Routine Business

Prayers.

[10:05 a.m.]

Introductions by Members

Hon. J. Darcy: I have a number of introductions to make today. First of all, I’d like to introduce my new constituency assistant, Keefer Pelech, who was born and raised in Richmond. He worked for the West Richmond Community Centre and was one of the youth who recently stood up in the community in order to say yes to the modular housing project in that community. He’s been working as my constituency assistant since last month. I’d like to ask the House to please give him a very warm welcome.

And for first time, I think, we have a whole group of staff from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. We have Tamara Casanova, Kate Clifford, Jasmine Johl, Barb Bracewell, Nancy Tates, Sandy Ho, Jodie McKinney, Leila Mazhari, Kelsey Ewart and Kendall Hammond. These are bright, passionate, dedicated, smart people in the small but mighty Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and I’d like to ask the House to please make them all very welcome.

D. Davies: In the House today joins my LA, Jane Spitz. Everybody here in this House can appreciate the amount of work and support that all of us receive from our LAs.

Of course, I, unfortunately, was not here during the administrative assistants week. I want to publicly put on the record that I still owe you lunch, Jane. Thanks very much for all your work.

Hon. J. Sims: It’s a pleasure today for me to rise and introduce May He, CEO of Longevity International Enterprises Ltd., a growing Canadian company. Longevity is actively involved with the cultural entertainment industry development boom that is going on in China, Canada and India. By linking education with real production, they are leveraging the resources of Bollywood and Vancouver, as the Hollywood of the North, with China as the soon-to-be number one film market in the world.

Accompanying Ms. He is my friend Betty Hayer, who is an entrepreneur and a businesswoman herself and quite actively engaged in both the cultural and business aspects. May I ask that all in this House make them feel most welcome.

My second set of introductions is someone who is very dear to me who is in the House today, Jasjeet Boparai. I met her when she was 16 years old. She walked into my office and wanted to get her work experience hours as a volunteer. From that time on, she continued to volunteer in my office while I was an MP and then transitioned into when I became an MLA. She has since graduated from UBC and is now waiting for law school.

She is here with two amazing business people in our community: her mother, Parmjit Boparai, who has built a business and is very dynamic, and her father, Sukhwinder Boparai. Of course, they have two guests from Norway, Darshan Kaur and Jagtar Singh, visiting us as well. Please make them feel welcome.

M. Polak: As we get down to the final days of the session, our minds….

Interjections.

M. Polak: Oh, you want to keep going? Well hey, yeah.

Interjections.

M. Polak: Oh, it’s not the official government position? Okay. There you go.

We do, though, reflect on those who have helped us to do the jobs that we do here. My job as Opposition House Leader is certainly made easier by the group of folks that I have who help us to show up in question period with a full slate of questions and ready to throw them at the government.

[10:10 a.m.]

I want to welcome to this chamber and ask the House to welcome to this chamber Derek Cummings, Cameron Ehl and Shane Mills. I don’t know if they’ve made it in yet, because, of course, this is their time to shine. But they certainly have been welcome, welcome assistance for me in making sure I don’t have to do all of this myself. So would the House please make them welcome.

L. Larson: In keeping with thanking people as we come to the end of the session, I would like to thank Kevin Dixon, who happens to keep the Whip’s office in order, which is extremely important for us. So thank you very much, Kevin.

Hon. L. Popham: I’m hoping I can catch Strawberry Vale Elementary before they head out the door. Thank you for joining us today. They have a whole swarm of students with them, and I hope that they can join us for #beebcday out on the front lawn. I’ll see you later. Thank you for coming.

Hon. H. Bains: In the gallery today are 12 members of CUPE Local 50. They are here to celebrate their 100 years of representing working people. Local 50 started with 55 members in 1918, and they have grown to 1,100 members today. They represent workers in the city of Victoria, United Way of Greater Victoria, BC SPCA, Royal Oak Burial Park, Gorge Vale Golf Club, Victoria police department, city of Langford and Downtown Victoria Business Association.

Please help me welcome the president, John Burrows; VPs Kyle McMorran, Dan MacBeth; treasurer Carolyn Bradey; recording secretary Matthew McKay; and executive members Ryan Rutledge, Christina Ewing, Marc Gignac, Shawn Valgardson, Mairi Britton, Devon Cownden and Paul Knight.

I say congratulations on your 100 years of a strong and very good representation of the working people, making their lives better. So thank you, and congratulations to all of you.

S. Gibson: As MLAs here, we can never underestimate the assistants we have. I want to stress today Elishia Butler and share with this House how important she has been to four MLAs here: the members for West Vancouver–Capilano, myself from Abbotsford-Mission, Coquitlam–Burke Mountain and Surrey–White Rock. We’re grateful for her enterprise and hard work. It’s just a coincidence, really, that the four most charismatic members of this House are also attended by her. I know she’s very thankful for that.

Hon. M. Farnworth: That is a tough one to follow.

Assisting the government, as well as the opposition, but I’m talking on the government side today, are our amazing interns. We have four interns with us that I’d like the House to acknowledge — the great work that they have done this entire session. They are Brett Koenig, Brady Yano, Tabitha Black-Lock and Max Gardiner. Would the House please make them welcome and thank them for the great job that they’ve done this session.

S. Cadieux: I am happy to introduce, of course, one of our legislative interns as well. Cate White was born in Calgary but has been in Victoria for the last six years. She attended the University of Victoria and completed a degree in political science, with honours. She was a Vikes varsity rower. During her internship, she was in the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation before her placement with opposition caucus research.

Her favourite part of the internship was learning about the variety of public topics and working on estimates questions. I can’t imagine that. She also enjoyed learning alongside the members for Prince George–Valemount and Richmond South Centre.

Cate has said to us that she’ll truly miss the busy, fun and exhilarating environment of the opposition research office. But she’s excited to begin her next adventure, and we are so happy to congratulate her and encourage her on her next step as a student in the faculty of law at the University of Victoria this September.

[10:15 a.m.]

Would the House please make her welcome and say thank you.

Hon. R. Fleming: Just to follow on the member for Surrey South, there are a couple of UVic political science students that I would like to introduce. Today we have Jonathan Grenier and Jasmine MacGregor, both in that faculty and also, perhaps more importantly, fantastic campaign volunteers who are tireless members of the UVic New Democratic Party Club. I would ask the House to make them most welcome here this morning.

I also want to echo the Minister of Labour in commenting on and commemorating the century of labour that CUPE Local 50 represents in greater Victoria, a fascinating period of time in terms of their achievement as a union movement in this region, and I’d join in welcoming them to the House this morning.

C. Oakes: I’m delighted to be able to announce a little secret in the House, a great-held secret throughout the last session. In recognizing our fantastic interns in this House, I have the pleasure of introducing today Zoe Duhaime, who is working right now in the communications department.

