The House met at 10:02 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Hon. Kelly Greene.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Jagrup Brar: Happy Mining Day. Today is Mining Day at the B.C. Legislature. I just want to say to the members that mining provides 40,000 good, family-supporting jobs to the people of British Columbia, supplies critical minerals, critical to grow the green economy. and advances reconciliation with First Nations.

I also want to say that the jobs the mining sector provides are, on average, $130,000. They are really family-supporting jobs. The mining product we export to Asia — 90 percent of the product goes to Asia. So that’s the other beauty of mining under the current circumstances. We are talking about the tariff situation, diversifying our trade. It’s already diversified.

[10:05 a.m.]

Today we have, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., a dozen mining companies, some of the best companies in the province. They are going to put booths at the Hall of Honour, and I urge everyone from all sides to go there between 11 to three and talk to them. They have samples, including gold samples you can take home. They have gold, copper, molybdenum, silver, metallurgical gold, nickel, all that kind of stuff with them. So I urge everyone to be there.

Very quickly, the companies that have representatives here today are these. We have Taseko Mines. They have B.C.’s second-largest copper mine. We have the Northisle copper and gold mine. They are advancing their north island project, which is copper-gold-molybdenum.

Just 12 companies. I will be very quick.

Seabridge — they’re advancing another project that’s also gold, copper, silver. And Teck Resources — they have 4,500 people working for them, and they have two mines, the biggest mine in the country, Highland Valley Copper mine.

Elk Valley Resources….

The Speaker: Thank you, Minister.

Hon. Jagrup Brar: They are incredible mines.

The Speaker: Introductions — less than 30 seconds.

Darlene Rotchford: It is an honour and a privilege today to recognize, in our House, Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside. the base commander of CFB Esquimalt, Royal Navy, as well as Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Susan Frisby, base chief petty officer. Today I had the honour of giving them a proclamation on behalf of the province of British Columbia for the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

As well, I am proud to say that they’re in the riding of Esquimalt-Colwood, and happy to have them all here. It’s Kevin, the base commander’s, first time here, so give him a big, warm welcome.

Rosalyn Bird: It is also my pleasure today to introduce Jacqueline Zweng, who is also with them. She served with the Canadian Forces for 25 years as a cadet instructors cadre and, over the past two years, has taken a role in the public affairs at the regional cadet support unit. She is very passionate about volunteering and supporting our uniformed personnel. It has been her honour to act as the director of the Wounded Warrior Run since 2018.

Can we please all make her welcome.

Hon. Brittny Anderson: I have an incredible privilege today to introduce two people to the House. Rik Valentine and Deb Borsos visit us from the incredibly stunning Argenta, British Columbia.

Now, Rik and Deb knew that it wasn’t if a fire would impact their community, but when. So over 20 years ago, they started the Argenta Safety and Preparedness Society.

They worked with a team of local volunteers for 20 years to train, get certified. They applied for grants to purchase equipment, and they mapped their water source. And they spent time building a relationship with B.C. Wildfire Service. Last summer, when a wildfire started close to the community of Argenta, they were prepared to take action to protect their community alongside B.C. Wildfire Service.

Rik and Deb are here in Victoria today because Rick is being awarded with the B.C. Community Award for his incredible work. I would like to thank Rik and Deb for being such brave and incredible community members, part of a team of locals who, alongside the B.C. Wildfire Service, saved the community of Argenta last year.

Will this entire House please give a warm welcome to Rik and Deb.

Pete Davis: I would like to take a moment to recognize and warmly welcome the many mining companies that are joining us here today, along with representatives of the Association of Mineral Exploration and the Mining Association of B.C.

[10:10 a.m.]

Mining helped build this province, and it continues to be a vital engine of economic growth, job creation and regional development across British Columbia. As the mining critic for the official opposition, I’d like to welcome them.

Thank you for being here, and happy Mining Month.

Ward Stamer: I’d like to welcome the Private Forest Landowners Association that represents and manages forest owners across the province of B.C. this morning, from the coastal to the Interior, the large and the small, the veteran foresters and the novice tree farmers.

I’d like to welcome Jon Spalding, Jeff Czepil, Matt Merritt, Karen Brandt, Graham Brewster, Mani Arnold, Sue Handel, Margaret Symon and Megan Hanacek, who is the CEO. PFLA is a non-profit organization that represents and supports the protections of key environmental values, fiscal responsibility and respect for private property rights.

Will the House please give them a warm welcome.

Hon. Ravi Parmar: Mr. Speaker, my critic beat me to the punch. I also want to, on behalf of the government caucus, welcome, as the MLA across the way did, the Private Forest Landowners Association.

I had an opportunity to meet with them earlier today. They are doing incredible work. They’re punching well above their weight in communities right across the province.

I want to give a particular shout-out to the CEO, Megan Hanacek, from Port McNeill — just an incredible person, someone who we rely on very heavily in the Forest Service for advice and guidance at all times.

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

Kiel Giddens: We’re celebrating a pretty important birthday in the city of Prince George today. The iconic Mr. PG is celebrating his 65th birthday. But don’t worry, Mr. Speaker. He has no plans to retire. He’ll be there for many years to come and will wave at Macey Hansard on her next visit to Prince George.

Jordan Kealy: I would like to introduce a fellow farmer that has come to the House, Katie Pasitney from Universal Ostrich Farms, an innovative and research-driven operation that has spent the past three years developing antibody-based practices aimed at protecting against diseases and viruses, including H5N1. This farm is not used for food consumption and is purely research-based.

What makes Universal Ostrich Farms truly unique is not only its commitment to advancing animal health and biosecurity, but also its a broader vision for the future of agriculture in Canada. Their work highlights the incredible economic opportunity this kind of innovation represents, helping create new industries, generate jobs and stabilize our agriculture system in times of crisis, like the ones that we are currently facing.

Katie’s presence here today is a reminder of the critical role that science, innovation and forward-thinking policy can play in protecting both our economy and the health of our food systems. Please welcome Katie.

Scott McInnis: I just want to welcome back my friend the mayor of Kimberley. Don McCormick is here for several meetings related not only to the town of Kimberley, which I live in with Don, but to our region as a whole.

I want to take a minute to thank the Minister of Health for taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with us yesterday.

Please welcome Mr. Don McCormick back to the House, everybody.

The Speaker: Minister of Mining, again, for a 30-second introduction.

Hon. Jagrup Brar: This is a new rule.

It is with mixed emotions that I rise to welcome my communications director. David Haslam will be retiring after an extraordinary 28 years of service to the province of British Columbia. I am sad to lose David as he has been a great part of my team, but 28 years is a long and impressive run, and I want to wish him a happy and long retirement.

[10:15 a.m.]

I will introduce in 30 seconds two special individuals connected to the mining sector. I welcome in the gallery today my friend Michael Goehring — he is the president and CEO of the Mining Association of B.C. — and Trish Jacques, the chairperson of the Association for Mineral Exploration.

I ask the members to please make them feel welcome.

Members’ Statements

Wounded Warriors Fundraising Run

Rosalyn Bird: I rise today to talk about an organization I have tremendous admiration for: Wounded Warriors Canada.

It seems particularly fitting to draw attention to them today, on the 80th anniversary of VE day. This date, May 8, 1945, marked the day millions of people rejoiced in the news that Germany had surrendered and the war in Europe was finally over. We continue to honour the heroes of the past and remember the sacrifices of today’s veterans.

Wounded Warriors is a national mental health service offering mental health support providers dedicated to serving trauma-exposed professionals, their families and organizations. They are focused on raising funds to support programs to assist military veterans and first responders to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and operational stress injuries. The programs empower injured veterans, family members and their caregivers to effectively transition to life after a traumatic injury.

