The House met at 10:03 a.m.

[Mable Elmore in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Reann Gasper.

[10:05 a.m.]

Introductions by Members

Hon. Lisa Beare: I have, actually, a really special announcement today. A wonderful educator and her students are watching. We have Dawn Mikolay from Maple Ridge, who has been in Maple Ridge for 30 years and an educator for over 40 years. She is retiring and she is giving her last children’s music concert today, and her kids are watching with us.

Can we all wish Dawn a wonderful retirement after years of inspiring children for a love of music.

Lynne Block: I am absolutely thrilled and honoured. My daughter is here today in the gallery to watch today’s proceedings. I’m not allowed to say her name or all her accomplishments, which are many. I am so proud of her, I really am, and I’m blessed and honoured to be her mum.

I’d love for you to give her a very warm welcome.

Question of Privilege

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I rise on a point of privilege. After reviewing comments over the weekend, this is the earliest opportunity for me to raise this.

On Thursday, May 8, at roughly 4:50 p.m., near the end of sitting day, the member for Langley-Abbotsford rose to ask the Minister of Labour questions in estimates. That member then proceeded to tell a personal story about his involvement in the Teamsters Union and his perceived failure to be dispatched to a job site with the union.

He went on in his comments to call the union “blatantly corrupt” and said the dispatch process suffered “systemic nepotism.” The member then named several individuals by name in the trucking industry that he views as being part of a blatant corruption and nepotism.

The member’s assertions are false, and his speech contained many factual inaccuracies. His portrayal of how trucks are dispatched to community benefit agreement projects is incorrect and could be easily rectified by reading the dispatch provisions in the community benefits agreement.

But this is not the point. Freedom of speech is perhaps the most critically important right that we enjoy as members of this House. Without it, we cannot conduct our business in this House in the best interests of the public and fearlessly raise issues. That is why the Constitution Act affords us the immunity from lawsuits based on things we say in the debate in this House. That immunity is extraordinary privilege. It is not one that should be taken lightly. It is a right that members enjoy but that comes with obligations. We owe it to the public not to abuse this right.

Speaker Milliken of the House of Commons of Canada addressed this issue on April 2, 2003, when he said: “Speakers discourage members of Parliament from using names in speeches if they are speaking ill of some person because, with parliamentary privilege applying to what they say, anything that is damaging to the reputation or to the individual, the reputation of that individual or the individual then is liable to be punished with the cover of parliamentary privilege and a person is unable to bring any action in respect of those claims.”

The language used by the member, using “corruption” and “nepotism,” is defamatory at worst and inflammatory at best. The Teamsters Union and the individuals named by the member, Amneet Sekhon, Paul Sekhon and Rocky Sekhon, do not have standing in this House and therefore cannot rise to defend themselves.

This is clear misuse of parliamentary privilege. Members cannot be allowed to invoke the cloak of parliamentary privilege to attack reputations of British Columbians and organizations like trade unions without consequences. Parliamentary privilege cannot be a shield for members to hide behind while they settle grievances in their private life.

I ask the Speaker to look into these comments made by the member and direct the member to make an unqualified apology to the Teamsters Union and everyone named in his comments. I’m tabling for the record the Hansard for the Speaker to be able to review.

[10:10 a.m.]

Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Minister.

Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat: World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day was on May 3. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by ankylosing spondylitis.

AS has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved. People who have a gene called HLA-B27 are greatly at risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. It affects the joints at the base of the spine where the spine joins the pelvis, and that can lead to pain and inflammation. The primary symptoms of AS are back pain and spinal stiffness that tends to worsen over time.

Up to one in 200 people are estimated to have AS. It is not considered a rare disease, affecting over 150,000 to 300,000 Canadians.

Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect the hips, knees, shoulders and rib cage. To my surprise, sometimes it affects the eyes, as I had iritis, inflammation of the iris. In some cases, AS can lead to other complications such as compression fractures in the spine; skin psoriasis; inflammatory bowel disease; and uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye.

A unique feature of AS is that unlike many other forms of arthritis, where women are mostly affected, three out of four diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis are men. Another characteristic of AS is that it tends to strike in the prime of your life, although it can occur at any age and most commonly in people between the ages of 15 and 40.

I was 13 years old when I started having swelling in my right hip. It was painful. I was active in sports — grass hockey, cross-country running. This came to an abrupt stop, as I couldn’t walk on some days. The doctors didn’t know what was going on with me. They thought I had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It wasn’t until I was 18 years old that I was finally diagnosed.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and stiffness, which also slows the disease progression by contracting long-term inflammation.

I felt like a human guinea pig when I was given all different kinds of samples of medication. Most of them made me sick. I ended up in the hospital more than once with complications from these medications that were prescribed to me.

Ankylosing spondylitis can worsen with age, but the progression is not a guarantee and varies significantly between individuals. Some experience a mild, manageable course, and others may experience a worsening of symptoms and potentially joint fusion over time.

Believe me, joint fusion was not a fun experience. The pain was unbearable. Mine was a natural fusion — most people have surgery to have that — of the spine, neck and ribs.

Earlier diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of managing the symptoms. I was told by the specialist that I would eventually be in a wheelchair and that I would have to have both hips replaced by the time I was 40 years old.

While some individuals with ankylosing spondylitis may eventually require a wheelchair, it’s not a guaranteed outcome, such as in my case. I refused to listen to this and did everything I could for this not to happen to me. This was the start of my long, painful journey.

The severity of AS and its progression vary greatly from person to person. Even though I was in pain every single day, I am not considered someone that has a severe case of AS. Many individuals with AS can manage their symptoms effectively, maintaining independent and appropriate treatment, including medication, exercise and lifestyle change.

I’m so thankful that I found a happy medium and feel very blessed. In my case, stubborn determination and never wanting to give up helped me through the difficult days, weeks and years.

[10:15 a.m.]

In British Columbia, PharmaCare provides coverage for a range of drugs of AS treatment. Pharmacare is also reviewing newer treatment options such as BIMZELX and Rinvoq and tofacitinib.

This evolving list reflects how important continued research and policy support is for people living with AS. Awareness days like this matter, not just to highlight the challenges we face but to push for continued education, research and better access to treatment for everyone affected.

Quesnel River Bridge and
Highway 97 Interconnector Upgrade

Sheldon Clare: I was enjoying some time in Quesnel on Saturday, preparing for a health care town hall with the member for North Island, and I stopped in at Granville’s Coffee in the heart of downtown Quesnel. It’s one of those places where one checks the pulse of the community and where someone always knows your name.

The portrait of former Minister of Transportation and Highways Alex Fraser hangs proudly on the wall. He opened the Coquihalla Highway. Ironically, repairs to it after the atmospheric river event of 2021 probably stalled the construction of the north-south interconnector. The Cariboo is resplendent with Alex Fraser pavement, most of which has been left untouched for some 40 years. At Granville’s, I was happy to meet former MP Richard Harris and his family. Dick was one of the original reformers, and we took a few minutes to catch up while waiting for our tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

Of even more interest was a chat with some constituents, including a fellow I’ll call Bruce. I was sharing with Bruce and others the information about the health care town hall. However, the conversation quickly turned to a song they’d heard about the Quesnel River Bridge falling down. The conversation was a serious one, as the people in this region have been hearing about the interconnector and bridges being replaced for decades, to no avail. Bruce was quite clear. He said: “You tell them down in Victoria that Bruce said it’s time to build the interconnector, replace the bridge and rail overpass with a proper four-lane span, and to get it done right away.”

Well, Bruce, it’s Monday morning in Victoria, and the message has been delivered.

Since singing about the Quesnel River and Taylor bridges back on April 8 in this House, some 100,000 views of that message have been viewed online. All the commercial, industrial and residential traffic currently goes right through downtown Quesnel. That traffic, dangerous goods and all, passes the Quesnel ambulance paramedics station, the RCMP station, G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital — another facility in need of replacement — and presents a clear danger in the event of a major crash.

In addition, it’s important to consider all the emissions that would need to be dealt with should the bridge or overpass fail, with a detour of hundreds of kilometres taken instead. The plan for the near future is to run those crossings in a single lane only for two years while the decking is replaced, and nobody, including local industry, thinks that makes sense. You can’t keep putting lipstick on a pig and pretending it’s a prized heifer. In other words, build the new crossing while the old bridge and rail overpass are still usable, before they aren’t.

In June of 1994, the British Columbia NDP announced that they would enter the planning phase of what was then called the Quesnel north-south connector. Some 31 years later the B.C. NDP government is still in the planning phase. At that announcement, standing in front of a giant sign titled “Your Tax Dollars at Work, B.C. 21, Building B.C. for the 21st Century” were then Transportation Minister Jackie Pement and then NDP Cariboo North MLA Frank Garden, yet another predecessor of mine.

