British Columbia Hansard — Monday, February 16, 2015 (40th Parliament, 4th Session) (20150216pm-Hansard-v19n6) (20150216pm Hansard v19n6)

20150216pm-Hansard-v19n6

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session, 40th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) THE HONOURABLE LINDA REID, SPEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 (P rint) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) Monday, February 16, 2015 Afternoon Sitting Volume 19, Number 6

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Fourth Session, 40th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Linda Reid EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council .............................................................................................................. Hon. Christy Clark Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing ......................Hon.

Rich Coleman Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon. John Rustad Minister of Advanced Education ............................................................................................................................... Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Minister of Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................................ Hon.

Norm Letnick Minister of Children and Family Development .......................................................................................................Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development ........................................................................................... Hon. Coralee Oakes Minister of Education ..................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Peter Fassbender Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review .....................................................................Hon. Bill Bennett Minister of Environment ..........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Finance .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations......................................................................................Hon. Steve Thomson Minister of Health ............................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism ..................Hon.

Teresa Wat Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business ....................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Y amamoto Minister of Justice ...............................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Suzanne Anton Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation..............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Stilwell Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services ................................................................................................ Hon. Amrik Virk Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................Hon.

Todd Stone LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition ...................................................................................................................................................John Horgan Deputy Speaker .............................................................................................................................................................................Douglas Horne Assistant Deputy Speaker ...............................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ..................................................................................................................................................Vacant Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ................................................................................................................................................... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees .................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...................................................................................................................................................Roderick MacArthur, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Anton, Hon. Suzanne (BC Liberal) .............................. Vancouver-Fraserview Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal).....................................................................Penticton Austin, Robin (NDP) ................................................................................ Skeena Bains, Harry (NDP) ....................................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ............................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Bennett, Hon.

Bill (BC Liberal) ...................................................Kootenay East Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal) ................................................... Peace River South Bing, Dr. Doug (BC Liberal) ................................ Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ...........................Prince George–Valemount Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ................................Surrey-Cloverdale Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) .................................Vancouver–West End Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...........................................................

Burnaby-Edmonds Clark, Hon. Christy (BC Liberal) ........................................ Westside-Kelowna Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) ...........................Fort Langley–Aldergrove Conroy, Katrine (NDP) .............................................................. Kootenay West Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ..................................................... Burnaby–Deer Lake Dalton, Marc (Ind.) ......................................................... Maple Ridge–Mission Darcy, Judy (NDP) ..................................................................New Westminster de Jong, Hon.

Michael, QC (BC Liberal) .............................. Abbotsford West Dix, Adrian (NDP)............................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ......................................................................... Stikine Eby, David (NDP) ..........................................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP) ................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ............................................................ Port Coquitlam Fassbender, Hon.

Peter (BC Liberal) ................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Fleming, Rob (NDP) .......................................................... Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) .......................................................Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Scott (NDP) ............................................................Alberni–Pacific Rim Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ............................................. Abbotsford-Mission Hamilton, Wm.

Scott (BC Liberal) .................................................Delta North Hammell, Sue (NDP) .................................................... Surrey–Green Timbers Heyman, George (NDP) .................................................... Vancouver-Fairview Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ............................................... Surrey–White Rock Holman, Gary (NDP) .......................................Saanich North and the Islands Horgan, John (NDP) .......................................................................

Juan de Fuca Horne, Douglas (BC Liberal) ..............................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ....................................................Surrey-Panorama Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ..................................................................Delta South James, Carole (NDP) .........................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ........................................Esquimalt–Royal Roads Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) .............................................................

Nanaimo Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP) ........................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal) ........................................................................ Shuswap Lake, Hon. Dr. Terry (BC Liberal) ....................Kamloops–North Thompson Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) .........................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ......................................................Burnaby North Letnick, Hon.

Norm (BC Liberal) ..............................Kelowna–Lake Country Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ....................................Columbia River–Revelstoke McRae, Don (BC Liberal) ............................................................ Comox Valley Martin, John (BC Liberal) ..................................................................Chilliwack Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ..................................... Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ..........................................................Nelson-Creston Oakes, Hon.

