The House met at 10:03 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Bryan Tepper.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Adrian Dix: Aujourd’hui nous célébrons la Journée de la francophonie en Colombie-Britannique.

Today we celebrate Francophonie Day in British Columbia.

Francophones, as you know, in B.C. have made important contributions to our cultural richness. Indeed, Dr. Jean Barman, a noted historian from UBC, suggests that francophones’ presence was nothing less than instrumental in ensuring that the land north of the 49th parallel was not absorbed by the United States back in the 1800s. How about that?

Vive le Canada.

I’d like to introduce some important guests who are joining us this afternoon. I want to invite all members of the House at noon to join us for this celebration. I wanted to introduce Geoffroy de la Barre de Nanteuil, the honorary consul of France in Victoria; Marie-Nicole Dubois, Présidente de la Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique qui représente 48 organismes francophones repartis dans toute la province; and Sandra Mandanici, Présidente de l’Association des juristes d’expression française de la Colombie-Britannique.

[10:05 a.m.]

They, along with many people, will be here at noon this afternoon. I invite all members to join us.

And would the House please join me in conveying to all a warm bienvenue.

[French text provided by Hon. Adrian Dix.]

Claire Rattée: I want to welcome a couple of people that have travelled here all the way from Kitimat, and I’m really glad to have them here. One of my best friends, Sarah. We just had her 30th birthday on Tuesday.

The love of my life and somebody that has sacrificed a lot for me to be here today, my best friend, Colton. Please make them welcome.

Rohini Arora: I’d like to welcome the B.C. General Employees Union’s political action committee today, who have joined us in the gallery.

I particularly want to welcome my sister, who is staff at the BCGEU, Jasleen Arora. Many of you may already know her, and if you ask her, she’ll say that she started here first and I followed suit. She’s a political powerhouse and a formidable organizer. She and I are Irish twins. We’re 10½ months apart — my only sibling. Not that she needs it, but like any big sister, I take my moral responsibility and my duty to protect her very seriously.

Jasleen puts workers’ rights at the forefront, and we’ve been advocating to dismantle all systems of oppression together for over a decade. I love you, Jas. I know you’re hidden there somewhere.

Please help me welcome the BCGEU’s political action committee and my sister Jasleen.

Pete Davis: I’d like to introduce an important person from my riding here today, Alisha Carver. She’s one of my constituency assistants. She’s going to stand up, right? There you are. Embarrass you a little bit? That’s good.

Not only is Alisha just passionate about serving the people of Kootenay-Rockies, but she also happens to be the one that kind of keeps me organized in my riding. Myself and the other CA actually call her our office mom, and I can tell you — let’s be honest — that without her I probably wouldn’t be able to survive.

So we just appreciate you, and welcome to Victoria.

Jennifer Blatherwick: I have the incredible honour to give the very first welcome to a human being, to Josephine Catherine Ellen Rotchford, born today at seven pounds eight ounces at 6:20 a.m.

So may the House join me in making welcome — with a loud enough welcome that they can hear us all the way at the hospital — Josephine Catherine Ellen Rotchford.

Rosalyn Bird: I just wanted to say thank you for that announcement. I was actually going to stand up today and wish the member for Esquimalt-Colwood a wonderful two weeks with their new arrival. Yes, we wish them well and that she comes back refreshed after her two-week break. From the B.C. Conservative caucus: congratulations.

Janet Routledge: I’d like to follow up on the introduction by the member for Burnaby East. I’d like to introduce the other members of the BCGEU who are joining us today from their political action committee: Nadja Komnenic, Masoud Aminzavvar, Joanna Lord, Kate Banky, Roshni Singh, Shannon Dudley, Jeremy Levesque, Mark Taylor, Shawn MacDonald and Marc Whalen.

Please join me in giving them all a warm welcome.

Macklin McCall: I am pleased to introduce the mayor of West Kelowna, Gord Milsom, who is here today to meet with various ministers to discuss the issues that matter most to the city of West Kelowna.

[10:10 a.m.]

Mayor Milsom is a dedicated leader who works tirelessly for the betterment of our community, and I want to thank him for his continued efforts. Will this House please join me in welcoming Mayor Gord Milsom to the Legislature today.

Paul Choi: It is my pleasure and excitement to welcome Prof. Michelle Lawrence to the precinct today. She’s a law professor at UVic. She’s also a director of B.C. Access to Justice Centre for Excellence, also a senior associate of International Centre for Criminal Law Reform — a well-known, respected lawyer and fierce advocate for access to justice. And, personally important to me, she’s my PhD supervisor.

May I ask the whole House to welcome her to the precinct today.

Á’a:líya Warbus: I would also like to welcome…. Joining us in the gallery today is Deirdre Syms, executive director of the B.C. Epilepsy Society and vice-president of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance. Deirdre works tirelessly raising awareness about epilepsy, and her advocacy is making a positive difference for many individuals.

Would the House please join me in welcoming Deirdre.

Hon. Ravi Parmar: Somewhere in the House — I’ve yet to locate them, but they might be behind me — is the Truck Loggers Association. They’re here somewhere. I can’t see them exactly.

Oh, there they are. They’re in the back over there. It’s good to see them.

I had dinner with them last night. My caucus colleagues are going to be having lunch with them this afternoon.

We’ve got Dorian Uzzell, who’s the president; Bob Marquis, vice-president; Bill Nelson, past president; Bob Brash, their executive director; and Jennifer Kramer, their director of communications. I really appreciate, in my short time as Minister of Forests, the strong working relationship that we’ve been able to develop.

Will the House please join me in making them feel very welcome here today.

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat: I’d like to introduce one of my constituents, Joanna Lord. She is the vice-president of the BCGEU, and she is running in the by-election in North Cowichan to replace me.

Can the House help her feel welcome today.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: About a year and a half ago I was travelling back after the break at Christmas, to go home, and got a terrible phone call that a beloved relative had fallen from a roof 30 feet and broken his back in many, many places. I turned around immediately and came back to Victoria. We spent a very fraught night worrying he wouldn’t make it through the night.

This is my Uncle Tom, who is celebrating his 75th birthday today. He is doing extremely well. His gift to our family is indescribable. This is a man who has the most extraordinary joie de vivre and generosity. So blessed that he is still with us.

Happy birthday, Uncle Tom.

Rob Botterell: I rise today to introduce my good friend Robert McCullough. Robert McCullough is principal of McCullough Research in Portland, Oregon, and has been in business for 32 years, advising governments, utilities and First Nations across Canada and North America on energy, metals, paper and chemical issues. He has testified repeatedly in state, federal and provincial courts and tribunals, as well as before Congress.

Robert is here in Victoria today and yesterday advising the Green caucus on CleanBC initiatives and wind energy costs. He has a wonderful background that I can spend an hour on, but I won’t do that this morning.

I will say that over the last two days, Robert has taken every opportunity when he meets somebody to apologize, which is so Canadian. He apologizes for being from the United States, where, as he puts it, there’s a ninny in the White House.

Please join me in making Robert very welcome in the Legislature.

[10:15 a.m.]

Trevor Halford: I have a new employee today that is actually in my office right now, about to watch question period. This isn’t the average employee.

I found out about a month ago we had a bit of an infestation problem. So I’ve taken some leadership off of our friend Rob Shaw.

