Routine Business

Prayers.

Introductions by Members

Hon. B. Ralston: It’s my pleasure to welcome to the assembly this morning Her Excellency Melita Gabrič, who’s the Ambassador of Slovenia to Canada, here on her first official visit to British Columbia. She’s accompanied by Margaret Rudolf, who’s the honorary consul of Slovenia stationed in Vancouver.

They are here to discuss, among other things, the opportunities opened up by the new CETA agreement in terms of future trade with Canada and British Columbia. She is going to meet with the Minister of Agriculture to talk about the topic of Slovenian bees, which are an important part of the agricultural industry in Slovenia. I’m sure that will be a discussion that’s of particular interest to the Minister of Agriculture.

Will the House please make her welcome.

R. Chouhan: It gives me great pleasure to introduce three wonderful people we have here in the gallery today. They’re from an organization called L’Arche. L’Arche is in my constituency in Burnaby-Edmonds. This organization has done such a wonderful job over the years helping individuals for the last many, many years. Today we have Rev. Dan Kirkegaard; Tiana Kirkegaard, a member of L’Arche and a five-time gold-medal winner at the 2018 Canadian National Special Olympic Games; and Kim Lattimer. Please join me to welcome them.

Hon. A. Dix: Today is Health Care Assistant Day. Yesterday and today members on all three sides of the House will be meeting with care aides and representatives of the Hospital Employees Union from across the province. I wanted to introduce…. I’ve got a list of people. Then we’ve got another group of health care workers who are here, as well, that I’d like to introduce. So I’m going to have a list here.

To start with, care aides from across B.C.: Shelley Bridge; Shane Kaluski; Jailene Holgate; Samantha Lindsay; Bonnie McKay; Erna Mendoza; Adrianna Novel; Agnes Pecson; Amy Powell; Lizalyn Santos; Jhovie Satumera; Kathleen Cochlan; Edna Sandoval; Donna Hanley, who’s a regional vice-president of the HEU; Dawn Logan; Joanne Walker; Rhonda Bruce; Barb Biley; Bill McMullan; John Fraser; Ernie Tanguay; Louella Vincent; Mike Cartwright; Lisa Crema; Ken Bennett; Talitha Dekker; Betty Valenzuela; Victor Elkins; Barb Nederpel; Jodi George; Donisa Bernardo and Jennifer Whiteside.

All from the HEU, and all here today. I know everyone wants to welcome health care assistants to the Legislature, and I ask you to do that now.

Members on all three sides of the House also met yesterday with representatives of the B.C. Nurses Union who have been here this week. We wanted to introduce the president, Christine Sorensen; Adriane Gear; Sharon Sponton; Rhonda Croft; Chris Armeanu; Claudette Jut; Danette Thomsen; Deanna Jerowsky; Hardev Bhullar; Helena Barzilay; Judy McGrath, who’s from Vancouver-Kingsway; Kath-Ann Terrett; Lynn Lagace; Lynnda Smith; Margo Wilton; Marlene Goertzen; Meghan Friesen; Ron Poland; Rachel Kimler; Sara Mattu; Teri Forster; Tracey Greenberg; Tracy Quewezance; Walter Lumamba; Wendy Gibbs and all their staff.

[10:10 a.m.]

I know we’re speaking for all members of the Legislature when we express our appreciation for the work that nurses and care aides do every day in health care facilities across British Columbia. I ask everyone to make them welcome.

N. Letnick: I’d just like to echo the sentiments of the Minister of Health and all the members of this Legislature as we thank the health care assistants who are here with us today — it’s Health Care Assistant Day, as we all know, as we held our signs and proclaimed it on social media over the last few days — and, of course, all of the members of the B.C. Nurses Union, so aptly represented by Christine Sorensen as president, and all her team.

Thank you for meeting with us over the last few days and today, and thank you for doing the work, for answering the call to public service, as you have, and for taking care of us and all of our constituents all around British Columbia.

God bless all of you.

Hon. J. Sims: It’s my pleasure today to introduce people who will be in the precinct momentarily: Baldev Singh Sadaknama, Harpreet Sekha, Dr. Nasir Baloch, Simran Dhaliwal and four writers — Prof. Raghbir Singh; Harinder Dhahan; Harkeerit Shoker; and Dawn, daughter-in-law of Baldev Singh. These guests are here in the precinct today, and they are here to celebrate Punjabi Literature Heritage Week.

G. Kyllo: It’s always a proud day when members are provided the opportunity to stand in this House and announce the arrival of a grandchild.

