Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

M. Elmore: I’m honoured to rise and speak to the motion to recognize Black History Month here in the province of British Columbia.

[J. Tegart in the chair.]

The month of February, in B.C. and across Canada, is recognized as Black History Month. We know Black Canadians have been a fundamental part of British Columbia even before the province was officially established. Often the contributions have been overlooked in the past.

The history of Black History Month comes from the United States, efforts there for the community to recognize and celebrate their history and also in the context of the civil rights struggle in the United States. It was officially adopted here in Canada and British Columbia in February 2008.

It was Sen. Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate of Canada. He brought a motion to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians and also to recognize February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.

It’s now February 2024, and we’re continuing to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of individ­uals from the Black community and also the barriers they’ve experienced. We have a history of colonization and the realities of systemic and institutionalized racism, which put up barriers, and also the history of slavery, which we have here in British Columbia and across Canada. Certainly, that’s the context.

[10:05 a.m.]

February is an opportunity to support, honour, cele­brate and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians. We know that for too long the stories and contributions of Black Canadians have been marginalized. Their histories and contributions to this province have been little known or celebrated. That’s why our government….

I’m so honoured to stand in the House today and join with everyone to mark Black History Month and pay tribute and also recognize the important contributions from this community. In terms of taking action to deliver lasting change to better support the Black community, we know that supports…. Taking steps not only recognizes the contributions, but it benefits and enriches all of us as British Columbians.

We know that the theme this year recognizes excellence in the Black community. Really, there are so many leading examples of inspiring change. We know that we have many B.C. Black pioneers who played a fundamental role in terms of the foundation and laying down, really, many of the planks that make British Columbia what it is today.

Right here on Vancouver Island, the first Black teacher, Emma Stark, in 1874, made her history and made that mark. Also, the first elected school trustee is from Saanich. Fielding Spotts, from south Saanich, was elected.

We know, in our Legislature…. Rosemary Brown, just an incredible MLA, a great feminist and civil rights activist, really brought change. Of course, Emery Barnes was elected and had the distinction of serving as the first Speaker, as well, here in British Columbia. So really recognizing that history.

Our province is also taking steps to bring change. We know that more needs to be done.

We have to raise awareness. That’s why the kindergarten-to-grade-12 action plan on anti-racism includes adding Black history to British Columbia’s curriculum, so that students, kindergarten to grade 12, can learn about the stories of these pioneers and also really understand the contributions from the community. We’re also working on an anti-Black-racism strategy, to bring that in and be proactive in terms of looking at how we build and support the community and really take proactive steps.

We know, as well, activities taking place right across the province, are led by the Black business council, which is really taking steps to support and promote Black businesses. The Surrey Board of Trade is also partnering with the Black business council in terms of really highlighting and showcasing the great work that Black businesses are doing here. Really an incredible entrepreneurial spirit. Lift­ing them up and promoting them is a part of the importance of recognizing Black History Month and also supporting those businesses.

We know, as well, in terms of individuals really demonstrating excellence in the academic field…. We have Dr. June Francis, whose leading efforts for the anti-racism data committee are really laying down the foundation in terms of how we bring forward an anti-racism agenda to collect that demographic information and really leading towards, as well, steps to bring in the anti-racism legislation later this year.

These are steps to really address, to include and to work with the Black community in terms of how we move forward to ensure that our province is being proactive, to address that history, to recognize the incredible contributions from the community, and how we work forward and move forward together to make change.

T. Wat: I’d like to thank the member for Vancouver-Kensington for bringing up this private member’s statement to mark Black History Month.

[10:10 a.m.]

Imagine walking through the streets of your commun­ity, such as mine, Richmond North Centre, where every storefront tells a story not just of commerce but of dreams, resilience and a legacy of overcoming. Among these, a unique set of stories often remains unheard. Those of our Black-owned businesses, embodying centuries of strength and innovation.

Today, as we stand at the crossroads of history and hope during Black History Month in British Columbia, let us amplify these voices, celebrating their contributions and confronting the barriers they face.

As the shadow minister for multiculturalism, anti-racism initiatives, arts and culture, and in the B.C. United caucus, we know that in British Columbia, the contribution of Black entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders has been instrumental yet disproportionately unrecognized.

February, when we mark Black History Month, offers us a lens to view our collective history through the achievements and challenges of Black Canadians but also reminds us of the work yet to be done.

In a time marked by economic instability and the rising cost of living, the challenges faced by Black Canadians are not just remnants of history. They are urgent issues of today, with Black British Columbians and Black-owned businesses in B.C. facing unique hurdles. Despite their critical role in enriching our province’s cultural and economic landscape, they encounter barriers to finance, mentorship and market assets, and are exacerbated by the worsening reality of doing business.

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce has highlighted that Black entrepreneurs frequently struggle to access capital, more so than the national average. Similarly, findings from the Black Business and Professional Association underscore that these entrepreneurs are more likely to encounter innovation and growth barriers.

The Black in B.C. survey conducted in 2020 revealed that Black British Columbians are significantly more likely to experience discrimination in various facets of life, from the workplace to housing markets. Such disparities are not just statistics. They represent lived experiences that demand our attention and action.

As we navigate through the highest cost of living in recent memory, with rents soaring and small businesses grappling with unprecedented challenges, the resilience of Black-owned businesses stands as a testament to their commitment to thriving against the odds. Yet they should not have to face these hurdles alone. It’s incumbent upon us to foster an environment that supports their growth and amplifies their success.

Black Canadians have long encountered systematic in­justices anchored in racism, prejudice and hate. These injustices ensure that racialized individuals disproportionately bear the brunt of our system’s shortcomings, be it in health care, education, public safety or economic opportunity, worsening vulnerabilities at every turn.

As I bring my statement to a close, I am reminded of the profound legacies of resilience, innovation and community that Black Canadians have contributed to our province’s history and identity. Their relentless efforts have not only carved pathways for successive generations of Black Canadians but have also illuminated the way for all Canadians, especially those of us from racialized communities such as myself and others. As legislators, our role extends beyond recognition to action.

Let us pledge not only to celebrate and learn in this Black History Month but to embody its spirit throughout the year.

[10:15 a.m.]

M. Elmore: I appreciate and respect the remarks from my colleague across the way in terms of really reflecting, I think, the sentiment of everyone in the House, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black British Columbians during February, for Black History Month, certainly shared in terms of recognizing those contributions and recognizing the current barriers that continue to exist and the disproportionate impact that Black British Columbians face.

Whether it’s in terms of pursuing employment or housing options, there’s more work that needs to be done. Certainly, we need the support from everyone in the House, from every corner of the province, in terms of coming together as a society and taking steps to dismantle these barriers, to benefit not only members of the Black community but also lift all of us up. February, recognizing Black History Month, is an opportunity to do that.

Really, we could talk, I think, all day on the incredible contributions of so many in the Black community that have contributed to Canada and British Columbia. We know we’re reminded when we’re in the market in terms of seeing Viola Desmond on the $10 bill — really recognizing her from Nova Scotia as one of the leading civil rights activists in Canada, really reminding us of that important heritage.

To mark, in terms of the remarks from my colleague around what needs to be done…. More needs to be done in terms of addressing that reality. Whether it’s from entrepreneurs or it’s from young people seeking careers in their chosen profession, advancing to senior leadership roles right across the public service and through the private sector, access to opportunities to employment, British Columbia has to take proactive steps to ensure that those equal opportunities exist and are able to be practised by everyone, including those in the Black community.

That’s why the engagement is so critical, working to­gether with the community, supporting their efforts and being informed by their experiences to ensure that our efforts, going forward, address their realities and ensure that we’re taking the right steps to provide those opportunities.

I’m very excited about the opportunity we have coming in this session, sometime soon, in terms of our efforts to bring in anti-racist legislation, working in partnership with members of the Black community and all racialized communities, Indigenous nations as well, to look at how we inform, collectively, to identify the barriers, take steps to ensure that those barriers are dismantled and that there are opportunities for everybody to celebrate Black History Month in February.

B.C. WINE INDUSTRY

I. Paton: I rise today to speak on the significant challenges facing the B.C. wine industry and the dire need for support from our government.

How many tourists have spent time on a warm Oka­nagan summer day partaking in a wine tour to Burrowing Owl, Quails’ Gate, Hester Creek, Poplar Grove or Tantalus Vineyards? These visitors to our wine region contribute immensely with stays at our hotels, resorts, B and Bs, VRBOs, and enjoy spending some of their hard-earned money in local restaurants and ordering the odd case of B.C. VQA wine.

The wines of British Columbia are some of the best you can sip anywhere on the globe. This world-class industry is a source of pride for British Columbians throughout our province. The vintners who produce these renowned products, like all farmers and growers throughout our agricultural sector, are some of the hardest-working and most dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of working with and meeting.

From Vancouver Island to the Okanagan, from the Fra­ser Valley to the Kootenays and beyond, B.C. vineyards and wineries have been attracting visitors to our beautiful province and producing quality products enjoyed in B.C. and beyond for decades.

This industry contributes a massive $3.75 billion to our provincial economy per year. In addition to the revenue directly generated by vineyards, wineries and suppliers, the wine industry supports other industries integral to the economy of British Columbia, including tourism and hospitality, with wine tours and tastings attracting upwards of one million visitors annually to our wineries, generating over $600 million to our provincial economy.