MLA Garden said at the time: “The downtown areas will be safer when heavy commercial trucks carrying various hazardous goods are able to avoid the downtown corridor.” Minister Pement said that the project would bring long-term benefits in employment and training opportunities for local workers, as well as improved safety, reduced congestion and shorter travel times.

Those same arguments and good reasons that mattered over 30 years ago are still mattering today. It has been my pleasure to examine this bridge and rail overpass closely several times, and every time I look at it, there are more cracks, suspected delamination and more exposed, rusty rebar. Crumbling putty reveals larger holes, and more pieces of concrete fall off the bridge with every large passing truck.

I had the occasion to show a structural engineer photos of the damage to these crossings, and his comment was: “Please tell me no one is using this bridge.” When I pointed out that this was the main highway bridge over the Quesnel River on Highway 97, he volunteered to come up and examine that bridge, and we’re going to make that happen. I think we’re all aware that a serious engineering analysis of these bridges won’t be pretty.

[10:20 a.m.]

I would point out, gratefully, that the Minister of Transportation and Transit has been well learning his file, and I’m happy to keep advising him as to the urgency and seriousness of this situation, one that needed to be dealt with decades ago. I was pleased to brief him and his staff about this and several other challenges in Prince George–North Cariboo.

Days after the provincial election last October, the current Premier said: “I do see an urban-rural divide in the election results. It’s very concerning to me. We need to govern for the entire province. We need to represent the entire province, and that is what we’re going to do.”

Now is the time to harness the opportunity presented by the new Prime Minister to “build, baby, build.” That sounds like federal money for the interconnector project to me. It is time, 30 years after the NDP started the planning phase for the Quesnel north-south interconnector, to get this work done — get it done not just for my constituents but for B.C. and for Canada.

Western Forest Products
and Saltair Mill

Stephanie Higginson: Today I rise to highlight an important employer, group of employees and industry in the riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside: the Saltair mill division of Western Forest Products. Despite its name, Saltair mill is not located in Saltair. It’s situated in the busy Ladysmith Harbour.

Very early in this term, I had the privilege of touring the Saltair mill with the Minister of Forests. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the amazing, collaborative relationship that exists between Western Forest Products and the employees at the Saltair mill. The Saltair mill is Western Forest Products’ highest producing operation, running two shifts and employing 180 local residents. It’s the largest single-line sawmill on the coast, following capital investments of over $42 million since 2013 to modernize the mill.

Employees are members of the United Steelworkers Local 1937. In January of this year, they ratified a new six-year collective agreement with Western Forest. This is the second long-term agreement signed between Western Forest Products and United Steelworkers. These long-term agreements provide stability that benefits both the employer and the employee. It provides certainty that paves the way for Western Forest Products to make these critical capital investments.

Recently Western Forest Products was voted one of B.C.’s top employers. Recognition as a top employer is a special designation awarded to employers who lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. This award is a reflection of the efforts and shared commitment of Western Forest Products to foster an engaged and supportive working environment.

During the announcement of this year’s winners, the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project stated British Columbia has always been one of the most progressive regions in the country in terms of benefits, flexibility and forward-thinking environmental policies. Western Forest Products’ place on this list as one of B.C.’s top employers reflects their commitment in these areas.

Among the reasons why Western Forest Products was granted this honour were their comprehensive benefits for members and their families and their focus on career growth and development through apprenticeships, skilled-trades programs and opportunities for new graduates and students, with partnerships with local educational institutions. At the other end of the employment spectrum, Western helps team members plan for the future with company contributions to pension programs and to help support retirement readiness.

As I said earlier, I had the privilege to tour the mill in January with the Minister of Forests. My favourite fact from the tour, among the many interesting things that we learned, is that Western Forest Products has not exported a single raw log since 2021. The company is focused on sustainable growth, innovation and creating good-paying, family-supporting jobs in communities throughout B.C., including my riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside.

To further this sustainable growth, Western Forest Products recently invested $12.3 million into a continuous dry kiln, which began operation in April 2024, the first on B.C.’s coast. The Minister of Forests and I got to watch firsthand how the kiln works. The new, energy-efficient kiln boosts Saltair mills’ value-added production capability, adding to the three existing kilns.

Since the kiln’s inception just over a year ago, Western Forest Products has produced 25 million board feet of kiln-dried lumber, operating at 98.8 percent capacity. This kiln helps Western Forest Products’ steps to offer more higher-value, value-added products to its customers.

The Saltair facility already contributes to the value-added market, as their manufacturing process results in several by-products — such as wood chips, sawdust and hog fuel — reused as products in other processes such as pulp and paper, biofuel and eco-logs for wood burning and other industrial and residential uses.

[10:25 a.m.]

The new kiln will increase the mill’s annual capacity for continuous drying of lumber while also reducing energy consumption, which is one of Western Forest Products’ environmental goals.

I want to conclude by highlighting the most important aspect of the success of the Saltair mill, and that’s the people who work there. When we were on our tour back in January, it was clear how much the people at the Saltair mill value their jobs and how much dedication they have to their work. Everyone welcomed us with warm smiles and informative conversation.

I look forward to continuing to support the Saltair mill and the employees that make it such a great place to be over the next few years as their MLA.

Recognition of Truckers,
Tradespeople and Contractors

Harman Bhangu: I want to take a moment to talk about a group of people who don’t often get the recognition they deserve: the men and women in trucking, trades, construction and all the industries that keep our province running. These people work all hours of the day and night. They’re out there during the night shifts, early mornings, weekends and holidays, not because it’s easy, but because that’s when the work has to get done. Whether it’s because of city restrictions, weather conditions or safety rules, they show up when the rest of the world is sleeping.

It’s not just them. It’s their families too, families who sacrifice right alongside them — spouses who manage the home front, kids who miss their parents at special moments and parents who worry about their loved ones working dangerous jobs. Behind every worker is a family that quietly carries a burden.

Despite all of that — despite the long hours, the fiscal demands, the family sacrifices — there’s very little recognition. Worse, there’s a lot of misunderstanding. People assume that just because someone owns a small trucking company, a construction crew or a trades business, they must be rolling in wealth.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is most of these folks are small business owners, and small business means paying everyone else first — your staff, your suppliers, your insurance, your lease, your utilities — before you even think about paying yourself. A lot of the time, what’s left over isn’t much, but they don’t complain. They get up, they put in the work, and they keep reinvesting back into their business and back into this province.

That’s what true resilience looks like. I’ve seen it firsthand. Truckers who start with one single old truck realizing there’s not enough steady work, and then they hustle to add a pony trailer, a transfer trailer — anything to keep rolling. Contractors who spend years on the ground before they even have enough saved to hire a crew. Builders who lay the foundation for others but never get to see their own names on the projects that they made possible.

These men and women are the quiet strength of British Columbia. They are the backbone of our province, and without them, without their work and their sacrifice, their family support, British Columbia would not be the place that we are proud to call home. Today let’s not just recognize them. Let’s honour them, because they deserve more than a passing thank-you. They deserve to be truly seen, respected and supported.

Thank you to every trucker and tradesperson, every builder, every business owner, and thank you to the families that make their work possible. You’re the ones building this province every single day.

Mental Health Provider
Appreciation Day

Darlene Rotchford: I acknowledge today that we’re gathered on the traditional and unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples now known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.

It is a great pleasure that I stand before this House today to commemorate National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day. This occasion is especially meaningful, as it falls within Mental Health Awareness Month. Today we take a moment to recognize and express our appreciation for all mental health professionals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those who are struggling.

While mental health has long been a topic that many have avoided, it is only the last few decades that we as a society have begun to openly address it. Historically, mental health challenges were often seen as a source of shame or weakness, but thankfully, we have made significant strides. We now understand that mental illnesses are not a sign of personal failure but a complex set of conditions that affect our emotional, cognitive functions and behaviours.

[10:30 a.m.]

These illnesses do not discriminate. They can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or background. We have learned that mental health is an integral part of our overall health, and we have come to recognize the importance of caring for both our minds and our bodies.

Mental illnesses are often classified in a range of conditions. This classification helps professionals provide targeted care, but the experiences of those living with mental health issues are as diverse as the conditions themselves. No two individuals are affected the same way, and no single treatment works for everyone. At the core of all these conditions is the need for support, understanding and care, and that is where the role of mental health providers becomes critical.

We are thankfully more open now to discussing the stigma around mental health. We talk about it in workplaces, in schools, in communities. We’ve started to explore stigma and how it affects us all and how we can support each other to create a more open, inclusive environment.

None of this would be possible without the tireless work of mental health providers. It is their compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment that makes it possible for individuals to confront their mental health.

