Nos. 75 and 76 VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE Legislative Assembly of British Columbia First Session of the Forty-third Parliament

Monday, October 6, 2025

Ten o’clock a.m.

Prayers and Reflections by Korky Neufeld.

The House proceeded to “Orders of the Day.”

Order called for “Private Members’ Statements.”

The House resumed the adjourned debate on the motion for second reading of Bill (No. M 214) intituled Firefighters’ Health Act.

Bill (No. M 214) read a second time and Ordered committed to the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills.

38 Rohini Arora moved —

That this House condemns the intolerant views of the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA), including its harmful discrimination against transgender people, its belief that homosexuality is “immoral” and its explicit policy goal of restricting abortion access in British Columbia.

A debate arose.

Pursuant to Standing Order 25, division on Motion 38 was deferred until 30 minutes prior to the ordinary time fixed for adjournment.

And then the House adjourned at 11.56 a.m.

Monday, October 6, 2025

One-thirty o’clock p.m.

The Hon. Niki Sharma (Attorney General and Deputy Premier) presented to the Speaker a Message from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, which read as follows:

Wendy Cocchia
Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor transmits herewith Bill (No. 17) intituled Intimate Images Protection Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, and recommends the same to the Legislative Assembly.

Government House,

September 25, 2025.

Bill introduced and read a first time.

Bill Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

The Hon. Jessie Sunner (Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills) presented to the Speaker a Message from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, which read as follows:

Wendy Cocchia
Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor transmits herewith Bill (No. 18) intituled Sexual Violence Policy Act and recommends the same to the Legislative Assembly.

Government House,

September 25, 2025.

Bill introduced and read a first time.

Bill Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

Order called for “Members’ Statements.”

Order called for “Oral Questions by Members.”

The Hon. Raj Chouhan (Speaker) tabled the following documents:

Auditor General Annual Report, 2024/25, June 2025;

Auditor General Annual Report, 2024/25, June 2025, Revised September 2025;

Auditor General Report, Beyond the Bottom Line: Navigating the Province of B.C.’s Audited Financial Statements, August 2025;

Conflict of Interest Commissioner Annual Report, 2024;

Elections BC Annual Report, 2024/25 and Service Plan, 2025/26 – 2027/28;

Elections BC, Report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Forty-third Provincial General Election, October 19, 2024, Volume II: Financing and Expenses;

Emergency and Disaster Management Act Report for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025;

Human Rights Commissioner Annual Report, 2024/25 and Service Plan, 2025/26 – 2027/28;

Information and Privacy Commissioner Annual Report and Service Plan, 2024/25;

Ombudsperson Public Interest Disclosure Act Special Report No. 2, Supporting Implementation and Providing Guidance: How the Ombudsperson Assisted Public Bodies to Meet Their Responsibilities under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, August 2025;

Ombudsperson Public Interest Disclosure Act Special Report No. 3, Awareness and Trust: Insights from Chief Executives and Employees of Public Bodies Covered under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, August 2025;

Ombudsperson Public Interest Disclosure Act Special Report No. 4, Operational Review: Five Years of Operating under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, August 2025;

Ombudsperson Public Interest Disclosure Act Special Report No. 5, Proposed Amendments: Lessons from the First Five Years of the Public Interest Disclosure Act, August 2025;

Registrar of Lobbyists Annual Report and Service Plan, 2024/25;

Registrar of Lobbyists, Determination Decision 25-04, The Truck Loggers Association, William Brash, March 13, 2025;

Registrar of Lobbyists, Determination Decision 25-06, British Columbia Nurses’ Union, Designated Filer: Adriane Gear, May 15, 2025;

Registrar of Lobbyists, Reconsideration Decision 25-04 (Determination Decision 25-04), Designated Filer: William Brash, June 2, 2025; and,

Representative for Children and Youth Annual Report, 2024/25 and Service Plan, 2025/26 to 2027/28.

By leave, the Hon. Mike Farnworth moved —

That Motion 20, adopted by the House on April 30, 2025, establishing the Sessional Order for certain proceedings of the House to be undertaken in three sections, be amended by:

a. striking the text of section 7 and replacing it as follows: “Section A and Section C consist of ten Members, not including the Chair, being five Members of the B.C. NDP Caucus, three Members of the Conservative Party of British Columbia Caucus, one Member of the B.C. Green Party Caucus, and one Member of the OneBC Caucus.”;

b. striking the text of section 8 and replacing it as follows: “The Members of Section A be: the Minister whose Estimates are under examination or who is in charge of the bill under consideration and Rohini Arora, Hon. Ravi Parmar, Janet Routledge, Amna Shah, Steve Kooner, Lawrence Mok, David Williams, Rob Botterell, and Tara Armstrong.”; and,

c. striking the text of section 9 and replacing it as follows: “The Members of Section C be: the Minister whose Estimates are under examination or who is in charge of the bill under consideration and Hon. Adrian Dix, Stephanie Higginson, Hon. Sheila Malcolmson, Steve Morissette, Heather Maahs, Macklin McCall, Larry Neufeld, Jeremy Valeriote, and Dallas Brodie.”

Motion agreed to.

The House proceeded to “Orders of the Day.”

On the motion for second reading of Bill (No. 9) intituled Health Care Costs Recovery Amendment Act, 2025, a debate arose.

The debate continued.

Bill (No. 9) read a second time and Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for committal at the next sitting after today.

On the motion for second reading of Bill (No. 10) intituled Attorney General Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, a debate arose.

Bill (No. 10) read a second time and Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for committal at the next sitting after today.

On the motion for second reading of Bill (No. 12) intituled Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2025, a debate arose.

On the motion of the Hon. Ravi Kahlon that the debate be adjourned to the next sitting of the House, the House divided.

Motion negatived on the following division:

Nays — 47
Lore G. Anderson Blatherwick Routledge Chant Toporowski B. Anderson Neill Osborne Brar Krieger Davidson	Parmar Sunner Beare Chandra Herbert Kang Sandhu Begg Higginson Lajeunesse Choi Rotchford Morissette	Popham Dix Sharma Farnworth Eby Bailey Kahlon Greene Whiteside Boyle Ma Yung	Malcolmson Gibson Glumac Arora Shah Chow Dhir Brodie Armstrong Kealy Sturko
Yeas — 2
Valeriote	Botterell

The debate on the main motion continued.