However, two recent and devastating events may point to a disappointing year for wine lovers and a dismal year for B.C.’s wine industry and the people whose livelihoods depend on it. Just last month B.C. was hit with a severe cold snap lasting up to five days in certain regions, including the southern Interior.

[10:20 a.m.]

Temperatures reached as low as negative 25, decimating vines and buds. Reports coming out of the industry estimate production this year to be only 1 to 3 percent of typical yields, and they expect this production to be concentrated in areas unaffected by the cold snap, mainly Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley.

That means many vineyards are facing up to 100 percent crop loss, and countless wine producers are waiting with anxiety to find out, in the coming months, if the damage necessitates a need for replanting and starting over. That would mean no 2024 vintage and minimal or negligible cash flow for the next several years.

The Okanagan Valley, representing 86 percent of B.C.’s vineyard acreage, was hit especially hard by the extreme weather conditions. Cold snaps had devastating effects in 2023 as well, meaning that this is now the second consecutive year in which the industry has faced significant crop loss.

Last year production was down by approximately half, with that figure expected to double this year given the increased duration and intensity of the cold snap, the mild winter immediately preceding it and the compounding effects from previous years.

This bleak outlook is put into perspective by projected profit losses of $346 million for vineyards and wineries, with an additional projected loss of $99 million for suppliers and distributors. That’s a total of a $445 million loss.

Those are just statistics which can help us comprehend the scale and severity of this crisis, but beyond those numbers are people, British Columbians — farmers, workers, hospitality employees, small business owners, folks whose livelihoods are dependent on the B.C. wine industry. Behind every bottle of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cab Franc, Riesling or Merlot produced here every year are the hard-working people who rely on the production and sale of their products to put food on their tables.

These folks are worried. They are scared they won’t have the ability to provide for their families, a fear many British Columbians are currently experiencing, given the current cost-of-living crisis in our province. Government inaction is not an option when people’s livelihoods are at stake.

If these extreme weather conditions weren’t devastating enough, a recent decision coming out of Alberta has worsened this outlook. Alberta’s decision to restrict direct-to-consumer sales of B.C. wines and pull B.C. wines from shelves was unexpected, unwarranted and completely un­justified, with no legal basis whatsoever.

Residents of Alberta are huge summertime supporters of our tourism economy, from the Shuswap right on down to Osoyoos and the Similkameen. Albertans have fallen in love with our B.C. wines and regularly join Okanagan wine clubs and regularly order, throughout the year, cases of their favourite B.C. wines directly to their doorsteps in Alberta.

Alberta’s decision risks having hugely detrimental effects, not only on the B.C. wine industry but also on B.C.-Alberta trade relations overall, setting a dangerous precedent. We must not wait any longer for a resolution. The urgency of this precarious situation cannot be overstated. Alberta has decided to kick us while we are down, and this is absolutely unacceptable. We must take immediate action to solve this issue.

Experts and industry professionals have been disappointed with the lack of response to this dire situation. Folks aren’t feeling heard. That’s why I’m bringing this issue to the floor of the House today, as shadow minister for Agriculture and Food for B.C. United, to amplify their voices and concerns. Government needs to listen to those with skin in the game who are calling for real action.

Industry professionals recognize that crop insurance is not sufficient, and they require additional support in these difficult times. The government must recognize this as well. These actions cannot wait. The government can no longer ignore the concerns of the wine industry professionals who have brought revenue and prestige to our province for many, many generations.

R. Russell: Thanks to the member for Delta South for those comments. I appreciate that.

Arctic intrusion, cold snap, winter freeze, whatever you call it: this atypically extreme cold weather over the last couple of winters has been devastating for farmers in the southern Interior.

[10:25 a.m.]

We often talk, as the member opposite has, about the economic impacts. I also want to say, in the conversations that I’ve had with dozens and dozens of the wineries and, similarly, probably 50 different grape growers, that the mental health impacts are enormous. I hear the sadness. I hear the anxiety. I hear the uncertainty in their voices when they talk about what is ahead.

The Premier visited last fall. He was certainly gripped, similarly, by the stories being told by those wineries.

The economic repercussions are certainly huge, as the member opposite alluded to; $3.75 billion is an estimate from a few years ago in terms of the economic impact of the industry.

That industry supports a great deal of other secondary operations in the South Okanagan, certainly. The tourism sector is enormous, and much of that is built upon the wine industry. It employs thousands of people in B.C., and certainly, this is something that we know is important for all of us.

I’d also like to note that this last winter event in January, this freeze event, isn’t just about grapes. Cherries, plums, peaches, the soft fruit across my riding, certainly, have been impacted heavily. As well, I know the member for Nelson-Creston and I have talked about the impacts to cherries — devastating there.

From the Southern Interior Horticultural Show re­cently, I talked to some of the cherry growers. They talked about the fact that this is looking to be a bigger impact than any other climate-related event the industry has faced before.

As Peter Simonsen, president of the Fruit Growers Association, said: “We know our buds are damaged. We know many people will have absolutely no fruit.”

Back to the grape conversation as well. Farming in large part, of course, is about managing risks. I think about those risks in terms of six different categories for this conversation, in terms of climate, pests and pathogens, markets, the regulatory world we’re in, water access and predictability, labour. All of these things are risks that farmers have to manage.

Climate, in this case, is the top of the list. Back in 2021, when I was visiting Kismet Winery and vineyards, I had the opportunity to have Dapinder Gill and Sukhi Dhaliwal show me their operations and how they’re transitioning away from the grapes that were thriving 20 years ago which weren’t performing that well because of climate change. I found that fascinating.

Partly because of that shift in climate and the winter event from last year, the government did announce a perennial crop renewal program that helped in some degree, but we know that there’s a need for much, much more. The last year we saw $27 million being paid out to those growers for insurance supports to manage that climate risk.

On the pest and pathogen side of things, we have the tree fruit stabilization plan. We see, for example, the ministry’s work on regenerative agriculture. I’ve seen in the fields and the vineyards of CheckMate how that has helped them in terms of water management, for example,

I’ve had the conversation with grape growers and the president, Sue, there about the opportunities for support.

The conversations around markets and the impacts on those economic sectors…. I’ve certainly had a conversation, as well, with the Minister for Tourism and Arts and Culture who is engaged on that.

In the regulatory world, Christa-Lee McWatters and Miles Prodan, the chair and CEO of Wine Growers of B.C., and I have had many conversations, working with the Minister for Public Safety and Solicitor General, around how we help modernize the regulatory environment there, get it out of an era that was built for something that existed 30 years ago, to support operations, for example, like Oliver’s Wine Village, looking at opportunities like the single-site licence.

I know, as the member opposite spoke to, the challenges with Alberta trade disputes right now and the opportunities there. It’s giving Albertans what they want, and it’s giving our B.C. producers a market that they want to have access to. I have confidence that the ministers will be able to resolve that in a positive way with a win-win.

I hear conversations around access to Washington grapes. The minister is also engaged on that and helping navigate and streamline that process.

This is an enormously important industry for the South Okanagan. The Premier certainly recognizes that. A couple of weeks ago he mentioned, after acknowledging the importance of the sector and the challenges of climate change: “My assurance to farmers and farm communities and British Columbians is that we will be supporting those farmers as they rebuild.”

I. Paton: I appreciate the member’s contribution to this important conversation, yet I fear they do not fully grasp the urgency of this situation or the extent of the fear and anxiety countless British Columbians are facing regarding the future right now of our B.C. wine industry.

[10:30 a.m.]

As a farmer myself, I understand the high risk and vol­atility of the business of farming. I also understand what so many B.C. grape and tree fruit growers are struggling with right now.

It is the understanding that allows me to work with industry professionals to propose necessary solutions that work for them, such as the establishment of an emergency working group with all levels of government, industry and stakeholders; the creation of a Canadian VQA certification; the removal of barriers to the import of grapes from other provinces and Washington state; to include wines produced in our province made with 100 percent Canadian-grown grapes; and to move quickly to establish and fund an immediate replant program.

Additionally, I understand the urgency of the need to work with our neighbours in Alberta to resolve this dispute as fairly and efficiently as possible. Regrettably, if government doesn’t respond to these calls, the industry will sustain massive losses, the effects of which will be felt throughout the province from wine growers to suppliers to tourism operators and hospitality employees.

As we continue to experience the impacts of climate change, this will not be the last time that severe and unpredictable weather conditions result in massive losses in our agricultural sector. We have to prioritize sector supports and climate resilience today, not years from now.

The industry is resilient, but as they face two simultaneous crises putting their collective futures at serious risk, government must step in and help.

I invite all members of this House to recognize the urgency of this situation and to take decisive action to allow B.C.’s wine industry to recover and flourish. I stand with wine growers and producers, and I will continue to fight for this industry, carrying with me an immense gratitude and respect for their contributions to our province’s economy and global reputation as tremendous producers of wine here in British Columbia.

INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

R. Parmar: It’s a pleasure to rise in the House this Mon­day morning to speak about the importance of Indigenous economic development.

Welcome to the school group that’s joined us in the chamber here this morning as well.

Today as part of the statement, I want to emphasize the critical importance of our government’s support for Indigenous economic development.

Indigenous peoples have historically faced significant economic challenges, including systemic barriers to em­ployment, entrepreneurship and access to capital. Our government has played a critical role and a crucial role and, I might add, needs to play a crucial role in fostering economic opportunities that empower Indigenous communities and First Nations to contribute to the overall prosperity of our province.

