1980 Legislative Session: 2nd Session, 32nd 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)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1980

Morning Sitting

[ Page

4215 ]

CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Prorogation –– 4215

The House met at 10 a.m.

Prayers.

HON. MR. GARDOM:

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of the members, I would very much like to

welcome not a guest but a great friend of this assembly and of all the

members of this assembly — and that's the return of Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, we're all delighted with your recovery. You have our best

wishes, and we hope that at all times you will shepherd your

activities. Take care, and God bless.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Would I be permitted a few words?

As I've said to many before, it's good to be anywhere.

May

I tell you, hon. members, that while I was out there I learned

something that up until now I had only heard about. During those hours

of uncertainty in an illness you know what is happening, but you don't

know the severity of what is happening and you only judge the severity

by the concern that is etched on the faces of those around you. At a

time like that there are only three things that sustain you: one is

your faith, one is your family and the other is your friends. I want

you to know, hon. members, that you've played a large

part in

sustaining me during that time. "You" includes not just those members

called MLAs, but also the officers of this assembly — the people in

blue, even the people up above me and behind me who are not really

here, and the people in a number of offices throughout the precinct.

The warmth of your assurance arrived in stacks of cards; it arrived in

at least a small greenhouse full of plants and flowers; it arrived in

books and arrived in baskets, and I want you to know that it helped.

carry with me today a deep sense of gratitude, and I wanted an

opportunity to express it to you. Language is many times inadequate,

and today is one of those times. In the simplest terms, let me just say

with as much sincerity as I can muster, thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor entered the chamber and took his place in the chair.

HON. MR. BELL-IRVING (Lieutenant-Governor):

Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, in closing this

second session of the thirty-second parliament, I must commend you for

the concern and dedication you have shown in handling all of the

matters that came before you.

I was most heartened at the

unanimity you reached in the two days of debate devoted to Canadian

unity. It is comforting to know that in speaking on behalf of your

constituents there is such a strong desire by our people for this great

country to remain united.

It was gratifying to note your concern for the burgeoning problem of energy

supply through the passage of statutes designed to ease this problem for our

people. Your decision to encourage the use of more fuel-efficient automobiles

by offering a tax incentive to purchasers of those vehicles is a very positive

step toward energy conservation in our province. Establishment of the British

Columbia Utilities Commission as an overseer of all public utilities in the

interests of economy and energy conservation also indicates a very progressive

attitude toward instilling concern for energy conservation by our people.

also noted your decision to approve legislation establishing B.C. Place

in the city of Vancouver. With the full support of the citizens of

British Columbia — and the City of Vancouver — my government will

undertake the largest downtown redevelopment project in Canada, which

will revitalize the industrialized area of False Creek, and provide a

mix of public and private development. This area will be the location

of a major facility for exhibitions and cultural and sporting events

for the enjoyment of all British Columbians.

I am aware also

of the wide and continuing research going on with government in the

search for alternative energy sources, particularly through the

development of our massive provincial coal deposits.

It is

also pleasing that you have enhanced our strong economic position

through legislation that earmarks some $168.6 million to assist in

applied research, to provide low interest loans to small business in

British Columbia and to assist our young people through a youth

employment and training program.

Your concern for adequate

affordable housing for our people has been evidenced in your approval

of some $200 million for the creation of more rental as well as owner

occupied accommodation.

You have also recognized the

necessity for a denticare program for the young, the elderly and the

disadvantaged. This program will extend dental insurance to more than

900,000 of our people.

You have shown commendable concern

for the future of our country through the creation of a Ministry of

Intergovernmental Relations, carrying the responsibility of helping all

of our ten provinces to continue to develop and prosper within a

cohesive and cooperative federation, without taking from any one of

them their historic autonomy. This interest is further evidenced with

the opening this past summer of a British Columbia office in our

nation's capital.

You also created a new Ministry of Tourism

designed to nurture this valuable and rapidly growing industry, which

brings such great economic benefits to our people.

These are

but a few of the highlights of your recent and imaginative

deliberations to help meet the needs and desires of our people and I am

most grateful for them.

Honourable members, I now relieve

you of your legislative duties, and I trust the blessing of Divine

Providence will be with you as you shortly resume those duties.

HON. MR. WOLFE:

Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, it is His Honour

the Lieutenant Governor's will and pleasure that this Legislative

Assembly be prorogued until 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, and this

provincial Legislative Assembly is hereby prorogued accordingly.

The House prorogued at 10:20 a.m.

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