The House met at 10:03 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Kristina Loewen.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Josie Osborne: I am so pleased to be able to introduce Dr. Habib Ur-Rehman. Dr. Rehman recently moved to British Columbia from the U.K., and he is practising family medicine on the north shore. He was born and raised in Birmingham and graduated from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, following the completion of his medical training in 2019.

Would the House please join me in making Dr. Rehman feel very welcome here today.

[10:05 a.m.]

Ward Stamer: I’d like to welcome again Chelsea Mann and Kadin Rainville from the Kamloops realtors and the Association of Interior Realtors. I’d like to thank them very much for the reception that we had last night at the Grand Pacific — and all the people we engage with, and the mortgage brokers that were in attendance as well.

Let’s give them a warm welcome.

Hon. Ravi Parmar: I think all of us can remember our first time coming to the Legislature. I remember coming as a little kid, being introduced by the former MLA from Langford, getting a chance to walk around this chamber in the House. I remember being up there and seeing the Minister of Energy, who, I think, was just doing the Premier’s estimates back then. It was a pretty special moment.

In particular, it’s a special day for me to be able to invite two good friends, Jim and Alfie Bjorkes, from Langford. Alfie was the youngest volunteer on my campaign. There were a lot of rainy days in October, I think all members will acknowledge, and Alfie had a smile on his face every single time he was out lit-dropping or door-knocking with his dad.

I’m really excited to have him in the House here today. He very well could be my replacement in Langford-Highlands. John Horgan taught me: find them young, mentor them, and train them. We’ll see how he enjoys question period today.

Will the House join me in welcoming Alfie and his dad, Jim, to the House today.

Rob Botterell: I’d like to welcome to the House Caoimhe, who is the daughter of our previous chief of staff and is here visiting with her school, Quamichan School. What a pleasure it is to have her here today.

I hope you’ll all join me in welcoming her and her school.

Sharon Hartwell: This morning joining us in the gallery are individuals representing the British Columbia Real Estate Association as well as the mortgage brokers. I would like to recognize Vanita, with Re/Max, who comes from the community of Smithers, in my riding, and also Alexander and Victor, whom we met last night. We enjoyed discussing very creative new options with housing in the North, and I’m looking forward to pursuing those goals.

Would the members please make them very welcome.

Hon. Diana Gibson: It’s my pleasure today to welcome a group of students from Lambrick Park Secondary School, part of school district 61, who are visiting us. We’re delighted to have them here to witness the important work that takes place in this chamber.

I invite all members of the House to extend a warm welcome to the students and their teachers. Would the House please join me in welcoming them.

Steve Kooner: We have the stakeholders and government relations committee of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board in the gallery today, up there. The committee’s chair is a friend of mine. His name is Gurdip Sahota. He is accompanied by fellow committee members Sharon Graysen, Michael Katai and Jameel Ahmad.

May this House please make them welcome.

Scott McInnis: It’s nice to see my family — my wife, my son and my mother-in-law — back for another fun round of question period.

I have another special guest in the audience today, Angela Symes. Angela and I met about ten years ago when I was teaching grade 1 and she was the educational assistant in that classroom. Since then, we’ve become great friends, and she was a huge part of my campaign. I am just so thrilled that she has come from Kimberley to spend a few days in the Legislature.

Please make them all feel welcome today members.

Kristina Loewen: I would like to welcome back, again, the realtors and the mortgage brokers. I’ll just mention them by name: Kim Heizmann, director of BCREA; Seth Scott, director of government and stakeholder relations; Mo Ladak, CEO of AIR; Ryan Mayne, on the board of directors of the Association of Interior Realtors — I like to call it AIR; and Daniel Kreines, who works in government relations and policy. Thank you for being here.

Please help me welcome them.

[10:10 a.m.]

Lynne Block: I rise today to recognize in the gallery two extraordinary individuals, my constituency adviser, Ashten Young, and my constituency assistant, Raquel Francis.

When I first said yes to being a candidate for the Conservative Party, I had absolutely no team, no office, no money — nothing. Three days later, I was introduced to Ashten, who became my campaign manager. No, she had never run a campaign, but instinctively, Ashten knew what to do and when to do it.

Often, she was out at midnight with her family members, putting up signs, and this was after a full day of working on the campaign. She had my back and continues to do so, offering insights and advice. I am so grateful.

Now I have Raquel, who, like me, loves to be organized. My constituency office is just perfect. Please call my office if you want to hear a consummate professional answer the phone. I am so proud and relieved to have such wonderful women working with me to make this province a better place to live, work and play.

All members in the House, please give a warm welcome to Ashten and Raquel.

Trevor Halford: She’s been introduced, but she needs to be introduced again: my constituent, Ocean Park resident Sharon Graysen. I just want to quickly mention the work she’s done for the realtors, but also the work she’s done with Soroptomists. We had a great event on Saturday, which my colleague from Surrey-Cloverdale spoke at.

Sharon, once again, welcome to this House.

Hon. Laanas / Tamara Davidson: Today joining us in the gallery are 15 staff from the Ministry of Environment and Parks, under the leadership of Tiffany Chartrand.

Would the House please make welcome our staff here today.

Harwinder Sandhu: I would like to welcome a great constituent and friend, Kim Heizmann. She’s here along with Seth Scott and the amazing team from the Okanagan and Interior. We had so much fun yesterday at the reception. I look forward to having a great meeting, with productive conversations, today. They’re here with the amazing group from the B.C. realtor association.

Would the House please join me once again to welcome Kim and the entire team to the chamber.

Members’ Statements

B.C. Snowmobile Federation

Donegal Wilson: I rise today to recognize a major milestone in British Columbia’s outdoor recreation community. It is the 60th anniversary of the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation. It was founded in 1965. The B.C. Snowmobile Federation is the oldest provincial snowmobile federation in Canada, older than even Quebec.

For six decades, they have represented organized snowmobiling, advocating for safe, responsible and sustainable access to our back country. This is an incredible achievement, and I’m proud to have been part of their journey. For 12 years, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated volunteers from across this province, individuals who give their time to ensure that this sport and our communities continue to thrive.

Snowmobiling is not just a pastime. It is a key economic driver of our winter tourism economy. In 2018 alone, the industry contributed $299 million and supported over 4,300 jobs. That was done in a short four-month window, when many communities need that winter tourism.

Snowmobile clubs in B.C. operate on a user-pay fee system, ensuring that snowmobile clubs are strong, self-sustaining societies. The user-pay system is designed to ensure that all funds collected are reinvested into club operations to maintain and continually improve trails and infrastructure. These investments benefit not only snowmobilers but also many other outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy B.C.’s back country.

Each club operates as an independent, non-profit society, working tirelessly to enhance riding experience, promote safety and support their local economy. Even after 60 years, the B.C. Snowmobile Federation continues to be a leader in the outdoor recreation sector. It remains relevant to their 59 member clubs, their 7,000 members and the 43,000 riders in B.C.

On March 22, snowmobile clubs from across the province will gather in Squamish to plan for the future and celebrate this incredible milestone.

Please join me in congratulating the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation on 60 years of success and in thanking the volunteers who make it possible. Here’s to many more years of adventure in B.C.’s great outdoors.

[10:15 a.m.]

Festival of Holi

Sunita Dhir: As we prepare for the colourful spring season, it’s my great pleasure to talk about one of the most vibrant Hindu festivals, coming up this Friday, March 14: Holi.

There are two well-known legends behind why Holi is celebrated. The first is the story of Holika and Prahlad, in which Holika, the evil witch, took the king’s son, Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, into a burning fire. However, she was consumed by the fire while Prahlad remained unharmed, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The second legend is about Lord Krishna, whose face turned blue after being poisoned. To encourage people to look beyond his appearance, he playfully threw colours, starting the cherished tradition of colour-throwing.

I encourage everyone to visit their local temples to celebrate this joyful festival of Holi. In modern-day celebrations, throwing dry colours is often accompanied by dancing to Bollywood music and enjoying traditional, delicious foods.

Last year, our Premier joined the Holi celebrations at the Hindu temple in Burnaby. He played Holi with the devotees — and, I can assure you, despite getting some colour in his eyes, he had a fantastic time.

