First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Monday, February 24, 2025

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 7

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Members’ Statements

Issamba African Arts and Cultural Centre

Nina Krieger

Hockey Coaching Accomplishments of Jon Cooper

Rosalyn Bird

Work of Pete Stamper in Recycling and Circular Economy

Steve Morissette

Social Service Organizations in Chilliwack

Heather Maahs

Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk

Jessie Sunner

Freedom’s Door Addiction Recovery Centre and Work of Peter Lees

Kristina Loewen

Ministerial Statements

War in Ukraine and Third Anniversary of Invasion

Hon. David Eby

Á’a:líya Warbus

Jeremy Valeriote

Oral Questions

Forest Industry Trade Issues and Proposal for Carbon Tax on U.S. Thermal Coal

John Rustad

Hon. David Eby

Ward Stamer

Hon. Ravi Parmar

Critical Minerals and Mining Projects

Jeremy Valeriote

Hon. Ravi Kahlon

Hon. Jagrup Brar

Emergency Services at Delta Hospital

Ian Paton

Hon. Josie Osborne

Ambulance Station and Service in Kitwanga

Sharon Hartwell

Hon. Josie Osborne

Rural Retention Incentive for Health Care Professionals

Scott McInnis

Hon. Josie Osborne

International Trade Offices

Teresa Wat

Hon. Diana Gibson

Petitions

Scott McInnis

Tabling Documents

Property Assessment Appeal Board, annual report, 2024

B.C. Treaty Commission, annual report, 2024

Government Motions on Notice

Motion 1 — Appointment of Special Committee to Review the Public Interest Disclosure

Act

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Motion 2 — Powers and Role of Finance Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Motion 3 — Appointment of Special Committee to Appoint Statutory Officers

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Motion 4 — Powers and Role of Public Accounts Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Motion 5 — Powers and Role of Private Bills and Members’ Bills Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Motion 6 — Powers and Role of Children and Youth Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 2 — Acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner Continuation Act

Hon. Niki Sharma

Steve Kooner

Paul Choi

Stephanie Higginson

Hon. Niki Sharma

Bill 3 — Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2025

Hon. Laanas / Tamara Davidson

Trevor Halford

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson

Hon. Christine Boyle

Hon. Ravi Parmar

Peter Milobar

Jessie Sunner

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert

Hon. Bowinn Ma

Private Members’ Motions

Motion 7 — Response to U.S. Tariffs Proposal (continued)

Monday, February 24, 2025

The House met at 1:34 p.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Hon. Ravi Parmar : As all the members in the House will know, three years ago Russia began an unjust

and unprovoked war on Ukraine. Little did I know at that time how much of an impact

that would have on me personally.

It was just over two years ago that I was in Ukraine myself as part of a humanitarian

mission with a good group of people from Langford, and I’ve stayed in touch. That

same group is going to be heading to Ukraine in a couple of weeks. It has fundraised

hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[1:35 p.m.]

I have just built so many impactful relationships with people there and also people

from the Ukrainian community here in Victoria. I’m honoured to be able to introduce

in this House a number of people that are here for the Premier’s ministerial statement.

Dmytro Borysenko, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Victoria branch; Hanna

Anikeychyk, vice-president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Victoria branch.

Anastasiia Zievako, ambassador for political inquiries, Ukrainian Canadian Congress;

Kateryna Bandura, public relations director for the UCC.

Robert Herchak, president of the Ukrainian Studies Society.

Andriy Fabrikov, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver

Island.

Vetrichenko Nataliia, secretary of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress; and Bryan Melnyk,

the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

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

Bruce Banman : It is my pleasure, actually, to introduce a familiar face to this House. Jason Goertzen

is up in the gallery.

Jason actually just finished coming out of some minor surgery. He had a spill on his

bike, and I believe there was a fractured clavicle and a few ribs. In spite of the

fact that he was in surgery, I understand, yesterday, he’s here.

I just want the House to be thankful that he’s here and give him a very round welcome.

Hon. David Eby : I rise to welcome a couple of guests in the House from the University of British

Columbia.

Melanie Stewart, as former Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care, was instrumental

in helping the province respond to unprecedented population growth, the early childhood

education program, through our child care initiative.

A remarkable public servant has joined UBC. President Antoine Bacon poached her from

us. I think he’s done some other things as well.

They’re both here to meet with members of the House, to talk about the research and

economic-driving activities of UBC, as well as the experience of students, training

up the next generation of leaders in our province. I’m so glad to have them here.

I know that UBC touches the lives of many of the members’ constituents across the

province.

Please all join me in making them feel very welcome here today.

Hon. Bowinn Ma : We are joined in the House by a valued volunteer of mine, a trusted adviser and cherished

friend, Mahdiyar Biazi, who has joined our team in Jobs, Economic Development and

Innovation. He is also my Farsi language instructor.

[Farsi was spoken.]

Would the House please join me in welcoming him to this place.

Nina Krieger : Today we are joined in the House by representatives from the Issamba Centre, neighbours

to my constituency office in Victoria–Swan Lake. Office manager Melvin Carbonel and

volunteer Aaron Leidenius support the important work of the only African cultural

centre and hub for people of African descent on Vancouver Island.

I look forward to sharing more about this organization later this afternoon.

I ask that the House please join me in making them feel very welcome.

Members’ Statements

Issamba African Arts

and Cultural Centre

Nina Krieger : Thank you to the lək̓ʷəŋən- speaking people, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, on whose territory we gather.

Victoria–Swan Lake is proud to be home to the Issamba African arts and cultural centre.

As we enter the final week of Black History Month, I’m grateful that I have the opportunity

to highlight the work they do every day to shape our province and uplift the people

that live here.

[1:40 p.m.]

Home to the African art and cultural contributor society, Issamba was founded by visionary

and advocate Pulchérie Mboussi. Since 2012, the centre has promoted the rich and diverse

cultures of Africa and the Caribbean through arts, education and community initiatives,

such as the Black in B.C. Leadership Summit and AfriCa Fest.

As the Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film, I cannot overstate the importance

of ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the arts. Issamba’s work preserves

and promotes the rich history, cultures and traditions of the Black diaspora. This

empowers people to become an integral part of Canada’s cultural fabric and affirms

the value of diversity for us all.

Issamba also plays a significant role in the fight against anti-Black racism and systemic

racism more broadly. In 2022, they led and convened a pilot project which directly

contributed to the government’s Anti-Racism Data Act.

I thank Issamba’s professional team and volunteers for their unwavering dedication

to promoting cultural awareness and fostering community resilience. Their contributions

are deeply appreciated, and we look forward to many more years of inspiring and important

work.

The Speaker : Member, before I recognize the next member to make a statement, we, by mistake, missed

the Member for Juan de Fuca–Malahat. He wanted to make an introduction.

Please proceed.

Introductions by Members

Dana Lajeunesse : I am honoured to be joined in the chamber today by students from the Shawnigan Lake

School and their teacher, Paul Klassen. It’s incredibly important for the next generation

to learn about the work we do here as MLAs.

I hope the whole House will join me in making them feel welcome.

Members’ Statements

Hockey Coaching Accomplishments

of Jon Cooper

Rosalyn Bird : Living in northern B.C., we unlock a reservoir of resilience and strength that defines

our communities and leaders. Each challenge embraced, whether it’s braving harsh winters

or enduring economic shifts, only fuels our unbreakable spirit.

Leaders in our community emerge not only as voices of resilience but beacons of hope

and integrity. One such leader from my incredible riding of Prince George–Valemount

is Jonathan D. Cooper, the Canadian-American professional hockey coach.

John is currently the head coach of NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, and, as we are all

aware, last week at the 4 Nations hockey tournament, he led the Canadian team to a

win. John is Prince George’s first-ever NHL coach. He won back-to-back Stanley Cup

championships in 2020 and 2021, and he is the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL.

John’s father, Bob, is a leader in the Prince George construction industry, establishing

a highly successful business, RJ Cooper Construction, in 1967. It continues to operate

today. In 2013, Bob stated, laughing, “I guess we did a good job with him,” hearing

his son was to become the head coach for Tampa Bay.

After the win last week, Coach Cooper said, via Sportsnet: “I just hope Canada is

proud, because every player in that room is proud to be Canadian. Did we need a win?

Not only for our team, but Canada needed a win. The players bear that on their shoulders.

They took it seriously. This one was different. It wasn’t a win for themselves. This

was a win for 40-plus-million people. The guys knew it, and they delivered.”

In the face of adversity, leaders help us to rise together, turning obstacles into

stepping stones. As we strive to make life better in British Columbia, let us remember

that our strength lies not in individual journeys but in recognizing what we can accomplish

together.

United we stand; divided we fall.

Work of Pete Stamper in

Recycling and Circular Economy

Steve Morissette : It is my pleasure to take this time to congratulate the majority owner and CEO of

KC Recycling, Pete Stamper, in our Kootenay-Monashee riding on his recent award of

a King Charles III medal for his work in the circular economy.

Pete intentionally brought his family to B.C. from Seattle about six years ago. He

brought them for safety, schooling and lifestyle. Pete and family live in Rossland

for the outdoor lifestyle and mountain culture it provides.

[1:45 p.m.]

This award is not just a recognition of business success; it’s an acknowledgement

of being a contributor to the community and making things better.

I think a large part of receiving this award has also come from the way he builds

relationships and communicates enthusiastically about the importance of his work.

Pete’s work has a large impact on the greater Trail area and the region beyond.

Every week 50 semi trucks of lead-acid batteries are collected from the western parts

of the continent and delivered to Pete’s facility, keeping them out of landfills.

Virtually 100 percent of the materials of the batteries are recycled and sold back

into battery production. This is the largest facility of its type in western Canada

and the Pacific Northwest.

Since 2022, with supporting grants from our government, his business and workforce

have grown from 40 to 60 direct jobs. That has provided many individuals and families,

right at home, with reliable and meaningful work, paying bills and keeping food on

the table.

I would also like to congratulate Pete and family in advance for gaining Canadian

citizenship later this spring.

Again, congratulations on your well-deserved award, Pete.

Social Service Organizations

in Chilliwack

Heather Maahs : It is truly an honour and a privilege to stand in this House today to pay tribute

to some of the incredible organizations that look after our most vulnerable and needy

people in Chilliwack.

I had the opportunity to have a tour through the Salvation Army premises and was truly

amazed at all the wonderful ways they care for so many struggling people in the city.

They provide them with food, shelter, clothing, even a spot to park their belongings

while they simply enjoy the luxury, something we take for granted, of having a shower

and using a washing machine and dryer for their clothing.

Pastors Matt and Fiona, Josh, Warren, Chris and Scott and all the countless volunteers

who work tirelessly — I was humbled by their dedication and hearts for the people

of this city.

I visited with Pastor Scott from Ruth and Naomi’s Mission, who described to me the

sites they oversee for youth, as well as adults and families, who just need a leg

up for a while and a place to stay. They also have many wonderful people working at

these sites providing much-needed services.

They support 26 men and eight women in residential recovery. They also provide 100

shelter beds each night. As with the Salvation Army, these places are a means to an

end. It’s not easy, as more and more of their resources are stretched so thin, but

you never hear a word of complaint from them.

