Contents

The House met at 10:02 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Susie Chant.

Introductions by Members

Paul Choi: I am very glad to share that I have a lot of my friends here today in the House. First, I have constituent Olga Stachova up there. She is the CEO of MOSAIC. It’s an organization that has non-profit settlement and employment services for newcomers.

I also have Mr. Jae Lee, who is the owner of La Forêt. It’s one of the most favourite and most popular cafes and landmarks in our Metrotown riding.

I have Rea Park, who is my amazing constituent adviser, who makes me look like a rock star online.

I also have the pleasure to introduce some of the B.C.’s Professional Fire Fighters Association leadership. We have Doug Petti, Kevin Devine and Steve Brewer.

Please make them all feel welcome, and thank them for their amazing service.

Hon. Niki Sharma: I just wanted to make sure that everybody knew that it is a very special day for somebody here that we hold in high esteem, and that’s our Speaker.

Happy birthday to the Speaker.

[10:05 a.m.]

Some Hon. Members:

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday, dear Speaker,

Happy birthday to you.

[Applause.]

An Hon. Member: Where’s our cake?

Interjections.

The Speaker: After the question period.

[Laughter.]

Lorne Doerkson: Members, I’d like to introduce members of the Thompson-Nicola regional district. They are here, of course, advocating for our area. I’m certainly proud to work with them.

Our chair, Barbara Roden, is here, and she is joined by Scott Hildebrand and Corbin Kelley. They do amazing work for us in the Thompson-Nicola area. Thank you very much to them.

Would the House please make them very welcome.

Hon. Brittny Anderson: I rise in the House today to welcome two guests from the B.C. Rural Health Network, executive director Paul Adams and Dr. Jude Kornelsen of UBC’s Centre for Rural Health Research. The B.C. Rural Health Network promotes and supports health services that improve and sustain the health and well-being of people in rural communities across British Columbia.

I know I speak on behalf of all MLAs in this House — how grateful we are for their work. It seems that they’re up there. I see some waves to them.

Thank you so much.

I ask everyone in this House to please make them feel very welcome.

Macklin McCall: It’s an honour to rise today and recognize the outstanding constituency assistants who serve the people of West Kelowna–Peachland, Jane Inkster and Nicole Day.

These hard-working individuals are the backbone of our office, always going above and beyond to support our community. From handling casework to addressing the needs of our constituents, they do it all with dedication, professionalism and genuine care for the people they serve. Their efforts often go unnoticed, but they make a real difference in the lives of so many.

On behalf of the entire riding, I want to express our deepest gratitude for their tireless work. The people of West Kelowna–Peachland are fortunate to have such exceptional individuals in their corner.

Thank you, Jane and Nicole, for everything you do, and welcome to the B.C. Legislature.

Hon. Jodie Wickens: Today I have two very special guests, Alinka Carkeling and Gil Carkeling. My Auntie Alinka welcomed me into her home when I was 17 years old and decided to move across the country all by myself. She immigrated to Canada when she was a young child and has worked so hard her entire life. She is a rock, she is my mentor, and I love her.

Also, my Uncle Gil, Gilbert; and Uncle Boogie, who is a famous umpire and DJ and volunteer at his local legion. I love them both dearly.

Will the House please join me in welcoming them here today?

Pete Davis: I had a person show up yesterday that I did not even know was going to come. He’s a big part of our team in Cranbrook. He was a huge part of our campaign team, was there with us in the trenches, knocking on doors and doing a lot of great things. I just wanted to make sure that I introduced to you a big, vital part of our team in Kootenay-Rockies, Mr. AJ Wolfe.

Thank you for being here.

Sunita Dhir: Today I rise to welcome my two dear friends, volunteers and constituents Ron Richings, in his beautiful orange T-shirt, and Gudrun Langolf.

Gudrun is a proud immigrant. She was a teenager when her parents came to Canada. Her European roots exposed her to socially progressive public policies. She’s been advocating on behalf of workers and, after retiring, seniors as president of the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of B.C. — COSCO, without the “T.” I am so happy that they could join us today.

Please make them feel welcome in the House.

[10:10 a.m.]

Gavin Dew: I would like to recognize the presence of Dr. Neil Fassina in the precinct. Dr. Fassina has been the president of Okanagan College since 2021, overseeing nearly 16,000 students and more than 60,000 alumni and counting.

Okanagan College has four main campuses. Obviously, the best one is in Kelowna-Mission, but I know that my appreciation for Okanagan College is strongly shared by the members for Kelowna Centre, Kelowna–Lake Country–Coldstream, Boundary-Similkameen, West Kelowna–Peachland, Penticton-Summerland, Columbia River–Revelstoke and, of course, my colleague across the aisle in Vernon-Lumby.