The key fundraising event, held annually here on the Island, is the Wounded Warrior Run. The event connects communities to support and raises awareness for crucial mental health programs needed here on the Island.

This extraordinary journey, a run commencing in Port Hardy and finishing in Victoria — eight days, eight runners, 800 kilometres — is in its 11th year, this year raising $245,000.

Event director Jacqueline Zweng, joining us in the gallery today, has said that being involved in the run is the highlight of her year and has been quoted: “We need to talk about mental health. We need to help those people that protect our communities every day.”

Also joining us today is a first-time runner, the CFB Esquimalt Base Commander Kevin Whiteside, who dedicated his journey to his late father, a Toronto police officer. He called the run a call to action for communities to better understand the programs and the support Wounded Warriors offers.

Thank you, Wounded Warriors, for the incredible support you continue to provide our veterans. Let’s all honour the fallen and help the living.

[Applause.]

Resilience Centre and Support
for Vancouver Filipino Community

Mable Elmore: The scripture teaches us that there is a season to everything, that there is a time to every purpose under the heavens. It’s a powerful reminder to all of us about the cycle of life, its ebb and flow. I personally find great meaning in this lesson, especially in the aftermath of the April 26 tragedy.

It’s now a time of healing for the Filipino community and beyond. The powerful journey of healing has begun. One of the ways healing is being embraced is through the Resilience Centre. The Resilience Centre serves as a safe gathering space for community members to come together for a meal, connect and access wellness and coping supports. The Resilience Centre was organized by the Filipino community in partnership with government, non-profit and faith-based agencies.

I would like to mention and recognize the role of the city of Vancouver; the Vancouver school board; the Archdiocese of Vancouver; Salvation Army; the Canadian Red Cross; the Provincial Health Services Authority, who deployed the disaster psychosocial services team; Vancouver Coastal Health; Foundry B.C.; St. John Ambulance B.C. and Yukon, for their therapy dogs; the Filipino chefs meal train, which has been providing meals; and a number of local restaurants and businesses who have come together to support the community.

To cite an example, on May 6, around 100 people of all generations attended the Resilience Centre, which is currently housed in the cafeteria of the Killarney Secondary School. It’s the first time a Resilience Centre has been stood up in Vancouver.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, this is also a time and opportunity for us to ensure that this healing becomes a sustainable process. Let’s continue to work together to help bring about long-term rehabilitation and recovery.

[10:20 a.m.]

I ask everyone in the House to please extend, I know, your heartfelt thanks to everyone working with incredible care and dedication to provide support.

Tourism in Okanagan-Shuswap

David Williams: As we head into the summer months, I want to take this opportunity to encourage all British Columbians to rediscover the beauty, the adventure and the relaxation that can be found right here in our own backyard. I suggest starting with the North Okanagan-Shuswap. The Shuswap isn’t just a scenic destination. It’s a true four-season resort experience. Whether you’re looking for a luxury lakeside getaway or a rustic campground under the stars, our region has it all.

You can cruise the Shuswap Lake on a houseboat, hike to the spectacular Margaret Falls and Herald Provincial Park or spend a quiet evening camping in Scotch Creek. Families, couples and solo travellers alike will find their perfect escape without ever leaving British Columbia.

The region is rich in outdoor recreation and local culture. Our trails, our beaches and our lakes make it a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Our farmers markets, wineries, artisan shops and community festivals offer a unique taste of rural life, and let’s not forget our signature events.

From the rodeo thrills of the Falkland Stampede to the agricultural showcase of the Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong, as well as the incredible music and atmosphere of the Roots and Blues Festival in Salmon Arm, we have it all.

But more than that, choosing a vacation here at home means something. When you travel within British Columbia, you’re not just enjoying the natural beauty; you’re helping small businesses stay open. You’re supporting local jobs, and you’re strengthening the varied communities that make this province so special. Every dollar spent in our region stays in our province, creating a more resilient and prosperous future for us all.

This summer, let’s make that choice to stay close to home, explore B.C., support local and experience the landscapes, the hospitality and the community spirit that make British Columbia one of the best places on earth to live.

Action Against Invasive Species

Stephanie Higginson: Did you know that May is Invasive Species Action Month? What’s wrong with that beautiful English ivy that’s climbing up the side of your house? It’s invasive. Invasive species disrupt ecosystems, increase wildfire risk, cause soil erosion, reduce biodiversity and adversely affect agricultural production and water quality, all causing substantial economic and environmental damage.

Invasive species in B.C. are estimated to cost us over $2 billion in losses annually. Frustratingly, many invasive species are introduced through everyday activities such as gardening, hiking and boating. All of us can stop the spread of invasive species through increased awareness and adopting responsible practices such as PlantWise and PlayCleanGo.

We can’t fight these species alone, and fortunately, there are many amazing organizations across B.C. dedicated to removing invasive species and protecting our ecosystems.

In the riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside, we are lucky enough to have a dedicated group known as the Mid Island Stewardship Caucus taking action against invasive species. MISC was formed in 2021 to allow environmental organizations in the mid-Island region to come together and discuss stewardship activities and initiatives and support each other to achieve their goals.

A few weeks ago I had the chance to meet with MISC in Qualicum Beach. It was a great opportunity to discuss how we can support each other in our mutual stewardship goals and hear about all the great work they are doing. I was impressed by their dedication and their local knowledge, as well as their commitment to this cause.

B.C. and, while biased, Vancouver Island are home to some of the most beautiful, impressive and unique ecosystems in the world, and I am so grateful to have so many individuals dedicated to protecting our environment. If the work of MISC can teach us anything, it’s that we can’t effectively control invasive species alone, but together we can create real change to protect B.C.’s incredible ecosystems.

Remember, friends: cut broom in bloom.

[10:25 a.m.]

Legislature Staff and
Role of Clerk’s Office

Rob Botterell: One of the true privileges of being a member of this House is the many opportunities to represent constituents and all British Columbians in an incredibly wide range of circumstances. There’s so much going on in this building that we are fortunate to be able to participate in as MLAs.

Just this week, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Washington state, discussed the Australian election and participated in the Capital Bike Commuter Challenge. I learned about democracy sausages, a tradition in New Zealand and Australia where voters eat hot dogs after casting their ballots. I met with stakeholders representing interests as varied as housing, cattle farming and, I must say, a highlight, craft beer.

At this moment, though, what I would like to do is take a moment to acknowledge the roughly 1,600 staff in the Legislature who make this all possible. They’re working long hours as we zoom through the last weeks of this session. From the staff around us, to staff in the Legislative Dining Room, to the cleaning crew, to the librarians: thank you for all that you are doing for us.

I’d particularly like to thank the Clerks, who are doing exceptional work with a large number of rookie MLAs, spread across three Houses and sitting extended hours.

The Clerk’s office has been exemplary as we establish the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform. It’s been an astonishing process for me, and I’m sure for many of you, as we imagine what a fair, effective, fully democratic process could look like and the path to get us there.

In the upcoming days, the Clerk’s office will be sharing more with you about the work of the committee, and I invite you and all of your constituents to fully participate in this exciting work.

Child and Youth Mental Health
Awareness and Services

Jennifer Blatherwick: We all experience struggles with mental health. As a young child, as a teenager, as a young adult, those hard times can be especially difficult. As a parent, it can be challenging to know how to support them through a crisis or a long battle.

May 7 marks Youth Mental Health Day here in Canada. In B.C., this day began to be recognized by FamilySmart, a non-profit that connects families who have a child or youth struggling with mental health with other families who have experienced the same journey. They facilitate peer support, parent helping parent to navigate their youth’s challenge.

