now.

Mr. Speaker: Do you have a statement, Minister?

Hon. A. Dix: I have a short statement, hon. Speaker.

Our voluntary blood donation system is an integral resource that saves lives, thanks to people who graciously donate. We are taking action to prevent private, paid collection of blood and plasma and to make sure that the donations of British Columbians give benefit to people in Canada. There are no private, paid plasma collection clinics operating in B.C., and this legislation is meant to prevent such operations from being established.

I wish to acknowledge the work of my colleague the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the member for New Westminster, who played a key role in advocating for this legislation for many years.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. A. Dix: 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 29, Voluntary Blood Donations Act, 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)

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF
CHILDREN AND YOUTH

J. Thornthwaite: Cathy Peters is on a mission. She’s trying to protect children from being sexually exploited in British Columbia. “British Columbia?” you say. “That only happens over there, someplace over there.” But no, Mr. Speaker. It’s happening here, right in British Columbia, under our noses, in our parks, our movie theatres, our malls and our schools.

There have been only 118 convictions of human sex trafficking in Canada, and the only charge in British Columbia was Reza Moazami, in 2015. He provided pets as leverage. Most of his victims were minors, addicted and homeless. Others used designer handbags, money, fast cars and a luxurious lifestyle.

Hannah Metcalfe, with ACCESS Youth, states: “Every trafficked person has an addiction issue. Youth with addictions are often involved in the sex trade.” Sister Nancy Brown from Covenant House Vancouver helps 1,300 youth annually, of whom 33 percent are sexually exploited.

The problem is worsening. The target age used to be 16; now it’s 13. How many MLAs in this House have a 13-year-old child or grandchild? Thirteen years old…. How can parents help their children from being lured away by a trafficker?

[10:35 a.m.]

Treat your children the way you want their future spouses to treat them. Help them distinguish between real love and empty promises or gifts. Talk to your child about sexual abuse. Let them talk. Have an open ear, and encourage them to be honest. Share a code word or phrase to alert you that they need help. Talk to your child about sex trafficking. Traffickers might be their schoolmates; pimps often start out as boyfriends. Talk to your children about social media. Never share provocative photos on line or by text. Social media friends are not necessarily their friends.

Child sexual trafficking is real in British Columbia, and we need to be aware and act now. Support Cathy in her mission for a task force. Our children depend on it.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND
INCLUSION OF VULNERABLE PERSONS

A. Kang: It was a dark and stormy night. Things were as usual at home. Mom and Dad were watching a movie on the big sofa. My little brother, who has autism, was playing Minecraft in his room, and grandma was doing her nightly tai chi routine. Suddenly, we heard a low rumbling sound that crescendoed into a bang. It was an earthquake.

Panic seized the breath from me. I knew we would be okay, because we had practised earthquake drills at least twice a year, ever since I was five. “Drop, cover and hold on. Wait for the shaking to stop. Count to 60 seconds. Check my entire body for injuries. Grab my emergency backpack and head outside to our meeting place. Okay, I can do this.”

From a distance, I heard grandma calling for help from her room. Little brother with autism was screaming with fright. When we practised the drill, we were all in the same room. Mom held little brother’s hand. The lights were on, and no one was screaming or hurt. “What do I do now?”

Today I would like to start an important conversation about the importance of making sure that our loved ones, especially those who are vulnerable, are also prepared in the event of an emergency. Having a disability means that a person likely needs to consider preparedness actions above and beyond the basics. I encourage families and friends to consider one’s ability to communicate. Surroundings may change and look unfamiliar. One’s service animal, such as a guide dog, may be hurt or frightened, or its health may be impacted by the confusion or distress.

Practise advocating for yourself in how to quickly explain to people the best way to safely guide or move you or your equipment. Identify an alternate mobility queue, and practise alternate routes in advance of the disaster. Be sure to communicate with your seniors and those with disabilities about how they are feeling, in the event of an emergency, and plan accordingly. For more information, please look up PreparedBC.

SPELLING BEE CHAMPION
HANNAH MAY RAMIS

E. Foster: Mr. Speaker, “deplorable” is not usually a happy word. But for Lumby student Hannah May Ramis, it just might be her new favourite word. Hannah correctly spelled “deplorable” to win the 2018 Spelling Bee of Canada’s provincial championships in the junior division.