That’s why true, lasting and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a key pillar of the StrongerBC economic plan, one of the six missions of the plan. Three components to that mission are working with Indigenous peoples to advance commitments towards reconciliation. That’s government-to-government, meaningful consultation and engagement, building that trust.

The second part is partnering with First Nations and Indigenous communities to support new economic initiatives. That means taking a step back, listening and learning and always following the lead.

As I think of that particular aspect of that mission, I also think of respecting traditions, cultures and customs, something that I take back in my relationship with the T’Sou-ke First Nations and, in particular, my relationship with former Chief Gordon Planes, who always shared with me the importance of thinking a generation ahead as they look to do their economic development work on clean energy and fisheries.

Third, critically important, is acknowledging, respecting and upholding Indigenous rights, including First Nations title, ensuring Indigenous control of their land and resources in accordance with the principles outlined in the United Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples, UNDRIP, a framework that was passed into law unanimously here in British Columbia. British Columbia continues to be one of only a handful of jurisdictions in North America to do so.

It’s also important to recognize the fundamental im­portance of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in all decisions regarding land use and resource management, as enshrined in UNDRIP and upheld by various legal precedents.

That’s what the StrongerBC economic plan speaks to, and it is what our government has been committed to delivering on ever since we formed government in 2017.

[10:35 a.m.]

One of the key actions of the StrongerBC economic plan in 2022 was a really critical partnership, following the lead of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations.

In 2022, our government launched the new Centre of Excellence in First Nations Economic Development, which was established to help advance the role of First Nations in B.C.’s inclusive economy and to work towards true and lasting reconciliation.

Speaking to the importance of this announcement, Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations said:

“First Nations in B.C. have been advocating for economic reconciliation for decades, and the Centre of Excellence demonstrates progress towards this goal. I am pleased that the provincial government has chosen to support this project, and I am proud of the work done by First Nations and the BCAFN to bring this project to fruition. The Centre of Excellence will multiply the investment First Nations are making to close the socioeconomic gap and bring us the prosperity we rightfully deserve.”

This critical action aligns directly with the declaration act action plan. The centre plays a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of First Nations in British Columbia to actively participate in economic priorities and initiatives. By empowering First Nations and Indigenous communities with knowledge, resources and strategic guidance, the centre contributes significantly to advancing Indigenous economic development and fostering sustainable prosperity within Indigenous communities across British Columbia.

When I think of Indigenous economic development, I just have to look at the nations that I have the honour of working with in Langford–Juan de Fuca. I touched on the T’Sou-ke First Nation.

I also want to recognize the Pacheedaht First Nation and the work that they’ve been doing to build a vibrant and value-added forestry industry for their next generation, to ensure that the people that are studying and going to school at Port Renfrew Elementary have a way to be able to work in a value-added forest industry. I want to recognize former Chief Jeff Jones for all the work that he has done in partnership with his nation.

I think many have seen the incredible work that the MÁLEXEŁ Nation has been doing in the last number of years in partnership with Vancouver’s Energy Plug Corp. This was just announced a little while ago. The MÁLEXEŁ First Nation, in partnership with the energy corp., is building Canada’s biggest battery factory. The new battery factory is expected to be completed in 2025. I understand that shovels are going to be in the ground very soon. This is going to create more than 100 local jobs, many for the nation. Again, I want to take an opportunity to acknowledge Chief Harry and the council for their leadership.

But that’s not all. I had an opportunity just a couple of weeks ago to be at Brentwood College to be able to witness an incredible partnership between the MÁLEXEŁ First Nation and Alpha Select Production Services. Over a number of years, the nation has been working with this production services company, based here in Victoria, to build the world’s greenest and cleanest film studio.

It’s on an 85-acre site, which could see as many as six sound stages of up to 36,000 square feet each, several production workshops as well as a commercial complex with a hotel and other services that could feed and house movie crews. British Columbia, and certainly Vancouver Island, is making itself known as a destination to attract that type of investment.

I’ll end with saying that Indigenous communities have deep connections to their lands and waters, making them natural stewards of the environment. Supporting Indigenous-led economic projects often aligns with the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through partnerships with Indigenous communities, the B.C. government can and must promote responsible resource development and sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.

Supporting Indigenous economic development is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic investment in the future prosperity of British Columbia. It has always been a priority for our government. It’s a priority for British Columbians, and I know that we’re going to keep working hard by partnering with Indigenous communities, respecting Indigenous rights and fostering economic opportunities so we can build a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous province for all.

E. Ross: We are talking about Indigenous economic development. This conversation is 20 years too late. I’m glad the NDP government finally caught up to the rest of B.C. and Canada, but this is exactly what the Haida court case was about in 2004: the inescapable economic component that has to be addressed when you’re dealing with rights and title.

[10:40 a.m.]

When we were dealing with this, with the government at the time, the B.C. Liberals, and the First Nations across B.C., it wasn’t easy. We were trying to figure out what consultation and accommodation meant, and we made mistakes. There were bad feelings, but we stuck to it. We kept going back to the table.

It didn’t help that the NDP were in the background actually opposing LNG. The NDP are now talking about how they support Indigenous economic development, yet LNG was First Nations–driven. It was our idea. We forced this on B.C. and Canada. For the NDP to sign LNG anti-declarations, it goes against what they’re talking about here today.

This narrative still exists. The last time we debated LNG in a context of Indigenous economic development, a member of the NDP government said:“If we want forward-looking and effective economic independence for First Nations, if we want good jobs for our children’s children in a world that is safe and secure, then all indicators are that future LNG expansion isn’t the answer.”

That is not supporting Indigenous economic development, especially when you consider Nisg̱a’a LNG. Their pipeline certificate is going to expire this year. If it doesn’t get renewed, they’ve got to start over. Getting a certificate in B.C. costs millions and millions of dollars. This can be easily fixed by order-in-council. Renew Nisg̱a’a’s pipeline certificate.

McLeod Lake. They’re going to take a by-product from LNG and produce ammonia and hydrogen. Fast-track them. If you truly believe in the words that you’re saying, fast-track McLeod Lake’s ammonia plant.

Frog Lake First Nation plans to ship ammonia to Prince Rupert. That can be fast-tracked, and it can be done in partnership with Canada because it’s going to come by rail.

Kitselas First Nation, in my territory, has been waiting for approval of geothermal for close to ten years. They can’t get approval for geothermal, the cleanest energy possible. Issue their permit.

They’ve got a similar problem in Valemount. If you want clean energy and you want First Nations Indigenous economic development to flourish, issue the permits. You don’t need any grand speeches; you don’t need any grand plan. Issue permits.

In fact, if anything, Halfway River and Doig River are now taking the B.C. government to court over the Blueberry agreement, saying that the B.C. government transferred rights from Doig and Halfway River to Blueberry. Why this matters is because the overlap at issue here contains economic components. In fact, Halfway River says that the B.C. government knowingly transferred atmospheric benefits from their territory to Blueberry’s territory — meaning carbon credits.

Now, for a band, a very restrictive funding agreement that doesn’t allow for economic development means something. Under the Indian Act, First Nations cannot pursue any kind of economic development. That’s why the 2004 Haida court case was so important. We wrote the book on it. We wrote the protocol on it. We shouldn’t start over.

We should build on what was built in B.C. by First Nations and the Crown for the last 20 years. Don’t exclude gas and oil projects. If you truly believe in the economic development of First Nations and you want finance and loan guarantees, don’t exclude oil and gas, because it’s hard to replace one First Nations community’s funding agreement that could be, at minimum, $5 million to $7 million with economic development.

We’ve come a long way. For the last 18 years, we’ve had peace in the forest with the forest and range agreements that were signed between the B.C. Liberals and the First Nations. We had the LNG Canada agreement, the Chevron agreement that left town, and now we’ve got Haisla Cedar. We’ve come a long way. Let’s not destroy it.

R. Parmar: It’s always a pleasure to be able to respond to the comments from the member across the way, the MLA for Skeena. I want to thank him for his words and thank him for his leadership. I know that this is going to be his last session before, hopefully, in his case, bigger and better things at the federal scene, if things work out for him.

[10:45 a.m.]

I just want to thank him for his words and, of course, for the important work that he has been doing on Indigenous economic development for his entire life, whether that is in this House or as the Chief of his nation. I certainly agree with many of the perspectives that he shared. I know that in the throne speech and in the budget, we talked about Cedar LNG and the approvals and the important work that that project is going to mean for British Columbia but, more importantly, for the Haisla Nation.

I’ve had an opportunity, over the number of years that I’ve had an opportunity to work in this building, to listen, in a number of settings, to Chief Crystal Smith, from the Haisla Nation, and to talk about the importance of that project for her people from an economic development perspective but from a social perspective as well. I want to thank the member across the way for those comments.

I also want to touch on…. It was mentioned in the budget, and I know more details will follow. It’s been really important, the work that this province, that the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation as well as the Minister of Finance have been doing on partnering with Indigenous peoples to co-develop measures that better support self-determination in building on the incredible partnerships, to work with Nisg̱a’a Nation and the modern treaty nations. Budget 2024 lays out a new approach to assessment by fully withdrawing from property taxation on Nisg̱a’a lands and treaty lands and removing the re­quirement for property taxation to apply.