FamilySmart regularly hosts their Help for the Hard Times workshops, where they walk parents through practical, hopeful responses after a child or youth has been a patient in a psychiatric unit or had an ER visit due to their mental health.

Tonight they are offering a free online presentation from Guy Felicella. Guy is a renowned advocate and speaker who talks on how connection and relationships can make a difference in substance use and addiction, especially for youth.

I’d like to highlight some of the services that are available for youth in this province. The Foundry, which offers online and phone support for youth and their families from anywhere in the province, has many local centres in places like Abbotsford, Campbell River, Comox Valley, Cariboo-Chilcotin, Kelowna, East Kootenays, Langley, the north shore and including one soon to be opening in my home of Coquitlam.

The teams there and online can provide help to find mental health care, preventative and rehabilitative substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer supports and social services. They are amazing, they are kind, and they are looking to help.

A big shout-out to Kistie and her team from SHARE, who are helping to establish the Foundry in my community.

To the youth: reach out. Help someone you know to reach out. Let everyone know. Let all of us let everyone know that there are people there waiting to listen.

John Rustad: I seek leave to do an introduction.

Leave granted.

Statements

Pope Leo XIV

John Rustad: Today Catholics around the world are welcoming a new leader, Pope Leo XIV, elected to serve the head of the Roman Catholic Church and spiritual guide to over a billion faithful. The selection of a new pope is a moment of reflection and renewal for many, regardless of their own beliefs, and it marks a new chapter in the church.

On behalf of my constituents and the colleagues in this House, I offer congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. We wish him wisdom, steady guidance and strength as he fulfills his calling and undertakes the burden of the Throne of Saint Peter.

[10:30 a.m.]

Oral Questions

Restoration of Water and Sewage
Services at Lakeview Trailer Park

John Rustad: Over 900 days ago, water and sewage services failed at the Lakeview Trailer Court outside of Fraser Lake in my riding. This property is owned and managed by the provincial government. Over 900 days of no running water, no flushing toilets, no showers, no ability to do laundry or any other basics that most people take for granted.

Does the minister responsible for Land think this is acceptable? And when will this government get off its backside and fix it?

Hon. Randene Neill: Thank you so much for the question.

I understand that this is in your riding, and this is an issue that we are working hard to fix. Everybody — everybody — deserves a safe and secure place to call home.

The province doesn’t want to be a landlord in this case. But when someone…. When the owner left without helping, we stepped in to help. So we are working to get this work done this summer. There’s small window, and we’re going to ensure that all of the residents have a safe and secure place to call home.

The Speaker: Leader of the Official Opposition, supplemental.

John Rustad: I want to thank the minister for that answer. Unfortunately, it’s the same answer the residents have received the year before and the year before that. They’re working on it and promise it should get done over the course of the summer.

In the meantime, what we’re seeing is bottled water and porta-potties being provided for the residents in that neighbourhood in those trailers. And the good folks, quite frankly, have no other choice. There is no other housing available.

I doubt the minister has ever used the porta-potty in minus-30 degree temperature. I can tell you something: I have, and it’s not a pleasant experience.

Can the minister today commit that this will be resolved this summer, not just another promise to do this? Can I go back to tell my constituents that the porta-potty solution will finally get flushed?

Hon. Randene Neill: Again, thank you. I appreciate you asking if I’ve ever used a porta-potty in minus 30-degree weather. You know what? We can talk about it in the hallway. But it was interesting. It was an interesting experience.

I understand the frustration, and I absolutely do not blame them at all. I worked for a while in helping tenants in that way, and it is a stressful and tough experience. When I was a journalist, I did a lot of stories on bad landlords not fulfilling the responsibility that they needed to fulfil for their tenants.

We’re doing everything we can as a long-term solution. We’re continuing to explore options to replace the water and sewer infrastructure that was poorly maintained in the past by the owner.

In the interim, we are doing everything we can to make sure residents are safe. We’ve halted pad fees for residents. We are supplying clean drinking water for them. We understand the window for helping these tenants is small because we’ve got to get the construction cracking soon. We are actively working on that. We’ll have an answer for them very soon, and we’ll share it with you as well.

Court Case in Penticton and
Comments by Cabinet Members on
Issues Currently Before Courts

Steve Kooner: Garret Cole Sedawie is appearing today at the Penticton law courts, facing charges of two counts of assault, mischief, endangering life, flight from police and driving with a suspended licence.

Will the Attorney General stand in her place and condemn these vile actions?

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members, we have discussed this topic before.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Members. Members. The Chair is not guided by anybody who is making comments. I am just reminding the House that we have already dealt with these issues.

But the Attorney General has the prerogative and wants to answer. Please, go ahead.

Hon. Niki Sharma: Thank you, Speaker. I think the member would know as a lawyer that something that’s before the court right now is something we should not be commenting on, especially something that is before the court today. So I won’t be offering a comment on that.

Interjections.

[10:35 a.m.]

The Speaker: Shhh. Members, enough.

Member, you have a new question?

Steve Kooner: That’s very interesting. Here we have a government saying they cannot comment on a case that’s currently being investigated and before the courts. At the same time, this Premier has no problem commenting on a major case investigation and a case that will be before the courts.

To the Attorney General: will the government make up its mind and decide if they are going to follow their own rules?

The Speaker: Members, the Chair has already provided guidance on sub judice before. And now, again, I caution members to be careful.

Again, your prerogative, Attorney General. If you want to answer, please proceed.

Hon. Niki Sharma: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We on this side have every confidence in our justice system to investigate, to lay the charges, for the B.C. Crown prosecution service to do their independent work, and the justice system and the judiciary to act in an independent fashion. We will keep on upholding that system.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Members.

Government Action on Social Welfare
and Community Well-Being

Rob Botterell: This government claims to support British Columbians, yet one in ten live below the poverty line. One-third of teens report needing but not seeking professional mental health care. Six people are dying every day from a poison drug supply. And homelessness continues to rise. The absence of affordable housing, accessible health care, a robust social safety net and community connection have created the difficult conditions we are seeing today.

To the Premier: in a time crying out for transformative change, what is your vision for the future of B.C., and what exactly are you doing in 2025 to realize it?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I thank the member for the question. The member knows — because we’ve met to talk — about the need for expanding more affordable housing options for everyone. We’ve discussed options for seniors in this House. And of course we want to provide options for youth as well.

The member will know that not only are we expanding affordable housing options for young people…. I was just in Kamloops visiting a site that’s just opened for young people. I saw the hope in people’s faces when they get to see a place and it’s theirs. We want to be expanding that in communities throughout the province.

But we also are providing rent supplements for young people so that they can get into market rental housing, so that they can find housing that perhaps is just outside of their income bracket but can provide some certainty for them to stay in their communities.

We know there’s a lot more work to do, but we are doing that work right now.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Rob Botterell: Clearly, the work you’re carrying out is not meeting the moment. There’s much more to this than simply expanding housing.

British Columbians deserve more from their government. They deserve barrier-free access to health care, mental health support, affordable housing we’ve discussed and accessible public spaces to feel like they belong in this province.

We deserve a government that can prove that it cares for our collective well-being, that our grandchildren will have a liveable planet, that we will be met with care and support when we seek help, and that our voices matter at decision-making tables.

To the Premier: what conditions do our communities need for you to feel like your vision is being met?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Again, I thank the member for the question.

All those things that the member described are the same values that we have, the same aspirations we have for young people in British Columbia, in all of our communities. I don’t think there’s a member in this place that doesn’t want the same thing for every single young person, whether they’re in our family, whether they’re in our community, whether they’re our neighbours. I appreciate the member raising this, but housing is central.

We understand that when you have housing, housing is health care. Housing is the ability for people to get ahead in the economy. It’s central to everything we do.