Previously the youth poet laureate of Victoria with her poetry in the Hall of Honour right here in the Legislature, it seemed a natural fit to be a writer for us. On occasion, Zoe writes for us in French. Zoe graduated in 2017 from the University of Victoria with a double major in religious studies and women’s studies. She studied religious diversity in Canada, civil and sacred calendars, transnational feminism, ethics and religion and the law. After the first internship, she will be moving back to Montreal to write her first novel, which I very much look forward to reading, and to pursue a graduate diploma in journalism from Concordia University.

Hon. Speaker, many members in the House have wondered who is behind the B.C. Poli Portraits Twitter account. Until now, the identity of this talented artist has escaped even the most ardent scrutiny of the press gallery. This talented artist has taken it upon herself to compile a series of images of her impressions of the daily life at the Legislature. In many ways and always from the heart, she has put all the MLAs in the best light, which is no small accomplishment.

I have the pleasure of informing the House that Zoe Duhaime is the illustrator and mastermind behind all of the artwork, the Twitter account B.C. Poli Portraits.

Thank you, Zoe, talented artist, great novelist. We can’t wait to see what your future holds. Thank you very much on behalf of all of us.

S. Thomson: On behalf of all of my colleagues in the Okanagan and in the Thompson-Okanagan, I’d like to welcome to the House — and have you give him a warm welcome — Glenn Mandziuk, who is the CEO of the Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association. He does a great job in promoting tourism, a major economic driver throughout all of the Thompson-Okanagan, leading that organization. Would the House please make him welcome today.

B. D’Eith: I just wanted to welcome to the House today, from Toronto, Erin Benjamin, who is from Music Canada Live; Paul Haagenson and Marc Gertner, from Live Nation Canada; and Nick Blasko, from Amelia Artists, who is also the manager for the wonderful Tegan and Sara. Would the House make them all feel very welcome.

M. Stilwell: On behalf of the members for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky, Kamloops–South Thompson and Surrey South, I’d like to welcome to the House today our super-energetic, always enthusiastic LA, Neil Parkinson-Dow. He has certainly made our job easier with the support that he has provided for us in this session. Would the House please make him feel very welcome.

[10:20 a.m.]

Tributes

GRAHAM WOODWARD

R. Leonard: I want to acknowledge the passing of one of my constituents. Graham Woodward was 94 and a half. He slipped away from us on Saturday.

I first met him as a neighbour. He managed to lure one of my greatest mentors from Montreal to live in the Comox Valley. She passed away in 2014. She was ten years younger than him, so it was quite an unexpected turn of events. I want to acknowledge his daughter, who persevered with him through his years alone and was an incredible advocate for him and was constantly with him every day on the phone if she wasn’t visiting him. It’s a real tribute to the strength of family and the strength of people who care for their elderly parents. I just wanted to acknowledge that.

Introductions by Members

T. Redies: I’d like to recognize two people today. First, I’d also like to echo the comments of my colleague from Abbotsford-Mission with respect to Elishia Butler. Elishia has been so helpful to me as a new MLA. Certainly, I couldn’t have done this last year without her, so I want to particularly recognize Elishia again.

The second person I’d like to recognize is Matthew Creswick. Matthew is originally from Saltspring Island, and he graduated from the University of Victoria with a bachelor of arts honours in political science and public administration. Throughout his legislative internship, he’s been able to work with MLAs like myself and the wonderful MLA from Richmond Centre in our constituencies. He’s also been able to draft policies for civil servants in the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and work alongside the opposition research office to support estimates and House debates.

For Matthew, the legislative internship has offered a rare opportunity to work at the heart of our government and with the various provincial politics, and it’s exposed him to current events and political challenges that face British Columbians. Matthew has done a great job for us while he’s been here, and he is going onward to complete a masters of public administration at the University of Victoria with the hopes of once again…. Believe it or not, he wants to come back and work in government.

Matthew, thank you for your time in my constituency. Thank you for your work here, and good luck in your coming journey at the University of Victoria.

Hon. L. Beare: It’s my pleasure to be welcoming a number of guests to the gallery today to watch QP as we celebrate Tourism Week here in the province of British Columbia. Joining us from across B.C. are leaders in the tourism industry.

We have from the Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association Glenn Mandziuk, Ellen Walker-Matthews and Frank Antoine. From the tourism operators and adventure tourism sector, we have Scott Benton, Kathy MacRae, Christopher Nicholson and Brad Harrison. Joining us from Destination B.C., we have Clare Mason, Maya Lange and Marion Young. And from the Tourism Industry Association of B.C., we have Christine Willow.

Would the House please join me in making them all feel welcome, and come join us this afternoon at lunch break in the Hall of Honour as we celebrate Tourism Week in B.C.

D. Clovechok: It’s always an honour to work in this place, but sometimes it’s akin to drinking out of a fire hose. So I do want to recognize the amazing work that’s done, down in the basement where we live, with the LAs that we have. That’s David up in the gallery, and also Steven and Galia, who did a tour of duty down there with us.

I just want to recognize that they’re incredibly hard-working people. They’re professional. They’re energetic. They’re young. They’re fun. They make us old guys feel young again. I just really want this House to recognize the amazing work that they do.

Also, I recognize my two CAs back at home, Rachel Loganberg and Stacey Brensrud. I could not do this job without them. If the House wouldn’t mind, please make these people feel very welcome.

S. Bond: I think it is important to recognize the exceptional young adults that come and serve here in the Legislature. I’m very pleased to introduce one of them who I was fortunate enough to have come and work with me in Prince George–Valemount. Celina Bell has done a fantastic job in opposition research.

[10:25 a.m.]

She also had the opportunity to work in the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology. I know the minister and I would agree that it would be a fantastic place to be an intern. She did an exceptional job there. Celina is going on to law school in Kamloops at Thompson Rivers University, but probably the most exciting thing for Celina is that once the internship is over, Celina is going to marry her best friend Clayton. Together, they’ll be relocating, as I said, to Kamloops.

It’s been a pleasure to get to know her. We wish her nothing but the best and thank her for the exceptional job she did in opposition research.

E. Ross: As the session winds down here, I guess that everybody understands the importance of our assistants. My assistant is moving on, might be moving on. I hope she doesn’t. I hope she sticks around and comes back for the next session. Galia Zavgorodni has kept me in check, hunted me down when there are votes and took the blame for when I was late.

I really appreciate everything she’s done for me. Like everybody else, we can’t do this job without our assistants, without our staff. On behalf of my colleagues from Fraser-Nicola, Chilliwack-Kent and Kootenay East, who are equally disorganized…. I think that Galia would dispute the fact of who are the most charismatic MLAs in this building.

Thank you very much, Galia, and I hope you return next session.

M. Lee: I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my wife of 26 years, who is here today in the House with us, Christina. Christina came from Hong Kong when she was one year old, with a family of eight. She lived in a basement for many years, in a bunk bed, until she was in her university years. A true immigrant family making their way in this country.

I met her at UBC, on the student club executive together, when she was working on a CIDA Indonesia project part time. She went on to finish her bachelor of commerce degree at UBC, as well as to go into public relations and marketing.

I took her away from all of that when I moved her to Ottawa, and we had our first child in Ottawa then. We had children five years earlier than we expected, so I took her away from her professional life to be a stay-at-home mom. She raised our three children to the fine adults they are today.