Across the world, Hindus will be joyfully shouting “Holi hai” as they embrace this festival with laughter and celebration.

We take pride in being a country that celebrates diversity. As the colours of Holi brighten our surroundings, let them also serve as a symbol of the beautiful diversity that defines B.C. May this festival remind us to stand for kindness, respect and harmony, values that are at the heart of both Holi and our great province.

Thank you. Happy Holi.

Al Raine

Peter Milobar: In mid-December, Sun Peaks — indeed B.C. and the whole ski world — lost a true icon in Al Raine.

Al, as a young man, went up to the Yukon in 1960 to pursue banking. He got off the plane, as the story goes, in his Vancouver street shoes when it was 40 below and decided, after a couple of years, that maybe coaching skiing out in eastern Canada was more in line with where he wanted to pursue his passions in life.

It wasn’t long after that, from 1968 to 1973, that Al was head coach of the Canadian Alpine ski team, where he saw immediate success and, in fact, pioneered things like wind tunnel technology for training, the first in the world.

From 1975 to 1980, Al was working with B.C. Ministry of Lands on the provincial ski area coordination program, which has been widely cited as the framework that created the ski industry in B.C., especially on such a large commercial scale.

He went on to be one of the main people to develop Whistler into what we see today. As he felt that that challenge was coming near an end, he went to Sun Peaks to apply his talents there in the development of that ski hill, also becoming its first mayor.

Al — from 2010 until now, from incorporation until now — really did bring Sun Peaks forward in leaps and bounds and was a true community spirit. From the health centre to school, on anything that he was getting a “no” for, he found a way to work around and get the community on board to bring it forward for the betterment of Sun Peaks and the surrounding area.

He is dearly missed by his wife, Nancy Greene Raine, who is, of course, Canada’s female athlete of the century, and all his children and family and grandchildren as well. He will be sorely missed, and if any of us in this chamber could dare to have even close to the legacy that Al Raine has left behind, you would say you had a life well-lived. Thank you for this time.

Social Work Week

Jennifer Blatherwick: I rise in the House today to recognize March 9 to 15 as Social Worker Week in B.C. I’m honoured to acknowledge the dedicated social workers and staff who work directly with people and families around this province.

[10:20 a.m.]

Social workers have some of the hardest jobs in British Columbia. They are there day in and day out to support people in so many different places and through all seasons of their lives. They show up with compassion during some of the most challenging moments. They are there when no one else is around to answer the call, to support, protect and guide the most vulnerable among us.

They are also there to celebrate when a family is strengthened, when a community is reunified, when a culture is welcomed, when a child is matched through adoption to a family that will lift them up and help remove the barriers to their success, when foster parents share how a child or youth is thriving, or when a child becomes an adult who is ready to find their own path. They are there in reconciliation. They are working with Indigenous communities, learning about distinct cultural values and practices and recognizing Indigenous law.

We are committed to supporting children, youth and families to live good, healthy lives. For that, we need to listen to the lived experience of those who have been supported by social workers and the social workers who work with them. I keep in my heart all of those social workers who have taken their difficult childhood experiences and used those as fuel to forge a career that protects. In these uncertain times, we need social workers more than ever.

Join me in thanking all the social workers in B.C. for their kindness, their dedication and for making a positive difference.

Generations Care Medical Clinic

Brent Chapman: On Saturday, February 22, I had the honour to help officially open Generations Care Medical, a dream of Dr. Ahmad Rasheed and Dr. Atiya Waheed that they have brought to life right in my riding of Surrey South. Driven by local critical health care needs, they decided to establish a family physician clinic in the South Surrey–White Rock community. The community has experienced significant population growth in recent years, leading to increased demand for health care services.

Traditionally underserved in terms of health care facilities, many residents of the region have had to travel long distances for medical care. By establishing a clinic at 32nd Avenue and 152nd Street, Generations Care Medical is enhancing local access to health care, reducing travel times for patients and alleviating pressure on nearby hospitals.

The clinic is registering only those who do not have a family physician, as their overarching goal is to reduce the number of unattached patients in the local community. They are actively discouraging doctor shopping by accepting only those patients who are without a family doctor. They are determined to show their firm commitment to help those people who are in dire need of a family physician.

With a significant proportion of the community being either elderly or young, growing families, there is a heightened demand for family doctors who can address the specific health concerns of young families as well as the management of chronic conditions prevalent in seniors.

In opening Generations Care Medical, Dr. Ahmad Rasheed and Dr. Atiya Waheed are helping to ensure that the community, particularly its vulnerable populations, has better and more reliable access to health care services.

Good luck to their ambitious, noble and caring endeavour they championed for the people of Surrey.

Nourish Cowichan Society

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat: Last Friday I was very happy to visit my friend Fatima Da Silva at Nourish Cowichan and see firsthand the incredible work this organization is doing to support children and families in our community. Nourish Cowichan has been an essential force in addressing food insecurity for children in our community.

What began as a trial in 2016 quickly grew into a full-fledged breakfast program by 2017. By May of that year, they were already serving four schools. Today Nourish Cowichan supports 23 schools in the Cowichan Valley school district and is expanding to ten more in the Pacific Rim school district.

The impact of this organization cannot be overstated. Last year alone they distributed 17,000 food hampers to families in need. This year the number is expected to rise to 19,000. This commitment to ensure that no child goes hungry extended beyond breakfast, providing lunch, snacks and weekend meal programs.

[10:25 a.m.]

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Nourish Cowichan adapted quickly. They shifted focus to food hampers, recognizing the need for consistent, nourishing meals for families struggling with economic hardship.

Thanks to the team of around 70 volunteers, along with three full-time and three part-time staff members, they have been able to expand their vital work.

At its core, Nourish Cowichan embodies community care. It is about more than just food. It’s about giving the children the nourishment they need to learn, grow and thrive. As the program continues to expand, its mission remains clear: no child in our region should have to face hunger.

Oral Questions

Housing Affordability and
Infrastructure Costs in Surrey

Linda Hepner: B.C.’s housing crisis is spiralling out of control, despite this government’s promise to fix it. In Surrey, the cost to buy a house has increased by 46 percent, a townhouse by 53 percent and a condo by 67 percent.

How does the Premier explain to the people of Surrey that instead of delivering lower costs, he’s put housing out of reach for the next generation?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I want to thank the member for the question. No doubt it is a challenge for many people to find access to affordable housing — not only in British Columbia; it’s a challenge that’s being felt across the country. That’s why we have been taking some bold action here in British Columbia.

I’ve heard from members on both sides of the aisle talking about getting government out of the way. That’s what we’ve been doing. We’ve cut red tape. We’ve made the process for approving housing much more simple for all homebuilders across the province. That’s why B.C. continues to see a record amount of housing starts. Yes, the numbers went slightly down from last year, but it’s important to note that last year was the highest in B.C.’s history.

Not only that; we know that we need a full range of housing. Not only do we need to cut the red tape so that private builders can build the housing we need; we also need to invest in affordable housing. We have 28 times more affordable housing under construction in British Columbia, right now, in communities throughout the province, because we know that everyone deserves to have a safe place that they can call home.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Linda Hepner: Currently the infrastructure improvements needed to help the city of Surrey achieve its NDP-mandated housing targets under Bill 44 would cost almost $900 million.

Does the Premier intend to pay for the infrastructure improvements needed in Surrey to advance the ridiculous Bill 44, or does he expect Surrey taxpayers to foot that bill?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I want to thank the member again for the question. No doubt, to have housing, we need to ensure that we have full, livable communities. That’s why we invested, last year, $1 billion in our local governments to ensure that they had the dollars to invest in infrastructure, in amenities, in parks — anything that the communities feel is important for them.

In the case of Surrey, we provided them $90 million. To date, the city of Surrey has not made public where those $90 million are going to be used, what amenities they’re going to, what infrastructure it’s going to. I certainly hope that they make that public, and we’re going to continue to be there as a partner to support them when they do make those investments public.

We are going to support all local governments to ensure that we can build the housing but also have liveable communities. That’s what we, I think, collectively, want to see in every single community as we go forward.

Hospital Project in Surrey

Elenore Sturko: Even before it broke ground, the Cloverdale hospital project was $1.2 billion over budget and years behind schedule. What’s worse is that the project doesn’t come anywhere close to meeting the needs of the community.

Why does the Premier believe that cost overruns, delays and service shortages are acceptable for the residents of Surrey?

[10:30 a.m.]

Hon. Bowinn Ma: It is true the costs of construction are going up, not just here in British Columbia, not just throughout Canada, but all throughout North America and indeed in many parts of the world. That said, however, we also know that population growth here in British Columbia and in communities like Surrey demands that we continue our work to deliver the infrastructure and the services that they need.

The member is quite right that a single hospital project is not going to meet all of the needs of Surrey, and that is why we are taking action to deliver for people of Surrey not only the new hospital and a cancer centre, which is under construction now — with a second emergency room for Surrey, as well as a new tower for Surrey Memorial Hospital, new kidney and cardiac care, a new medical school to train the next generation of family doctors in Surrey. That first class will be starting in fall 2026.

There is so much more work that has to be done for the community of Surrey, and we are committed to doing just that.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Elenore Sturko: Great to hear the minister acknowledge that the NDP is not keeping up with our population growth. I should note here that Vancouver’s St. Paul’s redevelopment is going to add 548 beds to that hospital, but the delayed and over-budget Cloverdale hospital only adds 168 beds for medical care in Surrey.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Members.

Elenore Sturko: Surrey is on pace to have the largest population in our province by 2027. Why does the Premier think B.C.’s soon-to-be largest city deserves significantly insufficient health care?

Hon. Bowinn Ma: The city of Surrey is growing, and we’ve seen this kind of population growth boom throughout British Columbia. Between June 2023 and June 2024 alone, British Columbia’s population grew by 188,000 people. For every 10,000 people that come to British Columbia, we need an additional 50 classrooms, 18 hospital beds, and 4,000 additional homes. These types of growth numbers are extraordinary, and absolutely, very few jurisdictions are able to keep up with that massive amount of growth.

The good news is that we are well underway on the services that will support people in Surrey. That is after many years of the Leader of the Opposition, when he was in government, ignoring the needs of Surrey, creating a massive infrastructure deficit. We’re talking about building hospitals.

Well, when the Leader of the Opposition was in government, his government sold off the land that was meant to be used to deliver a hospital.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members. Shhh.

Member.

Hon. Bowinn Ma: That set us back by a significant margin. That work is being done right now.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Hon. Bowinn Ma: Our government will continue to do that work for the people of Surrey.

Affordability of Locally Grown Food
and Government Support for
Families and Local Businesses

Rob Botterell: Amidst tariff threats, the government has tasked the province to Buy B.C. As important as that is, the choice to Buy B.C. simply isn’t available to British Columbians living paycheque-to-paycheque.

Despite being one of the wealthiest provinces in Canada, 17 percent of British Columbians face food insecurity, and food prices are projected to increase by 5 percent in 2025. This government has put too much responsibility on its citizens for the tariff response.

What tangible supports will this government introduce so that British Columbians can do their part and can afford to feed themselves and their families with groceries made in B.C.?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: I’m grateful to the member opposite for raising the concern that we feel in every community, and in every province in the country as well, that the increased cost of food because of global inflation — interruption from things like the Ukraine war has shot up the cost of food. This has been a tremendous pressure on families. It tells us again and again that everything we can do to invest in British Columbia and grow more of our food is vitally necessary.

[10:35 a.m.]

I’m grateful to the cross-government focus on this work, also grateful to both United Way B.C. and Food Banks B.C., who over the last three years have been able to deliver to grassroots organizations an unprecedented amount of money. Our ministry funded it, but these organizations were able to get money out quickly.

It’s not only for emergency response for food banks but for investing in the kind of food security infrastructure. For Indigenous nations, they are able to grow and process more food, but then also for urban organizations, to be able to recover and redistribute excess food.

Most importantly, I think connected to the member’s question, are our farmers market coupons, between the Health Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry. When we can get dollars that people can deliver to purchase at farmers markets, that’s the very best way for us to get nutritious, fresh, local food to people in need.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Rob Botterell: While I appreciate the response, British Columbians need and deserve more right now.

This government has estimated that tariffs could lead to a cumulative loss of $69 billion in economic activity in the province in the next three years and 124,000 job losses. Our local businesses are particularly vulnerable. It’s irresponsible for this government to continually push Buy B.C. without ensuring that our B.C. businesses are protected and supported.

To the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation: how will this government ensure that people can Buy B.C. and support local businesses while also staying affordable for consumers?

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

We know that tariffs are doing harm both sides of the border. That’s why this government advocated so hard against them in the first place and continues to be at the table with businesses in our tariff round table and with labour organizations and Indigenous groups so that we can, in real time, work together to ensure we’re unlocking economic development, doing a tariff response, watching for what’s coming out of the federal government to support impacted individuals and businesses in our communities and fill in those gaps.

We will continue to work to ensure that our businesses are helped with unlocking internal trade and reducing trade barriers across the country and with supports that are filled through the federal government and gaps that we identify.

Fraser Health Authority Executive’s
Experience in Health Care System

Trevor Halford: For the last number of years, the Fraser Health Authority has been in complete chaos: 18-hour waits, pediatric care in portables and unsafe working conditions for our front-line workers.

Two weeks ago we saw the immediate departure of CEO Victoria Lee. Some people would say that was long-overdue. My question is a simple one to the Minister of Health. Does the Fraser Health Authority chair, Jim Sinclair, have the full confidence and support of this minister?

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

The Fraser Health Authority, the chair, the board members, in fact the board members of every single health authority here in this province, are working hard every day, putting people’s interests first and doing everything that they can to build and support and strengthen our public health care system here in B.C.

They, like me and our government, are focused on people, on patients, and getting them the health care that they need faster and closer to home.

That’s why, in the Fraser Health Authority, over 790 new nurses, 510 doctors and 1,000 student nurses have been added in the last two years alone. Those health care workers added in Fraser Health alone are not just filling vacancies; they’re new positions because we know we need these people to help us deliver health care for people faster, better. It is work that I and the health authority are not going to stop doing.

The Speaker: Surrey–White Rock, supplemental.

[10:40 a.m.]

Trevor Halford: I think in that non-answer, there was a pretty clear answer, if that makes any sense.

Here’s the problem: the NDP have chosen to put one of their biggest political insiders at the helm of Fraser Health, and the results have been absolutely disastrous. You have put somebody in there that has no health care experience, that has no support from the front-line workers and clearly, from that answer, very little support from this minister.

Will this minister do the right thing and put patients before politics and fire Mr. Sinclair today?

Hon. Josie Osborne: This government will always put patients before politics.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Member, would you like to stand up and ask questions? If not, please stay quiet. Wait for your turn.

The minister will continue.

Hon. Josie Osborne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ll always put patients before politics. That’s why, with Surrey being one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia, we have continued to take action to invest in new infrastructure and new hospitals. The Minister of Infrastructure listed….

Interjections.

Hon. Josie Osborne: This government will always put patients before politics. What we won’t do is promise a second hospital for Surrey and then sell the land and cancel the project.

Surrey School District Portable Use
and Funding

Lynne Block: Under this government, Surrey school district has more portables now than they ever had before, many of which are sitting empty on playgrounds and fields. It costs the school district about $160,000 to move one portable. Not only does the Surrey school district not have the money to move portables; they don’t have the money to run band programs and keep learning centres open.

When will this Premier properly fund the Surrey school district?

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

We in our government absolutely want to make sure that all students across the province have all the tools they need to thrive. That includes in growing districts like Surrey. Surrey school district has over $1 billion in operating budget this year, which is a 62 percent increase from when we formed government in 2017, going up from $641 million.

School districts across the province are going through their budget process right now and making those decisions on what is best for their community. Those budget decisions rest solely within the school districts.

We in our government are going to continue to invest and increase investments in education year after year, and we won’t stop, because we believe in investing in education and making sure our students have the supports that they need to thrive.