[10:40 a.m.]

That’s why we’ve put so much attention…. That’s why the Premier has made investments in affordable housing one of the central pillars of his work since he’s become Premier. The largest expansion in affordable housing in the entire country, happening here in British Columbia.

We know that we need to ensure that there are holistic supports in place. We’re going to continue to do that work. I look forward to working with the member to make sure that the vision that he described is a reality for young people across British Columbia.

Universal Ostrich Farms and
Federal Avian Flu Cull

Jordan Kealy: Today I’m advocating for Universal Ostrich Farms about an issue that’s international, national, provincial and can even affect my own region or my own farm and cross over to all different types of animal species.

This isn’t a particular farm. It isn’t just any regular farm. The farmstead in question is conducting cutting-edge research into antibody development that could help fight the avian flu and innovate solutions to treat viruses into the future. Despite having no infection currently and strong commitment protocols, the CFIA is moving to destroy their entire flock, based off of outdated policies.

My question is to the Premier or to the Minister of Agriculture. Will you commit to standing up for this farm and advocate to the federal government and the CFIA to consider a CFIA exemption or alternate options instead of blindly enforcing mass culls?

Hon. Lana Popham: Let me start out by saying that avian influenza has become incredibly challenging for poultry and egg farmers in British Columbia, and my heart goes out to all farmers who have had impacts or outbreaks on their farms.

Avian influenza, as the member knows, is a federally regulated disease, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is the lead on investigating and responding to this virus. Our government has been helping in the fight against avian flu by working directly with farmers, providing support for testing, mapping and surveillance.

We have a table that we’ve pulled together with all of the feather flocks in what we’re calling the peacetimes as we prepare for the next very intensive threat of AI expected in September.

I think it’s important to remind this chamber that avian influenza is a highly, highly pathogenic virus. It is deadly, and it’s dangerous. If it mutates into a widespread human illness, the impacts would be catastrophic, and that is why severe measures are taken when it spreads into domestic animals. That’s the context for why the federal government, CFIA, is taking the steps they take.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Jordan Kealy: I am here as a farmer myself. I have dedicated my life to being an ambassador to farming. There are different ways forward than doing these outdated mass culls. There are different types of farms, different types of industries and different ways that we can approach how we treat this item. Animals are being culled in mass numbers all over North America, and we are not looking into major strategic ways, going forward, to deal with the fact of these viruses.

My question to the Premier or to the Minister of Agriculture: what steps are you going to take to save these 400 healthy, antibody-rich and H5N1-immune ostriches? Please indicate how the culling of 400 magnificent, healthy, irreplaceable, dancing ostriches can be humanely killed?

[10:45 a.m.]

Hon. Lana Popham: In 2022, avian influenza struck the B.C. poultry industry, devastating a really important part of our agriculture sector. In attempts to get it under control, CFIA had to depopulate millions of poultry birds, because that is the only effective way that we have to stop it right now.

It is very emotional for all farmers who have to go through this. I have sat with farmers in tears after their barns are depopulated. We are very concerned about the emotional toll that avian influenza is taking on our farmer community, and we make sure that they always know they can reach out if they need help. But it is extremely difficult on the farmers and their entire families.

It also takes a financial toll. It has huge implications for food security, as we’ve seen in the United States. I want to acknowledge that the farmers that are visiting us in the House today are going through an incredibly difficult situation.

I’ve committed to meeting with them after question period, and their MLA, from Kootenay-Monashee, is also joining that meeting. I’ve also invited the MLA for Peace River North to join. I have no problem sitting down with that farmer.

Ferry Replacement and Services

Harman Bhangu: Yesterday in estimates, the Minister of Transportation confirmed that four new ferries are being brought online, while four aging ferries are being retired at the exact same time. No net increase, no added capacity — just a billion-dollar merry-go-round.

It’s the same story as the Pattullo Bridge replacement, where this government spent over $1 billion to replace a four-lane bridge with four lanes. In both cases, British Columbians are paying more but getting exactly the same.

My question to the Minister of Transportation: can the minister explain how replacing four ferries with four ferries, like replacing four lanes with four lanes, is supposed to solve the chronic delays, long sailing waits and service gaps plaguing the B.C. Ferry system?

Hon. Mike Farnworth: As I told the member yesterday, and the member is aware, B.C. Ferries is not a Crown corporation. It is an independent agency. It is currently embarked on modernizing its fleet. It is getting four new ferries, as approved by the ferry commissioner, who is an independent individual with specific responsibilities.

Just because you replace four with four does not mean you get identical capacity. You can get increased capacity if you’re building modern, larger ships. In the same way, when you build a new four-lane bridge that is literally twice the size of the old bridge, you’re not going to get trucks taking up both lanes.

We are designing and building infrastructure to meet the needs of British Columbians today and for tomorrow, whether it’s highways or whether it’s ferries, whether it’s schools or hospitals, and we are going to continue doing that.

South Asian Museum Project and
Support for South Asian Community

Gavin Dew: During Sikh Heritage Month, many of us celebrated Vaisakhi, but we were also reminded of this government’s election promise from five long years ago to establish a South Asian Canadian heritage museum or cultural centre. Surrey city council unanimously supported this initiative last year, yet there is no funding allocated in the current B.C. budget, and in estimates, the minister was unable to provide a timeline.

Was this just another empty election promise? When will we finally see a plan?

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert: Our government believes that recognizing the incredible contributions that South Asian communities have made to our province is crucial. We’ve done that through supporting our museums, and we’ll continue to do that work.

[10:50 a.m.]

In fact, the member might not know, but we’re currently in consultation with the communities. I say “communities” because there are members of the South Asian community from all across this world, not just India or Pakistan. But indeed, communities all over the world have a diaspora from that community. Fiji — that’s my family connection to the community through my husband and his family.

We’re in that process now. We want to make sure that communities in B.C. of South Asians are engaged in the consultation. There wasn’t appropriate or enough response, I think, from some communities in this province.

Our working committee, who have been advising me, asked me to extend the consultation to ensure that we had appropriate response from rural British Columbia in particular, where we didn’t have enough response to understand fully what those communities wanted to see to celebrate their culture, to acknowledge who they are and to acknowledge the important work they’ve provided in growing this province. We’re doing that work now.

I’m happy to take more questions and work with the community to see their needs met.

Mandeep Dhaliwal: It’s clear this was all about politics. Maybe they will bring it back for the next election.

Why does this government only care about my community during elections?

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

First off, I reject the premise of the question. The member has the privilege of sitting over there and looking over at the many faces from the South Asian community that are represented in government. I can assure the….

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I won’t take the bait from my friend across the way. I just will say that we have done a considerable amount of work to engage with the South Asian community.

I can share with the member — because I was involved in this process as well — it’s not just a building. We want to make sure that when something gets built, it represents the diversity of our community, that people see — in that building, in the artifacts that are there, what’s being presented — a reflection of who we are. You don’t just put a building up. Anybody can just put a building up.

We want to make sure that the community has buy-in, the community understands what’s being put in there, who’s being represented and how they’re being represented. That takes proper consultation. My friend from Tourism, Arts and Culture is doing that work. My friend the Minister of Agriculture is doing that work. We want to get it right, and that’s what we’re doing.

Back-Country Land Use in
Columbia Valley and Kootenays

Scott McInnis: Recently the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship sent out a half-baked SurveyMonkey on land use to a handful of residents in the Columbia Valley and the Kootenays — no advance notice, no posting on a website and no media release whatsoever. Residents are already alarmed at an increase in arbitrary back-country closures without meaningful public consultation.

Can the minister give an explanation to prospectors, hunters and everyday back-country users of why their access is being cut off at an alarming rate?