On the motion of the Hon. Mike Farnworth, the debate was adjourned to the next sitting of the House.

38 Pursuant to Standing Order 25, in consideration of Motion 38 that this House condemns the intolerant views of the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA), the House divided.

Motion 38 agreed to on the following division:

Yeas — 48
Lore G. Anderson Blatherwick Routledge Chant Toporowski B. Anderson Neill Osborne Brar Krieger Davidson	Parmar Sunner Beare Chandra Herbert Wickens Kang Sandhu Begg Higginson Lajeunesse Choi Rotchford	Elmore Morissette Popham Dix Sharma Farnworth Eby Bailey Kahlon Greene Whiteside Boyle	Ma Yung Malcolmson Gibson Glumac Arora Shah Chow Dhir Valeriote Botterell Sturko
Nays — 3
Brodie	Armstrong	Kealy

5 Reply to Rosalyn Bird from the Hon. Minister of Citizens’ Services in response to written questions on notice: —

Connectivity

1. Can the Minister confirm that the Ministry of Citizens’ Services increased its contract with Starlink, a company owned by Elon Musk, from $1.25 million to $5.25 million, including a $1 million amendment dated December 15, 2024?

Response:

As noted in the estimates debates on April 3 around 2.35 p.m., since 2021, $3.5 million has been spent on this contract, and all of that is spent on critical and emergency services for items like remote ambulance stations, wildfire response and rural highway cameras. In November 2024 that contract was amended for an additional $1 million dollars up until December 15th of 2025 to continue to provide those critical and emergency services. The total value of the contract from November 17, 2021, to December 15th of this year will not exceed $5.25 million.

2. Was the Premier aware of this expanded contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink when he publicly stated that British Columbians “would want to throw up” if taxpayer money went to Elon Musk?

Response:

This question was asked during estimates debates on April 3, around 2.30 p.m. The Premier has been clear that given the current tariff threats from Donald Trump, there are no plans for British Columbia to contract with Starlink for home internet services. The only contract that exists between the Province and Starlink is for critical and emergency services for items like remote ambulance stations, wildfire response and rural highway cameras. While we continue to look for alternatives. until one is found cancelling these critical and emergency services could put people in British Columbia at risk.

3. How does the Minister reconcile the Premier’s rhetoric about refusing to subsidize Elon Musk’s companies with this Minister quietly awarding him millions more in public funds?

Response:

The funding in question is not a subsidy; it is a contract resultant from a procurement process that is in line with Core Policy. The Province’s contract with Starlink is for critical and emergency services that support remote ambulance stations, wildfire response and rural highway cameras. Cancelling this contract would impact these critical and emergency services and put British Columbians at risk. For Contracts awarded directly to vendors, ministries provide a monthly summary report of directly-awarded contracts through the Open Information Catalogue.

4. Does this government have a clear policy on contracting with Elon Musk’s companies; does it change based on which of his companies they’re dealing with and the Premier’s mood that day?

Response:

The B.C. Government follows Core Policy for all aspects of procurement of goods, services and construction. The objective of this policy is to establish Procurement policies that support the principles identified in the Procurement Services Act and applicable Trade Agreements.

5. If it’s inappropriate to give Elon Musk a $350 rebate through BC Hydro for a Tesla charger, why is it appropriate to send him over $5 million through a government contract for satellite internet?

Response:

The only contract that exists between the Province and Starlink is for critical and emergency services for items like remote ambulance stations, wildfire response and rural highway cameras. The $5 million dollar contract value cited by the critic represents a total spend between 2021 to today, providing four years of critical connectivity for core services and emergency response in rural and remote areas of our province. While we continue to look for alternatives, cancelling these critical and emergency services could put people in British Columbia at risk which our government will not let happen.

6. Can the Minister provide a detailed explanation of what services British Columbians received in exchange for the most recent $1 million Starlink contract amendment? How was that value determined?

Response:

In November 2024 that contract was amended for an additional $1 million dollars up until December 15, 2025, to continue to provide critical services and emergency services that support remote ambulance stations, wildfire response and rural highway cameras. It is a contract resultant from a procurement process that is in line with Core Policy. The total value of the contract from November 17, 2021, to December 15, 2025, will not exceed $5.25 million. There is currently no plan to cancel this contract, as the loss of these critical and emergency services could put people in British Columbia at risk. We are exploring what other alternatives might exist, but protecting people in British Columbia comes first.

7. Was any part of the Starlink contract sole-sourced?

Response:

The ministry has a small contract with Starlink for critical and emergency services that protect the people in B.C., for items like remote ambulance stations, remote highway cameras and wildfire response. The contract was initially signed in November of 2021 and was sole-sourced, meeting criteria as per the Core Policies and Procedures Manual; the contract was amended in November 2024. Currently, Starlink is the only company that can provide these types of services, but the ministry continues to monitor availability for alternatives and sees potential in developing technologies. Cancelling this contract without a viable replacement would put people in British Columbia at risk.

8. Were other Canadian or non-U.S. providers considered before awarding millions more to a U.S. billionaire?

Response:

As noted in question #7, the ministry has a small contract with Starlink for critical and emergency services that protect the people in B.C., for items like remote ambulance stations, remote highway cameras and wildfire response. Currently, Starlink is the only company that can provide these types of services. Cancelling this contract without a viable replacement would put people in British Columbia at risk.

9. Has the Minister issued any guidance or directives to limit procurement for the U.S. firms as part of the Premier’s push to “preference of Canadian goods”?

Response:

On February 1, 2025, the Premier directed B.C. Government and Crown Corporations to buy Canadian goods and services first, followed by a subsequent directive on April 10, 2025, under which the Premier directed ministries, health authorities and core Crown corporations to critically review all contracts with United States (U.S.) companies to decrease the Province’s dependence on goods and services from U.S. suppliers, wherever viable. These directives will be applied, where viable, following an assessment of legal, financial, operational, and other reasonable considerations.