Age-Appropriate Content in Schools

Mandeep Dhaliwal: Surrey parents are contacting me daily with concern. Their children are seeing books that are inappropriate for their age. Parents want sexual imagery removed from schools. When will the NDP government replace SOGI with their new anti-bullying program?

Hon. Lisa Beare: Thank you to the member for the question. I hear the concern in his voice. I absolutely agree with the member that any materials that are provided in school need to be age-appropriate.

[10:45 a.m.]

I am committed to making sure that students get the best education possible in an age-appropriate way, that schools have access to resources that they need and that kids have access to the resources and the information that they’re looking for, in an age-appropriate manner.

I have directed the ministry to work towards a provincial framework that includes a specific criterion ensuring that age-appropriate materials are in schools, and I thank the member for the question.

Child Care Spaces in Surrey

Reann Gasper: According to ChildCareBC, Surrey only has 683 $10-a-day child care spaces available. That’s 683 spaces, for a city with 94,000 children. Does the minister think that this is good enough?

Hon. Lisa Beare: Thanks to the member for the question.

It is so important that we increase child care spaces all over the province, which is exactly what our government is doing. We have opened tens of thousands of new spaces in not-for-profit public daycares and before- and after-school spaces in every corner of this province. We are on track to meet our federal target, for $10-a-day child care, of 20,000 spaces next year.

We look at what our government has done to make sure that not only are we expanding spaces across the province but that we’re making them more affordable. We continue to invest in child care in significant amounts. We have been able to reduce child care fees by up to $1,250 a month per family. This is huge. Not only do we need to ensure that we’ve got the spaces, we need to make sure they’re affordable, and that is what our government is doing.

The Speaker: Abbotsford-Mission, supplemental.

Reann Gasper: Getting your child into affordable child care shouldn’t be this difficult — 683 spaces after eight years. What excuse does the Minister of Education have for this attempt at opening child care spaces when it’s only benefiting a certain amount of the population? We have parents on wait-lists for years.

Hon. Lisa Beare: I want to take the member down a little walk of the history of the Leader of the Opposition before I start my answer here. The Leader of the Opposition, when he was in government, cancelled our $14-a-day child care program that we had in this province — significant. I can only imagine where we would be today if that $14-a-day hadn’t been cancelled by the Leader of the Opposition and his government.

We have tripled the number of new spaces that are funded here in our province. We’ve increased spaces by over 40,000. We are reducing fees for families by up to $1,250. Many families paying zero…. The average across the province right now…

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Lisa Beare: …is $17 a day, down from $42 when we formed government. These are significant investments.

We are reducing wait times. We are increasing spaces. We’re making it more affordable. And we are going to keep working on child care, because we know that families count on this service across the province. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition, we’ll keep investing, not cutting.

Budget Provisions for
Surrey-Langley SkyTrain

Brent Chapman: By now the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain should be moving people south of the Fraser in a speedy fashion. Yet under this government, it’s not rapid transit; it’s not delayed transit; it’s just undelivered transit. The NDP government starves TransLink, leaving Surrey service struggling to stay on time, if at all. Surrey seniors know handyDART is the definition of unreliable.

If they can’t handle the day-to-day — it has been five years — why should the good people of Surrey trust the NDP to deliver a SkyTrain on budget by 2030, by 2050 or in their lifetime?

[10:50 a.m.]

Hon. Mike Farnworth: I can’t believe the member asked that question when he’s sitting with a leader who was part of a government that promised SkyTrain south of the Fraser and did absolutely nothing to deliver it.

I’m not sure whether he’s aware of it, but the pylons are coming out for the Surrey SkyTrain as we speak. We had a great announcement with the mayor of Surrey, TransLink the other day, celebrating the construction of 16 kilometres of SkyTrain that will open in 2029.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth: We’ve invested $4.4 billion in it, the federal government $1.3 billion, $228 million from TransLink. It is going to be an amazing project that moves more than 50,000 people an hour when it opens late in 2029. It is going to stimulate economic development, because this side of the House recognizes that Surrey, as a growing community, needs the transit infrastructure.

We’re building it. When they sat over here, they did nothing.

Funding for Surrey Learning Centre

Bryan Tepper: We’ve come to learn that the South Surrey-White Rock Learning Centre is closing its doors due to lack of funding. I’ve gotten to know these kids personally over the past year, so it’s very personal to me. Mainstream schooling just isn’t an option for some of these kids to keep their education going.

It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing. Will the Premier commit today to keep the learning centre open?

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

The students of Surrey and their learning centre have been doing an incredible job in advocating in their community and to the Surrey school board on the importance of the learning centre to them. We absolutely want to make sure that all students have the supports they need to thrive, and we know that these kids and their families feel very passionate about the learning centre.

School districts make local decisions using their local budgets. This is a decision that rests solely with the Surrey school district. I encourage them to continue working with the students to make sure that their voices are heard. I have talked to the Surrey school district, and I’ve met with the students. I’ve ensured, through the Surrey school district, that absolutely all the supports that the students are currently receiving in their current location are available at the alternate locations that the school district is working with the students towards.

Absolutely, these are local decisions, and that’s with the Surrey school district. We will do everything we can by increasing funding to Surrey to ensure that students have the supports they need to thrive.

Capital Funding for Schools
and Infrastructure in Surrey

Peter Milobar: We heard today that the government was talking about new spending on infrastructure in Surrey, on the second tower of the Surrey Memorial Hospital, as well as school capital.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Peter Milobar: Can the government please point us to the page number in the budget where any new school capital is located?

Hon. Brenda Bailey: Surrey, as we all know, is the fastest-growing city in the province, and that’s why we’re making such important investments in Surrey. New hospital and cancer centre…

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Let’s hear the answer.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: …are under construction now. New tower for Surrey Memorial coming. New kidney and cardiac care centre at Surrey Memorial. Construction on Surrey-Langley SkyTrain well underway, as we just heard.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Members.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: Building more schools and classrooms. Snokomish Elementary construction underway in the budget — 655 seats. Adding new spaces for 500 more students at Kwantlen Park Secondary, and so on.

[10:55 a.m.]

Importantly, also to support Surrey and many other areas of the province, we are doubling the number of police recruits into the Justice Institute. There are so many supports for Surrey in this budget, and we are very proud to do the work.

The Speaker: Member has a supplemental.

Peter Milobar: It was a pretty straightforward question: name the pages that the new spending is on, in this year’s budget — for Surrey, for schools and for the second Memorial Hospital tower. None. That is the problem on what we have heard today on every topic relating to Surrey.

Surrey is just a microcosm to this whole province. You could take the same questions we asked today about Surrey and its schools being under siege, its health authority not running properly, projects being delayed or behind schedule, projects announced that don’t have any funding for them in the budget — you name it. You could put that anywhere in B.C.

Surrey, despite this government trying to blame past governments all day long, has grown by 200,000 residents since they took office, yet they have not kept up with the pace of growth. B.C. has gained 700,000 residents since this government took office, and they have not kept up with the pace of growth.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

The member has the floor.

Peter Milobar: Again, given that the only capital spending we can find in this budget is an increase to capital spending which covers the cost overruns of the current projects that are out there by this government, when can the residents of British Columbia, or the residents of Surrey, expect meaningful and tangible improvements to the services they rely on every day under this government?

The Speaker: Government House Leader.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members, are we interested in listening to the answer? Members, enough.

Minister.

Hon. Mike Farnworth: We’ve heard a lot today in this House about Surrey, and I think it’s really great because this side of the House recognizes just how important Surrey is to the province of British Columbia in how it’s growing and the needs that it requires and how this government is investing, whether it is in transit and transportation, whether it is in schools, whether it is in hospitals — you name it.

We are doing just that, but one of the biggest challenges that Surrey faces is the one that British Columbia faces and that Canada faces: the threat from tariffs south of the border.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth: At a time….

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members. Shhh.

Members, calm down, please. Calm down. Members.

Hold it. Members.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Don’t try to be so cute, Member. It is the minister’s floor. He has the floor. Let him finish.

Member, I heard what you said. Would you stand up and withdraw that word, please?

The minister will continue.

Hon. Mike Farnworth: Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

At a time in this country when we should all be standing together, united as Canadians, it is so disappointing that there are still members in this House, on the other side, who want to side with those who undermine Canadian sovereignty by standing with those….