Hon. Randene Neill: Thank you so much for the question.

Back-country use is not being turned off at an alarming rate — in fact, not at all.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh, shhh. Members.

Hon. Randene Neill: Speaking with so many of the people who love the back country…. Our job as government is to get people to fall in love with nature, because when you fall in love with nature, you want to protect it and help it. That is what we’re doing.

The survey was intended to understand where folks use the back country, how they use it and what their values and priorities are. I know it did cause a bit of alarm, and I don’t disagree with you that perhaps we could have done a bit better communicating what our intentions were in this survey.

The very last thing we’re going to do is turn the back country off from folks who love to use it.

[10:55 a.m.]

Support for Social Housing
Tenants in Ladner

Ian Paton: In my town of Ladner, the Willows complex has been a Red Door Housing and B.C. Housing disaster, only built in the 1980s. In January, tenants of the Ladner Willows complex building asked us for help. Their homes were set up for demolition, and they needed B.C. Housing to explain how their rent subsidies could be used in the private market. These were vulnerable, low-income tenants, already facing discrimination from landlords, simply asking for a one-pager to help them relocate with dignity.

We called. We emailed five, six times and heard nothing from B.C. Housing through my Ladner office. All we got — an email from the minister’s political staff.

How can this Premier defend a system where displaced tenants are ignored for months?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: We want to ensure that everyone has access to housing in the communities that they love. The member knows that we have 300 units of housing that are under construction right now in the member’s riding — in my community as well.

This particular project has been a challenge. The member is well aware that we came forward with a proposal to build housing for those individuals, and council rejected the proposal.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: The member is correct. It did happen. So what we were asked to do was go back, redraw, go back and engage with the community. We have come forward with a new proposal, and it appears that we’re going to get support from local government to do that.

The biggest challenge we have with housing is not the dollars. It’s to ensure that we’re making sure that local governments support it and it’s done in a way that the community supports.

The member knows this answer. I appreciate that perhaps they don’t have enough material to ask questions today, but asking questions that he already knows the answer to is not using this time well.

CleanBC Targets and Program Review

Donegal Wilson: It is apparent that this government has failed to meet their CleanBC targets. Yesterday the minister stood with the Greens to announce another program review. Seven years in, this government’s answer to failure is not action; it’s more reviews and more empty promises.

Does this government really need a review to tell this House what we already know? Their virtues don’t fit reality, and they have no hope to meet their own targets.

Hon. Adrian Dix: When you embark on an initiative as important as CleanBC, you put in mechanisms — this happens in legislation all the time, frequently supported by the member and her colleagues — to review that legislation. That is true of the CleanBC targets and CleanBC legislation.

There was a review that is legislatively required for next year. We moved that review forward, working with members in this Legislature and the B.C. Green Party, which, it seems to me, makes a lot of sense. In other words, what they are suggesting is: don’t follow what the Legislature passed into law. Fair enough.

What is less acceptable is that they are opposed to every possible action to address climate change. They’re opposed to electrification. They’re opposed, the Leader of the Opposition, to the North Coast transmission line. They’re opposed to wind projects. They’re opposed to the low-carbon fuel standard. They are opposed to everything we can do to address climate change, which also serves to build our economy.

That’s their problem. But doing a review of those programs to make sure they’re working for people, that’s a good thing to do.

Government Accountability
and Action on Issues

Peter Milobar: Here’s the problem: this government did not campaign on perpetual reviews. This government campaigned, after seven years in government, saying they still had all the answers moving forward.

In fact, when it comes to their climate targets, here is what the then Minister of Energy said during an October 7 debate that I was a part of. When I said they weren’t going to meet their targets in 2030, she said, “There’s no doubt we have to do everything we possibly can to reach the targets that we have, and that’s exactly what our government has been focused on all the time,” except they’ve now admitted that they’re never going to meet their targets.

Let’s look at the reviews they have. South Asian Canadian heritage museum — well, that’s under review, further review. Ministry spending is under review. They didn’t campaign on that. E-Comm 911 review. B.C. Timber Sales under review.

[11:00 a.m.]

Mental Health Act review. Provincial Health Services Authority review. And now a CleanBC review.

Those last few reviews…. We have the former Minister of Health, who destroyed our health system, now reviewing energy projects….

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Question, Member.

Peter Milobar: …and a former Energy Minister who couldn’t bring forward energy projects reviewing the health services, and they’re going to somehow find a solution.

This government did not campaign on reviews. What they actually campaigned on is a string of broken promises.

The Speaker: Question, Member.

Peter Milobar: Here’s a suggestion for the Premier. Instead of manufacturing so many confidence votes over the next few weeks, why doesn’t the Premier just save everyone a little bit of time and the gamesmanship, go and visit the Lieutenant Governor today and let the voters of B.C. give the Premier a review of his failed leadership?

Interjections.

The Speaker: That’s enough, Members. Thank you. That’s enough.

Minister of Energy.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Adrian Dix: An opposition that is opposed to electrification projects, opposed to the energy we need for the future, opposed to every single….

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh, Members. Members.

Hon. Adrian Dix: I think the B.C. Liberal alumni should be patient. We gave them an opportunity to ask their question, and I’m happy to respond to that question.

Interjections.

The Speaker: The minister will conclude.

Hon. Adrian Dix: Our government is taking action in these areas. We’re taking action this week, this week alone, with a second call for power that will drive economic growth in this province, will drive an expression of interest into base capacity projects. We’re taking action on the low-carbon fuel standard, saving and building jobs in Prince George. We’re taking action.

All the member has is…. All they have, because they are so disunited about everything, so disunited about everything over there…. All they want is a provincial election.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Adrian Dix: Well, I understand. I couldn’t find anybody who thinks that another provincial election is what we need.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Hon. Adrian Dix: What we need is action on the economy. What we need is action in response to Donald Trump. What we need is action on health care and education. And that is exactly what this government is delivering.

[End of question period.]

Tabling Answers

Government Reimbursement Payments
for Rural Health Care Specialists

Hon. Josie Osborne: I rise to respond to a question that I took on notice during Tuesday’s question period from the member for Bulkley Valley–Stikine. The member made allegations regarding reimbursement for specialists who travel and provide medical services for rural communities.

We know that it’s crucial to deliver care to people in B.C. when and where they need it, and that, of course, includes rural and remote areas. The northern and isolation travel assistance outreach program provides funding for physicians who visit eligible rural and isolated communities to provide medical services. In 2023-2024, over 500 physicians received $5.4 million from the program. This funding supported 4,500 physician trips and resulted in 85,000 patient visits.

The member claimed that a doctor who provided care to the patients at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital, and I quote, “hasn’t received any of his 2024 expenses reimbursed to date.” I can assure the House that this is not accurate. The doctor in question has been reimbursed for expenses in 2024.

There was an issue with a few claims that were submitted for expenses that are generally not eligible under the program, but in cases like this, the ministry requires that a reasonable explanation be provided why the expense was necessary to complete the patient visits. Ministry staff recently met with this doctor, went through each of their outstanding claims, and this issue has now been resolved. I am advised that additional reimbursement payments are currently being processed.

The member also claimed that of the 30 specialists that travelled to the Bulkley Valley District Hospital, some of them are waiting “as long as six months for their reimbursement payments.”

[11:05 a.m.]

I can assure this House that ministry staff have worked to speed up processing times for the over 500 physicians participating in the program and that, in fact, it takes approximately two months for reimbursement payments to be processed after expense claims are submitted.

Point of Order

John Rustad: I rise on a point of order. There was language used by the Premier in a heckle, calling one of our members a hypocrite. I understand the issue is very sensitive to him in the mistake he made, but I would ask that he withdraw that comment and apologize to this House.

