British Columbia Hansard — 12 March 2025, p.m., Issue 24 (43rd Parliament, 1st Session)

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British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

First Session, 43rd Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 24 THE HONOURABLE RAJ CHOUHAN, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, CM, OBC First Session, 43rd Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ................................................................................................... Hon. David Eby, KC Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities .......................................................... Hon.

Brittny Anderson Minister of Agriculture and Food ..............................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General and Deputy Premier ............................................................................................................... Hon. Niki Sharma, KC Minister of Children and Family Development ......................................................................................................Hon.

Jodie Wickens Minister of Citizens’ Services ......................................................................................................................................Hon. George Chow Minister of Education and Child Care ............................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness ................................................................................ Hon.

Kelly Greene Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions .................................................................................................................... Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Environment and Parks .................................................................................................... Hon. Laanas / Tamara Davidson Minister of Finance ......................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Brenda Bailey Minister of Forests .......................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Ravi Parmar Minister of Health ........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Josie Osborne Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs ................................................................................................................ Hon.

Ravi Kahlon Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ..........................................................................................Hon. Christine Boyle Minister of Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................................. Hon. Bowinn Ma Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation ....................................................................................Hon.

Diana Gibson Minister of State for Trade ...................................................................................................................................... Hon. Rick Glumac Minister of Labour .............................................................................................................................................. Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals .....................................................................................................................Hon.

Jagrup Brar Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills ........................................................................................... Hon. Anne Kang Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...........................................................................................................Hon. Garry Begg Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services ........................................................................ Hon.

Terry Yung Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction ...............................................................................Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport ....................................................................................Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert Minister of Transportation and Transit ................................................................................................................ Hon.

Mike Farnworth Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship ............................................................................................... Hon. Randene Neill Minister Without Portfolio ..............................................................................................................................................Hon. Grace Lore LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition ..........................................................................................................................................

John Rustad Leader of the Third Party .................................................................................................................................................Jeremy Valeriote Deputy Speaker ......................................................................................................................................................................

Mable Elmore Assistant Deputy Speaker .................................................................................................................................................Lorne Doerkson Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................................................George Anderson Clerk of the Legislative Assembly....................................................................................................................................Kate Ryan-Lloyd Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel ......................................................................................................................Seunghee Suzie Seo Clerk Assistant, Parliamentary Services ..................................................................................................................

Artour Sogomonian Clerk of Committees .............................................................................................................................................................. Jennifer Arril Committee Clerk ......................................................................................................................................................................

Karan Riarh Committee Clerk .........................................................................................................................................................................Darryl Hol Senior Legal Counsel .................................................................................................................................................................Hayley Hill Sergeant-at-Arms ..................................................................................................................................................................

Ray Robitaille Director of Hansard Services .......................................................................................................................................D’ Arcy McPherson Legislative Librarian ...............................................................................................................................................................Peter Gourlay

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS BY PARTY BC NDP Anderson, Hon. Brittny ........................................... Kootenay Central Anderson, George ................................................ Nanaimo-Lantzville Arora, Rohini ....................................................................Burnaby East Bailey, Hon. Brenda ................................Vancouver–South Granville Beare, Hon. Lisa .......................................Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Hon.

Garry .......................................................Surrey-Guildford Blatherwick, Jennifer ....................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Boyle, Hon. Christine .............................Vancouver–Little Mountain Brar, Hon. Jagrup ......................................................Surrey-Fleetwood Chandra Herbert, Hon. Spencer ..................... Vancouver–West End Chant, Susie ............................................. North Vancouver–Seymour Choi, Paul ..................................................Burnaby South–Metrotown Chouhan, Hon. Raj .................................

Burnaby–New Westminster Chow, Hon. George ..........................................Vancouver-Fraserview Davidson, Hon. Tamara / Laanas ...........North Coast–Haida Gwaii Dhir, Sunita .............................................................Vancouver-Langara Dix, Hon. Adrian .................................................. Vancouver-Renfrew Eby, Hon. David, KC ....................................... Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable ................................................. Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike .................................................Port Coquitlam Gibson, Hon.

Diana ........................................Oak Bay–Gordon Head Glumac, Hon. Rick ...................................... Port Moody–Burquitlam Greene, Hon. Kelly ..............................................Richmond-Steveston Higginson, Stephanie ........................................Ladysmith-Oceanside Kahlon, Hon. Ravi .............................................................. Delta North Kang, Hon. Anne .........................................................

Burnaby Centre Krieger, Nina .........................................................Victoria–Swan Lake Lajeunesse, Dana ..............................................Juan de Fuca–Malahat Lore, Hon. Grace .................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Ma, Hon. Bowinn ................................... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Malcolmson, Hon. Sheila .........................Nanaimo–Gabriola Island Morissette, Steve ...................................................Kootenay Monashee Neill, Hon. Randene ............................ Powell River–Sunshine Coast Osborne, Hon.

Josie .........................................Mid Island–Pacifc Rim Parmar, Hon. Ravi ...............................................Langford-Highlands Phillip, Joan / Amshen .....................................Vancouver-Strathcona Popham, Hon. Lana ........................................................ Saanich South Rotchford, Darlene ...............................................Esquimalt-Colwood Routledge, Janet .............................................................Burnaby North Sandhu, Harwinder ......................................................

Vernon-Lumby Shah, Amna ............................................................. Surrey City Centre Sharma, Hon. Niki, KC ....................................... Vancouver-Hastings Sunner, Jessie ................................................................. Surrey-Newton Toporowski, Debra / Qwulti’stunaat .......................Cowichan Valley Whiteside, Hon. Jennifer ...................New Westminster–Coquitlam Wickens, Hon. Jodie ............................. Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Yung, Hon.

Terry .................................................Vancouver-Yaletown CONSERV ATIVE PARTY OF BC Banman, Bruce .......................................................... Abbotsford South Bhangu, Harman .................................................. Langley-Abbotsford Bird, Rosalyn .............................................

Prince George–Valemount Block, Lynne ..............................................West Vancouver–Capilano Boultbee, Amelia .............................................Penticton-Summerland Chan, Hon ..................................................................Richmond Centre Chapman, Brent .................................................................Surrey South Clare, Sheldon ....................................

Prince George–North Cariboo Davis, Pete ..................................................................Kootenay Rockies Day, Brennan ........................................................... Courtenay-Comox Dew, Gavin ..................................................................Kelowna-Mission Dhaliwal, Mandeep .......................................................... Surrey North Doerkson, Lorne .....................................................

Cariboo-Chilcotin Gasper, Reann .......................................................Abbotsford-Mission Giddens, Kiel ..............................................Prince George–Mackenzie Halford, Trevor ......................................................Surrey–White Rock Hartwell, Sharon ..............................................Bulkley Valley–Stikine Hepner, Linda ................................................Surrey–Serpentine River Kindy, Anna ........................................................................North Island Kooner, Steve ............................................Richmond-Queensborough Loewen, Kristina ..........................................................

Kelowna Centre Luck, Tony ..........................................................................Fraser-Nicola Maahs, Heather ......................................................... Chilliwack North McCall, Macklin .........................................West Kelowna–Peachland McInnis, Scott ......................................... Columbia River–Revelstoke Milobar, Peter ............................................................

Kamloops Centre Mok, Lawrence ...........................................................Maple Ridge East Neufeld, Korky ............................................................Abbotsford West Neufeld, Larry ...........................................................Peace River South Paton, Ian ..............................................................................Delta South Rattée, Claire .................................................................................Skeena Rustad, John ...................................................................Nechako Lakes Stamer, Ward .........................................Kamloops–North Thompson Sturko, Elenore .........................................................

Surrey-Cloverdale Tepper, Br yan ............................................................

Surrey-Panorama Toor, Jody ............................................................Langley-Willowbrook Van Popta, Misty..............................................Langley–Walnut Grove Warbus, Á’a:líya ..............................................Chilliwack–Cultus Lake Wat, Teresa .........................................................Richmond-Bridgeport Williams, David ...............................................Salmon Arm–Shuswap Wilson, Donegal ............................................Boundary-Similkameen BC GREEN PARTY Botterell, Rob .......................................Saanich North and the Islands Valeriote, Jeremy .....................................

West Vancouver–Sea to Sky INDEPENDENT Armstrong, Tara .....................Kelowna–Lake Country–Coldstream Brodie, Dallas .................................................... Vancouver-Quilchena Kealy, Jordan ............................................................. Peace River North PARTY STANDINGS Total seats – 93 BC NDP – 47 | Conservative Party of BC – 41 | BC Green Party – 2 | Independent – 3

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF RIDINGS A Abbotsford-Mission ........................................................Reann Gasper Abbotsford South ........................................................... Bruce Banman Abbotsford West .............................................................Korky Neufeld B Boundary-Similkameen .............................................Donegal Wilson Bulkley Valley–Stikine ............................................... Sharon Hartwell Burnaby Centre ...........................................................Hon.

Anne Kang Burnaby East ......................................................................Rohini Arora Burnaby–New Westminster .................................. Hon. Raj Chouhan Burnaby North ..............................................................Janet Routledge Burnaby South–Metrotown .................................................. Paul Choi C Cariboo-Chilcotin .......................................................Lorne Doerkson Chilliwack–Cultus Lake .............................................. Á’a:líya Warbus Chilliwack North ..........................................................

Heather Maahs Columbia River–Revelstoke ...........................................Scott McInnis Coquitlam–Burke Mountain .............................. Hon. Jodie Wickens Coquitlam-Maillardville .................................... Jennifer Blatherwick Courtenay-Comox ............................................................ Brennan Day Cowichan Valley ....................... Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat D Delta North ................................................................Hon.

Ravi Kahlon Delta South ...............................................................................Ian Paton E Esquimalt-Colwood ................................................Darlene Rotchford F Fraser-Nicola .......................................................................... Tony Luck J Juan de Fuca–Malahat ...............................................Dana Lajeunesse K Kamloops Centre ............................................................. Peter Milobar Kamloops–North Thompson .........................................

Ward Stamer Kelowna Centre ........................................................... Kristina Loewen Kelowna–Lake Country–Coldstream ......................Tara Armstrong Kelowna-Mission ..................................................................Gavin Dew Kootenay Central ............................................ Hon. Brittny Anderson Kootenay Monashee ....................................................Steve Morissette Kootenay Rockies................................................................... Pete Davis L Ladysmith-Oceanside ........................................

Stephanie Higginson Langford-Highlands ................................................ Hon. Ravi Parmar Langley-Abbotsford ....................................................Harman Bhangu Langley–Walnut Grove ..............................................Misty Van Popta Langley-Willowbrook ............................................................ Jody Toor M Maple Ridge East ............................................................Lawrence Mok Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ........................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim ........................................ Hon.

Josie Osborne N Nanaimo–Gabriola Island ..........................Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Nanaimo-Lantzville ................................................. George Anderson Nechako Lakes ....................................................................John Rustad New Westminster–Coquitlam .................... Hon. Jennifer Whiteside North Coast–Haida Gwaii ............Hon. Laanas / Tamara Davidson North Island ........................................................................Anna Kindy North Vancouver–Lonsdale .....................................Hon.

Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour ...............................................Susie Chant O Oak Bay–Gordon Head ......................................... Hon. Diana Gibson P Peace River North ..............................................................Jordan Kealy Peace River South ............................................................Larry Neufeld Penticton-Summerland .............................................. Amelia Boultbee Port Coquitlam ................................................. Hon. Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Burquitlam ........................................Hon.

Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast ............................. Hon. Randene Neill Prince George–Mackenzie ...............................................Kiel Giddens Prince George–North Cariboo ......................................Sheldon Clare Prince George–Valemount ...............................................Rosalyn Bird R Richmond-Bridgeport .......................................................... Teresa Wat Richmond Centre .................................................................. Hon Chan Richmond-Queensborough ............................................

Steve Kooner Richmond-Steveston ...............................................Hon. Kelly Greene S Saanich North and the Islands ....................................... Rob Botterell Saanich South ......................................................... Hon.

Lana Popham Salmon Arm–Shuswap ................................................David Williams Skeena ..................................................................................Claire Rattée Surrey City Centre ...............................................................Amna Shah Surrey-Cloverdale .......................................................... Elenore Sturko Surrey-Fleetwood ....................................................... Hon. Jagrup Brar Surrey-Guildford ....................................................... Hon.

Garry Begg Surrey-Newton .................................................................. Jessie Sunner Surrey North ............................................................Mandeep Dhaliwal Surrey-Panorama ..............................................................Br yan Tepper Surrey–Serpentine River ................................................

Linda Hepner Surrey South ..................................................................Brent Chapman Surrey–White Rock .......................................................Trevor Halford V Vancouver-Fraserview ...........................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings ........................................ Hon. Niki Sharma, KC Vancouver-Kensington ...................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Langara .............................................................Sunita Dhir Vancouver–Little Mountain ............................. Hon.

Christine Boyle Vancouver–Point Grey .........................................Hon. David Eby, KC Vancouver-Quilchena ......................................................Dallas Brodie Vancouver-Renfrew ................................................... Hon. Adrian Dix Vancouver–South Granville ................................ Hon. Brenda Bailey Vancouver-Strathcona ..................................... Amshen / Joan Phillip Vancouver–West End .......................Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert Vancouver-Yaletown ..................................................Hon.

Terry Yung Vernon-Lumby ....................................................... Harwinder Sandhu Victoria–Beacon Hill ................................................. Hon. Grace Lore Victoria–Swan Lake ..........................................................Nina Krieger W West Kelowna–Peachland ..........................................Macklin McCall West Vancouver–Capilano ................................................Lynne Block West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ...................................... Jeremy Valeriote

CONTENTS Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................633 Introduction and First Reading of Bills ...........................................................................................................................635 Bill M205 — Mental Health Amendment Act, 2025 Elenore Sturko Members’ Statements .........................................................................................................................................................635 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Jessie Sunner Sports Teams in Langley Misty Van Popta Support for Health Care Workers George Anderson Coronation Medal Recipient Colin Metcalfe Lynne Block Seton Villa Retirement Centre Janet Routledge Economic Reconciliation and Support for Residential School Survivors Amelia Boultbee Oral Questions ....................................................................................................................................................................637 Age-Appropriate Content in Schools John Rustad Hon.

David Eby Supportive Housing and Access to Addiction Treatment Services Heather Maahs Hon. Ravi Kahlon Wind Power Projects and Costs Rob Botterell Hon. Adrian Dix Oil and Gas Industry Emissions Reduction Requirements Rob Botterell Hon. Adrian Dix Conduct of Conservation Officers Lorne Doerkson Hon. Garry Begg Wind-Generated Electricity Environmental Assessments and Consultation on Wind Power Projects Ian Paton Hon. Adrian Dix Government Transparency and Role of Select Standing Committees Korky Neufeld Hon. David Eby Funding for Métis Nation K-to-12 Education Scott McInnis Hon.

Lisa Beare Kootenay Lake Ferry Labour Dispute Harman Bhangu Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Hon. David Eby

Orders of the Day Government Motions on Notice ......................................................................................................................................644 Motion 9 — Committee of Supply and Committee of the Whole to Sit in Two Sections Hon. Mike Farnworth Motion 10 — Extension of Sitting Hours Hon. Mike Farnworth Third Reading of Bills ........................................................................................................................................................645 Bill 3 — Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2025 Hon.

Laanas / Tamara Davidson Second Reading of Bills .....................................................................................................................................................645 Bill 6 — Supply Act (No. 1), 2025 Hon. Brenda Bailey Peter Milobar Hon. Brenda Bailey Budget Debate (continued) ................................................................................................................................................647 Susie Chant Lynne Block Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Macklin McCall Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Rosalyn Bird Hon. Diana Gibson Reann Gasper Hon. Anne Kang

633 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 The House met at 1:33 p.m. [The Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers and reflections: Rosalyn Bird. [1:35 p.m.] Introductions by Members The Speaker: Members, before I invite the members to introduce their guests, I would like to introduce one very special guest today in the gallery. Joining us in the members’ gallery this afternoon is Her Excellency Dr. Artemis Malo, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Canada. This is Ambassador Malo’s first of - ficial visit to Victoria. I had the pleasure of having a cour - tesy call with her earlier today.

Again, let’s welcome the ambassador. Hon. David Eby: I looked up in the gallery, and I saw my old friend Sue Hammell, who represented Surrey–Green Timbers for many years in this place. She was Minister for Women’s Equality, and I think that it is safe to give her, and obviously a number of other people, significant credit for the number of women sitting in the Legislative Assembly. Her work, particularly on the equity mandate for the NDP, to ensure that we better reflected the makeup of the province — I wanted to make sure that was on the record.

Would the House please join me in making Sue feel very welcome to come back. Á’a:líya Wa rbus: It is my pleasure today to welcome into the House the Indigenous youth internship program, which has been running for a number of years. To Sabrina, Amanda, Cecilia, Molly, Tasha, Sydney and Riley, I’d like the House to make them very welcome and welcome the future of British Columbia. Hon. Ravi Parmar: It’s a pleasure to be able to welcome to the House today a good friend of mine, someone I’ve got- ten the chance to get to know these last couple of months, the mayor of Vanderhoof, Kevin Moutray.

Kevin, it’s good to see you. I’m looking forward to meet- ing with you later today with some of my colleagues. Would the House please join me in making him feel very welcome. John R ustad: Today we welcome another special guest who is a former member of the Legislature, Gwen O’Mahony, who is here. She served as one of the MLAs from Chilliwack in her time and is somebody who, of course, ran for us in the in the last election. I know she’s doing great work, in terms of this, between this last election and now, and she continues to advocate for the things that are right in this province.

With her is also Frenchie Viau. Would the House please make them both very welcome. Hon. Diana Gibson: It’s my pleasure today to introduce my constituent and her guest, Patricia Lane and Siobhán O’Donoghue. Patricia is a community activist and lawyer and, through her work and her engagement in the community, has done so much. It’s beyond possible to list her contributions, things from the boards of Sierra Club and Clean Energy Canada to one of our largest credit unions.

Siobhán is visiting from Ireland, where she has worked with community organizations doing things like working with migrant workers and is here to meet with the Univer - sity of Victoria and community partners. Would the House welcome my guests today. Gavin Dew: Our Conservative caucus was very pleased today to welcome Sam Howard, Ryan Mitton and Emily Boston from the Canadian Federation of Independent Busi- ness to speak with us about the importance of addressing red tape, taxes and trade barriers.

Would the House please join me in a very raucous round of applause in support of their efforts to champion Can - adian businesses and shopping local. Susie Chant: I have two introductions today. The first was…. We had breakfast this morning with the Resident Doctors of B.C., and it’s my pleasure to intro- duce the many representatives from the Resident Doc - tors of B.C. who are joining us in the gallery today: the president, Adeeb Malas; the past president, Dr. Harrison Anzinger.

The executive director and my colleague Lona Cunningham, came with other members from the board to meet with the MLAs and share their experiences. [1:40 p.m.] Resident Doctors of B.C. supports residents in fulfilling their education to become well-informed, prepared and pro- fessional physicians enhancing patient care. We are so grate- ful for all the advocacy and work that they do for our resident doctors, who are an essential part of our health care system. Would the House please join me in making them feel very welcome. My second introduction. We had lunch today hosted by the Alzheimer Society.

There were a great number of mem- bers from the Alzheimer Society and a great many people from this House. We all know that the Alzheimer Society contributes a lot to the support of a whole group of people in our province, a group of people that is growing: both the clients themselves

634 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 who have Alzheimer’s and those that provide the care and support. I would ask the House to make a warm welcome for the folks from the Alzheimer Society. Brennan Day: Leading off with your lovely introduc - tion, I’d also like to reach out to the Alzheimer Society. I don’t think there’s anybody in this House who doesn’t know somebody that’s been affected or is affected. I’d like to introduce Jennifer Lyle, Paula Brill, Rebecca Frederick and Jim Mann, who are doing some amazing work advancing that cause across our province. Please make them feel welcome.

Janet Routledge: I have two introductions to make today. Firstly, I’d like to introduce Michele Cook, the CEO of Seton Villa, which is located in Burnaby North, and her partner, Frank Duong. Please join me in welcoming them. My second introduction. I’d also like to welcome these incredible young women in the gallery who are part of the Indigenous youth internship program within the govern - ment of British Columbia. They are Sabrina Moshenko, Cecilia Raweater, Molly Taylor, Tasha Griffiths-LeClair, Sydney Harakal and Riley Swan. They are accompanied by the program lead, Amanda Sylvester.

These incredible young women are hosted at the Legis - lative Assembly on a one-day twinning program by our British Columbia branch of Commonwealth Women Par - liamentarians. While they’re here, they have an opportun - ity to spend time with women MLAs to learn about our role and life as women parliamentarians. Please join me in giving them a very warm welcome. Scott McInnis: It’s been a tremendous honour this week to have lots of family in attendance from the East Kooten - ays. Just a couple more quick introductions. Aunt Marian Pastore is here today.

Unfortunately she couldn’t be in the building, but Ellie Neuman, another family member I know, is watching at home. Would the House please make them feel welcome today. Stephanie Higginson: I want to start by thanking the Minister of Forests for allowing me to do this introduc - tion today. In the House, we have a very special guest, Dr. Colin Mahony, who is a registered professional forester. Colin is an important person in my life because he introduced me to my husband. Do you remember that? That is worth applause in itself. Our friendship spans over 20 years. It includes owning property together.

It includes raising our babies together, who are not babies anymore, building off-grid cabins together. And when Colin was in his 20s, he circumnavi - gated Vancouver Island in a kayak, solo. He’s a pretty awe- some person. But that’s not why we’re going to give him applause to- day. We are going to give Colin applause because it is with great pride that I introduce Dr. Colin Mahony as the 2024 Forest Professional of the Year. Look at us. We’re all grown up, Colin.

