Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: L. Throness.

[10:05 a.m.]

Tributes

KIM MANTON

Hon. C. James: I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to an extraordinary woman; an extraordinary citizen; an extraordinary sister, daughter, aunt, citizen, labour organizer, colleague, rebel rouser, political activist and friend. Kim Manton passed away at her home on June 26, surrounded by her family, after a two-year journey with ovarian cancer.

You often hear people described as having a sunny disposition. Well, Kim Manton was the sunshine. It didn’t matter how large or small the gathering was. Kim would be there with her enthusiasm, her passion, her energy and, usually, a few sparkles, some rainbows and unicorns thrown in to make sure everyone knew how excited she was.

She really was larger than life in everything she did. Just being around Kim made you want to work harder, do more, reach even further to be able to make this world a better place. She cared deeply about social justice and showed that every day in her life and her work with CUPE, the Victoria Labour Council, the B.C. Federation of Labour, the NDP, the United Way, our caucus and all of the many causes that she took on.

She loved her garden. She loved sitting in her garden and having a glass of wine. She loved her hometown of Port Alberni. She loved her cats. She loved her family. She loved her friends. She took great joy in the small and the large things in life. All of us will remember her excitement when she and her dad went out to pick up her ride-on lawn mower. Everyone heard about it, and that was just Kim. She’s left us much too soon. But we’re all better people having had Kim Manton in our lives.

I want to close with Kim’s last words to all of us. She said: “Be kind, or I’m going to come back and haunt you.” And that would be Kim. A life incredibly well lived, gone too soon.

We love you, Kim.

Statements
(Standing Order 25B)

NORTH SHORE SENIORS CARE FACILITIES
AND COVID-19 OUTBREAKS

J. Thornthwaite: The North Shore has been devastatingly hard hit from the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada. Care homes in my community were not only some of the first impacted, but the first COVID-19 death in Canada was also, sadly, at the Lynn Valley care home.

Today I would like to dedicate my two-minute statement to all those who’ve lost their lives to COVID. My thoughts are with their families. It was heartbreaking to hear, day after day, Dr. Bonnie Henry’s daily updates that our community was facing such a challenge in fighting COVID. I’m deeply saddened by the deaths, and my thoughts remain with the loved ones and care aides who looked after those elderly patients.

[10:10 a.m.]

I received many emails and calls from frantic loved ones who were worried that the care of their elderly relative was not being adequately addressed. Communication between the family members and the facilities had broken down, and not enough staff…. In some instances, at the beginning of the pandemic, some staff not showing up because they feared for their own health.

I thank the brave staff who continued to care for these residents during the height of the pandemic, even though they were worried about their own health. They, too, are our health care heroes.

Thankfully, the outbreaks are now over, but family members were still prevented from seeing their loved ones until very recently. Some died without them by their side.

Our party has requested an independent review to better inform regulators on the physical, medical and staffing requirements that were lacking and likely contributed to the transmission of the virus throughout these homes. A complete review of the funding model for seniors care is needed. It also must include home care as well as residential and medical care.

It is evident we need a better human resources strategy to meet the growing need for seniors care. For sure, we need structural changes, because four people sharing a room and a bathroom clearly speeds up transmission.

If there is a silver lining in this crisis, Mr. Speaker, it is that finally the needs and the care of our seniors will be given the attention they deserve moving forward to not only prevent another crisis but to improve the lives and care of our most valuable and vulnerable citizens.

SURREY COMMUNITY RESPONSE
TO COVID-19

J. Sims: The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the way we work, the way we play, the way we learn and the way we live and interact with each other. This has afforded challenges — absolutely — but also some amazing opportunities.

I have seen British Columbians in every corner of the province step forward and support each other, the goodness that has welled out. It has been across cultures, across ethnicities and across socioeconomic barriers. Today I want to talk about a few of these.

The Surrey Crime Prevention Society has been continuing to provide and promote community safety throughout the city. Their volunteers have been doing an amazing job of making sure safety is paramount during these difficult times.

South Fraser Search and Rescue, in my riding, although it is tougher to remain physically distant during operations, continues to respond to rescue missions and is helping those in need.

Of course, we can’t forget the Surrey and BC SPCA, who have been working with a skeleton crew of staff and volunteers while still caring for hundreds of animals, conducting animal cruelty investigations as well as dealing with large numbers of adoptions.

A shout-out to Tong Louie and the Greater Vancouver YMCA, who have provided free virtual activities for both the mind and the body for all age groups. They have launched YCamp to keep kids active and engaged during the summer.

Farmers and farmworkers.

Last but not least — I could go on — I really want to do a shout-out to the funeral homes: Valley View Funeral Home, Riverside Funeral Home and others. They, during these very challenging times, held our hands as we experienced the ultimate losses that were experienced by many. I know when I lost my mother, Valley View Funeral Home held our hand and guided us through the process during very, very challenging times.

Thank you to every British Columbian who has stepped forward to be kind and to be supportive because that’s who we are.

TOURISM IN CARIBOO-CHILCOTIN

D. Barnett: Tourism in the Cariboo-Chilcotin is a large part of our economic well-being in the region. Virtually every sector of the local economy benefits from tourism. Rodeos, stampedes, music festivals, antique car shows and garlic festivals are just a few attractions that bring tourism dollars to our region. So, too, are fishing on our many lakes, hiking, camping, biking or simply taking a breather. All activities benefit our region.

Highway 97, Highway 20 and Highway 24 are quite often regarded as highways of gold because of the income they bring to many guide-outfitters, tour operators and the hospitality industry. Access to tourism is conducted through these highways. When one is closed, it has a significant economic impact.

[10:15 a.m.]

Natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, since 2017, have been the cause of many shutdowns and business failures. However, our highway crews are fabulous at their jobs. Within a short period of time, the roads are quickly opened to allow for local traffic and the important visitors to the region. As a result of the pandemic, British Columbians are being asked to see their own province and to travel to places they have never been before.

As an MLA from rural British Columbia, I understand the fears of remote communities in welcoming visitors from the outside regions. Thanks to the work of Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia is one of the safest jurisdictions in the world.

It is time to get started on rebuilding our economy. That means all highways, including Highway 20, must be open to benefit the whole region. It is hoped by many that the government will ensure this highway is accessible to all before it is too late for many families.

SMALL BUSINESSES AND FARMERS MARKETS
IN ESQUIMALT-METCHOSIN

M. Dean: Where do you find the best doughnuts in Victoria? Esquimalt, at Guido’s Cafeé. I visited them recently. They’ve adapted their business model, have kept open safely and have so far survived COVID-19.

I picked up some freshly roasted coffee beans at the Esquimalt Roasting Co. and heard how they had managed to build business, important for a new company in such precarious times.

Also in Esquimalt is the weekly farmers market. Another “best of” winner, it was the first to open during the pandemic, following all the protocols and creating a wonderful environment for local vendors and customers to support each other. The Metchosin market opened later, with just as much success. The lineup was long, and people were very patient, waiting for their turn to buy local produce.

Farmers in Metchosin had already been finding ways to open farm stands. I was able to get our seeds for the garden in time to sow, ready for the summer. Another stand in Metchosin pivoted to making face masks. Thanks to Charmaine Welch, our local Fudge Fairy, for making handpicked designs and ten-year-old-sized masks for my daughter.

Across Esquimalt-Metchosin, businesses and customers have been adapting. Penny, a View Royal winemaker, has been working long hours to keep her business open and safe. Royal Bay Bakery in Colwood often has lines outside as customers keep distant while also bringing business. And watch out for the Songhees Nation food truck.

I’m proud to support the businesses in our community and thank everyone for choosing to shop locally and safely.

JIM ASHWORTH

D. Clovechok: I’m honoured to rise here today in this House to recognize a man who is truly an inspiration and who, back home, we think is a national treasure. That’s 101-year-young Jim Ashworth.

Jim was born in Cranbrook on April 13, 1919, and spent his formative years growing up in Invermere. Jim joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941, where he received his flight training in Claresholm, Alberta, and then shipped off to Britain to become a fighter pilot. When Jim arrived, the RAF wanted him to become a flight instructor, which he felt was not in the cards for him. He conveniently failed the instructor’s course several times and was finally sent to where he wanted to be. That was an advanced flying unit.

From January 1943 to June 1944, he flew over 50 combat missions in his Hurricane fighter over Southeast Asia with the RAF No. 20 Squadron. He unfortunately ended up contracting malaria and then dengue fever, which resulted in his return to Canada.

Jim is one of the oldest surviving recipients of the Burma Star Medal, which was presented to those who served in military operations during the Burma campaign. Jim called me one morning and told me that he was inspired by his comrades-in-arms, Capt. Tom Moore of England and John Hillman of Victoria, both Burma Star recipients. It came as no surprise to me that Jim wanted to get into the COVID-19 fight and do what he could, saying: “There are not many Burma Star people left, and I decided to become the third one to get into this initiative by doing something here in our valley.”

I was proud to be able to set him up with the Columbia Valley Food Bank for what was next to come. Jim picked the goal of walking 101 blocks, targeting $1,000 per block. To accomplish this, he decided he would walk four blocks a day from his home in Invermere, where he and his wife still live, to the Columbia Valley gardens, right near the hospital. His goal was to be done by July 5. Well, he beat it and completed his 101 blocks on June 6, which was a suitable D-Day event.

[10:20 a.m.]

Jim then pulled a Forrest Gump. He’s still walking, and today he’s closing in on 200 blocks. As one of the reasons he continued, he cited: “I have to maintain my waistline.” To date, Jim has raised almost $36,000.

Will this House join me in congratulating and thanking Jim for his continued service right here on our home front in the COVID-19 battle that we are winning so far.

Thanks, Jim.

NANAIMO SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
SYSTEM DURING COVID-19

S. Malcolmson: Exceptional school work in Nanaimo got us through a school year like no other. Teachers worked long hours making sure that students had a safe place to learn, essential service workers’ children were taken care of and children who stayed home weren’t left out. Admin and tech staff juggled completely new ways of teaching and scheduling, and school workers took on new levels of cleaning and safety. Special thanks to CUPE 606 here.

Parents stepped up in exceptional ways, and students rose to every challenge, including students from Dover Bay, who I didn’t mention yesterday when I was giving a shout-out to all of the high school grads.

Board chair Charlene McKay saluted school district 68’s five community school workers, who have made 100,000 meals for students during this time. They’re keeping breakfast and lunch hampers running through the summer, partnering with Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation. McKay said this will support students through the summer months, which is something new compared to other years. The need is high in our region, so school district 68 staff will be supporting those efforts.

Denise Wood, who’s president of the Nanaimo District Teachers Association, described grade 7 students transitioning to high school being celebrated in new ways. They received virtual tours of their high schools instead of the usual visits. Grade 12 grad ceremonies took hours of planning and many, many hours to execute. At Barsby, grad took two full days, with each student honoured individually with their family in attendance.

The same with Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre’s grad ceremony for Tsawalk students. I was with them on the shores of the creek in Bowen Park. Each of the five grads clustered with their family, each honoured by a team of teachers, principal James Lemmon and Elder Sally Williams overseeing it all.

Then to finish, president of Vancouver Island University Deb Saucier wrote to every grad in Nanaimo, welcoming them to Vancouver Island University. I hear that there was an uptick in applications as a result.

A special shout-out to my friend Leah, who’s going into nursing school in VIU. We need you.

Congrats to all the students and the huge team of Nanaimo education workers who made all of the difference at a time when we really needed you to. Thank you.

Oral Questions

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR
TOURISM INDUSTRY

A. Wilkinson: Well, we all know this has been a summer like no other, and the waters of British Columbia have not seen a complete absence of cruise ships probably since World War II. Our hotels often stand nearly empty, and many are still closed. And 130,000 tourism industry workers have lost their jobs. They’re wondering what their future holds.

They’re anxious, they’re worried, and they’re waiting for a government recovery plan. Unfortunately, the tourism sector was specifically excluded from the Premier’s economic recovery team. To date, all they’ve seen is a survey to fill out.

We heard yesterday that the federal government has announced $46 million in funding for Quebec and Atlantic tourism industry operators.

The question obviously comes to the Premier. When is the Premier going to ask for British Columbia’s fair share of $20 million from the federal government to give some faint glimmer of hope to the B.C. tourism industry?

Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Obviously, tourism is a fundamental component of our economy and has been a stalwart in communities right across British Columbia, particularly here in southern Vancouver Island.

As we go into this most extraordinary of summers, as the Leader of the Opposition quite rightly says, what we on this side of the House have done is asked British Columbians to do what they can to move around British Columbia now that we’ve moved to phase 3, a cautious reopening of the economy — which was the desire of the overwhelming number of people we’ve spoken to over the past number of months, including the tourist sector — to make sure that there’s confidence and to make sure that the public feels that they can go safely to destinations with their families and with their friends and that the workers at those places also feel a level of comfort.

[10:25 a.m.]

Unprecedented support with WorkSafeBC, public health officials and sector-by-sector plans has put us in a position, quite frankly, that’s the envy of Canada.

With respect to the particular of the member’s question — what are we asking from the federal government? — we continue to work every week with the Prime Minister and his team. There is a restart plan in the works, a $14-and-change-billion program that will be for all Canadians across the country. The provinces are, of course, all looking for a greater share of that $14 billion.

I stand ready to work with the federal government when they’re prepared to bring their package to British Columbia. Why we have been successful, Member, and I think we’d get majority support on this initiative, is because we’ve been collaborative. We have been working with people, whether they be sector by sector, whether they be different orders of government or whether they be with labour or business. The opposition has been of tremendous help so far, and we hope that will continue into the summer.

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

A. Wilkinson: Well, it’s cold comfort to the tour bus operator I spoke with two weeks ago whose revenue is down 97 percent since March 15. It’s cold comfort to the events managers and convention managers I’ve spoken with whose revenue has been zero since March 15. We’ve heard the Premier talk about process, but we don’t see any results.

The question arises: how is it that Quebec and Atlantic Canada managed to get their fair share of federal money and the Premier didn’t even bother to include the tourism sector in his economic recovery plan? There are 130,000 people sitting at home wondering if they’ve got a future. Some of them are employees who don’t know whether they’ll have a job to go back to. Others are tourism operators, because it’s overwhelmingly run by small businesses.

They’re running out of money, Premier. This fall there will be thousands of them declaring bankruptcy.

The question comes back to the Premier. Has the Premier made the proper overtures to the federal government to get the kind of support they’re getting in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, or is this yet another opportunity to ignore the tourism industry like he did in his recovery plan?

Hon. J. Horgan: I haven’t ignored anything, quite frankly, and I’m offended by the allegation from the Leader of the Official Opposition. I appreciate that this is question period and hyperbole is the order of the day, but everyone in this House is committed to making sure that British Columbians come out of this better off than we went into it. Unprecedented — we all understand that. I appreciate that we will see rhetoric go up and down in this place over the summer months, but we are as committed as anyone in this place to make sure that every industry that was adversely affected has support from this government.

We’ve been working very collaboratively with the federal government time after time, to the point where, against the wishes of some Premiers, the federal government will be implementing a universal across-Canada sick pay program that will be fully funded by the federal government. That’s an assistance to every business, every worker in this province and, in fact, in this country. It came from collaboration.

I hope that there’s going to be more questions on this subject. I know the Minister of Tourism is anxious to get on to this. She is going to be able to tell you about meetings that are happening at the ministerial level today about these very issues.

We are not being negligent, hon. Member. We are protecting the interest of British Columbians. You may have noticed that there are some communities…. Even in the statement from the Member for Cariboo-Chilcotin…. There’s anxiety in communities about people coming. There’s an overwhelming desire to keep the border closed. That’s a challenge for tour operators. There’s no question about that. We’re going to continue working with them.

M. Stilwell: This government has had a lack of support for the tourism industry. It’s nothing new. Last year we saw a decline in attendance of the province’s most popular tourism attractions.

What did the Minister of Tourism think would be a good idea? She decided to cut the marketing budget that helps support the tourism industry.

I’d like to ask the Minister of Tourism if that money to the marketing Destination B.C. has been restored.

Hon. L. Beare: As the members well know, COVID-19 has impacted all British Columbians and all sectors in our economy. Our government knows and recognizes that the tourism sector has been particularly hard hit. But I really want to remind the opposition that we have flattened our curve here in B.C. due to a really strong, coordinated provincial approach and due to all British Columbians taking Dr. Henry’s advice and recommendations so serious and to heart.

[10:30 a.m.]

For tourism, we are focusing on response, recovery and resilience, and our government is taking action. We did provide $5 billion in supports right away, which includes the 19,000 tourism businesses and the 160,000 jobs that people in the tourism industry relied on. We were able to redirect $6 million of Destination B.C.’s funding to create our domestic marketing campaign.

We are speaking with the federal government. I just met with Minister Joly and the western provinces’ tourism ministers last week to discuss ongoing funding and, as the previous member asked, the funding allocated to Quebec and Atlantic Canada. We’re working together moving forward.

We’re working with the tourism industry to hear what supports they need as we move towards recovery. We’re going to keep working together, because our government understands the value of tourism here in B.C. We’re going to continue to work with the sector as we move towards recovery.

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

M. Stilwell: Well, that was a lengthy response with not really a true answer from the minister. While she continues to delay things, she says that she’s working together and listening to the sector, yet the sector predicts that three out of four tourism jobs could disappear. Today we will have hotel workers on the front lawns of this Legislature who are worried about their future.

Here’s what the tourism operators in the Kootenay region have been saying: “Many businesses are extremely fearful that support, if any, will come after they’ve closed their doors permanently.” Eleven tourism operators have written to the Premier expressing their concern, expressing their disappointment about the lack of action from this government.

Minister, I believe they have waited long enough. When will the minister unveil a comprehensive plan that provides sector-specific supports for the tourism industry?

Hon. L. Beare: You know what? I’m really happy that the opposition is finally realizing how important the value of tourism is here in B.C. I want to remind the members opposite that it has been almost 2½ years since they’ve posed a question about this vitally important sector here in our province.

We are working and listening and hearing the industry’s concerns. That’s why we immediately provided workers and businesses supports. We provided commercial properties up to a 75 percent reduction in rents. We reduced tax bills by an average of 25 percent. We provided workers a $1,000 one-time payment for those workers affected. We provided $10 million towards 59 B.C. community destination marketing organizations so that they can support the local businesses as we are welcoming guests across B.C. once again.

So $400,000 is going to 15 tourism associations — these include farmers markets, ski associations, mountain biking — to ensure that they have health and safety and marketing plans. And $130,000 is going to community-owned visitor networks, visitor centres, as part of our visitor service network to ensure that they have physical distancing and sanitation measures in place. We have $1.5 million going to smaller CDMOs so that they can work with the sectors and participate in Destination B.C.’s co-op marketing program.

These are just some of the examples of the work being done to date and how much our government values tourism. We know, absolutely know, that there’s more to be done. That’s why we’re continuing to work with the sector. We’re going to continue to identify their priorities as we move towards recovery together with the sector.

FUNDING FOR
YOUTH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

S. Furstenau: As a result of COVID-19 and the subsequent economic slowdown, we have seen well over 140,000 young people become unemployed. If we do not immediately address this level of unemployment in our youth, the negative effects personally to those affected and economically to our province will be felt for many years to come.

Recently the government announced the creation of 500 green jobs through the youth community partnership program — a number far too small, but we’ll get to that issue shortly.

[10:35 a.m.]

First my question is to the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. The government press release and subsequent coverage makes it unclear as to the source of the funding for this youth community partnership program. Could the minister please break down for us how much money for this program came from the federal government and how much from the province?

Hon. M. Mark: I’d like to thank the member opposite for the question. Youth programming is deeply important to me and our government. One of the first things that we did was eliminate and make it free for students to get adult basic education. We launched the first tuition waiver program for former youth in care. We fund the BladeRunners program, which is a provincewide program that helps at-risk young people. We’re deeply committed to having young people enter the trades. We’re working with the Industry Training Authority to get young people in the trades, and 7,000 young people accessed training in pre-apprenticeship programs.

The member opposite is asking a question about our workforce development agreement, which was negotiated with the federal government. It was to provide British Columbia with the flexibility that we need to be responsive.

Just for the record, we are still in the middle of a pandemic. We’re in the middle of COVID. We have been planning and working and funding and supporting programs for youth from day one. The announcement that was made last week with my colleague the Minister for Poverty Reduction and Social Development is about partnerships. It’s about building environmental stewardship programs throughout the province, getting young people into the labour market.

We have to remember that some of these 15-year-olds are getting their first job. The needs of 27-year-olds might be different. So the program is really about getting young people out there. “Build back better” are words that we’ve been using — building those trails that people are using throughout our province, building those patios that we want people to be accessing.

The member opposite was just talking about tourism and the fact that we’re in the middle of the recovery phase. We’re in the middle of trying to get people back out of their homes and into the jobs, getting that work experience. So I appreciate the question from the member opposite.

There’s always more to do. One of the things that I’m most proud of in Budget 2020 is our B.C. access grant, which is going to support young people to go back to school and get up to $4,000 to train at public post-secondary institutions.

We know that there’s always more to do, but for the time being, we’re going to get through this pandemic together, and we’re going to do it by not leaving young people behind.

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

S. Furstenau: I recognize and commend the minister for the many programs that she’s itemized. However, that wasn’t the question I asked.

The program that was announced last week, this youth community partnership program, provides 500 jobs. Now, we have a situation where we have over 140,000 youth unemployed in British Columbia, which would mean that 500 jobs would account for less than 1 percent of employment for those youth. However, it is employment in sectors that would really help with a recovery to COVID, to the pandemic that the minister speaks of, because it would promote not only economic growth, skills training and job opportunities but also restoration of the environment, which is much needed across the province.

I guess I’ll come back to the original question that I had for the minister. In the announcement, it said that the funding is being provided by Advanced Education, Skills and Training, $2 million, and Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, $3 million. However, what it doesn’t identify is how much of that funding came from the federal government and how much from the provincial government. If it was indeed $5 million from the federal government, I’m wondering about how the province can leverage more of that money by adding funding from the province so that we can see far more jobs created for youth, which are sorely needed.

My question, again, is to the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. Could the minister tell us how much of that funding came from the federal government and what she will do to leverage that so we get far more than 500 much-needed youth jobs in this province?

[10:40 a.m.]

Hon. M. Mark: I guess I would just say to the hon. member that we’re in a very challenging time. It’s not for a lack of people wanting to return to work. We need to make sure that the working conditions are safe. We need to make sure that we are working with the provincial health officer and WorkSafeBC to make sure, again, that the conditions are safe for young people.

This isn’t just a program to help 500 young people. Our ministry is helping offer a suite of programs to young people like BladeRunners, as mentioned earlier, for at-risk youth to get skills and training.

The workforce development agreement is $685 million negotiated between the province of B.C. and the federal government to allow us the flexibility to meet the needs of the community and to be responsive.

We’re not just supporting young people to work on the environmental stewardship program. We want young people to enter the trades. We need young people to enter the trades. We are moving the dial to have young people involved in the trades as well as going back to school, trying to make it more affordable for young people to go back to school. The B.C. access grant was the first lift in a decade after the former government cut it. We are deeply committed to making sure that we open the doors to opportunity.

We recognize that this is a very challenging time. My daughter is 16 years old. These young people are graduating in the middle of the health pandemic. We know that there is more to do. This is a temporary measure, across a continuum of services, that we know young people are signing up for. We helped 4,200 young people last year that were at risk get funding through this workforce development….

Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Minister.

Perhaps I could remind ministers. I’m sure every British Columbian appreciates the fullest answer possible, but we want to weigh that against making sure we give appropriate time for the opposition to ask questions. I’ve noticed in the last few sittings that there’s been a significant imbalance here.

So just a friendly reminder — if those responses can be as full as possible yet as short as possible. Thank you.

STRATA INSURANCE COST INCREASES

T. Stone: In question period yesterday, the Housing Minister mentioned over and over how important it is to work really closely with the insurance sector to build “a robust insurance framework” in B.C. She went to great lengths to talk about how concerned she is about the financial well-being of the insurance industry. Yet we have thousands of British Columbians who are facing soaring strata insurance costs, and the minister has not put any relief on the table to help those many British Columbians.

Arla writes: “This is totally unfair for the majority of people who live in condos, especially for persons with disabilities, seniors and those on a fixed income.”

My question to the Minister of Housing would be this. Where is the relief for Arla and the thousands of other strata owners who desperately need some help? They need that help today.

Hon. S. Robinson: This is an urgent problem for thousands of people living in condo and strata buildings, especially when we’re in this very difficult time of COVID. This is an extremely complex issue in the private insurance industry that has been years in the making.

We have been working together with the sectors to bring forward some legislation, which is on the order paper — I look forward to the debate — in order to bring the relief that people that live in condominiums and that are struggling under the weight of the private insurance sector need.

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

T. Stone: Not much in that response to address the concerns that thousands of strata owners have at the soaring strata insurance costs under this government’s watch.

Perhaps the Premier, who seems like he has a few things to say, might stand up and actually talk about these soaring strata insurance costs and what he’s going to do to provide relief. He’s been missing in action on this issue.

[10:45 a.m.]

Yesterday the Minister of Housing said that she wants to ensure…. Just wait for this, Premier. The minister said it’s important that “the insurance sector has some comfort in knowing that they, too, can make money.” She even mentioned how pleased the insurance industry is with her plan.

Now, I’m pretty certain that the thousands of British Columbians that have been hit hard with soaring strata insurance costs are going to take cold comfort from those comments from the minister. These are people that are facing huge increases in their monthly strata fees. They’re facing deductibles that, in many cases, are higher value than the actual value of their home. Some of them are even at risk of losing their homes. The glaring reality is this: the minister and her government have put nothing on the table — no relief for British Columbians hit hard today.

We heard from Heather. Heather writes: “I’m afraid I might lose my home. I’m almost a senior, but as a result of these increases, we won’t be retiring anytime soon.”

Again to the Minister of Housing, where is the relief that Heather and Arla so desperately need from this government — not months and years from now, but relief that they need today?

Hon. S. Robinson: Well, the member for Kamloops–South Thompson himself said that there’s no silver bullet here. What I find quite fascinating is that the opposition is trying to pretend that they didn’t have a hand in this at all.

Let’s be really clear. They created a depreciation report loophole, and condominium owners like Heather are paying the price because they created this loophole. I find that it’s outrageous to think that they have had no hand in this. They made a choice, and they chose to allow condo owners to not do depreciation reports.

In fact, I find it actually quite interesting. In a recent letter to the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition said that he now supports changes that would require a yearly depreciation report…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. S. Robinson: And it’s [audio interrupted] to me that the opposition recognizes the value in this. But yesterday the Liberal member for Penticton tweeted that the loophole should remain, and stratas should be allowed to defer these reports endlessly.

I feel for the opposition, as they continue to struggle to figure out exactly where they stand on this issue and others.

M. Polak: To hear the minister talk, it’s all about depreciation reports and lack of maintenance. That’s just not the case. I can show you row upon row of absolutely brand-new townhomes in Langley that are struggling to get insurance. And when they do finally get it, they find that the deductibles are about the same cost as purchasing their home in the very first place.

This isn’t about depreciation reports. It’s not about maintenance. I’m hoping that today the minister has a much better answer for these desperate homeowners than to just raid their reserve fund. Maybe she could give that a try today for us.

Hon. S. Robinson: I want to remind everyone that we do have a bill on the order paper, and it’s a comprehensive bill that does a number of things. Because even as the members opposite recognize, there is no silver bullet to resolve what’s been a growing problem, so there are many different component parts to the bill. Maybe, for the record, it’s time to read that in, and I look forward to debating it.

Through amendments to the Strata Property Act and the Financial Institutions Act, we’re going to end the practice of referral fees between insurers or insurance brokers and property managers or other third parties. We’re going to set out clear guidelines for what strata corporations are required to insure to help the strata councils make informed decisions on their insurance policies.

We’re going to require that strata corporations inform owners about insurance coverage; provide notice of any policy changes, including increasing deductibles; and allow stratas to use their contingency reserve fund, when necessary, to pay for unexpected premium increases. We’re also going to protect strata unit owners against large lawsuits from strata corporations if the owner was legally responsible for a loss or damage but through no fault of their own

Furthermore, the legislation will allow us to identify when stratas are not required to get full insurance coverage….

Interjections.

Hon. S. Robinson: And there’s a whole range of other things. I look forward to the debate.

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

M. Polak: All she’s proven with that recitation is that her bill offers zero immediate help for these people who are absolutely desperate.

[10:50 a.m.]

There’s nothing. There’s zero in this bill that’s going to provide any immediate help. In fact, we’re hearing from homeowners that the bill actually makes things worse. Here’s what Cathy had to say, from Langley: “Instead of a life raft, they’ve thrown us an anchor.”

To the minister, where is the immediate relief that these people need? It’s not in her bill.

Hon. S. Robinson: It actually is in the bill. This is a first step to resolve what has been a growing problem for a number of years. It’s about fixing what the previous government left and created. This is an opportunity to change legislation that needs to be done and to continue to do more to make sure that we can address these surprising insurance increases.

Now, I think it’s important to note that experts are saying that these initiatives that we are taking are going to have a positive effect for consumers. This is from Tony Gioventu, the executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association, who said so on CKNW. We also have Aaron Sutherland from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, who said that this is going to help with the affordability and availability of strata insurance.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Abbotsford West, and we’ll allow your supplemental question if it goes over.

M. de Jong: Well, it’s thrilling to hear that the minister is still quoting from the international insurance sector and how pleased they are. But I’ll tell you who’s not pleased.

This week 120 families are going to meet in Abbotsford. They are residents of one strata development. They’re going to look at two pieces of paper. They’re going to look at the piece of paper that was their insurance cost for last year. It was $80,000. Then they’re going to look at the second, which is the invoice for this year, which is $540,000.

They’re going to see that their deductible is going up from $25,000 to $250,000. That’s more than most of the units in the building are worth. They’re going to realize that the strata fees are going to go up $350 a month, and they can’t afford it. I hope the minister understands that they’re confronted by a choice, and that is to sign on to an insurance policy that they can’t afford or to leave their building uninsured.

A piece of legislation that says to them, “Dig into the contingency reserve,” is not an answer. “That’s been part of the problem,” the minister says, “people not doing their maintenance.” So now she says the solution is to take the very money that they need to repair the roof next year and give it to an insurance company. What these people need is immediate relief.

Will the minister stand here and offer them some hope as these 120 families meet this week and provide some immediate relief for them?

Hon. S. Robinson: This is an absolutely urgent problem. It is urgent for the thousands of people living in condo and strata buildings. It’s one that we started to see just this fall. It just started to appear. I think the member is correct in that this is a very difficult time for many families, for those who are living in strata buildings. On top of that, we are in COVID. So that does create some specific, very significant challenges.

This is also a very complex issue, and it’s one that’s in the private insurance industry and that has been years in the making. We’re going to continue working with the sectors. We’re going to continue working with the strata owners. We’re going to continue working to make sure that we have a robust, healthy insurance sector that means that people can get the kind of product that they need, get the kind of coverage that they need for the long term.

This is going to take some more effort. We’re taking first steps with this piece of legislation, and we’re going to continue to work with all parties in order to bring resolution and resolve to these families that are really challenged.

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

[10:55 a.m.]

M. de Jong: I have talked about one group, 120 families. There are neighbourhoods — strata developments, but they’re neighbourhoods — of families all over British Columbia who are facing precisely the same choice now. Not six months, not 12 months from now but this week and next week. It’s a choice between signing on to an insurance policy that they cannot afford, that will drive their monthly strata fees up by $200, $300, $400, sometimes $500 a month.

I’m sorry. It doesn’t cut it for the minister to say: “Well, it’s complex.” It is, I suppose, complex. But it’s pretty simple and it’s pretty immediate for a family who is sitting there saying: “I can’t afford another $350 a month that will take my strata cost and make it more than my mortgage payment.”

Instead of politicizing this, instead of blaming political parties and previous governments, will the minister give these people some hope, give these families some hope and provide them today, this week, with some immediate relief that they can rely upon in making the decision that they are confronted by now?

Hon. S. Robinson: I know that members on all sides of the House recognize the urgency and the challenges and how important it is to address these cost increases. We have taken immediate steps, and there’s absolutely more to do. But again I want to remind all members of the House that even the member for Kamloops–South Thompson said that there is no silver bullet. The experts are saying there is no silver bullet. But we are committed to working together with everyone to make sure that we can address this ongoing challenge and resolve it for the people here in this province.

[End of question period.]