Interjections.

Hon. Mike Farnworth: Again, yesterday Surrey-Panorama doubled down, criticized Doug Ford for standing up for Ontarians, standing up for Canadians. We stand with Doug Ford. We stand with Canada and Canadians. We will always do that.

[End of question period.]

Orders of the Day

Hon. Mike Farnworth: I call continued debate on the budget.

[11:00 a.m.]

Budget Debate
(continued)

Paul Choi: Hon. members and colleagues and fellow British Columbians, it is a deep honour to rise in this House today to speak on the budget. Standing here, in this historic chamber as the elected representative of Burnaby South–Metrotown, fills me with immense gratitude and a profound sense of duty.

[Mable Elmore in the chair.]

First of all, I want to extend my sincere thanks to you, Madam Speaker, for your leadership in guiding the deliberation of this House with fairness and dignity.

To my colleagues on both sides of the chamber, I appreciate the dedication and passion that each of you bring to public service. No matter our differences in policy or approach, I recognize that we are all here for the same reason: to serve the people of British Columbia.

I also want to take the moment to thank the people of Burnaby South–Metrotown for placing their trust in me. To every resident who took the time to vote, to engage in the democratic process and to share their hopes and concerns of our community: I’m here because of you, and I will never take your trust for granted. Representing our diverse and vibrant riding is a responsibility that I take with the utmost seriousness, and I pledge to work every day to ensure that your voices are heard in this House.

Now, elections are never won alone. Behind every campaign is a team of dedicated individuals who pour their time, energy and passion into making democracy work. I want to take this opportunity to thank my campaign team: my campaign manager, Yuzing Zhang; deputy campaign manager, Caitlin Koytra; EDA president; Jared Zeto; and Hsin-Yi Lee.

All the volunteers and my friends who did the phone calling for me: Eric Lee and Jamie Han. All those that went out door-knocking, rain or shine, cold or hot: Carol Lee, Vincent Yin, Leah Park, Akash, Grace Kim, Kevin Kim, Rukh Mann, Jason Kim, David Oh, Ian Bearclaw, Ernesto Domingo.

Those who coordinated events for me: June Park and Chris Kim. Those who helped with campaign coordination: Eric Peters, Jocelyn Fan and Peggy. Social media material designing: Hannah Bay, Jay Kim, Mickey Lee. Of course, last but not least, Brian Nasu, who went out and put the signs up and took them down.

Thank you so much for all those in Burnaby and also all the Burnaby MLAs and entire caucus colleagues and staff, my volunteers, KCYAS and Amanda Song, the students who came out to volunteer, and every friend and supporter who knocked on doors, made phone calls and put up signs, or simply shared words of encouragement. Thank you so much. Your unwavering commitment fuelled this journey, and I will always be grateful for your belief in me and our shared vision for a better British Columbia.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of my family. To my parents who instilled in me the value of hard work, integrity and service, I owe everything to you. And to my loved ones who stood by me through every step of this journey, who have supported me through long nights and endless commitments: thank you for your patience, your love and your sacrifice.

Public service is demanding, as we all know, and not just for those who stand in this chamber but for the families who support us behind the scenes. They bear the weight of our long hours, our time away from home and the immense responsibility that comes with this role. Their quiet sacrifices often go unseen, but they are felt deeply. So to my family, your love and support are my foundation, and I am forever grateful.

[11:05 a.m.]

Standing here in the chamber still feels like a dream. It reminds me of my first time coming to the Legislature on a school field trip when I was in grade 7. As I prepared for this speech, it made me think back to my personal reasons why I got into public office.

Early on, I came to Canada when I was ten years old. I did not speak any English. I didn’t even know the alphabet. But when I first arrived here, my parents opened a small grocery store. It was my first time, at age ten, seeing the harsh reality of crime and racism and discrimination that exists around us.

I saw my dad being powerless. The store was looted and vandalized. I saw what it took to make an honest living in this country, with long working hours. We never had a chance to eat together as a family, for dinner, because we would always have to switch off to have someone watch the store while the rest of the family went and ate dinner, or any meal for that matter.

When I watched all these difficulties, I vowed not to just watch but to do something about it. That’s why I became a police officer. I really enjoy helping the family and friends that need help most due to their socioeconomic status or language barrier.

I also wanted to help the victims, not just on the streets, but also throughout the entire criminal justice system. That’s why I went back to law school and became a lawyer, to help them in court. I worked to help individuals on the streets and in courtrooms.

Sometimes I thought that maybe I could help them more. Maybe I could do more good if I could get involved at policy level, at the law-making stage. I remember there were times when some of the international students would come to downtown Vancouver to study but didn’t know how to call 911 because, as much as we might think that’s universal knowledge, it’s not the case. In Korea, for example, it’s 112, and China is 999.

I thought that perhaps there was something I can do at the policy level that can maybe help those as well. I felt that with my practical experience on the streets and in court, I could contribute to a greater good by being involved in the law-making process. I’m absolutely honoured to have been chosen by the people of Burnaby South–Metrotown, to be given the privilege to enter the chamber and advocate for them.

Burnaby South–Metrotown is more than just a constituency. It is a microcosm of British Columbia’s diversity, growth and innovation. It is a place where generations of families have built their lives like I have, where new Canadians take their first step towards a bright future, where business and culture intersect to create something truly special.

At the centre of our community stands Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping centre in British Columbia, one of the biggest in Canada. This retail and community hub is more than just a place to shop. It is an economic engine, attracting millions of visitors each year and providing thousands of jobs. Whether it is the independent businesses in the mall or the major retailers that call Metrotown home, this hub supports countless families and entrepreneurs.

Of course, just steps away is Crystal Mall, a truly unique landmark in Metro Vancouver. It is a thriving hub of Asian commerce, where small businesses, family-run restaurants and specialty shops create an authentic cultural experience. Walking through Crystal Mall’s bustling food court or market, you hear sounds of Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and many other languages, a testament to the deep roots that diverse communities have established in Burnaby South–Metrotown.

My riding is a dynamic area. To the north, we see rapid urban transformation, high-rise condominiums and dense residential towers, and a fast-growing population. As one of the province’s most transit-oriented neighbourhoods, thousands of residents rely on the SkyTrain corridor to connect them to opportunities across Metro Vancouver. The constant influx of new residents brings new excitement and challenges as we work to ensure that housing, infrastructure and public services keep pace with growth.

[11:10 a.m.]

Meanwhile, to the south, the character of the riding shifts to quiet residential neighbourhoods like Suncrest and South Slope, where single-family homes, townhouses and tree-lined streets create a peaceful suburban environment. Many families have called those areas home for generations, contributing to a strong sense of community.

This balance between high-density urban living and traditional residential neighbourhoods makes Burnaby South–Metrotown truly unique, and it is a place where newcomers settle in vibrant condo communities while long-standing residents continue to shape the fabric of the city.

In the heart of our constituency lies Central Park. It’s one of Burnaby’s most beloved green spaces. Spanning nearly 90 hectares, the park provides a much-needed escape from the urban landscape, offering walking trails, sports facilities and serene natural beauties. Of course, it’s one of my favourite parks to go for a walk as well. For many residents, Central Park is a place to exercise, relax and connect with nature, whether it’s seniors exercising in the mornings, families enjoying picnics or athletes training on the track.

Central Park is also home to the Ambassador of Peace, a monument that symbolizes our commitment to peace and reconciliation. This site serves as an important reminder of the sacrifice made by those who fought for freedom and the need for ongoing efforts towards harmony among nations. The Korean War memorial located within the park stands as a tribute to those who served and reflects the strong ties between British Columbia and the Korean-Canadian community.

Now, over the next few minutes, I will delve deeper into how Budget 2025 meets our goals and how it directly benefits the people of Burnaby South–Metrotown. This community, with its remarkable blends of cultures, businesses and families, is a microcosm that makes B.C. such an extraordinary place to call home. And it gives me great pleasure to speak about the significant investment and progress that we’re making in K-to-12 education right here in Burnaby.