Mental health providers work on the front lines, often in the most difficult and emotionally taxing situations. They are the ones who help individuals at their lowest points, offering not just professional care but that human connection. These professionals sit with people in their darkest hours, holding their hands as they cry, listening to their stories of trauma and pain without judgment and providing a safe space for individuals to express their deepest fears and insecurities. They provide a listening ear for those who feel unheard and compassionate presence for those who feel invisible.

Beyond the crisis moments, mental health providers help individuals maintain their mental health in the long term. They teach people the skills they need to cope with life challenges, whether it’s CBT, mindful techniques or medication management. They help rebuild their lives one small step at a time by offering strategies that help them manage their mental health day in and day out.

These providers are not limited to working in traditional health care settings. They work in psychiatric emergency services, on our outreach teams and mental health services, in schools. They provide services in hospitals, clinics and out-patient settings. The reach of mental health providers is vast, and they are everywhere. They show up for individuals when and where they are needed most.

What is truly remarkable is the unwavering dedication of these professionals. Even in the face of challenges, these providers are there day after day, even when they’re facing their own struggles. They work holidays, sacrifice time and stay late to ensure every individual in their care receives the support they need. In many cases, when services are understaffed, these professionals step up, working longer hours or coming in on their days off to ensure that everyone’s getting their needs met.

As someone who has worked in the field of mental health and addiction, I can truly tell you we don’t do it for the money. They do it because they generally care. They do it because they’ve been touched by someone or have experienced it themselves.

It takes a special kind of person to do this work. They are the ones who are willing to listen when no one else is. They are the ones who show up day after day without hesitation, because they know their work matters. They are the unsung heroes in our communities, quietly making the difference in the lives of countless individuals. Some superheroes just don’t wear capes. They show up exactly when they’re needed, and these are our mental health providers.

To all you do to dedicate your lives to this work, I want to say thank you. Your impact is immeasurable. You may never fully know the depths of the difference you make in the lives of others. Please know you are seen, valued and appreciated. You are making profound differences in the lives of individuals and families across our province and in our communities. You help rebuild their lives, find hope and regain their sense of purpose.

On behalf of this House, thank you. You are a vital part of our health care system. Your work matters more than you can express. You never truly know whose lives you have touched and the differences you are making.

Industrial Carbon Tax
and Action on Climate Change

Brent Chapman: Let’s take a look at the facts. I can easily list 25 of the most populous countries on earth — India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and so on; and combined they account for a massive share of the global population and a massive portion of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.

What do they all have in common? Most of them have no carbon tax. A few have a symbolic tax, a few cents per tonne, but many have nothing at all.

Now consider China. Over 1.4 billion people are responsible for more than a third of global emissions. China has no consumer carbon tax, and its industrial tax is around $10 per metric tonne, a token gesture. The United States, the second-largest emitter, has no national carbon tax. Mexico, Brazil, Iran, Türkiye, the Philippines and dozens of others follow suit.

[10:35 a.m.]

Meanwhile, in British Columbia, population of 5.5 million, we’ve implemented one of the highest carbon taxes in the world, $95 per tonne for industrial emissions and set to go up again next April. That’s more than nine times China’s rate, yet B.C. contributes just 0.12 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.

We’re constantly told that raising the carbon taxes will help cool the planet, that this is necessary, urgent and, above all, virtuous. But here’s the question that never seems to get a straight answer: how does punishing businesses and families in B.C. change the emissions of 100-plus other countries that aren’t doing the same?

Carbon dioxide doesn’t stay put; it moves. So when it’s emitted in Asia or Africa or South America, it becomes part of the global mix. So even if B.C. was to hit net zero, or somehow even zero, how would that stop the emissions coming from the rest of the world? How would wrecking our economy and our way of life actually lower global carbon tax levels?

Let’s assume, just for argument’s sake, that those who believe carbon taxes can cool the planet, that we really can cool the earth by taxing carbon dioxide out of existence…. What happens if they overshoot? What if they do lower the global temperature too much? What if Canada ends up with a shorter growing season? What happens to food security, crop yields, rural livelihoods? Can they promise they’ve considered this possibility? Can they explain how they’ll warm the country back up?

This has never been done before, but some of the loudest voices on the issue speak as if they’ve got it all figured out. But if they’re wrong, we pay the price. And if they’re right, we might still pay another kind of price.

Let’s be honest. The goal here doesn’t seem to be eliminating carbon dioxide. It’s to charge us for it. Between the carbon credit exchange, offsets and net-zero schemes, this is shaping up to be a long, expensive hunt for a trace gas that’s being produced in large and growing quantities by countries that aren’t paying a dime in tax.

And here’s a dose of practical reality. We don’t have enough rare earth minerals to build batteries for every vehicle in the world. We don’t even have enough copper to build the infrastructure needed to electrify our economy and our society — not now, not in 25 years. It simply can’t happen on the timeline we’re being sold.

So whether we like it or not, the reality of net zero isn’t just about what we want; it’s about what’s actually possible. And as long as the most populated countries on earth continue to emit carbon dioxide without serious reduction targets for decades to come, there is no practical case for British Columbia to bear the financial and social burden alone. And just to top it off, you still can’t make windmills with windmill power.

Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, according to the order paper, we will consider Bill M202, intituled Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, as reported complete without amendment from the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills.

Reports from Committees

Darlene Rotchford: First, I’d like to thank all the members of the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills for their discussion and examination of Bill M202, Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act.

I feel it is an important piece of legislation that closes the loophole most British Columbians likely didn’t know existed. As I mentioned before in this House, when I was elected as the MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood in 2024, one of the first things I did was step down from my municipal position as a councillor of Esquimalt. I loved the position and who I worked with in Esquimalt, and there was always more to do. But of course, I had to step down, and I saw many of our other newly elected MLAs who came from local political bodies do the same. I mean, it’s just what you do, right? Or at least, it’s what normally happens and what’s supposed to happen.

To do your job well representing your community, municipally or provincially, is a full-time job. That’s the expectation of the people who elected us. There would also be obvious conflicts of interest that would arise on any issues of jurisdiction or overlaps between municipal and provincial responsibilities. How could a person possibly represent both sides of that debate or negotiate at the same time? Quite frankly, you just can’t.

A member would have to recuse themselves and thus further restrict their ability to do the job electors expected them to do. In addition to the time demand and the huge potential for conflict of interest, it also doesn’t seem ethical to me to keep drawing an old paycheque from a publicly funded position I’ve obviously moved on from.

[10:40 a.m.]

For these reasons, I assumed that there was a rule that, quite frankly, didn’t allow this. Actually, I was surprised that you could do it. I think most British Columbians assume there is a rule. Other provinces have one. Then I discovered there isn’t.

New MLAs resign from their previous position as is normally done. I noticed some didn’t. That’s when I discovered that there is a loophole that I didn’t know, and it doesn’t pass that sniff test. I’m pretty sure you’d be hard pressed to find a random person on the street who thinks that this is okay. When a loophole like this is discovered, it should be closed with haste. That’s why I brought this bill forward, and I’m happy to see it advancing.

I want to thank the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills for recommending the bill move forward without amendment. I want to also thank them for considering this bill in context of the whole province and not just one member or one constituency. This is about closing a gap and a loophole in provincial law at the earliest opportunity.

It’s time to close the loophole that many other provinces did a long time ago, and I look forward to the support from this House to get this done. Again, this is a loophole that needs to be closed. It was very clear when I talked to people in my community that this is just not okay.

Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Member.

Member, I’ll ask you to move the bill.

Darlene Rotchford: Oh, my apologies. I move Bill M202, Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, to report stage.

Stephanie Higginson: I rise in support of Bill M202, Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act. I want to start by thanking the bipartisan committee that undertook a thorough review of the act and moved it forward to this House for third reading.

While in committee, the members were diligent that this bill be reviewed from a provincial perspective and not just with one or two members in mind or one or two ridings in mind. While there is a narrative out there that the bill is aimed at one or two particular people, the narrative is false. All one has to do is look at the number of members who were holding public office when they were successful in their bid to be MLAs this term who have already stepped down.

This term there were 13 MLAs elected who were already holding office as school a trustee, mayors, councillors, regional district representatives. Eleven of them have already stepped down. Five of those are members of the opposition or independents, and six are members of the government. Clearly, this is not targeted when so many other MLAs from both sides of the House have already stepped down.

The act aligns British Columbia with five other provinces that already have laws prohibiting members of the provincial legislature from holding two elected offices simultaneously. This act is well overdue and aligns British Columbia with the other provinces in preventing people from collecting two taxpayer-funded salaries. The duties of this job, whether in opposition or in government, would negatively impact the member’s ability to fully participate in either job. The electorate deserves better.

I am certain that if you told people that you were going to take another job with a taxpayer-funded salary that would have you away from home for six months of the year, it would impact your electability at the local level.

It is fair that you may not have known that you were going to seek provincial office and, even then, if you would be successful, but the right thing to do is to step down, as 11 members of the Legislative Assembly have already done.