We’ve got Madam Squeaker starting in my office today, a kitten that my office adopted. She’s going to be roaming the halls. So if you’re cat friendly, come to my constituency office. Madam Squeaker — it’s her first day on the job today, so I want to welcome her to the caucus.

The Speaker: Let me make it clear. It’s not in this building. It’s in his constituency office.

Linda Hepner: Just to let everyone know, secrets are very difficult to keep in this House. I would like to acknowledge that the member for Prince George–Valemount celebrated her birthday yesterday and did not want anyone to know. I would like to have the House recognize her happy birthday one day late.

Jeremy Valeriote: With us in the House today for the last time in her current capacity is Green caucus press secretary JoJo Beattie. JoJo has spent seven years with the Greens, first in the constituency office of former MLA Adam Olsen, and, for the past five years, with the caucus team here.

She is a familiar, friendly face to so many people in this building, colleagues in this House and in the press gallery especially. On behalf of our entire caucus team, we will miss JoJo terribly. We wish her all the very best and will be cheering her on from here.

Can I ask all members to join me in thanking and sending her off in style today, the one and only JoJo Beattie.

Dallas Brodie: I would like to make a point of order this morning.

The two-minute presentations are supposed to be non-partisan, in my understanding. I would like to know your reaction to that. I heard a partisan statement said in the most recent presentation.

The Speaker: Member, we haven’t started the two-minute statements. Once we have the statement, then you can raise the question if you wish.

Minister of Tourism, did you have an introduction?

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert: I did. I want to honour my husband.

In a few days, it will be our 25th anniversary being together. I just had to say it because this job is hell on families, and it’s heck on our partners and our loved ones. So to everybody, I hope you get a chance to be with your loved ones and remind ourselves that we have to love our families if we’re going to do this job right.

So honour to my husband, Romi, and thank you all.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

Bill 7 — Economic Stabilization
(Tariff Response) Act

Hon. Niki Sharma presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor: a bill intituled Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act.

Hon. Niki Sharma: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I am pleased to introduce the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act. This bill provides a range of authorities to enable the government to quickly respond to the recent unprecedented threats to our province from the United States.

These are challenging times that call for significant action in response to these unjustified threats. The proposed legislation will serve as an important tool to help us respond in four different ways.

The bill will provide broad tools to reduce or eliminate barriers to interprovincial trade. It will provide clear and express authority for government to issue directives to a broad range of public sector entities in relation to procurement.

[10:20 a.m.]

It will create mechanisms that are designed to allow government to impose a system of tolls, fees or other charges on vehicles using certain B.C. infrastructure, such as highways and coastal ferries.

It will provide a broad, flexible power to government to address challenges to B.C. arising from the actions of a foreign jurisdiction, to support interprovincial cooperation in reducing trade barriers within Canada and to support the economy of B.C. and Canada.

The legislation includes fast, flexible regulation-making authorities to ensure we can quickly act and be responsive to the unpredictable and quickly evolving threats to our economy, our economic security and our sovereignty. The bill also includes a sunset clause that would repeal the legislation on May 28, 2027. The legislation would allow rapid actions to respond in the short term and medium term and give us the time to develop longer-term and permanent change to advance the best interests of our province.

We did not ask for this trade war, but we will fight for B.C.’s economy, we will fight for B.C.’s workers, and we will fight for this province with every tool that we have. We will take a Team Canada approach in our response, and I hope that every member of this House supports this bill.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. Niki Sharma: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill M206 — Interpretation
(Pacific Daylight Time)
Amendment Act, 2025

John Rustad presented a bill intituled Interpretation (Pacific Daylight Time) Amendment Act, 2025.

John Rustad: I move that a bill intituled Interpretation (Pacific Daylight Time) Amendment Act, 2025, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read for the first time now.

The vast majority of people in this province, if almost unanimous, are tired of changing the clocks twice a year. This leads to sleep deprivation. It has led to health issues, car accidents. There are many issues associated with this.

The odd thing about this is that this is a bill that was actually introduced by the NDP six years ago, to fix this problem and have this introduced, a promise made to the people in British Columbia, and yet this bill has never been fully implemented. This bill was passed, but it was never implemented.

The changes associated with this bill will allow that we will never go forward with another time change, starting immediately upon royal assent of the bill as opposed to leaving it at the will of the executive council to pass.

I think it’s worth noting that when asked why this bill was never enacted, it was a statement that they’re waiting for the Americans to take the lead. It is high time that we take the lead in British Columbia for British Columbians as opposed to following the Americans’ lead.

Let’s get this implemented. Let’s end these time changes in British Columbia for people’s health.

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

Motion approved.

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

Motion approved.

Members’ Statements

Á’a:líya Warbus: March is Epilepsy Awareness Month. It’s a time to recognize millions of people around the world living with epilepsy, including many here in British Columbia. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges they face in accessing care and treatment.

Today I want to recognize a brave constituent of mine, Witsiki Flor, once a pilot and midwife. Witsiki now suffers from over 100 seizures a year. She believes her condition may be caused by encephalitis from a mosquito bite in Ontario, but without further testing, the true cause remains unknown. Despite her strength and determination, epilepsy has dramatically changed her life. Her family is stretched to the limit as they support her through these trying times.

[10:25 a.m.]

Witsiki Flor urgently needs an intracranial EEG to determine the cause of her seizures, but she has been unable to access the critical test. Additionally, a new anti-seizure medication, Xcopri, has shown incredible promise in reducing or even eliminating seizures for some patients. However, there’s no established pricing model, and thus it is prohibitively expensive. The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance has not reached an agreement, but we do understand that two provinces are considering direct negotiations to make the treatment more accessible.

For those living with epilepsy, every day without proper care is a day of uncertainty, struggle and risk. Her story is a reminder of how vital it is to remove barriers to essential testing and medication so no one is left without the care they need. Epilepsy affects not only individuals but entire families and communities. Ensuring access to essential testing and life-changing treatments can provide hope for people like Witsiki.

Let us recognize and support those living with epilepsy, not just this month but every day.

Amna Shah: Each year B.C. celebrates March 20 as la Journée de la francophonie. British Columbia holds a special place in the hearts of many French-speaking residents.

La Journée de la francophonie en Colombie-Britannique célèbre les communautés francophones et francophiles dynamiques de la province, en reconnaissant leurs contributions culturelles, économiques et historiques.

It’s a time to embrace French-language diversity, strengthen connections and showcase the province’s commitment to official language bilingualism and inclusion on the national and global francophone stage.

Later today, during the lunch hour, we will take the time to celebrate our francophonie. As you know, Mr. Speaker, each year the provincial celebration highlights a particular theme. This year we will highlight justice and the fact that francophones have access to more services in French in British Columbia.

Pourtant, l’accès à la justice en français n’est pas qu’une question de langue, c’est une question d’équité, de dignité et de garantie que tous les résidents de la Colombie-Britannique peuvent naviguer dans les processus juridiques en toute confiance.

By fostering a system that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of our diverse population, we strengthen the very foundation of our democracy and reaffirm our commitment to serving all citizens equally, a devotion that I know every member in this House shares.

Aujourd’hui, alors que le drapeau de la communauté francophone arbore fièrement ses symboles sur le mât à l’extérieur de ce bâtiment, je vous invite à réfléchir à la contribution de la francophonie à notre province et à la célébrer.