Hon. David Eby: Hon. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition and the Attorney General critic and members of that side of the House asked you to caution the House about matters that were before the court, that we shouldn’t talk about it. You directed the House accordingly. I heard that caution. I respect that caution.

But to have the member then stand up and ask a question directly to me about a matter that’s before the courts that we shouldn’t be talking about, according to their side, that they lobbied you about, that you ruled on, is an act of hypocrisy.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members, regardless how the question is put and how we are tempted to answer the question, despite all that, we must be very cautious that we never use unparliamentary language in this chamber. So I ask the Premier to withdraw that word.

Hon. David Eby: I withdraw, hon. Speaker.

Debate Continued

Sharon Hartwell: I thank the minister for her answer.

The doctors came to me with this concern, and I brought it forward.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh. Members.

Sharon Hartwell: I have asked the minister several times for meetings to discuss things in Bulkley Valley–Stikine, and I have not yet had a date to do that. If I can’t meet her in her office, then we’re going to have a public consultation here in the House. If she’d like to meet with me, I’m happy to do that.

The Speaker: Thank you, Member.

Minister, if you want to provide a very brief response, that’s fine, but there should be no debate.

Point of Order

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: The member for Kelowna-Mission also referred to “a hypocrite.” I think it’s appropriate for him to withdraw as well.

Gavin Dew: I withdraw.

Tabling Documents

Hon. Niki Sharma: I have the honour to present the 2024 annual report of the Forest Appeals Commission.

I also have the honour to present the Crown Proceeding Act Report, for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2024.

Orders of the Day

Hon. Mike Farnworth: In this chamber, I call continued second reading debate on Bill 14. In Section A, Douglas Fir Room, I call continued estimates for the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, to be followed by the Ministry of Labour. In Section C, the Birch Room, I call continued committee on Bill 5.

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 14 — Renewable Energy Projects
(Streamlined Permitting) Act, 2025
(continued)

Deputy Speaker: Good morning, Members. We’ll call this chamber back to order. I’d ask you to take your conversations into the hallway so we can get underway to better understand Bill 14.

Trevor Halford: It’s again an honour to continue my remarks on Bill 14 from where I left off last night.

[11:10 a.m.]

This government might claim that this sweeping power is for efficiency, but I think the history in this building, history of this government, teaches us otherwise. We’ve seen when too much power rests in unchecked hands of a few: inefficiency and confusion reign. British Columbians have seen repeatedly that decisions made behind closed doors, without accountability or transparency, rarely serve the public interest effectively.

Let’s also highlight some of the worrying provisions concerning safety. Bill 14 allows safety standards under the Safety Standards Act to be selectively disregarded for level 3 streamlined projects. This selective application of critical safety regulations puts workers, communities and first responders directly at risk.

The government has offered no compelling rationale for why these standards should be compromised for streamlined projects. Workers deserve to know that their safety is non-negotiable, not something that can be traded away in the name of expediency.

Moreover, the ability to bypass the environmental assessment process is deeply concerning. Rigorous environmental assessments are not bureaucratic hurdles. They actually can be essential tools to ensure that projects move forward sustainably, with minimal harm to ecosystems and biodiversity.

Also, as I said last night, having these checks and balances is important because, again, it sets a lot of these projects up for success. It allows groups, whether they’re for the project or against the project, to come in and provide input and provide the ability to put their lens on these projects and allow the regulator — independent — to have that knowledge as they’re making decisions about these projects. I think that’s pretty democratic. I think that’s pretty responsible. And I think taking that away…. We’ve seen what’s happened when that’s taken away, and it’s chaos.

There’s an image here, even within Bill 44, when this government decided to take away public hearings because they knew that the opposition to this was fierce. But the opposition…. When you silence the opposition, in many cases it gets stronger. They get more emboldened against projects. Mark my words, that will happen with this.

Ignoring these processes is shortsighted, and it’s irresponsible. It risks not only environmental harm but also long-term economic costs and liability that future generations will have to bear.

Additionally, Bill 14 places undue authority in the hands of unelected officials to suspend or cancel licences and permits arbitrarily. Now, imagine that. Imagine that effect on businesses, entrepreneurs, who see their investments hinge on that unpredictability.

And again, it’s about moving goalposts. It’s about not knowing the rules of the game or being in the middle of that game and having those rules change. That is exactly how you shut out investment. Why would anybody take that risk? Not knowing if there’s a change at a bureaucratic level, at a political level, you are now at that whim.

[11:15 a.m.]

You know, it’s crucial that we understand the gravity of this bill. Now, as the minister will disagree with, it doesn’t merely adjust just a few procedural steps. It fundamentally alters how decisions are made about public safety, environmental stewardship, local autonomy and economic certainty in British Columbia. It sets a very, very dangerous precedent that undermines principles we hold dear. Again, those principles are transparency, accountability and democratic governance.

Now, in committee, we will be exploring the flaws of Bill 14, but our duty as elected representatives is not merely to streamline the bureaucracy but to safeguard the trust, safety and prosperity of the constituents that we represent. That’s why we must reject this overreach and insist on legislation that genuinely reflects the values and interests of all British Columbians. Whether it’s Surrey, Prince George, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, we must make sure that we’re putting legislation forward that represents all. The problem with this legislation is this legislation will ultimately harm all.

An especially troubling aspect of Bill 14 is the provision related to the non-application of the Safety Standards Act, specifically section 17, which states, clearly, that the Safety Standards Act will, effectively, not apply to level streamlined projects. Now, you think about how important it is. We talk a lot in this building — we have anniversaries to mark these dates — about the safety of our workers and the duty that we have in this House to pass legislation or embolden legislation that makes our workers more safe when they leave to go to work.

This legislation does the opposite, and that’s shameful. I’m not sure that that’s aware to all members of this House — this exclusion, as concerning as it is. Safety regulations exist precisely to protect workers, communities and first responders, but waiving and diluting these critical safeguards under any circumstances is deeply irresponsible and sets a horrible, horrible precedent.

Now, the government will say, and has said, that these exemptions are necessary to accelerate project timelines, yet they provide no justification for why only these particular projects should be allowed to bypass essential safety standards. It’s inexcusable. I’m hopeful at second reading…. We’ve heard from the Minister of Energy, but I’m hopeful that we hear from the Minister of Labour on her perspective on why it’s important that we exempt safety standards — have her come into this House and defend that.

This creates a very disturbing double standard: one set of safety rules for regular projects, another far weaker set for the streamlined projects. British Columbians and, most importantly, workers in British Columbia deserve clarity and consistency, not selective application of safety standards based on political expediency.

[11:20 a.m.]

The hypocrisy of this is pretty glaring. This government claims to be a party of the workers, yet they’re prepared to circumvent critical safety standards because it suits their political agenda for these renewable energy projects. How many workers is this government willing to put at risk in this bill?

These projects. The minister has referenced nine wind farms and a transmission line. For anybody that has seen these wind farms — I have; I’m sure many in this House have — they’re enormous, and the construction of them is not easy. I’ve never done one, but I’m imagining it’s pretty dangerous. That this government is willing to put the safety of our workers at risk in this piece of legislation is incredibly disturbing to me.

For a government that prides itself on standing up for workers in B.C., this bill does the exact opposite. The contradiction undermines the very trust and integrity that this government proposes to hold. We must ask ourselves: is it ever appropriate to compromise the safety of our workers in our communities to expedite projects as this government sees fit?

Again, the minister listed out nine — and the transmission line, but they have the ability to go in behind closed doors and put whatever projects they want under this legislation. That’s their prerogative to do. I disagree with that. I disagree with the fact that this government is wanting to pick winners and losers when it comes to providing energy for British Columbians.