Coralee (BC Liberal) .............................................Cariboo North Pimm, Pat (BC Liberal) .........................................................Peace River North Plecas, Dr. Darryl (BC Liberal) .............................................Abbotsford South Polak, Hon. Mary (BC Liberal) ..............................................................Langley Popham, Lana (NDP) ...................................................................Saanich South Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ................................................................ Surrey-Whalley Reid, Hon.

Linda (BC Liberal) ..................................................Richmond East Reimer, Linda (BC Liberal) ........................................ Port Moody–Coquitlam Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ........................................................................North Coast Robinson, Selina (NDP) .............................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Routley, Bill (NDP) .................................................................. Cowichan Valley Routley, Doug (NDP) ............................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, Hon.

John (BC Liberal) ................................................ Nechako Lakes Shin, Jane Jae Kyung (NDP) ...............................................Burnaby-Lougheed Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Shane (NDP) .....................................................Vancouver-Hastings Stilwell, Hon. Michelle (BC Liberal)............................... Parksville-Qualicum Stilwell, Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ........................................ Vancouver-Langara Stone, Hon. Todd (BC Liberal) .........................

Kamloops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal) ..................................West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (BC Liberal) ...........................................Vancouver–False Creek Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal) ..................................... West Vancouver–Capilano Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal) ............................................................Fraser-Nicola Thomson, Hon. Steve (BC Liberal) .......................................Kelowna-Mission Thornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ..........................

North Vancouver–Seymour Throness, Laurie (BC Liberal).................................................Chilliwack-Hope Trevena, Claire (NDP) .................................................................... North Island Virk, Hon. Amrik (BC Liberal) ............................................. Surrey-Tynehead Wat, Hon. Teresa (BC Liberal) .............................................. Richmond Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (Ind.) .......................................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Hon. Andrew (BC Liberal) ........................ Vancouver-Quilchena Y amamoto, Hon.

Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Dr. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West ...................................................... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Alberni–Pacific Rim ..........................................................................

Scott Fraser Boundary-Similkameen ................................................................ Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ................................................................... Kathy Corrigan Burnaby-Edmonds ..........................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .............................................................Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North .............................................................................. Richard T.

Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ........................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................... Hon. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ......................................................................................... John Martin Chilliwack-Hope ....................................................................... Laurie Throness Columbia River–Revelstoke ..................................................

Norm Macdonald Comox Valley.....................................................................................Don McRae Coquitlam–Burke Mountain .....................................................Douglas Horne Coquitlam-Maillardville........................................................... Selina Robinson Cowichan Valley ................................................................................ Bill Routley Delta North .........................................................................Wm.

Scott Hamilton Delta South...............................................................................Vicki Huntington Esquimalt–Royal Roads .....................................................Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...................................................Hon. Rich Coleman Fraser-Nicola.................................................................................... Jackie Tegart Juan de Fuca .....................................................................................John Horgan Kamloops–North Thompson ............................................ Hon. Dr.

Terry Lake Kamloops–South Thompson ..................................................Hon. Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country ..................................................... Hon. Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission .............................................................. Hon. Steve Thomson Kootenay East .......................................................................... Hon. Bill Bennett Kootenay West ............................................................................ Katrine Conroy Langley.......................................................................................Hon.

Mary Polak Maple Ridge–Mission ..................................................................... Marc Dalton Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ........................................................ Dr. Doug Bing Nanaimo ........................................................................... Leonard Eugene Krog Nanaimo–North Cowichan ......................................................... Doug Routley Nechako Lakes ........................................................................ Hon.

John Rustad Nelson-Creston ........................................................................Michelle Mungall New Westminster ............................................................................... Judy Darcy North Coast......................................................................................Jennifer Rice North Island .................................................................................. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ........................................Hon.

Naomi Y amamoto North Vancouver–Seymour ..................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...................................................... Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .......................................................Hon. Michelle Stilwell Peace River North ................................................................................ Pat Pimm Peace River South ............................................................................Mike Bernier Penticton............................................................................................

Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam ..........................................................................Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam ................................................................Linda Reimer Powell River–Sunshine Coast ................................................. Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ............................................................. Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Richmond Centre ......................................................................Hon.

Teresa Wat Richmond East ..........................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston ..............................................................................John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands .................................................... Gary Holman Saanich South ................................................................................

Lana Popham Shuswap ................................................................................................Greg Kyllo Skeena .............................................................................................. Robin Austin Stikine ....................................................................................... Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale ....................................................... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Fleetwood ........................................................... Hon.