Would everyone please make Dr. Neil Fassina welcome.

Brennan Day: I’d like to also extend our appreciation for Paul Adams and Dr. Kornelsen.

As a member of our rural health critic team and our health team here and a caucus that represents most of rural B.C., it’s fantastic to see you here. I think everybody in this House looks forward to working with you.

Thank you very much for coming.

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat: I will not introduce Paul and Adam again. They’ve been introduced a lot.

But I’m happy to see you here today and happy to see you yesterday.

I rise to thank my constituency advisers, Pam Cooling and Brie Robertson, who are here today. Like the member across had mentioned, they are rock stars in our community. They keep the office running and handle all our constituents while we are here in this House.

So let the House welcome my constituency advisers.

Macklin McCall: It is my great privilege to rise today and introduce someone very special to me: my wife, Megan.

Megan has been a constant source of support and strength, not only for me but to our entire community. She has dedicated countless hours to making a difference both in our family and in the lives of those around us.

Megan is a person of integrity, compassion and tireless dedication, and her commitment to our community has been truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud to have her by my side, and today I am honoured to have her here in the Legislature with us.

I ask the entire House to join me in welcoming Megan to the chamber today.

John Rustad: Donna Barnett is here in the chamber. I know she was introduced yesterday. She’s in the chamber today.

I just want to highlight that over her career, not only was she a great advocate for the Cariboo and for her communities, but she never forgot about rural B.C. Believe me, we heard it over and over and over again in our caucus. I really appreciate it because the strength she showed in standing up for rural B.C. and for the values that are so important for so many people around the province is just great.

I just want to once again recognize Donna Barnett and ask the House to please make her welcome.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

Bill M203 — Free Trade and Mobility
Within Canada Act

John Rustad presented a bill intituled Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act.

John Rustad: It’s an honour today to stand and introduce a bill entitled Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada, 2025, of which notice has been given in my name on the order papers, to be introduced and read a first time now.

This is a very simple act. It’s an important piece of legislation that I think all provinces should be looking at doing, and it’s modelled after a piece of legislation that was brought in, in Nova Scotia.

The intent of this act is very simple. It is to remove all barriers to trade on goods, services and investment between the provinces and territories of Canada.

Given the situation that we are facing, it is critical today to make sure that we do everything we can to open our borders, to open up trade and to strengthen Canada both economically and socially so that we can come through these challenging times a much stronger province and a much stronger country.

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

[10:15 a.m.]

Motion approved.

John Rustad: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for the second reading at the next sitting in the House after today.

Motion approved.

The Speaker: Member for Langley….

Jody Toor: Langley-Willowbrook.

The Speaker: Yeah, Langley. Langley is a good city.

Bill M204 — Perinatal and Postnatal
Mental Health Strategy Act

Jody Toor presented a bill intituled Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act.

Jody Toor: I move that a bill intituled Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read the first time now.

As a mother of two beautiful daughters, I stand before you today to introduce the Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act. Bringing life into this world should be a time of hope and strength, yet, for too many women, it becomes a silent battle.

This bill is not just a legal framework. It is a timeline for women and families across our community. The journey of motherhood is one of the most profound and life-altering experiences, yet it often comes with challenges that are not openly discussed. One in five women experience prenatal or postnatal mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to feelings of isolation.

Motherhood is a transformative journey that brings joy, challenges and profound changes to a woman’s life. The joyous moments and new beginnings…. It is essential to acknowledge the less discussed aspects of motherhood, particularly those related to mental health.

The transition to motherhood is marked by hormonal imbalances, lack of sleep, grief of loss of an infant and adjustments to a new role, potentially impacting a woman’s mental well-being. Postpartum mood disorders, including postpartum depression or PPD, anxiety disorders and even rare but severe cases of postpartum psychosis can cast a shadow over what is meant to be a joyous time. This important topic lies in the potential long-term consequences of untreated postpartum mood disorders, affecting not only the mother but also their partners, children and family unit.

This proposed bill recognizes that mental health is just as critical as physical health, especially during one of the most important moments in a woman’s life. With implementing a comprehensive strategy, we ensure that women have access to the support and resources they need. This includes mental health services, education and community support all tailored to meet the unique needs of mothers.

Moreover, this bill acknowledges that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being. It aims to foster an environment where women feel empowered to seek help without stigma or fear.

By prioritizing mental health, we are not only supporting mothers but also promoting healthier families and, ultimately, a healthier society.

The review process embedded in this bill ensures that we remain responsive to the needs of women and families. It demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring that our strategies remain effective and relevant.

In conclusion, the bill put forward is a vital step forward, supporting women and families during a very important period in their lives. It is a testament to our commitment to mental health awareness and the well-being of our future.

I urge you to support this important bill for the sake of our mothers, wives, sisters, friends, daughters and families.