That isn’t the path forward for success when it comes to getting energy. That isn’t the path forward for success when it comes to protecting our taxpayers.

The government’s approach here suggests safety is almost negotiable. Negotiation of what projects are streamlined or not and that affects worker safety is completely unacceptable.

If you look at some of the projects that have gone on, whether they’re pipeline projects, which this government all opposed at various times…. The Energy Minister opposed wind energy. He opposed TMX. He opposed LNG. He opposed Site C consistently. Now he consistently, somewhat, supports them. It depends on the day.

Look at the projects in my colleagues’ ridings. If you look at the LNG Canada project, the billions of dollars that that’s brought in and the thousands of jobs that that’s created in the private sector, they don’t compromise safety. Safety is one of the biggest standards that they have, but a lot of that was outlined in the regulations, in receiving their environmental assessment. It’s a huge part of that.

This government is not only compromising safety; it’s getting negotiated. I have a problem with that. I don’t think British Columbians are expecting from this government, or from any government, that in order to streamline projects, they will compromise safety. Furthermore, this legislation leaves significant unanswered questions.

May I seek leave to make an introduction?

The Chair: Well, Member, we were just about to ask that very thing, so thank you very much.

Leave granted.

[11:25 a.m.]

Introductions by Members

Trevor Halford: I am, I think, blessed with the fact that we’ve got two groups from Star of the Sea Catholic School, grade 5, whom I had a chance to meet with on the steps.

Where are you guys? You’re behind me. I want to welcome you guys.

Some of them told me that they were up as early as four this morning.

Interjections.

Trevor Halford: I know. Anyway, I hope they enjoy it. I hope they all get ice cream on the ferry ride back home. I hope they are respectful to their teachers and their parents.

I do want to give a great shout-out to White Rock city councillor Chris Trevelyan, who is a teacher at Earl Marriott. Right now he’s enjoying coming over with his class today. I want to thank Chris for taking the time and the teachers for doing that. Welcome to these guys, and I hope they have a great trip back home.

Deputy Speaker: Indeed, welcome to everybody in the gallery. I hope you all get ice cream later on today.

Debate Continued

Trevor Halford: Bill 14, this legislation, leaves significant unanswered questions. You know, this government talks about consultation quite often. It has failed at consultation quite often, but it talks about it.

Has this government conducted thorough consultations with workers or unions regarding the waiving of their safety protections? The minister never talked about that yesterday in his remarks. Maybe he did. I don’t speak French. When he did the French part of it, maybe he did. I’ll have to check. Do they possess written submissions or evidence from these workers acknowledging and consenting to these diminished standards?

Without clear answers to these critical questions, I don’t think this bill can be justified. The rushed approval process permitted by this bill, combined with the suspension of key safety regulations pose serious risks, not only to workers but to entire communities. It places first responders in very difficult situations, potentially unprepared for unique hazards that these expedited projects might present.

I think that we have a moral and legislative obligation to protect the health and the safety of every citizen of British Columbia. Safety standards should never, ever be optional. The fact that we are even having this conversation is alarming. We should never, ever be compromising the safety of our workers.

In this House, I know that we’ve had people that have been first responders, and we’re so grateful for their work and the work that they’ve done. We’ve had people that have worked in forestry, in the LNG industry or in the energy industry. When they do those jobs, there are risks associated with that work — big risks. Sometimes those risks are fatal. It happens.

We have an anniversary — actually, on my birthday — every year for that. It’s an important reflection for us to think about those people that have gone to work and not made it back home. We have an obligation in this House to strengthen their safety standards, not ever diminish them. There’s no need for that.

Why would we ever knowingly make our workers less safe? Why would we do that? This legislation does that. There are fundamental protections to ensure our workers return home safely to their families at the end of every day. This bill undermines that.

[11:30 a.m.]

One of the most troubling aspects of Bill 14 is the fertile ground it has and the ability that it gives this government for political favouritism when it comes to who is going to be included in these streamlined projects.

Now, we have seen how disastrous this has been when this government has done similar stuff, whether they’re CBAs, community benefit agreements…. It sounds great. If you go tell somebody: “Hey, it’s a community benefit agreement….” That’s a great title. Whoever came up with that title? Hats off.

But what has it led to? Massive cost overruns and massive delays. Who pays for it? The taxpayers and the people that are one day wanting to utilize that, whether it’s a hospital — Cowichan has been an unmitigated disaster, which is a CBA — the Pattullo Bridge or other projects that this government has done that shut out groups and shut out First Nations.

That’s because this government has said that they are going to pick winners and losers. Then in the end, we all lose, because we are faced with major overruns and major delays. I don’t think, in general, the public is okay with that.

Now you add on the fact that they’re going to do something similar, that they’re going to shut out consultation, they’re going to shut out public input, and by the way, they’re going to diminish safety standards. This government has struggled, at best, when it comes to getting things built. It has really struggled when it comes to getting things built on time and on budget.

Now, the private sector can’t operate like that. If they do, they go out of business. If the private sector operated like this government did, it would close up shop. They don’t have the ability to do that.

But what we have here in this process with Bill 14 is an ability for this government to sit behind closed doors and decide who is going to be successful and who is not. We don’t know the criteria for that. We don’t. It could be from lobbying. It could be from other aspects. The minister hasn’t been clear on that. But what is clear through this legislation is that they will decide. They will decide who is successful and who is not.

I don’t agree with that. I think that that’s a massive disservice to the people that call British Columbia home. It’s a massive disservice to the workers of B.C. It’s a massive disservice to the people that want to invest in British Columbia.

This is not streamlining. This is creating opportunities for preferential treatment in an unfair advantage. We must ask directly: under this legislation, will projects represented by lobbyists with close ties to the NDP find themselves at the front of the line? I’m sure the minister will say: “No, no, no. This is meant to make sure that doesn’t happen.” Well, how will we know? Because it’s not a fair process. It’s a process that will be decided in a closed room.

[11:35 a.m.]

That’s a troubling aspect to even consider — the fact that this government will decide who can play and who can’t.

What is that criteria? How will they make those decisions? I didn’t hear anything from the minister on how that will be done. I heard a lot of revisionist history, but nothing in terms of how those decisions will be made. I think that is ripe for problems.

Again, we support renewable energy. I’ve been very clear on that. The real person that has gone back and forth in their support for energy is the Minister of Energy. That’s the inconsistency here.

I think that there’s a problem here when it comes to the fact that these decisions on who’s going to have success and who won’t, under this legislation, will be made by the cabinet. We don’t know what projects will then fit into a streamlined process, so good luck having people come in and invest in B.C., not knowing if they’re going to be the lucky ones to make that cut.

You know, this bill fails to establish transparent and consistent standards for the imposition of levies and fees. Two neighbouring projects of identical scope could easily face vastly different financial burdens without any clear justification or standardized criteria provided up front.

The minister talks about wind farms. Let’s say, in Tumbler Ridge, we’re going to put two more wind farms in, virtually mirroring each other across the highway. One of those projects is in a streamlined process; one of them is not. Say the same number of turbines. One of them will face very different regulations. One of them will face very limited consultation. One of them will face very limited safety standards.

I don’t get it. Out of those two wind farms, then, that are across the street from each other, across the highway, how are they going to make that determination of who’s successful and who’s not? Who’s the winner, and who’s the loser? Who is paying more; who is paying less? Who’s got more oversight, and who’s got less oversight? Who’s got more consultation; who’s got less consultation? Who’s got more safety standards; who’s got less safety standards?

That’s what Bill 14 is. It’s winners and losers. And it’s the fact that this government has said that they are going to be the judge, jury and executioner on these projects.