10. Is the Minister aware of any other contracts the B.C. government holds with Elon Musk-affiliated companies?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

11. Highway cell service is an ongoing challenge across areas of the province, more so for the northern part of the province. I know on various highway sections in my riding the service is non-existent or unstable. For cellular coverage on B.C.’s primary and secondary highways, can the Minister provide a list of which remaining highway projects have been initiated, are in progress and scheduled to complete this fiscal year?

Response:

This question was asked and answered during estimates debates. Please see Hansard April 3, 2.10 p.m. Funding was provided in prior Budgets to Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) to administer this work. An interactive map with a list of currently funded projects can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/20531.

12. I may have missed it, but I have not seen any connectivity projects for Highway 5. This highway was most unfortunately named the “highway of death” last summer due to the very high number of vehicle accident fatalities. This highway was never intended to have the amount of traffic it currently does. It needs a significant safety upgrade including reliable connectivity. The inability to report incidents is contributing to long waiting times for emergency responses, putting lives at risk. Is the Minister aware of any scheduled improvements on Highway 5 between Valemount and Kamloops?

Response:

This question was asked and answered during estimates debates. Please see Hansard April 3, 2.15 p.m. Funding was provided in prior Budgets to NDIT to administer cellular project applications from service providers. We are not aware of any applications for Highway 5 at this time. We encourage local communities and Regional Districts to convey the need for cellular services directly with internet service providers. In addition, ministry staff will continue to work with service providers to expand cellular services with the available funding. While service providers have not come forward with a cellular project application for Highway 5, projects that provide points of connectivity, such as emergency call boxes, are eligible for funding through the Cellular Expansion Fund administered by NDIT. Communities and Regional Districts interested in deploying emergency call boxes in their regions can reach out to Northern Development directly.

13. Has the Minister considered and priced alternative options for expensive fibre and infrastructure projects? Program funds available to communities for connection submissions to high-speed internet do not include satellite alternatives. Satellite alternatives may prove to be significantly less expensive, easier to install, less maintenance and additionally offer portability compared to hard wire/cable projects. Does the Minister expect this to change in the immediate future?

Response:

The jointly funded federal and provincial connectivity program is focused on funding last-mile broadband infrastructure projects with B.C.-based service providers using multiple types of technology including fibre and wireless options. Under the Connecting Communities BC program, the cost of direct satellite capacity costs is eligible (i.e., satellite backhaul), however consumer satellite services (i.e., consumer premise equipment) is not eligible (see pp. 11–2 in the Application Guide). These costs mirror the eligible expenses of the Universal Broadband Fund as a requirement in our joint agreement with the federal government.

14. Does the Minister know what the Premier’s stance is on Starlink today considering our strained relations with the U.S.?

Response:

Yes. Please see the response to question 9.

15. My understanding is that Rogers has a contract with Starlink; how does that impact considerations for rural and remote communities still having poor or no access?

Response:

Please see the response to question 13.

16. My understanding is the BC Ferries have Starlink onboard. Why is it only available for BC Ferries employees and not passengers? Can passengers expect to see that change soon to offer better opportunities to complete work and school tasks during travel?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Service.

17. The Connected Coast project is now slated for completion in 2025. Concerns have been raised regarding the success of this project. A subsea fibre has been laid along the ocean floor to key landing sites on land with the intention of connecting 139 rural, remote and coastal communities. However, there have been multiple incidents of cable damage. Can the Minister confirm that the fibre is in fact encased? What materials were used for the casing, and is the Minister aware of further issues resulting from cable shifts, ocean movement and sea traffic interference?

Response:

The service provider, in this case CityWest for the northern portion of the network and the Connected Coast Corporation (co-owned by CityWest and the Strathcona Regional District) for the southern portion, are responsible for the design and ongoing operations and maintenance of their network to ensure the successful delivery of reliable services for the communities that they serve. Information regarding the fibre and cable encasing should be directed to CityWest who are responsible for the engineering and operations of the entire Connected Coast Network. Ministry staff continue to monitor the situation as appropriate. The Ministry has not been made aware of any cable breaks that have not been subsequently repaired by CityWest. Communities and residents can contact ministry staff if issues of a severed cable remain unresolved by the service provider. For updates on the project please refer to the websites for CityWest and Connected Coast.

18. To the Minister, what safeguards have been implemented to prevent cable damage and prevent network disruptions?

Response:

The Province recognizes that over the past year the subsea cable route between the mainland and Haida Gwaii has experienced multiple cable breaks. To decrease the likelihood of this, Government has asked the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada to protect established telecommunications infrastructure by deeming the mainland to Haida Gwaii cable route critical infrastructure protected from sea traffic. Additionally, to ensure reliable and resilient telecommunications connectivity for Haida Gwaii, NDIT ran a Request for Information process in September 2024 to identify qualified providers who would be capable of building and operating a redundant link. A formal intake for project applications was opened in January and closed on March 31, 2025. The applications are currently in assessment. The ministry has not been made aware of any other cable breaks that have not been subsequently repaired by CityWest. Also, please see the response to question 17.

19. City West applied to the federal government for a secondary fibre cable to serve as backup for Haida Gwaii. Was a secondary cable approved, and who will be paying for the additional cable?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best referred to City West regarding their application to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Also, please see the response to question 18.

20. What is the current expenditure on this project year-to-date, expected final cost and does the Minister have a contingency plan if the fibre fails due to oceanic factors?

Response:

The Connected Coast is funded by the Government of Canada (ISED and Indigenous Service Canada) and NDIT. Questions on expenditures to date are outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and best referred to the NDIT. Also, please see the response to questions 17 and 18.

21. How many of the 139 communities have last-mile infrastructure and are connected?

Response:

This question was asked and answered during the Estimates Debates - Hansard April 3, 2025, 2 p.m. Note: This project is designed to bring high-speed internet capacity to 97 rural and remote communities (136 landing sites), including 37 Indigenous communities representing 31 First Nations. Note: There are 136, not 139, landing sites. This number dropped between 2024 and 2025, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the Connected Coast Website explains decreases. As of May 2025, 2,750 km fibre was laid, out of 2,810 km total. One hundred and thirty-two of the landing sites are built or under construction with 73 sites active. Some communities reached by the project already have the last-mile infrastructure in place. These communities will benefit from higher internet speeds once the last-mile network is connected to the Connected Coast fibre. Sixty-five of the 136 landing sites have associated last-mile projects (B.C. and/or federally funded).