As a proud representative, I’ve heard countless times from parents, students and teachers about the need for safe, modern schools, more learning spaces and additional support both in and out of the classroom. That’s why, in this budget, our government is taking concrete steps to deliver just that.

Parents in Burnaby South–Metrotown will be glad to know that we are continuing the important work of seismic upgrades, ensuring that our schools meet modern safety standards. This means peace of mind for families, knowing that their children are learning in a building designed to keep them safe in the event of an earthquake. And we know how that felt in the last few weeks.

A prime example is Brentwood Park Elementary, where $39.3 million of investments will result in a seismically safe new school with room for an additional 165 students plus much needed child care spaces. Construction at Brentwood Park is expecting to be complete in 2026, providing a cutting-edge learning environment in the heart of our community.

Additionally, Kitchener Elementary will see a prefabricated addition to accommodate 375 additional students, supported by $22.5 million in provincial funding. This helps meet the growing demands in neighbourhoods that are welcoming more and more younger families each year.

Finally, Stride Avenue Community Elementary, with $43 million in funding, is another signature project delivering an entirely new seismically safe school. By leveraging CleanBC design and construction standards, it will not only serve as a community gathering place but will also reduce emissions and operating costs over time.

Burnaby is also home to some of B.C.’s most renowned post-secondary institutions, providing a diverse range of programs that prepare learners for an ever-evolving economy. At Simon Fraser University, significant capital projects and program expansions reflect our government’s commitment to cultivating skills and resilient graduates.

For instance, the First Peoples gathering house project, the $27 million initiative, supported by $11.4 million from the province, will create a dedicated, culturally respectful space where Indigenous students and community members can share knowledge, celebrate traditions and engage in ceremonial activities.

[11:15 a.m.]

This project not only strengthens the sense of belonging and cultural safety on campus but also reaffirms our commitment to reconciliation in every corner of our higher learning.

Meanwhile, British Columbia Institute of Technology continues to be an unparalleled hub for applied education and hands-on training. The trades and technology complex, a $177.6 million project, with $151.6 million from the province, is adding 1,200 new seats in advanced training facilities. Students can now pursue cutting-edge fields like green energy technologies, construction trades and other high-demand sectors in modern, well-equipped classrooms and labs. Through this investment, BCIT not only meets the immediate need for a skilled labour force in B.C. but also helps foster innovation that will keep our province at the forefront of the global knowledge economy.

Burnaby is experiencing transformational upgrades in health services, thanks to major investments that will modernize facilities and expand care for a growing population. Central to this effort is the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, a multiphase project that will ultimately result in two new patient care towers, 399 total beds, an expanded emergency department and a state-of-the-art B.C. cancer centre.

Phase 1 of the redevelopment includes a new six-storey pavilion, a larger surgical centre and a critical renovation to existing facilities, supported by $633.3 million in provincial funding. As we move to phase 2, backed by an additional $1.7 billion, the community will see more improvements, including another patient care tower with 160 new beds. Altogether, the project is set to create over 17,500 direct and 8,500 indirect jobs, reinforcing Burnaby’s local economy while delivering cutting-edge health care services.

Housing is also a big issue in Burnaby South–Metrotown. Burnaby, like many urban centres in B.C., has faced real pressure on housing affordability and availability. To ensure that seniors, families and individuals of all income levels can continue to call Burnaby home, our government is making targeted investments in both supportive and affordable renting projects throughout the city.

One key example is the 4277 Norland Avenue development, which will provide 155 affordable homes for seniors and seniors with disabilities, backed by $16.9 million in provincial funding. Once complete, this project will offer safe and accessible units to some of our most vulnerable residents, all while freeing up space in the broader rental market.

Also notable is the 7492 Holly Street project, which received $4 million from the province to build 14 supportive living beds for people who need wraparound services and a stable path forward towards greater independence. This investment not only helps individuals in immediate need but also reduces strain on other social systems, such as health care and emergency shelters.

Meanwhile, the 7415 Sussex Avenue development, recently completed with $6.7 million in provincial support, has added 61 additional homes for people with low incomes, seniors and those living with disabilities.

These projects, combined with broader provincial housing policies, such as increased funding for rental assistance, enhancement to the speculation and vacancy tax and expansion of BC Builds, demonstrate a multi-pronged approach to making Burnaby a place where everyone can find a suitable home.

By targeting both the supportive and affordable housing sectors, we create more inclusive neighbourhoods, reduce homelessness and ensure that families in Burnaby have the stability they need to thrive. Budget 2025 continues to build on these commitments, reflecting our government’s dedication to delivering homes real people can afford, one project at a time.

Public safety also remains a top priority for families, businesses and community members throughout Burnaby. Our government recognizes that a comprehensive approach, one that addresses both the root causes of crime and provides robust enforcement, is essential to fostering a sense of security in every neighbourhood. As part of Budget 2025, the province has continued to expand investments in crime prevention, mental health supports and targeted enforcement strategies that directly impact Burnaby.

[11:20 a.m.]

For instance, our newly introduced community safety and targeted enforcement program channel enhanced tools and resources to local police services, allowing them to crack down more effectively on repeat violent offenders, property-related crimes and street disorder. This not only helps local businesses in high traffic areas, such as Metrotown and Edmonds, but also reassures residents that they can go about their daily routines without fear.

Crucially, we also know that lasting public safety improvement requires coordinated social services, particularly when it comes to mental health and addictions. Funding for coordinated response teams involving law enforcement, social workers and outreach specialists support individuals whose untreated mental health challenges can lead to repeated interactions with police. By connecting these individuals to treatments, housing and community resources, we aim to break the cycle of criminality and reduce the burden on courts and emergency services.

Overall, these investments reflect our government’s steadfast commitment to keeping Burnaby’s streets safe, its businesses protected and its people confident in the community that they call home. By pairing enforcement, prevention and social supports, we give our local enforcements the best ability and chance to curb crime while providing vulnerable individuals the help they need. This holistic approach to public safety means fewer repeat offenders, less strain on our health care and judicial systems and safer, more vibrant neighbourhoods for everyone.

Although Burnaby may not resemble the resource-heavy communities often associated with international trade disputes, we remain fast and far from immune to the fallout of the U.S. tariff threats. From local manufacturers to tech start-ups and small cafés, the spectre of increased tariff barriers can disrupt supply chains, raise prices on imported materials and strain the finances of everyday families.

This is true, from speaking to a lot of business owners in my riding, including of La Forêt cafe, who said that costs of materials and goods have gone up and are having a serious impact on their small business. This is relevant in a city as diverse and entrepreneurial as Burnaby, where many businesses rely on cross-border partnership and exports of specialized goods and services. Budget 2025 acknowledges its vulnerability by incorporating a strategy to stand firm against Donald Trump’s tariff moves.

The province has set aside contingencies and flexible funding aimed at mitigating or responding to sudden economic shocks. By coordinating with the federal government and other provinces, British Columbia ensures that no community, Burnaby included, faces these challenges alone. We are prepared to defend key industries, support impacted workers and, if needed, pursue retaliatory measures in a united and careful managed way.

The strength of Burnaby’s economy also lies in its adaptability. Our local entrepreneurs, institutions and skilled workforce are already exploring diversified markets, an innovative approach to reduce reliance on any single trade partner. From BCIT-led applied research projects to SFU’s global partnerships, Burnaby is well positioned to pivot effectively in the face of changing trade dynamics.

Still, our government recognizes the importance of a clear, coordinated approach to tariffs, which is why we remain vigilant, ensuring that families, businesses and essential services are shielded from undue harm. By balancing proactive measures with prudent fiscal planning, we remain in our resolve: we will not become the 51st state. We will stand up for Burnaby and British Columbians.

I’m also proud to serve not only as an MLA for Burnaby South–Metrotown but as Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific Trade, and also as the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance. This role is a pivotal responsibility that underscores our commitment to ensuring the most efficient, transparent and accountable use of public resources in B.C.

[11:25 a.m.]

In addition to my work as Chair of the Standing Committee for Finance and Government Services, I also have the privilege of serving as a member of Treasury Board. This is a core decision-making body within the provincial government that plays a critical role in shaping the financial and strategic directions of British Columbia.