Last but definitely not least is TYDEL Foods, run by the incomparable Brigida. She

serves 700-plus seniors. In her own words, she says: “At TYDEL Foods, we realize some

seniors are struggling so badly that they eat every third day just so they can afford

their medication and housing. Some have become our ‘hidden hungry,’ and we must do

better and be better, especially to those most vulnerable.”

There are many more in Chilliwack, but how incredible. I’m truly humbled by the labour

of love these organizations bestow on our community.

Coldest Night of the Year

Fundraising Walk

Jessie Sunner : This past Saturday communities across the province came together to walk in their

local Coldest Night of the Year event, to help combat homelessness and poverty.

It was especially meaningful for me to partake in this year’s walk, which took place

in my community of Surrey-Newton, a community where so many local organizations work

tirelessly to support vulnerable individuals and raise awareness about critical issues

like poverty, food insecurity, mental health and housing challenges.

There was an outpouring of support from a number of local community groups, including

the five organizations that hosted this year’s walk.

[1:50 p.m.]

The event was led by Moving Forward Family Services, which provides affordable and

accessible counselling supports to underserved communities across Canada; Seva Foundation,

which supports various local charities through funds raised in its Seva thrift store;

the South Asian Community Hub, which offers culturally sensitive wraparound services

for individuals and families facing health and social challenges; the South Asian

Legal Clinic of B.C., which provides low-cost and low-barrier legal services and education

and legal advocacy; and Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, which provides warm meals to those

in need in the Downtown Eastside as well as across the Lower Mainland.

The work of these organizations does not go unnoticed in our community, and I am deeply

grateful to those for hosting this year’s walk and for the work they do day in and

day out throughout the year.

I also want to thank the volunteers, the participants, the donors and everyone who

made this event a success. Your participation speaks volumes about the strength of

our community and your compassion for those in need.

Thank you for walking together to make a difference so we can ensure that no one in

our community is left out in the cold.

Freedom’s Door Addiction Recovery

Centre and Work of Peter Lees

Kristina Loewen : Today I have the honour of recognizing Peter Lees from Freedom’s Door. Freedom’s

Door is a men’s addiction recovery centre in Kelowna Centre. For nearly 20 years,

Peter has dedicated himself to serving the most vulnerable, beginning at other organizations

like Karis House. His tireless work recently earned him the King Charles III’s Coronation

Medal, a true testament to his kindness, compassion and work ethic.

It’s impossible not to feel inspired around Peter. His infectious joy shines through

every conversation. I heard a story from a recent alumnus who credited Peter with

not only helping him overcome addiction but also helping him enter a four-year engineering

program at university.

Another notable graduate from Freedom’s Door is Levi Nelson. He attended in 2015.

He’s gone on to become one of four Indigenous designers of the medal for the Invictus

Games.

Founded by Tom Smithwick in 2002, Freedom’s Door now boasts a chapel, a gazebo, several

gathering areas and a long waiting list — all achieved without government funding,

relying solely on community generosity. Their abstinence and faith-based approach,

along with a strong good-neighbour policy, inspires participants to give back. Whether

it’s picking up garbage, shovelling snow or cutting the grass for new parents of triplets

when it grows to about a foot tall, their impact is clear. Their neighbours love them.

The 90-day program at Freedom’s Door helps participants understand the biological,

psychological, social and spiritual roots of addiction, guiding them back to hope,

worth and purpose. My favourite quote on their site is: “We talk in group of spirituality

because the worst outcomes of addiction are total loss of hope, loss of worth, of

value and of purpose.”

I am so impressed with Freedom’s Door’s success rate and return of quality of life

to individuals. We need more programs like this that truly heal and restore lives.

Thank you, Tom, Peter and Freedom’s Door.

Hon Chan : Hon. Speaker, I seek leave for an introduction.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

Hon Chan : It is truly exciting to welcome students from Richmond Secondary School in my riding

of Richmond Centre to the B.C. Legislature today. They are the future leaders of our

province, and who knows, one day we may see some of them here as MLAs.

I had the privilege of visiting this school for the Remembrance Day ceremony last

November, and I was truly impressed. The band and the student emcee did an outstanding

job.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize their hard work.

Let’s all give them a big round of applause and warmly welcome them to the B.C. Legislative

Assembly.

The Speaker : Members, earlier, the Member for Juan de Fuca–Malahat introduced students from his

riding. I think they have arrived now, so we can wave at them.

Welcome.

The Hon. Premier to make a ministerial statement.

Ministerial Statements

War in Ukraine and

Third Anniversary of Invasion

Hon. David Eby : I rise today to mark the third anniversary of one of the darkest days of modern history.

Three years ago Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia launched an unjustified, brutal attack

on a peaceful neighbour.

The scenes of Russian aggression shocked the conscience of people around the world.

Helicopters attacking airports. Civilians fleeing across shattered bridges. Tanks

rolling up city streets. Those fleeing the invasion knew what a Russian occupation

meant for them. We saw bodies of Ukrainian civilians lying beside bicycles as if they’d

been shot for sport. We saw victims of massacres lying in courtyards and mass graves.

[1:55 p.m.]

But we also saw scenes of incredible and remarkable bravery. Outnumbered soldiers

fighting off attackers. Unarmed civilians blocking the path of tanks. A woman in a

head scarf confronting an armed invader saying: “Put these seeds in your pockets so

at least sunflowers will grow when you fall.”

I’m happy to report that after three years of slaughter, deprivation, air raids and

unspeakable horrors, Kyiv stands free. Ukraine remains an independent, sovereign nation,

as its citizens want it to be, and may it ever be such.

Ukraine did not start this war. Russia is unquestionably the aggressor in this illegal,

immoral, unnecessary war. The pretext for the invasion was that the Ukrainians needed

security. They needed security from what was clearly the threat from Russia. Russia

has failed to conquer Ukraine because of the bravery of the Ukrainian people, their

armed forces and their democratically elected president.

We saw that unvanquished Ukrainian spirit on display at the Invictus Games in Vancouver

and Whistler: 35 resilient Ukrainian warriors competing, winning 30 medals, including

12 golds. Ukrainians are indomitable. They’ve shown that spirit in their long struggle

for independence.

You may have heard of the paramedic Yuliia Paievska; she’s also known as Taira. She

organized a volunteer ambulance corps called Taira’s Angels, saving Ukrainian civilians,

Ukrainian soldiers and, yes, even Russian soldiers. She was captured and tortured

by the Russians. When she was rescued, she needed both hips replaced. She then competed

in earlier Invictus Games and went on to win two medals.

The war may be far away geographically, but for many British Columbians, it is very

close to their hearts. Canadians have historic and contemporary ties to Ukraine. That’s

why so many Canadians have stepped forward to help that nation and its people in their

time of need.

Some Ukrainians have even found sanctuary here in very faraway British Columbia. So

many people opened their doors to Ukrainians in an expression of humanity and solidarity.

I remember Shirley Bond, a member from Prince George, talking about how Prince George

welcomed 170 displaced Ukrainians, with more on the way. Volunteers met them at the

airport. They gave them furniture, supplies to start their new lives. There were uncountable

acts of kindness. I know that the Ukrainians would do no less for us if the roles

were reversed.

This is an historic moment. It’s a time that calls on all of us to be strong of heart

and clear-eyed, to have a strong moral centre. That’s why British Columbians join

other Canadians in standing with the people of Ukraine as they defend their land.

It is unacceptable to have dictators bully and attack peaceful neighbours. The free

democratic world must uphold Ukraine’s independence, their sovereignty and their territorial

integrity. We are in a very dangerous place indeed if we allow bullies and dictators

to run roughshod against democratic and peaceful neighbours. Democratic societies

like our own offer the greatest freedoms and opportunities for people.

It seems we are increasingly in a topsy-turvy world. Spirited political debate has

always happened, but it was built on a shared understanding of basic facts. We could

disagree on an approach, but we agreed on the underlying character of the issues we

faced.

Now some call into question the basic facts around science and history. They ask us

to disbelieve things we can see with our own eyes, that we can hear with our own ears.

Lies and disinformation are the building blocks behind recent statements about Ukraine

and its leaders.

To be clear, President Zelenskyy is no dictator. There is a dictator in this conflict.

His name is Vladimir Putin. The Russian threat to Europe is so obvious that Sweden

and Finland, after 75 years of resisting joining NATO, despite sharing borders with

the Soviet Union, have now joined NATO. The Swedes and the Finns understand that a

threat to Ukraine is a threat to them. And a threat to Ukraine is a threat to every

nation that wants to remain independent.

We live in an age when trade and political alliances are shattering, and new ones

need to be formed. As just one example, the threat of tariffs, or worse, from our

southern neighbour jeopardizes 200 years of relationship. In all of human history,

you’d have a hard time finding two countries that work together so fruitfully and

peacefully as ours. A trade war is obviously the last thing we want, but we will do

everything necessary to protect the people and businesses of British Columbia.

[2:00 p.m.]

In these troubled times, it’s more important than ever that free and democratic people

band together. We stand with the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression.

We salute their bravery. We salute their resilience. They deserve a fair and just

peace, with their independence and sovereignty not only preserved but made stronger

than ever.

Á’a :líya Warbus: I want to recognize the Premier for bringing attention to this dire anniversary and

the conflict that we see around the world today.

Today I rise to address the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

As we witness the loss of so many lives, we must take a moment to reflect on the profound

grief experienced by all those who have lost loved ones during the tragic time we

are seeing unfold.

Our hearts are with those who mourn, and we extend our deepest sympathies to all that

are affected. This conflict has left a deep scar on countless individuals and families

and the entirety of communities. It’s taken lives, destroyed homes and displaced countless

people. The impact is felt far beyond the immediate front lines and continues to ripple

through every corner of the world. It is a stark reminder of the preciousness of life

and the human cost of war.

War exacts a heavy toll on those who survive it. The trauma, both physical and psychological,

can last long after the conflict ends. Communities that once thrived now face the

painful task of coping and then rebuilding, knowing that much of what was lost may

never return. Children grow up in environments shaped by violence and fear, carrying

with them the scars that may persist through generations. For many, the devastation

is not just the loss of loved ones, but the loss of a future that they once imagined.

It’s very difficult for us to process here the scale of the tragedy, but we must acknowledge

the ongoing suffering and uncertainty that continues each day. While words cannot

undo the damage done, we can reaffirm our commitment to support all measures that

can help bring about peace and a just resolution.

In these incredibly difficult times, it’s more important than ever to focus on the

future, and our collective goal should always be to find a path forward that ensures

the safety, dignity and well-being of all people. Let us continue to advocate for

diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful efforts that bring us closer to a lasting resolution.

The human cost of conflict must not be ignored. We must remain committed to building

a future where peace prevails for all.

Jeremy Valeriote : As the Premier and the Opposition House Leader have noted, three years ago human

dignity, sovereignty and peace were threatened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The

result has been hundreds of thousands of people killed or wounded, cities turned to

ruin, millions of Ukrainians displaced and a destabilization of global politics.

I have to say, on a personal level, I’d hoped we were beyond this. I’d hoped we were

better than this: fighting and killing each other for national territory when there

are existential threats to our way of life.

As we enter the fourth year of this war and humanitarian crisis, it is more important

than ever for British Columbia to extend its unwavering support to Ukraine. We cannot

allow geographical distance or time elapsed to render us apathetic to the brutalities

inflicted on Ukrainians. We must not ignore the violence against the Ukrainian people

that continues just as fiercely today. We must stay vigilant against hate and fight

back against the influx of disinformation, mistrust and deception coming from Russia,

Putin and those under his influence.