22. This project is scheduled to be completed sometime this year. Can the Minister confirm that is still the case?

Response:

A similar question was asked and answered during the Estimates Debates — Hansard April 3, 2025, 2.00 p.m. Yes, the project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

23. Connected Coast is one of the largest projects of its kind in the world and the first in Canada. The project required substantial capital fund investment and physical infrastructure. Would it not have been prudent for the government to complete consultations and guarantee a funding commitment to ensure all 139 communities will have stable and reliable connectivity prior to commencing a project of this magnitude?

Response:

The Connected Coast project has several core objectives, including:

Providing landing sites in proximity to underserved coastal communities, particularly Indigenous and remote communities lacking access to transport for sufficient Internet speeds (50/10 Mbps);

Ensuring open access at key landing sites through a point of presence accessible to any Internet Service Provider to provide last-mile or cellular services to the community; and,

Establishing an alternate transport fibre path from Highway 16 in Prince Rupert to the Internet exchange in Vancouver to provide connectivity resiliency to the region.

Funding for the Connected Coast project is shared between the federal government through their Connect to Innovate program, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Connecting British Columbia Program administered by NDIT. Applications for the Connect to Innovate Program require funding plans and details of community benefits to be eligible. CityWest conducted extensive community consultations as part of the project planning and build phases. We want everyone in B.C. to have access to reliable high-speed internet, which is a key part of our commitment to building a strong, inclusive economy. The Connected Coast project is building connectivity infrastructure that will serve people in coastal communities for generations to come — helping people stay connected and supporting economic growth and resiliency with better access to online health care, emergency services, learning, jobs, and a world of digital opportunities. Once completed this year this project will bring high-speed internet capacity to 97 rural and remote communities (136 landing sites), including 37 Indigenous communities representing 31 First Nations.

24. For this project, why are communities required to complete the additional step of completing the funding application when a letter of support from the local government (and/or a Council Resolution from the First Nation) is required?

Response:

Connected Coast is a transport project which brings high-speed internet capacity from an internet exchange point in Vancouver to communities along the coast and Vancouver Island. For homes to access high-speed internet services, transport fibre and last-mile projects (which deliver services to the home) are both required. Funding is available through the Connecting Communities BC program for last-mile projects in underserved areas where no projects are currently in progress, and where last-mile infrastructure is needed to deliver high-speed services. The letter of support from the local government, or a First Nation Council Resolution, demonstrates that the community has been consulted on a project at the development stage and that community needs are considered. The applications also require extensive permitting and consultation to ensure that natural habitats are protected, consideration of technical suitability, required approvals, project timelines, and funding availability.

25. In a rural area such as Falkland, where Shaw and Telus internet services the town, what is the plan for folks that still don’t have access, and the service providers refuse to install them as they indicate it is cost prohibitive?

Response:

British Columbia is making significant investments toward our goal of connecting all rural and First Nation households to high-speed internet services. The Government of British Columbia cannot direct service providers where to make their investments. Instead, it works to leverage the Government’s investment in telecommunications services to encourage the expansion of internet services where there may not otherwise be a business case to do so.

Local governments can take a number of steps to support projects in their area:

1. Connect with their Regional District and let them know of any areas that are underserved. RDs may know of other projects in the area that could be augmented.

2. Check the National Broadband Map for the status of connectivity.

3. If the map shows the area as underserved, the Province and federal government are working with service providers to get to those homes.

4. If the map shows the area as served, contact your service provider or other local service provider on available subscription packages.

Connecting Communities BC is the Province’s funding program to expand high-speed internet services to all remaining underserved households in B.C. The ministry continues to work with service providers to find projects to reach more underserved homes.

26. What is the relationship between the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, B.C. service providers and Citizens’ Services Ministry, and how does it impact the goals of the B.C. government in providing stable and efficient high-speed internet to all B.C. households when the province is not able to direct service providers as to where and when to expand their networks?

Response:

In Canada, telecommunications are federally regulated by the CRTC. In 2016, the CRTC established a universal service objective that Canadians in urban areas, as well as rural and remote areas, should have access to voice services and broadband internet access services on both fixed and mobile wireless networks. Government funding programs support the initial build cost for service providers to expand their services to hard-to-reach areas to meet the CRTC’s universal service objective. My ministry oversees connectivity initiatives, including funding programs, policy coordination, and providing resources for connectivity preparedness. The Province cannot directly direct service providers where to invest, but it can encourage expansion by providing infrastructure funding and other incentives. On March 8, 2022, the governments of British Columbia and Canada announced an agreement to invest up to $830 million ($415 million each) to support expanding broadband infrastructure in the province to all underserved households. The Province cannot direct service providers as to where and when they expand their networks, however we are in regular dialogue with service providers regarding service provision. Since 2017 more than 200 projects have been approved with more than 93,000 rural and Indigenous households to have access to high-speed internet due to provincial funding programs.

27. A constituent was told by Telus that the monthly rate for landlines is government regulated. Are these prices in fact government mandated? If so, why would the government be charging rural and remote communities $75 compared to the $35 an urban customer pays for a landline? How often and who reviews/determines government-mandated rates?

Response:

In Canada, telecommunications are federally regulated by the CRTC including pricing and affordability. According to the CRTC website, they do not generally regulate the retail rates for home phone services.

28. Connecting B.C. offers funding opportunities through an application process to expand internet service. Is the intent of this program to eventually replace all other funding programs?

Response:

Connecting Communities BC is the next generation of the Government’s connectivity funding program which will help fund the expansion of internet services to every corner of B.C. The previous Connecting British Columbia program, administered by NDIT closed for applications in 2022. The program will continue to work with service providers until funded projects are complete.

29. How are applications prioritized? If a community applies and it is not selected for implementation, does the community have to reapply under a new application intake announcement?