The Speaker: Members, the question is the first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Jody Toor: I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

The Speaker: Member for Salmon Arm–Shuswap.

Members’ Statements

Volunteer Fire Departments

David Williams: Thank you, hon. Speaker, and happy birthday.

Today I rise to recognize and express my deepest gratitude to the volunteer fire departments and their dedicated members across our province. These brave individuals selflessly risk their lives to protect our residents, properties and businesses from fire and other emergencies.

Their service is not just about emergency response. It extends to fostering civic pride, strengthening community bonds and supporting local events.

[10:20 a.m.]

In my riding of Salmon Arm–Shuswap, volunteer fire departments serve the city of Salmon Arm, Columbia Shuswap regional district, the regional district of North Okanagan, the Central Okanagan regional district as well as fire services for Little Shuswap Indian Band and north Okanagan Indian Band. Their presence ensures that home insurance remains accessible and affordable by maintaining essential fire protection standards.

The White Lake Fire Hall, where I reside, exemplifies that community spirit, while protecting neighbours. They make fireworks displays possible. They run a haunted house at Halloween. They have a Christmas party at Christmastime.

I can’t say enough about the volunteer fire department in White Lake. At Christmastime, at the Christmas party, they have a puppet show and a fire pond. How appropriate.

However, as our population ages and time becomes increasingly a scarce commodity, it is crucial that we encourage local residents to get involved, whether by joining, offering support or contributing in other meaningful ways. These departments rely on dedicated individuals to step up and serve their communities.

Today I’d like to formally recognize the extraordinary courage, commitment and sacrifices of our volunteer fire departments throughout the province. Their work deserves not only our gratitude but continued support, at the provincial level, to ensure that they have the resources needed to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

World Hearing Day

Rohini Arora: I rise to recognize World Hearing Day, which was just yesterday. It’s observed on March 3 every year. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health, and it highlights ways to prevent hearing loss.

The theme for 2025 focuses on promoting ear and hearing care to improve quality of life globally. It serves as a reminder of how vital it is to protect and care for our hearing as well as to provide support and education for deaf people and those that are hard of hearing.

In Burnaby, the Family Network for Deaf Children is a parent-run, non-profit organization that plays an essential role in supporting children and families affected by deafness and hearing loss by providing resources, putting on camps, offering ASL to parents and siblings of deaf kids, advocacy and building a sense of community. The network helps empower families to navigate the challenges of communication and accessibility.

The Family Network for Deaf Children is crucial in connecting children and their parents with local services and in promoting inclusion, ensuring that deaf kids and those with hearing impairments have access to the tools they need to thrive, like ASL.

Deaf Youth Today is FNDC’s summer program, and their aim is providing language-rich social and recreational experiences and leadership opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and youth in Burnaby and across British Columbia.

Deaf Youth Today’s summer registration opens on April 1. You can find out more on fndc.ca.

Bill Kershaw

Ward Stamer: I wanted to share my experiences with a man who has done much for the community of Barriere and the surrounding North Thompson Valley for over 50 years. Bill Kershaw, with his new bride, Bernie, moved to Barriere in 1968 and purchased the Esso service station and tow truck service.

From the beginning, Bill was called out at all hours of the day and night to rescue people and their vehicles in numerous situations. It could be a simple flat tire without a spare. It could be a vehicle stuck in a shallow ditch or more serious highway crashes, with dead and injured people to attend to. As a reminder, Barriere had just raised money as a community and purchased their first ambulance in 1968 — a first.

Bill was always community-minded and helped everyone he could, whether he was working on projects around our town, coaching his three boys in sports, working on vehicles to all hours of the night so that people could get their work vehicles back by morning. Bill was dedicated. Bill was on the improvement district for many years. During the spring of 1996, when he stepped down, I stepped in.

[10:25 a.m.]

Bill was elected many terms to the TNRD, including as vice-chair, as well as serving on our district council for two terms. Bill has sat on many community organizations throughout the years and joined the Barriere Chamber of Commerce in 2005, first serving as a director, a vice-president and 12 years as president.

All of us in this House understand and respect the importance of having strong local businesses in our communities, large and small. Many of our businesses have been hit in recent times — high taxes, crime, bureaucracy and red tape, and now U.S. tariffs.

Through it all, people like Bill Kershaw have demonstrated that hard work, volunteering and doing what is right for our community…. Our communities are stronger. That is why Bill Kershaw is receiving the Barriere Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Award tonight.

I could not think of a better person to be recognized for over 50 years of community service.

Well done, Bill.

Support for Farmers and
Island Roots Farmers Market

George Anderson: Farmers are the backbones of our communities. They rise before the sun, work in all conditions and carry skills that take years, if not generations, to master. Farming isn’t just a job; it’s a craft. It’s a science and a calling. Yet too often, we take for granted the people who put food on our table.