We must ensure that peace is led by Ukrainian leaders and acknowledge the need for

international support to rebuild. That effort must be led from Kyiv based on Ukrainian

interests, not financial interests out of Washington. We must not let global leaders

bully Ukraine and use this crisis for their own personal gain. The sovereignty of

Ukraine is not up for debate, just as our Canadian sovereignty is non-negotiable.

[2:05 p.m.]

Above all, we must remember the people of Ukraine: the many innocent lives lost, families

separated and vibrant communities torn apart; the millions displaced and severed from

their homes; the dreams, hopes and desires that make up Ukraine lost to needless war.

While remembrance and reflection are important, they must also be met with action.

This crisis is ongoing, and it’s our duty to stay committed to Ukraine and its people.

Last year in this House, Sonia Furstenau said that this crisis should serve as a wake-up

call to us all about the importance of unity and resilience.

This sentiment is just as relevant as it was last year, and I encourage us all to

rally together behind our friends in Ukraine, to continue fighting alongside them

for their sovereignty and right to self-determination, to ensure nothing about Ukraine

without Ukraine, to foster a British Columbia that is welcoming and safe for all Ukrainians

who need it, to be optimistic and hopeful for our future together and to create a

world in which we might cast aside the horrors of war in exchange for respectful dialogue,

cooperation and peace.

Oral Questions

Forest Industry Trade Issues

and Proposal for Carbon Tax on

U.S. Thermal Coal

John Rustad : B.C.’s forest sector has been without a softwood lumber agreement for eight years.

Thousands of jobs have been lost. Mills have been closed. Families and communities

have been devastated. For eight years, the Premier and his government have done nothing

to solve the softwood lumber problem that we have. He likes to wrap himself in the

flag, but this is more about posturing for politics as opposed to actually doing something

for workers.

The Conservative Party of British Columbia has put forward a plan to place a carbon

tax on U.S.A. thermal coal, keep this revenue in a trust and use it as leverage to

get a deal done with the Americans.

To the Premier: will you implement this plan?

Hon. David Eby : Our forestry industry is facing huge challenges. The recent proposal to increase

tariffs on them, which they are seeing, is costing jobs and livelihoods.

I’m glad to see the Leader of the Opposition standing up to say that he is seeking

ways to retaliate against unfair tariffs. Frankly, I hadn’t heard him say that. It’s

a significant departure. It’s important that in this House, when the U.S. is attacking

industries in Canada, we all stand together to say: “If you hit us, we’ll hit you

back. We’re going to make sure that Americans feel what you’re imposing on Canadians.”

We don’t want this fight. We’re going to stand up for it.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. David Eby : The member knows there are big challenges with the federally regulated industry of

railways and ports. But I am happy to work with the member to find ways to retaliate

against unfair tariffs against Canadian industries that we can all support, because

we’ve got to stand up for B.C. businesses, including in the forestry sector.

Honestly, it is a relief to hear him talk about retaliation, because this House needs

to be united in the face of this unprecedented threat from our neighbour to the south.

The Speaker : Leader of the Official Opposition, supplemental.

John Rustad : Well, it’s clear why nothing has been done for eight years. There were no tariffs;

there were no issues. There were duties that were put in place. Clearly, this Premier

did not understand the challenge facing a forest sector and doing absolutely nothing.

Now he wants to stand up to champion B.C. and helpfully…. I’m glad he wants to stand

up to champion B.C., but what about all the workers that lost their jobs? What about

the forest sector that has not had a champion in this government for eight years and

that has been devastated?

We need plans, not rhetoric. Our Conservative Party has put forward plans to eliminate

the job-killing carbon tax, not the consumer side but also all of it, because it kills

jobs and makes us uncompetitive. We put a plan forward to open our mines, to export

our natural gas, to be able to support the jobs and support a province, to make sure

that British Columbia can remain strong.

The Americans have postured about Canada becoming their 51st state.

I can tell you, Premier: not on my watch. That will never happen here in British Columbia.

[2:10 p.m.]

It’s time to rake the Americans over the coals and deal with this issue. This is why

we’re asking for this carbon tax to be put in place. We need to be able to have leverage

to deal with the Americans to get a softwood lumber agreement in place. And yes, there’s

a threat of tariffs, but this is an ongoing, eight-year challenge we’ve had that the

NDP have done nothing on.

Once again, to the Premier: will you implement a carbon tax on the U.S. thermal coal

coming through British Columbia — we have the ability to do that; use it as the leverage

that’s needed to get a softwood lumber; and get our forest workers back to work?

The Speaker : Members, all questions and comments must be directed through the Chair.

Hon. David Eby : I guess I’m just…. I’m glad for the member changing his position on this, but it

is a change in position.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Member.

Hon. David Eby : Let me read the….

Interjection.

The Speaker : No. Just let’s listen too.

Hon. David Eby : The member said that he’s against retaliatory tariffs because he thinks it’s unfair

to American Republicans. He said: “It’s dangerous and irresponsible for the Premier’s

NDP to specifically tariff only Republican states, who may not be at fault, simply

because the current U.S. President is Republican.”

He’s opposing our retaliatory tariffs against red states that are upholding this attack

on Canadian workers and our economy. Now, if he wants to work with us to find areas

where we can retaliate, where we can all stand together and support those things,

I’m happy to do that. There are major challenges with his….

Interjections.

Hon. David Eby : The member knows there are major challenges with his proposal around federally regulated

export industries, around placing provincial charges on that. If it were easy to do,

absolutely, we would do it. We’re looking for every possible way. We’re looking for

possible things to do.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. David Eby : Anything that is possible, we are exploring it. I’ll take the member’s idea and explore

it, but there are major challenges to doing that. That is a federally regulated industry,

railways. It’s an export good that goes through a federally regulated port, and we

can’t place export taxes on products like that. So we’ll explore it.

Again, to the member, we have been consistent, and we will be consistent. We will

retaliate against the Americans for imposing unfair tariffs.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, let’s hear the answer. Members, let’s hear the answer, please.

Hon. David Eby : We will retaliate against the Americans for unfair tariffs. If the members want to

work with us on that, I welcome that change of heart.

Ward Stamer : B.C.’s forest industry is under great threat with U.S. tariffs that could reach as

high as 55 percent. B.C.’s forest product exports make up 24 percent of B.C.’s total

commodity exports. These tariffs would devastate an industry that has been crippled

by this NDP government.

To be clear, we had mills closed and communities negatively impacted before the threats

of tariffs. Today we proposed a plan that will raise revenue on U.S. coal shipped

through B.C. ports and a plan that would support B.C.’s forest industry if the U.S.

won’t back down on their tariffs.

Will the Forests Minister support our plan and work with us to support a complete

Team Canada?

Hon. Ravi Parmar : Everyone in British Columbia knows how vital our forest sector is to our province.

It has been for the past 100 years and will be for the next 100 years.

Duties on B.C. and Canadian softwood lumber exports to the United States are unjustified.

It’s why on my first official day as Minister of Forests, I sent a letter to my federal

counterparts asking them to do everything in their power to stand up for B.C. forest

workers and to stand up for our forest industry.

Our work didn’t stop there. We launched the new Softwood Lumber Advisory Council because

we’re putting the full weight of B.C. in the ring on this fight.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Ravi Parmar : Now, to the members opposite, when we launched that softwood advisory council, the

member opposite who asked the question said: “There’s a bunch of union representatives.

I don’t know why they need three or four union representatives on a council such as

this, and we’ve got some serious concerns and questions in regards to that.”

[2:15 p.m.]

Why would the member be concerned about having workers on a softwood lumber advisory

council?

I would ask the member — I sent him a letter: did he meet with those union leaders?

Ward Stamer : Remember, for clarity, that the softwood lumber agreement has been sitting on the

books since 2015 without anything done. This government has been here for eight years,

and they’ve done nothing on this file.

So 65 percent of B.C.’s softwood lumber is shipped to the U.S. That is lumber and

forest products, which is the top exported commodity from B.C. to the U.S. The NDP’s

inaction in response to U.S. tariffs is threatening to shut down our entire forest

industry.

If the Forests Minister is unable to support a proposal for taxing shipment of U.S.

thermal coal and using those funds to support our B.C. industry, will he at least

agree to bring it swiftly to his recently established B.C. softwood advisory council

to get their opinion on our proposal and commit to making it public?

Hon. Ravi Parmar : Breaking news. Does the member opposite know who was the Minister of Forests back

in the previous government? The Leader of the Opposition. What did the Leader of the

Opposition do on this file? Absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, come to order.

Hon. Ravi Parmar : I welcome any ideas, any solutions to be able to address this. I welcome any solutions

to this long challenge that has been going on since prior to when I was alive, I might

add.

I was in Sacramento just a couple of weeks ago. I was speaking to community leaders,

to lawmakers who almost lost everything down south, with devastating wildfires impacting

the southern part of California. British Columbians know all too well the devastating

impacts of wildfires. It’s why we have a strong working relationship between B.C.

Wildfire and Cal Fire.

The meeting I was able to secure down there was with the California Building Industry

Association, where they jointly put out a statement. Dan Dunmoyer, who’s the head

of the California Building Industry Association, said…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Ravi Parmar : …and I would quote: “Tariffs could add $35,000 to $45,000 to a home build.”

We know how devastating softwood lumber duties and tariffs are to British Columbians,

but Americans know how devastating they are to those people who are just trying to

rebuild their homes.

Critical Minerals

and Mining Projects

Jeremy Valeriote : The B.C. Green caucus eagerly awaits details on the plan to fast-track approval of

critical mineral projects. Having worked in the mining industry, I’m glad to see its

renaissance supporting the electrification of our economy, as long as recycling of

critical minerals is as prominent in our priorities as raw extraction.

However, at least two of the four mines specified by the government are primarily

gold and silver projects, neither of which is considered a critical mineral in Canada.

Yes, some geological deposits have critical mineral by-products, but we need to focus

any streamlining efforts on projects that are central to the energy transition.

My question is for the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. Does the ministry

use a different definition of critical mineral than the Canadian government?

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

The Premier has asked me to work with my colleagues to ensure that we are able to

do three things when it comes to responding to the threat of the tariffs from the

U.S., President Trump’s administration.

First, of course, is to respond. There has been lots of debate, and it’s great to

hear the opposition party finally agree that they believe that there should be a strong

response from British Columbia.

Of course, diversifying is going to be a critically….

Interjection.

The Speaker : Member.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Are we done?

The minister will continue.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon : Thank you, hon. Speaker.

This is a serious topic. I’d assume that members across the way would want a serious

response and not have heckling.

Interjections.

[2:20 p.m.]

The Speaker : Shhh, Members. Members.

The executive council has the right to put whoever they want to answer any question

being asked. We have done it before, when the other side was on that side.

Minister, are you done?

Please continue.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon : Thank you, hon. Speaker.

Of course, one of the key parts of that is strengthening our economy. Colleagues across

this side are working on that.

It’s great to hear that the member across the way supports the opportunity that critical

minerals play for the economy in British Columbia, for workers in British Columbia.