Response:

The Connecting British Columbia program closed for new projects in 2022 shortly before the new Connecting Communities BC program opened its first intake. The Connecting Communities BC program has completed five application intakes for funding. The program will run subsequent intakes until program objectives have been met. The sixth intake is open until October 15, 2025. Projects are submitted by service providers. Project assessments are conducted jointly with the federal government and the service provider applicant. Full details on eligibility and how to apply are on the Connecting Communities BC website, including the Application Guide and a list of frequently asked questions.

30. Once the application is submitted, how does the Ministry communicate the various stages of the assessment, negotiation and construction to the applicant? Do applications submitted under a previous intake take priority as a new intake process opens?

Response:

Applications to the program are submitted by service providers, assessed on an as received basis and run concurrently and jointly with the federal government. Service providers have full access to the status of their project through the Applicant Portal that they used to submit their application. Alternatively, they connect directly with ministry staff. Communities seeking the status of a project are encouraged to speak directly to the service provider. Applications are not prioritized but are assessed as soon as they can be. In many cases applications are very large and complex and will take more time in assessment than smaller projects.

31. Is this funding envelope going to remain in place to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure as needed moving forward?

Response:

The CITZ Connectivity division has a budget of $24.235 million for fiscal year 2025/26 to provide leadership and expertise for the planning, development, funding, and coordination of programs, initiatives, and investments related to the access to, and expansion of, internet connectivity, cellular services, and other telecommunication services throughout British Columbia. In undertaking this work, the ministry works closely with the federal government and service providers. The 2025/26 – 2027/28 Ministry of Citizens’ Services Service Plan also lays out the strategic direction for this work with the objective to ensure high-speed internet is expanded with increased bandwidth in rural and Indigenous communities, with key strategies outlined to accomplish this objective. Connectivity funding supports the initial cost of the infrastructure to bring high speed services to every home. Ongoing maintenance and operating costs are the responsibility of the service provider.

Properties Management and Real Estate Services — Real Property Division

32. The Minister’s mandate letter includes directions to review the intended versus the actual use of government real estate assets; how does the Ministry intend to carry out this analysis?

Response:

The Ministry of Citizens’ Services created the Future Workplace Strategy to consolidate Government’s office space portfolio with goals to reduce the size and increase the utility of the real estate portfolio. My ministry is currently working on a comprehensive implementation plan that will, over time, rationalize the office space portfolio by undertaking consolidation projects across the province. We are working with ministries to re-evaluate workspace requirements under a new hybrid working model and identify additional opportunities across the province to consolidate and densify the real estate portfolio. CITZ and ministries work closely together to meet program delivery requirements while also supporting space optimization goals. CITZ collects and analyzes data to determine intended versus actual use of government office space by reviewing occupancy rates, head counts, staffing composition, telework trends and building usage data from multiple sources.

33. The Minister was further directed to work with the Ministries of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Transportation and Transit, Finance, and Infrastructure, to ensure the highest and best use of all government real estate assets. What real estate assets would this include: government buildings such as court houses, jails and hospitals?

Response:

Yes, my ministry has been working on many initiatives to optimize the use of Government properties and enhance cost-savings to Government. Ministries undertake inventory reviews to identify assets that may be repurposed to support government priorities, such as housing. The BC Builds pilot project in Kamloops is an example where a portion of land is being repurposed for housing. The best use of surplus real estate assets will be determined in conjunction with the Ministries of Finance, Housing and Municipal Affairs, Infrastructure and Transportation and Transit. My ministry is working collaboratively with individual ministries to understand business function needs and is leading the planning for space utilization. Planning continues underway to optimize the office space portfolio across the province.

34. Are properties purchased or rented with tax dollars, no matter the ministry, then not considered part of the provincial real estate portfolio? More specifically, if a building of any kind is purchased or rented by any ministry — an office building, a medical clinic, an apartment building, a hotel/motel — who is the oversight ministry for all real estate assets?

Response:

The Public Agency Accommodations Act authorizes and mandates the Real Property Division (RPD) to provide government workplace services, including management of the Province’s real estate portfolio, both owned and leased. This portfolio of facilities includes government-occupied office space, Service BC front counters, and special-purpose buildings such as courthouses, laboratories, and correctional centres. Schools, post-secondary, and hospital facilities are not included within RPD’s portfolio. A list of real property for sale can be found at RPD Properties for Sale website.

35. If there is no oversight ministry for all real estate assets, how can an asset be reliably determined as being effective, surplus or redundant?

Response:

CITZ manages and aligns Government’s real estate assets and facilities related to services, technology systems, and equipment with the changing nature of the work environment. Real Property Division (RPD) is mandated to provide government workplace services, including management of the Province’s real estate portfolio both owned and leased (schools, post-secondary, and hospital facilities are not included). CITZ maintains a property information management system to support ministries and broader public sector (BPS) organizations such as post-secondary institutions, school districts, health authorities, etc., with an efficient service to complete their annual real estate inventory review. The system enables accurate classification of Provincial lands (e.g. operational, surplus, etc.). Land-owning ministries and BPS organizations are responsible for assessing their own real estate assets to determine if they are surplus assets. Once a property is declared surplus, CITZ manages the surplus properties program to establish a consistent approach across government to ensure consistent due diligence is completed and to assess if the properties may have alternative use within the Provincial portfolio.

36. What formula is used to determine the way a real estate asset is managed or service delivered promotes the cost effectiveness of the administration of government services and the interests of British Columbians?

Response:

The Hybrid Workplace Strategy (HWS) addresses the Government’s office space portfolio with the goals to reduce the size and increase the value of the real estate portfolio. CITZ is currently working on a comprehensive implementation plan that will, over time, rationalize the office space portfolio by undertaking consolidation projects across the province. CITZ takes a data-driven, community-based strategic planning approach to ensuring Government real estate assets are managed in a way that promotes cost-effectiveness and serves the interests of the people of British Columbia. This approach is embedded in the HWS, and combines space utilization data (e.g., occupancy rates, headcounts, telework trends), strategic community visioning, and a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to evaluate each asset’s performance and potential. Assets are scored and categorized (e.g., hold, drop, repurpose, reduce) based on operational relevance and financial efficiency. This ensures space decisions maximize value, reduce unnecessary expenditures, support service continuity, and align with broader Government goals.