Peter Fassbender Surrey–Green Timbers ..................................................................Sue Hammell Surrey-Newton ................................................................................. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ........................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Tynehead ......................................................................Hon. Amrik Virk Surrey-Whalley..............................................................................

Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ....................................................................... Gordon Hogg Vancouver-Fairview ..................................................................George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek ...................................................................Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview ......................................................Hon.

Suzanne Anton Vancouver-Hastings ....................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..........................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .................................................................Dr. Moira Stilwell Vancouver–Mount Pleasant .........................................

Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Vancouver–Point Grey .........................................................................David Eby Vancouver-Quilchena ................................................ Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Vancouver–West End ...............................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee ...............................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill .......................................................................Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake.........................................................................Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano ............................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..........................................................Jordan Sturdy Westside-Kelowna ................................................................

Hon. Christy Clark Party Standings: BC Liberal 48; New Democratic 34; Independent 3

CONTENTS Monday, February 16, 2015 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ..................................................................................................................................................... 5783 Introduction and First Reading of Bills ................................................................................................................................ 5785 Bill 12 — Federal Port Development Act Hon. R. Coleman Bill M201 — Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2015 J.

Darcy Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 5786 Chambers of commerce D. Barnett 35th anniversary of Carnegie Community Centre in Vancouver J. Kwan Access to health services and health professional recruitment in Fort St. John P . Pimm University Neighbourhoods Association multicultural committee D. Eby Scout-Guide Week J. Thornthwaite Literacy and English language learning J.

Shin Oral Questions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5788 Hunting allocation policy changes and rules for guide-outfitters J. Horgan Hon. S. Thomson K. Conroy Oversight and regulation of mining industry N. Macdonald Hon. B. Bennett Ban on sale of flavoured tobacco J. Darcy Hon. T. Lake Nursing services on Mayne and Galiano islands G. Holman Hon. T. Lake Ferry fares and ridership levels N. Simons Hon. T. Stone M.

Karagianis Ministerial Statements ............................................................................................................................................................ 5793 50th anniversary of Canadian flag Hon. S. Anton J. Horgan Reports from Committees ...................................................................................................................................................... 5793 Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act, report, February 2015 M. Bernier G. Heyman

Orders of the Day Throne Speech Debate (continued) ....................................................................................................................................... 5794 On the subamendment (continued) D. Donaldson L. Reimer H. Bains D. Plecas A. Weaver Hon. J. Rustad J. Horgan D. McRae K. Corrigan

MONDAY , FEBRUARY 16, 2015 The House met at 1:32 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Introductions by Members Hon. R. Coleman: I’m pleased today to introduce a couple of people who are joining us in the members’ gallery this afternoon: Mr. Mohammad Tariq, the newly appointed consul general of Pakistan, and he is accom - panied by vice-consul Fahad Amjad. I met with the con- sul general and Mr. Amjad earlier, and they’ve met a couple of other ministers today. Would the House please extend them a warm welcome to Canada. N. Macdonald: Dr.

Jeff Dolinsky is here from Golden to celebrate, I believe, his mother’s 80th birthday. He has decades of volunteer duty in Golden. To choose just one, he and his wife, Joan, have done an incredible job with the Golden Nordic Centre and Nordic skiing in Golden in general. Please join me in making Jeff Dolinsky wel - come. Hon. M. Stilwell: I want to acknowledge and welcome to the House a core team member from Community Living B.C., Doug Woollard, currently vice-president of organizational development, as well as Doug’s wife, Sheila, his son Stephen and daughter-in-law Jessica.

As many of you know, Doug was the interim CEO from September 2011 to August 2014. He has done an absolutely amazing job. As interim CEO, Doug was in - strumental in winning the confidence of community liv- ing self-advocates and families by returning CLBC to a person-centred approach. He supported the launch of the community action employment plan to better respond to an increased number of people that CLBC serves who are seeking work.