We look forward to continuing to work with the member to expand all types of mining

opportunities that will help strengthen B.C.’s economy and also ensure that we’re

able to have the resources to support the clean transition that we want to see here

in British Columbia and across the country.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Jeremy Valeriote : The government’s stated goal is to promote development by speeding up permit approvals,

yet a recent audit by SFU and UBC academics found that economic factors like commodity

prices play a more significant role in delaying mining projects than do provincial

regulations.

It’s not just a matter of cutting red tape. The audit’s conclusion was that the B.C.

government is approving mining operations that aren’t economically viable and that

B.C. mines regularly failed to meet their economic forecasts. For every 100 jobs predicted,

only 12 were actually created.

My question, again, is to the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. If we’re to

invest public resources to fast-track these projects, how can British Columbians have

faith that these mines will create a significant number of jobs when the historical

data tells a very different story?

Interjections.

Hon. Jagrup Brar : So you got one.

Thanks to the member for the question.

Mining provides 40,000 good, family-supporting jobs to the people of British Columbia

and minerals that are critical to our low-carbon future.

The mining and mineral exploration sector is a foundational part of British Columbia’s

economy, and we are supporting it to grow. With rich minerals, the projects in B.C.

have an opportunity to drive growth and create good jobs for the people of British

Columbia. We are advancing projects that could supply nickel, rare earth elements,

niobium, tungsten and cobalt, all in the Canadian critical minerals list.

That’s why we launched phase 1 of B.C.’s critical minerals strategy, which includes

taking action to expedite critical mineral projects and maximize federal funding to

grow the economy and create good jobs for the people of British Columbia.

Emergency Services at Delta Hospital

Ian Paton : My constituents in Delta were shocked this weekend. Accidents happen, people get

injured, and when they do, they expect their local emergency department to be open.

But this past weekend in my community of Delta, you could not do that.

For two whole nights, the ER was closed and, when seconds mattered, told my constituents

to drive half an hour or more to Surrey Memorial, where wait times were up to 18 hours

long.

To the Minister of Health: after eight years of NDP governance, how can you accept

this abject failure to deliver emergency health care in the province of B.C.?

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

I want to start by saying I share his very deep concern for what had to take place

this weekend in his constituency and for the people who live in his riding and the

surrounding area. Everybody wants to be able to depend on the emergency department,

knowing that it is there for them when they need emergency care.

These decisions are not taken lightly, and Fraser Health and other health authorities

facing this situation do everything that they can to ensure that there is sufficient

staffing in an emergency department because it is so critical.

We are doing so much work to attract physicians, nurses, health care workers — everybody

that we need to run every aspect of our public health care system here in British

Columbia. When these very difficult decisions need to be taken, they are done in a

way to help protect people by ensuring that the B.C. emergency health services knows

what’s happening, that the public is alerted at a time so that they understand what

is happening.

[2:25 p.m.]

But we have so much work to continue to do, attracting new physicians, credentialing

internationally trained graduates and bringing in new nurses, and we’re going to continue

doing this work so that we can end these types of diversions.

The Speaker : Delta South, supplemental.

Ian Paton : For eight years in this seat in the Legislature, I’ve heard the same responses over

and over again.

The emergency room is supposed to be a 24-7 service, yet under this NDP government,

you can’t guarantee the ER will be open when you need it. Thinking of the sounds and

sirens at night around Ladner and Tsawwassen and wondering where that poor heart attack

or stroke victim will be transported to and how long it will take, or will they die

on the way in an ambulance?

Again, to the Minister of Health: when will you fix your government’s failure to ensure

B.C.’s emergency rooms are open when trauma strikes?

The Speaker : Through the Chair, Member.

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for the follow-up question there.

Again, there is so much work to do to build out the health care workers that we need

to ensure that every aspect of our health care system is functioning in the way that

British Columbians need and depend on.

We have so much to be proud of here in our public health care system. I know that

the doctors and the nurses and the workers in those hospitals are feeling this, and

they too…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Josie Osborne : …are impacted by this. They are working so hard.

We didn’t get into this problem….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Josie Osborne : We did not get into this problem overnight. That is why we are taking short-term

steps, through the work that we are doing to attract more physicians, nurses and health

care workers, but longer-term steps too, like building a new medical school in Surrey

through SFU.

When the opposition leader was in government, he had the opportunity to open a new

Surrey medical school, and he said no.

We are going to continue to take every step that we can, with every tool that we have

in our tool belt, to build our health care workforce in a time of a global shortage

so we can end these closures.

Ambulance Station and Service

in Kitwanga

Sharon Hartwell : I stand here today talking about the community of Kitwanga, which is way up north.

They have been fundraising for their ambulance station for over ten years. The building

that they were currently using was built in 1940, and it’s an outdated, old forestry

service building, which is now condemned. The space is the only ambulance station

in the area, and the next closest one is 45 minutes away in Hazelton.

The residents have raised $900,000 through bake sales, bingo games and local business

donations, yet not one thin dime from this government after repeated asks. Residents

have already lost lives due to the lack of emergency services in the region.

Will the minister step up to fund this critical piece of public safety infrastructure

in B.C.’s North?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for the question and for raising the profile of what I know

has been a real challenge for rural and remote communities, in terms of equitable

access to health care and knowing that the emergency health care system is there for

them when they need it.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Josie Osborne : When people call 911, they want to know that the ambulance is going to be there.

Since 2017, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of calls around the province,

and we’ve taken action to strengthen the services in the emergency health system.

That includes adding over 1,500 permanent new full-time paramedics, 77 new ambulances,

five new air ambulances — all part of strengthening the system.

I invite the member to provide my office with more details, specifically about the

proposal that she raises today in the House, so that I can address it and get back

to her with the information that she needs.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Sharon Hartwell : Thank you for that.

But we know public safety isn’t a strength for this government. They’ve waited way

too long. You would think providing basic ambulance services would be the least this

government could do. Industry has committed to help fund the station because of the

need to support those working in B.C.’s north.

You keep talking about the “true north strong and free.” Well, let’s step up and show

them how that’s done.

[2:30 p.m.]

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you again, to the member there.

I agree. People living in the North, people living in any place in British Columbia,

need to know that the ambulance system is there for them in their time of need. That’s

why we’re going to continue to take action to strengthen the paramedic system — to

work with the union, to work with the employer — to ensure that ambulances and paramedics,

first responders, are there for people when they are needed.

That includes the agreements that we have signed with paramedics to increase wages,

improving response times, and we are seeing results. We’re not going to let up. We’re

going to continue this work.

Once again, I invite the member to provide my office with more information so that

I can respond to her.

Rural Retention Incentive for

Health Care Professionals

Scott McInnis : The provincial rural retention incentive provides up to $8,000 a year for health

care professionals who work in remote and rural communities. Kimberley and Cranbrook

are a seven-hour drive from Kelowna and a daunting 12-hour trip from Vancouver.

Knowing this reality, my question to the Minister of Health is as follows. Why are

health care workers in these communities denied this very important financial incentive?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Yes, the provincial rural retention incentive is used to help fill some of the highest-need

gaps that are being experienced in remote and rural communities.

It is a priority of this government to ensure that there is more equitable access

to health care. That means helping to recruit more people to live the great rural

lifestyle that those of us who live in rural communities know about.

There is a defined set of communities and occupations that are eligible for this incentive.

We continue to take feedback from community leaders, from health care workers and

from others so that we can make changes and adapt and monitor as needed.

International Trade Offices

Teresa Wat : B.C.’s economy is under threat. Diversifying trade is one option to support those

in this dire time. The Premier should call up our B.C. trade office in Beijing.

Oh no, wait. You closed it.

What about one in Shanghai? Oh no, closed too.

How about Guangzhou? Closed.

How about Hong Kong? Closed.

I can continue the list. Tokyo, closed. Seoul, closed. Manila, closed. Jakarta, closed.

Wait. Singapore, a very important city, closed.

What about the four offices in India, one of our very friendly countries? New Delhi,

Mumbai, Chandigarh and Hyderabad — all closed five years ago. Five years of potential

trade diversification lost.

How can this Premier claim to be diversifying trade when his own government closes

our own B.C. trade offices?

Hon. Diana Gibson : Thank you, Member opposite, for the opportunity to talk about what’s really happening

in our trade offices.

In fact, we opened new offices in multiple countries in the last couple of years and

consolidated our offices. We consolidated our offices in order to save money. The

member opposite and their party ask for public accountability and judicious spending

of public money. We have saved taxpayers’ dollars while ensuring that we have better

access for our businesses to diplomatic and investment opportunities.

Our exports have grown in countries — South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Germany, the

United Kingdom; over 50 trade and invest offices in over 14 markets.

[2:35 p.m.]

We are laser focused. This government is laser focused on diversifying trade to meet

this crisis moment for our province. We’re going to stand up and defend jobs for British

Columbians and support our communities every day.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Teresa Wat : Time and time again, our previous government has found that B.C. needs to have our

own trade offices. But in 2018 and 2019, this government, on the 31st of December,

called all the 13 trade offices and told them that it’s closed. They haven’t even

had the time to pay their invoices. It’s so embarrassing. Their excuse is to try to

save money.

We have proven that we cannot not have our own B.C. trade offices but work with the

federal trade commissioner, because they won’t promote a B.C. trade office.

So what is this Premier talking about with diversifying our trade offices? The government

didn’t care about diversifying trade five years ago. How can anyone believe this Premier

will do it this time?

Hon. Diana Gibson : The member opposite knows that it is not true. It is false. We have kept our trade

offices functioning better and more affordably. We have increased….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Diana Gibson : Since we implemented the trade diversification strategy….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Diana Gibson : The member opposite knows we have had a trade diversification strategy since 2023

that has increased exports 23 percent. We have the least dependent province on the

U.S. We are very trade-diverse compared to the rest of the country, and we will continue

to ensure that we have more diverse trade relationships, with trade missions and trade

agreements that are supporting jobs across our economy.

We signed an agritech agreement with the Netherlands. We partnered with Japan Overseas

Infrastructure Investment Corp. for Transport and Urban Development to deliver innovative

and clean solutions for the future of transportation in our province.

[End of question period.]

Petitions

Scott McInnis : Pursuant to my question in question period, I have a petition here with approximately

500 signatures on it from the East Kootenay branch of the B.C. Nurses Union requesting

that they receive the provincial rural retention incentive.

Tabling Documents

Hon. Niki Sharma : I present the 2024 annual report of the Property Assessment Appeal Board.

Hon. Christine Boyle : I have the pleasure to present the B.C. Treaty Commission annual report from 2024,

in accordance with the Treaty Commission Act.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I have a series of motions to move. I have let the Opposition House Leader know what

they are, as well as the Green Party House Leader. They are the straightforward committees.

I call Motion 1 on the order paper.

Government Motions on Notice

Motion 1 — Appointment of Special

Committee to Review the

Public Interest Disclosure Act

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 1, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, to

appoint a special committee to review the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

[That a Special Committee to Review the Public Interest Disclosure Act be appointed to review the Public Interest Disclosure Act (S.B.C. 2018, c. 22), pursuant to

section 50 of the Act.

That the Special Committee have the powers of a Select Standing Committee and in addition

be empowered to:

a. appoint of its number one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees

any of the matters referred to the Special Committee and to delegate to the subcommittees

all or any of its powers except the power to report directly to the House;

b. sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation

until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

c. conduct consultations by any means the Special Committee considers appropriate;

d. adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and,

e. retain personnel as required to assist the Special Committee.