In my community, that’s why Island Roots Farmers Market is so important. It’s more than a place to buy fresh food. It’s a marketplace of opportunity that’s open every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., by Beban Park. It connects hard-working farmers and food producers directly to the community, keeping money in our local economy while creating jobs and proving that farming is a viable, rewarding career, especially for young people.

I’ll admit that it’s the chocolate chip cookies and jams from Mama Sue’s Granola Bars that always get me to stop. For every dollar spent at a farmers market, twice as much stays in the local economy compared to big-box stores. That’s money supporting local businesses, sustaining family farms and strengthening our local economy, to make sure our food system is in our hands.

With rising costs, global supply chain disruptions and the unjustified tariffs of the United States of America, we need more farmers, not fewer. Young people deserve to see agriculture as a career of stability, independence and pride. Food security isn’t just about having enough to eat. It’s about who grows it, where it’s grown and whether those who produce it can make a decent living.

To the farmers, vendors and volunteers at Island Roots Farmers Market: thank you. You’re not just feeding British Columbians; you’re building an economy that works for rural communities, working people and the next generation.

To the farmhand in Buffalo Creek, the family rancher in Horsefly and the dairy farmer in Abbotsford, know this: your work matters. Your labour feeds this province.

So long as farmers keep farming, British Columbia will never be the 51st state. Let’s stand with our farmers, because when they thrive, we all thrive.

Public Transportation for Seniors

Teresa Wat: I would like to emphasize the urgent need for affordable and accessible transit for British Columbia’s seniors in off-peak hours. This initiative is not only a matter of compassion, but also a vital step towards creating a more equitable and sympathetic society.

As we all know, the current cost of living in British Columbia is unsustainable for many seniors. Housing, food and transportation costs are skyrocketing, leaving many of our elderly citizens struggling to make ends meet. That is why public transportation is so crucial for our seniors. By ensuring seniors can travel independently, we not only enhance their quality of life but also foster greater inclusivity, enabling them to remain active participants in our society.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition, led by president De Whalen, for their tireless efforts in advocating for seniors rights. Their dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring, and I’m honoured to stand alongside them in this fight.

[10:30 a.m.]

Affordable and accessible public transit for seniors in off-peak hours is not only a moral imperative but is also common sense. By providing this service, we can help reduce social isolation, promote mobility and support seniors’ overall well-being. In fact, studies have shown that access to public transportation can have a significant impact on seniors’ mental and physical health. It’s a matter of dignity, independence and quality of life.

Let us unite in taking care of our seniors. We owe it to our seniors, who have contributed so much to our society, to ensure that they can live their golden years with dignity and respect.

South Island Prosperity Partnership
Conference and Film Industry

Nina Krieger: Today I am pleased to highlight the Rising Economy Conference taking place locally this week, convened by South Island Prosperity Partnership. This year’s distinguished lineup includes a panel discussion on the future of greater Victoria’s film industry, highlighting the importance of this sector in our region’s economy.

Launched in 2016 and now under the leadership of Aaron Stone, South Island Prosperity Partnership is a non-profit, public-private partnership of municipal governments, First Nations, post-secondaries, major employers, non-profits and industry associations.

During these unpredictable times, with businesses grappling with the uncertain impacts of tariffs, this year’s rising economy conference strikes an empowering tone. The conference theme “What Is Possible” invites a diversity of participants to consider ways to open doors to opportunity, accelerate innovation and drive the creation of household-supporting jobs.

Here on the south Island between 2019 and 2023, the film sector generated an annual average direct spend of $60 million. This is invested into crew wages, accommodations, location rentals, set building, gas, groceries and so on.

Film and television production is a powerful catalyst for tourism and community benefits. A panel discussion moderated by Vancouver Island south film commissioner Tara-Lee Novak titled “Lights, Camera, Now What?” considers ways the motion picture sector, businesses and community can work together to maximize these benefits.

As Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film, I would like to thank the film commissioner and South Island Prosperity Partnership for underscoring that film is more than about telling stories. It is about shaping our province’s story and an economy that is resilient, innovative and sustainable.

Oral Questions

Farmland in Cowichan Valley

Ian Paton: The historic Dinsdale Farm in Cowichan Bay has grown tremendous agricultural crops for over 100 years. Nature Trust of B.C., the current landowner, recently announced plans to breach the dike and flood this pristine farmland with tidal seawater.

Last year the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship actually applied to the Agricultural Land Commission, promoting the destruction of this farmland. Today Donald Trump has made B.C. food more expensive.

Will the Premier do what’s right and nullify this plan to breach the dike and flood these 150 acres of valuable farmland with seawater?