In the limited time I have, I also want to acknowledge the new First Nations equity financing framework, with a $10 million inaugural balance. I know that the new equity financing tools that were created as part of Budget 2024 have the ability to have a cumulative loan guarantee limit of $1 billion. That’s something that’s going to be reviewed annually. These new equity financing tools will support inclusive project partnerships and will continue to support First Nations self-determination and meaningful participation in economic development.

Certainly, on this side of the House, we know how important that is. We know that there are people on the other side of the House — I don’t think the member is one of those individuals, but certainly we’ve seen it from the Conservative Party — that have gone to extreme measures to knowingly mislead the public on these important initiatives that our government is focused on. We’re not going to let them take away from the important work that we need to do on this file.

Thanks very much to the member. Thanks for the discussion this morning.

WALK-IN CLINIC WAIT TIMES

S. Bond: Today I rise to speak to an issue that is significantly affecting British Columbians, no matter where they live in our province. It’s an issue that demands not only our attention but a sense of urgency and, hopefully, concrete action, because British Columbians deserve nothing less. All over the province, British Columbians are feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about the state of health care in our province.

Nearly one million people, or almost one in five British Columbians, do not have a family doctor. We know that having a primary care provider, who gets to know you and can recognize changes in your health over time, means better outcomes.

Without a family doctor, many British Columbians are forced to rely on walk-in clinics as their only source of primary care, meaning that they have to wait for hours for anything that is not urgent enough for an emergency room. A visit to an ER would also take hours, if that ER isn’t on diversion or closure.

Access to timely medical attention is a fundamental right, but sadly, with the current situation, it is not the reality for many British Columbians. As we speak, people are waiting as long as 187 minutes, more than three hours, on average to see a doctor at a walk-in clinic. It’s not like people living in B.C. can afford the time to wait. They have busy lives. They have families, careers, commitments. When faced with medical concerns, British Columbians should not have to face hours of waiting to access a walk-in clinic to see a doctor, but that has become the norm in our province.

According to a recently released report, British Columbia now gets to boast about the longest walk-in clinic wait times in the entire country. Let that sink in: the longest walk-in clinic wait times in Canada. Clearly, there is something seriously broken in our system, and the people of this province are not getting the quality care they need and deserve, in a timely way.

[10:50 a.m.]

The recent report on walk-in clinic wait times, released by Medimap, paints a devastating picture of health care in British Columbia. Last year British Columbians had to wait an average of 93 minutes to see a doctor, 25 minutes longer than the national average of 68 minutes.

In North Vancouver, wait times were the highest of the cities that were included in the study, at a shocking 187 minutes on average. Our capital city, Victoria, had the second longest wait times, with people waiting 107 min­utes to see a doctor.

These walk-in clinic wait times are a major issue of concern, and much more needs to be done to address the ever-increasing wait times.

Let’s look at the B.C. situation a little more closely, when you consider other jurisdictions in our country. The next highest wait time is a full 21 minutes shorter than in B.C. and, in fact, that’s in Nova Scotia. They report a 71 minute average. Alberta clocks in at 66 minutes, while the average wait time in Manitoba is half of that in B.C., at only 45 minutes.

Such significant delays have eroded people’s trust in the health care system, trust that’s already been damaged by the lack of family doctors, the crisis in cancer care and frequent ER closures. British Columbians deserve and need timely care and support, and the recent wait-time report is just another measure of how badly we are failing them.

While the report captures a number of larger centres in our province, it does not report out on the situation in smaller and more rural communities. We know that the wait times are likely even longer.

Since the report was released, I have heard from peo­ple in Chilliwack, Campbell River, Prince George and many other places that the waits are significantly longer where they live — if they don’t get turned away or can get in at all.

The escalating crisis of walk-in clinic wait times in our province demands our immediate attention. Since 2019, wait times have more than doubled, and there is, sadly, no improvement on the horizon.

By making an already bad situation worse, this issue is putting an even more intense strain on our health care professionals, and all of us know they are already at their limit, stretched thin and overloaded. They are working tirelessly every single day to keep the health care system functioning. So many of them, in discussions that we have had, talk about moral distress and even moral trauma as they struggle to care for people.

Compounding this problem, many medical clinics across the province have been forced to turn away walk-in patients, and some are even closing due to physician shortages. Nowhere is this more evident than in Victoria, where an increasing number of clinics have stopped accepting walk-in patients, leaving the clinics that remain open to shoulder overwhelming demand.

When British Columbians do find a walk-in clinic that is operating, demand can be so high that the clinic has already reached full capacity just minutes after opening its doors. In fact, in Victoria, it is not uncommon to find that nearly all of the clinics are full by 9 a.m. and are no longer taking patients.

In fact, as we speak, according to Medimap, four of the urgent and primary care centres in Victoria are listed at capacity as of 9:45 a.m. this morning. Whether it’s Gorge, James Bay, Esquimalt or North Quadra, they are already at capacity this morning. How on earth are British Columbians who need medical attention supposed to navigate such a challenging situation?

Let’s not forget that British Columbia was once celebrated for having the best outcomes and health care system in Canada. Sadly, as this report points out, we continue to slip down the ranks as we struggle to keep up with a collapsing system. British Columbians not only need but deserve a health care system that ensures reasonable and timely access to care.

S. Chant: I would like to acknowledge that I am on the ancestral territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, the Songhees and the Esquimalt Nations.

[10:55 a.m.]

When I am in my riding of North Vancouver–Seymour, I work, live and learn in the territories of the səlilwətaɬ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nations.

There has been unprecedented growth in the demand for health care services over the past five years. We recognize the importance of walk-in clinics and urgent and primary care clinics for those without a family physician, which is why our government continues to make significant investments in recruiting, retaining and educating physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to meet the needs of our health care system.

We’re taking actions in recruitment to tackle a problem that’s nearly two decades in the making, and we are making progress in recruiting more health care professionals. Since 2017, B.C. has welcomed more than 38,000 health care providers to the health care system.

In 2023, B.C. saw over 700 more family doctors, and over 6,000 more nurses were newly registered. More than 7,000 health care support workers have been hired throughout the health career access program, known as HCAP, including over 2,000 in 2023.

On June 1, 2023, the pharmacists’ scope of practice was expanded to allow them to prescribe for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives. This means that for minor ailments such as pink eye, simple UTIs, shingles and more, people in B.C. can visit their local pharmacist to meet their care needs rather than having to go to their family physician.

You can book an appointment online, over the phone or walk into a local pharmacy. This change has made it even easier and faster for people throughout the province to access the care they need, allows the pharmacists to use their expertise and reduces the strain on doctors’ offices and clinics.

Our health human resources strategy includes unprecedented expansion to medical education in B.C. to ensure that we are training more health care professionals in our province. B.C. has added 602 nursing seats to post-secondary institutions across the province, an increase of more than 30 percent. We have doubled the number of nurse practitioner seats since 2017. We have increased the number of licensed practical nursing seats by 46 percent. We are expanding postgraduate or residency programs and undergraduate medical education programs across the province.

To build capacity in our system and ensure that we have new generations of doctors ready to practise in B.C., our government is also building a brand-new medical school at Simon Fraser University, on their Surrey campus, which will be the first new medical school in western Canada in over 50 years.

We are making changes that are attracting and retaining health care professionals across the board within our health care system to make it easier for patients to gain access to the care that they need.

Our government has signed incredibly successful agreements with physicians, nurses, midwives and paramedics in the past year. And with our health care partners, the ministry introduced a new payment model for longitudinal family physicians in February of 2023. This model has been very successful, with thousands of physicians signing on to the model, and has already brought hundreds more doctors into family practice.

We have recruited more nurse practitioners into our primary care system to help patients receive the care they need. We are opening more urgent and primary care clinics across the province for people to receive help with their primary care needs. And we’re pleased that we’ve connected hundreds of thousands of people to primary care since we launched our team-based care strategy in 2018.

We also know that we have plenty more work in front of us. We know that people are struggling to find family doctors, and that’s why we’re making it easier for people in B.C. to get connected with a primary care provider. In July of 2023, our government launched the health connect registry, a patient attachment system, provincewide. I encourage people to register with the health connect registry so we can help connect you with a provider.

While it takes time to strengthen our health care system and to make up the nearly two decades of underfunding, we are making progress. We know there is more to do to support people in our health care system, which is why we’re not stopping. We will continue to invest in B.C.’s public health care system, supporting patients and health care workers.

[11:00 a.m.]

S. Bond: I would encourage the speaker before me to go back and check the math related to funding for the health care system.

I would also like to point out that while the members opposite like to use the language “the first new medical schools,” let me be perfectly clear that there were new medical training programs in British Columbia.

Let’s just take a look at University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, Victoria and Kelowna. All of those programs were brand-new in this province. So nice try on the 50 years. That’s just utterly ridiculous.

You know, those numbers…. That is exactly why British Columbians have lost faith in the health care system we have today. To stand up in this Legislature when the most recent report made it painfully clear that walk-in clinic wait times are the worst in Canada…. That’s exactly what the report said. Not me, not the opposition, but, in fact, the latest report shows that everyone in British Columbia…. We are facing the longest wait times in this country.

[S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.]

As we speak, if you walk down the street to James Bay or go to Quadra or anywhere else, we have walk-in clinics that are currently at capacity as of 9:45 a.m. this morning. The situation in British Columbia is dire. We have the longest walk-in clinic wait times in the country.