I’m very proud to announce the arrival of my seventh grandchild, and our sixth granddaughter, Miss Adison Gwyneth Plock, who was born on June 28. Congratulations to Aaron Plock and our daughter Angela on the arrival of their third daughter. I can’t help but wonder if they are going to be bold enough, maybe, to follow in Georgina’s and my footsteps and roll the dice, so to say, and try for a fourth.

I just would like to make sure that the House makes Miss Adison Gwyneth Plock very welcome.

S. Furstenau: I just want to acknowledge, on Health Care Assistant Day, that we have Amy Powell and Jailene Holgate. They both work at Sunridge Place in Duncan. I’m pleased to introduce them and gratefully recognize their service today.

M. Dean: I’m very grateful and honoured to work with an amazing constituency office team, who represent me and serve everybody in the constituency of Esquimalt-Metchosin. They’re here today, and they will be watching QP later. I would like everybody to welcome Andrew Barrett, Lawrence Herzog and Nubwa Wathanafa.

Hon. L. Beare: I have the great pleasure of introducing a dear, personal friend in the gallery today. She’s a true leader in our community and my favourite Kamloopsian. I would like to ask the House to please make Barb Nederpel feel very welcome.

J. Rice: One introduction. Teri Forster is here from the BCNU, from Prince Rupert.

Statements

GREAT BRITISH COLUMBIA SHAKEOUT

J. Rice: I was asked to say a few words about ShakeOut, which we are about to do.

I wanted to encourage my colleagues to actually participate. We all know, when you go to classrooms, that the kids know “drop, cover and hold on” better than anyone. Those of us with creaky knees are less inclined to practise. But we are role models, and we should encourage our staff, as well, in our offices to participate. Knowing it is one thing, but actually having the muscle memory of the exercise is critical.

I just also wanted to add that we are participating along with 910,000 British Columbians. We have a goal of getting to a million — a million British Columbians — registered to participate. Hopefully, we can achieve that goal next year. We’re also amongst 60 million people worldwide that are also participating.

Thank you to my colleagues for doing your part.

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, as indicated by the Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness, the member for North Coast, this morning we will be participating in an international earthquake drill.

The House will now recess and reconvene upon ringing of the division bells.

This House now stands recessed until 11 a.m.

The House recessed from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Introductions by Members

Hon. D. Eby: I appreciate the opportunity. I’d like to welcome to the House Sarah Endicott. She’s a teacher at Norma Rose Point School in my constituency. It’s a very well-known school for the quality of the staff, certainly. Their students win international and national math competitions on a regular basis. So a very well-known school and a wonderful reputation.

It’s great to have her here as part of the democratic learning process that’s happening, where teachers from across the province are coming to learn about how our system works here in British Columbia.

Would the House please join me in making her feel very welcome today.

C. Oakes: I’m very pleased today to introduce Richard Truscott, the vice-president for British Columbia and Alberta of the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses — CFIB represents 10,000 independent small businesses that drive our economy here in British Columbia — with a reminder that Saturday is Small Business Saturday. So let’s shop local. Think big by shopping small. Would the House please help me welcome Richard.

A. Wilkinson: At the risk of being repetitive, I’d just like to acknowledge the B.C. Nurses Union representatives in the gallery. We must never forget how hard these people work. Having been in the hospital and the clinic situation myself, it’s an invaluable service that we all depend on.

Just last night we were talking about: “Think of the various professions in our society. If they stopped work completely, how many minutes would it take before the world fell apart?” Well, no one would notice for a few days with us, I hate to say. Air traffic controllers — ten minutes, 20 minutes. Nurses — five minutes. Thank you to the nurses.

M. Dean: Joining my constituency team, who I’ve already introduced, is my legislative assistant, Noah Mitchell. Would you please make him very welcome.

R. Singh: He’s not here yet, but my dad, Dr. Raghbir Singh Sirijana, will be joining us here. He’s chair of the Dhahan Prize, and he’s coming here as a delegation for the proclamation for Punjabi literature. I hope the House makes him feel very welcome.

Statements
(Standing Order 25B)

FAMOUS FIVE AND PERSONS CASE

S. Bond: As I look around this chamber at the capable women who serve here, despite our different views and approaches, even in question period, it’s hard to imagine a time when my female colleagues would not have been considered persons.

Today marks the day in 1929 when the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” was handed down by Canada’s highest Court of Appeal. This gave women the right to be appointed to the Senate of Canada and created the opportunity for women to be more involved in the political and public life of our country.