Hon. Lana Popham: It’s so nice to be able to get up and talk about agriculture, especially on a day when we see tariffs coming in and threatening our food security, our sovereignty. There’s never been a better moment to support B.C. agriculture.

I’ve been out and about in communities, and there’s a real buzz about buying B.C. I have so much faith in our consumers as we look forward and become more resilient in every way in this province.

To the member’s question, I know that he’s a real champion for agriculture, as I am myself, and I know that he’s quite concerned around the impending plans to flood some agricultural land in the Cowichan Valley. There’s been a lot of thought that’s been done around the values of returning this area to a natural ecosystem.

[10:35 a.m.]

I think the member will know that to have healthy agriculture, you also have to have a healthy ecosystem surrounding it. So when we think about the ecosystem that supports fish and the natural biodiversity of this land, a decision was made that for the greater good, this would be returned to an ecosystem.

Gaming Grant Funding for
Prince George Regional Highway
Rescue Society

Rosalyn Bird: Last Saturday the Prince George Regional Highway Rescue Society was called out to a vehicle rollover on Highway 16 east. The vehicle damage was significant, and the driver was crushed inside. Using very specialized equipment and training, the volunteers from the rescue society were able to respectfully extricate the individual. The recovery operation and scene cleanup took over six hours.

I’m sure this government would agree that the specialized equipment, training and service these tireless and brave volunteers offer to my region is invaluable. Yesterday I learned that this regional highway Rescue society has not yet received their gaming grant. They are at a critical point of survival.

Will this government ensure they receive the essential funding they require?

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert: I thank the member for her question and her care for her community.

Gaming grants are essential. They support so many non-profit organizations across this province. That’s why we’ve dedicated over $140 million to support gaming grants, because they do valuable work, like the member references.

I can get back to her with specific details around the question that she has asked around that organization.

I don’t have that in front of me now, but I can tell her that in ’24-25, for example, the government supported the Bulkley Valley–Stikine Kitwanga Community Association to the tune of $250,000, and that was to help them with their emergency services facility, accommodate an ambulance, a fire bay with fire protection pumper truck, including crew quarters and access for a community paramedic.

If the member wants to follow up with me around specific details and the timing, I’m happy to hear from her, and I’ll get her the information as best as I can.

Emergency Services
at Nicola Valley Hospital

Tony Luck: Sunday night the Nicola Valley Hospital experienced its sixth closure in the last month. The people of Merritt, and especially the mayor, are fed up. When I spoke to the mayor Sunday evening, he was ready to call a state of emergency.

This government knows that he has sent a bill to the Premier to cover the cost of 23 different closures at Nicola Valley General Hospital in 2023. The total cost that the city of Merritt is looking to be reimbursed for is over $103,000 for services rendered during these closures.

The mayor has asked me to see if I can stop by the minister’s office and pick up a cheque today for him, or should I just tell him that the cheque is in the mail?

Hon. Josie Osborne: Thank you to the member for the question.

I, too, had the opportunity to speak to the mayor on Sunday night, and we had a long conversation about the impacts to the community and what it feels like to be a member of the Merritt community in the greater region when the emergency room has to be diverted.

I believe there is an understanding that with a global health care worker shortage, it has been challenging to recruit and train physicians and nurses so we have sufficient staffing to keep the emergency room open all the time, which is what people depend on.

I know that. That’s why this government has doubled down on the work that we are doing to train doctors here in British Columbia, to recruit more health care workers into regional communities, into smaller communities — places like Merritt, which are fantastic places to live. I know that the mayor of Merritt is dedicated to that work too. I know that he supports the health care workers in that hospital, as do we.

We’re not going to stop this work. We’re going to continue so that we build the capacity in the health care system at this time, strengthening health care for British Columbians, because that’s what we all depend on.

[10:40 a.m.]

Funding for Surrey School District

Lynne Block: The school district of Surrey is facing a $16 million shortfall. As a result, the district is looking to make more budget cuts with learning centres, education programs and school busing.

The government says that it is the district’s problem, but the reality is it is this government’s fault for not funding education to keep pace with inflation and population growth.

To the Minister of Education, will she step in to cover the funding gap in the Surrey school district, yes or no?

Hon. Lisa Beare: I want to thank the member for the question.

I hear the concern in her voice, to ensure that students in her community are receiving all the resources and supports they need to thrive. We in this government share that concern, which is why year over year, our government has continued to invest in education.

The Surrey school district, in 2017, had a budget of $641 million. Last year the Surrey school district’s budget was $1.03 billion. We’re going to continue to invest in education.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member.

Please continue.

Hon. Lisa Beare: Decisions around programming are made at the school district level. I know the member knows that. I know that the Surrey school district will work with the community to ensure that they are putting a budget forward….

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member for Surrey-Cloverdale, please. Member.

Minister will conclude.

Hon. Lisa Beare: The school district will work with the community to put a budget forward that meets the community’s needs, and we’ll continue to invest in education.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Budget Priorities
and Performance Measurement

Jeremy Valeriote: As has already been pointed out in this House in our two short weeks together, we measure what we value. In B.C., our official measures of economic progress are inadequate and incomplete.

A focus only on gross domestic product as the dominant metric of economic health has skewed our view of what really matters. GDP favours short-term wealth creation and consumption over long-term wealth generation, sustainability and intergenerational fairness. GDP goes up with every car crash, oil spill and purchase of bottled water, but not when we protect our watersheds. We wouldn’t accept this single-minded measure of success in any other aspect of our lives.

As a rookie on budget day, I was hesitant to ask the Minister of Finance a question on a busy and challenging day, so my question is to the executive council.

Does the government have the tools in place to evaluate outcomes from this afternoon’s budget using a broad set of well-being indicators that matter to British Columbians?

Hon. Diana Gibson: Thank you, member opposite, for the question.

Our government has a robust set of programs and services that are supporting communities and well-being on the ground. We are really monitoring the well-being through a series….

I know that even our poverty reduction strategy report was tabled yesterday, continuing to ensure that we’re supporting British Columbians through what is currently a very difficult time, and it’s going to be more difficult.

We’ve been working to ensure affordability is tackled with programs across a bunch of different ministries to ensure we’re tackling affordability for families, affordability for businesses, supporting our economies to thrive as we tackle this challenge with our strengthen, respond and diversify strategy in this tariff moment.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Jeremy Valeriote: Thank you to the minister for the answer.

We need better tools that measure the success of these programs and services and measure the fulfilment and well-being of our people, the long-term impacts of our spending decisions and whether our communities are becoming safer and more resilient. We need to look beyond short-term politics and focus on building a thriving British Columbia.

Countries around the world are adopting indices of well-being that measure economic income, plus a full suite of indicators such as the environment, culture, safety, recreation, health and education. The upheaval of today’s tariffs is an opportunity for the province to develop a “Made in B.C.” well-being index.

My question again to the government: will they work with this House to establish a well-being framework tailor-made for British Columbia?

[10:45 a.m.]

Hon. Diana Gibson: Thank you, member opposite.

In this moment, we know our communities and our businesses and our workers are being impacted. I appreciate the member opposite’s question around meeting this moment, while we’re really taking care to see what’s happening on the ground in our communities.

That’s why our government has set up the business task force. That’s why we have the poverty reduction strategy metrics, those having been tabled yesterday. That’s why our ministry is listening to and engaging with businesses.

I’ve been meeting with businesses across the community, with local governments, with Indigenous communities and industry associations so that we can engage through this crisis to ensure we’re supporting British Columbians, protecting jobs, protecting our communities and continuing to monitor our outcomes so that we’re doing the best we can together to support our communities through this crisis.

Elementary Schools in Richmond

Hon Chan: Richmond Centre is missing two elementary schools. Residents and the school board have been begging this government to approve the construction of the much-needed schools for years. The situation will only get worse as thousands of new homes are set to be built in the area over the next few years.

Over 600 students are crammed into modular portables, and they only get 40 minutes of gym time per week. That’s even less than the students in Hong Kong, a city with a population density 1,200 times that of B.C.

Is the Minister of Education going to step up and promise the people of Richmond now, or should I wait until my grandkids are born?

Hon. Bowinn Ma: It is my pleasure to be able to rise on my first question of this House under this new portfolio, the Ministry of Infrastructure.

We were created as a new ministry at a time when government is actively implementing the single largest capital infrastructure program in B.C. history. Through tens of billions of dollars in capital investment, this has led to 30 hospitals, 11 long-term-care homes, four cancer centres and 226 school projects, including those in the city of Richmond.

For instance, in the city of Richmond, where the member has hailed from, we have, in terms of schools, R.C. Talmey Elementary School, F.A. Tomsett Elementary School, John G. Diefenbaker Elementary School, Howard DeBeck Elementary School and Alfred B. Dixon Elementary School.These are projects that are complete or underway.

We know that the city of Richmond is growing. We will continue to work with them to ensure that we continue this good work that we have already underway.

Government Action on Repeat
Offenders and Crime in Communities

Macklin McCall: Under this NDP government, violent crime is spreading across British Columbia. In Abbotsford, two stores, Shoppers Drug Mart and Real Canadian Superstore, are requiring staff to wear body cameras in response to violent crime. They were forced to take this action because this government turns a blind eye to repeat offenders.

When will this government crack down on violent crime before body cams are in every store across British Columbia?

Hon. Garry Begg: Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

I think it’s important that we put in context some of the criminal activity that is occurring across the province. This is not a new trend. This, as in this case, is isolated.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members. Members.

Hon. Garry Begg: These cases are isolated to specific incidents, to specific people.

I’m proud that we have supported the police to have target teams to target offenders like this, and that is something that we will continue.

The Speaker: Member for Surrey North.

Food Bank Use

Mandeep Dhaliwal: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our Surrey community and our community are sending you birthday wishes. Happy birthday once again.

Also, they sent one question. Twenty-five percent of people who use Surrey food banks have a full-time job — 25 percent.

Does the Premier think this is acceptable?

[10:50 a.m.]

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: The member is quite right. That anybody is food insecure in a country, in a province as prosperous as this, is something that we’ve been working very hard to overcome.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: We brought in a plan to tackle poverty, and we have been lifting tens of thousands of people out by investments like increasing the minimum wage, increasing income assistance rates, investing in child care, investing in affordable housing. When people don’t have enough food, we also invested, and with great thanks to the partners that helped us deliver this, $50 million in emergency funding.

Thank you to Food Banks B.C. and United Way B.C., that we’re able not only to help partners like the Surrey Food Bank with emergency food funding….

Interjection.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: I’m not sure if the members actually want to hear the answer.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

The minister will conclude.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: Surrey Food Bank has received, through funding from my ministry, both support with emergency food purchasing so that they can meet the need and, also, infrastructure — in the case of Surrey Food Bank, a refrigerated delivery truck so they are able to collect food from corporate donors and bring that to people.

We’re going to continue to do this work. I’m willing to work with the member opposite to bring the supports his community needs.

Brent Chapman: This is staggering. Food bank usage in the province has doubled under this NDP government, 225,000 visits in one month. That’s the equivalent of everyone in South Surrey needing food bank assistance twice every month.

How can the Premier justify letting so many British Columbians fall behind?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: We all want people to have access to nutritious, healthy, affordable food. That people don’t is a challenge across the entire continent. The impact of global inflation and extremely high prices for food, which have risen everywhere, are not things that our government can prevent, but we can help people in their time of need.

That’s why, between the Minister of Agriculture and myself — $200 million in food supports for food security. That is investment to farmers, to growing more food.

Through my ministry, a portion of that has gone directly to emergency food-serving organizations. We are helping food-serving organizations with both food infrastructure and direct help.

We’re grateful to the partners and the charitable groups that help deliver help to people in their time of need.

Oak Bay Housing Development
Targets and Role of Minister

Linda Hepner: The Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs has trouble in his own house.

After Oak Bay rejected a development, this minister responded by forcing an adviser on them. The problem: the Oak Bay project rejected was the minister’s own brother’s project. That is a clear conflict of interest.

When will the Premier call for a full investigation into this Housing Minister using government authority to enrich his family?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Well, to start with, the member is false. The member would never say that in the hallway, because she knows that there would be a lawsuit on her hands.

It’s important to note that housing is the responsibility of all local governments. We need to ensure that all local governments are doing their part.

In the case of Oak Bay, it’s clear that they haven’t been reaching their housing targets. We need to ensure….

Interjection.

The Speaker: Members.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Again, the member from Surrey has got some comments. I welcome her to make them outside, in the hallway.

These allegations are 100 percent false. In fact, if the member has something, I challenge them to take it to the conflict commissioner. They won’t, because they know that nothing is there.

[10:55 a.m.]

Now, it’s important…. The problem we have is a lack of housing. We need to ensure all communities are doing their part. It is frustrating for communities when they are making difficult decisions to approve housing to have a neighbouring community not doing their part.

If we’re in this together, if all of us are in this together, everyone has to do a little bit so that one community doesn’t have to do a lot.

We’re going to continue to do our work with Oak Bay. We’re going to have to continue to do it with West Vancouver, as well as all communities across British Columbia.

Supportive Housing Site in Richmond
and Community Safety

Steve Kooner: Richmond residents near the Alderbridge temporary modular housing site are living in fear, dealing with open drug use, discarded needles and harassment. Families, seniors and children no longer feel safe in their own neighbourhood.

A local resident summed it up: “We are seeing crack pipes, needles, drug use right in front of our homes.”

Will the Premier admit that his low-barrier housing policies are failing communities and putting public safety at risk?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I’ll say this. I have said this many times in this House; I’ll say it again. Demonizing vulnerable people — sure, it gives you a couple of political points for the day. It may make you feel good today, but it will not solve the challenges that people are facing in their communities.

I’ve heard members on both sides of this House talk about the importance of supporting people who are vulnerable, supporting people who have issues around addiction, around mental health. It’s vitally important, to address any of those major challenges, that you have a roof over people’s heads.

The problem here is not homeless people. The problem here is lack of housing. We need to approve more housing, all types of housing. It’s the only way we’re going to address this major challenge that we have.

Now, in Richmond, we know there’s a need for more supportive housing. We have the stats. They show us the over 40 percent increase in homelessness in that community and that people are not coming from elsewhere. They are people in the community.

I know there are good people on both sides of the House that want to address this. Those of you that want to address it: I’m happy to work with you. I’m happy to work with the Richmond council as well, because we need to find solutions.

We can’t leave people out in encampments. We can’t let them sleep in front of businesses. That is not good for the people living there. It’s not safe for the community at large. We’re going to continue that work in Richmond and communities around the province.

Emergency Services
at Port Hardy Hospital

Anna Kindy: The Port Hardy Hospital ER has been closing at 5 p.m. for over two years. I used to work at that hospital as a doctor when it was open 24-7.

Recently an eight-year-old child with severe asthma was diverted from Port Hardy to Port McNeill and, fortunately, survived. Others weren’t as lucky.

To the Minister of Health: you are ultimately responsible for the failure of Island Health’s CEO and nine vice-presidents. When will you make them accountable and hire people who can get the job done?

The Speaker: All questions through the Chair, Member.

Hon. Josie Osborne: Thank you to the member for the question and for raising her concerns for Port Hardy and for all of the hospitals that have experienced these kinds of diversions.

Of course, this is absolutely not what any community wants to see. We want to know that the emergency room health care services are there for us when they are needed and where they are needed. That’s why we’re going to continue to take the action that we are, working together with health authorities who have the best interests of all community members at heart and are doing everything that they can, working with the health care workforce, to avert these kinds of closures that we have been experiencing.

We are making progress. Over the last six months, we have seen a 40 percent reduction across the province in emergency room diversions.

We still have an incredible amount of work to do, and I am deeply committed to doing that work with health authorities, with the health care workforce and with the member opposite, as we do everything we can to make sure that health care is there for people when they need it.

[11:00 a.m.]

Mining Industry and
First Nations Consultation Framework

Scott McInnis: This government has had 18 months to design a framework for staking mineral claims which must include First Nations consultation. Only within the last few days have they released a draft, and, surprise, neither First Nations nor industry are happy with what they see.

Why is this government so laser-focused on destroying mining in British Columbia?

Hon. Jagrup Brar: Thanks to the member for the question.

We are fully committed to supporting a responsible, competitive and strong mining sector that provides jobs to the people of British Columbia across the province and provides minerals that are critical to the low-carbon economy moving forward.

The mineral claims consultation framework the member is talking about was created in response to a Supreme Court ruling. The court gave us 18 months to implement a new framework. And we have consulted First Nations, we have consulted with industry and all that. We are going to now implement the new framework.

But let me tell you that we have included several of the key recommendations made by the Association of Mineral Exploration, and we will not stop there. We will continue to listen and adapt as we move forward.

This is the new framework that will actually sustain the mining sector in the long run and create more jobs for the people of British Columbia and grow our economy.

Emergency Health Care Services
in Rural B.C.

Brennan Day: With ERs closed across rural B.C., our broken emergency transport system is costing rural British Columbian children their lives.

A critically ill infant in the East Kootenays died waiting for help. A five-year-old suffered permanent damage, forced into emergency surgery to remove a section of their bowel because transportation was too slow and failed them. Two avoidable tragedies.

Before COVID, Alberta’s STARS air ambulance team filled the gap in B.C.’s broken system. Now our system is leaving desperate parents watching the clock, praying their children survive.

How can the minister defend these deadly delays, and what action will be taken now to ensure no more children pay the ultimate price for our failing rural health system?

Hon. Josie Osborne: Of course, when people call 911 in an emergency, they need to know that the service is there for them and that help is on the way quickly. That’s why this government has done so much, investing in rural transport, in paramedics out in rural communities, so much more than the previous government did.

Since 2017…

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Shhh.

Members. Members, calm down.

Hon. Josie Osborne: …we have seen a significant increase in the number of calls that are coming in.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member.

Hon. Josie Osborne: That’s why we are taking action to strengthen these services. We have added over 1,500 permanent, full-time paramedics.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member. Member.

Hon. Josie Osborne: We have added dozens and dozens of new air ambulances. We have converted 24 ambulance stations from part-time on call to full-time on call. With these kinds of stations staffed around the clock, we are able to respond faster.

We are going to continue to make these kinds of investments, because we know that rural communities depend on them.

[End of question period.]

The Speaker: Members, momentarily we will be adjourning the House for a security exercise in this chamber, so I ask all members to stay here.

Members of the public will be leaving the gallery. Members of the media and the staff would be most welcome to come and join us in the gallery.

Hon. Mike Farnworth moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m.

The House adjourned at 11:04 a.m.