That the Special Committee report to the House by February 19, 2026, and that during

a period of adjournment, the Special Committee deposit its reports with the Clerk

of the Legislative Assembly, and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, or

in the next following Session, as the case may be, the Chair present all reports to

the House.

That the Special Committee be composed of the following Members: Darlene Rotchford (Convener), Rosalyn Bird , Jennifer Blatherwick , Dana Lajeunesse and Lawrence Mok .]

The Speaker : The question is the adoption of the motion.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 2 on the order paper.

Motion 2 — Powers and Role of

Finance Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 2, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper. The

motion provides a terms of reference for the Select Standing Committee on Finance

and Government Services.

[That the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services be empowered

to exercise oversight of each of the following statutory officers: Auditor General,

Chief Electoral Officer, Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Human Rights Commissioner,

Information and Privacy Commissioner and Registrar of Lobbyists, Merit Commissioner,

Ombudsperson, Police Complaint Commissioner, and Representative for Children and Youth.

This includes:

a. considering and making recommendations on the annual reports, rolling three-year

service plans, budgets, and any other matters respecting the effective and efficient

administration of each statutory office;

b. inquiring into and making recommendations with respect to other matters brought to

the Committee’s attention by a statutory officer; and,

of each statutory officer arising as a request of a statutory officer during their

term of appointment.

That the Committee be designated as the Committee referred to in sections 6, 7, 19,

20, 21 and 23 of the Auditor General Act (S.B.C. 2003, c. 2) and that the report in

section 22 of the Auditor General Act (S.B.C. 2003, c. 2) be referred to the Committee.

That the Committee be designated as the Committee referred to in sections 47.02 and

47.03 of the Human Rights Code (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 210).

That the Committee be designated as the Committee referred to in

section 3 of the

Budget Transparency and Accountability Act (S.B.C. 2000, c. 23).

That, in addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committees

of the House, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services be

empowered to:

a. appoint of its number one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees

any of the matters referred to the Committee and to delegate to the subcommittees

all or any of its powers except the power to report directly to the House;

b. sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation

until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

c. conduct consultations by any means the Committee considers appropriate;

d. adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and,

e. retain personnel as required to assist the Committee.

That the Committee report to the House as soon as possible, and that during a period

of adjournment, the Committee deposit its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative

Assembly, and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, or in the next following

Session, as the case may be, the Chair present all reports to the House.]

The Speaker : The question is the adoption of the motion.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 3 on the order paper.

Motion 3 — Appointment of

Special Committee to

Appoint Statutory Officers

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 3, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, to

appoint a Special Committee to Appoint Statutory Officers.

[That a Special Committee to Appoint Statutory Officers be appointed to select and

unanimously recommend to the Legislative Assembly the appointment of:

a. an individual to hold office as Auditor General, pursuant to

section 2 of the Auditor General Act (S.B.C. 2003, c. 2);

b. an individual to hold office as Chief Electoral Officer, pursuant to

section 4 of

the Election Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 106); and,

c. an individual to hold office as Conflict of Interest Commissioner, pursuant to

section

14 of the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 287).

That the Special Committee have the powers of a Select Standing Committee and in addition

be empowered to:

a. appoint of its number one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees

any of the matters referred to the Special Committee and to delegate to the subcommittees

all or any of its powers except the power to report directly to the House;

b. sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation

until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

c. adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and,

d. retain personnel as required to assist the Special Committee.

That the Special Committee report to the House on each of its recommendations as soon

as possible, and that during a period of adjournment, the Special Committee deposit

its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and upon resumption of the

sittings of the House, or in the next following Session, as the case may be, the Chair

present all reports to the House.

That the Special Committee be composed of the following Members: Janet Routledge (Convener), Harman Bhangu , Linda Hepner , Stephanie Higginson and Qwulti’stunaat / Debra Toporowski .]

The Speaker : You have heard the question.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 4 on the order paper.

Motion 4 — Powers and Role of

Public Accounts Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 4, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper. The

motion provides a terms of reference for the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

[That all reports of the Auditor General of British Columbia transmitted to the Speaker

of the Legislative Assembly be deemed referred to the Select Standing Committee on

Public Accounts. For greater certainty, the following exceptions are provided:

a. the report referred to in

section 22 of the Auditor General Act (S.B.C. 2003, c. 2) shall be referred to the Select Standing Committee on Finance

and Government Services; and,

b. reports of the Auditor General respecting the Legislative Assembly prepared under

the provisions of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 258) shall be referred to the Legislative Assembly Management

Committee.

That the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts be the Committee referred to

in sections 10 and 14 of the Auditor General Act (S.B.C. 2003, c. 2).

That, in addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committees

of the House, the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts be empowered to:

a. appoint of its number one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees

any of the matters referred to the Committee and to delegate to the subcommittees

all or any of its powers except the power to report directly to the House;

b. sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation

until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

c. adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and,

d. retain personnel as required to assist the Committee.

That the Committee report to the House as soon as possible, and that during a period

of adjournment, the Committee deposit its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative

Assembly, and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, or in the next following

Session, as the case may be, the Chair present all reports to the House.]

The Speaker : You have heard the question.

Motion approved.

[2:40 p.m.]

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 5 on the order paper.

Motion 5 — Powers and Role of

Private Bills and Members’

Bills Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 5, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper. The

motion provides a terms of reference for the Select Standing Committee on Private

Bills and Private Members’ Bills.

[That the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills be

empowered to consider:

1. Public Bills in the Hands of a Private Member committed to the Committee pursuant

to Standing Order 84A and within 30 sitting days of a Bill’s committal:

a. report each such Bill back to the House with or without amendment; or,

b. recommend back to the House that any such Bill not proceed further.

2. Private Bills referred to the Committee pursuant to Standing Order 105 and to report

to the House on any such Bill as soon as possible.

That, in addition to the powers previously conferred upon Select Standing Committees

of the House, the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’

Bills be empowered to:

a. appoint of its number one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees

any of the matters referred to the Committee and to delegate to the subcommittees

all or any of its powers except the power to report directly to the House;

b. sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation

until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

c. conduct consultations by any means the Committee considers appropriate;

d. adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and,

e. retain personnel as required to assist the Committee.

That the Committee report to the House as soon as possible, and that during a period

of adjournment, the Committee deposit its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative

Assembly, and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, or in the next following

Session, as the case may be, the Chair present all reports to the House.]

Motion approved.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 6 on the order paper.

Motion 6 — Powers and Role of

Children and Youth Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 6, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper. The

motion provides a terms of reference for the Select Standing Committee on Children

and Youth.

[That the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth be empowered to foster greater

awareness and understanding among legislators and the public of the B.C. child welfare

system, including the specific needs of Indigenous children, youth, families and communities,

and in particular to:

a. receive and review the annual service plan from the Representative for Children and

Youth (the “Representative”) that includes a statement of goals and identifies specific

objectives and performance measures that will be required to exercise the powers and

perform the functions and duties of the Representative during the fiscal year;

b. be the Committee to which the Representative reports, at least annually;

c. refer to the Representative for investigation the critical injury or death of a child;

d. receive and consider all reports and plans transmitted by the Representative to the

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly; and,

e. undertake, pursuant to

section 30 (1) of the Representative for Children and Youth Act (S.B.C. 2006, c. 29), a comprehensive review of the Act or portions of the Act at

least once every five years, but by no later than April 1, 2027, to determine whether

the functions of the Representative described in

section 6 are still required to ensure

that the needs of children and young adults as defined in that

section are met.

That, in addition to the powers previously conferred upon Select Standing Committees

of the House, the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth be empowered to:

a. appoint of its number one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees

any of the matters referred to the Committee and to delegate to the subcommittees

all or any of its powers except the power to report directly to the House;

b. sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation

until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

c. conduct consultations by any means the Committee considers appropriate;

d. adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and,

e. retain personnel as required to assist the Committee.

That the Committee report to the House as soon as possible, and that during a period

of adjournment, the Committee deposit its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative

Assembly, and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, or in the next following

Session, as the case may be, the Chair present all reports to the House.]

Motion approved.

Orders of the Day

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call second reading of Bill 2, Acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner Continuation

Act.

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 2 — Acting Conflict of

Interest Commissioner

Continuation Act

Deputy Speaker : We’ll call the House back to order, and today we’ll call on the Attorney General

to begin second reading and to move the motion on Bill 2.

Hon. Niki Sharma : I move that the bill now be read a second time.

This bill, the Acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner Continuation Act, creates

temporary legislation to allow the acting commissioner’s appointment to continue until

the next commissioner can be appointed for a five-year term.

The Members’ Conflict of Interest Act states that a commissioner must be appointed

who is an officer of the Legislative Assembly. The commissioner serves a vital role

by overseeing and disclosing processes for members, reviewing allegations of contraventions

of the act and promoting public confidence in elected public officials as they conduct

public business.

The 2024 provincial general election prevented the typical recruitment process from

taking place before the commissioner’s appointment expired on January 6, 2025. The

Hon. Victoria Gray, KC, was appointed acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner by

the Lieutenant Governor in Council to ensure that this important office did not become

vacant.

Pursuant to the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act, this acting appointment will expire

after 20 sitting days or, according to the current parliamentary calendar, on April

7, 2025. The next Conflict of Interest Commissioner will not be appointed by that

date, as time is required for a thorough recruitment process to be conducted by a

special committee. The bill will permit the acting commissioner appointment to continue

until the next commissioner can be appointed to avoid a vacancy in the office.

The bill includes a clear time limitation to ensure that a recruitment process takes

place to enable the Legislative Assembly to make a recommendation for the next Conflict

of Interest Commissioner to be appointed for a five-year term.

I just wanted to comment and show my appreciation for the acting Conflict of Interest

Commissioner.

[2:45 p.m.]

We have a lot of new MLAs here in the House on both sides, and what they will find

is that the Conflict of Interest Commissioner and her office is a very useful process

in order to make sure that members can understand what their commitments are to abide

by any conflict-of-interest rules. I also say that it’s very accessible. Any member

that at any time has a conflict or even a question about what might be a conflict

can seek out the advice of this office.

That’s a very useful tool, and I think even more important now, when we think about

how our democratic institutions and our structures are in place to keep this building

and our governmental process — to have the integrity of the public and for people

to know not only that individual members can get the guidance of the conflict commissioner

but that she is also the watchdog to make sure that every single one of the members

in this House is acting in accordance with the rules.

I just want to thank Victoria Gray, KC, for agreeing to serve on an acting basis following

the end of her official term at the end of 2024, as well as for her service for the

previous five years. Ms. Gray served for 16 years on B.C.’s Supreme Court between

2001 and 2017.

A little bit about her background that makes her a really good candidate. We’re grateful

for her continuing to act as an acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner. Before her

appointment as a judge, Ms. Gray practised law for 19 years as a commercial litigator

in Vancouver. From 1993 to 1998, while she was practising law, she was also an adjunct

professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia, teaching

civil litigation.

Ms. Gray has served on a number of boards, including the Law Foundation of B.C., YWCA

Metro Vancouver and West Coast LEAF Legal Education and Action Fund Society, all of

which she served as chair. Ms. Gray is also an active musician, recently playing instruments

with the Victoria Symphony and Palm Court Light Orchestra.