As a member of Treasury Board, I bring forward the concerns and aspirations of the people of British Columbia, Metrotown — whether it’s advocating for specific capital investment championing or for economic development. Alongside my role as a member of Treasury Board, I also serve on the trade and economic security task force. This task force is dedicated to safeguarding British Columbia’s prosperity against the uncertainties of a rapidly shifting global economy, be it disruptive trade practices, geopolitical tensions or unforeseen economic shocks.

As a member, I drew upon my experience as Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific Trade and my close ties to the diverse communities in Burnaby. As a small business owner myself — I’ve been a member of the Burnaby Board of Trade for the last seven years — I bring forward the perspective of local entrepreneurs and international students and families who rely on stable supply chains for their businesses and household costs.

Our work in the task force complements my broader efforts to encourage inclusive trade policies, ensuring women, newcomers and underrepresented groups can also seize new opportunities. In addition, we collaborate with ministries responsible for Finance, Labour and Infrastructure to build a solid foundation of economic security that benefits everyone in every corner of our province.

Since I am running out of time, I’m going to go all the way to conclusion. Throughout these discussions, whether it’s K-to-12 education, post-secondary investments, health care improvements, transportation upgrades, housing affordability, public safety or strategies to counter the tariff threats, I have been reminded of one guiding truth: every policy we put forward must ultimately serve the people of British Columbia.

As the MLA for Burnaby South–Metrotown, I see firsthand how these measures can transform lives. When our kids learn in safe modern schools, families worry less about seismic hazards. When our local hospitals expand to provide cutting-edge services, loved ones receive top-tier care closer to home. When we invest in inclusive trade policies, Burnaby’s small businesses can flourish in a competitive global market, securing jobs and prosperity for years to come.

I also want to emphasize my unwavering support for Budget 2025. This budget strikes a reasonable balance, carefully managing our finances while making bold investments in the programs and services people rely on. It addresses the core priorities I hear from my constituents every day: affordability, robust health care, quality education and safe, livable communities.

By maintaining prudent oversight throughout roles such as Treasury Board and the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, we ensure these investments are delivered efficiently and transparently. With tools like the trade and economic security task force, we stand ready to defend and grow our economy against external challenges such as tariff threats.

Yet governance isn’t just about balancing books and reacting to global trends. It’s about seeing the bigger picture on how all these pieces interact. When we upgrade transit, we cut commute times and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When we build supportive housing, we give vulnerable individuals a chance to turn their lives around. When we reinforce mental health and community safety programs, we make neighbourhoods more welcoming for everyone.

Through it all, we remain steadfast in ensuring that every public dollar is spent wisely so our children can inherit a province that is fiscally sound and full of opportunities.

To the people of Burnaby South–Metrotown and all British Columbians and my colleagues here, thank you for your trust and your active participation in shaping our shared future. Let us continue to move forward together under a budget and a vision that lifts up every corner of our province.

[11:30 a.m.]

David Williams: I am honoured to stand here today and speak to the budget, but before I do, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who helped me make this journey possible.

My path to public service began early in childhood. Being talkative and opinionated often led to unsolicited advice. Many suggested I should be a politician, while others simply told me to be quiet. To my past friends, relatives and former teachers: I offer both my apologies and my thanks for your unintended encouragement.

Although I am the elected MLA, I did not reach this chamber alone. First and foremost, I would not be here without the unwavering support and sacrifices of my spouse, Denise, our children and our grandchildren. It took an optimistic and dedicated team. This included but was not limited to family, friends, party members and, most importantly, the constituents of Salmon Arm–Shuswap.

Along the way, I have been fortunate to meet and become friends with many incredible people who played instrumental roles in this journey. Whether it was members of our riding association; our campaign team, including Melvin, Alfred and Julia; or the many friends I met along the way, such as Ruth, Phil and Melanie, I cannot thank you enough. Ultimately, it was the people of Salmon Arm–Shuswap who placed their trust in me, and I will not let you down.

My working career began in the HVAC industry, where early mornings, long hours and getting my hands dirty were part of the job. Later, my time with B.C. Assessment gave me the opportunity to interact with countless residents and businesses, allowing me to see firsthand the issues, concerns and struggles that many face. My subsequent work in the insurance industry as a loss control specialist reinforced the importance of understanding unintended consequences — something this NDP government seems to have in spades.

I have a deep affinity for the Salmon Arm, Okanagan region, and my priorities are clear: to protect its character, enhance its prosperity and ensure that it remains one of the best places to live. As their advocate, I embrace the opportunity to support policies and budgets that benefit all the constituents — struggling families, seniors, students and small businesses alike. British Columbia has limitless potential. As the gateway to Asia, we boast an educated workforce and natural resources that are the envy of the world. It is time we harness these strengths to build a stronger, more prosperous future.

I stand here today not with mild concern but with profound disappointment and a sense of urgency that cannot be overstated. The 2025 provincial budget has failed the people of Salmon Arm–Shuswap. It has failed our farmers, our families, our small businesses, our seniors and our most vulnerable residents.

This government proudly proclaims it will stand strong for B.C., but I ask you: where is that strength for rural British Columbia? Where is the resolve for communities like ours, grappling with deadly highways, a housing crisis spiralling out of control, struggling farms, the ever-present threat of wildfires and the economy teetering on the edge of stagnation?

To give you a little overview of my riding, we’ll start. The northern part of the Shuswap Lake is Seymour Arm. It’s a small community where they have no hydropower because they don’t want hydropower. There they do depend on generators and solar electricity. It’s mostly based on tourism, and there are a few full-time residents.

The North Shuswap consists of Anglemont, Celista and Scotch Creek, to name a few of the communities. They suffered terrible fires like the Bush Creek fire. There are still houses that haven’t been rebuilt. Again, a lot of communities there depend on good government policies when it comes to land regulation and, obviously, wildfire response.

[11:35 a.m.]

Another community is South Shuswap. That consists of Sorrento, Blind Bay, White Lake and Eagle Bay, to name a few communities. There, again, are a lot of small businesses, a lot of tourism in the summertime. They look forward to low taxation. They want to succeed. Too many times I’ve seen businesses come and go, come and go. That has to stop. We need a good tax system, and we need land use policies that keep businesses here and that make small businesses grow.

Another community is Salmon Arm. That includes the outside suburb areas of Silver Creek and Canoe. Obviously, it’s a growing community. Land use policies are an issue. We have a beautiful pier, a beautiful downtown, great ambience, a lot of places that many here would probably like to go enjoy — until a developer decides he wants to build a 20-storey high-rise down by the pier and totally destroys the ambience.

Land use policies have to be well-thought-out. What works in Vancouver does not work in rural B.C. Again, businesses need to grow. There are a lot of empty buildings currently. Businesses need certainty. We need economic policies, and we need a budget that addresses certainty, which I do not see in this budget.

Let’s move on. We’re going to move on to Sicamous and Malakwa, the “Houseboat Capital of Canada.” Again, there’s a place where tourism is a big thing. There are a lot of Airbnbs. Lack of clarity — there’s a total lack of clarity in the budget. A lot of people want to put in Airbnbs. They’re not sure if they can have a secondary residence. A lot of places are only getting temporary-use permits — a lot of regional areas.

As for tourism, it’s dropped 30 percent in the last little while. When a lot of people got evacuated a couple years ago from the Bush Creek fire, it was such a broad-based wildfire response that people said: “Well I’m not going to depend on coming out here, because we don’t know. We have no certainty when it comes to coming here, and our plans are going to be wrecked.” Those are things that have to be addressed.

Let’s move on. Enderby and Armstrong — we’ll include Armstrong — and Spallumcheen. Farming communities. Poultry, dairy…. Farmers are struggling. A month ago, I was told that one of the major producers out there laid off 80 people before Christmas, the reason being that the cost of doing business in B.C. is much too high. There are too many regulations, taxation is high, and the cost of WorkSafe is going through the roof.

He was told that he would be able to move his business to Idaho tomorrow because they offer such generous incentives for him to move, but he’s Canadian first, he’s B.C. first, and he’s Shuswap first and doesn’t want to move. He says, “Dave, please fix it,” because he wants to stay here. He wants his kids and grandkids to live here. We all do.