For these reasons, it is why I stand in support of this act, and I hope that my colleagues will do the same.

[10:45 a.m.]

Peter Milobar: Well, this bill is a private member’s bill brought forward by the government side of the House, and one would have hoped, quite frankly, it would have come back with some amendment, because there’s no other way to phrase it other than “this is embarrassing.” It has to be embarrassing for the government, the cabinet, that this is what has been presented.

A very rudimentary Google search would show that this bill is completely flawed. For those members that were part of local governments, as I was for 15 years, you would think that if they were not a rural electoral area director, they would know they were actually governed by the Community Charter. Yet this bill does not even talk about the Community Charter. This bill does not properly talk about the Vancouver Charter that Vancouver deals with. It doesn’t actually properly reference the Islands Trust.

This bill essentially deals with school trustees and rural area directors in regional districts. It does not deal with mayors and councillors. It does not deal with mayors and councillors in Vancouver. In fact, it is full of errors. One would have thought the government, through the consultation phase of this bill moving forward, would have caught such errors and brought those issues forward as amendments if they truly wanted to see this bill succeed.

I do not see how a government could support a bill that is completely flawed and does not actually stand any legal scrutiny whatsoever. I would therefore ask and implore, at a minimum, the cabinet to not wilfully agree to a piece of legislation that they ought to know will not hold up with any proper legal recourse whatsoever and solely targets school trustees and electoral area directors from rural areas of British Columbia and does nothing for municipally elected mayors and councillors across B.C.

Again, I cannot believe the government did not help their own private member develop a bill that would have actually been accurate and dealt with what it was purporting to deal with if this was truly not a vendetta, more to change a piece of legislation. One would think they would have brought forward a piece of legislation that would have accomplished that. I do hope everyone sees how flawed this bill is and agrees to not proceed any further with it today.

Steve Morissette: I rise today in support of the Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act because I believe British Columbians deserve full-time commitment from their elected provincial representatives and clear rules that put the public interest first. Serving as an MLA is not a part-time job. The people of this province face real, urgent challenges, whether it’s getting timely access to health care, finding a place to live or managing rising costs. These issues require our full attention and energy.

I want to speak from personal experience. During the provincial election campaign, I was still serving as mayor and as a member of our regional district board. It was extremely difficult to manage both roles while also running a meaningful campaign and listening to people in my community. I was only able to manage it thanks to the incredible support and flexibility of my council colleagues who stepped up and ensured local responsibilities didn’t fall through the cracks. But that experience confirmed for me that you cannot realistically do both jobs at once — not effectively, not while giving either role the attention it deserves.

This bill provides clarity. It would disqualify individuals from continuing in local elected office like city council or school board once they are elected as MLAs. It doesn’t stop anyone from running for either level of government but ensures that if you’re elected to the Legislature, your focus is where it needs to be — here, with the people of British Columbia.

[10:50 a.m.]

It also helps protect against conflicts of interest and divided loyalties. That matters for public trust. People want to know their MLA is advocating fully for their needs and not trying to juggle overlapping duties across different governments. And it aligns B.C. with other provinces that have already set clear expectations for provincial representatives.

At its heart, this bill is about respect for the offices we hold and for the people we serve. I’m proud to support it.

Deputy Speaker: Recognizing the member for Surrey–White Rock.

You’ve just got, noting the time, one minute.

Trevor Halford: One minute? Thank you, Madam Chair, and I’ll be as brief as possible.

This is absolutely embarrassing. The fact is that we have a bill, a private members’ bill, before this House that members of this House and members of executive council know is fatally flawed, yet we have a government that is trying to push this forward.

Instead of doing the right thing — withdrawing the bill and getting it right — this government has chosen to grandstand and push forward legislation, the first bill that we’ve done under this process, that they willingly know is absolutely flawed. Now, if that is not an embarrassment to this process, to this committee, I don’t know what is.

The fact of the matter: we will see if cabinet supports this bill. It’s been moved. We will see if the Attorney General will go against her own advice, but to abuse the process like this, I think, is absolutely shameful.

Deputy Speaker: The member for Esquimalt-Colwood closes debate.

Darlene Rotchford: During committee stage, members discussed this bill in a provincial context and not just the context of one particular location or member. Thank you for that, because that’s what this bill is about.

As I mentioned earlier, this is about closing a loophole that exists in B.C., at the earliest opportunity, something other provinces have already done. It’s something most British Columbians are probably unaware of, because usually people step down from their previous positions.

While there was some discussion from a couple members during the second reading and insight about potential delay of the bill, I’m very happy the bipartisan committee ultimately decided to move forward the bill without delay. It doesn’t make sense to me to allow a loophole to exist for just a little while longer for the benefit of a single location or member. It’s time. In fact, it’s actually past time.

Again, I want to thank the committee for recommending this bill move forward as is, and I look forward to the support of the House.

Deputy Speaker: Members, the question is adoption of the report.

Motion negatived.

Deputy Speaker: Division has been called. Pursuant to Standing Order 25, the division is deferred until 8:30 p.m. today.

Hon. Members, according to the order paper, we will look to the member for Burnaby South–Metrotown to move second reading of Bill M210, intituled Korean Heritage Month Act.

Second Reading of Bills

Bill M210 — Korean Heritage
Month Act

Paul Choi: I move that Bill M210 now be read a second time.

I rise today filled with gratitude and purpose as we debate Bill M210, Korean Heritage Month Act.

October is chosen as Korean heritage month because October 3 marks the national day of Korea. This day celebrates the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gaecheonjeol. It is traditionally considered as the date of the creation of the modern Korean state as we know today.

For me, this is more than just a legislative text. It is a living chronicle of community that has shaped British Columbia in so many ways, and shaped the person who now stands before you.

I arrived in Canada as a wide-eyed boy, clutching my mom’s hand, fresh off a long flight from Korea. We settled in a tiny corner store. My parents stocked the shelves by day and studied English by night. At ten years old, I became the store representative, because I spoke the best English among my family at the time. I had to negotiate deals with reps from Coke, Pepsi and potato chips. We faced language barriers, cultural misunderstanding and, yes, the sting of discrimination.

[10:55 a.m.]

We had a pub right next door, from which each night we would often get drunk customers coming in. They’d just grab whatever they want, eat it on the spot and leave without paying. When we tried to point and say that they have to pay first, they would laugh in our faces and just say, “What are you going to do? You can’t even call the police,” and just walk out. But we also discovered something very powerful, which is that when you work hard, B.C. is a land of opportunity.

Years later, when I patrolled these same streets as a police officer, I came across familiar circumstances. I often met Korean seniors or international students who were too afraid to report crime because they couldn’t find help in their own language. So I translated, mediated and sometimes simply listened. Those encounters taught me that resilience is not just about surviving hardship. It is about building bridges so that others can cross them more easily. That lesson animates this bill.

A short Korean-Canadian history in B.C., from the earliest missionary links in the 1880s to the nearly 70,000 Korean Canadians here now who call British Columbia home. The Korean history and story here is one of grit and growth. After Canadian soldiers fought in the Korean War, a trickle of military brides and students arrived, but real momentum began when Canada’s point-based immigration system opened up in 1967. Through the 1970s, families laid roots, founding the Greater Vancouver Korean Language School in 1973 and the Korean Society of B.C. soon after.

The 1980s and ’90s unleashed an entrepreneurial boom. Restaurants, markets and travel agencies clustered along North Road, creating today’s vibrant Koreatown. By the time Canada and Korea signed their free trade agreement in 2014, Korean churches, cultural festivals and tech start-ups were woven into every corner of Metro Vancouver.

According to the 2021 census, Koreans are the sixth-largest visible-minority group. Their journeys prove that when newcomers are welcomed, they become builders of businesses, of culture and of a stronger, more inclusive B.C.

When my parents felt isolated, they found comfort in local Korean church basements, where volunteers taught ESL and children rehearsed taekwondo. That basement, humble as it is, became the launching pad for confidence and civic participation.

Gathering places like the annual Korean Heritage Festival at the Swangard Stadium in my riding of Burnaby South–Metrotown or the Kimchi and K-Food Festival, coming up in September this year at the Lougheed Mall, do more than host events. They forge identity and spark collaboration across cultures. By designating October as Korean heritage month, we are not merely commemorating a month; we are creating an annual focal point that galvanizes schools, libraries and community halls to open their doors, share stories and inspire the next leaders who will one day translate fear into hope.

I serve today as the Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific Trade. In that role, I have witnessed how our province’s prosperity is intertwined with the Indo-Pacific. Korea is B.C.’s fourth-largest trading partner, a global leader in batteries, semiconductors and green shipping. In an era where U.S. tariff threats create uncertainty, diversity and diversifying our market are not luxuries but economic shields. By deepening ties with Korea from student exchange and LNG innovation, we safeguard Canadian jobs and reinforce democratic alliances in the Pacific.