So what happens is…. There’s a lot of potential investment in B.C., at a time that we desperately need it, at a time where the Premier will go out and hold news conferences and say: “We want you to come and build in B.C.” I agree. This doesn’t help. It makes it worse.

We need efficiency — absolutely. We need to make sure that we’re not duplicating our processes — absolutely. There are ways to do that.

[11:40 a.m.]

Scrimping on safety is not one of them. Sitting in a closed-door room deciding who’s going to have success and who isn’t is not one of them. It’s changing the goal posts. It’s putting power in the hands of those that have shown time and time again that they’re not good with it.

CBAs — it’s proven out time and time again how incredibly costly and ineffective that has become. What does it lead to? It leads to the fact that it’s actually less work in B.C., higher taxes, delayed projects. But think about it. It’s like getting a lottery ticket. It’s almost like getting a $10-a-day daycare spot. It’s pretty difficult.

We’re talking about nine projects and a transmission line right now. As soon as this legislation is passed, if it is passed, that could change in a minute. Who’s been lobbying the most? Who isn’t lobbying? Who do you have to talk to? Who’s making the decisions? We don’t know, and that’s a massive problem.

Again, it’s about knowing what the playing field is. People will invest if they know, if they know that they’re dealing with a credible regulator, if they know that they’re dealing with a government that is transparent. Even if there are difficult hurdles to overcome, let me know what they are, and we’ll make the decision. We will make our FID, our final investment decision, as long as we know.

I’ve been in some of those rooms when they’re having those conversations, and I can tell you if you don’t have clarity, you don’t have investment. It’s that simple. This government should know that. They should know that. Picking winners and losers is not the way to go here.

With that, I’m going to conclude my remarks. I want to thank the Speaker and I want to thank my colleagues, those that spoke, and I’m sure there will be a number of government speakers. With that, I will take my place, and I want to thank you for the opportunity today.

Hon. Randene Neill: Shall we just keep going until the lunch break, and we’ll figure it out? Okay, perfect. Great.

Well, thank you so much. It is my absolute pleasure and honour to speak about Bill 14. This is a bill that is streamlining permitting for renewable energy projects. It’s something that we need here in B.C., something that industry has been asking for. We’re going to grow our clean energy in ways that we haven’t done in a long time. So we’re taking action to speed up permitting, to meet growing demand for clean power.

At the same time, we’re going to address climate change and secure energy independence for British Columbians in the face of unprecedented trade threats. We’re introducing legislation that will ensure rapid permitting and robust regulation of renewable energy projects and transmission lines in B.C. This will in no way reduce the stringent environmental standards that this province is known for and is incredibly proud of.

The legislation will help simplify the approvals process for renewable energy projects, eliminating the need for cross-ministry and agencies permitting by creating a single-window agency model within the B.C. Energy Regulator. The B.C. Energy Regulator is an experienced organization that has demonstrated success getting projects moving quickly, while providing robust regulatory oversight for the life cycle of the projects.

Supporting renewable energy to become operational faster is critical towards strengthening and diversifying our energy grid and our economy.

[11:45 a.m.]

I’m just going to answer a couple of questions that I’m sure folks have some questions about, and we’ll see how long that takes us. For example, some questions might be: why is this legislation being introduced now, and why was it expedited? Well, we’re acting with urgency to increase B.C.’s energy independence and security in the face of unprecedented trade threats from the U.S. and to strengthen and diversify our economy.

This legislation will simplify the approvals process for renewable energy projects, eliminating the need for cross-ministry and agencies permitting by establishing the B.C. Energy Regulator as the single window for permitting, in accordance with strict environmental standards. It will help accelerate the permitting of these projects, and it will deliver clean, affordable and reliable power to industry and communities.

This government is undertaking transformative work to streamline permitting and authorization systems across government to provide for a faster, more efficient process driving towards better outcomes. This is something that British Columbians have been asking for.

We’re continuing to make progress towards permitting faster while maintaining high environmental standards, as I said. We understand that systemic solutions are needed to fix complex regulatory processes. We’ve been reviewing permitting processes to ensure that we’re getting high-priority projects such as housing and connectivity permitted faster by eliminating duplicate processes, by focusing resources and by seeking solutions.

Another question that some people might be interested in knowing is: when can we expect the legislation to be implemented? If approved, this proposed legislation would be implemented in stages.

Phase 1, implemented by July 2025. The legislation would establish the BCER, the B.C. Energy Regulator, as the primary permitting agency for the North Coast transmission line project. The BCER will have delegated authorities for provincial natural resource authorizations needed to authorize early works and support the smooth transition of authorities for wind projects. That is phase 1.

Phase 2. By the fall of 2025, the B.C. Energy Regulator will be established as the primary regulator and permitting authority for wind and solar energy projects. Wind and solar projects will require a construction and operation permit from the B.C. Energy Regulator.

Phase 3. By spring 2026, BCER board regulations would establish a robust regulatory framework for the life cycle oversight of wind and solar projects that will ensure safety and protection of the environment.

Another question may be: how would the infrastructure legislation impact this legislation? Are there any overlaps? Our legislation is focused on renewable energy projects, specifically wind and solar projects in the near term, and enables the B.C. Energy Regulator to oversee these projects.

Another potential question might be: what is the full scope of the renewable energy projects being included in this legislation? We’ll give you some examples. The renewable sources include biomass, biogas, geothermal heat, hydro, solar, ocean, wind or other renewable sources. However, the only types of projects being brought under the BCER authority in the near term are wind, solar and transmission line projects. Hydroelectric projects that include a dam are excluded from this legislation.

Another question may be: why is the province’s initial focus on streamlining the North Coast transmission line and the B.C. Hydro call for power? Well, the wind and solar projects selected by B.C. Hydro as part of the 2024 call for power represent a multi-billion-dollar private capital investment into this province. The North Coast transmission line is expected to unlock billions of dollars in investment on the north coast, and that is good news for B.C. If we don’t act fast, there is a risk that renewable energy projects and transmission lines will not only take longer but investment decisions may be put at risk.

Another question is: how will the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and other natural resource ministries work with proponents of renewable projects that have existing permits? Well, as the Minister for Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, we are committed to the successful transition of the work to the B.C. Energy Regulator.

[11:50 a.m.]

Collectively, all of the natural resource ministries will ensure that proponents are supported in the transition of the work to the B.C. Energy Regulator. No plans are in the works at this point to transfer any staff to the B.C. Energy Regulator.

Both BCER and the province are committed to the success of this model and shift in authorities, as many of these projects will require land and water authorizations, close coordination between BCER and the ministries to appropriately manage the land base, and provincial water resources will need to continue.

Another question people might be asking is: how quickly will streamlining get projects up and running? We are committed, absolutely, to meeting the timelines and expectations of businesses and investors while maintaining strong environmental standards, as we have said repeatedly, but project timelines will be determined by the proponents and their projects. Wind projects from our last call for power could begin operations as early as 2028, and the North Coast transmission line is anticipated to be in service by 2032.

Some questions that people are asking…. Does streamlining projects mean projects will automatically be approved to proceed? No, absolutely not. Acceleration does not ensure project approval. Streamlining is about providing clear and timely decisions to proponents, whether the outcome is a yes or a no or perhaps even a yes with conditions.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Environmental protection and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples remain absolutely fundamental to every decision the province and the B.C. Energy Regulator make.

I reserve my place and move adjournment of the debate.

Hon. Randene Neill moved adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

Jessie Sunner: Committee of Supply, Section A, reports resolution and completion of the estimates of the Ministry of Transportation and Transit and reports progress on the Ministry of Labour and asks leave to sit again.

Leave granted.

George Anderson: Section C reports progress on Bill 5 and requests leave to sit again.

Leave granted.

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

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

The House adjourned at 11:52 a.m.