Happy Journée de la francophonie to everyone.

Bonne Journée de la francophonie à tous et à toutes.

[French text provided by Amna Shah.]

Reann Gasper: I rise today with a heart full of gratitude and admiration for SARA for Women, an organization that has been a beacon of hope in the Fraser Valley for five decades. With locations in Mission and Abbotsford, SARA has been more than just a shelter. It has been a lifeline, a sanctuary, a launch pad for countless women and children seeking to escape the shadows of abuse.

The statistics are sobering. Thirty-seven percent of women in B.C. have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15. SARA for Women stands at the forefront of this battle, offering not just emergency shelters and transition housing but also counselling and legal advocacy that is so crucial for rebuilding shattered lives.

Let me share with you the story of Mary White. Mary came to SARA’s Abbotsford facility fleeing from an abusive relationship. With their support, Mary found the strength to heal, rebuild and rediscover her own worth. Today Mary stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and support, having dedicated her life to helping others who find themselves in crisis.

Mary’s journey is just one thread in this tapestry of hope that SARA for Women weaves every day. It’s not just about providing a roof over someone’s head. It’s about restoring dignity, fostering independence, rekindling the flame of hope in the hearts that have known too much darkness.

[10:30 a.m.]

To the incredible team at SARA for Women: your work is nothing short of heroic. You are not just changing lives; you are saving them. You are not just offering shelter; you are offering a future. In the face of daunting statistics and heart-wrenching realities, you stand firm against the tide of violence and despair.

Thank you, SARA for Women, for your tireless dedication, your boundless compassion and for being a true cornerstone in our community. Your work reminds us all of the power of human kindness and the overcoming strength of human spirit.

Rohini Arora: I would just like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, of which the Songhees and SXIMEȽEȽ Nations share a deep connection.

March is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder in which groups of nerve cells or neurons in the brain sometimes send the wrong signals and cause seizures. On March 26, Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness will be observed across the country. It was founded in 2008 by a then nine-year-old Canadian named Cassidy Megan to let people with epilepsy know that they are not alone in their journey.

I am honoured to have and welcome Deirdre Syms, Sonia Velji and Jacquoline Martin from the B.C. Epilepsy Society, who are joining us today in the gallery. They’re right over there.

Based in Burnaby, the B.C. Epilepsy Society is a non-profit charitable organization that supports over 50,000 people living with epilepsy in B.C. and their families by providing programs, services, epilepsy education and awareness in the community. They offer many programs, such as the mental wellness program and connecting with others, which is a peer support program. They also have project UPLIFT, which is an eight-week program to teach people living with epilepsy a valuable skill set that may reduce depression and improve quality of life.

On March 26, the fountain at the Legislature will be lit up purple, along with other landmarks across the province, and I encourage my colleagues to wear purple on the 26th and throughout March to raise awareness for epilepsy. If you or your loved ones are living with epilepsy and looking for support, please contact them at bcepilepsy.com.

Jeremy Valeriote: I rise to recognize and celebrate the entrepreneurial, adventurous and innovative spirit of the Sea to Sky corridor.

Today I want to highlight the innovation and economic development taking place in Squamish. Named the top entrepreneurial community in the province, Squamish is blessed with world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant culture and strong bonds with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation. The entrepreneurial potential of Squamish is showcased by the district’s current offer of a parcel of prime commercial and industrial land in the heart of the community, zoned and marketed as the Squamish Innovation Area. These 17 acres provide an opportunity to develop a new area for innovation and create local jobs in one of B.C.’s fastest growing communities.

Squamish is also a leader in sustainability, most evident in their emerging sector action plan that focuses on clean technology, green building, agriculture, craft food and beverage and outdoor recreation, as well as something we call Rec Tech, which is recreation technology and digital media.

I would like to give a special mention to just a few of many exemplary Squamish enterprises: Carbon Engineering, pioneering direct air carbon capture; Quantum Technologies, who recycle and purify precious helium — who knew that helium is a finite resource, can’t be manufactured and is used for medical procedures and basic scientific research? — and also, 7mesh outdoor equipment and Bjordal Construction prefab wood and mass timber. All these impressive businesses form part of Squamish’s innovation ecosystem.

I’m proud to serve the people of West Vancouver–Sea to Sky and the many innovators and entrepreneurs that make our constituency a wonderful and truly inspiring place to live.

Susie Chant: I would like to acknowledge that I’m speaking on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking people, specifically the Songhees and SXIMEȽEȽ, and I am very grateful to live and work here.

[10:35 a.m.]

I also live and work in North Vancouver–Seymour, home to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ Nations.

Did you know 70 percent of all men’s chronic diseases are preventable through lifestyle? These health behaviours negatively impact communities, the health care system, the economy but, most importantly, men themselves and their families. As well, the impact of the pandemic has drastically increased the demand for men’s mental health and physical health care services.

As we know, men are often reluctant to seek help because it has been traditionally seen as a sign of weakness. To that end, the B.C.-based Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a trusted resource that offers anonymity through digital services. The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is working hard to educate men using barrier-free digital, mental and physical health improvement programming.

The non-profit uses years of systematic research and testing, using cost-effective, tailored digital programs to proactively engage men in lifestyle and behaviour change, including seeking treatment for early-stage medical conditions and mental health issues before the onset of chronic illness. CMHF’s digital programs are flexible, convenient and private while also having the advantage of adaptability to reach underserved communities like Indigenous, South Asian, Black and Asian men.

To offer support for men experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression, CMHF was also able to expand the reach of the MindFit toolkit, as self-assessments grew by almost 244 percent in the last two years.

The foundation’s A Guy’s Guide to Healthy Eating was recently updated in partnership with Diabetes Canada and now includes a seven-day Mediterranean diet plan that was cross-promoted through social and email marketing to support type 2 diabetes prevention. The national champions program brings together well-known Canadians and subject-matter experts to engage men and their families, adding three new people at the end of 2024.

I encourage us all to be healthy and all to think about caring for ourselves.

Oral Questions

Kristina Loewen: Ryan, a disabled man from South Surrey, has been trying for years to get an increase in support from Community Living B.C. He was recently notified that once again he has been denied. Meanwhile, the top five executives of CLBC account for more than $1.4 million in compensation, not including car allowances.

To the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, how can this be justified when Ryan gets denied over and over again while CLBC executives get overpaid and they underdeliver?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: The work that was directed by self-advocates and adults with developmental disabilities to create a Crown corporation called Community Living B.C. at the time of deinstitutionalization has been an important movement in British Columbia.

I’m grateful that after we amended the legislation last year, we continue to have board members on CLBC that direct the operations. We have families and people with lived experience as part of the governance structure. We have this year created a budget lift for CLBC, just for some of the issues that the member cites.

One of the good-news things is that adults with developmental disabilities live much longer when living in community, but the caseload pressure that is felt by almost every social service across Canada is certainly felt in the CLBC community. This year’s budget lift for direct caseload support was $380 million over three years.

I look forward to working with the member to make sure that people who are vulnerable and need our support get the care that they need.

The Speaker: The member has a supplemental.

Kristina Loewen: Clearly, the minister either doesn’t understand the hardship or refuses to be held to account regarding Community Living B.C. executives.

[10:40 a.m.]

When members of government proudly mention wage increases, they fail to highlight who stands to benefit and who ultimately pays the price: it is our most vulnerable people.

Again, to the minister, why are 29 percent raises more important than CLBC clients?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: Our government takes our responsibilities to keep the most vulnerable people supported and kept safe and governed in the way that they wish…. The CLBC executive compensation is something that is directed by the board and is a fraction of the 97 percent of the budget that goes directly to people who seek care.

While I have the opportunity, I will give a particular thanks to the 4,000 British Columbians who have opened their homes to adults with developmental disabilities, that provide home-share services. We’ve been continuing to increase their support, and we’ll do more.

Reann Gasper: Florence Girard, a woman with Down syndrome, starved to death in a home-share program contracted through Community Living B.C. The inquest heard testimony that caregivers are underfunded by the Crown corporation.

The caregiver Astrid Dahl was convicted in 2022 for failing to provide Girard with the necessities of life. CLBC failed Florence Girard, and the coroner’s inquest report clearly states that payments to caregivers need to be increased now. How can the minister justify executive pay hikes while freezing client care funds?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: What happened to Florence Girard should never have happened. It was a tragedy. That the person responsible for her care was criminally convicted was very important.

In the seven years since her death, Community Living B.C. has substantially increased monitoring and oversight. We are grateful for the recommendations of coroner’s inquest and the civilians who sat on the coroner’s inquest, who investigated the supports that were in place in 2018 at the time that Florence Girard tragically lost her life in the place that she should have been safe.

I will continue to press Community Living B.C. to continue to take advice of the coroner’s inquest, of the Auditor General and the voices that we hear from families and people who have lived experience to make sure that CLBC always keeps its deep responsibility for safety every day.

The Speaker: Abbotsford-Mission, supplemental.

Reann Gasper: What has substantially increased is executive compensation. CLBC failed Florence Girard. When she died, she only weighed 50 pounds. Tiffany Wickham, manager of Crown corporations, acknowledged that money provided to CLBC caregivers, quote, “has not kept up with the rate of inflation or housing costs,” end quote.

The CLBC structure has failed, and this government has had eight years to right the wrongs of what has happened on their watch. When will the minister admit that CLBC has failed to deliver, failed their clients and needs to be completely overhauled?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family of Florence Girard, and her sister in particular, whose voice during the coroner’s inquest this year was so very strong. It’s our highest responsibility to keep people safe. CLBC and their service providers have clear policies and protocols in place, and it’s my expectation that they are followed.

Since Florence Girard’s death in 2018, CLBC has made significant changes to strengthen accountability and safety. Agencies now are required to conduct home visits every three months. Clients must have health care planning and doctor visits once a year. There is improved monitoring and oversight systems, along with hiring more staff to monitor outcomes and concerns and significantly improved training standards and policies for home-share providers, including better critical incident tracking.

[10:45 a.m.]

Those are all changes made since Florence’s death in 2018, and we will continue to hold CLBC accountable to strengthen their system of safety so that we learn from the tragic death of Florence Girard.

Jeremy Valeriote: In our province and worldwide, the tragedy of social and economic inequality persists, depriving people of hope and opportunity. The gap between rich and poor increased substantially during the early years of COVID and has not eased.

In Canada, the poorest 40 percent of households hold less than 3 percent of the total wealth. People living paycheque to paycheque continue to struggle with the high and rising cost of living. It is easy to denounce taxes during periods of economic uncertainty, but most low- and middle-income families have been receiving a reliable source of funds through the carbon tax rebate for years, more than they ever paid in tax.

This government says it plans to end the consumer carbon tax and, therefore, the rebate. So, to the Minister of Finance: what is their plan to replace it?

Hon. Brenda Bailey: Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

We’ve been very clear that when the federal government gets rid of the consumer carbon tax, we, too, will get rid of the consumer carbon tax. I’m watching for that legislation and preparing for it.

I do want to speak to the heart of the member’s question, which is such an important one. We know that people in British Columbia are struggling with affordability. We’ve taken many measures, and we’ll continue to take measures to support British Columbians.

Let me highlight one. It’s so important that we continue with our housing plan. Most people, their largest expense is housing. I want to share with the member opposite: there was some good news recently. A McGill study showed that some of the actions that we’ve been taking are having effect. Rents have come down 5.7 percent.

Tara Armstrong: Last month, the Chinese Communist Party announced punishing 100 percent tariffs on Canadian farm and seafood imports. That is 100 percent. According to the Canadian Press, within days, the Premier was asking for, quote, “concessions.” These tariffs will hit British Columbians in one week today.

My question is: when will the Premier get off Team China and join Team Canada like the rest of us?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I just have to say that question is absurd. That question is absurd. This side of this House, certainly, has been advocating for Team Canada since day one. The member will recall that we had a vote in this building to see if we can find a way, all of us together, to take the Team Canada approach. Some members of this House decided to vote with the U.S., with the Trump administration, so I reject the question from the member on that basis.

I will say that all tariff threats are being taken seriously. The world right now is going through major shocks, and it started with the Trump administration. The tariffs that they’ve brought on are unjust. They go contrary to the trade agreements that the President of the United States signed himself with Canada.

Of course, China is going to see an advantage in this. Now China is weighing into this, as well, and we are in the middle. What’s important is that we will continue to respond, which we have been.

We just had legislation introduced that strengthens that ability. We’re going to continue to strengthen our economy. We’re going to work for opportunities to diversify. Just yesterday, the Japanese consul general was here talking about how we can strengthen our relationships with Japan. We’re going to continue to do that work with other jurisdictions as well.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Tara Armstrong: Here we go on the Trump train again. Anyone else tired of hearing that name in this House?

The Premier took U.S. liquor off the shelf but for some reason has not touched all the tea in China. Will the Premier stop capitulating to the communists and remove CCP from the shelves as well?

[10:50 a.m.]

Interjection.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Clearly, the independent members have more support in the Conservative caucus than perhaps we’re aware of.

I’ll just say that the tariffs that we’re seeing from China, the tariffs we’re seeing from the United States…. It is causing hardship on families in British Columbia and families across Canada. We are deeply concerned about that.

I know the members said that they’re tired about hearing about President Trump. Well, I’m sorry. Perhaps they should be paying attention to what’s happening right now across Canada. People across Canada want us to take strong action to remind President Trump and the Trump administration that these tariffs are going to hurt families on the U.S. side as well as on the Canadian side.

This is not what we want to see, but we will continue to stand up, take action on tariffs from the U.S. We have, as a nation, taken actions on China as well, and we’re going to support that across the country as well.

Claire Rattée: Last weekend I walked around Pandora street for a few hours, and I actually spoke to the people there that want to get clean, that want a chance at a better life. I didn’t see hope. I saw people who feel ignored, abandoned and betrayed.

I’d gladly take the Premier, or any of his ministers, to speak to the very people he claims to support. Giving them time and attention is not a media opportunity.

And to the Minister of Housing: poke fun at my efforts all you want. This is not about me. This continues to be about the vulnerable people that we all swore to serve.

If the Premier truly believes that his approach is working, I invite him to step outside his office without security and come meet the people that he claims to be helping.

So my question is to the Premier. Will he take me up on my offer?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I want to thank the member for her question.

I think I should start with the premise around the Premier. When the Premier became a lawyer…. Many lawyers say: “Well, I’m going to look for opportunities and make a lot of money.” What did the Premier do? He went to the Downtown Eastside, and he worked with the most vulnerable people. So to suggest that the Premier wouldn’t walk downtown in the Downtown Eastside or any community is absurd. It’s absolutely absurd.

I’ll just say to the member: I’ve been on Pandora street. I’ve been to the Downtown Eastside. I’ve been to encampments throughout the province. I do go talk to the people that are struggling. I was in Coquitlam recently and talked to folks that were sleeping in their tents there. It’s important to have people’s lived experiences as part of the solution. That’s what we’re doing on this side.

We have rapidly been expanding supportive housing. We’ve been rapidly expanding opportunities to get people indoors because we understand that getting people housing is the first and most important step to get them stability, to get them the supports that they need.

If the member is suggesting that we should go to these communities and hear from people, I can tell the member that we do that. I do that often, and I’m going to continue to do that work. I welcome any suggestions that the member may have.

Lawrence Mok: Maple Ridge has about 16,000 children and the number of $10-a-day child care spaces to support these children is not there. It is only about 107. So how does the minister expect this many children to share such limited spaces?

Hon. Lisa Beare: I want to thank the member for the question. It’s so important, as we share a community, to continue advocating for child care for kids all across the province.

We, here in our government, have expanded over 40,000 spaces, funded spaces, here in British Columbia. That includes not-for-profit, for-profit, before- and after-school and $10-a-day. We are continuing to increase our $10-a-day spaces.

You’re going to see, over the break week actually, a whole series of announcements around child care and new spaces, including $10-a-day spaces being opened in a number of places, because we know how important it is to make sure that families have access to safe, licensed, affordable child care. And we’re going to keep investing.

[10:55 a.m.]

Ward Stamer: On Sunday at 2 a.m., all of us lost an hour of sleep due to the daylight savings time. Ninety-three percent of British Columbians don’t want to continue with this practice, yet this Premier wants to wait for the U.S. before we make a decision about B.C., for B.C.

How can the Premier claim he is “Elbows up” against becoming the 51st state while allowing the U.S. to dictate how we set our clocks?

Hon. Mike Farnworth: Well, I’ll say this. There’s no question on this side of the House who has their elbows up on being the 51st state. It’s this side of the House, because every time the question comes up, there are always those on that side that want to side with the U.S. and Trump.

Pete Davis: I don’t think he answered that question, but I’m going to go to mine.

With soaring wait times in Cranbrook and Kimberley, it’s clearer now than ever that health care professionals need access to the provincial rural retention incentive. We’ve canvassed this issue in this House before, but we’ve got non-answers from this Minister of Health.

Let’s try this again, see if we can get a straight answer for once.

Why won’t this minister allow the provincial rural retention incentive to apply to health care professionals who work in Cranbrook and Kimberley? And will she reconsider, yes or no?

Hon. Josie Osborne: Thank you to the member for the question and for speaking up for rural communities, because rural communities have suffered more with gaps in their health care system, and that’s why our government is doing so much work to help address those gaps.

We need to strengthen health care services across British Columbia. But in rural communities, where physician shortages, nursing shortages have led to closures, temporarily, of emergency rooms, we’re seeing how that’s impacting those communities. That’s why we’re taking steps through programs like the provincial rural retention incentive, like signing bonuses, to ensure that we’re doing everything that we can to attract people to come and live in these incredible communities.

The member has canvassed this question before, and as I’ve said before, this program is here to incentivize people to move to great places in British Columbia.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Hon. Josie Osborne: It is constantly under review, and we are monitoring. There are a set of criteria that are used to determine which communities are….

I welcome further conversation with the member.

Rosalyn Bird: The Jasper fire in 2024 was devastating.

The fire significantly impacted businesses in the resort municipality of Valemount. Valemount now knows that 70 percent of the businesses will close if they do not receive immediate support. They’re asking for $1.5 million to help keep the lights on until the next tourist season.

Will the Finance Minister commit to setting this right before the fiscal year ends in 18 days?

Hon. Kelly Greene: Our thoughts are with everybody impacted by the fires last year, particularly the residents of Valemount who so courageously stepped up to support people in need. The businesses, community groups, individuals really took leadership, and I thank them very much for that work.

We know that the fires had direct impacts for some communities and indirect impacts for others. So I just want to thank the mayor of Valemount for meeting with me and helping me to understand the impacts to his community.

We are working with JEDI and other ministries to make sure that we are helping the community in their recovery. My ministry was able to support a community recovery person to help with that. So I look forward to continuing conversations to better understand the impacts and to support them in their recovery.

[11:00 a.m.]

Kiel Giddens: British Columbia is dead last in business confidence in the entire country. Restaurant bankruptcies have increased 76 percent the last two years. The NDP have failed the hard-working men and women who employ British Columbian workers.

Ontario directed their Workers Compensation Board surplus to be distributed back to businesses through rebates or reduced premiums. In B.C., the NDP have only added payroll taxes to small business.

Will this Premier direct WorkSafeBC to return any surplus funds to employers?

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside: Thank you to the member for the question.

I have to say, though, that the premise of the member’s question is quite wrong. There is no such thing, really, as a surplus in the accident fund. The accident fund is in place in order to ensure that there are funds there to protect workers and to provide for the claims and such and supports that workers need when they’re injured at work.

I want to say, to be clear about this, that WorkSafe premiums are lower now than they were in 2014 and have been kept flat under our government. We know, because of global inflation costs for businesses right now, that there are challenges. We know that Trump’s tariff threats are certainly adding additional stress.

But we will continue to keep premiums stable so that businesses can afford them and so WorkSafe can continue their obligation to keep workers safe.

Brennan Day: Weeks ago, I raised the case of Don Chamberlain, who was denied a life-saving lung transplant due to staffing shortages.

Recently, he got another call. Miraculously, another set of donor lungs became available. He rushed to the ferry, only to learn mid-journey that the transplant had once again fallen through. Despite this heartbreaking outcome, he’s still stuck covering travel costs, including the assured loading fee required for urgent transport.

As a fellow Islander, the minister knows all too well that B.C. Ferries is a lifeline, not a cruise line. The travel assistance program requires pre-approval, failing people in urgent cases like this. He deserves better, and so do all British Columbians.

Why can’t rural British Columbians access essential support for life-saving care?

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

I think everyone in this House is sorry to hear that, for a second time, this man who is waiting for life-saving treatment has had delays in that care.

Nothing is more important than getting care for men like Don Chamberlain, and we are going to continue to do everything we can to support him and all the people like him who are waiting for these life-saving surgeries. That’s why we have put so much work into attracting specialists, into filling gaps, into increasing training seats — for example, for the perfusionists, the people, as the member knows, who are vital parts of the surgery teams — to ensure that operations like this can take place.

When it comes to supporting people living in rural communities, I understand. Being a member of a rural community myself and knowing what people go through in terms of the costs and the time that it takes to travel…. That’s why we are continuing to invest in the travel assistance program, ensuring that people can get that extra help and the lift that they need.

I invite the member…. I am happy to have further conversation with him to understand the specifics of this case and do everything we can to support Mr. Chamberlain.

Jody Toor: Crime in Langley is out of control under this soft-on-crime NDP government. Langley has the highest crime severity index, more than double the provincial average. Langley residents deserve to feel safe.

When will this government stop reframing failed policies as new measures and ensure that B.C. streets are safe for families?

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

Every British Columbian deserves to feel safe in this province. That’s one of our core commitments. That’s why we’re not only acting to strengthen policing but also to rebuild the critical services that are required. To help offenders beat the system….

[11:05 a.m.]

When you were in office, you cut funding for crime prevention and victim services. You dismantled the prolific offender program, and that resulted in the reoffending rate going up by 40 percent over one year.

Our government is reversing that damage. We are making record investments in mental health to break the cycle of crime, including funding for intervention programs and front-line community supports.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Shhh.

Hon. Garry Begg: We know there’s more to do, but we’re taking action, building safer communities, strengthening prevention and ensuring British Columbians feel safe in their communities.

Elenore Sturko: Yesterday the Health Minister updated the government’s plan for involuntary treatment. It turns out that despite campaign promises, the NDP will not provide involuntary care that includes long-term addictions treatment.

We have heard from families whose children are dying — 13-year-olds dying in tents. Multiple overdoses. People in this province getting acquired brain injuries because of their long-term drug use and multiple overdoses.

My question is: why? Why did the government turn its back on its promise to desperate families to provide involuntary addictions treatment?

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

Yesterday was an important day in taking another step forward in addressing the scourge that the toxic drug crisis is and the impacts that it has had on British Columbians, on people, on communities, all over.

Yesterday was an important step forward, as Dr. Vigo, chief scientific adviser for psychiatry and the toxic drug crisis, made an important step in providing guidance to clinicians across the province on interpreting the Mental Health Act to help clinicians make the decisions to support those people who suffer from concurrent disorders — severe mental health issues, severe substance use issues, people with acquired brain injury — who are in a situation where they are no longer able to seek treatment themselves and may present a danger to themselves and to others around them.

That is an important step forward, and we are opening two involuntary care facilities to support people like that.

We continue to invest in voluntary treatment and recovery across the entire spectrum. We are going to continue to do that work.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members. Members.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member for Abbotsford South.

The minister will conclude.

Hon. Josie Osborne: We are going to continue to do this incredibly important work, year by year, day by day, hour by hour, building a continuous and seamless system of treatment, right from prevention all the way through to treatment and recovery for the people in British Columbia that deserve and need this.

[End of question period.]

Orders of the Day

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

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Budget Debate
(continued)

Deputy Speaker: Members, I’m going to call the chamber back to order. We’ll ask those of you having conversations to take them into the hall, please.

[11:10 a.m.]

Hon. Anne Kang: I would also like to talk about the work that my ministry does on international credentials. We’re committed to removing barriers so people can make their own way and build the life that they deserve.

Many people coming to B.C. from other countries have valuable education, experiences and skills that can provide services to our communities’ needs. The B.C. provincial nominee program, which we call the B.C. PNP, brings in some of those workers and is a tool for workforce development. Starting in 2022, we prioritized nominations in key sectors such as health care, child care and construction.

However, and unfortunately, the federal government recently implemented a 50 percent reduction in the number of people this program can nominate this year. We recognize that the federal government’s lower immigration targets will add to the pressure felt by employers. To say we are disappointed by this decision is an understatement. Limiting B.C.’s ability to respond to its workforce needs and our ability to recruit health care workers, skilled tradespeople and other in-demand professionals in British Columbia’s needs is the wrong approach.

The reduction in B.C. PNP means we need to find more ways to build our workforce. One of our tools is the International Credentials Recognition Act, which came into effect in 2024. This new act will make the credential recognition process fairer, faster and easier for professionals with credentials issued in other jurisdictions. I’m proud to work with my colleague, the member for Vancouver-Langara and the Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials, to see this great work through.

This new legislation will help make things fairer by removing a catch-22 of unnecessary Canadian work experience, eliminating redundant English language testing requirements and charging similar fees to both international and domestic fees. Also, by removing barriers for 29 occupations, it will be easier for qualified professionals to seek credential recognition. The professions include engineers, social workers, veterinarians, paramedics, early childhood educators, teachers, land surveyors, architects and more.

This act also complements the outstanding work being done by the Ministry of Health to create new pathways for health care workers coming to Canada to improve services and deliver them for British Columbians.

Finally, I would like to talk about health care. We are working to reduce barriers for internationally trained physicians and health care professionals, while also ensuring all health care professionals practising in B.C. have the education and skills to provide the high-quality health care that people need. The expansion of the practice-ready assessment B.C. program provides internationally trained family physicians with an alternative route to full licensing in B.C.

During our time in government, the province has also provided funding to train 464 doctors through UBC’s international medical graduate program. We are taking action to train even more doctors in B.C. by creating a new medical school at SFU in Surrey, as well as adding more medical training seats to UBC. This investment was the first new medical school in Western Canada in more than 55 years, and this will mean more family doctors graduating each year to provide care for people here in BC.

We are training more health care workers, including nurses and paramedics and allied health professionals, so all people in B.C. can access the care when they need it and where they need it. Government provides more than $250 million annually in targeted funding for health care programs and has provided significant additional one-time investments to respond directly to health workforce needs. We are also funding more than 665 new nursing seats at colleges and universities throughout B.C., adding to the approximately 2,000 existing nursing seats in the province.

[11:15 a.m.]

And since 2017, the province has more than tripled nurse practitioner seats, with a 46 percent increase in practical nursing seats and a 24 percent increase in bachelor of nursing seats.

We are also working with post-secondary institutions to expand training for health care assistants as well as mental health and substance abuse training as part of the health career access program. This program trains people to work in home and community care, acute care, long-term care and assisted living facilities. As of December 31, 2024, more than 9,576 people have been hired to the health career access program via the health care assistant pathway. And 133 participants have been hired into the new mental health and substance use pilot.

Lastly, we’re expanding training for allied health care professionals, including more seats for physical therapy, occupational therapy and midwifery students at a state-of-the-art UBC facility in Surrey; the first degree program in traditional Chinese medicine in Canada, offered by Kwantlen Polytechnic University; a new ultrasound clinic at Camosun College that allows students in the diagnostic medical sonography program to gain valuable hands-on practical experience while caring for British Columbians; and 322 new, ongoing allied health seats, including seats in medical laboratory, technology, pharmacy technician and social work.

The province has invested in more than $10 million in bursaries and professional development funding to help train, retain and support allied health professionals. Our government is continuing to take action to recruit and train more health care workers to meet the health care needs of everyone here in British Columbia.

In conclusion, this budget is our government’s commitment to build a stronger B.C. for everyone. Our government is committed to investing in B.C. to strengthen and diversify it. And the best way to do that is by investing in the future workers of our province.

I am looking forward to working with students, our public post-secondary sector, our post-secondary sector in whole, trades training providers, skills training organizations and employers to ensure British Columbians have the access to the training they need to succeed in today’s economy and thrive in their daily lives into the future.

Bruce Banman: It is indeed an honour to stand in this House and have a response to the budget. It’s an honour and a privilege. I wish I could say some positive news and some words about this budget, but I can’t, sadly.

Eight years it’s been kind of the same thing. Eight years of budgets. This government started with a surplus in the billions of dollars. Not only did it erode that surplus, but it continued to spend recklessly. And it’s continuing to do so.

I am at a loss. I was a mayor of a city, the city of Abbotsford. When I took over, the finances of that city actually were in trouble. We were looking at massive increases in taxation. It was not long after the mortgage crash in the United States of 2008. People were losing their jobs.

Not only did we hold the budget, but without reducing services, without laying people off, we were able to deliver a zero percent tax freeze. It was in very, very difficult times.

[11:20 a.m.]

Cities have to have a balanced budget, and we were able to provide that. We did that not by increasing staff but by actually going to staff and going out to user groups and listening as to how we could best provide much-needed relief for the taxpayer.

There is only one taxpayer. What this government has continued to do is to put every single British Columbian in peril. The reason that you should save for a rainy day is because you don't know what tomorrow is going to bring.

Now, I have heard this government talk about elbows up, talk about the tariffs. Yet in this budget, there is no mention of the tariffs. It's hollow words and nothing but nonsense and rhetoric from this government, because they are now going to have another record deficit prior to the tariffs and the threats of what those could do to our economy. It is reckless, it's blatant incompetence, and it has put not only our province in peril, but it has put every single man, woman and child into the red.

This year alone, every man, woman and child is expected to owe $27,425 — this year alone. How dare they spend the future of our children. We heard, in this House yesterday, my colleague from Abbotsford-Mission talk about how important it is…. She broke down and cried, because it was about the future of our children. That’s $27,000. Her children, her infant, who has a life ahead of it, owes $27,000 just for being born in this province for this year alone. How dare they.

By the time it is done, if you add up everything else, it's not just $27,000. You can tack on a bunch more. It is $36,411 that that baby now owes. And the interest that is now accumulating will mean that there is less money for daycare, for health care, for EAs that are required in schools. It's money that…. You know, if you have a credit card, and you have a large debt on that credit card, and there are those of us right now….

They talk about how they're expanding the middle class. Well, the middle class is within $200 a month of not being able to pay their bills, so many are reaching in and using their credit cards. They're now finding out that the interest on those credit cards is unsustainable. This government wasted. Instead of saving for a rainy day, they have put us in peril. Now the tank is on empty, and we can't afford to fill it up, let alone afford to pay the carbon tax to put into that tank.

Every time this government has done things, that has put small business in peril. It has put every man, woman and child in peril. It is selfish and reckless and pure incompetence what has been going on that side of the aisle. And they continue to take victory laps. Elbows up, indeed.

[11:25 a.m.]

Nothing but words. Actions speak louder than words. I'm tired of the words.

I have grandchildren of my own, and they're thinking of leaving this province. The last one is 12. You've heard me talk. I don't want to be loading up his belongings in the car when he comes to me and says: “I can't afford to live here, and I've got to go.” Because this government couldn't figure out how to balance a frigging chequebook.

You know, I would love to give this budget a grade, but apparently we don't give grades anymore. This budget has failed. I'm going to give it a failing grade. It has failed our youth. It has failed those that are dying from overdoses of drugs. It has failed to provide health care. It has failed to make sure that emergency rooms stay open. It has failed to ensure that ferries stay running on time and on budget. It has failed on giving much-needed relief from the carbon tax.

It has failed miserably on providing $10-a-day daycare, which they promised. A minuscule few percentage points, and it's like winning a lottery if you happen to get the gold ticket. It's like Willy Wonka, for crying out loud, for daycare.

It has failed to deliver their $400 rental rebate that they promised. And then by the time you go through the red tape, virtually nobody qualifies for it. They tricked the citizens into voting for them once again: "Oh no, we're going to increase it to $1,000 to help you pay for your groceries.” And with no mention of it in the budget, they took it away. It's like a bad magic trick. It's like a bad comedy show. But it's not funny.

It's not funny because it is the hopes and the dreams of our youth that they are not only misrepresenting, but eroding. Half of our youth are thinking of leaving this province. Based on this budget, based on past budgets, I can understand why.

They have failed the forest industry; they have failed the mining industry; they have failed the tourism industry. This is a budget of broken promises, of broken dreams. Let's just face it. We're just plain broke. The province is broke. The citizens of this province are broke. They're overtaxed, and they're not getting what they're paying for.

It has failed on crime. It has failed business. It has failed virtually every single aspect that is important. People don't feel safe in the streets. It has failed that. It has failed to provide housing. It has failed to provide affordability. It has failed to provide affordable and supportive housing. Everything this government touches is a colossal fail.

Then they talk about: “We're working on it; we're working on it.” For crying out loud. We got more done in the six years of World War II than that side of the House gets done in over eight years. They have nothing to show for what they have done other than debt and pure unadulterated incompetence. Yet they stand up and brag about it.

[11:30 a.m.]

I would be embarrassed to brag about the last eight years because, quite frankly, the economy and the deficit speak for themselves. If I was them, I'd stop talking, I'd put my head down, and I'd get to work. That's what they expect small businesses to do and families to do to pay the excessive amount of taxation that they’re now under.

I cannot support this budget. I will not support this budget. And I challenge that side of the House to stop talking and just start doing.

Lorne Doerkson: Thank you very much, Member.

We’ll now recognize the member for Nanaimo-Lantzville.

George Anderson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to speak in support of this budget, and it’s fantastic to see you in the chair. I rise as the first MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville.

I was born and raised in Nanaimo, attended high school and undergraduate studies in Nanaimo, and I was also fortunate to be elected to Nanaimo city council as one of the highest vote-getters and was appointed as regional district director as well.

I’ve served as a past chair of Literacy Central Vancouver Island and have volunteered with organizations such as the Canadian Bar Association’s access to justice committee. Prior to working in this Legislature, I was a commercial lawyer at one of Canada’s largest law firms.

I look forward to using the skills and experiences that I have to help make Nanaimo-Lantzville and British Columbia a better place, because I truly know that Nanaimo and Lantzville have so much potential. I look forward to working every day to make sure that our community realizes its potential.

To the people of my riding: thank you for the trust that you’ve put in me and your willingness to share your stories with me. Every single day, your voices will guide my work, and I believe that this budget does exactly that.

But before I continue speaking about the budget, there are a few people that I would like to thank, and I hope that I get this right, because getting it right is like getting the proportions of the layers on a Nanaimo bar correct. Even a subtle change can make all the difference in the world.

My parents, Elizabeth and Nicholas Anderson — thank you to them. My parents came to Canada in the late ’80s from Ghana in West Africa with three small children. At one point, they felt there was something missing in their lives, and then they had me. My sister hates when I tell the story that way.

My dad was a machine operator, and my mom was a collator, and they take great pride in their work. In addition, like many British Columbians, my parents worked hard to give my siblings and I lives filled with opportunities and better than their own. I’m eternally grateful for their sacrifice, hard work and dedication to giving the son of immigrants the opportunity to experience what statistics say would be impossible.

To my siblings, Monica Cameron, Al Lyle, Lan Anderson: for doing all that you have done over my lifetime to be great siblings and to also keep me humble.

To their spouses, Kirsten Lyle, Bree Anderson and Brent Cameron: thank you for the many conversations that helped shape my world view.

And to my nephews Ronde, Kofi, Xavier, Carter and my niece Naya: I’m incredibly lucky to be your uncle. And thank you for the moments of joy that you’ve brought to my life. I’m certain that this budget will create the type of life that will give you so many opportunities.

To my friends Chase Wilson, Jesse Dean, Linda Campbell, Asan Kent, Hilary Monfred, Diane Rosano, Michael Down, Martin Skinner, Dagen Sitt, Alex Lynn, Rolando Murray, Lucy Lopez, Yuho Okada, Barbara Mark Robinson, Naomi Bailey, Tyler Large, Elizabeth Hudson, Michael Balsley, Bill Eady and Susan Allen, and Ted and Carolyn Greave: thank you so much for coming along this journey with me. This moment belongs to all of us, and I owe all of you my deepest gratitude.

And to Arlene Feike who encouraged me to run: I’m grateful for your support, and I hope that you’re looking down on us with pride.

I also acknowledge that I walk in the footsteps of giants such as Rosemary Brown and Emery Barnes, the first two Black individuals elected to this House, who made it possible for me to be one of four Black elected individuals elected to this House.

[11:35 a.m.]

A special thank you to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs for bringing my nephew down into this chamber and giving him the opportunity to sit in the Premier’s chair, which…. Maybe one day he will sit in this House as well.

Another thanks to the Minister of Finance for putting forward a forward-looking budget that sets out an ambitious plan for British Columbia. It's focused on affordability, economic growth, safety and a more connected province. It's a vision that reflects the challenges of today and embraces the opportunities of tomorrow, a vision that calls upon all of us in this chamber to meet this moment with courage, collaboration and compassion.

Speech is only words, and words must be matched with action, because British Columbians aren't interested in speeches. They're interested in results. The senior in Nanaimo doesn't want to hear a debate on affordability. She wants to know she won't lose her home because of rising costs. A small business owner in Lantzville doesn't want politicians pointing fingers. They want to know that their shop will be protected from theft.

That's what we're here to do: to deliver. That's exactly what this government has done and will continue to do.

Over the past few mandates in my community, we've seen a new intensive care unit built, a high-acuity unit that's close to opening and a B.C. cancer centre that is breaking ground right now, with recent approval from city council.

Student housing at Vancouver Island University and other investments will make sure that central Vancouver Island has a booming economy and ensure that people will have access to health care when they need it, where they need it.

In addition, there is a new urgent and primary care facility opening right behind Country Club Mall.

I have faith that this type of work will continue because of the work that has been done to date. These are the kinds of projects that support our trades. They ensure that young people have the housing and supports that they need to make sure that they can build a sustainable future. This budget gives businesses the certainty that they need to grow.

I look forward to the opening of the long-term care facility in Lantzville, which began before my time. I’m laser-focused on ensuring that it opens.

My priority as the new MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville is to make sure that we also see a patient tower and catheterization lab built in my community. I know that we're in difficult times, but I'm certain that we'll get it done.

As the Parliamentary Secretary for Transit, I feel fortunate that I get to work alongside the Minister of Transportation and Transit, because I see how transportation is a key driver of opportunity.

Transit is more than just a convenience. It's a cornerstone of economic growth, environmental sustainability and social equity. It connects a worker to their job, a student to their education and a senior to their family, tackling the epidemic of loneliness that we see in our communities. It also allows businesses to thrive and for our communities to grow stronger.

We've seen record investments in transit and transportation in British Columbia. Since 2017, we've completed over 2,500 projects, investing more than $8 billion in transportation improvements across the province. That's led to over 27,400 direct jobs and 20,500 indirect jobs for people all across British Columbia.

Unlike many jurisdictions that have made decisions to cancel and delay major infrastructure projects, we've continued to invest, and this budget makes sure that we protect the needs of the future. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has also invested $14 billion over the next three years and $590 million more than Budget 2024.

I'm also encouraged that the member for Maple Ridge East understands the importance of these investments that he will see in his community, as well.

[11:40 a.m.]

Projects like the Burrard subway line extension, Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, Highway 99 tunnel project — these are all things that are going to make British Columbia a better place.

We see continued investments in B.C. Transit, and this is the type of work that we need to do to ensure that British Columbia ends up being the best place it can be.

By aligning infrastructure projects alongside housing, we can make sure that transit-oriented developments connect British Columbians and make sure that there is more money in their pockets.

At this point, the opposition's approach to the budget has been simple. If the budget helps everyday people, they're against it. If the budget makes life easier, they don't like it. If we gave everyone free ice cream in this budget, they'd be opposed to it. They’d complain about the flavour.

The fact is that we are focused on making sure that British Columbians get exactly what they need. This is what this budget is about, making sure that we stand up for small business owners, that we make sure that we tackle addictions, that we make sure that we invest in involuntary care so that people who are unable to help themselves right now are able to have the support that they need.

Economic growth is extremely important, and it's a strong foundation that works alongside our businesses. I'm fortunate and feel happy that our Minister of Finance has developed those relationships.

The opposition isn't opposing this budget because it's bad for people. They're opposing this budget because it's good for the opposition.

This budget proves that governments can actually make life better — more homes, lower costs, stronger health care. These are the things that British Columbians want, but the opposition can't bring themselves to support it. Why? It’s because with a successful budget, their entire argument crumbles. They don't want solutions. They want a crisis that they can campaign on.

We've looked to the United States of America to see what happens when chaos arises. That's what the members of the opposition want. They want people frustrated. They want people struggling. They are ready to believe that government can't help. That's why, in their campaign, they campaigned on cutting $4.1 b$ from health care.

They spent years underfunding services, driving up costs for families and telling people they were on their own. Now they're faced with a budget that puts people first, and they're scrambling for excuses. They know that when they were in opposition, they had the chance to help, and they cut care. They cut services to make sure that we protected people and played political games, and now they're making that choice again.

A budget is much more than just numbers on a page. It's a statement about priorities, a reflection of our values, a roadmap to the future we want to build. This budget invests in people, it invests in communities, and it invests in the services that British Columbians rely upon every single day. It recognizes the challenges we face and that we will meet them with opportunity for all.

When workers and small businesses drive our economy forward, they have the support to succeed, and that's what this budget does. It gives people the support people need and the support they deserve, because budgets are about choices. I am proud to stand with a government that chooses people first.

This is a budget that invests in housing, a budget that invests in health care, a budget that invests in public transit and affordability. That's how we build a future that's not only prosperous and fair and just for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, let's deliver real results for people who sent us here. Let's make sure that in the years ahead, British Columbians look forward to the moment and see that government made the right choices for the right reasons at the right time.

[11:45 a.m.]

Deputy Speaker: Members, pursuant to Standing Order 45A, schedule 2, subsection (3), I must interrupt this debate today and put the question on the motion before the House, being that the Speaker do now leave the Chair for the House to go into Committee of Supply.

Division has been called.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

[11:50 a.m.-11:55 a.m.]

The Speaker: Members, the question is that the Speaker do now leave the chair for the House to go into Committee of Supply.

Motion approved on the following division: YEAS — 48, NAYS — 44. [See Votes and Proceedings.]

Hon. Mike Farnworth: I move the House now adjourn.

Motion approved.

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

The House adjourned at 11:58 a.m.