B.C. is Canada’s only province with an official sister-province pact with Korea’s Gyeonggi, the country’s most populous province and a global powerhouse in batteries and semiconductors and clean tech. The partnership, first signed in 2008 and renewed through four successive action plans, recently in 2022 and 2023, anchors cooperation in trade, culture, education, disaster response and clean energy innovation.

[11:00 a.m.]

A Premier-to-governor meeting and two-way trade missions have already generated great joint projects in hydrogen, film production and student exchanges, giving B.C.’s films access to a market of more than 14 million people, while inviting Korean investments and talent to our communities. This unique bond underscores why celebrating Korean heritage here is not only cultural recognition but a smart economic strategy.

For this reason, B.C. and Korea enjoy a strong relationship and extensive business connections today. Korean heritage month will offer an annual platform for business forums, cultural missions and an economic partnership that translates shared history into a shared opportunity. It says to our friends in Korea that B.C. values you not only as customers but as collaborators in building a cleaner, safer and more prosperous world.

When I served as a police officer and later as a lawyer, I saw the cost of invisibility. Victims who cannot name their pain in English often suffer twice, first from an offence and again from silence. Recognition matters, and legitimacy matters. By enshrining Korean heritage month in statute, we send a clear message that Korean voices and other visible minorities belong in the public square. We invite every newcomer children to see themselves reflected in the Legislature’s calendar and believe that they too can one day serve in this chamber.

My call to action to my colleague is that legislation alone cannot mend every fence or translate every form, but it can set the table. Once the table is set, B.C. does what we do best. We gather, we share, we learn, and we grow.

I invite each of you, regardless of party or riding, to visit a Korean barbecue restaurant in your constituency. Taste the kimchi that takes weeks to ferment, mirroring the patience of our pioneers. Attend a taekwondo demonstration and witness discipline forged in tradition yet expressed in the universal language of sports. Partner with Korean-Canadian entrepreneurs who are ready to export B.C. blueberries, clean hydrogen and creative media to the world.

When my parents closed their store each night, they would lock the door, switch off the neon open sign and whisper: “Tomorrow will be better.” They believe that in Canada tomorrow will always be better. Today, by passing the Korean heritage month, we honour that faith not only for one community but for every community that has ever wondered whether their story matters.

By enshrining Korean heritage month in law, this helps send a broader message to every community from Thai, Japan, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Indonesian, Filipino and even Laotian, just to name a few, that their culture too enrich B.C.’s mosaic.

When the Legislature formally honours a heritage, it signals that recognition is not a finite resource but a growing circle of inclusion. It tells newcomers and a long-settled family alike that their languages, festivals and businesses are not only welcome but vital to our province’s economic dynamism and social viability.

This bill is, therefore, both a celebration of Korean resilience and an open invitation to all visible communities to share their stories, shape policy and see themselves reflected in the law of B.C. Let us vote yes, and let us show the next generation that resilience rewarded becomes responsibility accepted and the responsibility to build a province where diversity is not merely tolerated but a celebrated legislative leverage for the common good. Gamsahamnida.

Teresa Wat: I rise today with deep pride and strong support for Bill M210, presented by my colleague across the aisle from Burnaby South–Metrotown, which officially proclaimed the month of October as Korean heritage month in British Columbia. This bill is not just symbolic; it is a celebration of community, of resilience and of a vibrant culture that has deeply enriched the fabric of our province.

[11:05 a.m.]

As a former minister responsible for multiculturalism and an immigrant myself, I know how powerful it is when our stories, our histories and our contributions are formally recognized. As a former Minister of International Trade, I led two trade missions to Korea to try to promote trade between British Columbia and Korea.

The month of October holds special significance for Korean Canadians. October 3 is Gaecheonjeol, National Foundation Day, commemorating the legendary founding of Korea’s first kingdom, Gojoseon, over 4,300 years ago. Their ancient story of origin is not unlike so many immigrant journeys — a proud beginning that endures across time and space. By designating October as Korean heritage month, we create space to honour this legacy, to educate future generations and to strengthen intercultural understanding.

Korean Canadians began arriving in British Columbia in small numbers in the 1940s. Over time, this community has grown into a cornerstone of our province’s cultural and economic life. From early seminary students to the dynamic business owners of Vancouver’s Korea town and Coquitlam’s North Road, the Korean-Canadian journey has been one of determination, creativity and tremendous contributions. By 2001, more than 40 percent of Korean immigrants were operating family-run businesses.

That entrepreneurial spirit continues today, searing local economies and forging international links. Food, trade, education, science and the arts — Korean Canadians are helping to shape the future of British Columbia.

We are proud of current figures like Jee-Yun Lee in journalism, Sen. Yonah Martin in parliament and Rev. Lee Byung Hoon, who founded Canada’s first Korean United Church as part of this inspiring story. These individuals remind us that Korean Canadians’ contribution extends far beyond any single sector. They are embedded in our collective story.

Korean cultural institutions, festivals, churches, schools and community centres play a vital role not only in preserving heritage but in sharing it. Events like the Vancouver Korean cultural festival and programs at the Korean Cultural Centre open doors for all British Columbians to learn, to celebrate and to connect. They help younger generations of Korean Canadians stay connected to their language, their traditions and their values while also fostering understanding among their peers from all backgrounds.

This bill is a meaningful recognition of those contributions and an investment in its future. Korean multiculturalism is not just a policy but a lived reality. As British Columbians, we are all enriched by the Korean-Canadian story. Their values of family, education, hard work and service reflect the very best of who we are and who we aspire to be.

Madam Speaker, let us adopt this bill with gratitude, with respect and with joy.

To the Korean-Canadian community across our province, I say daedanhi gamsahamnida. Thank you deeply for all that you have done and continue to do to make British Columbia stronger.

Rohini Arora: I rise today to speak in favour of Bill M210, the Korean Heritage Month Act. I’d like to express my support for this bill by telling you a story about someone who is a dear friend of mine and an inspiration to me and so many people I know.

Imagine a young, curious girl arriving in Canada from South Korea not speaking a word of English yet carrying within her a deep sense of purpose and determination. This was the journey of Dr. Jane Jae Kyung Shin, who at the age of 11 emigrated to Canada with her family, overcoming language barriers and cultural adjustments. She excelled academically, eventually earning a medical doctorate and becoming an educator. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but of a community’s resilience and growth.

[11:10 a.m.]

Jane’s dedication to her community led her to a groundbreaking achievement in 2013. She became the first Korean Canadian elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly, representing Burnaby-Lougheed, which is now Burnaby East, my riding. Her election was a historic moment, symbolizing the increasing political engagement and influence of the Korean-Canadian community in this province.

But her impact didn’t stop there. Jane’s commitment to her heritage and community was evident when she participated in a poignant event to commemorate the Korean War, accompanying Korean War veteran Guy Black. She walked with him for hours to ensure that the sacrifices of the war were not forgotten. This act of solidarity and remembrance resonated deeply within the community, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging and honouring our shared stories.

Jane’s representation paved the way for others, including myself and many from her community, and we want to encourage more. Burnaby and Coquitlam, the heart of the Korean-Canadian community, have witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. What was once a modest settlement has blossomed into a vibrant cultural and economic hub. The area around North Road, in my riding of Burnaby East, often referred to as Korea-town, is now lined with Korean-owned businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, beauty salons and professional services.

These establishments not only cater to the Korean community but also enrich the multicultural tapestry of the region, offering authentic Korean experiences to all residents and visitors. Also, some of the best skin care on the planet is formulated in Korea and is available in Korea-town. I shop there all the time, and I absolutely love their products.

The growth of the Korean-Canadian community in these cities is a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and community building. Organizations like the Korean Cultural Heritage Society have played a pivotal role in this development. Through events such as the annual Korean Cultural Heritage Festival, held at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium, the society has showcased Korean tradition, arts and cuisine and fostered greater understanding and appreciation among diverse communities.

It was amazing to hear the MLA for Burnaby South–Metrotown talk about taekwondo and other martial arts. I spent many years training in martial arts and have a deep appreciation and love for the Korean community because it taught me a lot of skill, discipline and unity.

Institutions like the Greater Vancouver Korean Language School have been instrumental in preserving and promoting the Korean language and culture among younger generations. These schools serve as cultural bridges, ensuring that the rich heritage of Korean Canadians continues to thrive and evolve.

After Jane, our very own MLA for Burnaby South–Metrotown is making his mark in furthering B.C.’s relationship to the Korean community. Representation does matter, and it makes space for others to continue the work. Many of us know that we stand on the shoulder of the giants who came before us.