Our love of community has come together in so many ways. Her volunteer work with the Red Cross, Heart and Stroke Foundation and other organizations in the community has been an example to many others. Many of those in my constituency in Vancouver-Langara have gotten to know her on the doorstep and in the community, and many would think that she’s actually the better candidate and the better MLA. But I would say that she has driven a lot of integrity and compassion. She has been my rock.

Christina, I could not do this without you. I love you dearly.

Hon. D. Donaldson: It’s a great pleasure I have today to introduce a grades 4, 5, and 6 elementary class from Witset Elementary School. Witset is a Wet’suwet’en community, halfway between Smithers and Hazelton on the Bulkley River, a beautiful location. They’re in the gallery today to witness question period. They went really crazy on their fundraising efforts to get here, over 1,000 kilometres north — some of them have never even flown on a plane before — and came down on the plane. I would ask the chamber to give them a warm welcome to question period today.

J. Yap: I have two special people to recognize today. Along with many colleagues, I have in the gallery my legislative assistant, who is here to observe. This is a person who keeps me organized and on track and is just incredibly efficient. I really appreciate the support that she gives me. Would the House please give a warm welcome to Parveen Sandur, who is here with us.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize one of our colleagues who is having a special day today. It’s not always that we’re in session, when we’re sitting as a chamber, and we get to celebrate that one special day — the birthday.

[10:30 a.m.]

I wonder if all members from all sides of the House can join me in wishing a happy birthday to my dear colleague the member for Richmond North Centre. Happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker: Member, there’s actually another birthday today. There’s the birthday for the member from Chilliwack.

J. Tegart: It’s quite a surprise to look up in the gallery today and see a face that’s familiar. It’s a great pleasure to introduce Frank Antoine, who’s here with TOTA today, I think. He also serves with Indigenous Tourism. Frank is a member of the Bonaparte Indian band and has worked out at Quaaout Lodge for a long time and been very involved in Historic Hat Creek Ranch. He’s a young, up-and-coming leader in our area and an incredible role model on volunteerism and leadership. Welcome to Frank, and please join me in making sure he feels very welcome here.

J. Thornthwaite: I, too, have some guests to introduce today. First and foremost, my legislative assistant, Steven Lee, who really helps us out there, as was already mentioned, in the basement. He had to leave to do something very special in his life in the middle of this session, and that was to get married. So we congratulate him.

We were all very well taken care of down there in the basement by Galia — and I’ll try to say Galia’s last name — Zavgorodni. I know I probably didn’t do that right, but at least we’ve got it on the record. Of course, the partner in crime down there, David Decolongon, as well, also helps me. Sorry, David. I got that one wrong. They can laugh. And, of course, my good friend Neil Parkinson-Dow goes everywhere to help out, particularly in the way of dealing with the video and technical stuff that doesn’t always work when we try to make it. He makes everything fine.

Then, just to make sure that my constituency assistants back home aren’t jealous, Nick Hosseinzadeh and Stephanie Marshall-White help me in North Vancouver.

I also notice that I have a friend up there — Kathy MacRae from the bear-viewing industry. Welcome to Victoria and the chamber as well.

Can we please make all of these wonderful people welcome.

T. Wat: I, too, would like to echo the comments from the basement MLAs that we are so lucky to have been served by the most charismatic and also handsome and passionate young assistants — Steven, Galia and David. They are the most handsome and charismatic assistants that our basement MLAs have. I must say that I wouldn’t have done this job without their care and love for us, especially my Steven. He shares the same surname as my daughter, so I see him as my daughter.

Actually, before my colleague from Richmond-Steveston wished me a happy birthday today, Steven wished me a happy birthday when I walked into my office. I couldn’t even remember my birthday. Thank you, Steven.

S. Chandra Herbert: I see two friends of mine up in the gallery today. Philip Wadell and Ken Gracie are here. They’re both incredible volunteers here in the West End — there in the West End, although I never feel I leave it. Both work with groups like the West End Seniors Network, Rotary House, a number of cultural and arts organizations.

I want to make them very, very welcome to this House and thank them for their volunteerism and for all they give to our community in the West End. Thank you for everything.

M. Bernier: It’s an exciting day, I guess, for all of us. I’m thinking maybe we just need a show of hands for the last few people who haven’t been introduced here and maybe welcome them.

I do have a couple of introductions I want to do as well. It’s not often I get to introduce my wife. Not to be a one-upper to my colleague, but my wife actually…. It’s a real pleasure for her to come down and join me this week, because we’re celebrating our 27th anniversary together. So it’s nice to do that. Again, I thank her and love her for everything, because as we all know, everybody in this House has family behind us that allow us to do this.

[10:35 a.m.]

I also want to introduce my LA as well. We had a bit of an arm wrestle back here on who was going to have the privilege of introducing Connor Gibson. Connor Gibson comes from the Courtenay-Comox riding. I know he does a lot of work and a lot of volunteering up there. He has spent many years now in the precinct, helping when we were in government and now in opposition, in lots of different roles.

I’d like to not take away from all the other introductions by saying I think that he’s probably one of the strongest, hardest-working LAs, because he puts up with quite a motley crew of MLAs. So I want to thank Connor, as well, for all the work that he’s doing for us.

D. Barnett: On behalf of my colleagues from Cariboo North and Kelowna West, who are some of the hardest-working MLAs in the province of British Columbia — we are on the main floor, so that says the calibre — I would like to thank and recognize our legislative assistant, Karen Bill, who has been in this precinct for many years in many different positions. I’d like to thank her for all the work and dedication she does for us — along with Doug Secord and Dylan Kelso, who do a lot of work and research and writing for all of us on the main floor. So thank you to all of them.

And to my constituency assistants. I have a new young lady named Toni Taylor, who started with me recently, as my other assistant, Jenny Huffman, has bought…. She and her husband have a huge ranch, so her preference is chasing cattle, not people. I thank her for all she did — and also to Beverly Marks in my office in 100 Mile. Thank you to all of you on behalf of myself and my colleagues on the main floor.

G. Kyllo: I’m pleased today to be joined in the House by a good friend, Coun. Louis Thomas. Louis is a councillor with the Neskonlith Indian Band, based out of Chase. Louis came down to Victoria to join me here today and have meetings with a number of different colleagues. The Minister of Advanced Education was very kind in giving of her time this morning, and we have a meeting later this afternoon with the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Louis is an amazing advocate, does a ton of work in the Shuswap area and is involved with a very diverse and a large number of different communities in and around the Salmon Arm community. Would the House please make my friend Louis very welcome today.

M. Morris: It’s my pleasure to introduce a young intern, Sarah Lazin, that we have here in the House. Sarah was first placed in the policy division of the Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat. She then came to work for the opposition caucus as part of the communications team.

She completed a bachelor of arts in political science and journalism at the University of Victoria. Prior to beginning the internship, she worked as the co-editor and chief of the Martlet newspaper. She’ll be heading to law school in the fall and hopes to focus on human rights to one day work as an advocate on issues such as repatriation or reproductive rights.