We regularly, in rural and northern communities, have ERs that are closed or on diversion, in the middle of the winter no less, on major highways. That’s the accomplishment that the member previous should perhaps have noted.

We should be clear about this. Lives are being profoundly affected and, in some cases, tragically lost due to a health care system under incredible pressure, that is unable to provide the support British Columbians need. And when they need it, they need it now. The time has come to acknowledge that we have a crisis, and we must address the escalating crisis of walk-in clinic wait times in British Columbia.

The urgency of reducing those walk-in clinic wait times cannot be overstated. Let’s be clear. The current predicament has led to people suffering and even potentially losing their lives as they wait. We must work harder and take proactive measures to enhance the training of medical professionals, retaining our family doctors and expanding walk-in clinic capacity across British Columbia.

We should be clear. It is unacceptable that British Columbians are faced with the highest walk-in clinic wait times in the country and that doctors who have done so much for all of us are forced to shoulder this burden. It’s time to make a difference, to prioritize this issue. Frankly, British Columbians cannot afford to wait.

Hon. R. Singh: I ask that the House consider proceeding with Motion 5, standing in the name of the member for Maple Ridge–Mission.

Deputy Speaker: Members, unanimous consent of the House is required to proceed to Motion 5 without disturbing the priorities of the motions preceding it on the order paper.

Leave granted.

Private Members’ Motions

MOTION 5 — HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
AND REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY

B. D’Eith:  

[Be it resolved that this House agrees to put the interests of regular people who are looking to afford a home ahead of real estate speculators and investors.]

The story prior to 2017 is we had a government that believed that we should rely on the market, that the market would fix everything. What that led to was rampant speculation, money laundering in the real estate market, housing being used as a stock market, which frankly is exactly what, when the opposition was in government, the multi-million-dollar developer donors that they had wanted.

The housing market should be there, first and foremost, to provide homes for people. When we took office, there were huge gaps in the continuum of housing: the rental supply, student housing, empty condos and houses, seniors housing, supportive housing. We committed, with our 30-point plan, to 114,000 homes, of which we are on the path with 77,000 homes opening or open. To break this down, the B.C. Housing program has 35,747; student housing, nearly 8,000.

[11:05 a.m.]

Now, the opposition froze this. I remember when I was the Chair of the Finance Committee that universities and colleges were begging to build student housing that they had on the books for years. We allowed this to happen, and now there are nearly 8,000 units. This frees up market rentals for working people and gives affordable housing to students.

In terms of policy, a speculation and vacancy tax put over 20,000 units back on the market. Vacant condos were sitting empty, and they were just investments.

There were the building code changes for secondary suites, the ban on strata rental restrictions, and those all added up to over 34,000 units.

The opposition always talks about results. Let me tell you that there are tangible results in my riding, with partnerships with non-profits, the cities and B.C. Housing. There’s the Boswyk Centre, which is seniors housing with MASH, MSCA and the city of Mission. That languished on the books for ten years until we got into government and helped this happen.

The Hurd Street Supportive Housing that is being built now, the Cedar Valley Suites with Lookout Society. In Maple Ridge, the Garibaldi Ridge supportive housing on Burnett Street, and Royal Crescent, which was workforce housing that was brought in to resolve our tent city. That is going to be replaced with permanent housing. The city is already working on seniors housing for that with B.C. Housing.

There’s Cornerstone Landing with community services. There’s Turnock Manor and the ERA development, as well, for middle-income housing.

But there’s so much more to be done, so we’re expanding the speculation and vacancy tax in 13 more communities. We have legislation curtailing individual rezoning hearings for development approvals by updating OCPs and having matching zoning. This is a game-changer. This will speed things up incredibly. And with that is an amenity cost charge that will help municipalities fund the infrastructure they need.

Legislation allowing the building of multiple units on single-family lots. This is a huge change. Legislation regulating an out-of-control short-term rental market.

For renters, a $400 renter tax credit, $11 million of new money for the Rent Bank, capping annual rental increases at a reasonable rate and enhancing services to the residential tenancy branch to help both landlords and tenants with bad actors.

There’s also legislation coming, increasing density around transit hubs, which is huge. We’re spending billions of dollars on transit. We should be building housing around that and having higher density.

In Budget 2024, we’re providing property transfer tax relief for first-time homebuyers. This could save up to $8,000 for new homebuyers. Quite frankly, this is a lot better than the half-baked rent-to-own plan that the Leader of the Opposition proposed.

And now we have the exciting BC Builds program. This is $4 billion, in partnership with the federal government, which will allow us to build on government lands that are sitting vacant or not being used. This is a lot better than what the opposition used to do, which was to sell land to balance their books. We can use this land to tackle the housing crisis.

There’s lots more work to do, but we’re well on the way to work with our partners, the cities, the non-profits, the churches, the for-profits and now the federal government to provide the needed housing supply across the whole continuum of housing: rental housing, seniors housing, student housing, all of the things that were missing for so many years. We’re working on that.

K. Kirkpatrick: Today’s motion from the members opposite, while seemingly well intentioned, rings fairly hollow in light of the harsh realities that are being faced right now by British Columbians. This is after seven years of this NDP government. So to talk about all the great things that this government has been doing with respect to housing when we are — what? — six or seven months out of an election, the timing for that is perhaps a little bit too late.

The rhetoric we’ve heard today doesn’t match the dire situation on the ground where affordability and accessibility to housing have reached absolutely crisis levels under this NDP government.

While the members opposite may certainly intend to “put regular people looking to afford a home ahead of speculators and investors,” this NDP government’s actions have certainly not done that.

[11:10 a.m.]

Under the NDP, we have witnessed the most unaffordable housing market in North America, developed right in our backyard. Rents have skyrocketed to the highest in all of Canada. Homelessness has surged to record highs, and the dream of home ownership has been pushed further away from the grasp of young people or the grasp of, to use the government’s own term, “regular people.”

This government’s track record speaks volumes. Despite seven years of this government being in power, their ap­proach to housing has been characterized by a lack of accountability and a lack of actual concrete results. The budget for 2024 presented us with more of the same: lofty promises without the action needed to make a substantial difference in the lives of British Columbians.

I think back to seven years ago. The number was 114,000 units — new units, not reclassified units — that would be created by this government. I think we’re at — what? — 13,000, 14,000. With that kind of track record, I’m wondering how we can believe anything that this government is telling us in terms of their ability to actually create housing.

A results-driven approach is not the only difference between the leaders of our two parties. It is this Premier who has actually engaged in speculation. Weeks before the Premier would have had to declare his condo for speculation tax, he flipped it. He flipped it and raked in a cool $150,000 profit.

Interjections.

K. Kirkpatrick: I’m upset too. I hear you’re upset.

For all his talk about speculators, perhaps he should look in the mirror.

The Premier’s apartment also happened to market itself as an Airbnb opportunity, boasting an Airbnb concierge, profiting off the fact that it could be used as a short-term rental when he sold it, which would of course increase the value to sell it for. It was priced accordingly, but unfortunately, the other regular people in that building were not so fortunate when that same building was then included in a ban on short-term rentals, and their housing prices, or values, plummeted overnight.

These are the units that the Premier previously owned in. Talk about hypocrisy. Now, this is why we don’t trust that this government is acting in the best interest of British Columbians.

Interjections.

K. Kirkpatrick: I think some of the members on the other side of the House…. I hope they are going to be responding to this because they certainly have a lot to say about it.

This is why we do not trust this government. The people of West Vancouver–Capilano….

Interjection.

K. Kirkpatrick: You want to talk about supportive housing on the North Shore? I would love you to come and tour through what’s going on over there right now.

The people of West Vancouver–Capilano, and indeed all of British Columbians, deserve more than this rhetoric. They deserve decisive actions and a result-driven policy, like our rent-to-own program that will turn renters into homeowners by converting rental payments into down payments.

We believe in giving people a hand up for their ability to see a real and true future for themselves. We’re going to have solutions rooted in practical policies, making entering the market a reality, such as our commitment to slashing the property transfer tax for first-time owners. This will help buyers save up to $10,000 more than with the NDP’s own plan.

While I had much more to say, the NDP is happy putting our province in a massive deficit with no way out, and that’s going to impact our housing market.

B. Anderson: Now, I know how hard it is for people to find housing. I had a friend call me in tears because the rental that she was occupying…. She was getting evicted. So I went over there, and I was helping her box up all of her belongings. She’s a professional. She has her master’s. She works for government. But she hasn’t been able to buy a home, and she hasn’t been able to secure housing.

I’m hearing from people in my generation but also people with disabilities, people who are marginalized and people who have made a decent salary but that salary has not increased at the same rate as housing prices.

[11:15 a.m.]

Our governments used to build housing, but that stopped in the ‘90s. So now we are in a time where we need a herculean effort, and that is exactly what our government is doing with all of the measures that we have announced recently.

What I’m hearing from people, from a friend in Creston, is that because of our government’s work on short-term rentals, a house that was a short-term rental went on the market. Now he and his three daughters are able to occupy that home and that space. He told me he has never seen a government’s actions that have so directly and so quickly impacted his life for the betterment of his family.

He’s a teacher. He’s teaching our young people. Teachers, nurses, construction workers: these are all people that need homes. The BC Builds program is going to be supporting people like small business owners with housing that is appropriate, accessible and that they can afford.