The Conflict of Interest Commissioner, even if they do not get to the point of a formal

ruling, plays a vital role in our democracy. Beyond their duty to investigate complaints,

the part of the work that tends to generate headlines, the commissioner is there to

provide guidance and advice to members at any point.

Very, very few of us elected here ever intend to engage in a conflict of interest.

Some do, and that is regrettable. But most don’t. I want to be clear on that point.

We come here with good intentions to serve our communities. Many of us come here with

pre-existing business relationships. Many of us have spouses or partners who are involved

in their own line of work. None of this is illegal or even necessarily a problem.

But it is critical that a clear line is drawn between the public interest, which we

are here to uphold, and the private interest of a member. Where that line is in doubt,

unclear or in any way not obvious, the commissioner is there to guide and interpret

the act to ensure compliance.

Some stats from the most recent annual report that are helpful to our debate here

today. In 2021, the office received 138 requests; in 2022, 113. And in 2023, they

received 105.

If the commissioner concludes, for example, that one of us will not be in a conflict

of interest in a certain situation, that opinion will be binding. As a result, that

MLA can avoid conflicts of interest and act with confidence on the basis of the commissioner’s

advice. This sort of work doesn’t make headlines, but it is critical guidance to all

of us in this place.

Of course, sometimes there are those who come here with nefarious intent. I’m sure

that’s none of us here in the chamber right now or in government, but that role of

the commissioner in these situations is, of course, critical.

As noted, the commissioner often does not get to the point of a ruling. There are

only five published rulings from the last decade. To see the work of the commissioner

only through the lens of published rulings is to misunderstand the commissioner’s

work.

As I noted, if this legislation does not pass, the position of the commissioner will

be vacant on April 7. That is the 20th sitting day, the final date for the current

interim appointment. It will take some months for the legislative committee to do

its work and engage in a proper search.

I just want to talk a little bit about the critical importance of that special committee

and the independence. Of course, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner serves all

of us in an impartial way. That special committee will be tasked to make sure that

a search is done in an appropriate manner, and that all of the processes in order

to ensure that our next conflict commissioner is the right fit for such an important

job…. I’m grateful to the committee for undertaking that work and the work they’ll

be doing in the coming months.

[2:50 p.m.]

Should the position become vacant, there would simply be no commissioner. This would

create a big gap not only for the integrity of this institution and our democracy

but also for members that are just starting up, becoming members and understanding

what their roles are.

That’s a big process, and I know for a fact that Victoria Gray sits down with each

member early on in their career to help them understand and go through their disclosure

forms. That’s a really important process — to make sure that every member is starting

off with the right information, understanding their obligations. There’s a real good

look at any potential conflicts that might arise due to their business dealings or

those of their spouse or related family members.

So of course, nobody would agree that that position should be vacant. As we all know,

when we go away to campaigns and elections, the public service is here to make sure

that the business of government continues. In this instance, it was a matter of timing,

where the vacancy was created during the time of the election, and it needs to be

remedied by a piece of legislation, to make sure that the situation where there isn’t

an acting conflict commissioner just doesn’t occur.

That way, the public can have the reassurance that there is someone on hand to guide

decisions — someone for members to reach out to, to discuss whether situations may

be in hand — and that there’s someone for the public to count on to investigate, should

any unthinkable conflict, willingly or not willingly, arise for a member.

I was reflecting, as we are often doing now, on the importance of our institutions

and the importance of understanding the checks and balances that are in place to make

sure that the public can have confidence not only in this institution but also in

democracy. The Conflict of Interest Commissioner is one such institution.

It’s important that we reflect on how, without these institutions…. We can see this

happening in the States. If they’re undermined or if we, as members in this institution,

don’t uphold these institutions and the rules they lay before us, things can easily

degrade. Public interest and private interest can be blurred, and decisions of government

can be influenced through those private actions, in a wrong way. I’m really proud

of the work that the conflict commissioner does, and that the whole office does, to

make sure that’s not the case here in B.C.

A little bit of history about how the act came to be. It was a Social Credit government

that introduced the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act in 1990, but it was the B.C.

NDP that first advanced the concept in a previous private member’s bill. In response

to an egregious run of scandals under the government of that time, that initial 1990

legislation established this office, but it was only introduced under extreme duress.

It was the B.C. NDP government that renovated the act in 1992, expanding and enhancing

the commissioner’s powers. In fact, my colleague the Government House Leader, the

member for Port Coquitlam, spoke to that legislation in the House in 1992, one of

his first speeches in the place. I won’t put on my accent for the Government House

Leader, but I will read a little bit from his speech because I think it’s worth remembering

and reflecting on.

“Whether we like it or not, the public holds us to high standards in terms of conduct

both inside and outside the House — how we do our dealings here and, in particular,

our private financial dealings. I think they have to have confidence in us.

“I think there are two ways in which they see that confidence. One is the personal

integrity of each member, and the other is the integrity of the act that we’re governed

by. This act is by far the most comprehensive, toughest act in the country.

“I think it’s very important that we send the right signals to the public. This act

addresses that. It sets a standard which we have to abide by, and that’s what the

public wants. It’s about restoring confidence and faith.

“If we accomplish that this session, I think we’ve gone a long way towards restoring

honour to this profession. I think it is an honourable profession. I’m very proud

to be here in this House, and that’s why I have no problem with supporting this act.

I think it’s probably one of the most important and fundamentally right things that

we do in this session and this term.”

[2:55 p.m.]

I just concur with these statements that every member, when they get the trust of

their community to sit here in these chairs, upholds these positions with the integrity

and the respect of the public that it deserves.

That means we ensure that we are not financially benefiting personally from any decisions

held here. The public can have confidence not only that everybody sitting in this

chamber is acting in accordance with the rules but that there’s oversight to make

sure that no rules are breached. We have the confidence of the public to do that.

Each and every one of the members in this House, I know, will take their obligations

under the conflict-of-interest laws and the commission seriously. They’ll submit their

disclosures, and they’ll make sure that they recuse themselves from decisions where

a conflict might be implicated. That’s how the public maintains respect in a democracy,

and that’s how we keep the institutions going.

I just want to end by talking a little bit more about what will happen after this.

A special committee is struck, just like we do with a lot of the independent officers

in the House. Once that special committee is struck, they will be tasked to doing

a search to ensure that the candidates are screened properly, that they’re interviewed

properly and that they are selected before they can act in the role of something like

a conflict commissioner.

That is work that will happen shortly, and I trust the staff here at the Legislature

to make sure that happens in an expedited way. I would just ask that each member not

only support this bill but also support what underlies this bill, which is our respect

for our democracy, our integrity in our roles, and making sure that the public can

maintain the confidence in the work that we’re doing here — preventing things like

what’s happening in other countries, where those lines are getting blurred every day.

It calls upon us to act with more strength, more integrity and more solidarity when

it comes to these rules, both written and unwritten, that keep our democracy strong.

Deputy Speaker : The chair will recognize the member for Richmond-Queensborough.

Steve Kooner : Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to address this House today.

I come before you with a mandate to speak not only on behalf of my colleagues on this

side of the House but for all those who share our commitment to accountability and

good governance.

For my colleagues on this side of the House and across the aisle, I am back. If you

missed me last Thursday, I was getting mouth surgery. I’m sure everyone here is happy

to see me back. Although my mouth is still in pain, I’m here to talk to you about

this bill. I want to note that the pain from my surgery was planned. The last-minute

extension in this bill is unplanned, and it is symbolic of the ill-prepared and inept

attitude constantly displayed by this reactive government.

I’m glad to be back in the House to respond to this piece of legislation that the

current Attorney General is proposing. Even though my mouth is still in pain, the

duty to serve the people of British Columbia compels me to speak on this pressing

issue. I stand here ready to scrutinize the legislative proposal laid before us, a

proposal that, in my view, is symbolic of the broader pattern of neglect and mismanagement.

I see that the government is asking to have a continuation for the acting Conflict

of Interest Commissioner. I am here to announce, on behalf of the Conservative caucus,

that we will be supporting the bill. But the bottom line is that we wouldn’t need

this extension if they’d done their job the first time. The position should have already

been properly staffed.

Let us not lose sight of the critical matter at hand. The government now seeks to

extend the term of the acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner, a move that may seem

like a simple administrative adjustment but that reveals a deeper, worrisome pattern.

Why are they asking for an extension now? This is typical NDP incompetence. The government

should have been focused on proper staffing in the first place. This is just another

prime example of this government’s incompetence. We wouldn’t need this if it had been

done properly the first time.

[3:00 p.m.]

The foundation of B.C.’s public service relies on good planning and execution, not

hasty fixes and not ad hoc extensions. We are now being forced to rectify what should

have been managed correctly from the outset.

It is clear to everyone that there is an ongoing theme of NDP complacency. The current

provincial government is surrounded by a toxic air of failure, and I think we all

know the expiration is near. It is not an overstatement to say that this is symbolic

of a recurring trend, a trend marked by complacency, mismanagement and a worrying

lack of foresight.

Now, let me bring to your attention the real-world consequences of such administrative

failures. Across B.C., residents have already suffered the impact of inaction. In

my neighbouring riding, Delta Hospital emergency services recently shut down for multiple

days.

This government has failed to deal with tariffs and refuses to properly advocate for

the people of British Columbia. There has been zero positive action on the drug crisis

killing our people. Instead, they make the situation worse with decriminalization

and safe supply.

These are not isolated incidents. They form an ongoing theme of reactive, short-term

solutions that fail to address the broader issues plaguing our province. This is an

ongoing theme of reactivity from the expired NDP. They are short-sighted and are constantly

caught off guard.

Today we face more than a mere procedural extension. We confront a legacy of mismanagement

that has eroded the trust and betrayed proud British Columbians. Our province deserves

decisive, forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes strength and our shared values,

not temporary fixes and weak responses.

I call on my colleagues to reject the error of complacency and incompetence. The time

for half measures is over. It is time to put B.C. first. We must unite to send a message

to those who undermine our future. I call upon my colleagues to join me in sending

a clear message.

The era of big government, complacency and incompetence will soon be over. British

Columbia deserves more, and together Conservatives will ensure that better days are

on the horizon for our province.

Paul Choi : I’m here to speak on a critical piece of legislation, the Acting Conflict of Interest

Commissioner Continuation Act. This role is vital for keeping our democratic process

transparent and ethical, and I look forward to explaining why this matters to all

of us.

The context of Bill 2 here is very small, but it’s a very important piece of legislation.

It ensures that the current acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner remains in office

until a new commissioner is appointed by the Legislative Assembly. This will ensure

that we avoid any vacancy in the commissioner’s position.

What is the Conflict of Interest Commissioner? With a lot of members here who are

new, I think it’s important that we go over this. It’s an independent officer of the

Legislative Assembly, and it provides advice to MLAs concerning obligations under

our Members’ Conflict of Interest Act.

One of the most important things, of course, is that their mandate is to promote public

confidence in elected officials as we conduct public businesses. The public confidence

is important in any public servant, as we know, but it’s even more crucially important

for all of us here, who are in a privileged position as lawmakers to impact millions

of lives, potentially. In other words, with greater power must come greater responsibilities

to avoid conflict of interest.