Let’s move on to Falkland and Westwold. There they had their water shut off, out of the blue, two years ago. Water use and land use are big, right? We need programs that address water. If it’s drying up and the climate is getting drier and drier, why aren’t we storing water? Why isn’t there anything in this budget for that?

Let’s move on to Silver Creek. Same thing. Farming, a small community — again, the river is an issue. They shut off irrigation. They are doing mitigation work on the river. That’s fine. They want to save the salmon — great. But farmers are struggling. Communities are struggling. We need these communities to grow, not for everybody to move to Alberta.

Moving on, this budget dangles vague promises before us while sitting on a $4 billion contingency fund, unallocated, unused in the face of our crisis. We see $7.7 billion poured into health, education and social services over three years, yet rural ridings like Salmon Arm–Shuswap are left scrambling for scraps. This is not a budget that serves all British Columbians. This is a budget that forgets us.

[11:40 a.m.]

Highways. There is some money in there for highways. Highways 1 and 97 are not just roads; they’re lifelines, but for too many, they have become death traps. In fatalities and economic impact, in 2024 alone, our riding saw 12 fatal accidents on these highways: five near Enderby, Highway 97; five near Falkland, 97B; and two on treacherous stretches of highway.

Joan McIntyre, from Enderby, lost her 23-year-old son, Liam, in a collision on Highway 97 last spring. Her words resonate: “How many more deaths will it take before this government acts?”

ICBC records reveal over 200 fatal crashes on Highway 97 between 2004 and 2013. There has been little to no improvement on Highway 97. The Bruhn Bridge is being replaced on Highway 1, and traffic is being diverted on Highway 97 through Mara Lake, a two-lane highway that runs all the way down to Vernon. No improvements, yet the population is growing. There’s nothing in this budget that is earmarked to help fix that road or improve that road. Right now the current budget allocation is $141 million for Highway 1 upgrades. Yes, it is critical that it be upgraded, and we welcome it — but much too little.

Housing affordability. The current situation, to give you an example: the median home price is $720,000 in Armstrong — that’s by Townfolio — which is nine times higher than the median income in our region. Renters spend half their earnings just to maintain housing. In Sicamous, 157 short-term rentals have significantly reduced the supply of long-term housing, leaving families and workers with limited options.

The impacts. Young families are forced to abandon their dreams of home ownership. Seniors are downsizing to unsuitable housing due to shortage of long-term rental options. This BC Builds program provides some relief, but it is insufficient for rural needs.

What we expect. There should be $20 million in dedicated B.C. funding to accelerate affordable housing projects in Armstrong, Sicamous and Salmon Arm; expanded rental assistance for families that are earning $60,000 annually. With the Housing Ministry holding $1.541 billion in this budget, we ask: where’s the support for rural B.C.?

Agricultural support. Little-known fact, but we’re going to let everybody know: right now British Columbia spends the least amount of money on agriculture per GDP of any province in Canada. Yes, that includes Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. That’s a pretty sad fact.

Challenges. In Spallumcheen, 30 percent of dairy farmers lack regional market access, costing each operation $15,000 annually. That’s from the B.C. Dairy Association. In Falkland, ranchers are facing crippling water shortages, as flagged by the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association, leading to severe impacts on livestock and their livelihood.

The significance of that: the agriculture in Salmon Arm and Shuswap is not just an occupation. It’s essential for the local economy, for food security, for the community way of life. The allocated $140 million over three years for agriculture is inadequate for these systematic changes.

We expect that there should be guaranteed funding for the farm risk management program to stabilize incomes and counter market viability; slash the red tape; simplify compliance for small poultry and dairy farms so they can focus on their core operations; $5 million for water infrastructure for Falkland to secure the resources needed for sustainable farming.

[11:45 a.m.]

Water storage is definitely needed. It’s an investment for our food supply and the future of rural B.C. Are we told to buy B.C.? So let’s support B.C.

Wildfire prevention. Wildfires are no longer a distant threat. They’re a present danger. Recent devastation in the 2023 Bush Creek East fire destroyed many homes and displaced thousands, causing millions in damages. Many of those people will never be able to rebuild. More recently, I was told there are still 15 people that are out of their homes, with no support in sight. They’re saying: “Dave, please get some support. See what you can do.” Despite the severity, $125 million in an emergency fund in the budget does not include new dollars for prevention.

The reality here is that the NDP government promised that there would be funding to assist local residents when it comes to forest fighting, and they were going to run programs so that there would be more local involvement.

I’ve been recently told by the volunteer fire departments that they will no longer be able to run any programs because the funding comes from the regional district, and the regional district will not be getting any funding from the provincial government. Therefore, there will be no training for local people through the volunteer fire departments, so there will be no avenue for them to help mop up or help during forest fires, which was a promise. I do not see that in this budget.

We can’t rely solely on fighting forest fires as they start. We must invest in prevention. North Shuswap remains highly vulnerable. The Indigenous communities, like Neskonlith, have long practised cultural burns, which remain underutilized.

We expect double fuel management funding in high-risk areas, for every dollar spent on prevention saves ten in recovery; full implementation of the 2023 wildfire review; and to establish a partnership with Indigenous bands to reintroduce cultural burns, reintegrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques. This is about saving homes, lives and our future.

Economic diversification. Our economy cannot and must not rely on tourism alone. When visitors leave, what remains is a fragile economy that requires resilience and innovation. There is a critical need for year-round job creation and economic opportunities in Salmon Arm–Shuswap. We would hope for $2 million to establish a Shuswap innovation hub, a centre to connect local businesses with provincial markets, foster entrepreneurship and drive sustainable growth.

Tax incentives. Protect start-ups that relocate to rural B.C., creating high-paying jobs and injecting new investment into our region. More recently, I also heard that the funding for Shuswap Tourism…. They’re disbanding because there is no funding, and that includes Shuswap films. When you hear that there are credits for the film industry, apparently Shuswap films aren’t getting any.

Shuswap Tourism, which actually promotes the area — there is no funding in the budget for them either. I was told that they get their funding from the regional district, and the regional district would have to increase taxes in order for them to continue. The city of Salmon Arm puts in 40 percent, and they’re not willing to increase taxes. Therefore, it is no longer.

Let’s get on to health care. Health care affects everybody.

I met my first spouse when I was 14. We got married when we were 20. We were married for 38 years. In 2015, we went to the hospital, unrelated, and they suspected it was cancer.

[11:50 a.m.]

She went and saw an oncologist the next day, and they said, yes, it was cancer. Fine. They have to send you to the cancer clinic. You’re at the end stage. This was around the middle of October. She actually did not get into the Kelowna cancer clinic until about the second week of December — far too long with somebody with a critical issue. By the time she got into the hospital in Kelowna, it had grown so much that it was inoperable. You’re resigned to the fact that you have to go through chemotherapy and all different therapies.

I had connections at UBC. I could have got her into experimental treatment. Again, not given the option. Why? Everything else has to fail, apparently, before you can get into experimental treatment. That’s not choice. Choice is having the choice.

Actually, for any kind of critical illness, people need quick action. They don’t need action down the road. They need action today. Whether it be the emergency clinics, or whether it be people dealing with critical care issues, they need to get into services today, not tomorrow, not next week, not next month. My spouse ended up dying in March 2016.

How many other people are out there? I do not see the health care system improving since 2016. If anything, it has been in decline. We need to look at efficiencies. We need to look at anything that it would take. We need proper funding, especially for critical care and emergencies. We need a better system, but we need the money allocated properly.

In conclusion, I have outlined the crisis that we face. Highways are a death trap. Housing is unaffordable. Farms are struggling. Wildfires are unpreventable. The economy needs revitalization.

I also have clear, actionable solutions. Allocate the $4 billion contingency fund to address these urgent issues. Publish a rural action plan within three days. Vague promises are no longer acceptable. Engage in meaningful negotiations with rural MLAs to secure real solutions in our communities.

The time for empty words is over. The people of Salmon Arm and Shuswap deserve better. They deserve action, and they deserve it today.

David Williams moved adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

Hon. Niki Sharma moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

Deputy Speaker: The House stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

The House adjourned at 11:53 a.m.