This bill would not only be a chance to honour the achievements of individuals like Dr. Jane Shin and the member for Burnaby South–Metrotown but also the collective contributions of the Korean-Canadian community across B.C. It’s for this reason that I urge all members to please support this bill.

Steve Kooner: It’s an honour to rise today to speak about Bill M210, the Korean Heritage Month Act. This bill recognizes the month of October as Korean Heritage Month across B.C., not as a token gesture but as a sincere acknowledgment of a community that has contributed to the strength, prosperity and social fabric of our province through the shared values of hard work, family, faith, personal responsibility and patriotism.

October holds significant meaning for Koreans. On October 3, Korean people celebrate National Foundation Day, commemorating the founding of Korea’s first state, Gojoseon, 4,000 years ago.

[11:15 a.m.]

Moreover, the Korean-Canadian community in B.C. has always been important to me, as I have a personal connection with the Korean community. As a child, I trained in the Korean martial art of taekwondo. The Korean taekwondo club was my first family away from my house. The Korean taekwondo club took me in as one of their own. I was able to learn lifelong skills in self-discipline, meditation, teamwork, self-defence and how to be in a teaching role.

Taekwondo provided me my first certification in life when I achieved a black belt at the young age of 11. In addition to training in taekwondo, the Korean taekwondo club taught me about Korean culture and language, such as counting — hana, dul, set, net; first, second, third, fourth.

Koreans also have significant history in B.C. Korean immigration to Canada began in 1948, and now B.C.’s Korean population is approximately 73,000 people, which are mostly located in Metro Vancouver. The community is now a model of civic contribution, economic success and cultural pride. Korean Canadians embody the very best of B.C.’s free enterprise system. Along Denman and Nicola Street in Vancouver and North Road in Coquitlam and Burnaby, Korean independent small businesses, restaurants, grocers, salons and tech start-ups thrive.

In 2001, 40 percent of Korean immigrants in B.C. owned and operated family-run businesses, showing a fierce commitment to self-reliance and economic independence. And the 2017 Canada-Korea free trade agreement, strengthened by Korean-Canadian business leaders in British Columbia, helped B.C.’s exports to Korea surpass $2 billion annually, boosting our provincial economy through strong global trading ties.

These are not the outcomes of central government planning. They are the results of this community’s hard work, risk-taking and family values. Korean Canadians contribute across B.C.’s economy, especially in the science and technology sectors. The Korean community in B.C. understands that freedom, rule of law and individual responsibility are the foundations of our success.

They came not to change B.C. but to contribute to our province, and in doing so, have made our province stronger. Korean culture is rich and vibrant. But what makes Korean Canadians exceptional is their ability to share that culture while deeply respecting the values of British Columbians.

The Vancouver Korean Culture Heritage Festival, K-pop concerts and traditional dance performances bring people of all backgrounds together in celebration. Korean churches and temples are not just religious spaces; they are pillars of our local community, service, moral teaching and heritage, and help Korean-Canadian youth grow up in B.C., learning about their culture while respecting Canadian values.

The Korean community also fully understands the cost of freedom. Over 26,000 Canadians served with our South Korean allies during the Korean War, many of whom did not make it home. Korean Canadians have never forgotten that sacrifice.

From Coquitlam to Surrey, Burnaby to Port Moody, Korean-Canadian families are building up their neighbourhoods with small businesses, church networks and high educational achievements. They believe in discipline, family honour and academic excellence — values aligned with those of British Columbia.

This bill is not about checking a diversity box. It is about recognizing earned contributions, the kind that come from sacrifice, enterprise and civic duty. Let Korean Heritage Month be a reminder that our strength as a province lies not in dividing people into categories, but in celebrating those who share our values, contribute to our society and raise their families with pride and purpose.

[11:20 a.m.]

Let us thank our Korean-Canadian neighbours for their sacrifices and for all they have contributed to British Columbia and for sharing their rich culture.

I stand here to recognize these important aspects behind Bill M210 and urge all members to consider supporting this positive legislation.

Steve Morissette: I rise today proud to speak in strong support of the proposal to recognize Korean Heritage Month here in British Columbia. I have the greatest respect for everyone that immigrates to a different culture, a different language, and thrives — like many members of this House who now lead the province. Ours is a province defined by diversity, defined by people from many cultures who came here seeking opportunity, safety and a better life. Among them, Korean Canadians have made truly remarkable contributions.

Today, British Columbia is home to the largest Korean-Canadian population in Canada. From vibrant communities like Korea-town to businesses, cultural centres and places of worship across the province, Korean Canadians have become an integral part of our social, economic and cultural fabric.

Recognizing Korean Heritage Month is about more than celebration. It’s about recognition. It’s about honouring the past and acknowledging the present contributions of a community that has helped shape modern British Columbia. Korean immigration to Canada was in earnest in the ’60s. Many arrived facing language barriers, economic uncertainty and discrimination. Yet, through resilience and determination, Korean Canadians have built strong, thriving communities.

Today they are leaders in medicine, education, business, the arts and public service. Their success reflects values we all share: hard work, commitment to family and a belief in the promise of this country.

Korean Heritage Month would also be an opportunity for all British Columbians to learn about and experience the depth of Korean culture, from traditional music and art to literature to vibrant cuisine that has become a beloved part of our culinary landscape. The global phenomenon known as the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has touched every corner of the world, and our province is no exception. Korean films, music and fashion have built cultural bridges, bringing people together across languages and borders.

But even more meaningful are the deeper values rooted in Korean tradition. Concepts like jeong, a deep sense of emotional connection and compassion, and hyo, respect for elders and ancestors, offer lessons that resonate far beyond one culture.

In recognizing Korean Heritage Month, we are also acknowledging the hardships faced by earlier generations and the strength it took to overcome them. We affirm that their struggles were not in vain and that their legacy lives on in a new generation, proud of both their heritage and their home. We are making a statement that every culture matters, every story adds to our collective strength and every person, no matter their background, belongs in our province.

This recognition also reflects the growing ties between British Columbia and Korea. We share trade relationships, educational partnerships and strong people-to-people connections, all of which would be deepened through this gesture.

Imagine the possibilities: cultural festivals, student exchanges, new business ventures. And most importantly, imagine the pride a young Korean Canadian will feel, seeing their culture reflected and celebrated by their government — fully seen, fully valued and fully part of the Canadian story.

[11:25 a.m.]

Korean Heritage Month is not just about honouring the past. It’s about building a shared future, one rooted in inclusion, understanding and mutual respect.

Let us pass this motion with unity and purpose. Let us send a message to all British Columbians that diversity is not only respected; it is embraced. It is celebrated. It is who we are.

Deputy Speaker: Recognizing the member for Kelowna-Mission.

Gavin Dew: Annyeong, Madam Speaker.

I rise today in support of the Korean Heritage Month Act, not just to mark a month in the calendar but to celebrate something deeper: the Canadian promise that when people from around the world come here to build a better life, they help build a better Canada.

That’s been true generation after generation, across cultures and communities. It’s true of my own family’s story, and it’s true of the Korean-Canadian story. Our journeys may be different, but they are, in many ways, the same. We come seeking opportunity. We work hard. We sacrifice for our kids. And we give back.

This bill recognizes the extraordinary contributions of Korean Canadians to our economy, our culture and our communities. From the early days of seminary students in the 1940s to the waves of entrepreneurs and professionals who helped shape Vancouver’s Korea-town and Coquitlam’s North Road, Korean immigrants helped write the Canadian story.

Now, people often talk about the American dream, but let’s talk for a minute about the Canadian dream, one that’s not just about getting rich but about building a good life, a life grounded in freedom, fairness and the chance to pass on something better to your children and grandchildren.

On this side of the House, we believe Korean values are Canadian values, and they are conservative values: a deep respect for family and tradition, a strong belief in personal responsibility and self-reliance, a passion for education and excellence, and a quiet but unwavering patriotism for this country they now call home.

My first exposure to Korean culture, like others in the House, came when I was six years old learning taekwondo at Sun Choi studio. It definitely didn’t make me a black belt or a martial arts master, but it helped to establish a foundation of discipline — or as the member opposite so eloquently put it: discipline, force and tradition. More importantly, taekwondo taught me the restraint not to get into stupid fights.

Like so many second-generation Canadians, I grew up and came of age alongside friends whose parents had come from everywhere and given everything to build a better life. One of those friends, who I met through politics, was Steve Kim, a trailblazer in every sense and a champion of the Korean community.

Steve is the son of Korean immigrants who helped lay the foundation of the Korean-Canadian community in British Columbia. His parents opened the first Korean food store, the first Korean restaurant and the first Korean travel agency in our province.