I am so thankful that five incredible women launched a legal challenge that would become the catalyst for equality rights in our country. Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Henrietta Muir Edwards are now remembered as the Famous Five. After losing their first battle when the Supreme Court decided that the word “person” did not include women, they did not give up.

On October 18, 1929, Lord Sankey, the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, announced the decision. “The exclusion of women from all public offices is a relic of days more barbarous than ours. And to those who would ask why the word ‘persons’ should include females, the obvious answer is: why should it not?”

So much progress has been made. We can see that here in this chamber and beyond, but there is much more we should do. Women and girls in British Columbia and around the world deserve the same opportunities that men and boys have.

Today as we celebrate the tireless efforts of the Famous Five, it is our responsibility, collectively, to follow their example and ensure that women have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of our society. And on this, I am confident: it is at least one thing we can strongly agree on.

[11:05 a.m.]

L’ARCHE GREATER VANCOUVER

J. Routledge: L’Arche Greater Vancouver is dedicated to creating quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities, and while it’s part of an international federation, it lives in Burnaby. L’Arche Greater Vancouver is an intentional community of about 120 people sharing life and working together. They have six homes, two day programs and are active in the wider community.

I know that there are members on both sides of the aisle who have been active supporters of L’Arche for many years. For those of us who are less familiar, I would like to take a few minutes to honour L’Arche’s exemplary work.

If sitting down together to share a meal strengthens familial bonds, then L’Arche is truly a family. Members plan and prepare meals together, eat together, do the dishes together. They invited me for lunch last month. It was Ken’s turn to lead us in prayer. He chose O Canada, one of my favourites too. We laughed together. Some of us shared personal stories together. Some of us even gave each other fashion advice.

L’Arche residents and those who participate in the day programs also contribute meaningfully to the larger community. I particularly like the neighbour-helping-neighbour program. Last year they provided 1,144 hours of yard maintenance, recycling, snow removal and grocery shopping to 45 seniors.

L’Arche Greater Vancouver has plans to expand. And true to their motto, “Building a world where everyone belongs,” their vision is to integrate social housing into their next stage.

To quote Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche: “Every human activity can be put at the service of the divine and of love. We should all exercise our gift to build community.”

RIGHT TO VOTE

M. Morris: The Constitution Act, 1982, is the glue that binds our great nation together. Section 3 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms states: “Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.”

In 1989, in a case addressing the constitutional validity of electoral boundaries, the B.C. Court of Appeal recognized ten core values that support section 3:

“(1) The right not to, be denied the franchise on the grounds of race, sex, educational qualification or other unjustifiable criteria.

“(2) The right to be presented with the choice of candidates or parties.

“(3) The right to a secret ballot.

“(4) The right to have one’s vote counted.

“(5) The right to have one’s vote count for the same as other valid votes cast in a district.

“(6) The right to sufficient information about public policies to permit an informed decision.

“(7) The right to be represented by a candidate with at least a plurality of votes in a district.

“(8) The right to vote in periodic elections.

“(9) The right to cast one’s vote in an electoral system which has not being ‘gerrymandered’ — that is, deliberately engineered so as to favour one political party over another.”

And in 1989, the B.C. Court of Appeal added a tenth value: the right to equality of voting power.

“Representation,” they say, “by population is one of the most fundamental democratic guarantees. And the notion of equality of voting power is fundamental to representation by population.”

The court further stated:

“…the only provisions in the Constitution Act, 1982, dealing with electoral apportionment places regional considerations over strict ‘rep by pop’. Section 42(1)(a) provides that ‘the principle of proportionate representation of the provinces in the House of Commons is subject to the amending formula in s. 38.”

WORLD TEACHERS DAY

R. Kahlon: Today is World Teachers Day, an international day recognizing educators and the important role they serve in helping students reach their full potential.

[11:10 a.m.]

Teachers have always played a key to student success, as they deserve recognition for helping to shape tomorrow’s leaders. On behalf of this House, I would like to thank every B.C. teacher, administrator and support staff member for the important work they do to help students succeed. We are investing in British Columbia’s world-class education system and focusing on building strong relationships with education partners based on trust and respect.

This year our government celebrated World Teachers Day in a new, exciting way by presenting an inaugural Premier’s award of excellence. Premier John Horgan, Minister of Education Rob Fleming and Lieutenant-Governor Janet Austin presented nine awards to inspiring education professionals in nine categories, ranging from Outstanding New Teacher to Indigenous Education and Social Equity. I’m proud to share that a Delta teacher, Michael Iachetta of Seaquam, was one of the nominees.