37. What formula is used to determine the assessment of anticipated capital cost expenditures for existing assets?

Response:

The Ministry of Citizens’ Services has a mature Capital Planning Management System (CPMS) in place. An asset’s overall performance is assessed in line with the Inventory Policy for Real Property.

38. How is an asset determined to be surplus to requirements? What is the process once that determination has been made?

Response:

An asset’s overall performance is assessed in line with the Inventory Policy for Real Property. Considering the asset’s future demand, capital and operating costs and other triple bottom line performance metrics determines the asset’s classification. If the asset is deemed to be surplus the space may be repurposed. Surplus assets may be repurposed for other government uses or eventually divested. Identified assets that are surplus to government needs are considered for repurposing. CITZ works with the ministries of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Transportation and Transit, Finance, and Infrastructure, to ensure the highest and best use of all Government real estate assets in a way that promotes the cost effectiveness of the administration of government services and the interests of the people of British Columbia. We follow a robust enhanced referral process that provides an opportunity for surplus provincial properties to be repurposed by other ministries and the Broader Public Sector to advance government priorities. Engagement and consultation with First Nations and local governments is part of the process.

Office of the Chief Information Officer

39. There are growing concerns that the B.C. government is continuing to store data in the U.S. Can the Minister tell us if B.C. data is being stored in the U.S., what type of data is being stored there and what steps are being taken to ensure that data is secure?

Response:

Most of British Columbians’ personal information continues to be stored inside of Canada and the Province has rigorous privacy and security assessment processes and policies to ensure data is protected. Ministries must complete an additional privacy assessment, as part of their Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), whenever sensitive personal information is stored outside Canada. This additional assessment includes details on where and how the personal information is stored and the technical, security, administrative and/or policy measures in place to protect personal information. The assessment results in a risk-based decision made by the public body on whether to proceed with disclosure that will result in storage of sensitive personal information outside of Canada. In response to the U.S. tariffs, procurement for new data storage services excludes U.S. based suppliers. Ministries and Crown Agencies are also following the Premier’s directive to move existing contracts away from U.S. suppliers, where viable.

40. Is there a plan to transfer that data back to B.C. — are these plans being discussed or explored currently?

Response:

Most personal information in British Columbia continues to be stored inside of Canada and people’s personal data continues to be safe and protected. The Province has rigorous privacy and security assessment processes and policies to ensure data is protected. Data residency requirements don’t protect information — effective privacy and security controls protect information. The ministry is following the directive to move existing contracts away from U.S. suppliers, where viable.

41. Has the First Nations data governance centre been established? If so, where is it located and is it operational?

Response:

Under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the Declaration Act), my ministry is working on Action 3.14 to support the establishment of a First Nations governed and mandated regional information governance centre. This work is currently in progress with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC). The ministry is supporting FNLC in advancing demonstration projects under the Regional Information Governance Centre (RIGC) that support Nations’ community data capacity. For updates on this action, refer to Annual Reporting for the Declaration Act.

42. What was the cost of the project, who currently funds the centre and how many staff are employed for the operation? Who is currently the governing body of the centre: the Ministry of Citizens’ Services or Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation?

Response:

The ministry is supporting FNLC in advancing demonstration projects under the RIGC that support Nations’ community data capacity. For updates on this action, refer to Annual Reporting for the Declaration Act.

43. Where is the data being stored and is it being shared across ministries? Will there be different protocols to access this specific data? When the centre commences gathering its own data, will it be shared with other ministries? Will the data collected and stored by the centre be subject to FOI requests in accordance with current legislation?

Response:

Please see the responses to questions 41 and 42.

44. Does this or any ministry have, or are they working on, a data catalogue/base that reflects the type of equipment (backup generators, emergency lighting, medical supplies, etc.) and its location throughout the province should an emergent need be deemed during provincial emergency incidents?

Response:

Under Core Policy each program area in each ministry, including my ministry, is required to conduct a Business Impact Analysis to identify critical functions and to develop Business Continuity Plans with strategies to resume those critical functions. The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) manages the Provincial Business Continuity Program.

45. With a growing increase and severity of cybersecurity and personal information breaches in combination with the rapid advancement of computer hardware, software and programing across all industries, various levels of governments and countries around the world, what improvements or implementations have been made or are being considered to protect and ensure the integrity of sensitive government, financial and personal information/data?

Response:

Cybersecurity threats are a constant reality of the modern world and continue to grow in seriousness, however, people in British Columbia can be assured that the protection of data and networks is a top priority for our government. Through its Cybersecurity Program, the ministry promotes a risk-based approach across government to information security and ensures programs, plans and processes are in place to appropriately manage the risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of government information. Each ministry also has dedicated staff to monitor and respond to day-to-day security issues.

46. Does the Minister know how much the B.C. government has invested in cloud storage solutions?

Response:

The B.C. government has spent $5.6 million on cloud services, which provide secure access to computing and storage. This amount covers the period from 2022 to the end of the 2025 fiscal year and includes access for all core government ministries.

47. My understanding is that ministries access the cloud on a case-by-case basis and are engaging with a variety of cloud vendors. Are Canadian tech companies and institutions such as UBC given additional points through the social impact purchasing guidelines and procurement process?

Response:

Each ministry is enabled to access cloud services from the vendors that best meet their needs. Social impact elements are considered on a case-by-case basis and include supplier diversity and workforce development. Social purchasing guidelines are applied as desirable, and not mandatory, and it is recommended that no more than 5 percent of the total points be awarded to social impact to ensure that the quality and price remain the most important criteria in meeting the needs of the ministry conducting the procurement. As noted in an earlier response, on April 10, 2025, the Premier directed ministries, health authorities and core Crown corporations to critically review all contracts with United States companies to decrease the Province’s dependence on goods and services from U.S. suppliers, wherever viable.

48. One service, Sprint With Us, offers companies opportunities to bid on contracts of up to $5 million. These procurements take as little as 17 days from start to finish. I find this astonishing considering that most often I can’t even get an inquiry response from most ministries within two weeks. Will the Minister please explain how a $5 million dollar procurement contract can be awarded this quickly, but FOI requests can’t be completed in the 30-day legislated timeframe?