[3:05 p.m.]

Now, the commissioner is an independent office, as we discussed. It’s this independent

office that they hold that must be there in place to ensure that we as MLAs remain

free of bias and any hidden agendas and by providing confidential advice, which is

very critical, so that we can go and get the advice we need beforehand and make sure

and have the confidence that it’s confidential. It will help us to ensure that we

maintain public trust in the work we do.

A member can consult with the commissioner at any time, as we know, to ensure that

they are not just free of actual conflict but perceived conflict as well. This is

where it can get sometimes confusing. That really is important — that we have access

and that we have commissioners who are in place for us to seek advice for every little

situation that might come up in our day of us doing our work as well.

We know that under the act, sometimes the way it’s worded can raise questions and

can become confusing. I myself looked at the act and was looking at, as what we as

members have heard, the limit of $250 when we’re doing our work and there is a potential

gift that’s received. That’s under

section 7 of the Members’ Conflict of Interest

Act. It’s under

section 7(3), accepting extra gift.

Most of us new MLAs know there is a $250 limit, but something most of us may not know

is that that $250 is also limited by total value received directly or indirectly from

one source in any 12-month period. This is where it can get confusing, and this is

where we have to ensure that we have a commissioner, that we can go and seek advice.

That 12-month period — we don’t know when it ends and when it begins. We may need

clarification in that aspect as well.

As we know, sometimes we don’t know certain items and their value. This is where we

can get clarification as well. We know that many items can be deemed to be a certain

value from one source versus another source. So even seeking clarification on which

source we need to rely on for the value that is calculated is critically important.

I also remember, when I was working as a police officer, this one time that I was

working with my partner. It was near Christmastime, and I was working on the road

with my partner. We were sitting in the patrol car, and we were just writing up a

report. We know that as police officers, public-facing public servants, similar to

the work that we MLAs do here, we’re not allowed to accept any gift.

Now, at that time, there was an old lady that came out from her house where we were

parked in the street. She knocked on our window, and first instinct was that, of course,

she wanted to complain about something. Maybe, perhaps, she wasn’t happy that we were

sitting there for too long. A lot of thoughts went through our heads. When we rolled

the window down, what she told us was that it’s Christmas, so she wanted to wish us

merry Christmas and give us a box of chocolates.

Now, typically, when a member of the public offers us any gift, we would refuse it.

But she was so sweet, and we could not, for good of our heart, refuse that gift.

Interjection.

Paul Choi : Absolutely.

So we ended up receiving it, but then after we had received it, there was a long discussion

between me and my partner in the car on what we should do with that lovely box of

chocolates. We went on into discussion about the fact…. Did she give it to us because

we are police officers? Did she give it to us because of the office we hold? Would

she have given us this box of chocolates if we were just random strangers walking

down the street?

After a lot of discussions, we couldn’t throw the box of chocolates away, but we ended

up declaring it and then giving it to our police department for them to deal with.

[3:10 p.m.]

I thought back to that time when I was looking at this member’s conflict of interest

and when I got the application initially, once I was elected, to submit to the commissioner….

I wished that there was some sort of avenue like we have as MLAs where we could consult

in those sorts of situations. There are so many situations that we come across as

we’re working as MLAs that might raise an actual or perceived conflict. This is why,

for me personally, I was really wanting to speak to the bill and, of course, support

the bill that is being presented here.

We know that in addition to providing confidential advice, our commissioner oversees

the disclosure process. For a lot of us here who are new MLAs, it was a new experience,

having been contacted by the commissioner’s office and required to submit an application

process.

For me personally, those applications sometimes required some clarification, and even

reaching out to them, seeking clarification and guidance, I thought was very valuable.

Once I submitted the application, there was feedback that was given for me to give

clarification back. It’s really critically important for that reason that we have

a commissioner in place.

It’s also important, as our Attorney General has clarified, that we need to be able

to have a mechanism where we can respond to allegations that a member has potentially

contravened

an act. This is to ensure that the public has confidence that we are being

held accountable and will act impartially and will always put the interest of the

public at the forefront. If there is an inquiry that’s needed, of course, the commissioner

will oversee that to ensure that there is a safeguard for the ethical standards that

are required for us.

Now, normally a new commissioner would be appointed. However, last year was an unusual

year, as we know. It was the 2024 provincial general election that was held, so there

was no fall legislative session. This now requires a legislative committee to select

a new commissioner, but it could not be appointed until recently, causing delays.

We know that the current acting commissioner, Hon. Victoria Gray, remains in a critical

position to fill the gap until the formal appointment of a new commissioner will take

place. My colleague the Attorney General has spoken about the background of the commissioner,

but I personally know her to be a very well-known, respected lawyer and a judge with

significant experience.

She, of course, has a background in a bachelor of music and a bachelor of laws from

the University of Toronto. She was appointed to the B.C. Supreme Court in 2001 and

served as a justice for 16 years until retirement in August 2017, making us confident

that she has the right experience and knowledge to continue to act as our acting commissioner.

She practised law for 19 years as a commercial litigator in Vancouver before that,

and of course, she was an adjunct professor from 1993 to 1998 at Peter A. Allard School

of Law, teaching civil litigation. Again, I have also obtained my master of laws from

UBC, and I have heard how she was an amazing professor in school.

She is also a musician, and in my opinion, that is what keeps her grounded and makes

her very in touch with different aspects of our lives and society, as well, not just

focused solely on law.

She serves on the board of the Law Foundation of B.C.; YWCA Metro Vancouver, as a

chair; West Coast LEAF society, as a chair.

She played oboe for the Victoria Symphony and Palm Court Light Orchestra.

[3:15 p.m.]

In recognition of her notable, significant contribution to the legal system in B.C.,

she was appointed King’s Counsel in 1997.

Our commissioner has been acting and working as a commissioner for the last five years,

and with that combination of experience, we’re confident that she is the right person

to continue to be the acting commissioner until a new person can be appointed.

The purpose of Bill 2 is to ensure, as we discussed, we have acting Commissioner Victoria

Gray continue in the office until a new commissioner can be appointed. Without this

legislation, we know there will be a vacancy as of April 7.

It’s a straightforward but crucial measure. It extends the current acting conflict-of-interest

term until a permanent replacement can be appointed. Without it, we’ll face a vacancy

that will leave all of us here, MLAs, without clear ethical guidance and the public

without assurance that their elected officials are held accountable.

A special legislative committee will need approximately six to eight months to conduct

thorough research and find a new commissioner. We know that as crucial as this role

is, that’s not a process we want to rush.

Normally the act allows for an acting appointment to continue for 20 sitting days,

and that’s where on April 7, it will come to an end. This new legislation will extend

that acting appointment beyond the 20-day limit. The act will automatically be repealed

in 2026, by which time a new commissioner will be in place.

I’d also like to add that this isn’t the first time that something like this has happened.

There is a precedent where similar stand-alone legislation has been used in previous

cases — for an acting Police Complaint Commissioner, an acting Information and Privacy

Commissioner — to keep key oversight roles filled as well.

In

summary, this is small, but it’s a vital piece of legislation. We have to ensure

that we have this bill in place so that we do not have any vacancies or gaps in our

conflict commissioner office. We are confident that our commissioner, Victoria Gray,

has the right expertise and knowledge to continue to act as the commissioner. We have

to ensure that the public confidence is maintained throughout the process.

I want to thank everyone for your attention. I want to say that it is vitally important

that the role of Conflict of Interest Commissioner is about more than just rules;

it’s about maintaining the rules and the public’s trust in the people that they have

elected, which is all of us here. By supporting this legislation, we are affirming

our commitment to transparency, accountability and the ethical standard the people

of British Columbia deserve.

Stephanie Higginson : It’s my first time. I’m actually kind of standing up to tell a personal story. I

was inspired by all of the talk about the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, and I

thought maybe I would share how helpful the office has been to myself as a new MLA.

I promise not to take the full 30 minutes, because I’m just winging this, but I thought

my stories were actually important to share with the members to understand the importance

of the continuity that we may have if this bill is supported by all members.

I stand to speak in support of the stand-alone bill extending the term of acting Conflict

of Interest Commissioner.

[3:20 p.m.]

Even before I became an MLA, I started leaning on the Office of the Conflict of Interest

Commissioner to answer questions about my family and our business and what it would

mean if I became an MLA. Would I be able to serve as an MLA without impacting my family’s

business?

I started emailing the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, and they spent a lot of

time walking through with me what I would need to know and do as an MLA. My family

owns a sawmill. Forestry is a really topical and important sector right now, and I

knew then that we were going to be talking about it a lot. I wanted to make sure that

I could be compliant and that I could serve my constituency well, knowing that we

are held to a higher standard.

I also have a close, direct family member who is a registered federal lobbyist. I

didn’t want anything that I was doing to negatively impact that close family member.

So I had a lot of questions before I even decided to become an MLA about what my family

connections, my family business, would mean if I became an MLA.

The Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner and the commissioner herself,

Victoria Gray, were really helpful at helping me navigate this so that I could, if

I was successful in the election — which I was, because here I am — make sure that

I could navigate these things properly and not have an unintentional misstep.

As was already said here today, we all come here with very, very good intentions,

and I wanted to make sure that I could represent my constituents properly. As I said,

I am a person who thrives on compliance, and this is an office where you’ve really

got to be compliant.

As an MLA now, I have leaned on the Conflict of Interest Commissioner repeatedly since

I was successful in the election, and the advice has been invaluable. For the general

public, what that means to British Columbians is that there are a lot of questions

we have to answer because we’re held to a higher standard. I think what I’ve learned

through this process is that it should give British Columbians a lot of trust in the

way this office operates to ensure that all of us in this chamber are held to that

higher standard and aren’t accidentally, or maybe even nefariously, having a misstep.

I’ve really appreciated the support I’ve gotten from the Conflict of Interest Commissioner.

She has been really helpful to me. She has helped me navigate questions on things

like confidential advice on obligations under the act. She supported me in the disclosure

process. She has helped to ensure that my disclosure statements were completed correctly.

As a small business owner that also self-directs their investments, the process was

very, very confusing for me and my family. I leaned on the Office of the Conflict

of Interest Commissioner and Victoria Gray a lot through the process. I was very thankful

for the robust advice that I was provided. The Conflict of Interest Commissioner also

helped me navigate this maze to fulfil my intentions to be compliant with this critical

act.

I believe that I will be sitting on this committee. There have been a lot of committees.

I think that my fellow new members know it’s a bit hard to keep up, but I think I’m

on the special committee that will be in charge of conducting a thorough, in-depth

process to find a new commissioner. As we heard, it’s going to take six to eight months

for this to be done properly, and it needs to be done properly for this critical role.

Through this process, with so many new members, it only makes sense that the current

Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Victoria Gray, stay while that thorough search

is conducted. Having the office fall empty seems completely ridiculous to me when

we have someone who is so qualified and so willing to continue to serve British Columbians.

With so many new people, having anyone but the current and experienced Conflict of

Interest Commissioner remain in place seems like it’s not the right idea. She’s the

right person to stay in place.

I heard some questions from the members opposite about why now, and that’s a very

clear answer. It’s because the committee that’s needed to conduct the search couldn’t

be appointed until we were sitting. In the fall, the most important demonstration

of democracy that brings us all here was happening: an election. This is one of those

things where the timings sometimes bump up against each other, and that’s what happened

in this particular situation.