Would the House please make her welcome.

J. Isaacs: I’d also like to welcome two of our outstanding LAs to the House today. Elishia Butler and Jane Spitz are very talented and keep us organized and on track every day, so I’d like to thank them for their assistance throughout the last two sessions. I’d also like to recognize Justin Brattinga and Dion Weisner for all their help in research and development.

T. Shypitka: I’m lucky today to have three friends in the gallery with me. First of all is Philip Jones. He’s the president and owner of Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty. It’s the largest real estate firm in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, serving the East Kootenay with offices in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie and Sparwood. Philip is also my ex-boss, back in my real estate days.

The second is the mayor of Cranbrook, Lee Pratt. He’s an ex-vice-president, branch manager and investment advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy. He’s the present owner and partner with his son in the O.K. Tire franchise in Cranbrook.

Third and last but certainly not least, Galia Zavgorodni, my awesome LA that’s up there. She’s had the daunting task of keeping me organized and on time. That’s a challenge. It absolutely is. So thanks to her.

Would the House please welcome them.

[10:40 a.m.]

D. Ashton: I don’t see the young lady that keeps us in line downstairs, Shala Robins. I had the pleasure of working with her husband. He was the former CEO of the city of Princeton. They’ve moved down to the coast. She does an exemplary job.

I also would like to recognize somebody in the gallery today, a young lady that’s the keeper of the gate in the opposition caucus room, Hayley McIntosh, who just came off a very successful Swiftsure race.

Congratulations, Hayley.

B. Stewart: I wouldn’t want to be outdone by my colleagues here in terms of recognizing the people that have helped keep us working and made certain we get through the session. I just want to recognize one of the sessional legislative assistants, Hayley McIntosh. She has been unbelievable in terms of working on behalf of all of this side of the House and making certain we are kept in line and doing our work, amongst the fact that she’s an aspiring swing dancer. We look forward to seeing her in her element in the future.

I’d also like to recognize two returning CAs in my office who are watching and tuned in today, Erica Macnab and Cheryl Doll.

S. Gibson: I’m advised that students from Sandy Hill Elementary in my riding are here — grades 5, 6 and 7. They’re here with their teacher — looking after them well, I know: Natalie Grieve. Would this House please welcome students from Sandy Hill Elementary from Abbotsford, B.C.

A. Weaver: I wanted to participate in what truly has to be a record here in the B.C. Legislature — 45 minutes of introductions. It’s important that anybody in this Legislature who has not been recognized, please feel that you are warmly welcomed by all of us in the House, and we’re sorry that you weren’t recognized.

Hon. M. Farnworth: Just on that note, I can confirm, after consultation with the Clerk a few moments ago, that this, in fact, has been the longest set of introductions in the history of this place.

Mr. Speaker: We have West Vancouver–Sea to Sky to make sure we make it into the Guinness Book of World Records too. No? Okay.

Statements
(Standing Order 25B)

CANADIAN CADET PROGRAM

D. Davies: Everybody’s hands are sore, I see.

Throughout May and June, the cadet corps and squadrons around this province will be holding ceremonial reviews — and, indeed, throughout Canada. This incredible program is often called Canada’s best-kept secret. The Canadian cadet program is for youth aged 12 to 19 and is well known for building character, confidence and, of course, great citizens. The cadet program predates Canada’s confederation and is celebrating its 157th year in Canada.

I am proud to have worked with this program for the past 23 years as a major in the cadet instructors cadre, and I could not give credit enough to this program that I belong to, first as a cadet as well as an officer, to build my own personal life and point me in my career direction.

Why do youth join cadets? Well, it’s to have fun, to be with their friends and to make new ones, to partake in interesting and unique challenges and to participate in diverse training at no cost — no cost. They get to learn valuable life skills, work and personal; improve their self-confidence and sense of responsibility; pursue an interest in Canada’s Armed Forces; and be a part of a program that is both welcoming and nurturing, where young people feel included and have a sense of belonging.

The cadet program includes cadets from the air, army and navy elements and focuses on training around teamwork, leadership and citizenship. Sea cadets learn seamanship skills and how to sail. Army cadets focus on adventure training activities, such as outdoor activities and domestic and international expeditions. Air cadets learn the principles of aviation, while some learn to become glider pilots, pilots of engine-propelled aircraft or both.

[10:45 a.m.]

The cadet program is funded by the Department of National Defence in partnership with our civilian sponsors, the Navy League, the Army Cadet League and the Air Cadet League. League members support the cadets by working in partnership with local communities.

I encourage all members of this House and, in general, the public, to attend these ceremonies over the next couple months, as it’s a great opportunity to come out and see how these young cadets are making a difference in themselves and how they positively impact all the communities that we represent.

DATA AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

B. Ma: Imagine for a moment that you’re a planner, you’re an engineer, you’re a logistician, or you’re a mayor for a municipality. At any given moment, you know exactly how much power is being used in any part of your city. You know how much water is needed and where it’s flowing to and from, how much waste is being produced and where it needs to go, how much traffic there is at any intersection within your borders.

Your buses are running on time. But are there enough of them going to the right stops and running along the right streets? Maybe you need to redistribute your resources and your vehicles in real time. Maybe what you need is a complete digital model of your entire city so that you can anticipate what will happen if you upzone this block, if you run a bike lane down that street, if you build a homeless shelter next to that grocery market.

How does the traffic change? How does your population react? Who moves in? Who moves out? How does the local economy respond? How do your resource allocations keep up? How many doctors will you need? How many doctors will you get?

All this is possible and more with smart city technologies. An exciting, still-developing field, smart city technologies use the Internet of things, artificial intelligence and data analytics in a cutting-edge way that supports strong and healthy social, economic and cultural development. But there are pitfalls. For instance, how do you defend against unauthorized access into your system? How do you protect the privacy of your citizens? These are not minor concerns, but they can be overcome with a concerted effort.

I’m very pleased to be able to share that earlier today the government of B.C. launched the B.C. smart communities pilot program to help local governments use data and technology to improve services and help people be more connected. It’s an exciting new program, and I can’t wait to see what comes of it.

GOLFING

D. Clovechok: It gives me a great deal of pleasure to rise here today and speak about a sport that is near and dear not only to me but to millions of British Columbians and Canadians. It’s a sport that I started to play at five years old and played with my dad and brother every night after school and continue to play today. I’m thrilled to say that my son beats me these days, and my oldest granddaughter has been learning to play this for the past four years.

Of course, I’m talking about the sport of golf, and we all know that yesterday was National Golf Day. In Columbia River–Revelstoke, we have 18 amazing golf courses, and some have won national awards. We are a golf mecca, visited yearly by thousands from all over Canada and the world. It’s an industry that represents both economic and social pillars in our community. If you’re a golfer and have never played our courses, let me encourage you to do so. They will be the highlight of your golf career.