Response:

As the Member knows the two programs in question are not comparable due to their distinct objectives, target populations, and operational frameworks. Each program is designed to address specific needs and challenges, making direct comparison inappropriate. Many questions regarding the process of Freedom of Information were canvassed by the member during the estimates debate and can be found in Hansard.

BC Registries and Online Services; Service BC Contact Centre

49. The Service BC provincial emergency line has made improvements and now offers support in 220 languages. This is fantastic; however, there remains a problem in that it is only staffed 7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Why is this service not available 24 hours during times of emergency?

Response:

The Service BC Provincial Contact Centre offers telephone support in 220 languages and emergency response related website content is translated into multiple languages as well. The 2024 Budget contained new funding that broadens support for evacuees by funding specially trained Service BC call centre agents who provide navigation for accessing information and emergency services. Other new Service BC staff can be deployed directly to impacted communities to facilitate critical emergency services, such as emergency funding distribution and onsite replacement of official documents. The BC Emergency Helpline (BCEH), on behalf of the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), operates 7.30 am to 5.00 p.m., 7 days a week (including statutory holidays). Service BC and EMCR work closely to assess needs and expand hours as/when required based on individual emergencies/evacuations. Citizen-facing emergency response phone lines and online information will always be available during an emergency. We assess the available supports and services, including any additional phone lines, web presence, and in-person supports that might be required. We have also worked with newcomers to identify their top priorities for Government’s website which includes making information about preparing for an emergency available in five languages on the Multi-language resources for newcomers page. We also provide information about available supports during wildfires in multiple languages. Service BC works alongside EMCR to discuss future needs, including ensuring people get the information they need in a timely way during an emergency. As EMCR is responsible for this program, additional questions should be directed to that ministry.

50. Budget 2024 contained new funding to broaden support for evacuees by funding specifically trained Service BC call centre agents who provide virtual navigation to access information regarding emergency services. Last year, the fire in Jasper marked the loss of one of Canada’s most spectacular tourist destinations. This may be the first massive evacuation of Alberta residents to B.C. but likely won’t be the last. With the Village of Valemount taking in more than 20,000 people from Alberta, are there lessons learned or post-mortem planning around bringing ministries from both provinces together to help assist neighbouring evacuees better?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services Budget and would be best directed to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

51. The deaf/blind institute in Prince George has expressed frustration and concern and feels that most people don’t stop to consider how individuals with challenges — mobility, physical (lack of, or no sight, sound or dialogue) and/or a combination — experience a significantly higher level of stress during emergencies. They would like to see changes and/or improvements regarding the lack of access to resources, dissemination of information and alerts for emergency situations (e.g., fires and evacuation orders). Are there any current projects to help determine better access to general and emergency management information for these individuals?

Response:

This question would be best directed to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

52. BC OnLine provides access to government information products, filings and registrations for private and public sector business customers. When a new registry is formed and there is an annual requirement to register, does Citizens’ Services have any involvement?

Response:

Citizens’ Services (CITZ) supports and is engaged in the development of technical aspects of online service delivery of certain registries (CITZ is not involved in all of B.C.’s registries such as Land Titles and Survey), and program parameters are determined by the ministry responsible. When a new registry is formed, the requirements are driven by legislation and whichever ministry owns the legislation would be responsible for setting registration requirements.

53. More specifically, the new Short Term Rental Registry; at what point do concerns/complaints regarding service received, questions not answered, unclear communication, notification and administrative processes not understood become the purview of this Ministry — or do they?

Response:

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs (HMA) is the lead for the Short-Term Rental Registry and is responsible for policy and program direction, communications, and the role of Registrar. Citizens’ Services is responsible for building, hosting and maintaining the Registry technical platform and Service BC has been engaged by HMA to provide Contact Centre and In Person Services to respond to questions and concerns from the public about the registry. Questions related to the program and related policy should be directed to HMA.

54. Where do the lines cross or intersect between all ministries regarding services received through any government office or online service? The registry is one; however, if multiple complaints are made regarding service from a B.C. government office, who is ultimately responsible for that service — good, bad or other?

Response:

The Ministry — through Service BC (SBC) — delivers approximately 300 government services on behalf of more than 40 partner ministries and agencies. This makes it easier for residents and businesses to interact with Government through a network of 65 in-person service centres, the provincial Contact Centre, and web platforms. SBC works with partner ministries to design and co-ordinate improved service delivery, so people and businesses in B.C. can easily find the information and services they need. Satisfaction scores for 2024/25 were 90 percent for the Contact Centre and 98 percent for in-person Service BC centres which exceeded targets of 85 and 90 percent, respectively. The actual results will be released in August in the Annual Service Plan Report. The level of service provided is the responsibility of the Government office delivering that service. While policy and legislation can affect individuals in many ways, Service BC strives to deliver services in a respectful and compassionate manner, with the goal of building trust and confidence in those we serve on behalf of partner ministries. Service BC takes service complaints seriously and works with those we serve, as well as with our teams and partner ministries, to address concerns in a timely manner.

Government Procurement

55. Procurement and project management failures have contributed to these huge overruns the past five years; what is being done to prevent similar budget explosions on current and future projects?

Response:

This question is best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

56. If construction costs are climbing generally, has the Minister looked at adjusting its procurement approach — for instance, using fixed-price contracts or including higher-contingency allowances — to avoid these shortfalls?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

57. What accountability measures are in place for the planners or contractors who underestimated costs or contributed to these overruns?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

58. What penalties or incentives are in the contract to keep the builder on schedule, and have any been used?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

59. Are there contract amendments made regarding the necessity for revised project deadlines?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

60. How many contracts or purchases across all ministries were sole-sourced in the last fiscal year, and do all these direct awards strictly comply with the B.C. government’s Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM) for procurement?

Response:

Ministries procure their own goods and services in accordance with Core Policy. For contracts awarded directly to vendors, ministries provide a monthly summary report of directly-awarded contracts through the Open Information Catalogue in accordance with a directive issued by the Ministry of Finance regarding reporting requirements.