These awards in education were created to recognize the dedication of B.C.’s exceptional teachers, administrators and support staff who go above and beyond to help students succeed. From an Indigenous support worker in Courtenay to being passionate about heritage and a life-changing school principal in Surrey, the first awards ceremony was a success. We know that there are many more teachers throughout this province just like them.

Investing in public education continues to be a priority of this government. We have accelerated capital and seismic investments so students and educators can have modern and safe schools to learn and to teach in.

Every one of us has an educator who lifted us when we were down, who saw more potential in us than we did, who taught us to dream bigger than our circumstances. Let us all celebrate them, every one of them, all the educators throughout this province.

Sharkwater Extinction FILM
AND RAINFOREST CONDITIONS

S. Furstenau: Yesterday evening after we adjourned, I rushed out of here, as many of us are inclined to do, and headed out to the theatre at Tillicum to catch the screening of Sharkwater Extinction. On the way over, I was listening to CBC’s As It Happens. The host was interviewing Brad Lister, biologist and lead author of a recently released report on data collected in the El Yunque rainforest in Costa Rica.

Lister was recounting the difference between his first visit to the rainforest in the 1970s and his return nearly 40 years later. He described the rainforest as enchanted, a timeless phantasmagorical world, but when he went back in 2013, he was devastated to discover that there are no butterflies. Then he realized it wasn’t just butterflies that were missing. There had been, in his words, “a catastrophic implosion of the insect community.” The food web of the rainforest, explained Lister, was gone. Butterflies, insects, birds, lizards, frogs — all gone.

Sharkwater Extinction was no less chilling. Ninety percent of sharks have been fished out of our oceans in the last 30 years, and many species are at risk of disappearing forever — 90 percent in 30 years. Globally, 150 million sharks are being killed each year. Sharks have survived on the earth for 450 million years through five mass extinctions, but over 30 years, humans have nearly wiped them out completely.

Rob Stewart, who died tragically during a dive while making the film, said that initially his research into the plight of sharks made him feel disappointed with humanity but that the response to his first Sharkwater film changed that. “It instilled hope,” he said. “It made me love humanity more. We still have a bright future if we want it, but we’ve got to do something now.”

It was a sobering evening, but I choose to heed Rob’s wise words and believe that we can still create that bright future if we truly want to.

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT DAY

A. Kang: October 18 is Health Care Assistant Day. I stand here in the House today to honour the 55,000 care assistants across the province for the tremendous work that they do for elders and people who need assistance in places such as hospitals and residential care and in our communities.

They have many different job titles, including community health worker, residential care aide, home support worker, long-term care aide, home health aide, continuing care assistant and personal aide care assistant. Regardless of their titles, they are at the front line of improving British Columbians’ quality of life, and many of them are here with us today celebrating at the Legislature.

[11:15 a.m.]

Health care assistants have chosen a career that makes a difference to us every single day in the lives of people that they care for. They assist with the most intimate and personal types of care. They offer compassion and comfort in times of greatest need, and to many people, they are like family. The work that they do is key to helping seniors and others needing care to maintain their quality of life. I am so proud to recognize their significant role in health care.

Our government is investing in people to help us deliver quality care for our loved ones, and we’re increasing the number of people who are working in this field. This means that hard-working staff have more time to spend with each person in their care. Furthermore, hundreds more care aides are being trained at B.C.’s post-secondary institutions.

I am so proud that our government is taking steps, that we are making lives better for seniors, people in care and their families. There’s a lot that we want to achieve, and I look forward to working together with care aides to deliver better care for the people of B.C.

Day in and day out, health care assistants work incredibly hard to deliver quality care for us and our loved ones. Today let’s thank and celebrate them for the fantastic work that they do. Happy Health Care Assistant Day, everyone.

Oral Questions

PUBLIC DEBATE ON
REFERENDUM ON ELECTORAL REFORM

A. Wilkinson: During the election last May, the Premier made three promises about electoral reform. The first was if there were to be a referendum, it would be a simple yes-no question; the second, that there would be regional thresholds so that the Lower Mainland doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the province by voting power; the third, that there would be a citizens’ assembly, just as there was in 2004.

Now we have a fourth. The Premier said, September 26: “After the municipal elections are concluded at the end of October, if there’s still a desire to have more discussions between he and I” — referring to me and him — “in a public forum, I’m happy to do that.”

Yesterday the Premier made it very clear he has no intention to engage in public debate on television, even though the TV time is available, even though I’m available. For some reason, he’s decided to break another promise. We have to ask: what is the Premier scared of?