She competed against 38 other students from across the province. Hannah now advances to the national Spelling Bee of Canada in Toronto on May 6. “I’m really happy to have won, because it’s my first spelling bee,” said Hannah, who is in grade 5 and home-schooled through the ASCEND Online program.

After four rounds and about 140 words, seven students were left standing and headed into the tie-breakers. The first tie-breaker word was “chronometer.” Three kids misspelled the word, but Hannah successfully spelled it and went on to the next turn. She was followed by Jacob Menke of Campbell River Christian School, who correctly spelled “oxygen.”

The rest of the spellers misspelled their words, so Hannah and Menke were declared the top two finalists. It was an intense several rounds. Jacob and Hannah vied for the championship title, unable to correctly spell words such as “famulus” and “bipartite.” Go figure. Finally, after Menke misspelled “scullion,” Hannah had to spell the same word and then another word to be declared champion. She successfully spelled “scullion” and also spelled “deplorable,” to capture the title.

Not only does she get to go to the national finals in Toronto. Hannah also collected $500 and a big trophy for the provincial title. I spoke to Hannah’s mom and asked her what she did for practice. She spells a hundred words a day. Any words that she misspells are put on a sticky note and set all over the house, so she’s reminded and learns to respell them.

I would ask the House to please congratulate Hannah and wish her good luck in the national championships in Toronto.

[10:40 a.m.]

DAY OF MOURNING FOR WORKERS

J. Routledge: Two days from now, on Saturday, April 28, many of us in this House will be attending ceremonies in our communities, ceremonies to remember the 196 British Columbians who died last year as a result of workplace injury or disease. We will also be thinking about the many more workers who were injured or became ill because of their work. It’s something that we do every year on this day because April 28 is the National Day of Mourning. It is the one day every year we come together to recommit ourselves to safe, healthy and violence-free workplaces.

Today, during this last sitting of this House before April 28, I ask us to reflect on our role as legislators, our role in ensuring that the rules are in place to prevent workplace accidents and disease; our role in ensuring that those rules are understood and embraced in all workplaces; our role in ensuring that workers and their families are adequately and expeditiously compensated when they face life-altering circumstances due to workplace accident, incident or disease; our role in ensuring that employers who put the health and safety of their employees at risk either willfully or by neglect are held accountable.

This year the National Day of Mourning draws particular attention to violence and harassment in the workplace and its impact on the well-being of workers. Let’s remember all those who have lost their lives and been injured or become ill because of their work. Let’s honour the families and co-workers who are left behind and who must care for their family members who are seriously injured or sick. Let’s recommit to doing everything we can to make B.C. workplaces healthier and safer.

Today and on Saturday, we will mourn for the dead, but let’s also fight for the living.

CLEMENTS CENTRE SOCIETY

S. Furstenau: In 1957, parents in British Columbia took a stand. They could no longer accept sending their special needs children to large institutions where they risked suffering abuse and neglect.

Five parents in the Cowichan Valley took their children’s treatment into their own hands and formed the Clements Centre for child development. At the Clements Centre, children could remain close to their parents while receiving the care and support that they need. Clements now serves over 845 children and adults with development delays or special needs. Joey is one of them.

When Joey did not hit the same developmental milestones as his older sister, Joey’s parents became concerned and were referred to the Clements Centre. With the support they found at the centre, Joey’s parents were able to navigate the process of having Joey diagnosed with an intellectual disability, which enabled him to receive the services he needed. When Joey turned 19, the services that had been available to him no longer were. Parents in the Cowichan worked together again to develop their own program for those who have aged out of the Ministry of Children and Family Development support system.

Today working with Community Living B.C., Clements provides young adults like Joey with the life skills they need to thrive. Young adults can take workshops like healthy cooking and effective communication, all of which allow them to move closer to independent living.

Joey’s story highlights the important work that organizations like Clements are undertaking as well as the immense need for both community and government support in ensuring that no one with an intellectual disability is unable to access the help they need to live a happy and healthy life.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES WEEK

S. Chandra Herbert: “Over and over, one must ask oneself the question: ‘What do I want to express? What is the thought behind the saying? What is my ideal? What is my objective?’” What? Why? Why? What?

So asked Emily Carr, and indeed, so did I when preparing today’s statement on Creative Industries Week and my love of the arts. What? Why? Why? What? For art is hard to speak about, and sometimes, when you do, you can cut off its life and try to jam it into a little box to explain it.