He was awarded by Forest Professionals B.C. for out - standing service to the profession of forestry and the prin - ciples of Forest Professionals British Columbia. [1:45 p.m.] Dr. Mahony, or C-Dog or C-Money, as he is known in our circles, is currently a research climatologist and team lead with the Future Forest Ecosystems Centre in the office of British Columbia’s chief forester.

His team is working to properly integrate climate change data as decision tools in ecosystem management, putting usable climate data in the hands of practitioners, allowing them to make immediate difference on the ground within B.C.’s forests. Dr. Mahony is a provincewide leader in cli - mate science with over 25 years of forestry experience. Colin, I am so proud to stand here today and acknow - ledge your tremendous accomplishments. Would the House please join me in congratulating Dr. Mahony for his incredible contributions to B.C.’s forests.

Amshen / Joan Phillip: I just wanted to specifically have you welcome Cecilia Raweater. She has her bachelor of arts in First Nations and Indigenous studies and will be going to UBC, taking her master’s there. Please join me in welcoming Cecilia. Pete Davis: I think that all of us would agree that we wouldn’t be here or wouldn’t be able to do our jobs without our amazing legislative assistants that work behind the scenes for us. Today I’m honoured to have my legislative assistant here, Pegah. I just wanted to say thank you very much for everything you do.

I think that we should give all of our legislative assist - ants a big hand for the work that they do to support us. Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: This is not a controversial introduction at all. The Health Minister has asked me to invite the House to warmly welcome the Denman Island seniors pickleball group. These are committed commun - ity volunteers — Sue Hammell, who the Premier has al - ready introduced; Vicki Ryle; Marina Reed; Paul and Su - sanne Beauchemin; C Rea; and Steve Eberle. Will the House please welcome the Denman Island seniors pickleball association. Hon.

Brenda Bailey: I would like to speak to someone who is watching our proceedings from an unusually ele - gant office in Vancouver today.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 635 This well-known and successful businessman yesterday met with another large investor and challenged him. He said: “This week, I’ve invested in three B.C. companies: one in cybersecurity, one in medical devices and one in trad - itional industry. All B.C.” He said: “Now is the time for people who’ve been successful in this bountiful province to give back.” This action is Buy B.C. It’s patriotism, and it’s leader - ship.

This gentleman doesn’t want recognition, but on be - half of British Columbia, I want to thank him and encour - age all others in his position to do the same and accept the Invest B.C. challenge. The Speaker: Now, Burnaby East. Rohini Arora: Burnaby East for real. I want to take a second to also shout out Sabrina Mosh - enko, who is from Burnaby and is the first person in her family to graduate with a degree in sociology. Let’s please give her a super-warm welcome. My colleague back here, of course, talked about the B.C. resident doctors.

I just wanted to give a shout-out to my cousin, Shikha Walia, who is a resident doctor in psychiatry. Please help me to make her feel really welcome. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL M205 — MENTAL HEALTH AMENDMENT ACT, 2025 Elenore Sturko presented a bill intituled Mental Health Amendment Act, 2025. Elenore Sturko: I move that a bill intituled the Mental Health Amendment Act, 2025, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first time now.

The Mental Health Amendment Act, 2025, aims to im - prove communication between close relatives and health care providers when a person is brought to the hospital in a mental health crisis and upon their release if they have been certified under the Mental Health Act. The amendments proposed in this bill will reduce the risk of suicide and self-harm.

These amendments are also an important addition to public safety measures, as they assist with mental health assessments for people who pose a risk to harming others. [1:50 p.m.] On February 26, a man allegedly in drug psychosis was apprehended following two home invasions, where he brutally assaulted a senior and terrorized an entire neigh - bourhood. The man was taken to the hospital to be assessed, and while in hospital, that man assaulted a police officer by choking and attempting to disarm them of their gun. He was subsequently charged with multiple violent offences.

Days after the initial incident, my office was contacted by a close relative of this very troubled individual. The family member had important information they wanted to share regarding what they felt was an escalating risk to public safety, and they had not been contacted by the hos - pital or police. The Mental Health Amendment Act, 2025, would have necessitated this valuable information-sharing.

As this gov- ernment moves forward with involuntary care, the Mental Health Amendment Act, 2025, can assure that doctors and nurse practitioners have more information to help them in their assessments, keeping people with mental illness and the public safe. I hope members from both sides of this chamber will support this important bill. The Speaker: Members, the question is the first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Elenore Sturko: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Motion approved.

Members’ Statements INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION Jessie Sunner: I rise today to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is taking place on March 21. This is a day to reflect on the deep injustices that persist in our society, and it is a call to action to urgently confront racism in all its forms. As a human rights lawyer in my former life and now as the Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, I know that discrimination is not a thing of the past.

It is woven into the systems and structures that continue to create barriers for Indigenous, Black and racialized people. It appears in hate-motivated violence, inequities in educa - tion, employment and health care and in everyday experi - ences of people who are made to feel like they don’t belong. Racism does not persist by accident. It continues when we fail to confront it directly, when injustice is met with silence and when the voices of those who are most affected are ignored. Our government is taking action on this.

Through the Anti-Racism Act, we are developing stronger protections against hate, and ensuring racialized communities are collaboratively involved in leading this process. But let’s be clear. There is no room for racism in our so- ciety. We cannot look away when people spread hate, and

636 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 we cannot be bystanders when discrimination happens in our communities, in our workplaces or even in this very Legislature. The fight against racism requires all of us to speak up and take action not just when it is easy but, more importantly, when it is hard. Eliminating racial discrimination is not going to hap - pen overnight. It is the work of our lifetime. But if we are truly committed to justice, we must be relentless. The future of the province will not be written by fear or division.

It will be defined by the courage of those who refuse to accept anything less than equity, dignity and jus - tice for all people. SPORTS TEAMS IN LANGLEY Misty Van Popta: I stand here today to highlight some inaccuracies spoken in this chamber. I believe it is our duty to speak the truth while also highlighting our com - munities. You see, Mr. Speaker, twice in as many weeks I have heard the Minister of Forests infer that his community is the place to be for sports in this province.

But that is just factually incorrect. [1:55 p.m.] Now I will spend the next minute and a half and show you that, indeed, Langley is the best place for sports. For a community of 155,000 people, Langley has six semi-pro - fessional or professional sports teams. That’s right, folks. We have the Vancouver Giants from the WHL; the Langley Rivermen from the BCHL; a PJHL team with the Langley Trappers; the newest CPL team, Van- couver FC; the Vancouver Bandits, which is a CEBL team; and the Langley Thunder, a WLA team. That’s three hockey teams, a basketball team, a soccer team and a lacrosse team.

Langley is the place to be on the weekend. These teams have notable alumni like Athan Iannucci, Evander Kane, DJ Steward, Gael Sandoval, Dante Fabbro and many, many others throughout the sports world. All six of these teams can be seen throughout the community in their off time, volunteering or backing local charitable organizations. Many team owners are local or regional members, rooted in both business and philanthropic works in our community.

The Be a Giant Foundation, the Bandits Community Foundation, the Take Flight ticket donation initiative, the Coats for Kids program, food bank drives and unhoused resource supports are just a few ways that these teams give back to the Langley community. Why is it that teams and organizations are flocking to Langley? Well, it is arguably the most awesome place to live. But besides that, it is also its grade A facilities, like the Langley Events Centre, with its courts, ice sheets, sta - dium and new progressing five dry ice sheets and arena.

But most of all, it’s a very enthusiastic community that is so supportive of the local sports scene. In closing, although I’ve not had a chance to research the teams that Minister Parmar’s community has, let it be known here in this chamber that I would love a friendly jersey exchange in the event of a win if two of our teams shall ever meet. And perhaps, just perhaps, he too can catch a glimpse of the great Canadian Michael Bublé, co- owner of the Vancouver Giants, in the event he wants to see some top-notch hockey in my hometown of Langley. Bring it on.

SUPPORT FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS George Anderson: Our journey through life begins and ends in the care of our health care workers. They are there from our first breath to our final moments and every stage in between. They are the steady hands that heal, the voices that comfort and the advocates who fight for our well-be - ing. And nearly five years ago this March they carried us through one of the most uncertain times in modern history. I know firsthand the impact of their care.

A couple of years ago I had emergency surgery at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, and it was the skill, compassion and dedication of the nurses, doctors and front-line health care workers that ensured that I and so many others got the care that we needed. For that, I will always be grateful. There are times when the demands on them are greater than ever, when hospital hallways are crowded, when ex - haustion is heavy and when uncertainty fills the air. But our health care workers do not walk away. They stay, and they step up, because even when the world feels uncertain, they remain the certainty we rely on.

To those who say our health care system is broken, I say to them that it is strong because of the people who dedicate their lives to it. Whether it’s the nurse in the emergency room, a phar - macist ensuring the right medication, an oncologist deliv - ering life-saving care or a medical stenographer keeping accurate records, they are the foundation of our system. We must never take them for granted. We must never for - get their sacrifices. We must never allow supporting them to become a par- tisan issue.

Because no matter who we are or where we come from, when we or our loved ones need care, our health care workers show up for us. As British Columbians once did collectively every evening at 7 p.m., I ask all members of this House to show their appreciation today and every day. To all of our front-line health care workers: we see you, we thank you, and we stand with you.

CORONATION MEDAL RECIPIENT COLIN METCALFE Lynne Block: I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent in my riding of West Vancouver–Capilano, Co- lin Metcalfe, who has been awarded the King Charles Cor - onation Medal, a well-deserved honour. Colin is a highly respected corporate affairs specialist

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 637 with an impressive career spanning both the public and private sectors. His expertise in speech writing, politics, policy analysis and crisis communications has made him a trusted voice in business and government relations. [2:00 p.m.] A seasoned political veteran and a past member of Van - couver’s Power 50, as recognized by B.C. Business Maga - zine, Colin has consistently demonstrated leadership not only in his professional life but also in his community. Colin has held positions such as special assistant to the ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, Hon.

John Crosbie. He’s been the director of communications with the B.C. Lions Football Club, director of communications for the Van - couver Whitecaps and was vice-president of corporate af - fairs for Ridley Terminal, to name just a few of the roles he’s held that have showcased his talent. Currently he serves on the board of directors of the Vancouver Club, chairing its governance committee, and leads his local community association as president, always finding ways to give back and strengthen the place we call home.

Today I celebrate Colin Metcalfe’s remarkable contri - butions to both his community and our province. Congratulations, Colin. This honour is a reflection of your dedication and service. Would the members please join me in congratulating Colin on this prestigious award. SETON VILLA RETIREMENT CENTRE Janet Routledge: Let me introduce you to one of my favourite neighbours. Seton Villa is a unique non-profit retirement centre that provides affordable housing for 225 seniors. On three floors are 28 assisted-living units. Residents live independently on the remaining 18 floors.

The Seton Villa bus takes residents shopping and to events. The din - ing room offers three meals a day, and almost everything is made from scratch. The 19th-floor penthouse is a huge meeting area with panoramic views. It’s equipped with a pool table and ex - ercise equipment. Residents meet there for coffee, chair yoga, active games and happy hour. They celebrate spe - cial events like Remembrance Day, Pride Day and Inter - national Women’s Day. The residents have their own or - ganization called the villagers. They personally greet and integrate new members to make them feel at home.

Many languages are spoken by the staff. Some staff mem- bers have worked there for 30 or 40 years. Many young people in the neighbourhood get their first job at Seton Villa. Some of my other neighbours serve on their board and/or have dreams of moving there someday. Seton Villa is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Many of them are lifelong Burnaby residents, like Joanne, who remembers when this third-largest city in the prov - ince was a wilderness. Another resident still remembers the trauma of searching for bodies when the Second Nar - rows Bridge collapsed. He was only 15 at the time.

The average age of Seton Villa residents is now 87. The eldest will be 107 next month. People are living longer to - day, and most residents use a walker. The tiny elevators can’t accommodate wheelchairs. Luckily, a four-storey ex- pansion that’s under construction will be wheelchair-ac - cessible. When my helijet from Victoria turns into the harbour tomorrow morning and I see Seton Villa on the hill in the distance, I’ll know I’m home.

ECONOMIC RECONCILIATION AND SUPPORT FOR RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVORS Amelia Boultbee: I rise today to speak from the heart on a very important, specific element of the reconciliation process, economic reconciliation. Reconciliation isn’t a token phrase to use when we seek to connect meaning to the actions of government with the First Peoples of our province and Canada. Reconcilia - tion is the act of acknowledging and recognizing the past harms inflicted, in particular by the residential school system. Trauma from the residential school system is intergenerational and exists today.

It persists in the hearts and minds of Indigenous people in every corner of this province. Sadly, many Indigenous people still feel disconnected, invisible and ignored. Land is identity. Land is community. Land is past, present and future, and self-determination. Economic reconciliation is about fostering relationships, about having difficult conversations to find solutions together.

As the former Lieutenant Governor Steven Point said, we cannot turn back the clock 100 years, but we can envision a plan for the next 100 years. [2:05 p.m.] Economic reconciliation will enhance the lives of all British Columbians by working hand in hand with the First Peoples of B.C. and enriching all of our lives socially, culturally and economically. But for economic reconcilia - tion to work, we must listen first. We were given two ears and one mouth, and that means listening more than we speak. And that means listening to survivors. May we all do a lot more listening in the months and years ahead.

Oral Questions AGE-APPROPRIATE CONTENT IN SCHOOLS John Rustad: More than a year ago when I asked the Premier about SOGI and the sexualization of children in our schools, the Premier said raising this issue was, and I quote: “Cultural war and feeds the fires of division.”

638 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Yesterday we learned from the Minister of Education that this government is reviewing SOGI to make it more age-appropriate. Will the Premier now admit that he was wrong to char - acterize concerned parents as being hateful? Hon. David Eby: We have a huge interest in making sure that all kids feel safe at school, regardless of who they are, where their origin is.

I regret very much that the member of the opposition, members of his caucus have repeatedly distorted a program that, by the way, the Leader of the Op- position stood behind, endorsed, supported as a member of the cabinet for many years. It caused fear among parents, particularly among par - ents from new-arrival communities just arriving in B.C., trying to figure out the school system, and then they hear about this horrific program. It’s actually an anti-bullying program to protect kids. He and his colleagues promoted that hate and fear in our communities.

And now, unsurprisingly, we have to go through and do some work with communities to make sure that they understand that we’re out there to protect kids and look after them. It didn’t stop during the election campaign. Just last night the opposition Health critic was at a far- right event called We Unify. She was on a three-person panel, one of whom was discredited Alberta doctor Dr. William Makis. She’s the Health critic. He said COVID-19 vaccines are neither safe nor effect - ive. On Monday, he posted an

article claiming the vaccine causes AIDS. That was Monday. And related to SOGI…. Interjection. The Speaker: Member. Member. Hon. David Eby: Well, what did you say on the panel, Member? Interjections. The Speaker: Member. Members. Premier. Hon. David Eby: After his medical licence was cancelled, he said the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta should be renamed the “College of pedophiles and child sex abusers.” This is who the Health critic for the opposition sat beside at a panel yesterday. That’s the kind of hate they promote. The Speaker: Leader of the Official Opposition, sup - plemental.

John Rustad: Well, it’s pretty clear the Premier will not apologize to parents that he called hateful. Regardless of that, I do have, perhaps, a different angle to take on this. Yesterday the Minister of Education said, and I quote: “The ministry is working towards a provincial framework that includes specific criteria ensuring age-appropriate materials are in school.” Will the minister commit today to having parents de - cide what is age-appropriate material in our schools? Hon.

David Eby: The Leader of the Opposition and his colleagues are repeatedly promoting disinformation, misleading parents, misleading British Columbians about everything from SOGI to what’s happening in our schools. Interjections. The Speaker: Members, come to order. Hon. David Eby: I encourage any parent that if you have concerns about what’s happening in a school, talk to your teacher. Talk to your kid’s teacher. Don’t listen to the Leader of the Opposition or his Health critic about what’s happening in the province. Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Members. Hon.

David Eby: She sits beside a doctor who lied and said that 80 young doctors died from the COVID-19 vac - cine. She sat beside a doctor that said COVID-19 vaccines are neither safe nor effective. Interjection. The Speaker: Member. Member, wait for your turn. [2:10 p.m.] Hon. David Eby: She sat beside a doctor who said that COVID-19 vaccines cause AIDS. These are the people the opposition endorses, sits be - side, gives legitimacy to. What an embarrassment. Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Members. Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Interjection. The Speaker: Member, come to order. The Premier has the floor.

Please.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 639 Hon. David Eby: I’m sure the member will stand up and clarify that she disagreed vehemently with his tweets, with his misrepresentation of vaccines. But will the Leader of the Opposition stand up and de - nounce her attendance at this conference? Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Members, shhh. Members, calm down. Members. Do you want to ask a question, or anybody else? If not, wait for your turn. We’ll take care of it. Please conclude. Hon.

David Eby: Now, the member from Kamloops denounced the conference that the Health critic was at, calling it “a far-right conference.” He said: “The Leader of the Opposition must clearly denounce this conference once and for all and explain to British Columbians why he and his candidates endorsed it in the first place.” I wonder whether the Leader of the Opposition will de - nounce this conference and everything that happened at it last night. Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Members. Please conclude. Hon. David Eby: Thank you.

I hope the Leader of the Opposition denounces the con- ference and his member’s attendance at it. SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND ACCESS TO ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES Heather Maahs: A B.C. Housing project planned for Trethewey and Rowat Avenue is four years behind sched - ule. These 49 units for supportive and complex care are des- perately needed for my constituents both in and around Chilliwack. The closest recovery beds are in Surrey, a two- hour round trip, if one is lucky enough to access one of the only 16 beds.

With zero new recovery beds in B.C. in the NDP budget, when will this government commit to delivering additional treatment beds? Hon. Ravi Kahlon: It’s refreshing to hear somebody in this place on the opposite side talking about supportive housing and wanting it in their community. You can call this a heritage moment. Interjections. The Speaker: Shhh. Hon. Ravi Kahlon: We have been working closely with many community organizations on the ground to support people in Chilliwack in particular.

We have a project that’s in front of council right now that will help get a lot of people off the streets, and I certainly hope that mayor and coun - cil approve it. I believe it’s coming to council tonight. I know we’ve heard from the mayor there, who says they don’t want any supportive housing anymore. But there are people in the community that are struggling that need to get supports to get indoors. We offered the city additional supports this year in Janu- ary, but they declined those supports.

We’re going to con - tinue to reach out, because, at the end of the day, it’s the people in the communities that need the service who we are focused on. The Speaker: Member for Chilliwack North, supple - mental. Heather Maahs: Thank you for the comments from the minister. I’m sure that the mayor, whom I spoke with yesterday, is not in agreement with the statement. The overdose crisis in B.C. continues to take lives every day. Residents in Hope have no local access to treatment unless they drive two hours in a four-hour round trip in the most trying times of their lives.

The window for op - portunity is vanishing for vulnerable people. Again, when will this government get serious about funding abstinence-based treatment? Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Again, I think if the member wants to see more supportive housing for vulnerable people in our community, I would recommend a letter. Interjections. The Speaker: Shhh. Members, let the minister answer, please. Hon. Ravi Kahlon: The Leader of the Opposition says: “Oh, we don’t want supportive housing in the community.” Interjections. [2:15 p.m.] The Speaker: Members. Members. Member, nobody has to clarify anything.

I think the minister has heard the question. Let him answer it. Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I heard the question. I understand the question. If the member wants to find ways to support vulner - able…. I heard the member say: “We have to support vul - nerable people in the community.” When you have people that are sleeping in encampments, sleeping in parks, you

640 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 need them to get into housing. Yes, you need them to get access to treatment; you need to get access to supports. That’s what we do with supportive housing. I think the members across the way surely understand that’s what supportive housing does. Interjection. The Speaker: Shhh. Shhh. Hon. R avi Kahlon: If the member wants to advocate for more support for vulnerable people in Hope, in par - ticular, I look forward to talking to the member, because we want to help those people as well.

WIND POWER PROJECTS AND COSTS Rob Botterell: As we face down a trade war with the United States, energy security has never been more import- ant. We cannot, and must not, continue relying on American energy sources. We cannot, and must not, continue relying on the expansion of climate-killing LNG projects built by foreign companies and subsidized by B.C. taxpayers. Renew- able wind, solar and geothermal projects are the solution. Recently B.C.

Hydro, of Site C dam financial-mis - management infamy, announced with great fanfare that it had secured nine new wind projects, at a cost of $5 billion to $6 billion. “Oh my god, this is great.” That was the Green caucus response. There’s just one hitch. These projects are 47 percent to 79 percent more costly than other comparable wind pro - jects in North America. My question to the Premier: what will your govern - ment do to rein in B.C. Hydro and stop overpaying for the clean power we need for B.C.’s energy security? Hon. Adrian Dix: I’m surprised at the question from the hon. member.

I would have thought, and do think, that it’s extraordinary that we approved projects of the size and terms of energy of Site C at 45 percent less than the last call for power in 2009 — these are 51 percent, on average, owned by First Nations and have an average levelized cost of $74 per megawatt hour, $6 less than an equivalent call for power in Quebec recently — and that this wouldn’t be anything else than a success. We need more energy in B.C., we need more renewable energy, and we are just getting started. The Speaker: The member has a supplemental.

OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY EMISSIONS REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS Rob Botterell: B.C. has legislated targets to reduce emis- sions by 40 percent by 2030. About 10 percent of the planned emissions reduction was to be from increasing the price on carbon pollution, yet this week the Premier announced he would scrap the consumer carbon tax. The industrial carbon tax remains, but two-thirds of company emissions are exempted from the tax. There’s no way that B.C. is going to meet the 2030 target.

The province’s most recent climate accountability report says only very minor progress has been made, and that’s before LNG Can- ada comes online. My question is to the Minister of Energy. Will the min - ister introduce a regulatory emissions cap for the oil and gas industry this year, as previously promised? Hon. Adrian Dix: As the member will know, the most recent change to the regulations with respect to methane emissions from the oil and gas sector came in January 1.

We have reduced methane emissions, for example, by 43 percent from 2015 levels, which is a significant achieve- ment not just by the people of B.C., by the CleanBC plan, but by the industry itself. Again and again, in a province where we’ve seen an in - crease in population, in my time on the government side, of close to one million people, we’ve got to continue to take action.

It’s why reducing our per-capita emissions, as we have done, significantly; reducing our emissions against GDP, as we have done, significantly; and continuing to pur- sue climate programs that are good for the economy, good for the people of the province and good for their health is our goal. [2:20 p.m.] It’s why we’re going to work with all members of the Legislature — in particular, members of the Green Party — on a joint review of the CleanBC program, which was scheduled for next year and is going to happen this year.

CONDUCT OF CONSERV ATION OFFICERS Lorne Doerkson: Imagine 23 vehicles showing up in your yard, filled with B.C. conservation officers wearing tactical equipment, some armed with assault rifles. That is exactly what happened to a constituent in the Cariboo last week. He had his windows smashed, doors kicked open, a total of $100,000 of damage done to his home and his property. They seized a cell phone and some paperwork. They embarrassed him and his family. The cause? Incorrectly filled-out paperwork.

What possible justification does the Minister of En - vironment have for using paramilitary-style force on any citizen who didn’t dot an “i” on their paperwork, and did this minister order this raid? Hon. Garry Begg: Thank you to the member opposite for the question. I don’t have knowledge of the incident of which you speak…

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 641 Interjection. The Speaker: Shhh. Hon. Garry Begg: …but I will take it under advisement and get back to you. The Speaker: Member, supplemental. Lorne Doerkson: It’s not surprising that the Public Safety Minister doesn’t know, because this doesn’t fall to his ministry. The reality is this gets so much worse. During this raid, conservation officers forced a woman who required a lava - tory to urinate under surveillance of an officer and then denied her the privacy to shower so that she could clean up and head off to work. They detained people without cause.

They destroyed property and embarrassed my con - stituent and his family in a community where they are very well known. This isn’t law enforcement. It is harassment and intimi- dation. Does this minister support the flagrant abuse of power, and is this what ranchers, guide-outfitters and residents should expect from this new government? Hon. Garry Begg: Thank you again to the member for the question. I’ll take your question under advisement and get back to you.

WIND-GENERATED ELECTRICITY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS AND CONSULTATION ON WIND POWER PROJECTS Ian Paton: On December 9, 2024, without consulting residents and tenure holders, this government announced nine wind power projects. The B.C. Cattlemen’s Association has raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency and the removal of environmental assessments. These projects are being developed on Crown land that supports B.C.’s ranching industry, grazing tenures and critical wildlife habitats.

To the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, why is this government ramming through industrial-scale wind projects without consulting the communities that shoulder the consequences? Hon. Adrian Dix: As I think everyone knows in B.C. — and particularly at this moment, when our province and our country are under attack by the U.S. administration — that we need more energy in B.C. Interjection. Hon. Adrian Dix: And they’ll know that we need…. Apparently, the opposition agrees with this on some days of the week. We need more projects to go ahead, more ef - ficiently and more quickly.

In the case of these wind projects — which are dramat - ically less expensive than they were in 2009, create jobs all over British Columbia, will deliver low-cost wind power — we are moving ahead with these projects. Interjections. The Speaker: Members, if you already know the an - swer, what’s the point of asking questions? Interjections. The Speaker: Let him answer, then. Please. Hon.

Adrian Dix: In this case, all of these projects will go through a significant review around permitting that will address the issues that are appropriate to these pro - jects. [2:25 p.m.] Wind power projects have gone under environmental assessment in the past. We know what those issues are, but we also need to proceed. We also need the energy. We also need to advance clean energy at a time when other parts of the world are advancing other agendas. We’re going to continue to do it. This is about develop- ing B.C. This is about a sustainable economy. This is about jobs all over the province.

I’m surprised that the oppos - ition has become, on these questions, the party of no. The Speaker: Delta South, supplemental. Ian Paton: Well, this government talks about listen - ing to British Columbians, but they are bulldozing ahead with industrial wind farms on Crown land. They’ve done this without consulting the ranchers and the communities who rely on this land. Worse, they’ve eliminated environ - mental assessments altogether.

Here is NDP environmental hypocrisy at its best: no reviews, no accountability, just a blank cheque for projects that could devastate B.C.’s watersheds, B.C.’s wildlife and species at risk. Cattle will not stand underneath windmills. What do cows know that this Premier doesn’t? Hon. Adrian Dix: In my time in this House since the election, I’ve listened again and again to members of the opposition side talk about delays, talk about permitting, talk about red tape. Talk about hypocrisy. We are proceeding with clean energy projects that help build B.C.’s economy, and they’re against it.

This is a time when we need to fight for energy independence and energy sovereignty, and they are against it.

642 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 We have significant…. Interjections. The Speaker: Shhh, Members. Hon. Adrian Dix: The member for Kelowna — one of the projects is near his community. I’d be interested to know where he stands, not on the theory of going ahead with projects but on the fact of it. Will he stand up in the House and support economic development in Kelowna, economic development for First Nations, or is he against it? This is a paper opposition. Interjections. The Speaker: Shhh. Hon. Adrian Dix: We are fighting for the future of B.C.’s economy, and they are against it.

Interjections. The Speaker: Members. GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND ROLE OF SELECT STANDING COMMITTEES Korky Neufeld: Well, let’s change the channel. Select standing committees play a crucial role in ensur - ing transparency and accountability by engaging the pub - lic, yet this government refuses to recall them. Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Korky Neufeld: Why does this government operate in secret and continue to make decisions for the public with - out their input? This government won’t even hold a meeting without forcing people to sign an NDA, a non-disclosure agreement.

In fact, this government has signed more NDAs than all the governments in B.C.’s history. Why is the NDP so intent on shutting out the public and hiding in secrecy? Hon. David Eby: The members opposite may recall, I’m not sure, that I worked at the B.C. Civil Liberties Association for a period of time. During that time… Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Hon. David Eby: …I published a great handbook edu - cating British Columbians about their rights. I’m glad to talk to the member about it. During that time, there was the Dziekanski inquiry. There was a man who was involved in an altercation with police at YVR.

He died, and coming out of that, the then B.C. Liberal government decided to reform police laws. They invited the Civil Liberties Association to come in and consult on the legislation that they were preparing. And guess what. Just guess. You’ll never guess what they asked me to sign. Interjection. The Speaker: Member for North Island, please. Hon. David Eby: You’ll never guess what they asked me to sign. They asked me to sign…. Interjections. The Speaker: Members, are you really interested in lis - tening to some answers or not? We can shut it down right now if you like. Otherwise, stay quiet.

You’re wasting your own time. Premier. [2:30 p.m.] Hon. David Eby: You will never guess what they asked me to sign. They asked me to sign a non-disclosure agree - ment. The Speaker: Member, supplemental. Korky Neufeld: Well, the Aboriginal Affairs Committee hasn’t met since 2003. Oh, and the Committee on Legisla - tive Initiatives hasn’t met since 2010. This government re - fuses to let the public in on their plans for our province. No wonder they’re known as the most secretive government, according to the Canadian Association of Journalists.

When will this government recall committees and stop operating behind closed doors? Hon. David Eby: Well, I know the public is glad for the member’s transparency about his second salary, but he’s not earning his pay today. From 2003 to 2017 and 2010 to 2017, the Leader of the Opposition was on this side of the House. In fact, he was the Minister of Indigenous Relations. If the member wants to strike these committees, I encourage him to talk to the House Leader about getting these committees going. I think committees provide a great opportunity for Brit- ish Columbians to hear about the issues.

That’s why we’re engaged in so many committees with the members of the opposition.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 643 FUNDING FOR MÉTIS NATION K-TO-12 EDUCATION Scott McInnis: This government likes to champion them- selves as leaders with reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in B.C. Recently the Métis Nation of B.C. was told that core funding for K-to-12 education programs would be slashed by two-thirds. My question to any minister in government is a simple one. On what planet would this be considered fair and just reconciliation with Indigenous people? Hon. Lisa B eare: I want to thank the member for the question, which is just simply not accurate.

We are continuing to work with Indigenous commun - ities all across the province to ensure that funding is dir - ectly targeted to support culture, to support language, to support the support needs that their members have. We are firmly committed to reconciliation, which is why we’ve created the Indigenous education councils alongside school boards so that we can directly connect and work with local nations, with Indigenous partners to ensure that we are providing those supports that they need. The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Scott McInnis: I do have the letter from the Métis Na - tion of B.C. which shows they’re getting a 66 percent cut in their funding. This government is willing to spend $118,000 celebrating bureaucrats but is unwilling to properly fund Métis education. The remaining funding is $2 per child. Will this government reverse this heartless cut to Métis people and their families and fully fund Métis education? Hon. Lisa Beare: Again, the member is just simply not correct. We are continuing to support Indigenous education in targeted ways.

We have created the Indigenous education councils alongside First Nations, alongside Indigenous partners to ensure that we are directly targeting funding for culture, for language and for supports, and we are going to continue to do that. KOOTENAY LAKE FERRY LABOUR DISPUTE Harman Bhangu: The Kootenay ferry strike is approach- ing its fifth month without a resolution. We learned the other day that negotiation talks have broken down. There are only three sailings for these communities that depend on this ferry for their livelihood and well-being.

Will this government, at the very least, commit to push- ing this route up to five sailings a day while the negotia - tions continue? Hon. Jennifer Whiteside: Thank you to the member for the question. Look, I understand that people in the Kootenays rely on the ferry service, and I understand they are very frus - trated with the ongoing dispute. [2:35 p.m.] I have been very clear in this House and outside of this House that it is my expectation that both parties will work diligently and with urgency to resolve their collective bar - gaining dispute. That, frankly, is what I expect to be hap - pening.

I understand that people in the Kootenays need that ferry, and we need those parties to be at the table to get a deal and get things back to normal. The Speaker: Member, supplemental. Harman Bhangu: This chaos in the Kootenays must end. There’s a 23 percent increase over three years. Well, Brit- ish Columbians don’t have that same offer to them. The operator has offered 8 percent the first year, 2 percent the second, 13 the third. BCGEU wants 13 percent, 8 percent, then 2 percent. People’s lives are in chaos, and this minis - ter, this government and this local MLA are doing nothing.

To the Minister of Labour, will she do the right thing and appoint a mediator and end this strike? Hon. David Eby: The people of the Kootenays deserve accessible, affordable, readily available transportation. The minister and her team are working to ensure that both sides reach a deal at the table and get things moving again. Now, the member has got great passion… Interjections. The Speaker: Shhh. Shhh. Hon. D avid Eby: …and rightly so, about economic chal - lenges in the Kootenays.

Our whole province, in fact our whole country, is facing a major economic challenge right now coming from the President of the United States, which is why… Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Hon. David Eby: …I would love to see…. Interjections. The Speaker: Members. [The Speaker rose.]

644 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 The Speaker: Calm down. Interjection. The Speaker: You should stop talking. Premier, conclude please. [The Speaker resumed their seat.] Hon. David Eby: I’d love to see the same passion from the opposition fighting the tariffs, fighting Donald Trump, but instead we saw the Health critic for the opposition party…. Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Members. Hon. D avid Eby: Bring that passion to all British Col - umbians. Don’t sit beside… Interjections. The Speaker: Members. Hon. David Eby: …a YouTuber who says…. Interjections. The Speaker: Shhh. Hon.

David Eby: They know who she sat beside. That’s why they’re…. Interjections. The Speaker: Opposition House Leader, could you please ask your members to be in order? Calm down. Order in the House. Hon. David Eby: Anna Lith, a YouTuber, said, “I’m go- ing to do my best to buy American products so the idiots who are buying into Trudeau’s Team Canada b.s. have less impact. I don’t want Trump to hold back. Any suffering will be because of Trudeau, not Trump,” and called the Prime Minister the governor of Canada. Interjections. The Speaker: Shhh. Please conclude. Hon.

David Eby: I can’t wait for the opposition to have the same passion for defending all British Columbians as they rightly do for defending the people of the Kootenays. [End of question period.] Point of Order Korky Neufeld: I would like the Premier to make an apology. He made a false statement. I am not taking a second salary, and I would like his apology, please, made public. The Speaker: Premier. Hon. David Eby: It’s easy to get confused. I apologize to the member if he is, in fact, not taking a second salary. If he’s not, I was incorrect. Orders of the Day Hon.

Mike Farnworth: I call Motion 9 sitting on the order paper in my name. Government Motions on Notice MOTION 9 — COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY AND COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO SIT IN TWO SECTIONS Hon. Mike Farnworth: It will split the House into two sections,

Section A, the little House, and

Section B, the chamber. [That, for the remainder of the current Session: GENERAL 1. C ertain proceedings of the House may be undertaken in two sections, designated

Section A and

Section B, to be subject to the rules that follow. 2. S ection A sit in such committee room as may be desig - nated from time to time, and

Section B sit in the Legislative Chamber. 3. S ection A and

Section B be authorized to examine all Estimates, and for all purposes be deemed to be the Com - mittee of Supply, and that the Standing Orders relating to the consideration of Estimates in the Committee of Supply and to Committees of the Whole House be applicable to such proceedings, save and except that, during proceedings in Committee of Supply, a Minister may defer to a Deputy Minister to permit such Deputy to reply to a question put to the Minister. 4. S ection A and

Section B be authorized to consider bills at committee stage after second reading thereof, and for all purposes be deemed to be a Committee of the Whole House, and that the Standing Orders relating to the consideration of bills in a Committee of the Whole House be applicable to such proceedings. 5. E stimates or bills may be considered in the order de - termined by the Government House Leader and may at any time be subsequently referred to another designated Section, as determined by the Government House Leader in accord - ance with Standing Order 27 (2).

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 645 COMPOSITION 6. Th e Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole or their designate preside in

Section A. 7. S ection A consist of 12 Members, not including the Chair, being six Members of the B.C. NDP Caucus, five Members of the Conservative Party of British Columbia Caucus, and one Member of the B.C. Green Party Caucus. 8. Th e Members of

Section A be: the Minister whose Es - timates are under examination or who is in charge of the bill under consideration and Rohini Arora, Hon. Ravi Par- mar, Janet Routledge, Harwinder Sandhu , Amna Shah, Amelia Boultbee, Gavin Dew, Steve Kooner, Lawrence Mok, David L. Williams and Rob Botterell. 9. S ubstitutions for Members of

Section A be permitted with the consent of the Member’s Caucus Whip. 10. S ection B be composed of all Members of the House. DIVISIONS 11. W hen a division is requested in

Section A, the division bells shall be rung four times and the division shall proceed in accordance with Standing Order 16. 12. W hen a division is requested in

Section B, the division bells shall be rung three times, at which time proceedings in

Section A shall be suspended, and the division shall proceed in accordance with Standing Order 16. 13. I f a division is underway in

Section A at the time that a division is requested in

Section B, the division in

Section B be suspended until the completion of the division in Sec - tion A. REPORTING AND COMPLETION 14. A t 15 minutes prior to the ordinary time fixed for ad - journment of the House, the Chair of

Section A shall report to the House.] Motion approved. [2:40 p.m.] Hon. M ike Farnworth: I call Motion 10 on the order paper, sitting in my name. MOTION 10 — EXTENSION OF SITTING HOURS Hon. Mike Farnworth: It will establish late night sit - tings effective March 31, which means that we will sit until nine o’clock on Mondays and Wednesdays. I have talked with the opposition House Leader, under - standing concerns about sitting on Tuesdays until nine o’clock, and I have committed that we will adjourn at 6.30 on Tuesdays for the rest of the session. [That, effective March 31, 2025, 1.

S tanding Order 2 (1) b e amended to provide for the Monday afternoon sitting, Tuesday afternoon sitting, and Wednesday afternoon sitting to be from 1.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.; and, 2. S tanding Order 3 be amended by striking the words “6:30 p.m. on any Monday and Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. on Wed - nesday” and replacing them with “9:00 p.m. on any Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday” . And that this order expire on May 30, 2025.] The Speaker: Hon. Members, the Government House Leader has moved Motion 10. Motion approved on division. Hon.

Mike Farnworth: I call third reading, Bill 3, Pro - tected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act. Third Reading of Bills BILL 3 — PROTECTED AREAS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AMENDMENT ACT, 2025 Hon. Laanas / Tamara Davidson: I move third reading, Hon. Speaker. The Speaker: Members, the question is third reading of Bill 3, Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2025. Motion approved. The Speaker: Bill 3, Protected Areas of British Colum - bia Amendment Act, 2025, has been read a third time and has passed. Hon.

Mike Farnworth: I call second reading Bill 6, Supply Act (No. 1), 2025. [Lorne Doerkson in the chair.] Second Reading of Bills BILL 6 — SUPPLY ACT (No. 1), 2025 Deputy S peaker: We’ll call the House back to order now, where we will call on the minister for the second reading of Bill 6 today, the Supply Act, 2025. Hon. Brenda Bailey: I move that Bill 6, the Supply Act (No. 1), 2025, be read a second time now. Existing voted appropriations will expire on March 31, 2025.

Bill 6 provides interim supply for ministry oper - ations and other appropriations for approximately the first three months of 2025-2026, while the House com - pletes the debates of the appropriations presented in the ’25-26 estimates. Interim supply for ministry operations and other ap - propriations is required to ensure continuation of govern - ment services until the final supply bill comes into force. Bill 6 also provides one-third of the combined voted amounts in schedules C and D-11 of the 2025-2026 esti -

646 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 mates for disbursements related to capital expenditures, loans, investments and other financing requirements. The one-third authorization provided for in relation to these disbursements is higher than proportion authorized in relation to the ministry operations, as the disburse - ments described in

schedule C and

schedule D-11 are not evenly distributed throughout the year. Therefore, the higher level of interim supply is required to accommodate the payments that will be made under these schedules. Bill 6 also authorizes the full amounts of the disburse - ments referred to in

schedule E of the 2025-2026 estimates.

Schedule E of the estimates outlines the revenue collected on behalf of and transferred to specific programs or enti - ties. There is no impact on the operating results, borrow - ing or debt resulting from the collection and transfer of this revenue. [2:45 p.m.] These interim supply appropriations are based on the accountabilities and allocations outlined in the 2025-2026 estimates. The final supply bill for the 2025-2026 fiscal year will incorporate these amounts to ensure it reflects the sum of all voted appropriations to be given to govern - ment in that fiscal year.

Deputy Speaker: Thank you very much to the Minister of Finance. Now for some debate on Bill 6, we will turn to the mem- ber for Kamloops Centre. Peter Milobar: I won’t have a whole lot of comments on the Supply Act (No. 1), Bill 6, at this time. Certainly this is a pretty standard process that we move through in the Legislature every year when the budget comes out. As the minister laid out, it’s really as it seems, an in - terim supply bill.

It keeps the doors of government open as we come back to this place after the two weeks away in our constituencies to start on budget estimates and enables the time frame for that full scrutiny of the whole budget to take place. I want to make it very clear. Although we in the B.C. Conservative opposition support the supply act to keep the doors of government open, it should not be interpreted in any way, shape or form that we support or endorse this government’s overall budget, let alone running with an $11 billion deficit.

Who knows how high it will be if this government actually follows through on cutting car - bon tax as they’ve said they would, although they haven’t shown it in the budget. Mind you, they said in the election that we’d have a $1,000 grocery rebate in this budget, and it’s not there either, so I guess time will tell on that. That’s really the point. Those broader budget estimates will be a time to fully canvass that. Those budget votes around the bigger, fuller budget will be when we fully question and fully make clear our opposition to the over - all budget. Certainly, the interim bill….

We want to see hospitals open. We want to see schools still operate. We want to see those things continue on in everyone’s everyday lives as we move forward through the regular budget process. So absolutely, we will be supporting Bill 6. We will ab - solutely not be supporting the budget though. Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Member. Seeing no further speakers, I will call on the Minister of Finance to close debate. Hon. Brenda Bailey: I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound and tumultuous moment that many British Columbians find themselves in. We are liv - ing in incredibly tumultuous times.

Every person in this House and across the province is feeling the looming im - pacts of President Trump’s unjustified tariffs on their lives. We are in an economic trade war, the likes of which our province has never seen. We did not ask for this trade war. We did not want this trade war. But here in B.C., we stand ready for whatever comes next. We are the true north, strong and free, and we will always be there for British Colum - bians when they need us. Right now British Columbians are looking to us to en - sure that government functions and provides the essential services that they rely on.

Bill 6 ensures that these key ser - vices continue to run smoothly, without disruption. With - out this bill, we risk halting critical government operations, which would impact the delivery of health care, education and social services. This bill will secure funding for social programs that will help British Columbians assess the support that they need, its financial aid, housing, addiction recovery ser - vices, supporting educators from kindergarten to post- secondary, keeping doctors, nurses and health care work - ers working and construction on major infrastructure projects moving ahead.

In these uncertain times, we must act decisively to pro - tect the economic security of our province. This bill en - sures that British Columbians have the tools and the re - sources needed to weather this economic time, keeping public sector jobs stable, protecting essential services and ensuring that investments in infrastructure continue to move forward. The passage of this bill is more than just a financial ne - cessity. It’s a commitment to British Columbians and their future. We must continue investing in health care, educa - tion, social services and to protect the well-being of our communities.

By passing this bill, we secure the stability of our province and build a stronger, more resilient British Columbia for everyone. [2:50 p.m.] Deputy Speaker: Members, the question is second read- ing of Bill 6, the Supply Act, 2025.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 647 Motion approved. Hon. B renda Bailey: I move that Bill 6 be committed to the Committee of the Whole House for consideration at the next sitting after today. Motion approved. Hon. Brenda Bailey: I call continued budget debate. Budget Debate (continued) Deputy Speaker: We will call on our first speaker to continue our budget debate, the member for North Van - couver–Seymour. Susie Chant: Thank you, hon. Speaker, and a pleasure to see you again today.

I’d like to acknowledge the following interns that are working with us, because they have helped put together my budget speech. We have worked together. They did not do the work for me. Myriam Devlin, Anabella McElroy, Chris Camasco, Ewa Bozerocka and Henry Waatainen are all to be com - mended for the work that they do and for the learnings that they are getting as interns with the parliamentary in - tern program. They are really great to work with. I also would like to recognize that we are on the lands of the lək̓ ʷəŋən people, now known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.

We do our work on their traditional territory, and we are grateful for all the things that we learn from them. I also want to make sure that I acknowledge my riding of North Vancouver–Seymour, which is located on the un- ceded ancestral lands of the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh, səlilwətaɬ and xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm Nations. I respect the ongoing stewardship of this land since time immemorial, and I appreciate the opportunities we have had to advance lasting reconciliation between our governments.

As a provincial institution, we must acknow- ledge our historic role in the systemic oppression and dis - crimination of Indigenous peoples so that we may ad - vance respectful reconciliation and work together mean - ingfully to address the issues facing British Columbians today. This budget is being delivered in a time of uncertainty. Tariffs appear one day, gone the next. Our government is focused on investing in B.C.’s resilience, everything from good-paying jobs for people to protecting our breath - taking environment. We will never be the 51st state.

I’ve seen more Canadian flags flying around our commun - ities than I’ve ever seen before, and our government is supporting the Team Canada approach. I think we said: “Elbows up.” The great example of the Team Canada approach was seen during the Invictus Games. Teams of service people and veterans came from all over the world to compete against each other in sporting events. However, the social interaction, inclusive of everybody, was exceptional. Everyone was welcome, everyone had folks cheering for them as they competed, and there was always somebody there to lift you up as needed.

The Indigenous underpinnings were very evident in a variety of ways, from the opening events, through the athletes, families and friends meeting place, a blanketing ceremony for all 550 competitors, and into the closing ceremonies. This is a lesson that all of our communities, provinces and countries can benefit from learning. We are stronger, better and nicer when we work and play together. As the provincial liaison with the Consular Corps, I have been struck by the positive support voiced by the many representatives from other countries who are posted in Vancouver.

They are enthusiastic in their willingness to discuss trade strategies and strong in their recognition of B.C. as a good partner and Canada as a sovereign nation. We are grateful for this support. Yes, we are facing economic challenges today, but sup - porting our economy does not need to come at the expense of our climate goals. My constituents in North Vancouver understand how important it is to protect our beautiful environment.

Mount Seymour Provincial Park; the shared səlilwətaɬ provincial park of Say Nuth Khaw Yum; Whey-ah- Wichen Park, which is also known as Cates Park; through Lynn Canyon, the headwaters and Seymour Demonstra - tion Forest; to name just a few of the wonderful parks and green spaces we have in North Vancouver–Seymour. [2:55 p.m.] Maplewood Flats is open and home to a myriad of bird species, and we’re learning their Indigenous names from the səlilwətaɬ Nation knowledge-keepers and those who are now guiding the work of the B.C. bird association.

We have bears, deer, raccoons, skunks and cougars in our backyards, and we are continually improving safety on the interface, for the flora and fauna as well as for the people. I am happy to see that this budget continues to spend on CleanBC programs, helping to build a sustainable economy that is good for everyone and protects the nat - ural world around us. I’ve been a long supporter of the Hydrogen Technolo - gies and Energy Corps and their investments in North Vancouver and across the province.

Just last year I was happy to see that our government invested $133 million in hydrogen power, and I’m excited for the clean liquid hy- drogen facility which will soon be coming to North Van - couver. The federal government has also offered a loan of over $330 million for this project, known as the H2 gate - way project, which will speed up and expand hydrogen de - velopment and infrastructure in North Vancouver.

648 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 We know that hydrogen is an important zero-emission fuel. These funds create more certainty in the sustain - able fuel sector and make sure that B.C. is economically competitive in a decarbonizing world. This project will not only position our community at the forefront of clean energy innovation and help fight the climate crisis, but it will also create hundreds of new, good-paying jobs for the north shore and for British Columbia. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, North Vancouver–Sey - mour is an essential part of the Port of Vancouver.

We are also home to several other important industries. Chemtrade runs a facility in North Vancouver which plays a critical role in providing access to liquid chlorine for safe drinking water right across through Saskatchewan and down the western seaboard. This facility is the only chlorine-producing plant in B.C. and produces 40 percent of the chlorine in Canada. Chemtrade operates in partner - ship with the North Vancouver community and is com - mitted to providing local and meaningful jobs which are environmentally aware, ethically responsible and safety- focused.

Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. is yet another great example of North Vancouver’s strong local business community. Founded in 1948, they’ve built hundreds of vessels and provide essential ship repair and engineering services to the commercial marine industry on the Pacific west coast. The Port of Vancouver is thriving, and North Vancou - ver–Seymour is playing a vital role. In the face of tariffs and economic warfare, B.C. needs reliable and sustainable industries.

As a government, we’re looking forward to developing industry in the clean power sector in North Vancouver and ensuring that families and individuals across the province continue to have access to good, stable jobs. Buying B.C. is another important thing to focus on as we stand together as Team Canada. In 2024, B.C. imported $25.2 billion of goods, or 34 percent of B.C.’s total imports, from the U.S., including food products. Food security is an especially pressing topic, and as we tackle the consequences of tariffs, we need to focus on local goods and services.

In North Vancouver–Seymour, the səlilwətaɬ Nation has created a community garden to support food security, health and nutritional education. This is one strategy that embodies their long-term goal of becoming completely self-sufficient in food production and harvesting. Also in North Vancouver, we currently have nine beauti- ful community gardens where folks are growing lovely flowers and shrubs, as well as vegetables and fruits that they share with families, neighbours and local food pro - viders.

More local food production helps our communities become less vulnerable to supply chain issues and the ris - ing cost of living. Hydroponics, vertical gardening and green rooftops are examples of the innovative urban gardening tech - niques currently taking root in North Vancouver. Finding new ways to grow food all over B.C. is a crucial part of ad - dressing food insecurity, and creating food infrastructure is crucial to keeping our province resilient. I know that our communities will continue to take the time and effort to work together, get the gardening gloves on and con - tinue these incredible initiatives.

As a government, we also need to continue to advance reconciliation with Indigenous people. This is an ongoing process that requires enduring relationships, collabora - tion and dedication. Our government has announced the opening of six more Indigenous justice centres across the province, in partnership with the B.C. First Nations Justice Council. [3:00 p.m.] In doing so, we have reached our goal of establishing 15 centres throughout B.C., showing our commitment to ad - dressing the barriers Indigenous peoples face in the justice system.

These centres are crucial for offering culturally appropriate legal services and improving access to justice for Indigenous peoples in B.C. There is also important work being done at the local level. I think of the opportunities I have had to work along- side the səlilwətaɬ Nation as they move forward on their project to build a longhouse in Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park. This longhouse will offer a culturally appropriate environ - ment for all generations of the nation to gather on these shores as a community and pass along traditional know - ledge.

I’ve had the opportunity to discuss plans for the long - house, which include an outdoor school option for the` səlilwətaɬ school and perhaps others from North Van school district, a gathering place for ceremony and pos - sibly a cultural tourist destination that allows visitors to learn about the many First Nation groups in B.C. Possible sites are being assessed for accessibility and whether they are appropriate for the intended use. The səlilwətaɬ Nation has made exceptional progress in restoring the waters, shoreline and coastal habitat along the Burrard Inlet and Indian River.

Urban and industrial development has damaged streams, intertidal habitats and altered one-third of the shoreline. We know this is not good. I’ve grown up along the side of this shoreline, and I’ve seen the difference in the last 20 years. We don’t have the oil and sludge that we used to have. This has resulted in serious water pollution, ecological damage, and it has hurt many native species of flora. However, in recent years, they have seen the return of herring, salmon, dolphins and orcas as well as eelgrass to the inlet, which shows us the hard work is producing re - sults.

While on a tour up the inlet with the members of səlilwətaɬ Nation, they also indicated they’re beginning to harvest clams again, something which has not been pos - sible since the 1970s due to the levels of water pollution. I’m inspired by the səlilwətaɬ Nation’s hard work to re- store their natural habitat, raise awareness about pollution

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 649 in the inlet and build a future abundant enough for their children’s children to thrive. I’m also very happy in this budget to see a continued commitment in the budget for health care services. Our government is putting forward more than $4 billion to address the need for responsive health care for all British Columbians. We are committed to our public health care system and know that a lack of funds shouldn’t be a bar - rier to accessing these services.

As was mentioned by one of our members earlier, thank you to the health care workers in this province for the work that you put in every day for our constituents. We have nurses, nurse practitioners, LPNs and care workers supporting patients in the community, in the acute care settings, in clinics, in long-term care and as - sisted living and in other settings as well. And that’s just the start. Many other professionals and clinicians, doctors, physio- therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and more and the support staff….

Never forget the support staff, who keep places clean and safe and keep the patients eating nu - tritious and healthy food. All these people and more make up the care teams, and our government supports them in that work. Additionally, we need to recognize the work of families, friends and others who provide care, acknowledging the work they do is critical, and they too need support through a variety of ways. Something we know people are struggling with is get - ting good health care close to home. Patients and their families are going through what is often the most difficult time of their lives.

We want to make sure they have the best facilities to help them through it all, somewhere that’s accessible to them. To address this issue, our government opened a new acute care tower two weekends ago at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. I was able to visit this space last month: 108 surgical beds; eight large universal surgical suites, including one that is available at all times for emergency surgeries; pre- and post-anaesthetic units all on the same floor as the operating rooms so that the patient’s journey is smooth and so that staff can work readily in all areas as needed.

It’s a bright space with big windows, designed to be calm- ing, not what you might first imagine a sterile hospital space to look like. Rooms all have pullout couches so that family members can stay comfortably. [3:05 p.m.] There’s also a growing rooftop garden at the top of the tower. It is planted with 12 varieties of native plants and has an area for smudging and ceremony. It’s accessible to everyone in Lions Gate Hospital, not just those in the new tower. We know access to green space is beneficial to every- one’s mental and physical health, so this is a great addition.

Inside the new tower, doctors and clinical staff are benefiting from major facility and equipment upgrades. Working in a seismically upgraded facility means doctors don’t have to worry about what they’re going to do to take care of their patients in the event of an earthquake. Our local First Nations were a big part of the new fa - cility through the stages of conception, design and build. The Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ Nations, with local First Nations artists, created spaces reflective of cultural practices and incorporated Indigenous art into all of the decor.

The three large cedar trees that were taken down to allow the tower to be built are repurposed into two wel - come poles and also have become the milled-wood panel - ling in the elevator foyer. It even smells like cedar. It’s so important to create safer, welcoming and cultur - ally appropriate spaces for Indigenous patients and their families. I’m happy to see this progress being made in the health care system, and this is great news for the north shore area. This project takes us another step forward in achieving the goals outlined in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act action plan.

Our govern - ment is putting $15 billion towards health care capital over the next three years, and I’m looking forward to seeing more spaces like this one open. I also want to say a quick thank-you to Mr. Paul Myers, who contributed $25 million to the build of the new tower, so that allowed it to get started. Then the province was able to kick in. The Lions Gate Hospital Foundation also raised — what was it? — almost $10 million, a lot. I will have to cor - rect that for the record. A lot of work was done in the com- munity to get the money put together for that tower.

Another important addition to Lions Gate Hospital is a forensic nursing unit, which opened in July. Its purpose is to support sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking survivors. Before this unit opened, survivors would have to go to Vancouver General for specialized treatment. Now they can walk into the emergency room on the north shore to get that care. There are 12 nurses on call on the north shore to docu - ment survivors’ accounts and help them with any blood work or DNA testing.

It’s so important that survivors have the option to collect this evidence as quickly as possible without needing a referral or a police report before they’ve had time to process what has happened. The coordinator of the unit told North Shore News last year that everyone should know that their care is self- directed. They are taking control of their own bodies and health during a hospital experience. For those who want to go to the police immediately, the nurses are able to help. For those who want to go through that process later, they’ll have what was collected to support them.

All the nurses in the forensic unit have specialized medical training from BCIT, as well as cultural sensitiv - ity training. They work to ensure all patients have a safe experience in what is a very traumatic time. In another important part of the health care sector, this budget shows our government’s commitment to funding

650 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 mental health and addiction recovery services. I want to highlight an organization our government supports, which is doing fantastic work in my community, the Look- out Housing and Health Society. This organization runs a new substance use recovery community centre that opened this summer, the North Shore Junction. Recovery community centres are a type of care that doesn’t require a doctor’s referral. The centre supports peo- ple starting their substance use recovery journey alongside people that are far down that path, as well as their families and friends.

The Junction has programming through the week to help those in recovery build support systems. The programs might be a trail walk, arts and crafts events or group ther - apy sessions. The Junction also hosts drop-in building- back hours five days a week for anyone curious about join- ing the community. Community centres like these are an essential piece of addiction health care, and we know that B.C., like many other provinces and countries, is facing a shortage of health care workers. The first step in addressing this is making sure more doctors can train in B.C.

We’re putting $34 million towards the initial Simon Fraser University Surrey campus, ensuring future doctors can start medical school there in 2026. [3:10 p.m.] Alongside doctors and nurses, our government is work - ing to build up B.C.’s trade workers, teachers and engin - eers. We’re also making it easier to translate international credentials for all these essential fields into good-paying jobs in British Columbia. Budget 2025 reflects our continued commitment to building B.C.

The money we’re setting aside for housing will support teachers, nurses, construction workers and other working professionals that communities like North Vancouver depend on. It will allow us to continue work - ing with other levels of government and community part - ners to create housing that is high quality, secure and af - fordable. As outlined in Budget 2025, making sure individuals and families can find good-quality homes at a price point they can afford remains one of the top priorities. This in - vestment into housing has and will continue to improve the lives of the people of B.C.

An example of our government’s commitment to build- ing homes for people in my own constituency of North Vancouver–Seymour is the $9.5 million that was invested in the Salal Apartments development through B.C. Hous - ing’s community housing fund. Since the building opened last June, Salal Apartments has given 90 North Vancouver households access to high-quality, affordable homes. Developments like Salal Apartments support young families, in particular, by outfitting our growing com - munity with dozens of new multi-bedroom units that they can afford. However, these homes are more than just affordable.

Families living in Salal’s modern units also enjoy im - mediate access to parks, schools and other amenities in the walkable Lynn Creek neighbourhood. This includes a newly upgraded Phibbs bus exchange, just steps from the building, and a brand-new recreation centre on Hunter Street, only a ten-minute walk away. Also close by is access to parks and trails, which will take you away from the hustle and bustle of commerce to the relative calm of Inter River Park, leading up into Lynn Canyon and to the demonstration forest or to headwaters park.

Suspension bridges, waterfalls, big trees and sea - sonal berries are all within hiking distance. In partnership with the district of North Vancouver, B.C. Housing is also helping build a new 188-home com - plex just off Lillooet Road. Once completed, this develop - ment will provide housing options for people of various incomes, independent seniors and families. Budget 2025 will help us to continue the work of build - ing homes for people, ensuring that middle-income Brit - ish Columbians, including families and working profes - sionals, can afford to live in their own communities.

And $318 million is being earmarked to support our BC Builds program over the next three years to help us deliver thou - sands of homes for middle-income folks on the north shore and across the province. In addition to this, we are also making changes to en - sure that affordable housing benefits people and not specu- lators, raising our speculation and vacancy tax from 0.5 per- cent to 1 percent for citizens and permanent residents and from 2 percent to 3 percent for foreign and worldwide owners. This tax works.

Even though it applies to less than 1 per- cent of B.C. households, the speculation and vacancy tax added over 20,000 condo units to Metro Vancouver’s long- term rental market between 2018 and 2020 alone. Further taxing speculators will unlock more homes for people in communities across the province and provide additional revenues that will be reinvested into housing. In Budget 2025, more funding is also coming to sup - port low-income families and seniors. Working families receiving rent supports will see their monthly payments nearly double as we further invest in rental assistance pro - grams.

In North Vancouver, we are working with local part - ners to give people who are at risk of or currently experi - encing homelessness the care and support they need. The East Keith Road supportive housing site, for example, is a collaborative effort between B.C. Housing, Vancou - ver Coastal Health, the district of North Vancouver and Lu’ma Native Housing. Once completed, this project will provide 60 supportive studio apartments and five complex care units for vulnerable members of our community. Moreover, with the support of the Lu’ma Native Hous - ing Society, the services delivered at the East Keith Road

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 British Columbia Debates 651 development will be safe and culturally appropriate for In - digenous residents. Likewise, we are very proud to be partnering with the səlilwətaɬ First Nation through B.C. Housing to build 50 homes on the reserve land along Spa-Ath Road.

With con - struction now underway, members of the səlilwətaɬ com- munity will soon have greater access to a wide variety of affordable housing options, including units catering to families, seniors and multi-generational households. [3:15 p.m.] The Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Nation has also been doing hard work to shape the future of affordable housing for its com - munity. As the cost of living rises in Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh ter- ritory, members deserve access to a range of affordable housing options that serve their needs.

The Hiy̓ ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Housing Society is a not- for-profit organization creating much-needed affordable homes. Working with several partners, including B.C. Housing and the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Nation, the Hiy̓ ám̓ Hous- ing Society has developed numerous housing projects with the goal of housing every Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh person within 25 years — for example, the 95 rental units com - pleted last year on the Capilano Reserve and in the most recent 55-unit development on Capilano Road that pro - vides supportive housing for vulnerable members experi - encing homelessness or at the risk of homelessness.

These are significant projects being realized. I com - mend the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Nation as they work tirelessly to bring community members and families home. Under Budget 2025, our government is also continu - ing its work to make sure seniors in communities across B.C. have access to stable and affordable housing. Rent supplements provided through our Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters program, for instance, will grow by 30 percent on average. This is the second time in the last year that we have increased funding for seniors under this program.

In addition to this per-person increase, Budget 2025 pro - vides an additional 1,600 total seniors with access to these rental supports. Housing is not the only support available to seniors under this budget. As of 2024, British Columbia is home to approximately 1.5 million people over the age of 60. We have a responsibility to them to make sure that they can lead healthy and self-sufficient lives. I know how import - ant it is for our government to invest in independent liv - ing, as well as long-term care, and ensure that all seniors have access to the services that they need.

Promoting and advocating for seniors services and long-term care is obviously very meaningful to me, not only because of my role as a parliamentary secretary but also because, as a registered nurse working in community for over 20 years, I have seen the importance of ensuring that as people age, there are choices available — choices to remain at home for as long as possible or to die at home with effective and compassionate palliative care, to die in a palliative care centre, to be in a long-term-care home that can meet more complex needs or to be in assisted liv - ing where independence is supported with some help.

All of these options and more are important, and our government continues to do the work of making sure everyone can access those choices. We remain committed to supporting and caring for seniors, which is why I’m happy to hear that in addition to rent supplements, we will continue to improve home and community care, with an increase of more than $100 mil- lion in the budget for 2025. This funding will support home health services to help seniors manage their health care needs and remain living at home.

One of these programs to highlight is the Better at Home program, a service which helps with day-to-day tasks such as grocery shopping, light housekeeping and transportation to and from medical appointments for those who need it. They can also help with snow removal and yardwork in some areas. That is managed by the United Way. We are also continuing the age tax credit introduced in 2000, which provides income-tested tax credits to seniors. Our seniors are an integral part of our province.

We will continue to ensure that they can access the services they need, participate in their communities and live the lives they choose. We will always recognize that these are the people who have paved the way for the rest of us and ensure that respect and compassion are integral to all ser - vices for seniors. I had the opportunity just last week to attend the sen - iors care conference of the federal, provincial and territor - ial ministers for seniors.

I was delighted to learn that B.C. is setting the standard in some areas of seniors care, par - ticularly in the area of non-profit societies that offer a broad range of services, from meal programs through socializa - tion through IT fluency, language training and more. During times like this, when uncertainty is all around us, it’s important that we keep focused on the things that really matter. While the government down south chooses chaos, our government is choosing to stand strong for B.C. families and children.

I’m proud of the work that our gov- ernment is doing in investing in British Columbia, invest - ing in people, investing in programs, investing in business. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak and support this budget. [3:20 p.m.] Deputy Speaker: Thank you very much, Member. For continued budget debate, we will call on and recog - nize the member for West Vancouver–Capilano. Lynne Block: I rise today to speak to the 2025 budget.

First and foremost, I want to thank the many people who supported me in my campaign: my children and their families, friends, volunteers, community members, experts in their fields.

652 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 12, 2025 You believed in me and my commitment to our riding and its people. I stand here today with a deep sense of responsibil - ity, honoured to represent my riding of West Vancouver– Capilano and every single constituent in it. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I will work tirelessly to meet the needs and expectations of every individual and family in this riding.

Specifically, I want to thank Ashten Young, Colin Met - calfe, Sharon Thompson, Caroline Elliott, Eva Jarvis, Rob - ert Jarvis, Aidan Mackay, Shannon Kewley, David Jones, Tyler Elkington, Rob Mackay Dunn, Brock Stephenson, Richard Triggs, Helene Childs, Neil Carrol, Shirin Saleh, Will Portman, Neil Jensen, E

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20250312pm-Hansard-n24
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20250312pm Hansard n24
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	0565e1a9d7c0be6d5a0cdd3de2dee70fb91843c4

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