Growing up in Coquitlam, Steve watched as Korean communities blossomed along North Road and into Burnaby. Years later, he would help my colleague the MLA from Burnaby South–Metrotown, the MLA bringing this bill forward, in his role as chair of the Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association. Steve also helped Coquitlam launch of BIA of its own. Steve was a co-founder of the C3 Korean-Canadian Society, alongside my friend Sen. Yonah Martin. In 2005, they launched Camp Korea, a youth camp dedicated to Korean culture and heritage, open to all and still going strong today. That’s an amazing legacy.

Of course, telling Steve’s story would not be complete without an epic portion. In 2013, Steve Kim nearly became the first Korean MLA in B.C. history. On election night, it looked like he had won. The celebration had begun. He attended a caucus meeting the next day. But as the final ballots were counted, that dream slipped away by just 41 votes. It was a heartbreaking outcome for Steve and for his friends and supporters, including many in the Korean community.

In that same election came a victory for the Korean community. Jane Shin was elected in Burnaby-Lougheed, making history as the first Korean Canadian to serve in the B.C. Legislature, a proud moment for the community but one that also speaks to how close Steve came to joining her and making that history together.

[11:30 a.m.]

Today in a testament to the spirit of perseverance and service embedded in the Korean community, Steve continues to serve as a city councillor in Coquitlam, building his community and honouring his heritage every day. Steve Kim’s story — and the story of so many hard-working Korean Canadians like him — is why this bill matters.

October is a fitting month to celebrate. It aligns with the Senate motion brought forward by Sen. Yonah Martin in June 2024, to recognize October as Korean Heritage Month. And October includes National Foundation Day, marking the mythic birth of Korea’s first kingdom more than 4,300 years ago. That sense of identity, resilience and pride has carried across oceans and generations.

By proclaiming October as Korean Heritage Month, we’re not just looking back; we’re looking forward. We’re creating space for education, for celebration and for cultural exchange, including opportunities to break bread together, hopefully in the form of delicious Korean barbecue, bulgogi, japchae and whatever else the member has cooking for us. We’re reaffirming what makes this province and this country great — that no matter where you come from, there’s room for you to belong, to contribute and to lead.

Thank you to all Korean Canadians for your sacrifices, your contributions and your enduring spirit.

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat: I rise in support of the member’s bill, Korean Heritage Month Act. The Korean community has had a significant impact in our province. B.C. has the second largest Korean community in Canada. There are more than 72,000 people of Korean descent in B.C.

Designating October as Korean Month gives British Columbians an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Korean Canadians and to strengthen the bonds of friendship between B.C. and Korea. After Canada and Korea established formal diplomatic relations in 1963, the Korean community in Vancouver grew from approximately 50 people to 1,670 people by 1975.

Another trail-blazer was John Jihan Kim, who started Vancouver’s first Korean food store in the early 1970s, located at Main Street and 18th Avenue. The store was named Semaul, which means “new village”. By the mid-’70s, Kim opened the city’s first Korean restaurant, New Seoul, and, later, another: Korean Gardens. Soon more Korean businesses followed in the Kingsway area, including food shops and, later, computer and video stores — and even a credit union.

By the late 1990s, the growing Korean business community needed more space, and in 1998, with the opening of Hannam Supermarket on the Burnaby side of North Road, the area now known as Korea-town began to take shape. Joining the neighbourhood were more stores, restaurants and offices for lawyers, accountants, doctors, dentists and other professionals. The area is now a vibrant cultural hub for the Korean community and a key piece of the mosaic that is in Metro Vancouver.

The Korean community in B.C. makes their mark throughout the year with a wide variety of events and celebrations. The annual Korean Cultural Heritage Festival in the Lower Mainland is now in its 22nd year of bringing people together to enjoy many facets of Korean culture, from taekwondo to K-pop to traditional music and dance. Korean community dance takes place in October at the Korea Town Centre and Hanin Village with music, food, dancing and more.

Korean food also gets a chance to shine at the annual B.C. Dumpling Festival, which brings together many culinary cultures united by their love for dumplings. Korean dumplings, called mandu, are stuffed with meat and vegetables and can include kimchi, tofu and chopped sweet-potato noodles.

[11:35 a.m.]

Now, I want to share a personal story. The Cowichan Intercultural Society in my riding had two One World Festivals before the pandemic hit. We had a volunteer come into our office who was just in a fuss. He was wondering how many people he would be able to get to volunteer to make over 1,000 dumplings for this One World Festival, which was to take place at the Cowichan Tribes gym.

Well, he put out the call. People answered, and a lot of people showed up to a colourful, filled gymnasium. The Intercultural Society had all of these cultures celebrated on this day. It was beautiful.

October is chosen as Korean Heritage Month because October 3 marks National Foundation Day. This celebration is of the formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon by the legendary King Dangun in 2,333 BC. It is traditionally considered the date of the creation of the modern Korean state. Following Korea’s liberation in 1947, National Foundation Day was officially declared a national holiday. It is an opportunity for Koreans to not only celebrate but to remember their history, pay tribute to the past and look forward to the future.

B.C. and Korea enjoy a strong two-way trade relationship and extensive business connections. Our trade relationship with South Korea totals billions every year, including sectors like natural resources, agrifood and seafood, international education, technology and tourism.

The Canadian-Korea free trade agreement, CKFTA, is Canada’s first trade agreement with an Asian country. It covers all aspects of Canada–South Korea trade, including trade in goods and services, investments, government procurements, non-tariff barriers, environment and labour cooperation.

Since the CKFTA came into force in 2015, B.C. has seen a major gain in exports to South Korea. In 2023, Premier Eby signed an enhanced act plan agreement with our sister province, Gyeonggi province, to strengthen cooperation on clean tech and clean energy to address climate change.

As a global trade war threatens our economy, now is a crucial time to deepen our bonds with trading partners outside of the United States. B.C. is Canada’s gateway to the Pacific. This comes with unique opportunity and also responsibility. We can do our part for Team Canada by working to strengthen and diversify our relationships with partners like South Korea.

Lawrence Mok: I rise to speak in favour of Bill M210, the Korean Heritage Month Act. To begin with, when I was growing up, I always wanted to visit South Korea. I’m from Singapore, not too far from South Korea.

For your information, Paul, this coming June, my wife and I will be visiting Korea for the first time. Yes. I look forward to visiting Seoul and Busan. When I’m in Busan, I’ve heard about all the fresh fish food that you can eat. I definitely will be going to the fish food market and enjoying the various seafoods.

I also have many Korean friends in Maple Ridge. I know two Korean pastors in Maple Ridge. For the last two years, I’ve organized a potluck dinner at my place during the summertime. I invited all my friends, and of course, my Korean friends also came to my house for the potluck dinner.

[11:40 a.m.]

Talking about food, I love Korean food. Once in a while, I’ll go to a Korean restaurant. Of course, there is a Korean restaurant in Maple Ridge too. I love to cook instant noodle soup, and sometimes I’ll put kimchi veggies into my instant noodle soup to give me the spiciness.

Now, I’ve known the Korean people to be very industrious, very hard-working. I find them to be very friendly and also very well educated, like Paul himself and Dr. Jane. I know that the Korean people as immigrants are law-abiding citizens, they behave very well, and they get along with many people. I find them to be very friendly, very approachable, and I enjoy knowing them.

I know that Korean Canadians have contributed a lot to B.C. and also to the country, and they can be found in many industries, in many trades. Some of them are lawyers, educators, businessmen and so on. Personally, I would like to thank the Korean-Canadian community for their contributions to the province and to the country.

I’m glad that my colleague Paul has proposed this Korean heritage month in October. I hope your bill will pass through the House.

Deputy Speaker: Just a reminder for members to refrain from using names while referring to other members in the House.

Susie Chant: Thank you for the opportunity to speak on celebrating Korean heritage month in British Columbia.

Before I begin, I will, as always, acknowledge that I’m working, living and learning constantly on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, specifically the Songhees and xʷsepsəm Nations. When I’m at home, I am fortunate to work, live and learn on the unceded lands of the səlilwətaɬ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nations, and I am grateful to those nations for sharing their knowledge of the ways to manage the land so that it is being taken care of for generations to come.

British Columbia is proud to be home to the second-largest Korean community in Canada, with more than 72,000 people of Korean descent enriching the cultural, economic and social fabric of our province. The Korean community has made significant contributions to B.C., and designating October as Korean heritage month provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate these achievements, share Korean culture more broadly and strengthen the bonds of friendship between B.C. and Korea.

I, too, have had the chance to be in Korea, albeit only in the airport in Incheon. I’ve got to say that I really loved the people there, because my animals were in kennels outside, under the shade of the wing of the plane. As we started to taxi, my animals were still there. They stopped the plane and put my animals on board. I was very grateful for that particular moment, forever and ever. That is bonds of friendship, I’m telling you.

Back to where I was supposed to be talking, the Korean presence in British Columbia has a rich and inspiring history, and we’ve already heard about the first Korean resident, Rimhak Ree, who arrived in 1953. He came to do his graduate studies in math at UBC, and then he stayed on as a professor there until his retirement, also encouraging others from Korea to come and follow his footsteps and make up part of the faculty at UBC.