Golf has many faces, and I will reference a few of them. Economically, it’s a $2.8 billion industry in B.C., creating 44,000 jobs, $1.27 billion in household income, and generates $465 million in taxes. From a social investment perspective, the 300-plus courses in B.C. are locally owned and operated and provide charitable and taxation benefits to British Columbian communities. Golf courses provide valuable green space and wildlife refuge. Turf and trees capture carbon, create oxygen, cool the air and filter storm and water runoff. Golf courses are leaders in environmental stewardship. The industry has an integrated pest management effort and strives to be an industry leader in greener best-management practices.

And it’s good for you. Approximately 10,000 steps happen on each 18 holes, and it encompass all demographics. People who play golf benefit physically, socially and mentally from golf. Golf is a game for all ages and abilities and is the No. 1 sport activity in Canada.

Golf is an amazing game, and I want to thank the Allied Golf Association of B.C. for all they do. If you don’t play it, there’s still time to start. I’d like to challenge the members opposite to a golf game with us some time.

[10:50 a.m.]

SEAFEST EVENTS IN PRINCE RUPERT

J. Rice: During every second weekend in June since 1978, the people of Prince Rupert have come together for three days of music, dancing, parades and activities for the entire family. I’m speaking of Seafest, and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this great event, the Prince Rupert Special Events Society is revisiting their inaugural theme: “The way it was.”

While I did not live in Prince Rupert for the first Seafest, I’m told by longtime residents that the way it was in Prince Rupert is the way it still is. What I mean by that is that the community spirit that prompted the first Seafest is still alive and well.

People from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds show off their talents, music and food, and because of the diversity in my home community, there is truly something for everyone. Sports enthusiasts can participate in three-on-three basketball, four-on-four hockey, drop-in soccer or rugby. Car enthusiasts are invited to Saturday’s show-and-shine or to cheer the kids racing in the soapbox derby. Artists are invited to show off their skills during the Fast and Furious Art Attack, where they have 20 minutes, three colours and one easel to create their latest masterpiece. The Quick and Daring tests our carpentry, boat-building and navigational skills. Thankfully, Marine Search and Rescue are there for those crafts that don’t float.

The seniors tea recognizes 75/50 club members for the contribution of those seniors who are 75 years of age and have lived in Prince Rupert for more than 50 years. Music fans can attend numerous performances. Children will have fun activities to participate in, like face painting, bouncy castles and games.

Another fan favourite each year is the Seafest parade. Last year 55 community groups and individuals filled Second and Third avenues with bagpipes, marching bands, bhangra dancers, First Nations drummers, music, candy and laughter.

Yes, the way it was in Prince Rupert is the way things still are — a diverse and resilient community that comes together when things are tough and when it’s time to celebrate, recognizing our past and future revolves around the sea. Congratulations and many thanks to Prince Rupert Special Events for hosting the 40th annual Seafest.

CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORP.
STUDY ON HOUSE PRICES

S. Sullivan: I want to pay tribute to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp. for its service to our country.

A great challenge facing urban Canada is rising house prices, threatening our economy and young people. There are many theories, such as foreign buyers, but no definitive explanation. The corporation was directed to find the causes using academic quality research. Thirty PhD and master’s economists spent a year and $1.5 million crunching numbers using massive data sets from Statistics Canada, the largest such study ever.

Earlier this year they published their 220-page report entitled Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Metropolitan Centres. By just plugging in three variables — income, population and mortgage rates — they could predict 75 percent of Metro Vancouver’s price rise. They found the other major cause in the elasticity of housing supply curves. Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton all have healthy supply curves. A house price rise causes a significant increase in housing. Toronto’s supply increases are only half of a healthy city. Metro Vancouver has a very inelastic supply curve, creating only one-quarter of the housing expected of a healthy city.

Geography and government policy are responsible. Since we cannot control geography, government policy is to blame. The C.D. Howe Institute report released last week found government policies have caused Metro Vancouver house prices to double. The report is full of insights. It urges government to recognize the positive as well as the negative of speculation. Most British Columbians live in spec housing, housing created by speculators. The report cautions about overly broad policy actions.

Please join me in thanking CMHC for shedding light on this important topic.

[10:55 a.m.]

The Beachcombers SERIES

N. Simons: If you grew up in Canada in the 1970s or ’80s and you were watching TV on a Sunday night, you probably watched The Wonderful World of Disney, and then you probably watched The Beachcombers. For that matter, if you grew up in any one of 60 other countries in the world where it was broadcast, you may well have been watching The Beachcombers there too.

In the 18-year span between 1972 and 1990, over 360 episodes of this series were filmed in the beautiful seaside town of Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. Everything about this show was unabashedly west coast and unabashedly Canadian. It told our stories. But only 60 episodes have been aired since 1990, and this needs to change.

The Beachcombers had a cast of contrasting characters. It told original stories about fishing, logging and the ecology. It explored land claims and other First Nations issues. There were even references to our ferry service. It showed the beauty of our precious coastline. One episode even centred around a proposed pipeline from Alberta through B.C. Being able to watch The Beachcombers again is in the national interest.

It is the longest-running drama in the history of the CBC. People come from across the country and around the world to visit Molly’s Reach, which is still serving meals to this day. It’s a prime tourist stop in its original location on the still picturesque waterfront. Just up the street from Molly’s Reach is one of the boats in the series, the Persephone, which has been restored and stands as a cultural landmark.

It’s my duty to bring attention to the fact that only 60 of these 360 episodes have been aired, and none are yet to be found on CBC’s own on-line player at CBC.ca. Along with Jackson Davies, our favourite Mountie, I’m calling on the CBC, our national broadcaster, to make this classic television series available again for the enjoyment of not just Canadians but fans around the world.

Oral Questions

DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON
TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND
PURCHASE BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

A. Wilkinson: Today we learned that the federal government is about to use our federal tax dollars to buy the Trans Mountain existing pipeline as well as the expansion project to ensure that the project proceeds and is built. This is a total failure for the Premier — being paid for by taxpayers while severely damaging our relationships with Alberta, Saskatchewan and the government of Canada.

The question squarely lies on the Premier’s desk. Will he finally admit his strategy has failed?

Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the member for his question. I did receive a phone call this morning from the Prime Minister, and he advised me that the federal government had made a decision to invest in a pipeline between Edmonton and Vancouver. That was a decision that was made by the Minister of Finance federally and the Prime Minister of Canada, and they’ll be accountable for that.

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

A. Wilkinson: This issue is probably the single largest in the history of this government since it was sworn in last July. Today is an important day.

The federal government takeover of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, not only the existing pipeline but the expansion project, means that this Premier has accomplished nothing at all on this file. This is a complete failure by this Premier, who is being toyed with by his Environment Minister.

Interjections.

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

A. Wilkinson: What has been accomplished is the complete destruction of investor confidence in British Columbia. This has become a reckless, erratic government that scares off investors.

Perhaps the Premier can tell us: is he prepared to admit this defeat and acknowledge the failure?

Hon. J. Horgan: The only thing missing from that question was asking me to come clean. It’s about coming clean that we started this endeavour in July of last year.

[11:00 a.m.]

We want to make sure that our coast remains clean. We want to make sure that the government of British Columbia always stands up for the people of British Columbia — not offshore investors, not governments in other jurisdictions but the people of B.C. We’ll continue to do that.

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

A. Wilkinson: Well, it seems the Premier has already forgotten the fact that we, the taxpayers of British Columbia, are now going to pay for his blunder. The Premier seems to think he’s going to get better coastal protection out of this new deal. Well, he has already snubbed his nose at Ottawa about their $1.5 billion coastal protection plan. Meanwhile, we have tankers going by Victoria every day, on their way to Washington state.

The Premier has accomplished nothing on this file. When will he admit his mistake, eat some humble pie and go cap in hand to Ottawa and ask for better coastal protection?

Hon. J. Horgan: Something that the member on the other side has forgotten, and perhaps his colleagues as well, was the submission by the government of British Columbia in 2016, as part of the National Energy Board hearing, where the government of British Columbia said: “One particular challenge of the recovery of diluted bitumen from water arises when the product becomes submerged or sinks. The evidence shows that this may occur when it hits fresh water. The province submits that the effectiveness of the techniques has not been proven, particularly in British Columbia’s rivers.”

If anyone has forgot anything, it’s people on that side of the House, who disregard it now, the impacts on British Columbia.

M. Bernier: From day one, the Premier has known that he could not block the Trans Mountain project. He’s chosen to play politics rather than actually working for the best interests of British Columbia. His actions are now costing British Columbians and Canadians billions of dollars. Let’s be clear on one issue here. This was a project that was going to be funded by private interests, by private groups. Instead, now it’s going to be funded by the taxpayers of Canada and British Columbia.

Interjections.

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

M. Bernier: I’ll make it easy. Why did the Premier continue on with his reckless actions that are going to cost all Canadians money?

Hon. J. Horgan: There’s nothing at all reckless about living by the rule of law. There’s nothing at all reckless about asking a court, a third party, to clarify jurisdictional disputes within our Canadian confederation. That’s what we’ve done. I think that the member, if he wants to ask questions about reckless expenditures of public taxpayers’ money, should run for parliament and go to the House of Commons and ask the federal Finance Minister.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Peace River South on a supplemental.

M. Bernier: British Columbians right across this province have come out loud and clear with their support for this project, yet this NDP has just tried to downplay that fact. The majority of people have come out in favour of this project. This government has ignored that. They’ve ignored those voices. They’ve ignored the people of British Columbia. Instead, he’s catering mostly just to his most important constituents, which I think are sitting down at the end, the members of the coalition party, the Green Party.

The Premier needs to actually acknowledge that his politically motivated actions have only displaced private investment. Will he do that today?

Hon. J. Horgan: Again, in July, the government changed. The people on that side of the House did not want to stand up for the interests of British Columbia and the coast. We do. At that time, there was an election, and almost 60 percent of those who cast ballots, cast ballots for parties who had a different perspective than those on that side of the House. That seems to be forgotten by the member who raised the question.

We have, from the beginning, worked with Kinder Morgan. As they’ve presented themselves, seeking permits, we’ve granted those permits. We have not harassed the company in any way. The decision to invest tax dollars in the project was not made by this parliament. It was not made by this government. It was made by the federal Liberal Party in Ottawa.

[11:05 a.m.]

PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE
PROPOSAL FOR SAANICH INLET

A. Olsen: Recently the hon. Premier was in the local media speculating on an idea to connect the Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley by a bridge. This idea has come up every decade or so, usually after an incident turns increasing congestion on the Malahat into gridlock. A shiny bridge with architectural splendour makes for grand politics, but it’s not the best solution. It will be a giant black hole in our budget, increase greenhouse gas emissions and cars on the road and require expensive upgrades to Beacon, Mt. Newton, Keating, Sayward, Haliburton and Uptown.

To the Minister of Transportation, there are ongoing discussions about a passenger ferry service across the Saanich Inlet. If the provincial government was part of the dialogue, it would provide certainty to potential service providers and commuters that a passenger ferry service is supported and will be around now and in the future. Will you work with me and the various stakeholders already at the table to investigate ferry services across the Saanich Inlet?

Hon. C. Trevena: I appreciate the question from the member of the Third Party. He’s right. Every time there’s a crisis, we’re starting to look at different solutions. We are looking, again, at the report that came in 2007 and the potential of a bridge. We are looking at other avenues to deal with what is clearly a problem for people on the south Island, people who are travelling across the Malahat.

It is an area where we have issues of safety, where we’re dealing with that. Also, it does narrow up through a provincial park. So we’re looking at all different avenues to try and make sure that access to the capital regional district can be kept open. I would be happy to sit down with the member to talk about ideas that he and others have.

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

A. Olsen: We’ve long needed better transit on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Cowichan Valley. Yesterday, in response to a question from my colleague from the Cowichan Valley, the Minister of Transportation referred to the government’s transportation vision.

We’ve had reports, studies and visions drafted, shelved and collecting dust on how to improve the transportation system on south Vancouver Island. There is a strong economic case for a passenger and complementary vehicle ferry service between Cowichan Bay, Pat Bay and Swartz Bay. There’s a social and economic and environmental case for a rapid bus system on the Pat Bay Highway, serviced by better neighbourhood transit services.

To the Minister of Transportation, we don’t need a big, shiny, new bridge. What we need is a flexible, cost-effective, reliable service today and for the long term so people can invest and we can improve the quality of life on south Vancouver Island. When will you join the stakeholders at the table to seriously discuss a passenger ferry service on the Saanich Inlet?

Hon. C. Trevena: I think that we’ve sat down and talked with the member about visions for transit and transportation on the south Island, the Saanich Peninsula, right across out to Sooke. We were also talking about going up to the Cowichan Valley. We have a record investment in B.C. Transit. Our government is ensuring that people can afford to travel and can afford to travel easily. Obviously, there are problems with delays when there are accidents, and so on.

I agree with the member. We do need to have a vision, and I’m happy, as I said before in answer to his previous question, to sit down and talk about different ideas to ensure that we can get people moving safely and effectively across the south Island.

DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON
TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND
PURCHASE BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

S. Bond: This government is a national embarrassment. They have known from the moment they took office that they could not stop this project. We’ve certainly seen them surprise British Columbians with new taxes, but they’ve managed to take this to a whole new level. Now Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be paying billions of dollars for this Premier’s actions, to replace private sector investment with public, taxpayer dollars.

The Premier knew he couldn’t stop the project, but that didn’t stop his reckless actions. Now, today, Canadian taxpayers are paying the bills instead of the private sector. When will this Premier stand up and explain to Canadians how he’s responsible for this mess?

[11:10 a.m.]

Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the member for her question. It is apparent, I think, to anyone who has been paying attention over the past number of months that the actions of this government have been fairly straightforward. We enjoined two lawsuits that were already underway. We talked about consulting with British Columbians about ensuring that we had a regulatory regime in place that would protect the public interest, the people of British Columbia’s interest.

Interjections.

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

Hon. J. Horgan: Thank you, hon. Speaker.

When our adjoining neighbour in Alberta said that they didn’t feel that we had the jurisdiction, we asked them to join with us, to go to a higher court, as civilized people would do, as friends would do, to find a solution to an impasse and a divide. They declined to do that, so we went on our own.

Now, if the member on the other side and her colleagues seem to think that using those tools available to us to protect B.C.’s interest is somehow disrespectful of federal taxpayers, I don’t think she understands how decisions are made in this country.

The federal government made a decision that they will be accountable for, and it’s appropriate that if those on that side of the House do not want to do or understand the business of this place, they should run for federal parliament and ask the federal Finance Minister why he made his choice.

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

S. Bond: What’s blatantly obvious is that this Premier’s disrespect for British Columbians includes the fact that despite the fact he knew he couldn’t stop this project, he continued with his reckless actions, which today have resulted in private sector investment walking away from British Columbia and forcing taxpayers to pay for this project.

Let’s listen to what the Premier said this morning: “It doesn’t matter who owns the pipeline.” Well, actually, it does matter who owns the pipeline. This Premier can stand in this place and deny and deflect all he wants, but he has managed to take a fully financed, private….

Interjection.

S. Bond: Pardon me?

Interjection.

S. Bond: I did hear you, and you should withdraw that remark.

He has managed to take a fully financed, private sector project and turn it into a public, taxpayer-owned enterprise.

Can the Premier stand in this House today, look at British Columbians and explain why he put Canadian taxpayers on the hook for a private sector project?

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. J. Horgan: I appreciate that the member on the other side wants to somehow put, onto this side of the House, responsibility for the dereliction of duty of the former government by allowing the federal government to take complete charge of the National Energy Board decision-making process, by giving away our ability to protect the interest of British Columbians.

When we were sworn in, in July, as I have said repeatedly, we undertook to engage in court actions already underway. We continued to issue permits when they were requested by the proponent. When it came down to talking to British Columbians, which I would expect all of the members of this House would support, about how we best protect the things that matter most to British Columbians — our natural splendour, our marine economy and all that goes with that…. When we asked to consult with people, our neighbours went wild. Rather than be provocative, we said: “How can we work…?”

For your political purposes, you can do that, but we said quite clearly to our neighbours and to our members of the Canadian family: “How do we work together to resolve a difference of opinion?” I’m surprised with the ragtag bunch over there. They often have differences of opinion. How do they resolve them? By going to dispute resolution. That’s what the courts are for. That’s what we proposed to do.

[11:15 a.m.]

T. Stone: This is beyond bungling on the government’s part. This is an absolute sheer dereliction of the responsibility of this government, which is now going to cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

British Columbians deserve much better leadership than what we’ve seen from this NDP government, which continues to play politics with the futures of British Columbians, mostly to appease the junior coalition party down there, the Green Party. Instead of working collaboratively with other provinces, instead of working collaboratively with the federal government, the Premier continues to put his own political future above that of B.C.’s relationship with the rest of Canada.

The Premier knew all along that he couldn’t stop this project. So why does he continue with his politically motivated and reckless actions?

Hon. J. Horgan: I’ll just refer the member to a meeting last week in Yellowknife, where I sat down with Premiers from other jurisdictions. We got along very well. We talked about issues that were important to Canadians. With the exception of one member, the member from Alberta, everyone around the table — from Saskatchewan, from Manitoba, from Nunavut, from the Northwest Territories and from the Yukon — said: “We need to act together as a unified force in the west to protect the interests of all Canadians.” That is what cooperation and leadership look like.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Kamloops–South Thompson on a supplemental.

T. Stone: Well, congratulations to the Premier. He has managed to take a fully funded, multi-billion-dollar private sector project and turn it into a taxpayer project. This Premier and this government have managed to drive the nationalization of a multi-billion-dollar private sector asset. Their actions continue to send chills through the international investment community.

Standing up for British Columbia should mean having a constructive relationship with the government of Canada and with other provinces, but this Premier started a fight with Alberta, created a constitutional crisis, and now this British Columbia government is a national embarrassment.

The Premier has known, again, from day one that he could not stop this project. Why does he continue with his reckless actions, which will now cost British Columbia taxpayers and all taxpayers billions of dollars?

Hon. J. Horgan: I appreciate there’s not much going on, on the opposition benches. They’re trying to grab a tiger as it runs by, but surely, they understand…. Some of them were in cabinet, surprising as that may seem, and they would know that when the federal government makes a decision to expend money, it’s the responsibility of the federal government, not this parliament.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, when you’re ready, we will continue question period.

G. Kyllo: This Premier started an NDP trade war. He created a constitutional crisis and sent a chilling message to investors and has now cost British Columbians and all Canadians billions of dollars for a project the private sector was going to build. The Premier has known all along that he could not stop this project. Why did he continue his reckless actions?

Hon. J. Horgan: Again, the opposition is trying to have it both ways. On the one hand, they say: “Surely, you knew you couldn’t stop it.” Then they’re saying: “Why are you trying to stop it?” First of all, they say: “It’s fully funded. It’s fully funded by the private sector.” Now it’s not — not by any decision of this parliament, not by any decision of this government.

The federal government made the decision to take tax dollars and invest them in a private company. That’s their business. If you have a concern with that, again, I encourage members to resign their seats, run for parliament and take it up with Mr. Morneau.

[11:20 a.m.]

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

G. Kyllo: Well, this is a self-serving government that acted blindly and recklessly. The Premier’s reckless behaviour and ill-conceived actions have received the rebuke of the federal government and will cost taxpayers billions of dollars. The Premier is squarely to blame. Why did he continue his reckless actions when he knew that he couldn’t stop the project?

Hon. J. Horgan: I’m appreciative of the member reading the same question over again to me so that I can give him a similar answer. That is: the federal government today made a decision to take tax money and invest it in a private company. That was not a decision made by us. It was not motivated by us. In fact, I counselled against it. I advised the Prime Minister weeks ago that it was the wrong course of action. They disregarded that advice and carried on. What I think we need to do….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. We shall hear the response, Members.

Interjection.

Hon. J. Horgan: This from the man who drove ICBC off a cliff.

I appreciate that the well of questions is fairly empty. They’ve only got the one to read and pass from member to member to read over and over again.

I am proud of the work we have done to defend the interests of British Columbia. I sleep very well at night knowing that I’m doing my level best to make sure the people of British Columbia have a government that cares for them, working every day to make life better for British Columbians, not the corporate backers that funded the other side.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO
ANTI-PIPELINE ACTIVITIES

M. de Jong: While the Premier was finding a way to turn a lawfully approved project that was entirely self-financed and now turn that into a publicly funded project that will require taxpayers to fund billions and billions of dollars…. While the Premier was embarking upon this brilliant strategy for that to happen, something else took place. An NDP Member of Parliament was convicted of criminal misconduct. The leader of the federal Green Party was convicted of criminal misconduct.

The pipeline is going to be built. It’s now going to be built by a Canadian Crown corporation. I ask for the Premier today to stand in this House, do his duty and condemn those who would purport to engage in criminal misconduct to prevent a lawfully approved project from proceeding.

Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the member for his question. I will say to him that there are court proceedings underway about how lawful the decision to proceed with the pipeline was. He will know that. I’m sure he’s scooting past that for the interests of his preamble.

When it comes to lawful civil disobedience, I think all members of this place respect and understand that in this great country, we have the right to exercise our disapproval of governmental process. But we also have a responsibility, all of us, to uphold the rule of law. That is why we are in court rather than stomping our feet, putting up obstacles to trade. Instead, we are saying: “Let’s go to court and determine what’s the best outcome for British Columbia.” That’s been our objective from the beginning.

The member’s question was quite clearly directed at those who would protest in a violent way. I categorically reject that, and I know he shares that view, as all members do. Civil disobedience is a fundamental right in our country. All of us will want to uphold that. Breaking the law is not.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Abbotsford West on a supplemental.

DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON
TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND
PURCHASE BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

M. de Jong: The Premier’s brilliant strategy, which has landed us, at this point, where a privately funded project is now going to be relying upon billions of public dollars…

[11:25 a.m.]

Interjections.

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

M. de Jong: …cannot help but put at risk funding that might otherwise have been earmarked for other projects to help build British Columbia.

Will the Premier stand and be honest with British Columbians and acknowledge that as a result of the failed, flawed, irresponsible strategy that he has pursued, funding that would otherwise be available to fund much-needed projects in British Columbia will now be diverted by the federal government to fund this pipeline project that otherwise would have been paid by — guess what — private capital, free and clear from any taxpayer involvement?

Hon. J. Horgan: Again, I know that the rhetoric is at a high level here. We’re at the end of the session. This is an opportunity for those who haven’t had a chance to stand up to flex their rhetorical muscles. But the facts are the facts. The government of Canada — not the government of British Columbia — of which I have no authority or no ability to influence, apparently has decided to take tax money and invest it in a pipeline. I counselled against that to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Finance when I was asked.

For those on that side of the House to somehow suggest that we, over here, have been staying up late at night finding ways to convince the Minister of Finance in Ottawa to spend money on a private company is a stretch and maybe a bridge too far.

With respect to investment in British Columbia, I’m very proud to say that we have invested billions and billions and billions of dollars in new housing initiatives, new child care initiatives, reducing costs for people, building the Pattullo Bridge, making sure we’ve got transit right across the Lower Mainland and ensuring that we can make life better for the people of this province and, in the process, protect what is so important to all of us: our natural beauty, our powerful economy and the innovation and creativity of British Columbians. I’m proud of that. You should be too.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO
ANTI-PIPELINE ACTIVITIES

M. Polak: I’m going to do more than suggest that these guys caused the problem. I’m actually going to lay it out a little bit, because here’s how it happened.

First, we had an agreement between the Greens and the NDP, which allowed them to form a government. Then we had the Premier leave town and the Environment Minister….

Interjection.

M. Polak: Oh, I’ll start again. Good. I’ll start again.

Once they’re propped up by the Greens…. And by the way, the agreement did have a significant amount to do with fighting the Kinder Morgan project. Then the Premier leaves town, and while he’s away, the Environment Minister decides to throw in….

Interjection.

M. Polak: Exactly. He decides to throw in…. The Environment Minister, without the permission of his Premier, decides to throw in an additional requirement on the advice of his Bowen Island activist friends. Now the Greens and the Bowen Island activists find themselves the proud part owners of the Kinder Morgan pipeline.

Interjections.

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

M. Polak: Now that they are the proud part owners of this pipeline, I wonder if they will have the courage to stand up…. And we’re not talking about violent protest. The leader of the federal Greens was convicted of criminal misconduct, not because of violence.

Will this government condemn the actions of those who would seek to thwart this project that has been legitimately approved and will now be the taxpayers’ project?

Hon. J. Horgan: I apologize to all members for being colour blind and not knowing the green light was not a red light to allow that last question. But it does provide me with an opportunity to talk about the confidence and supply agreement, which is almost a year old. That confidence and supply agreement has meant that for the past ten months, we’ve had a government that has been focusing on people. We’ve had a government that has invested in child care. We’ve had a government that has invested in transition housing for women fleeing domestic abuse.

We’ve had a government supported by our Green partners in making sure we have an innovation commissioner and an innovation commission to make sure that the new economy that is just right here ready to take off has a government that’s supportive of that.

[11:30 a.m.]

The confidence and supply agreement has led to good government. I’m sorry that those on the other side are unhappy about that, but British Columbians are delighted.

[End of question period.]

Reports from Committees

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

S. Bond: I have the honour to present the first report by the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts. The report summarizes the committee’s activities in 2017 and 2018.

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

Motion approved.

S. Bond: I ask that the House move a motion to adopt the report.

Mr. Speaker: Is leave granted?

Leave granted.

Mr. Speaker: Member, please proceed.

S. Bond: I just want to make some very brief comments. The report considers activities in 2017 and 2018. In the current parliament, the committee actually looked at 13 reports on a very wide variety of topics. Committee members worked very hard to do their work in a very collaborative and constructive way. We do want to thank, on behalf of the committee, the Auditor General, the comptroller general and their staff and the many dedicated public servants who provided the committee with information which informed our deliberations.

I also want to thank the Clerk of Committees office, in particular Kate Ryan-Lloyd and her team, for their fantastic support and to thank the committee members for the hard work, the dedication and the cooperative spirit, especially the Deputy Chair, the member for Esquimalt-Metchosin.

M. Dean: I would also today very much like to thank the Chair, the member for Prince George–Valemount, for her leadership in helping the committee complete a substantial body of work. I want to echo her thanks to the Clerks and the hard work of all their team. They helped us with organization, support, logistics and also preparing a very well-summarized and presented report.

Thank you to the Auditor General and her team — they complete a major amount of work each year, and they provide really valuable insights to us — and also the comptroller general.

Thank you, as well, to all of the ministry staff. They made the time to present to us, and they took the time to show how they were responding to the recommendations of the Auditor General’s reports.

Thank you, as well, to everybody on the committee. We had a large agenda, and we completed it in a way that was thorough and proficient. Everyone showed their commitment to the work in reviewing the process, preparing for each meeting and engaging in such a constructive way.

I look forward to our work together ahead.

Motion approved.

Tabling Documents

Hon. C. James: Pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, I’m pleased to present reports for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, on all amounts borrowed by government and all amounts loaned to government bodies. These reports provide an overview of the province’s borrowing activity in fiscal ’16-17.

Petitions

T. Shypitka: I wish to present two petitions today, the first one being signed by nine residents along Highway 395, all within half a kilometre of a rock quarry near Bateman Road, near the thriving community of Elko in Kootenay East. The residents urge the Ministry of Mines to address the noise pollution near zoned residential areas.

The second petition I have is signed by 701 residents, mainly from the communities of Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie, all within the Elk Valley of Kootenay East. This petition urges government to take immediate intervention to put a definite end to the proposed Bingay coal mine. The residents cite issues such as short- and long-term negative effects to critical ecosystems, wildlife populations, water wells, access to recreational areas, air and noise pollution.