A little box is statistics sometimes. But then I hear the economists scream passionately: “Those boxes matter. Statistics matter.” I hear my friends in the film, book publishing, music, digital entertainment fields — and indeed, the Jobs Minister — agree. Look at the jobs.

They’re right. Over 100,000 British Columbians work in our creative industries, generating over $5.23 billion for B.C.’s economy. I worked in theatre, dance and film before joining this place, and I grew up in a family of artists. I must tell you that those jobs mattered very much for my parents, my brother and I as they put the food on the table.

[10:45 a.m.]

Then I, too, hear the artists scream — or sing or dance or paint or write or film or animate — that it’s about dreams. It’s about living a better life. It’s about understanding. It’s about living in the question. Art is about who we are. It’s about community. They, too, are right.

As a longtime advocate for the arts and the creative economy, I’ve made peace with both sides. You can’t do one without the other. Art and creativity can’t be put in place unless you have food, unless you have housing, as well, and unless you have life to live.

I’m thankful that I live in a province with a government and, most importantly, a people that celebrate arts and the creative industries. I’m thankful the B.C. Arts Council was created and now has more money to invest in B.C.’s artists. I’m thankful Creative B.C. was founded and now can work with more money to invest in those creative industries so they, too, can grow and continue to blossom in every one of our communities.

Most of all, I am thankful for the artists, for the dreamers, for the bold. Happy Creative Industries Week.

Oral Questions

REFERENDUM ON ELECTORAL REFORM

M. Lee: Yesterday the Premier said British Columbians now won’t even get to see the ballot question until this fall. Clearly, he didn’t mean it when he promised a fair and open referendum.

To the Deputy Premier, how can the government possibly justify withholding the question until days before the vote?

Hon. D. Eby: The process we’ve set out is clear. We engaged tens of thousands of British Columbians. There’ll be a report available for all members to see, including the ballot question. It’ll go to cabinet for approval. I expect that this will all be done well before the fall.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Vancouver-Langara on a supplemental.

M. Lee: Yesterday the Premier clearly indicated it would be the fall. This government cannot hide behind a process of surveys — surveys on surveys. British Columbians, to have a fair and open referendum, need to know what the question is. Time is running out.

British Columbians need to know what question is going to be asked for this referendum, but yesterday the Premier said: “I suggest that there may well be criticisms if there’s too much information…. I’m comfortable with the Attorney General managing the process.” The Premier should be truly embarrassed by these comments. He has abandoned any principles he once had for this referendum in exchange for a stage-managed process.

Again to the Deputy Premier, how can the government defend withholding the ballot question until the fall?

Hon. D. Eby: Well, it’s simply not accurate information. The responsibility for this is in my office, and I’m telling the member — through you, hon. Speaker — that we will have the report out with recommendations to cabinet well in advance of the fall.

I’m also going to take a bit of exception with his suggestion that somehow we were hiding things from British Columbians. Now, 88,547 British Columbians actually filled out a questionnaire on this. We sent a mailer to every single house in the province. I mean, I’m not sure the basis for that allegation, but it’s a pretty open hiding, if that were the case.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Vancouver-Langara on a second supplemental.

M. Lee: I’m not sure how British Columbians can be asked to determine how they’re going to vote to change an electoral reform process in our province without knowing what the question is that’s going to be asked. They need to have the time to digest that, to be informed about it.

On April 10, 2017, the Premier said: “The federal amending formula is similar to the kind of formula we need for a plebiscite on changing how we elect people in British Columbia.” The Premier is not a man of his word. He also promised a thoughtful process with an all-party committee, a consultation on thresholds and a fair and independent process.

Interjections.

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

M. Lee: Again to the Deputy Premier, why has this government broken its promises to British Columbians in respect to the referendum?

Hon. D. Eby: We went out to British Columbians — we sent a mailer to literally every house in the province — and we said: “Tell us what you think the rules should be for this process, what the question should be, what values you have in terms of the systems that we should put forward.”

[10:50 a.m.]

In fact, the members, through their second reading speeches, indicated clearly that they wanted those speeches to be considered as part of that process. In fact, they will be.

There certainly is a process underway where there will be a report prepared based on those submissions. I’ve already committed to the member from Prince George that we’ll make the raw data of that process available to the members as part of that.

You know, in terms of basing a process on what British Columbians want and what their values are, I think we’re well-grounded in ensuring that this is going to be a fair process. That was what I was asked to put in place — a fair question or questions and a fair process. That’s what I will put in place, certainly, with our partners, Elections B.C.

Ultimately, it’ll be British Columbians who vote. They will show up, and they will vote. That is how the decision will be made, and I can’t think of a better way to make decisions.

J. Martin: According to the Premier, British Columbians aren’t really interested in becoming informed about PR, and they can wait until 28 days before the vote to find out what they need to know. Here’s the problem. This directly contradicts the advice of experts, who told the Premier not to rush this process.

These actions aren’t new. We learned just this week that NDP political staff overruled recommendations from academics and imposed a gag order preventing them speaking to the media. What was the point of engaging experts if he and his political staff are simply going to overrule them?

Hon. D. Eby: The member’s theory is that we put forward a survey that was biased — right? — and that there was political interference that way. Let me read to you a section from this media outlet, the Tyee, which….

Interjections.

Hon. D. Eby: Yeah, that’s right, because they’re very hard on the government all the time.

“Electoral Reform Consultation Missing Key Options, Says Advocate.” “The B.C. government’s public consultation on changing the electoral system includes systems nobody is advocating for and has left out two of the best options for the province, says the president of the advocacy group Fair Voting B.C. ‘It’s fair to say that Fair Voting B.C. is a little disappointed in the particular selection of systems they put forward.’” One of the biggest PR organizations in the province is also unhappy with the survey.

Now, I would like everybody to be happy with the survey, everybody to think that we did our best. Both sides are unhappy with the questionnaire, but it will provide government with the information that we need to set the rules and the question and the terms of the referendum, which will be a fair process.

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

J. Martin: Well, I thank the Attorney General for that. But to be clear, the Premier has made it abundantly obvious that he doesn’t want British Columbians to have this information in a timely manner, and he doesn’t want people talking about it over the summer.

It’s barbecue season. What more would you want to do than talk about PR? People are engaged. They are interested in this type of stuff.

On this side of the House, we disagree with the Premier. We think that British Columbians want, and have a right, to know. Can someone explain why the Premier is afraid of British Columbians having this information in a timely manner and discussing it in the weeks and months to come?

Hon. D. Eby: I see no reason why I won’t be able to get out the report with the recommendations to cabinet in advance of barbecue season, as the member says. I know the member is a big fan of barbecue season.

Interjections.

Hon. D. Eby: That’s not a joke. He really is. He’s actually quite famous for it, as I understand.

The theory that this questionnaire is biased against first-past-the-post…. I received correspondence from an advocate for proportional representation, who wrote to me:

“Pointing out the disadvantages of proportional systems, while remaining relatively mum on the problems with first-past-the-post, displays a blatant and unconscionable bias. This is simply unacceptable from the office of the Attorney General. Although a great many people no doubt have already read these descriptions, I would expect that corrections be made immediately to demonstrate that these biases — biases against proportional representation — were accidental oversights, rather than deliberate manipulations of voter opinions.”

I’m hearing it from both sides — that the questionnaire is biased against them.

Now, honestly, I would prefer that both sides say: “This was a wonderful questionnaire.” They’re not, but they’re agreeing that it’s biased against them, which is a reasonable second position, in my opinion.

[10:55 a.m.]

GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT OF
AQUACULTURE AND TRANSITION
TO CLOSED-CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS

A. Olsen: The government of Canada says to British Columbia: “Trust us. We can properly manage natural resources on your coast.” Yet we had some insight earlier this week of the appalling job done by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Canada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development released a new report about how the DFO has been managing the salmon farming industry. Her determination: the federal government has not adequately managed the risks associated with salmon farming, putting wild salmon at risk. I quote from the report: “We concluded that Fisheries and Oceans Canada did not adequately manage the risks associated with salmon aquaculture consistent with its mandate to protect wild fish.”

In a CBC radio interview, the host pressed Julie Gelfand for examples of how the DFO is not doing its job. She responded: “There are so many. It’s really quite disturbing.” Then she went into great detail.

Our government must stop deferring to the DFO. They cannot be trusted with their responsibility for the open-net aquaculture industry. To the Minister of Agriculture, when is she going to announce the transition plan for getting open-net pens off our coast?

Hon. L. Popham: Thank you for the question. It’s obviously a very, very important topic. It’s something that our government is very concerned about, and we’re doing everything we can at this point to move this file forward in a positive way.

One of the things that we’re committed to is helping the aquaculture industry transition to closed containment where possible. We know that on Vancouver Island, there’s a land-based closed-containment operation that’s doing its best. We have been talking with tech companies — one on Vancouver Island, again, that’s looking at closed containment, ocean-based. We also recently met with a Norwegian company that’s looking at the same technology.

Around the world, we’re seeing technologies develop that will help assist us in either having closed containment in ocean or on land, and we’re very supportive to get the aquaculture industry there where possible.

I think that the member must also understand that the federal government holds most of the cards on this file. We’re doing everything that we can from our position, but the federal government has to meet us at the table.

Mr. Speaker: Saanich North and the Islands on a supplemental.

A. Olsen: There’s no question that the federal government, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, holds a lot of cards when it comes to open-net-pen fish farms. On land, though, British Columbia owns a lot more of the responsibility than, perhaps, has been accepted.

We have an incredible opportunity in front of us and must address the significant threat to our wild salmon by embracing innovation and new technology. As was pointed out, there are several prospects — large scale, land-based aquaculture not only here in British Columbia but around North America.

In Washington state, Governor Jay Inslee has signed legislation to phase out marine farming of Atlantic salmon and other non-native species by 2022. On the east coast of North America, we see significant investments taking place into land-based aquaculture. Atlantic Canada is taking decisive steps. We need to be a leader in this transition. We have B.C. companies that have the technology to make this economically viable and help support a transition to bring stable jobs to numerous communities on our coast.

My question is, again, to the Minister of Agriculture. We need a plan. We cannot be late-to-the-game laggards. When are we going to see a plan on how we’re transitioning this industry onto land?

Hon. L. Popham: Thanks, again, for the question. Of course this is an important topic. Our government has stated numerous times that we are committed to helping industry transition. There’s technology that’s developing constantly around the world to help other countries get to this as well.

I just want to reiterate that you have to look at the whole picture when we’re talking about the health of wild salmon. Our government is absolutely committed to protecting the health. We have to work with the federal government on that respect.

There absolutely is a place for closed containment in this equation, but we need to look at the whole picture. There are a lot of things that are affecting the health of our wild salmon, and the issue cannot be fully addressed without full engagement and leadership from the federal government.

[11:00 a.m.]

CHILD CARE FEE REDUCTION INITIATIVE

L. Throness: There are 2,850 child care providers in B.C. eligible for the government’s child care program, but parents will only get fee reductions they’ve been promised if their providers sign on to the government’s deal. You’d think that every provider would opt in immediately if their parents could get a benefit, but two months after the budget, 60 percent of providers have refused to opt in. There’s only one way to describe that. That’s policy failure.

To the Minister of State for Child Care, how is she going to fix this mess for providers and for families?

Hon. K. Chen: For many years, parents in B.C. have been struggling with the high cost of child care. The child care cost has gone up almost 35 percent in almost every region of the province during the past ten years. It can be as high as a family’s rent payment, mortgage payment or even a family’s paycheque. That is why our government is putting together a comprehensive strategy to make sure we address the child care crisis and to support families.

For the first month in, we already have over 2,000 facilities that are submitting, joining our government’s program and opting into our fee-reduction initiative. Among the 2,000 facilities, that represents about 33,000 child care spaces. So for the first month in, we’re going to have tens of thousands of children benefiting from this plan.

We will, of course, have to continue to work with providers and professionals in the sector to make sure we continue to work hand in hand together to build a better child care system. Life was getting so unaffordable under the previous B.C. Liberal government. Our government is committed to making life better and child care more affordable for B.C. families.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Chilliwack-Kent on a supplemental.

L. Throness: Why am I not surprised that we don’t get a solution from this minister? We only get rhetoric. I’ll tell the minister why they’re not opting in. It’s because the government is coercing daycare providers to sign a contract that takes effective control of their business. The government is breaking its promise of fee reductions to parents because of its desire to micromanage providers.

My question. When will the government stop trying to control child care providers so that parents can get the fee reductions promised by the government?

Hon. K. Chen: For the first time ever, our government is stepping up to make child care more affordable in B.C. This is a very comprehensive plan. I hope the member opposite has looked into our child care B.C. plan, which has many strategies to make child care more affordable, high quality and more accessible.

Under affordability measures, we have two measures. This is the first measure. The fee reduction is for providers to work with our government hand in hand to address child care affordability. Among the 50,000 spaces that are eligible under this program, already providers representing 33,000 spaces are opted into this program. If we look at the numbers, a good majority of children and families in B.C., for the first time ever in licensed child care, will be benefiting from this initiative.

We have more work to do. It is an option for providers to join our program, and this is just a start. Many providers will continue to return their contracts in May, in June and in the coming months. They can join in this program anytime so more B.C. families will benefit.

J. Isaacs: I have an email from Julia, who has written to voice her concerns with how this government has implemented its child care program. Julia writes: “I thought this was going to be a sure thing, as I trusted our government. Well, I just received a letter from our daycare provider that they will not be opting in as they are worried about what will become regulated. I am so upset. I’m crying as I write this.”

What advice does the minister have for parents like Julia?

[11:05 a.m.]

Hon. K. Chen: We do understand that families have been struggling with the high cost of child care and not being able to access child care spaces for many years. Unfortunately, that all happened under the previous B.C. Liberal government’s watch.

That is why, for the first time ever, we need a comprehensive strategy. We need many, many actions to address child care affordability, quality and accessibility. This fee reduction initiative is one of the two programs we’re introducing to make child care more affordable.

Later this year we’ll also introduce a new child care benefit, which is a different benefit. It’s income-tested, and it will benefit up to 86,000 families in B.C. in the coming three years. So there’s more to come.

I just want to clarify, again, that this fee reduction initiative is an option for providers to work with us. When providers join in our plan, they will also get an increase to their operating fund, which will be increased again in year 2 and year 3. This plan is benefiting parents, providers and professionals in the sector.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain on a supplemental.

J. Isaacs: I find it a bit troubling that the members opposite find it quite funny, when families are really concerned and stressed over family care. It’s not a funny issue. It’s a very serious issue.

Interjections.

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

J. Isaacs: Julia goes on to write: “We had to wait on a wait-list to get into this daycare. Trying to switch to a daycare that has opted in would be difficult, as we would be put on another long wait-list. Besides, my daughter is thriving at her current daycare, and we don’t want to switch her.”

When will the minister fix this so parents like Julia get what they were promised?

Hon. K. Chen: We do understand that families have been struggling for years and years. That is why our government needs a comprehensive strategy in order to tackle the child care crisis. That is why one of our first initiatives is to make child care more affordable.

Let me clarify. No one is getting less than the current status in the chaos that was left by the B.C. Liberals. The fee reduction is an option for providers to join. They’ll get an increase to their operating fund, which will be increased again in year 2 and year 3. Families will be benefiting from this program.

Let me provide information, feedback that I got from a private provider from Nanaimo. This provider has opted in to our plan. She says: “I care about my families, and I’m thinking about one of the young families I serve as a good example of those who this really benefits. They are young parents in their early 20s. The mom is going back to school. She wants to get a degree. They are exactly the type of family this initiative is going to help. That really matters to me.”

Many families have shared with me that this is the first time ever they don’t have to live paycheque to paycheque in order to pay for their child care costs.

S. Bond: British Columbians were expecting a $10-a-day daycare program. Well, we know that didn’t happen — another broken promise. Instead, what they got was a botched rollout that caused an enormous amount of stress and anxiety for child care providers and the families they serve.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, may we hear the question?

S. Bond: These are not my words. These are words that child care providers are using.

One provider writes: “There is mayhem and panic amongst child care providers as we all….”

Interjections.

S. Bond: The members can groan all they want. These are child care providers across British Columbia that they are choosing to be disrespectful to.

Let me continue the quote. “There is mayhem and panic amongst child care providers as we all struggle to understand how this will affect us now and in the future.”

When will the Minister of State for Child Care listen to the concerns of those child care providers and end the mayhem she has created?

[11:10 a.m.]

Hon. K. Chen: Ever since we became government, we have been engaging with thousands and thousands of providers, professionals, academics and parents who have shared with us their child care needs. Many providers have also shared with us during the past years that they wanted to make child care more affordable. They are working hard. They’re passionate about the work they do, and they also want to provide the best services possible. But when the cost was going up and life was getting so unaffordable under the previous B.C. Liberal government’s watch, they had no other way to address their cost pressure other than putting it on parent fees, unfortunately.

This is why, for the first time ever, our government is stepping in to make sure that we are working together with providers and professionals in the sector to make child care more affordable, and we are committed to do that work. I have personally engaged in phone conferences, in-person meetings and on line to communicate with providers. Among our staff, we’ve communicated with thousands of providers during the past few weeks, and we will continue to do that in the coming months and years to make sure we build a better system for B.C. families.

Let me give you a quick message that I got from a private provider from Courtenay. This is what she says:

“As a for-profit child care provider, I will be opting in to the fee reduction program. After listening to the webinar link, gaining a deeper understanding of the child care system in B.C. in the call that CCOF, the child care operating fund program, has hosted, it answered a lot of questions. The frequently asked questions also helped me to understand specific changes for my centre. Any questions that I had that were specific to my centre, I was able to call in, and they were addressed. This will be helpful to families.”

Mr. Speaker: The member for Prince George–Valemount on a supplemental.

S. Bond: Even though this minister has extended her deadline, 60 percent of providers — there’s a number — have refused to opt in to this scheme. Despite these numbers and the issues her botched rollout has caused, the minister said this week: “I think things are going great.” But yesterday the Premier said: “It has not been without glitches.”

Well, this goes way beyond glitches. It’s negatively impacting child care providers and parents across the province. When will the minister at least stand in this House and acknowledge that many providers and many parents in this province disagree with her view that things are going great? Just when will she fix her mess?

Hon. K. Chen: For the first time ever, it is surprising to hear the member opposite and members who are so interested in making child care better in B.C. They had so many years. If they had done something to address the child care needs in B.C., we would not be in this current situation, and that is why our government is committed to making things better for B.C. families.

I don’t know where the member opposite got her numbers from, but among the 50,000 spaces that are eligible under this fee reduction program, 33,000 spaces…. The providers have been applying to opt in to our fee reduction initiative, which means that a good majority of families in B.C. will be benefiting from this program.

IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX
ON CHILD CARE FACILITIES

M. Stilwell: Just for the record, we get the numbers from estimates.

This week the Minister of State for Child Care confirmed that 100 child care providers across B.C. will be subject to the new NDP employer health tax. Wind and Tide is a child care operator providing care for approximately 900 children. The new NDP employer health tax will cost this provider $76,000 a year. These are providers with employees operating within tight margins. Just because you have a large payroll doesn’t mean you have large profits.

Can the Minister of State for Child Care explain to this operator and the 99 others how they are supposed to pay this new NDP tax? Does she think they should raise rates?

[11:15 a.m.]

Hon. C. James: I find it a little tough to listen to the other side pretend they care about child care when they ignored the pressures for 16 years in this Legislature.

We saw families who have struggled to be able to find child care spaces, to be able to find affordability, to be able to find quality. Now, when we talk about eliminating medical service premiums…. Again, I guess I shouldn’t find it surprising that the other side, who doubled MSP, would argue against getting rid of medical service premiums.

As the member knows, as I will be happy to talk about again, small employers are entirely exempt, including the vast majority of child care providers. We are speaking with the providers who will be impacted, addressing those questions as they come forward.

We will continue to make sure that we are providing quality health care and quality child care in British Columbia for families.

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

M. Stilwell: We are talking about thousands of children and thousands of families that are served by these providers — the exact people that the NDP promised to help. Yet the Minister of State for Child Care confirmed during estimates that child care providers will be able to pass on at least part of the employer health tax to parents through increasing fees.

Parents will end up paying millions of dollars in extra daycare fees every year, thanks to this NDP government.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

M. Stilwell: Will the minister exempt parents and child care providers from the new employer health tax?

Hon. C. James: Well, families in British Columbia — since we have come into government, less than a year — are going to save $1,800 a year with the elimination of medical service premiums. Individuals are going to save $900 a year with the elimination of medical service premiums. Families are going to save with our affordable, quality child care program that we are introducing as well. That’s in less than a year that we are providing affordability to families. I don’t know what the other side doesn’t like about making sure that families are better off in British Columbia.

[End of question period.]

Petitions

L. Throness: I’d like to present a petition. Mr. Speaker, 1,560 residents of the Harrison Hot Springs area got together and in one week put together a petition in opposition to an application for an aggregate mine at 3628 Hot Springs Road. They cite blasting and crushing noise, dust, road safety, environment and impact on the tourist economy as reasons for their strong opposition to a gravel pit.

Tabling Documents

Hon. D. Eby: I have the honour to present the Crown Proceeding Act report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.