[11:45 a.m.]

For any solid university, that is critical. When we bring researchers in and professors in from other places, it allows our universities to be stronger and have a much broader breadth of understanding of the world. In 1953, our understanding of the world sometimes was a little limited.

Korean presence. Other early immigrants included physicians and also Mr. Lee, whom we’ve heard about, who was a theological student who helped to found Canada’s first Korean United Church congregation, laying important foundations for the community’s growth.

I don’t know about other people and their communities, but the Korean church has a very strong presence in my community. There are several different churches that share, which is marvellous to see. At ten o’clock there will be one service, at 11 o’clock there’ll be another service, and at four o’clock another service of different groups. The Korean United Church is one of those groups that is there on a regular basis, about three blocks from my house.

Diplomatic relations between Canada and Korea started out in ’63, and in 1975, the Korean population had in fact grown to over 1,600 people. That isn’t a lot, relative to what is here now, but their presence was definitely being felt because they brought a vibrant wave of entrepreneurship and cultural expression.

We heard about Mr. Kim, who opened Vancouver’s first Korean food store and then the first Korean restaurants, of which there are now many. I’ve already heard many people extol the wonders of Korean barbecue and various other foods that we get through the Korean culture that we enjoy. Often, we don’t know what we’re trying, but then we find out it is so good. It’s quite lovely to be able to enjoy the various cultures that we have access to.

These pioneering businesses inspired many others along the Kingsway corridor, and now there are food shops, video stores and many other things that are owned and operated by Korean business people. By the 1990s, that space had grown significantly, and that’s when we saw the opening of the Hannam Supermarket.

That is when we really got the solid establishment of Koreatown, during that time. It is a vibrant area that continues to grow, with restaurants, grocery stores, clinics, legal and accounting offices and many, many other professional services that are available to folks of the Korean diaspora, as well as to the rest of us, which is fabulous. It is so marvellous that we’ve got professionals available to speak in the languages of the various folks that join us, both as newcomers and those who have been here for many years in the Korean diaspora.

As I started out, I am very much in support of this bill, and I want to make sure that we use this month to honour the Korean community in British Columbia, past, present and future, and to recognize the essential role that they play in shaping our shared success.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to speak.

Hon Chan: I rise today in strong and wholehearted support of the act to declare the month of October as Korean heritage month in British Columbia. This proposed legislation is not simply a ceremonial gesture. It’s a powerful acknowledgement of the Korean-Canadian community’s enduring impact on our province. It affirms their rightful place in our collective history and recognizes the social, cultural, economic, religious, military and political contributions that Korean Canadians have made and continue to make in shaping the British Columbia we are proud to call home.

British Columbia is a province rich in cultural diversity. That is not a slogan; it’s a lived reality. Our neighbourhoods are filled with stories from around the world. Whether you walk through a street in Richmond, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey or North Vancouver, you’re greeted by a mosaic of traditions, languages, cuisines and celebrations that come together to form the vibrant social fabric of our province.

[11:50 a.m.]

In the past weekend, I had the great honour to attend one of these celebrations of cultural exchange of our province, the Hong Kong Fair, at North Vancouver’s Shipyards. I was joined by my colleague the MLA for North Vancouver–Seymour, who just spoke, to witness a beautiful and lively celebration of Hong Kong heritage. It was not just about food and music, although those were wonderful. It was about preserving identity, sharing traditions with the wider public and fostering a spirit of inclusivity.

In that moment, surrounded by performance, community booths and families of all backgrounds learning from one another, I was reminded why cultural celebrations matter. They are more than just events; they are bridges.

In a province as diverse as British Columbia, events like the Hong Kong Fair are exactly what we need to promote unity, harmony and mutual respect among different communities. These celebrations are cornerstones of a respectful, inclusive society. And that is why I believe proclaiming October as Korean Heritage Month will be an asset for our province not just for the Canadian community but for all British Columbians.

The Korean Canadian community is one of resilience, discipline and pride. Over the decades, they have contributed quietly and steadily, not asking for recognition but earning it through hard work, determination and civic engagement. Their story in Canada, in particular here in B.C., begins in earnest with the wave of immigration that began in the 1960s. Since then, the community has grown steadily and now numbers over 70,000 Korean Canadians across our province.

These individuals are not just contributors; they are builders. They run small businesses. They are the backbone of our local economies. They serve as educators, health care professionals, artists, tradespeople and community leaders — one of our MLAs is of Korean descent. And they are our neighbours, our colleagues and our friends.

October is a month of deep cultural and historic significance for Koreans around the world. On October 3, Koreans observe Gaecheonjeol or the National Foundation Day, which commemorates the legendary founding of Korea’s first kingdom, Gojoseon, over 4,000 years ago. It is a moment to reflect on origins, on heritage and on values that have sustained the Korean people through history, challenge and transformation.

By aligning Korean Heritage Month with this period of cultural reflection, British Columbia is offering more than just acknowledgment; we are offering solidarity. We’re saying that your history matters to us, that your pride is our pride, that your story is now part of our shared Canadian story. This recognition is not just about looking backward; it’s about building forward.

When we celebrate Korean Heritage Month, we’re investing in the future. We’re giving the next generation of Korean Canadians the assurance that their identity is valued here, that they don’t need to choose between being Korean and being Canadian. They can be fully both and should be fully proud of it.

The importance of this kind of recognition cannot be overstated. As we look at ways to fight racism, prejudice and cultural misunderstandings, education and celebration are some of the most powerful tools we have. When young people learn about different heritage, when they attend Korean cultural festivals, taste Korean food, watch traditional performance and learn about Korea’s long history and democratic values, they don’t just learn about another culture, they learn empathy, they learn respect.

The Korean Canadian community has never stopped giving back to the province. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Korean-Canadian organizations mobilized quickly to support front-line workers, donate PPE and offer support service to the vulnerable. Korean churches, so central to the community, opened their doors wider than ever, providing not just spiritual guidance but also social outreach, food programs and language assistance to newcomers.

In the world of business, Korean Canadians have played a key role in strengthening our economy. From running family-owned restaurants and grocery stores, to founding tech start-ups and engaging in international trades, their spirit is a driving force of economic growth. In arts and culture, Korean Canadians have helped broaden British Columbia’s global footprint. K-dramas, K-pop may have taken the world by storm, but they are more than trends. They’re an expression of a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years.

[11:55 a.m.]

Right here in B.C., we see Korean artists, film-makers, dancers, musicians striving and contributing to the vibrant cultural scene.

Korean Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to spotlight this talent and give it the platform it deserves.

We must also take a moment to reflect on the military bond between Canada and Korea. During the Korean War, over 26,000 Canadian soldiers served on the Korean Peninsula and 516 made the ultimate sacrifice. The Korean-Canadian community has never forgotten this. Every year, they honour Canadian veterans and express gratitude for Canada’s role in securing peace and democracy in South Korea.

That spirit of appreciation has transformed into one of public service, as many Korean Canadians now give back to Canada through civic engagement and community work. Today, Korean Canadians are rising to leadership across the sector. There are lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, economists, activists and elected officials. They are leading non-profits, particularly as city councillors and helping shape public disclosure. They are not just adding to the fabric of British Columbia; they are helping to weave it.

The beauty of multiculturalism is not in communities blending into sameness. It is in communities retaining their unique identity, which contributes to the shared, respectful and inclusive society. Korean Heritage Month is an embodiment of that vision.

As someone who has lived and worked in multicultural communities and who deeply values the contribution of each group that makes up the B.C. mosaic, I can confidently say that this month will serve as an educational tool, a cultural showcase and a catalyst for a deeper understanding between communities. It will encourage intercultural dialogue and provide schools, municipalities, libraries and institutions across the province with a reason to initiate and program events that honour Korean heritage.

Let us also be clear: recognizing one community does not diminish another. In fact, when we elevate one, we lift all. When we celebrate Korean Heritage Month, we are setting a precedent for all cultural communities that this province sees you and values you and makes space for your heritage in our public life.

And so I urge all members of this House to join me in supporting this legislation not out of obligation but out of genuine respect. Because when we honour community, like the Korean-Canadian community, we are strengthening the very foundation of our province — diversity, unity and mutual respect.

Let us use Korean Heritage Month to host community dialogues, school assemblies, art exhibitions and cultural performances. Let’s make it a month where Korean-Canadian seniors feel honoured, where Korean youth feel empowered and where the broader public feels connected.

So I wholeheartedly support the designation of October as Korean Heritage Month in British Columbia, and I encourage this House to do the same.

Hon Chan moved adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

Hon. Lisa Beare moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

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

The House adjourned at 11:59 a.m.