[3:25 p.m.]

With record turnover of members in this House, we’re fortunate, I believe, that the

current commissioner has agreed to stay on and serve. I’m grateful to Victoria Gray

for agreeing to continue to serve British Columbians.

These are the reasons that I stand in support of this bill extending the term of the

acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner.

Deputy Speaker : Seeing no further speakers, I’ll call on the Attorney General to close the debate

this afternoon.

Hon. Niki Sharma : With that, Mr. Speaker, I move second reading.

Motion approved.

Hon. Niki Sharma : I move that the bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House to be considered

at the next sitting after today.

Motion approved.

Hon. Niki Sharma : I call second reading of Bill 3.

Bill 3 — Protected Areas of

British Columbia Amendment Act, 2025

Hon. Laanas / Tamara Davidson : I move that this bill be now read a second time.

Amendments are proposed to the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act. Provincial

parks are B.C.’s natural treasures and play a vital role in preserving ecological,

recreational and cultural values. B.C. has one of the largest protected area systems

in North America. There are over 1,000 provincial parks, recreation sites, conservancies,

ecological reserves and protected areas covering more than 14 million hectares, or

approximately 14.4 percent of provincial land base.

I love B.C. parks. Hiking along the trails and learning more about the flora and fauna

within the park system has been a lifelong passion of mine. I also love learning more

about the Indigenous communities that are within the park systems or beside them.

This bill proposes amendments to rename two class A parks to include Indigenous place-names.

Acknowledging the Indigenous place-names allows British Columbians to connect with

the history and cultures of our province and supports ongoing reconciliation with

Indigenous peoples throughout B.C. and the implementation of the United Nations declaration

on the rights of Indigenous peoples, UNDRIP.

Article 13 of UNDRIP specifically refers to place-names. Being an Indigenous woman,

I know the important role that place-names play in Indigenous cultures. I know that

it connects us all when we call the place by the proper name. It’s important for Indigenous

peoples to feel a part of the history and a part of the culture and the framework

within our B.C. systems.

Enderby Cliffs Park will be named Tplaqín/Enderby Park. Tplaqín means “cliff” in Interior

Salish.

Maquinna Marine Park will be named Nism̓aakqin, which means “our land that we care for” in the nuučaan̓uɫ language.

A lot of hikers and people that use the park system have already begun calling these

different places by their Indigenous place-names. Local community hikers, especially,

and in different areas where they’ve started to use the name. This is important work

for British Columbia to do.

Second, the bill continues the routine practice of adding to the protected area system,

modifying protected area boundaries, improving protected area boundary descriptions

and making administrative changes.

These amendments will add land to three class A parks. I will now detail these additions.

[3:30 p.m.]

Wells Grey Park near Clearwater will have 33 hectares of land added. This land was

purchased by the ministry in 2022 to protect wetland and forest that is surrounded

by the existing park on three sides.

Cinnemousun Narrows Park on Shuswap Lake will have three hectares of land and three

hectares of adjacent lakeshore added. The three hectares of Crown land has no encumbrances

and is surrounded by the park on three sides. Three hectares of lake foreshore on

Shuswap Lake, in the front of the property, is also being added. This popular water

access park will have more contiguous protection and management of the land and beach

areas as a result of these amendments.

Naikoon Park, on Haida Gwaii, is in my riding, and I have the pleasure of enjoying

so much time spent there. I know firsthand how important it is for many visitors to

Haida Gwaii to have access to campsites, facilities and the beautiful nature within

the parks. My family has gone there to take photos of my nieces in their graduation

dresses. Visiting Hereditary Chiefs have taken photos with their regalia on within

Naikoon Park. It is a special place.

Naikoon Park on Haida Gwaii will have 104 hectares of land added. This land was purchased

by the ministry. There are two parcels: 65 hectares purchased in 2023 and 39 hectares

purchased in 2024. These properties are both in holdings surrounded by the existing

park, and protecting them provides more contiguous protection and management of park

values.

At Naikoon Park, the amendments also remove one hectare of land to allow for the expansion

of the neighbouring Tlell Cemetery. The cemetery is an in-holding surrounded by the

existing park. There are only a few burial plots remaining in the cemetery, and this

amendment provides the space that will be needed in the cemetery for multiple generations.

It’s really important for our community members to know that they are able to be buried

in the community that they lived in, that they grew up in and that they contributed

to.

Kilby Park, in the Fraser Valley, will be formally transferred to the province’s heritage

branch in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, which has managed the

park and adjacent Kilby Historic Site since 2003. Transferring the property will allow

the heritage branch to efficiently operate the park as an integrated part of the Kilby

heritage site and continue to maintain it for people to enjoy.

The amendments also make several administrative changes and improvements to legal

descriptions.

First of all, Kiskatinaw Park near Dawson Creek…. The amendments correct the mapped

location of an existing statutory right-of-way for B.C. Hydro. This bill also continues

our work of moving from metes and bounds, and lot and parcel descriptions, to mapped

boundaries called official plans. Official plans are more accurate, understandable

and practical for field surveying.

Due to improvements to data and mapping techniques that are used to spatially represent

features on the land base, updated official plans sometimes result in changes to the

approximate area figures in the legal descriptions. The actual area on the ground

that is included in the protected area has not changed.

Eight ecological reserves — Columbia Lake Ecological Reserve, Fraser River Ecological

Reserve, Nechako River Ecological Reserve, Parker Lake Ecological Reserve, Race Rocks

Ecological Reserve, Skagit River Rhododendrons Ecological Reserve, Tacheeda Lakes

Ecological Reserve and Vance Creek Ecological Reserve — and three parks — Kiskatinaw

Park, Skagit Valley Park and Maquinna Marine Park — will have their existing boundary

descriptions replaced with official plans.

[3:35 p.m.]

The ecological reserves that are moving to official plans are also being moved from

schedule B to

schedule A of the act.

Schedule A of the act is comprised of ecological

reserves with mapped boundaries.

Schedule B is comprised of ecological reserves which

have been continued by adoptive reference to their original orders-in-council.

In addition to moving these reserves to

schedule A, we are rescinding the original

orders-in-council, as these are no longer needed. Over 14 million hectares of our

province is contained within our provincial protected area system, and these amendments

continue our ministry’s commitment to improving this system.

The ministry is also working closely with Indigenous peoples to find meaningful ways

to recognize their culture and connection to these protected lands. The proposed new

park names demonstrate this commitment.

Deputy Speaker : Thank you, Minister, for opening debate today on Bill 3.

Trevor Halford : I want to thank the minister across the way. My comments are going to be brief on

Bill 3, because I think a lot of the work can be canvassed at committee stage, some

of which I’ll highlight.

We are, in British Columbia, truly blessed to have the parks that we do. In my riding,

I know, I’ve got Peace Arch Park, which is a B.C. park. It’s a great place to get

away when you need to, which I often try and do.

With this piece of legislation here, I think that, obviously, it’s very administrative

in nature. It’s also got some components there too regarding name changes, which the

minister highlighted moments ago.

For us, some of the areas we want to canvass are just issues related to hydro, to

consultation that’s been potentially done on the name changes. It will also be an

opportunity for my colleagues whose ridings some of these changes and parks exist

in to canvass the minister and staff on what these changes mean to them and to their

constituents and, ultimately, how they came to be, particularly around consultation.

I know the minister made the comment on the one-hectare removal to support the expansion

of the community cemetery, which I believe exists in the minister’s riding; also,

the renaming of the two parks with Indigenous names; and then, obviously, moving some

of the parks from ecological reserves, which is a

schedule B park, to parks with plans,

which is

schedule A — all stuff that we will look forward to canvassing in committee

stage.

With that, I will take my seat. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on second reading.

Deputy Speaker : The Chair will now recognize the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this legislation

expanding protected areas and bringing the vision of parks truly in alignment with

the priorities and responsibilities of our government.

In a way, this is a funny time to be talking about park boundaries. Everybody is feeling

under tremendous pressure and significant worry about the state of jobs, the economy,

the threat of tariffs from the south, from the American President. Be assured our

government is working very hard, and working in partnership, to be ready for anything.

This is all hands on deck. It’s certainly a significant concern, and all of government

is focused on this risk and protecting British Columbians, keeping us as strong as

possible.

At the same time, the work goes on. I really am grateful to the Minister of Environment

and Parks for bringing this bill forward and for, especially, giving the opportunity

on a dark day in February to talk about some of the really, truly beautiful places

in British Columbia — the imperative to conserve them, to recreate in them, and the

opportunity for families across British Columbia to be truly immersed in beautiful

B.C. and, significantly, the partnerships that allow this protection to happen.

[3:40 p.m.]

I’m thinking, because I come from a long time of working in the ocean kayak industry,

of the really generous hospitality extended to us by ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ people — in particular in Clayoquot Sound, the beautiful, rugged west coast; and

the just unique and breathtaking opportunity as an ocean kayaker right in the surf,

right in the water to be on the edge of our continent.

The true, true west coast. The crashing of waves against the coastline, and the rise

and fall of…. An 18-foot kayak is pretty big, but still, you…. It’s an extremely humbling

opportunity. The delicacy of getting on and off surf beaches, but especially that

rise and fall of the coast, watching bull kelp rise and fall. This is an area where

sea otters were reintroduced after the atomic weapons testing in Alaska in the ’70s.

This is one of the strongest areas where sea otters came back.

To have Maquinna Marine Park, which kayakers and recreators will know as geothermal

hot springs, a really famous place to visit for boaters, people all over the coast….

It turns out that Maquinna Marine Park is not the right way to refer to this area.

ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ let our government and let the minister know that it’s not appropriate for a park

to be named after the name of a chief, a former chief.

So ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ — thank you to ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ people — have provided the name Nism̓aakqin, and this legislation returns the name of ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ people to this land and to this park. Nism̓aakqin means “our land that we care for” in the nuučaan̓uɫ language.

I know the impact of a change like this, because in the riding which I represent….

I’m honoured to have worked with Snuneymuxw First Nation and Chief Mike Wyse and his

council for 20 years now. In earlier legislation, they asked the former Environment

Minister, George Heyman, to return the name of Saysutshun to what we had been calling

Newcastle Island Provincial Park. Newcastle, because of the very deep mining history

in Nanaimo, but to the people first to name it, it was Saysutshun. So now it is again,

because of a similar bill last year or two years ago.

If anybody has an opportunity to visit Saysutshun Island, there is fantastic storytelling.

storytelling, cultural

interpretation — something I know visitors to our region have

been hungry for, for a long time.

We’re very grateful to Snuneymuxw for stepping up on what is an economic development

function for them.

The water taxi is now run by the Snuneymuxw economic development arm, Petroglyph.

If you get to Saysutshun Island, you can see what we call…. These are not spirit raccoons,

like a spirit bear up on the Great Bear Rainforest. We have champagne raccoons, kind

of pinkish fur. It’s worth the trip. It’s also just a beautiful kayaking area and

a beautiful park with an old-style grandstand, like a sprung floor from the dances

back in the ’20s. All of this still remains.

But again, we’re not calling it Newcastle anymore. Saysutshun is the word.

To the ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ people, I know that a change like this is important, and returning names is something

that we are trying to do every time we open up the legislation.

Another signif