Hon. J. Horgan: I welcome yet another question from the Leader of the Opposition, although I waited all day yesterday for him to stand in this place and offer up his views on the referendum question that’s before the House, and he chose not to do that. I also recall yesterday him diminishing this place by saying it wasn’t the appropriate forum for having a debate. The only place he wants to have a debate is on television in prime time, and I’m happy to join him. As soon as a television network gives us a time and a date, I’ll see him there.

A. Wilkinson: Well, I see there’s been a turning of the trend overnight, and the Premier realized that there’s no way out of his promise. Let’s look at what he said: “I believe we’ve asked a consortium of broadcasters to figure out a time and place, and if Mr. Wilkinson still wants to go, I’m good with that.” I’m glad to hear the Premier has decided to keep one of the four promises.

Premier, let’s pick a date between now and November 2, prime-time television. The networks are ready. Please pick a date right now.

Hon. J. Horgan: I would pull out my hand-held device and check my calendar, but the member will probably know that’s not allowed in this place. So I’m going to have to get back to him on that.

Again, the member yesterday implied that this place was somehow valueless for debates of public issues. He suggested that handfuls of people would be watching the debate. I would argue if it’s he and I up against almost any other program in prime time, we will come last in the ratings.

Again, I reiterate: happy to talk to him whenever the networks tell us we’re available.

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

A. Wilkinson: Well, I’m not sure if it’s humility on the part of the Premier or dismissal of the democratic process, but he’s just said how unimportant electoral reform is in the public eye, which is exactly wrong.

The question, open to the Premier…. Pick a date, 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Will you let us know right now, or are we going to get more evasions and dodging?

[11:20 a.m.]

Hon. J. Horgan: I’m surprised. I’m not at all confident that the member could recognize humility if he tripped over it, but that’s an aside. Instead, it appears…. Now having the third opportunity for me to stand and say, “I am happy to meet you any time, anywhere,” I’ll say it again. Whenever the networks say they’re available, I’ll show up, and we’ll see how well you do there.

IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX
ON BUSINESSES

M. Polak: Well, we’ve had one change of heart today. Let’s see if we can have another.

I’m here to talk about Jason VanderMey of West Coast Gardens. He is facing some really tough decisions about staff layoffs and raising prices for consumers just in order to pay for the NDP’s employer health tax.

To quote Jason: “We’ve spent the last 30 years growing a successful business, but we’ve decided that we will have to cancel crops because we just can’t keep it going with the payroll costs that are being put on us.”

What advice does the minister have for Jason? Should he lay off employees, should he raise costs, or is this another area where maybe we can convince the government that they ought to change their tack?

Hon. C. James: I am not surprised that the other side would once again want to make sure that they continued on with medical service premiums, making it more and more difficult for families and people in British Columbia.

Instead, I’m proud of our side, which is eliminating medical service premiums, saving individuals $900 and families $1,800. As we know, businesses benefit, as well, from a well-funded public health care system. We are going to continue to address affordability for families.

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

M. Polak: Well, if the minister continues to answer these types of questions that way, I can only conclude that she doesn’t understand how this tax affects small business — which, I suppose, is a kinder assumption than the other one that would naturally occur.

It turns out 44 percent of small businesses are going to pay this tax, just like West Coast Gardens. So let’s talk about Jason, because Jason is the one here whose business is being impacted. To quote him: “We hire all local people from South Surrey, Langley, White Rock. Because of the EHT, at least eight employees in the back half of the season will have to be laid off and lose their jobs.” That is the impact of this tax.

Will the minister please rethink what she’s doing to small businesses in British Columbia?

Hon. C. James: Hon. Speaker, 85 percent of businesses in British Columbia will not pay the employer health tax.

That’s not all. I think it’s important that we talk about the benefits to businesses that we have also put in our budget. We are eliminating the PST on electricity for businesses — 100 percent by April 1. We lowered the small business tax rate because we’re supporting small businesses and the competitiveness in British Columbia. The two issues that businesses say are the biggest challenges they face in this province — housing and child care…. We put record investments to resolve those.

MINING INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE
AND CLEAN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

A. Weaver: This government has been touting an LNG industry investment decision that will create, at most, 950 long-term jobs, yet B.C.’s internationally regarded mining industry, an industry that literally built our province, already employs more than 16,600.

While LNG prices have been sagging, solar has become the fastest-growing source of new energy worldwide. Photovoltaic cells need copper, molybdenum, silver and other metals that we produce in B.C. Batteries need lithium and graphite, the former of which has incredible potential at extraction when combined with geothermal energy production.

The B.C. Mining Association highlighted the opportunity that this presents in a 2017 report. We have the workforce, the resources and the innovation necessary to make B.C. a global hub for solar technology materials, yet we choose to invest in emissions-intensive sunset industries, with comparatively few long-term jobs.

[11:25 a.m.]

My question is to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Why are we giving untold billions in subsidies to an LNG industry instead of investing in the infrastructure that would create long-term, sustainable jobs in our existing mining industry?

Hon. M. Mungall: Thank you to the member for the question.

There is no doubt about it. Mining is a foundational economic sector in this province. It is critical to our overall economy. I’m so glad that the member sees the important value and that its future is involved in electric cars, like the one that the member drives, and is involved in renewable energy and all the potential that mining has in terms of our future and those opportunities.

I honestly can’t say why the B.C. Liberals chose not to do so much for this industry while they were in power. It was very unfortunate. Because of that 16 years of neglect, we have stepped in with our first order of business — to start the Mining Jobs Task Force — and we have done that. That task force includes representatives from First Nations, industry, labour, environmental organizations, local government and academia. They have come together. They are doing yeoman’s work to identify how we can ensure that British Columbia is one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world for this foundational sector to our economy. I look forward to their report.

Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Third Party on a supplemental.

A. Weaver: We’ve got an incredible opportunity to define a new vision for industrial development in our province. But it will take careful planning and a commitment to our clean growth strategy. This requires government to become more proactive in signalling the type of investment it wants in our province.

In rural B.C., this starts with ensuring that we have in place the electrification infrastructure so that both existing and prospective mines have the ability to hook up to our provincial grid, providing opportunities to electrify their operations while contributing to the creation of the clean energy sector.

My question to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is this: what tangible steps is her ministry taking to ensure that the province has the infrastructure in place to ensure that all future industrial development in our province can have access to the required electrification for their operations?

Hon. M. Mungall: Absolutely. I agree, exactly, with what the member was saying — how important mining is to our economy in this province. The opportunity to electrify our industries so that they are producing less and less greenhouse emissions is a huge opportunity and exactly where we need to be going.

It’s one of the reasons that we included mining in cutting PST on electricity. The mining sector is not having to pay PST on their electricity, incentivizing them further to adopt electricity for their operations.

It’s very important, as we look at the energy package as a whole, that we have the capacity, as well as the energy generation, so that we can meet future demand.

IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX
ON BUSINESSES

C. Oakes: The Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology received an interim report from his Small Business Task Force on July 23. Here is what it says: “Taxation is the number one challenge. The emerging tax on payroll will drive up the cost of doing business and may result in job reductions and price increases.”

To the Minister of Jobs: does he agree that small businesses must increase prices, accept layoffs or both?

Hon. B. Ralston: I thank the member for Cariboo North for the question.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and we are working very hard to support them. There are over 490,000 small businesses, employing over one million people, in British Columbia — a vital, dynamic part of the economy here in British Columbia.

Certainly, the general economic good news is shared by the prosperity of the small business sector. Job growth is up. The wages are up.

[11:30 a.m.]

The unemployment rate is the lowest among Canadian provinces. We’ve had a major investment, heralded globally, in the single biggest private infrastructure project in Canadian history.

All of this is good for not only the general economy but for small businesses throughout British Columbia, and they are sharing in that prosperity.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Cariboo North on a supplemental.

C. Oakes: This is what the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, who are here in the gallery today, had to say this week. “This is so backwards. The B.C. government celebrates Small Business Week by introducing the employer health tax with no relief for small businesses.”

Furthermore, here are a few other things that we’ve learned, and I know the report was presented to the minister. The barometer that the CFIB does with its small businesses had indicated that British Columbia has gone from the top of the list in business confidence for small businesses to the second-lowest in Canada for small businesses. Shame. That is not good enough.

Furthermore, contrary to what the Minister of Finance has said — that 60,000 small businesses will be paying the employer health tax — in fact, of people who pay payroll of small businesses, 44 percent will be impacted. CFIB and even the Minister of Jobs’ own task force are demanding higher employer health tax thresholds for small business.

On Small Business Week, will the minister commit to listening to businesses and accept the recommendations of his own task force?

Hon. B. Ralston: It is a real pleasure to talk about the economy here in British Columbia, and I appreciate the member giving me that opportunity. Let’s have a few statistics as well. Year-to-date retail sales are up 3.6 percent over last year. Exports are up 5.2 percent over last year. Manufacturing shipments are up 9.5 percent over last year. Wage growth is up 5.6 percent after years of stagnation, and that’s money that will be spent in small businesses in British Columbia.

I’ve appointed a Small Business Task Force. We’ve received the report, we are reflecting on the recommendations, and we will be coming forward with that report in due course.

EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX AND SMALL
BUSINESS TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS

S. Bond: First, the half-baked employer health tax was rushed out the door to be included in the budget against the NDP’s own MSP task force. Now it seems the rush is on to ignore yet another handpicked NDP task force.

On July 23, the Small Business Task Force wrote to the Minister of Jobs. “We will prepare a final report with recommendations for consideration in October 2018, in time for Small Business Week.”

Will the minister confirm for us that he has received the final report and the recommendations, and will he table that report today?

Hon. B. Ralston: It is another opportunity to talk about the great economy here in British Columbia, and I thank the member for giving me that opportunity.

Our government just secured the single largest private sector investment in the history of Canada. That has a real impact on the British Columbia economy. British Columbia has added over 33,000 full-time jobs since we first formed government. Since our budget last September, British Columbia has added 8,000 private sector jobs.

[11:35 a.m.]

We have the lowest unemployment rate among Canadian provinces. The unemployment rate dropped over 1 percent last month, and we continue, as I mentioned before, to lead the country in wage growth. Wages are up 5.6 percent this year.

Interjections.

Hon. B. Ralston: We’ve received the report. The ministry is reviewing it. Those recommendations and our comments on them will come forward in due course.

Mr. Speaker: Prince George–Valemount on a supplemental.

S. Bond: All right. This is a simple, straightforward question. Let’s just review it one more time. The NDP ignored their MSP Task Force, which said that the tax would hurt business competitiveness and that they shouldn’t double-dip. They ignored that.

Now their very own Small Business Task Force reports — not my words, words of the task force this minister picked: “The emerging tax on payroll will drive up their cost of doing business and may result in job reductions…and price increases.” Pretty significant issues being expressed by the Small Business Task Force, which this minister appointed.

A straight-up, simple, straightforward question: will the minister commit in this House today to accept the recommendations of his own handpicked task force? A simple question.

Hon. B. Ralston: I thank the member for her question. You know what’s really bad for small business? It’s the legacy of an out-of-control housing crisis that has led businesses to difficult circumstances.

Businesses large and small in our province have been struggling to recruit and retain workers because those workers cannot find accommodation and housing in the communities in which they want to work. That’s the legacy of that side of the House. They had 16 years to correct this.

When those opposite, including the member who just asked the question, were in power, they ignored the rising cost of child care that forced parents out of the workforce. I heard a representation from the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, in the member’s own community, saying that they wanted a proper daycare program so that they could recruit those workers to their firms in British Columbia.

I’m disappointed, once again, to hear the members opposite disparage the elimination of MSP premiums. Those MSP premiums were a burden for small business and large business here in the province. They are being eliminated.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

LOCAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING
AND THIRD-PARTY CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

T. Stone: Last November we warned the Minister of Municipal Affairs about the gaping loophole that she left in local election campaign financing legislation last fall — specifically, that there are no third-party contribution limits. Now we learn….

Interjections.

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

T. Stone: Now we learn that the NDP’s friends and insiders are exploiting this loophole, just as the minister most likely intended — in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, the Tri-Cities and the North Shore — all over the Lower Mainland, on behalf of 26 union-endorsed candidates.

My question is this. How does the minister explain the widespread exploitation of this loophole, which she is responsible for and which is making a mockery of local elections taking place across British Columbia?

Hon. S. Robinson: Well, it’s interesting to hear this from members from the other side, given that under the 16 years that they sat on this side, it was the Wild West. Even in Maclean’s magazine, it was “the Wild West.”

[11:40 a.m.]

In fact, the Leader of the Opposition back in 2017, April 13, said to the Globe and Mail: “We don’t have limits in British Columbia, and that’s how it has been working now for decades. It’s a system that works.” They were very, very happy to have $1 million contributions in election campaign financing. I want to remind the members that under their watch, there was a $943,000 contribution — this was in local elections — and they absolutely refused to do anything about it.

I think it’s important to also recognize that the third-party rules were introduced by the previous government back in 2015. This is their legislation.

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

T. Stone: We warned this minister back in the fall of 2017. We said that what was going to happen with the lack of third-party contribution limits, which are now so big you can drive a truck through them, was there was going to be undue influence by third-party organizations in the municipal election, and that is exactly what we are seeing take place across the elections at the moment.

Internal emails from the Vancouver and District Labour Council reveal a full campaign designed to exploit this minister’s loophole, including four full-time staff, 100,000 voter cards, $10,000 reimbursements per union staff campaign volunteer, direct mail, door-to-door canvassing, phone bank calls, data collection and sharing, and even voter identification and get-out-the-vote activities — all of which don’t have to be disclosed as third-party contributions.

Their motivations are clear. One of these emails also reads: “We cannot afford to see our municipal governments shift to the right.” The minister’s calculated decision to not include third-party contribution limits in the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act has given her union friends a free hand to influence the results of campaigns across the province. That’s on the minister.

In light of this, can the minister please explain to British Columbians how they can consider Saturday’s local elections anything but illegitimate?

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, order, please.

Hon. S. Robinson: A little bit of a swing and a miss, I think.

Sixteen years. I know everyone is moaning and groaning about it, but we need to really think about what that means. Sixteen years where there have to have been at least three or four local government elections. We were the embarrassment of North America for big money influence.

I sat on the task force to look at local elections spending. Our side, when we were in opposition, begged for the opportunity to look at contribution limits. We begged for the opportunity. We moved a motion to ask to do that, and that side shut it down. They refused to look at contribution limits.

We kept our promise to end the influence of big money and make the system work for people, and we’re going to continue to do that so that it’s a fair playing field for the people of British Columbia.

M. de Jong: Will the minister assure British Columbians that the NDP itself isn’t making use of this loophole to provide undisclosed third-party support to certain munici­pal candidates?

[11:45 a.m.]

Hon. S. Robinson: I appreciate the opportunity to, once again, remind everybody in this House and British Columbians about how the previous government absolutely refused to acknowledge that their contribution limits were an issue — $943,000 to the NPA, which is the farm team for the people sitting on the other side of this House.

It was outrageous. I remember the headlines at that election. It was disgusting. British Columbians were just beside themselves looking at how this was actually even possible.

They had an opportunity to address it. They formed a task force. They invited our side and their side to look together. We toured the province. We were in five or six different areas to look at how to address campaign spending finance. And they refused to do anything.

Mr. Speaker: Abbotsford West on a supplemental.

M. de Jong: Well, longtime NDP supporter Derek Corrigan, the baron of Burnaby, is in trouble. He’s facing a genuine challenge from a professional firefighter, Michael Hurley.

Again I ask the minister. Will she assure this House and British Columbians today that her party isn’t using her loophole to help her friend Derek Corrigan?

Hon. S. Robinson: That sounds a bit like an accusation. That’s a very serious accusation. So I’m a little bit offended, actually, I have to say, by that intended accusation, which is completely inappropriate. Elections B.C. will certainly be taking a look to make sure that everyone has followed the rules.

[End of question period.]

Hon. J. Sims: I seek permission to do introductions, please.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

Hon. J. Sims: It’s my pleasure, because we have guests here with us today, to introduce Barj Dhahan, who’s here with a delegation. Barj Dhahan is a businessman who has a real love for the Punjabi language and the literature, and he helped to establish the Punjabi literature Dhahan Prize.

Accompanying him are Mr. Baldev Singh Sadaknama, winner of the 2018 Dhahan Prize, from Punjab, India; Dr. Nasir Abbas Baloch, finalist of the 2018 Dhahan Prize, Lahore, Pakistan; Mr. Harpreet Sekha, finalist of the 2018 Dhahan Prize, from Surrey, B.C.; and Prof. Raghbir Singh Surijana, chair of the Dhahan Prize international advisory committee and, of course, father to the MLA for Surrey–Green Timbers; Mr. Swaranjit Singh Sadiora; Mrs. Manjit Kaur Sadiora; Ms. Harinder Kaur Dhahan, director of the Canada-India Education Society and the Dhahan Prize submissions coordinator, from Vancouver; Ms. Harkeerit Shoker, Dhahan Prize team member from Vancouver; Ms. Saroop Soofi, Dhahan Prize, art and design, from Vancouver; Mr. Simran Dhaliwal, 2016 Dhahan Prize finalist for the short story collection Us Pal. The English translation, meaning “That Moment,” by Dr. Kusum Soni, Abbotsford, will be released on Thursday evening, October 18, at SFU Surrey, Amritsar, India.

Please help me welcome them.

Tabling Documents

Hon. D. Eby: I’d be honoured to present the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia annual report for 2017-18.