I am absolutely thrilled by the work and the leadership of our Premier to deliver more homes for people. We know with the last government, as they watched the commodification of housing, there were so many people that were in despair, not knowing how they were ever going to be able to afford a home. When they moved or needed a different rental space because their family was growing, they couldn’t find anything affordable. And what I’m hearing from people across the Kootenays and British Columbia is that this gives them a lot of hope. They know that there will be a home in their community that they can afford for them.

We have so many incredible groups that have been stepping up. It’s not only the province. You know, we can’t do this alone, but we’re seeing municipalities stepping up and the federal government. We know how historically challenging it can be to get funding from the federal government, but they see this as a real opportunity to invest with people. And that’s why, with nearly $3 billion that our government is investing in the BC Builds program, we have the federal government stepping up with another $2 billion. This is going to make significant impacts in people’s lives in my community but also across the province.

I was in Kaslo last summer, and it was incredible as we opened ten units for people in the absolutely beautiful community of Kaslo. That had been a project that the Kaslo Housing Society had been working on for over 20 years, and it is because our government, unlike previous governments, is investing in homes for people.

The Nelson CARES Society and the SHARE Housing Initiative have delivered three separate buildings of housing for people in our communities. This is benefiting workers, this is benefiting seniors, this is benefiting families, and this is benefiting people with disabilities that all work together to create such vibrant and beautiful communities. We need places and homes for them.

We also have the Kootenay Region Association for Com­munity Living, and there’s a new housing centre for people with disabilities in Creston. One of the residents there said that when he got his new home, this was one of the best moments of his life. As we’re building homes for people and more people are walking into their homes, that have stability for the first time, potentially, in their lives, I can’t wait to hear more of those stories of how we’re transforming British Columbia with this herculean effort by our Premier.

E. Sturko: First of all, to the member for Nelson-Creston, sorry to hear that your friend can’t afford their home under your government. That is why the official opposition absolutely wants to ensure that people who need an affordable home can get one.

We want to ensure that those who also have the dream of home ownership can achieve their dreams right here in our province. That’s why a B.C. United government will implement an innovative rent-to-own program that will require developers of new housing to set aside up to 15 percent of homes in participating projects.

[11:20 a.m.]

These homes will be available for eligible British Columbians who are looking to buy their first-time home. Their rent will be based at market value for three years, with 100 percent of the payments being applied towards their down payment, allowing buyers to pause on the housing market while they save.

This is how you get results: by unlocking the door for individuals who are looking to enter the housing market and giving them the resources they need to compete with today’s skyrocketing costs.

It’s a great initiative, which is probably why, shortly after it was announced, the government’s Minister of Housing incorrectly stated in the Victoria Times Colonist that the NDP plan will also eventually have a home ownership component, implying that the NDP, as well, knows that this is a great idea — but then only to turn around and accuse first-time homebuyers of being speculators in last week’s question period.

To hear the criticism coming from that side of the House, it’s hard not to see their gross hypocrisy, especially considering that MLAs on that side own 102 properties and have profited by almost $8.5 million in real estate sales. People who are looking to get into their first homes don’t deserve to be accused of real estate speculation. They are looking for assistance to try to achieve housing security in a province that has become the most expensive in our country and has the highest housing prices in North America, all under this government.

The latest affordability report from the National Bank of Canada says for a median household to save a down payment, it would be a minimum of 36 years to buy a home here in B.C. And since more than half of British Columbians are less than $200 away from being able to pay their bills, it’s not likely that they have a savings account.

That’s why B.C. United is also going to continue to support first-time homebuyers by eliminating the property transfer tax on properties valued up to $1 million. This means $18,000 in savings for individuals and families who are just starting out.

The B.C. United government plan isn’t just about in­creasing buyers, as the government would have you believe. Our party has always maintained that we need to dramatically increase housing supply. This is why we will remove the provincial sales tax on all new residential construction, making it cheaper to build homes across the housing ecosystem, more rentals included.

We’re also going to build more housing by using unused public land to offer non-profit and market homebuilders 99-year leases at $1 a year. This will enable construction of rental housing that will be available below market prices. While that side of the House may not have been bold enough to act over the last seven years, B.C. United will ensure we get housing for British Columbians.

In closing, I would like to note that wherever I go, I hear the same thing: that people are tired of how unaffordable life has become under this NDP government. The impact of their financial incompetence is having significant impacts for people. British Columbians expect more from their government. British Columbians deserve better from their government. That is why, united, we will fix it.

K. Greene: I rise today to speak in favour of the motion: “Be it resolved that this House agrees to put the interests of regular people who are looking to afford a home ahead of real estate speculators and investors.”

First, I would like to recognize that I am privileged to be speaking on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən-​speaking peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.

Homes should be for people to live in, to grow roots in their community and to feel secure about building a future there. In my community of Richmond, we have felt the effects that speculation and short-term rentals have had on our housing market. Homes are used as safe deposit boxes, not a place for families to live, and short-term rentals are pushing residents out of houses, townhouses and condos alike.

That’s why our government is taking action to get people into homes. With our close proximity to the airport, Richmond has long struggled with short-term rentals. While the city of Richmond has banned short-term rentals, they need our help.

Our government has enabled more tools for local governments to combat illegal short-term rentals and in­creased the fines for non-compliance. Short-term rental platforms will share their data with the province to assist with local enforcement, and the province is limiting short-term rentals to principal residents only. These changes will return thousands of units to the long-term rental market so people can have more housing options in their community.

We also see, in Richmond, the use of homes as an investment vehicle. Having homes sitting vacant when there is so much need for housing in our community is not okay.

[11:25 a.m.]

Since 2018, the speculation and vacancy tax has encouraged more than 20,000 units to be returned to the long-term rental market in Metro Vancouver alone. The speculation and vacancy tax continues to discourage the use of homes for investors’ piggy banks and, instead, to be used for what should be the primary purpose of housing: a place for people, for families and for seniors to live.

For those investors that still leave their properties va­cant, the speculation and vacancy tax raises millions of dollars that’s used to build new affordable housing in the communities the tax is collected in. Partnering with the city of Richmond, we’ve built 80 units of supportive housing so that unhoused people can get the support and shelter they need. In the supportive housing units, folks are accessing services that improve their quality of life, like a daily hot meal, life skills training, mental health care and primary health care services.

B.C. Housing is starting the process for redevelopment of Rosewood Village, at No. 2 Road and Blundell Road in Richmond. It’s an over-nine-acre site and currently offers 138 housing units. The proposed development will replace the existing units on a one-for-one basis and will have over 850 units on completion. Rosewood Village will prioritize community connection and spaces outdoors as well as an amenity building for the development.

Affordability is an important aspect for B.C. Housing projects, and Rosewood Village will offer rental housing for families, low- and moderate-income earners and persons with disabilities and will be a mix of rent-geared-to-income, non-market and market rentals. The site is ideal for densification, as it’s adjacent to a shopping plaza with a grocery store, shops and services, as well as frequent transit and an elementary school. This is a great example of what it means to build a complete and walkable community.

We need to keep leveraging underutilized land to deli­ver more low-cost rental homes faster. BC Builds will offer low-cost financing, along with land owned by government, community groups or non-profits, to bring down building costs, which will get more projects launched and deliver rental homes that are affordable for low- and middle-income earners.

It’s so important that government continue to do this work so our communities are vibrant and thrive for the next generation of residents. We need to ensure that everyone, like teachers, medical technicians and early childhood educators can find a place to call home in the communities they live and work in, like Richmond.

The status quo was not serving the seniors and families of British Columbia. We believe that homes are for people to live in, and we’re taking action to address the housing challenges of today. We’re getting speculation out of our housing market, limiting short-term rentals and building thousands of units for students, seniors, individuals and families.

Our actions mean that more people have the opportunity to build a good life in the community they love, ensuring our neighbourhoods are healthy and thriving places to learn, work and grow for years to come.

R. Merrifield: Well, only an NDP government would give already struggling British Columbians a week filled with nothing but an uninspiring, over-politicized and solution-free budget announcement and then, ironically, follow it up with a motion that, if anything, only mocks this government’s abysmal track record: a failure at building 114,000 units in over eight years.

B.C. Housing is a financial disaster, and now this new housing suite of bills has thrown chaos into planning departments around the province. The record-breaking deficit announced last week does not serve the interests of “regular people” when, under this government’s watch, the dream of affording a regular life is now beyond one’s reach.

In the face of this, we see a province grappling with the most unaffordable housing costs in North America and the highest rents in Canada. In seven years under this government, the average cost of a townhome in Vancouver has surged by $400,000. Renters, too, find themselves hurting, paying nearly $6,000 more annually under this NDP government.

Our cities — including Vancouver, Victoria and my hometown of Kelowna — now boast some of the least affordable rental markets, with vacancy rates plummeting to 1 percent.

[11:30 a.m.]

This isn’t just a crisis; it’s an NDP catastrophe. We have heard about all of the suite of laws and taxes lauded here this morning, but, news flash, none of that has worked.

This motion, rather than being a step forward, is a stark reminder of the NDP’s failure to address the core issues plaguing our housing market. Take, for example, the proposal of a house-flipping tax by the NDP. While seemingly a step in the right direction, it lacks the substance and structural support to make a real impact. Historical data and economic analysis suggest that such measures, with­out comprehensive strategy, barely scratch the surface of the housing affordability crisis. Moreover, this approach neglects to consider the broader economic implications, potentially stifling investment and development crucial for housing supply expansion.