61. Is the Minister able to provide a list of any contracts above the competitive bidding threshold that were awarded without an open tender? For each, explain why a sole source was deemed necessary and what justification was documented.

Response:

Ministries procure their own goods and services, this information is provided through the Open Information Catalogue and is proactively disclosed, including which direct award criteria was used. Direct awards are permitted when the ministry can prove that only one vendor is qualified and available to provide the goods and/or services. A direct award is a contract awarded to a supplier without a competitive process. Section 39 of the Procurement Policy, describes when the Province may issue a direct award. Directly awarded contracts must adhere to the criteria and policy outlined in the Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM) Chapter 6: Procurement > Solicitation phase.

62. If any were awarded due to “urgent” needs or specialty suppliers, did the Ministry post the required Notice of Intent to direct award, and how did it ensure a fair price in the absence of competition?

Response:

The Ministry of Citizens’ Services Procurement Services Division (PSD) provides oversight on strategic contracts, procurement, contracting advice, and supports all ministries, the broader public sector and government executive. Ministries procure their own goods and services and can request PSD support, advice and assistance in running procurement on their behalf. Urgency and ensuring a fair price are determined on a case-by- case basis by the ministry procuring the product or service at the time of procurement. A direct award is a contract awarded to a supplier without a competitive process. Section 39 of the Procurement Policy, describes when the Province may issue a direct award. Summaries of directly awarded contracts are posted to the Province’s Open Information website under the applicable Ministerial directives for the release of government information. Those directives were issued under the Freedom of Information Privacy and Protection Act (FOIPPA).

63. The public is concerned that sole-sourcing may be happening outside of truly exceptional circumstances; how is the Minister monitoring this and ensuring adherence to procurement best practices on all projects?

Response:

For Contracts awarded directly to vendors, ministries provide a monthly summary report of directly-awarded contracts through the Open Information Catalogue in accordance with a directive issued under FOIPPA requirements; those directives were issued by the Ministry of Finance. Please also see responses to Q61 – 63.

64. During the pandemic, the government procured large quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE). It was later revealed that about $16 million worth of PPE had to be disposed of due to quality issues and a further $13 million worth expired unused. What went wrong in the procurement and quality control vetting process that allowed tens of millions of dollars spent on PPE that did not meet quality specifications?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and would be best directed to the Ministry of Health.

65. Were the applicable due diligence, quality control and vendor qualification processes or safeguards waived in the rush to buy PPE, and have any vendors been held accountable or blacklisted for supplying faulty goods?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and would be best directed to the Ministry of Health.

66. Going forward, how will the Ministry improve supply contracts to include quality guarantees or claw-back provisions so that taxpayers aren’t left footing the bill for unusable products?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and would be best directed to the Ministry of Health.

67. Multiple industry representatives have raised concerns that the government’s use of Community Benefits Agreements on public projects is driving up costs and reducing efficiency. Under the CBA framework, bids are restricted to companies who agree to certain union hiring conditions through BC Infrastructure Benefits, effectively disqualifying many open-shop contractors and potentially reducing the pool of bidders. Does the Minister acknowledge that the CBA policy may be contributing to higher bid prices or fewer competitive bids on projects like the Pattullo Bridge and Surrey-Langley SkyTrain?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and would be best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

68. How does the government justify the CBA approach considering these cost escalations — has any analysis been done on how much extra the CBAs are costing taxpayers?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and would be best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

69. We want to ensure that well-intentioned labour policies are not resulting in hidden cost premiums or project delays. Will the Minister commit to transparently releasing data on the number of bidders and bid prices for CBA-governed contracts versus non-CBA contracts, so the public can see the impact? If not, why keep that hidden?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and would be best directed to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

70. Although BC Ferries operates at arm’s length, the Ministry has oversight of this vital transportation Crown corporation. In the context of procurement best practices, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure BC Ferries’ contracting decisions are sound?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

71. For example, when BC Ferries procures new vessels or major refits, are those contracts tendered internationally, and is the government comfortable with that approach given potential impacts on local shipbuilding jobs?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

72. Conversely, if BC Ferries pursues sole-source or limited tenders for specialized work, how is value for money being verified?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

73. The recent ferry service disruptions highlight the importance of reliable assets. Were there any procurement or maintenance contract failures that contributed to vessels being out of service, such as a poor choice of supplier for parts or delays in refit work?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

74. How is the Minister working with BC Ferries to improve procurement outcomes, ensure open competition where appropriate and avoid costly mistakes that ultimately affect ferry users and taxpayers?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

75. In the wake of the forensic audit of BC Housing, which found mismanagement and conflict of interest involving the former CEO and a major housing provider, can the Minister of Housing detail what has been done to clean up procurement practices at BC Housing?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

76. An independent investigation into BC Housing made 20 recommendations to improve oversight, conflict-of-interest safeguards and accountability for public funds regarding various procurement processes. Can the Minister confirm that all of the recommendations have been implemented?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

77. Specifically, what changes have been made regarding board governance, financial oversight and procurement approval processes at BC Housing since the audit?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

78. The 2025 budget includes significant spending on new housing programs — for example, financing for affordable housing construction, acquisitions of properties, modular housing, etc. The public is concerned about recurring patterns where particular companies or non-profits get the lion’s share of contracts. For instance, if BC Housing or the new Housing Secretariat is partnering with private developers or contractors to build affordable units, how are those partners selected?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

79. Is there a competitive request for proposals for each project, or are certain developers being repeatedly chosen through a less transparent process?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

80. Will the Minister publish an annual breakdown of which vendors and partners receive housing-related contracts and funding, to allow scrutiny of whether the distribution is fair or indicative of favouritism?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

81. How will the Minister ensure value for money in these rapid housing programs — what cost benchmarks or audits will be used to prevent overspending or gold-plating under the rush to build homes?

Response:

This question is outside of the scope of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and is best directed to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

82. Site C has become the most expensive public project in B.C. history, with the budget now at $16 billion, nearly double its original $8.3 billion price tag and a one-year delay to 2025 for completion. Specifically, was the original project design — that turned out to be flawed — done internally or by an external engineering firm, and has that firm faced any consequences for the costly fixes required?

Response: