1972 Legislative Session: 3rd Session, 29th Parliament

HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational purposes

only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1972

Afternoon Sitting

[ Page 283 ]

The House met at 2:00 p.m.

Prayers.

Orders of the day .

HON. W.A.C. BENNETT (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, I

wish to move, seconded by the Attorney-General that the public accounts

for the fiscal year, 1970-71 be referred to the standing committee on

public accounts.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mr. Bennett presents the Attorney General's nine month report.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I wish to present a message from His Honour, the closing estimates.

MR. SPEAKER: The Lieutenant-Governor transmits herewith

estimates of sums required for the service of the province for the

fiscal year ended March 31, 1973. In

schedule A, sums required by Her

Majesty to make good certain sums expended for the public service for

the period ending March 31, 1971 and to indemnify the several officers

and persons for making such expenditure and recommends the same to the

legislative assembly. Dated at Government House February 3, 1972.

HON. MR. BENNETT: I move, seconded by the Honourable Attorney

General, that the said message and estimates accompanying the same be

referred to the committee of supply.

Motion approved.

BUDGET ADDRESS

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to move,

seconded by the Attorney General, that Mr. Speaker do now leave the

chair for the House to go into committee of supply. But Mr. Speaker, I

wouldn't like you to leave the chair too soon.

Speaking on this motion, Mr. Speaker, this is the 20th successive

annual budget for the Social Credit administration and the 19th it has

been my privilege to present as Minister of Finance.

The past two decades have been of outstanding growth for British

Columbia. The province has led the nation in the rate of increase in

population, labour force, capital investment, and production, all of

which have presented great challenges to the provincial economy, and

particularly to the provincial government. The almost doubling of

provincial population during this period, with over 60 per cent being

new residents mostly from other provinces, has required large

investment of capital and annual operating funds by the province in

government services to the people of the province.

British Columbia has been the most successful of any province in

meeting the job needs of the fastest-growing labour force in Canada.

The high level of capital investment throughout the province and the

resulting increase in production have necessitated massive investment

by the government and its Crown corporations to support the broadening

industrial base.

In meeting these challenges this government has balanced the

priorities of economic development and government services to people

within its basic policies of financing all general and capital

expenditures out of current income, low tax rates, and, at the same

time, maintaining adequate cash reserves.

With each passing year the strong performance of the British

Columbia economy in comparison with the other Canadian provinces

substantiates the appropriateness of financial policies which have been

basic to this administration since taking office on August 1, 1952.

Uniquely, the Government of British Columbia has a flexibility of

action to respond quickly to the needs of the province without

negatively affecting the economy.

Since my budget address of last year, events have occurred on the

national and international scene to further disrupt the Canadian

economy. The employment situation has worsened for an increasing number

of Canadians. Also, President Nixon's programme to correct a perverse

economic imbalance for the United States has international

complications.

At the federal-provincial conference of the leaders of the

governments of Canada and the provinces held in Ottawa in November of

last year, I presented on behalf of the people of the province

constructive proposals to increase employment in Canada and to ensure

every Canadian a basic living income. This brief is carried as the

appendix to this budget speech.

British Columbia suggested to the Prime Minister of Canada that the

solution to the creation of jobs for an expanding labour force, which,

incidentally, is the fastest growing in the western world, is to

strengthen the Canadian economy in two ways.

First, Canada is too small and scattered in population and too large

in area to exist as a closed market and still expect to maintain the

high standard of living and level of government services Canadians

rightfully demand. We must, therefore, be outward-looking in trading

associations for our production. The most important, natural and

logical market for Canada is the United States. Accordingly, British

action on establishing a common trade market with the United States to

provide progressively a free trade between the two countries within 10

years. A system of quotas for some agriculture products might be

required due to different seasons in the two countries.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has un-utilised labour and underutilised

resources which could be developed if a larger market existed. As

Premier of the province I have every confidence that Canadians could

well compete in this very large common market.

Second is British Columbia's long-standing proposal for the

implementation of a nationally administered guaranteed annual income

for all Canadians through a negative tax. Federal government payments

to any Canadian with income below a national standard would create

market demand and provide the opportunity for a national standard of

living.

Mr. Speaker, the Economic Council of Canada, in a publication

released last fall, stated job creation to be the major challenge for

the 1970's. This government early recognised this problem and acted

upon it. Honourable Members will recall that during my budget address

last year, just a year ago, I stated a prime goal of this government

was to create more jobs within British Columbia, setting a

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minimum objective of an increase of 25,000 in the number of people gainfully employed between October 1970 and October 1971.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to report to this House this minimum

target was not only reached but, in fact, exceeded by nearly three

times that number with 73,000 more British Columbians working in

October 1971 than in October 1970. This is the important figure, Mr.

Speaker. This represents an increase of 9.1 per cent, the highest rate

of increase in Canada and to my knowledge, in any other country. The

employment increase over this period for the rest of Canada was only

2.6 per cent.

The creation of these many more jobs not only accommodated the

57,000 increase in the province's labour force but reduced the number

of persons unemployed by 16,000 even taking into account the great

number of people who came to this province seeking work.

This performance is in stark contrast with every other region of

Canada. I stated at the federal-provincial conference that if the rest

of Canada had performed as well as the British Columbia economy in the

creation of jobs, Canada would not have an unemployment problem today,

at all.

The creation of more jobs is a major thrust of this government's

current policy. Programmes contained in the budget proposals I present

today will continue this government's determination to increase the

number of jobs for those of our own residents entering the labour force

and the thousands of new workers, many with families, coming into

British Columbia from other regions to take up residence.

Another important contribution not to be overlooked in the British

Columbia economy, is the provincial government's home-ownership

assistance programme. Introduced in 1966, it is an unqualified success.

To date, almost 84,000 families have received outright grants or

low-interest second-mortgage loans. In the last year alone 27,000

applications were received for assistance.

The policies laid down in the 1971 budget speech have proved most

effective in stimulating both the public and private sectors of the

British Columbia economy. Mr. Speaker, this budget will show there is

to be no let-up in the government's programme to create jobs and to

increase government services to the people of the province. It is this

action which has been a major factor in keeping the British Columbia

economy going. It will also show very clearly the benefits to the

people of British Columbia of a government continuing in office, able

to plan on a long-term basis.

This past year has witnessed an important meeting on the Canadian

constitution held in Victoria in June 1971, in honour of British

Columbia's centenary in the Canadian Confederation and a number of

equally important meetings between the governments of Canada and the

provinces on income tax changes and other fiscal and economic matters.

At the constitutional conference, good progress was made,

particularly providing for amending the constitution entirely within

Canada. British Columbia sincerely regrets proposals were not brought

to fruition at that time.

Honourable Members of this House and all citizens of the province

are by now well aware of the federal government revisions of the Income Tax Act

introduced at the beginning of this year. While this government

strongly supported the increase in income tax exemptions for

individuals, but wanted them larger because of the effects of

inflation, the province vigorously opposed the new financial

Principally, British Columbia desired retention of the tax-abatement

system of calculating the federal and provincial income taxes payable,

rather than the new federal plan of a tax-on-tax system.

Under the revised fiscal arrangements with Canada, the 1972 British

Columbia individual income tax is 30.5 per cent of the federal

individual income tax payable. This tax rate, according to federal

government calculations, will raise the same amount of revenue for the

province as 28 per cent abatement rate which had been in effect since

1967. I want to say this, that our rate will still be the lowest in

Canada. The federal Minister of Finance at the meeting of finance

ministers and treasurers held in Ottawa in November, 1971, commented as

follows — here I quote the former federal Minister of Finance:

The tax base upon which the provincial taxes are

calculated is slightly smaller than the existing base. To receive the

same amount of revenue, provinces will need to express their new tax on

the smaller base slightly above the present rates. I want to emphasise

again that this would not result in a higher level of provincial taxes.

The federal Minister of Finance announced a number of budget

measures on October 15, 1971. Included was a renewal of a previous

job-creating programme.

Whereas, under the 1970 programme, British

Columbia's share was $39,800,000, this has been reduced to $21 million

under the 1971 programme despite the large number of workers and their

dependents who continue to come from other provinces in search of jobs.

The Government of British Columbia, however, welcomes the measure and,

as under the initial programme, has accepted the full allocation of

money and made it all available to the municipalities.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to place in perspective for the people of

British Columbia and Canada the serious restraining effect upon

government and the cost to the citizens of government debt-servicing

charges.

In 1952 when the people elected this Social Credit government to

manage the affairs of British Columbia, provincial government

debt-servicing costs, including payments for debt retirement, took 23

per cent of the government's total expenditure. That same year,

total expenditure, and that constituted interest charges and the cost

of issuing new debt only.

debt-retirement requirements. Had British Columbia debt-servicing costs

been allowed to expand at the level prevailing in 1952, a total of $330

million would not have been available for the government services to

people this next year but would have had to go to pay the debt

servicing. Instead, provincial government debt costs to the people of

British Columbia are nil — the only province in Canada with that

policy, with all provincial government revenues available for services

to people and strengthening the economy, and have been that way since

August 1, 1959.

To have achieved this and at the same time kept pace with the

province's fast-growing needs in government services is a unique

accomplishment in government finance. On the other hand Government of

Canada debt costs in this year have been estimated at $2,025 million or

14.1 per cent of the total federal expenditures. This is the second

largest item of budgetary expenditure for the federal government. It is

approximately the combined total of the federal contribution to all the

provinces for hospital, medical care programmes and its payments for

national youth allowances. It is time the people of Canada awakened to

the drain debt costs are upon

[ Page 285 ]

the economy.

This difference in finance policy between the national and other

provincial governments and the British Columbia government is

characterised in a statement of Mr. Bevan made in the British House of

Commons and cited in former British Labour Prime Minister Harold

Wilson's recently published memoirs, "A Personal Record." And I quote:

There is one important problem facing representative

parliamentary government in the whole of the world where it exists. It

is being asked to solve a problem which so far it has failed to solve:

that is, how to reconcile parliamentary popularity with sound economic

planning.

This British Columbia Social Credit government is the only

government in Canada that has dared to adopt and adhere to a policy of

no debt and balanced budgets, despite severe criticism both political

and from special interest groups of the provincial economy.

A government, to be responsible to the entire community, must follow

policies which benefit the community as a whole over the long term.

This has been the consistent policy of this government since it took

office in 1952 and will continue, Mr. Speaker. Because without this

approach democracy cannot stand.

Of continuing concern to the Government of British Columbia is the

present federal government's policy to slow down the economically

expanding regions of Canada. Dr. Solandt, chairman of the Science

Council of Canada, has stated that "Ottawa should stop pouring regional

subsidies indiscriminately into areas where population is dropping and

where industry cannot support itself."

The federal government should also stop siphoning off taxpayers'

moneys to special interest groups as it is not going to the poor people

of the depressed areas who really need the help to expand our economy.

The regions of Canada should develop according to the advantages they

can best contribute to the nation without the need for heavy government

subsidisation to the private business sector. Individual economic

activity needs support but this can be much better achieved through

British Columbia's proposed guaranteed annual income plan.

In reference to British Columbia's Crown corporations, Mr. Speaker,

the strong demand by the provincial economy for power supplies in 1971

and the anticipated growth in demand for the next decade requires the

efficient development and utilisation of our power resources. Last year

sales of electricity increased 11.6 per cent, almost double the

increase in 1970. The volume of gas sales increased 13.3 per cent,

compared with 5.8 per cent in 1970.

Plant additions during 1971 included the placing in service of the

sixth unit at the Gordon M. Shrum generating station on the Peace

River, raising the plant's total capacity to 1,362,000 kilowatts. Units

seven and eight will be installed this year and equipment contracts for

the ninth unit have been let, with installation in 1974.

The redeveloped Jordan River plant on Vancouver Island commenced

operation last December with 150,000 kilowatts of capacity.

Construction of the Columbia River Mica Dam is on

schedule with the dam

at 630 feet, and work on the spillway, intake, and outlets well

advanced. And the Hydro will now proceed to building the generating

station and also the lines to bring the power into the Vancouver area.

Development of the power resources at Mica proceeds, with the first

two units scheduled for operation in 1976. This site will ultimately

produce over 2 million kilowatts for the use of the people of British

Columbia. Completion of the

Whatshan generating station redevelopment is expected this year. The

500,000 kilowatt Kootenay Canal project is under way, with the first

two generating units of 125,000 kilowatts each scheduled for operation

in 1975. A sixth unit is to be installed at the Burrard thermal

generating unit for service in 1974, raising the total capacity at this

plant to 900,000 kilowatts.

To complement the expansion of electric generating facilities,

significant extensions and reinforcements were made to the provincial

electric grid during 1971. Extension of service to many remote areas of

the province was facilitated by the annual rural electrification grant

from the Government of British Columbia.

The provincial government-owned Pacific Great Eastern Railway, which

plays a key role in the dramatic economic advances taking place in the

interior and northern sectors of British Columbia, leads all other

North American railroads in new line construction.

With the opening of the 250-mile line from Fort St. John to Fort

Nelson on September 10, 1971, mainline track now totals 1,100 miles, 40

per cent more than the 790 miles existing as late as 1960.

In addition, work continues on the 420-mile extension from Fort St.

James to Dease Lake, which will open up by 1974 the northern area

between the Rocky Mountain Trench and the Pacific coastline, a region

with an abundance of natural resources. To date, 70 miles of track have

been laid, with an additional 60 miles graded and a further 109 miles

cleared.

While many other railways on this continent are experiencing serious

difficulties, the Pacific Great Eastern Railway continues to advance in

all areas of its activities. Carloadings in 1971 were a record 120,000

up 13,600 from the previous record high in 1970. Operating revenues

were over $38 million or $25 million more than in 1960, while the net

profit after all costs including, interest and all depreciation was

$989,600. The railway now employs nearly 2,500 people, almost twice the

number in 1960.

The Pacific Great Eastern Railway operation, while receiving no

federal assistance, is making a significant contribution to the total

Canadian economy, benefitting all parts of this nation.

Major private construction currently under way along the rail-line — P.G.E. rail-line — includes pulp mills at Mackenzie and Quesnel….

Interjection by an Hon. Member.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Pardon? Not yet, Not yet. I'm glad you're

anticipating it my friend…each costing $85 million and a $74 million

copper-concentrate mill near Williams Lake. In 1971 two new railway

industrial parks at Fort St. James and Fort Nelson were added to the

three successful centres at Prince George, Mackenzie, and Fort St.

John, and three more are planned. The investment generated by the new

railway will provide many new jobs for our expanding labour force.

The British Columbia economy significantly outperformed the rest of

Canada in 1971, following the moderated rate of growth experienced in

1970. Particularly strong were the gains in personal income, consumer

spending, construction, and mineral industry.

Our population continues to increase at double the rate of the rest

of Canada and now exceeds 2,200,000. Forecasts indicate a British

Columbia population of 5 million by the

[ Page 286 ]

end of this century.

The total value of the province's output measured by the gross

provincial product, increased an estimated 11 per cent to a record of

$10,300 million. Mineral production exceeded $521 million, with major

gains in copper and coal shipments contributing to 7.4 per cent

increase over the 1970 record level.

The forest industries showed some recovery from the levels

experienced in 1970. A substantial increase in house building activity

in Canada and the United States contributed to a 10 per cent lift

lumber production. Factory shipments rose to $3,890 million with the

most significant gains occurring in food and beverage, wood and metal

fabricating industries. Another record year was posted by the tourist

industry, with an estimated $1.5 billion in tourist revenues for the

first time in our history.

Consumer spending, particularly on automobiles and other durables,

increased retail sales over 10 per cent to $3,460 million, and was

supported by a 10.1 per cent increase in the personal income to $7,800

million.

The value of private and public investment in the province in 1971

was $3,657 million, 22.3 per cent greater than in 1970, and almost

three times the 7.9 per cent increase for the rest of Canada.

Substantial increases occurred in every category. The 28 per cent gain

in housing starts in British Columbia reflects our government's policy

of homeownership assistance and modest easing in mortgage rates and

increased availability of mortgage funds.

Exports continue to expand, with a record value of $2,660 million.

Shipments to the United States accounted for much of this increase.

Despite present uncertainties pervading the international trade

fields, the 1972 outlook is for continued economic expansion in British

Columbia at a rate comparable with the 1960's. The anticipated

appreciable expansion of the United States economy this year should

materially benefit British Columbia.

As the Members are well aware, Mr. Speaker, in this address we deal

with three fiscal years. First the fiscal year that closed on March 31,

1971. Honourable Members will have noticed that the financial

statements of the Government of the Province of British Columbia for

the fiscal period March 1, 1970 to March 31, 1971 contained in the

abridged public accounts released early last summer and the detailed

public accounts tabled on the opening day of this legislative session,

are presented in revised form from previous years.

This has been brought about by this government's policy decision on

the introduction of perpetual and special funds of the province. Also,

general revenues and expenditures are separated into budgetary and

non-budgetary transactions.

With all the fiscal resources of the Government of British Columbia

continuing to be available for expenditure on government services and

the development of the province, large gains were made in the

accumulation of government assets, including the provincial surplus.

Our total assets increased $229,600,000 to $2,434 million during the

year.

Fixed assets rose by $63,272,000 up to $1,326 million, The

provincial surplus, or the excess of assets over liabilities, increased

by $119,600,000 over the year to $1,656 million at March 31, 1971.

Provincial government revenues in the fiscal year ended March 31,

1971, reflect the moderation that occurred in the economy during that

period. The increase of $88,995,000 or 7.6 per cent over the previous

year to a total of $1,258 million was down substantially from the 21.3

per cent gain the previous year. This does not include the accelerated

and corporation taxes totalling $28,327,000 which was taken directly

into the budgetary cash reserve account.

Total current and capital expenditures were $1,241 million up $87

million from the previous year. With a surplus of revenue over

expenditure of $16,763,000 for the year and the accelerated income tax

remittance just referred to, the Government of British Columbia's

budgetary cash reserve increased by $45,090,000 in a year to a total of

$110 million. However, the Honourable Members will recall that $15

million was appropriated from this amount on April 2, 1971 for

accelerated park development.

Table No. I in the printed address, Mr. Speaker, will show the

comparisons over the years of British Columbia's debt position and its

increase in fixed assets.

Now we start to look, Mr. Speaker, at the present fiscal year.

The Comptroller General's report on the provincial government's

income and expenditure during the period April 1 to December 31 of the

current fiscal year is tabled today for the information of Members of

this House and the citizens of British Columbia. Revenues reflect the

broad strength prevailing in the province's economy, and the

expenditures the job-creating measures undertaken by this government.

Revenues in this nine-month period on an accrual basis — and I

emphasise accrual basis — are up over the same period in 1970 by

$134,408,000, excluding an accelerated federal government payment of

$25,601,000, phasing out the federal government's share of the

technical and vocational training capital assistance programme, and

total $1,044 million. Revenue is stated by the Comptroller General on

an accrual basis because revenues from motor-vehicle licences and the

insurance premiums are not received until the final quarter of the

fiscal year.

Accrued expenditures to December 31, 1971, increased $120,443,000 to

$1,008 million with $43,566,000 more spent on highways and public works

and $10,368,000 more in park development to create employment,

$24,381,000 more in the nine months was spent on education, $17,295,000

more into social services allowances, and $5,519,000 more into the

management of our forests.

I now come to perhaps the most important part of this budget speech,

Mr. Speaker — the financial proposals for the next fiscal year starting

April 1.

The challenge for this government to keep British Columbia moving

ahead on all fronts continues large indeed. Since my last budget

address, powerful new economic and financial forces have been set in

motion which have been felt around the world. British Columbia has not

escaped some of their effects. It is all the more important, therefore,

that British Columbia's economic and financial policies be geared to

the times. Job-creating projects must receive top priority along with

policies that will increase our economic base.

Mr. Speaker, the provincial government intends to inject

$266,300,000 additional cash into British Columbia's economy this

financial year.

This is a record amount, Mr. Speaker. This will be done within a

pay-as-you-go balanced budget and with no increase in tax rates. It

will be accomplished by adding $151,300,000 by way of current estimates

of expenditure and $115 million by way of special funds or allocations.

It is being done by the provincial government alone, and does not

include expen-

[ Page 287 ]

ditures of the provincial Crown corporations.

Table No. 2 gives lists showing the expenditures. The estimates of

the present year and the new estimates for the next year of each

department. The 1972/73 expenditure estimates total $1,451,963,000.

This is $151,271,000 more than the current year and, as in past budgets

of this administration, includes all capital expenditures. Mr. Speaker,

this is a budget for the people by a government that cares.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

HON. MR. BENNETT: The major expenditure occurs in the field

of education. A total of $441,106,000 is allocated to the Department of

Education, a one-year increase of $43,082,000. This includes $16

million more for school district grants, $7,500,000 more in university

operating grants, $6 million more for grants to regional colleges and

technical and vocational schools, $12 million more for the school tax

portion of homeowner grants, $840,000 more for teachers'

superannuation, and a new item of $1 million for the payment by the

provincial government of the employer's share of federal unemployment

insurance on behalf of all teachers. Also in the Department of Labour,

$1,390,000 more is provided for apprenticeship training.

Legislation will be introduced today increasing the maximum annual

homeowner grant from $170 to $185, plus an additional $50 for

home-owners aged 65 years and over, which means the province will now

be paying an annual $80,670,000 in these home-owner grants — the first

ever offered in the world, my friends.

The Department of Health Services and Hospital Insurance estimates

of expenditure total $294,670,000, or $30,615,000 more than the current

year. Payments to hospitals for patient care will now total $230

million per year. In the Department of the Provincial Secretary $15

million more, or a total of $85 million is provided as the government's

contribution to the British Columbia Medical Services Plan to help our

doctors and our people.

Also in this Department of the Provincial Secretary is a new item of

$1,800,000, to pay the employer's share of unemployment insurance for

all provincial government employees under the new federal government

Unemployment Insurance Act.

The Department of Highways, including the British Columbia Ferry

operations, receives an additional $21,292,000, or a total of

$179,261,000. The Department of Public Works receives $7,917,000 more

for a total of $37,728,000. This does not include the expenditure this

year on the British Columbia building in Vancouver, which is provided

under a special fund. The construction programmes of these two

departments, Mr. Speaker, will create many, many additional jobs this

year.

Not because we haven't got good law and order, Mr. Speaker, but

because of increased salaries and so forth for the R.C.M.P., the

Department of the Attorney General requires an additional $6,139,000

next year for administration of justice in the province.

1971 was census year. This means with the increased number in our

municipalities they will receive $6,500,000 more for provincial

municipal per capita grants in the Department of Municipal Affairs. In

the Department of Finance, the power subsidy to encourage

electrification in the rural areas of the province has been increased

from $2 million to $3 million, and $7,500,000 has been provided for

salary increases for our dedicated government employees. In the

Department of Agriculture $1 million more for a total $5,500,000 has

been allocated for agricultural rehabilitation and development — the

ARDA programme.

Department of Recreation and Conservation appropriations are increased by $1 billion — $1 million.

AN HON. MEMBER: You got carried away.

HON. MR. BENNETT: $1 million — before Social Credit ceases to

be government in British Columbia it will be a billion. (Laughter).

Department of Recreation and Conservation appropriations are increased

by $1,993,000 which includes $1,250,000 more for British Columbia's

national park land acquisitions, and provisions for the crushing

programme for old cars introduced in 1971.

In the Department of Industrial Development, Trade and Commerce

$200,000 is provided for a campaign to promote the sale of British

Columbia's wonderful farm products.

The decrease shown in the water resources service results from a

reduction in the appropriation for the Libby Reservoir clearing which

is nearer completion. However, initiation of a major provincial

government programme on air pollution and an acceleration of the

programme on wastedischarge elimination requires in this budget an

additional $1,500,000.

I can now come to the most dynamic part of the Social Credit

government's financial policy, Mr. Speaker — perpetual and special

funds.

It's these funds that spell the difference between Social Credit

government in British Columbia and all other governments everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of British Columbia has innovated a

completely new form of financial services for people. I refer to the

establishment of perpetual funds. The earnings from these funds, which

are over and above the ordinary annual current budgetary expenditures,

provide much-needed services for our people in perpetuity.

I propose, in this budget, to add $10 million to the perpetual funds

— $5 million to the Centennial Cultural Fund which increases it by 50

per cent and $5 million to the Physical Fitness and Amateur Sports Fund

which also increases it by 50 per cent. The name of the Centennial

Cultural Fund will also be changed to the British Columbia Cultural

Fund to be more in keeping with the continuing nature of this fund.

With approval of these proposals by the Legislature the Province of

British Columbia perpetual funds would be as follows:

1. First Citizens' Fund — $25 million. Annual interest earnings are

used for the cultural, educational, and economic advancement of British

Columbian Indians. A total of $2,226,000 has been paid out already from

the earnings of this fund.

2. Agricultural Aid to Developing Countries and World Disaster Fund

— $5 million. Annual interest rates are used for assistance to

less-fortunate people in foreign countries. A total of $488,900 has

been paid out of the earnings of this fund.

3. Physical Fitness and Amateur Sports Fund — $15 million. Annual

interest earnings are used to increase government support of amateur

sport and activity groups. This is one of our greatest policies,

especially keeping our young people busy and having healthy development

of bodies and minds. A total of $1,671,900 has been already paid out

from the earnings of this fund.

4. British Columbia Cultural Fund — $15 million. Annual interest earnings are used for the encouragement of com-

[ Page 288 ]

munity cultural activities. A total of $2,614,800 has been paid out

from the earnings of this fund. So, Mr. Speaker, you can see you're

going to have a lot more money next year.

5. Drug, Alcohol, and Cigarette Education Prevention and

Rehabilitation Fund — $25 million. Annual interest rates are used for

the prevention of the use of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. This fund

was set up in April 1971 and already a total of $263,600 has been paid

out from the earnings of this fund.

All in all, the province will provide a total of $85 million for

perpetual use — and I emphasise that word "perpetual" — perpetual use

for the purposes outlined.

Mr. Speaker, these perpetual funds have a secondary function,

namely, to provide long-term capital investment funds for the

construction of schools and hospitals throughout the province. The $75

million allocated the funds at present are all fully invested in

schools and hospitals. The perpetual funds are a part of this Social

Credit government's financial policy. By using provincial government

internallygenerated investment funds, the province is able to stay out

of the money markets and thus retain all the interest payments within

the provincial government economy.

In addition to the perpetual funds, this government has also

innovated the use of special funds for other financial assistance for

people. I propose in this budget to add $80 million to the special

funds. With approval of these funds, these proposals, the Province of

British Columbia's special funds would be as follows:

1. Provincial Major Disaster Fund — $25 million. To protect the

province from financial hardship that may be caused by any major

disaster. I'm pleased to advise that so far this fund hasn't

necessarily been called on for very much and we still have $24,290,000

in the fund. But that's a good cash reserve to have for that purpose.

2. British Columbia Government Building Fund — $25 million. For the

construction of a British Columbia government office building in the great

City of Vancouver.

3. Burrard Inlet Fund — $27 million. The province's contribution

toward the cost of a Burrard Inlet crossing. The fund, I'm sorry to

say, still has all the money in the fund.

4. Crop Insurance Stabilisation Fund — $10 million. To assist

agricultural communities against crop loss or damage. This is very

important to bring some stability within our agricultural economy. Fund

balance at present is $8,026,300.

5. Accelerated Park Development Fund — $15 million. These funds were

provided on April 2, 1971, by the province to make jobs immediately

available through an accelerated park development programme. While the

fund presently shows a balance of $5,704,853 I understand this is all

committed, all committed for programmes already in the works. Mr.

Speaker, I am recommending an additional $10 million be taken from

current or surplus revenues to continue this important make-work and

create-jobs programme.

A new fund, Mr. Speaker, is No. 6. Accelerated Reforestation Fund — $10 million. I am recommending a further provincial government

make-work create-jobs programme through accelerated reforestation

projects. The $10 million will be provided from current or surplus

revenues.

7. A new fund, a very important fund, Mr. Speaker. Green Belt

Protection

Fund — $25 million. The Government of British Columbia is concerned

about preserving green belt areas throughout the province in perpetuity.

AN HON. MEMBER: Vote against that!

AN HON. MEMBER: Go, go, go, Bennett.…

HON. MR. BENNETT: To this end, it is necessary to augment the

government-owned lands with the purchase of private lands which will

be held by the Crown in the right of the province as green belt

reserves in perpetuity. It is intended these lands may be utilised

mainly as park land without camping, or forestry reserves, or rented

for farm purposes. I am recommending $25 million be placed in this fund

from the current or revenue surplus and Mr. Speaker, I'm sure all

Members of the House will want the government to take very early action

on this fund.

8. — A new fund, Mr. Speaker. Power-line Beautification Fund — $10

million. The Government of British Columbia wishes to encourage the

placing of powerlines underground in municipal areas. I am, therefore,

proposing $10 million be placed in a fund from current or surplus

revenues to be used as the province's share of a jointly-financed

programme for placing wiring underground. The sharing would be

one-third provincial, one-third municipal, and one-third utility

organisation.

No. 9. Provincial Home Acquisition Act. Since introduction of this

Act in 1967, the British Columbia government has provided $105 million,

not by borrowed money, straight cash — $105 million in home-ownership

capital funds. To date, $34,100,000 has been approved for outright

housing grants and $86,600,000 for low-interest second-mortgage loans,

lower interest than first mortgage.

The provincial home-acquisition programme of outright grants and

low-interest second-mortgage loans is very popular and very effective,

and an original plan of which this government and the people of this

province are very proud indeed.

It has not only enabled thousands of British Columbians to own homes

but at the same time has produced thousands of jobs through

home-building. I am, therefore, proposing the addition of a further $25

million to this fund from the current or surplus revenues. I will also

introduce legislation to carry on the grants and low-interest

second-mortgages indefinitely, not only on the new homes but on the old

homes as well.

Interjections by Hon. Members.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Because it is only fair that people that

have been renting in this province get a double chance to buy a new

home. They can either buy a new home or buy an older home as they wish.

My own home — used homes are very fine — is 60 years old.

MR. L.T. NIMSICK (Kootenay): Did you build it?

HON. MR. BENNETT: It was built by a man who had a great

confidence in the people of British Columbia, my friend. One of the

first-rate mayors of Kelowna, a man who was responsible for getting the

great park, the nicest park in all of British Columbia, Frank D. Hart,

and I give him credit here today.

AN HON. MEMBER: Got another question, Leo?

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I wish to announce it is now

permanent Social Credit government policy in this province — not year

from year but permanent Social Credit government policy in this

province — to help our citizens to

[ Page 289 ]

build new homes or, where renters prefer, to buy older homes and,

through the annual grant to home-owners, to assist them in paying local

property taxes. Permanent policy now, Mr. Speaker.

Other financial proposals, Mr. Speaker. I will introduce today the Provincial Rapid Transit Subsidisation Act .

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Go, go, go, go.

HON. MR. BENNETT: This government wishes to assist in

alleviating the traffic and parking congestion in urban areas and, at

the same time, cut down on air pollution in our cities.

Therefore, where any municipality in the province, any group of

municipalities, or regional district operates a rapid-transit service

on a nonprofit basis, the Province of British Columbia may pay one-half

of any annual operating deficit, including debt charges, under this new

legislation.

Now regarding Victoria and Vancouver where the Hydro operates, if

the Hydro sells and the municipalities buy, that will be an arrangement

between these two organisations. But if the Hydro does sell and I'd

hope at a fair and good deal for the municipalities, sell them the

transit but not push it — and this government will not force the

municipalities to buy it — but should they buy it, this 50 — 50 per

cent of any deficit when the municipalities operate will apply as well.

I'll also introduce the Queen Elizabeth British Columbia Centennial

Scholarship Fund Act to create a scholarship fund commemorating Her

Majesty Queen Elizabeth's visit during our 1971 centennial year.

Authority was given on September 3, 1971, to increase the Pacific

Great Eastern Railway Company's capital stock by 500,000 shares, with a

value of $50 million, to a total of 2,105,729 shares. I will introduce

legislation for the province to purchase a further $25 million in the

shares of this provincially-owned railway, to be paid from current or

revenue surplus. This will enable the company to continue unabated its

great railway-extension programmes to open up our resource-rich

northern territory and at the same time produce jobs. The Government of

British Columbia holds the entire issued shares of the railway for the

citizens of the province.

Legislation will be submitted to increase the borrowing

authorisation of the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority by $500

million and of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway Company by $100

million. This will continue their expansion programmes over future

years to keep pace with British Columbia's growth and to create jobs. I

will also submit legislation to change the name of the Pacific Great

Eastern Railway to the "British Columbia Railway Company" which is more

in keeping with the purpose of this railway today.

AN HON. MEMBER: Hear, hear.…

HON. MR. BENNETT: The Government of British Columbia's

decision to remain within the federal-provincial income tax collection

agreement — because we don't want our people to fill our two forms — under the amended federal income tax system requires a British Columbia

Income Tax Act that is compatible with the provisions of the federal

Act. Amending legislation will be submitted at this session.

Legislation will be introduced at this session to amend the

Succession Duty Act by increasing the basic exemption for British

Columbia. Honourable Members recall that over and above the basic

exemption succession duty now provides many additional exemptions such

as for homes, life insurance, pensions, et cetera.

And, Mr. Speaker, in addition I will recommend the Act be changed to

provide a 10-year interest-free period for succession duty payments on

family-owned farms or businesses.

withdrawn from the estate and gift tax fields, effective January 1,

1972. Previously, the province levied its own succession duty tax on 75

tax on the remaining 25 per cent.

I wish to advise the House that the Government of British Columbia

does not intend to levy its succession duties on the 25 per cent of the

field being vacated by Canada. However, for the protection of its

present succession duties, it is necessary the Province of British

Columbia, along with most of the other provinces, enter into a uniform

legislation will be presented at this session.

Interjection by an Hon. Member.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Home-owners grant retroactive January 1, too.

Mr. Speaker, the infusion in a single year of a total additional

$266,300,000 in cash into the British Columbia economy next year

without taxation increases, and within a balanced budget, is an

achievement of which all British Columbians can be proud.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear. Hear, hear.

HON. MR. BENNETT: This increased expenditure will greatly

expand jobs and provide British Columbians with a higher quality of

life. It is further proof of the dividends provided from the financial

policies followed by this government since its inception.

Dealing with revenue — many of the world's economies suffered

serious setbacks during the past year, resulting in high unemployment

and revenue problems. While British Columbia has not been untouched,

its over-all basic economy has remained strong. This is due to a large

measure to the government's policy of living within its income each

year and accumulating surplus funds in good times to be used in more

difficult periods.

That's just the opposite of other governments, Mr. Speaker, they go

in debt and borrow in good times and when bad times come they have to

go further and further in debt, that's the reason why they can never

get out.

Interjections by Hon. Members.

HON. MR. BENNETT: I repeat, this is due in large measure to

the government's policy of living within its income each year and

accumulating surplus funds in good times to be used in more difficult

periods. Consequently, this government during the past year has been

able to pour millions of extra dollars into fighting unemployment and

maintaining the British Columbia economy.

The results have been gratifying. Our employed labour force growth

rate is the highest experienced anywhere. Our economy has been

maintained at a steady pace. I am able to estimate anticipated revenues

for next year of $1,453 million, to completely balance these

expenditures.

[ Page 290 ]

Mr. Speaker, there are no increases in provincial taxation rates in

this budget. Again, this year, I draw Honourable Members' attention to

table No. 4 in the address showing the comparative provincial

government tax rates with other provinces in Canada. British Columbia's

rates remain among the very lowest.

The increase in the next fiscal year alone on current account

revenue is $145,204,000. Over and above this amount, the provincial

government is providing from this year's or surplus revenues another

$115 million by way of special accounts. Mr. Speaker, this makes this

year's total budget $1,568 million, the largest budget of expenditure

for the people of British Columbia in our history.

Mr. Speaker, entirely apart from these sums, I would point out that

our Crown agencies, the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, the

Pacific Great Eastern Railway Company, the British Columbia School

Districts Capital Financing Authority and the British Columbia Regional

Hospital Districts Financing Authority will be spending several

hundreds of millions of dollars during the coming year on capital

projects.

Interjection by an Hon. Member.

HON. MR. BENNETT: All within the provincial government orbit,

my friend, the only place in the world — and I wish you'd give me more

interruptions. The British Columbia economy will, therefore, be very

adequately serviced in the next fiscal year from the provincial

government sector.

Table No. 3 in the printed address shows the comparative estimates of revenue from the different sources for 1972-1973.

Mr. Speaker, no responsible government, business, or individual can

afford to neglect the serious threat of pollution upon man's

environment. Since introduction of legislation in 1956, this government

has, through regulations, incentives, and direct programmes, given

leadership to local governments, industries, and individual citizens on

the safeguarding of our spectacular environment.

Recent progressive legislation, such as the Litter Act passed in

1970, and the Environmental and Land Use Act , Ecological Reserves Act ,

and the All-terrain Vehicles Act , all passed in 1971, give additional

force to the Pollution Control Act in maintaining the unique quality of

British Columbia's natural environment. Indicative of British

Columbia's impressive advances in pollution-abatement programmes is our

leadership in the pulp and paper mill pollution-treatment standards,

one of the most costly and difficult industrial pollution areas.

The Government of British Columbia provides a wide range of

financial incentives for environmental control. For example, the annual

per capita grant to municipalities for pollution control projects,

subsidisation of capital costs of local government sewage-treatment

plants, exemption of industrial pollution facilities from general

property taxes, and accelerated depreciation allowance for industrial

pollution control equipment under the Provincial income tax.

Last year the government placed in operation equipment to remove the

blight of abandoned car bodies around the province. Expansion of

pollution control services in the Water Resources Service and the

previously announced programmes in this budget for accelerated park

development, increased reforestation, establishment of green belt

reserves, and assistance toward placing power-lines underground give

added impetus to this important work.

The ultimate costs to society for preserving our ecology are

substantial, but, by the initiating action in the 1950's the Government

of British Columbia has reduced the long-run costs. And while

government legislation and incentives are undoubtedly necessary, and

they are, only a concerned citizenry can prevent the spoiling and

destruction of our surroundings.

The breadth and magnitude of this budget makes it appropriate to

review also the expenditures on a functional basis, which more clearly

reveal the areas of government emphasis. An increased portion of the

government's budget is devoted to creating throughout British Columbia

the highest possible standards of human betterment and natural resource

development.

In the coming fiscal year $1,283,995,000 or nearly 90 per cent of

the total provincial revenues, will be spent on education, health and

social services and provincial development. This is nearly $1 billion

more than the $288,225,000 spent in a year as late as 1960.

Table No. 5 gives the details of the matter.

Provincial government investment in the wide range of educational

services will take 31 per cent, or $448,671,000, of next year's total

budget, and is more than the entire provincial budget in the year as

late as 1963. Since 1960, provincial government education expenditures

have increased seven times, a multiple of seven, while revenues have

increased less than four times.

A larger portion of educational expenditure is devoted to regional

colleges next year because of greatly increasing enrolments.

Post-secondary assistance is 36 per cent and public schools 64 per cent

of the total provincial government's education expenditure and will

service will this single aspect of government service to our British

Columbia citizens.

Table No. 6 gives the details for the year 1960, 1970 and this next

year. From these different fields of education — 1960, $368 million; 10

years later, $1,169 million, and this next year $1,453,436,000. In 1960

we took 18 per cent of the budget, in 1970 we took 28 per cent of the

budget and 1973 — next year — will take 31 per cent of the budget.

A total of $548,988,000, or 38 per cent of the budget, is devoted to

fulfilling the government's objective of providing a high level of

health and social services for the residents of the province. This is

$59 million more than the entire provincial budget in the year as late

as 1965.

Table No. 7 gives a detailed list of hospital care, social services,

medical care, mental health and public health: 1960, $115 million;

1970, $183 million; this next year, $549 million for health services,

social services.

The cost of maintaining excellent, comprehensive hospital services

is high, especially in British Columbia — the fastest growing

population in Canada. Yet general hospital care under British Columbia

hospital insurance is available to all residents at the extremely low

rate of $1 per day when in hospital and that is not going to be

increased.

Expenditures for hospital services will reach $232,211,000 or almost

five times what they were in 1960 when they amounted only to

$48,994,000. $51,000,000 in hospital construction projects now under

way will provide 745 acute and 1,054 extended-care beds. Construction

of the first intermediate care hospital is under way in Victoria, with

others soon to start in Greater Vancouver and the interior of the

province.

This coming year $160 million will be spent on social services, $116 million more than the $43 million spent in

[ Page 291 ]

1960. To speed the process by which people on long-term social

assistance can be encouraged to become productive participants in the

labour force, the Government of British Columbia initiated last fall

the job opportunities programme, the first real attempt anywhere to get

the long-term person on social assistance back in the labour force — the value to the individual, but mainly the value to the family, to get

them back into the labour force again.

Interjection by an Hon. Member.

HON. MR. BENNETT: And that's doing good work too and I'm glad

you mentioned it. Very good work. No fight at all, just eagerness to do

more and more. In this government there's room for glory for all.

Interjection by an Hon. Member.

HON. MR. BENNETT: All coming from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, my friend.

AN HON. MEMBER: Calgary too?

HON. MR. BENNETT: I think they'll start to come from there too now. (Laughter).

A total of $4,500,000 is available for provincial government

outright grants for elderly citizens' housing and recreation centre

projects and $2 million for outright grants for the recently-initiated

programme to encourage the establishment of special care.

Why do we put $2 million in that fund for this special care, for all

these very fine organisations like the one we have in Burnaby, the

Winch one, you and I were there the other day? Amazing thing, the

people in Burnaby did very well to honour the late Mr. Winch in that

respect and that was a great day, and they're going to be one of the

first areas with one of these new types of home. There are going to be

lots in the province. So while we put $2 million in the fund, I'm sure

it will greatly exceed that expenditure during the years and we won't

curtail it at all.

Interjections by Hon. Members.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Social benefits my friend, only Social

Credit can give the real social benefits to the people of the country,

only Social Credit.

Interjections by Hon. Members.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Another outlay of $88 million or 61.6 per

cent more than was spent in 1970, the first full year of operation,

will be used for financing the British Columbia comprehensive medical

plan. I want to say right here, Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of people

saying about frozen wages and salaries. I want to say that we have the

best group of doctors anywhere in our nation here. It is not true that

their earnings were frozen last year and the individual earnings on the

average went up 9.9 per cent, Mr. Speaker. Over 99 per cent of British

Columbia's population is now voluntarily registered in the plan, with

26 per cent of subscribers receiving the low-income premium subsidy.

To ensure the best mental health care for British Columbia, there

are 24 rehabilitation centres throughout the province, another five

mental health units to be added this year at Alberni, Abbotsford,

Langley, Sechelt and Williams Lake. The 300-bed Glendale Hospital centre for children in Saanich

was opened last fall. Notable results have been achieved in out-patient

treatment and home-care programmes which free valuable bed

accommodation. Mental health expenditure will reach over $46 million up

$32,500,000 from the $13 million spent in 1960. The

continually-increasing demands for community health services require an

appropriation of $25,497,000 for public health, more than two and a

half times the amount expended in the year 1960.

Basic to the development of the economy and the ability to expand

government services to people is this government's judicious management

of our abundant and varied resources. This next year $286,336,000 will

be invested in provincial government development projects. Many jobs

will be created as a result of this substantial expenditure.

Table No. 8 gives all the list and compares 1960, 1970 and 1973. I

used to have 1952 and for some reason the Opposition found fault with

that so I thought we needed a comparison, so we do it with 1960 and I'm

sure nobody can find fault with that.

Interjections by Hon. Members.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Oh yes, we're a government that cares, we're a government that listens.

Extensions to and improvements of the provincial highways and

ferries system will cost $189 million or two-thirds of provincial

development outlays this next year. An additional $31 million

distributed in municipal per capita grants for municipal road

construction and maintenance raises the provincial government total

highway expenditure to $220 million. Programmed to stimulate employment

throughout the province, a broad range of projects are planned on

primary and secondary highways, feeder and industrial roads, bridges

and ferries.

Another area of job stimulation is the important forestry sector. I

have already referred to the $10 million accelerated reforestation

programme. In addition, a total of $40,086,000 is allocated in this

budget for forest development programmes in contrast to $13,874,000 in

The astounding growth in the revenue from the tourist trade in

recent years is unparalleled in any other major sector of our economy

and has provided many, many new jobs. A total of $5,343,000 is provided

for tourism, trade and industrial development throughout the province

this coming year. Further, $3,546,000 in annual per capita grants is

paid to municipalities to assist in tourism and industrial development.

The Government of British Columbia fully realises the important

services municipalities and other local governments render our

citizens. It is also recognised that not only are costs of these

functions rising, but the demand for additional services is growing

because of tremendous population increases.

It is noteworthy that British Columbia's gain in population between

the 1966 and 1971 census was 17.2 per cent or more than 2.3 times the

percentage increase for the rest of Canada. This coming year,

provincial government aid in support of local administrative units will

climb to $838 million which is $689 million above the $163 million

allocated in the year 1960. This represents 59 per cent of the total

estimated revenue of the provincial government and will amount to $377

per capita compared to $104 per capita in 1960.

Table No. 9 gives the list of all this assistance and shared

[ Page 292 ]

costs.

Both the municipal per capita grants and the home-owner grant to

municipalities will increase substantially in total this coming year.

The 1971 federal population census will increase the $30 per capita

grant in one year alone by $6,500,000 to $53,200,000. The $15 increase

in the annual home-owner grant to $185 and the additional $50 grant to

home owners aged 65 and over are expected to increase the amount of the

grant going to municipal governments to $68,370,000 or $10,070,000 more

than the present year. Combined, these two grants alone represent a

provincial government expenditure of $121,570,000 or one-third more

than the $90,600,000 spent in 1970.

Table No. 10, Mr. Speaker, shows how this money is allocated to the cities, the districts, the towns and the villages.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the strength of the British Columbia

economy has never been more evident than at present, particularly when

compared with other regions of Canada. In spite of national and

international fiscal and monetary and general economic troubles,

British Columbia is forging ahead toward new growth on all fronts.

Continued dynamic advancement lies ahead for the Province of British

Columbia as this administration implements bold and creative plans for

the future, complemented with sound, positive, fiscal management

principles.

The demands upon the resources of this province are many, but by

optimising their use, this government has developed a healthy, vigorous

economy which allows our citizens to enjoy one of the highest quality

living standards in the world. The attainment of this general

prosperity and well-being is not accidental. Rather, it is a result of

good government planning and decision-making over the last two decades

by a government continuing in office. And now we have here, Mr.

Speaker, another budget for the people, providing many additional

services by the government that really cares.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Go, go, go! Go, go, go! Mr. Barrett moves adjournment of the debate. Motion approved.

FIRST READINGS

The following bills were transmitted by His Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor, referred to a committee of the whole House and on

the recommendation of the committee introduced, read a first time and

ordered to be placed on the order paper for second reading at the next

sitting after today:

Bill No. 9 intituled British Columbia Railway Act .

Bill No. 10 intituled British Columbia Railway Company Share Capital Purchase Act, 1972 .

Bill No. 11 intituled

An Act to Amend the Pacific Great Eastern Construction Loan Act, 1954 .

Bill No. 12 intituled

An Act to Amend the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority Act, 1964 .

Bill No. 13 intituled Queen Elizabeth It British Columbia Centennial Scholarship Act .

Bill No. 14 intituled

An Act to Amend the Provincial Home Acquisition Act .

Bill No. 15 intituled

An Act to Amend the Provincial Home-owner Grant Act .

Bill No. 16 intituled

An Act to Amend the Centennial Cultural Fund Act .

Bill No. 17 intituled

An Act to Amend the Revenue Surplus Appropriation Act, 1969 .

Bill No. 18 intituled Green Belt Protection Fund Act .

Bill No. 19 intituled Accelerated Park Development Fund Act .

Bill No. 20 intituled Accelerated Reforestation Fund Act .

Bill No.

21 intituled Power and Telephone Line Beautification Fund Act .

Bill No. 22 intituled Provincial Rapid Transit Subsidy Act .

Bill No. 23 intituled

An Act to Amend the Succession Duty Ac t.

Bill No. 24 intituled

An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, 1962 .

Bill No. 25 intituled Gift Tax Act .

Hon. Mr. Bennett moves adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

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