This is true throughout B.C. but especially in Vancouver, where over 60 percent of all new housing units were bought in presale. What happens if those presales stop? Banks stop financing. New housing stops.

Our B.C. United opposition brings forth not just criticism but the first plank of our housing plan, United to Fix Housing, aimed at real solutions, not empty promises that yield no outcomes.

We’re introducing bold initiatives, such as the rent-to-own program, the elimination of the property transfer tax for first-time homebuyers up to $1 million and the use of public land for affordable housing, ideas that when even the NDP tries to copy, they can’t seem to get it right.

The B.C. United caucus is the only party here with the experience, understanding and willingness to pursue new ideas that will undo the NDP damage and bring back the dream of home ownership.

While we acknowledge the intent behind a flipping tax, experience has taught us that good intentions under this government often lead to poorly executed policies. The real issue at hand is not merely flipping; it’s the lack of a holistic approach to housing supply.

Policies need to address supply constraints, bureaucratic red tape and incentivize both the public and private sectors to contribute meaningfully to solve the housing crisis.

You know what this government has not done? Guaranteed time frames on provincial housing approvals of the Ministries of Transportation, Environment, Agriculture, Forests and Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. Why not? Because they are too busy blaming everyone else for their utter housing failures.

This tax is yet another measure that won’t have an effect on housing prices or availability. But don’t believe us. Believe the NDP’s own consultant, Dr. Tom Davidoff, associate professor at UBC’s Sauder School of Business, who said that when it comes to affordability, he doesn’t believe the tax will bring housing prices down. “I think the flipping tax is not important at all for long-run affordability, but it may be important to provide political cover.”

Wow. Political cover, hey? It’s time for a government that acts in the true interest of its citizens, rather than one that looks for political cover, plays to false beliefs and misinformation, and risks more catastrophic consequences, ultimately failing to address the root causes of the struggles of the people merely to stay elected.

Do better, NDP.

A. Singh: Rent-to-own. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a bad ’80s TV commercial.

Anyway, I rise in support of the motion: “Be it resolved that this House agrees to put the interests of regular people who are looking to afford a home ahead of real estate speculators and investors.”

Firstly, let me reiterate what an honour it is to be back in the people’s chamber and how much gratitude I’m filled with for having the opportunity and privilege to speak here.

I remind myself of the fact that we are all sent here with the trust of the people of our communities to do their work and to represent them and their priorities. I often say governing is all about priorities, and I am proud to stand here with a government that prioritizes people over profits and antiquated economic models, a government that works to take care of people and their needs, be it in housing, health care or their personal safety.

When I speak with people or I go to the grocery store and I look at my receipt, I cannot help but think how hard life is for most people, not just here in Canada but around the world. People have suffered incredible hardship for the last few years.

[11:35 a.m.]

The pandemic and the response needed to keep people safe had significant impact, followed by catastrophic events year after year fueled by climate change, coupled with a unique position that we in B.C. are in, where something like almost half a million people moved to B.C. over the last few years. Add on to that the increasing greed of large corporations that have seen record profits yet keep raising the prices of necessities like food, bread.

It’s tough out there. And when it’s tough, that’s exactly when the people that put us here need us to step up and make sure that no one is left behind. That’s why, since being elected, this government has been doing exactly that and will continue to do that.

People want a decent home they can afford in a community they love. That’s why our government has been leading the country in finding solutions to the widespread housing crisis — it’s not just here in British Columbia; it’s in a lot of places — and taking action to deliver more homes that are within reach for people and not just rehashing washed-out ideas that, at their core, just benefit a select few people. What is needed here is a whole suite of ideas that attack the problem from multiple angles. That’s what we have been doing.

We’ve spoken many times about the thousands upon thousands of family homes that came onto the market with the empty homes and speculation taxes. Thousands more are predicted to join the market with our legislation that reigns in the out-of-control short-term rental market. Homes should be for people to live in, not for speculators and investors to hoard. We will continue to expand the speculation and vacancy tax. This has proven to work effectively.

We passed a whole suite of legislation that fixes restrictive and outdated zoning rules. I often hear of business people who want to develop and build a home and the struggles that they have with the time it takes to build a home. Every day that that home is delayed adds to the expense of that home and increases its unaffordability. We are tackling that.

Our plan includes turning more land and area near transit hubs into homes for people. Gone are the days of large mansions and single-family homes. We need density so people can have a place to call home. We are making sure that secondary suites can be built in every community in British Columbia and that if an owner chooses to do so, they can build multiple units on their property, making it more affordable for more people.

As you heard last week, we have new measures that complement the arsenal of tools that we have already put out. This includes a B.C. home-flipping tax. As a lawyer at a small law firm that operated in the fastest-growing community at that time, Surrey, I often heard from colleagues about how home prices were being inflated through assignments, subcontracts and drive-through sales by investors and speculators. That’s exactly what this is tackling.

As part of the Homes for People plan and to discourage speculators from driving up prices, there will be a new B.C. home-flipping tax, effective January 1, 2025. This will be a tax on the profit made from selling a residential property within two years of buying it. Of course, there are some specific exemptions that allow for the inevitability of life. We understand that people have needs, and we understand that situations change.

To help families purchase their homes, there will also be new exemptions in the property transfer tax. For many, buying a home is the largest purchase that they will ever make, and property prices are making it harder. Every little bit counts, and Budget 2024 aims to give people the financial boost they need to bring buying a home within reach.

To help lower the cost and encourage construction of more rental units, eligible purpose-built rental buildings of four or more units will also receive a property transfer tax exemption. Raising these property transfer tax exemption thresholds and incentivizing building of new rentals and homes will save more people more money, an estimated $100 million per year.

The private sector alone has not been able to deliver the homes that middle-income British Columbians need. That’s why government needs to step in. Since 2017, the province has created more than 78,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway as a result of continued investments and other housing initiatives. That’s what you need as a suite of initiatives, and that’s what we’re doing.

T. Halford: I’m actually very thankful for the opportunity to speak on this motion. It’s an important one.

We are at a crossroads when it comes to housing. We’ve been at a crossroads for a number of years now. The fact is that I did hear a member talk about lands and selling of lands and how they sold lands in the ‘90s for housing. It reminds me that, actually, in 2014, it was the B.C. Liberal, now United, government at the time that sold 800 hectares to Haisla. Some may know the former Chief of Haisla, who may be sitting to my immediate left. What did they build on those 800 hectares? Homes. That’s what they built.

[11:40 a.m.]

We talk about today. The fact is we hear…. I think, in the motion, it mentions “speculator.” We hear, in 2017, that this government was going to build 114,000 units. You know what? If you do the math, if the Premier would have donated the money that he got when he flipped his condo, which was $150,000, if he would have donated $1 to each of those homes that they promised to do, he’d have $36,000 left over.

I think that they’ve got to be careful with the language they use. They might want to look in the mirror, might want to look inside a cabinet room, might want to look at the Premier’s office and have an understanding that what may work for them may not work for others.

When they’re in that cabinet room, they might want to look at the table, and they might want to look at the Minister of Transportation. They might want to say: “Minister, are you part of the problem or are you part of the solution?” When we see the backlogs of permits from the Ministry of Transportation and how that’s affecting housing right now, that minister has got a lot of work to do. A lot of work to do.

I can tell you that whether you’re a municipality or you’re a developer or you’re looking at development in cul-de-sacs or other areas, the Ministry of Transportation has a role to play. Right now, I don’t know if the Minister of Transportation is aware of that role, because they’ve got an enormous backlog.

They can point at the municipalities, which they do, and in some cases, they definitely should. But they better be looking around that cabinet table to say: “Are you doing your job?”

When we look at the issue…. I heard the member previously say that single-family homes are gone. We’ve had another minister say that the last generation of home ownership is gone. So where are we here? We’ve got two government MLAs that are saying the ability for home ownership has passed us, and now we have another MLA saying: “No more to single-family homes.” We just heard it less than five minutes ago in this House, verbatim.

You know, the biggest problem that any government has is when they have a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver. In my riding, I see it every day. It has a lot of seniors on very fixed incomes. This government campaigned on a renters rebate. It has now, after seven years, finally got around to doing a renters rebate that you’ve got to apply for; you get denied for.

We have an absolute crisis across this province when it comes to housing. I think it’s at a time where…. They can mock solutions that others put forward, but they don’t have enough political capital in the bank to be doing that right now.

I can tell you there is not one person in this province that would give this government a pass on the current situation we have in housing. I know for a fact that’s the existence in my riding. When I am spending my weekends at different areas because they can’t even get through to the Ministry of Housing…. They don’t have heat and hot water. Let’s start with that. Let’s get those problems fixed.

I think that it’s imperative that this government, this Premier, this cabinet take a long look in the mirror and figure out if they’re part of the problem or the solution.

D. Routley: It’s my pleasure to rise in support of this motion and to recognize that this province has experienced a shortage of housing that built up over a couple of decades and, in fact, was made much worse by the previous government.

British Columbians, over the last five years, have seen almost half a million people come to this province — record numbers. They’re coming here because of low inflation and high wages, a thriving economy and a government that backstops the people of its province. They come here with those expectations but find housing challenges.

[11:45 a.m.]

This government, in contrast to the former B.C. Liberal, United, government, does take steps in a multifaceted way to answer that multifaceted question of how to solve the housing crisis in this province. It is a multifaceted question we’re asked. Is it student housing? Is it seniors housing? Is it low-income housing? Is it middle-income housing?

It is all of those things, and this government is bringing forward solutions for all of those questions, in contrast to the former B.C. Liberal government, which simply answered, through its Housing Minister, to those in the Lower Mainland who are looking for housing: “Maybe you should move to Fort St. John.”

They left it up completely to developers to answer the question and the crisis, and that made it worse. So their do-nothing approach has been answered by this government with a “do something on every level” approach.

Student housing is a good measure of the difference: over 8,000 housing units for students built by this government, in comparison to 138 built by the B.C. Liberal/United government that lasted 16 years.

Their answer to the inflation of rents was to add 2 percent to the inflation rate. In the past year, that would have resulted in approximately — the last two years — 8 percent rent increases. This government capped those rental in­creases well below inflation, at 2 percent. Those economic wizards who ran this province for 16 years would have made that inflation permanent. As we see interest rates come down, those rental rates would have continued to climb from that inflated level that they would have had us allow.

This government has solutions for people. We see the struggles. We see them every day: people coming to our offices, people in our families searching for housing solutions. That’s a difficult thing to solve, but this government has acted on so many levels.

The rental tenancy act that balances the interests be­tween landlords and tenants moves disputes through the system quicker. Rental credits of up to $400. A rental bank that had $13 million added to it in the budget the other day that helps people who have immediate and urgent loss of income to not lose their homes.

We have allowed extra density and extra suites through­out the province. So that will be a solution that won’t even show up in housing numbers. But this government took that act in defence and in support of British Columbians.

Rental zoning around transit. Rental zoning for local governments frees up local governments to act and create rental housing. We have record amounts of rental housing under construction.

BC Builds is going to deliver, in partnership with local governments, First Nations and even school districts, housing for middle-income folks. In Nanaimo–North Cowichan, the constituency I represent, over 1,800 units have been delivered already.

We have a comprehensive approach to a multifaceted problem that is delivering on all levels.

The members opposite…. Their history is to do nothing. Their history is to promise and not deliver. They promised 5,000 housing units in 2001 — didn’t deliver. Promised them in 2005, took federal money and put that into assisted living and produced no housing for low- and middle-income British Columbians.

The plan that the B.C. NDP has offered and is delivering is Canada’s leading housing strategy, and other provinces are following suit. The federal government is partnering with this province because our plans work. They work for British Columbians. We stand behind the people of British Columbia. They understand that.

That’s why we’re sitting here, and they’re sitting there.

M. Bernier: It’s a privilege to stand up and speak to this, I guess, if we want to call it, motion.

I will be frank. When I first saw this motion being presented, I thought it was a bit of an April Fool’s joke when this came out. Maybe it’s just taking something from a year or two ago and thinking it meant something and bringing it back.

You know, when I look at this, the motion should have read more like: “Be it resolved that regular people cannot afford to live in British Columbia under an NDP government anymore.” That would at least have been more factual. That would have been more factual to what’s taking place right now in British Columbia.

[11:50 a.m.]

In fact, one of the most frustrating things, I think, for not just the opposition, when we’re trying to hold government accountable, but for regular British Columbians is it doesn’t matter what we talk about now in this province. Under seven years of an NDP government, for every single thing, the term “crisis” is used. Whether it’s health care, whether it’s crime and addictions, whether it’s affordability and housing, every single time one of these issues is talked about, the word “crisis” is used.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Now, when we want to talk about housing specifically…. I find it really interesting. Even the speaker before me…. Really what we’re seeing is, it doesn’t matter what the facts are. It doesn’t matter what the truth is. Obviously, some researcher in the basement writes the members’ speeches, so they just read them off without doing research themselves. But in fact, under the B.C. United, B.C. Liberals, we actually built 24,000 affordable housing units during our time, not what this member was talking about. In fact, we also ended up building 9,300 units of student housing.

If you ever want to actually leave Victoria, I know there’s a place out there called rural B.C. Most of the NDP have never actually bothered visiting it. But if they actually came to places like mine, I’ll give them a personal tour of many of the housing units, student housing units that were built while we were in government, something I was proud of.

And the Okanagan. They’re everywhere. But of course, again, they don’t want to acknowledge it because it doesn’t fit their narrative.

You know what does fit their narrative? The fact that people are struggling in British Columbia. In fact, we just heard a throne speech — two weeks later than normal, I will add — that we haven’t had a chance to debate, really. Go figure, again. They don’t want to be held accountable.

That throne speech basically highlighted all of the problems people are facing in British Columbia around housing, health care, affordability. No solutions. Ironically, we’re in an election year. This government has no plan, I guess, but they just talked about the struggles everybody’s facing. Then we come out with a budget that basically highlights the same thing.

Look, we are in a housing crisis. You want to make hous­ing more affordable? Start building more housing. This government has been unable to achieve almost every promise that they did, in a photo op, in trying to fix the housing crisis. In fact, they back-pedal and walk away from most of the promises that they’ve made over the last seven years.

We need to be fixing the housing crisis. Again, I use the word “crisis.” I would have a lot more understanding of this government if they stood up and just claimed the fact: “Yes, we’re in a crisis, and we’ve been in government for seven years, and we’ve done nothing about it.” In fact, mostly what I hear out there is that this government acts just like opposition, because rather than actually making decisions and trying to fix the problems that are under their watch, they just try to do a blame game on everybody else.

News flash: you’re the decision-makers. You get to do something about it, and you’ve done nothing. People in British Columbia are suffering because of it.

We need to be fixing this crisis, the crisis that this government, again, has had a watch over for seven years. Other than a bunch of empty promises that haven’t delivered, maybe it’s time they look at some of the things that we’ve talked about within our plan, like the rent-to-own program, eliminating the property transfer tax for up to $1 million, saving people money. These are actual realistic, tangible targets that can actually help people.

Rather than putting up red tape, rather than actually alienating and actually insulting, I would say, the people who actually build houses…. We know it’s not the government. The Premier has even admitted that he needs the private sector to do this because of government’s failure. But then what do they do? Motions and narratives in the public that they’re against the people who actually build the homes.

The NDP can’t do it. Maybe they need to step up and actually acknowledge that other people need to be doing it, recognizing their failures.

F. Donnelly: I am pleased to rise in support of the member for Maple Ridge–Mission’s motion that this House agree to put the interests of regular people looking to af­ford a home ahead of real estate speculators and investors.

In fact, I believe most British Columbians support this motion. They believe, like I do, homes should be built to house people and not investment vehicles to make a quick buck.

[11:55 a.m.]

When speculators manipulate the housing market, they drive up prices for everyone. Our government recognizes British Columbians need homes they can afford in their own communities.

That’s why our government introduced the B.C. home-flipping tax to help the housing market work better for people. The flipping tax will tax the profit made from selling a residential property within two years of buying it, with exemptions for life circumstances such as divorce, death, illness and work relocation.

Between 2020 and 2022, 7 percent of residential home sales in B.C. were resold for profit. Revenue from the flipping tax will directly fund affordable housing programs in B.C. This is why I am confident residents in Co­quitlam–Burke Mountain support this tax and the member’s motion.

People in Coquitlam–Burke Mountain are already experiencing benefits from our government’s work to protect homes and invest in affordable housing. Here are some examples.

Earlier this month our government made an exciting housing announcement in Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. The Tri-Branch Co-op, consisting of 169 homes, and the Garden Court Co-op, made up of 121 homes, were both protected when they became the first acquisition of B.C.’s $500 million rental protection fund.

At that happy announcement, the Premier said far too many renters live in fear that their homes will be sold out from under them. This landmark acquisition protects 290 affordable homes in the heart of Coquitlam, ensuring people can continue living in the community they help to build.

I worked for two years with the co-op members, the Community Land Trust, the operating engineers, the city of Coquitlam, B.C. Housing and, of course, our Housing Minister. On February 8, the Premier announced $71 million of B.C.’s $500 million rental protection fund would be used to secure 290 affordable home rental units in Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. Hooray.

During the 2020 provincial election, I learned of another co-op housing project located in Coquitlam–Burke Mountain whose future was uncertain. The Hoy Creek Housing Co-op was a 40-year-old development that needed upgrading and was in financial trouble. Rather than allow the site on the private market, the province’s community housing fund provided $14 million to create 132 new non-market units.

This Friday I’ll be attending an open house at Robert Nicklin Place in Coquitlam. This housing project, operated by Affordable Housing Societies, provides rental units that are affordable for a broad range of income levels.

The old rental buildings on the site needed to be re­placed, but the residents were concerned if the land was sold to private speculators, their homes would be replaced with market-priced units that none of them could afford. However, B.C. Housing joined other government funders, contributing $8.1 million to help ensure 164 units of non-market housing, affordable housing, were built on that site.

The B.C. home-flipping tax is an additional action being taken by our government to help ensure residents in Co­quitlam–Burke Mountain and, indeed, throughout British Columbia can obtain secure, affordable rental housing now and into the future.

I am pleased to support the member’s motion, which is in keeping with the many positive, new and exciting housing initiatives put in place by our government since 2017.

F. Donnelly moved adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

Hon. R. Singh moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The Speaker: This House is adjourned until 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

The House adjourned at 11:59 a.m.