During his time at CLBC Doug worked to estab - lish individualized funding as a way for families and self-advocates to have greater control over the services they received. [1335] Doug has been with CLBC every step of the way, even before Community Living B.C. was established as a Crown corporation a decade ago. Though we haven’t had the chance to work together, Doug’s reputation pre- cedes him. I found the news of his retirement at the end of this month raising some disappointment for me and, apparently, in almost everyone that he has worked with. Clearly, Doug will be missed.

For all of his tireless service to the community living sector and, in particular, with CLBC as interim CEO, will you please join me in welcoming and thanking Doug Woollard and his family for sharing him so generously with our province. G. Heyman: Last week the member for Vancouver- Hastings introduced a very remarkable teacher from Vancouver Technical Secondary School, who is a con - stituent of mine. Mark Reid is joining us today in the House. He’s over here in Victoria with the arts 10-to-12 curriculum development team.

Mark has been director of bands and choirs at Van Tech since 2006, and he has 600 students enrolled in his program. In 2013 Mark was recognized nationally as the MusiCounts Teacher of the Y ear for his commitment to inclusive classrooms comprised of students with a var - iety of cognitive, psychosocial and emotional challenges. This year, as the member for Vancouver-Hastings told us, Mark has been nominated and made the final 50 shortlist for the Global teacher of the year prize. Mark is one of only three Canadians and the only British Columbian on the list.

Mark also volunteers his time in numerous ways in the music and education communities, including as a conductor at Saint James Music Academy, teaching clas- sical music at no cost to children living in Vancouver in Canada’s lowest-income urban neighbourhood. He shows his commitment day in and day out to motivat - ing and empowering children through music, and it’s well known that band and orchestra activity spurs both intel- lectual learning and teamwork capacity in kids.

Mark has told me today that he did not make the final ten shortlist, but I know, from listening to the Global interview with his students, that they already think he’s the number one teacher in the world. Please, I ask all members to join me today in giving Mark a very warm welcome to this House. Hon. T. Lake: On behalf of the Minister of Transportation and from me, it’s a pleasure to welcome two very good friends and supporters, Len and Daryl Bosch, into the Legislature today to view question per - iod.

Len and Daryl are former Kamloopsians who now reside in a city in the Okanagan that shall go unnamed but does not have a three-time Memorial Cup champion- ship hockey team. It’s great to see Len and Daryl here in the Legislature. Would the House please make them very welcome. G. Holman: I’ d like to introduce and welcome to the House today a number of Girl Guides and Scouts from the south Vancouver Island area, including the 5th Tsartlip Scout Troop from my constituency. Would the House please make them feel very welcome. J.

Thornthwaite: I’ d like to introduce to the precinct the crowd of colour up there, full of Cubs, Beavers, Cub 5783

British Columbia Debates5784 Monday, February 16, 2015 Scouters, Beaver Scouters, group commissioners, parents, volunteers, Sea Scouters and Girl Guides.

I’ d like to go through the list of the Scouts as well as the Guides: Carol Anne Welsh, Adam Grosser, Finn McLennan, Trevor Ell, Ronan McElroy, Alex Papaloukas, Robert Hallsor, Connor Steves, Tobin Broome, Jasper McLennan, Greg Steves, Aaron Broome, Brian McLennan, Brian Carr-Harris, Barb Carr-Harris, Marvalee Papaloukas, Payton Cameron, Jennifer Sail, Liam Adair, Teresa Adair, Dan Adair, Colin Evans, Maya Kanstrup, Margaret Krawciw, Micia Kanstrup, Sheila Finnigan, Jesse Carr, Gillian Hurwood, Teresa Howden, Hailey Finnigan, Jeannie Cosgrove, Marina Ell, Valerie Boyer, Monet Thurbide, Bronte Thurbide — all under the guidance of Alamin Pirani and Bruce Hallsor. [1340] Thank you very much, Scouts and Guides, for coming, and I hope that the precinct will let them know how wel- come they are to us.

J. Shin: Joining us in the gallery today is a very special group of 20 bright young students all the way from the city of Jinju in South Korea. They have flown all this way to visit us with their city officials, led by director Kei Sung Koo Lee and his staff at Global College in Vancouver, who have been doing a tremendous job in promoting edu - cation and cultural exchange between Chunsangdo in South Korea and, of course, British Columbia.

Would the members please welcome Kim Kyujin, Kim Yunseo, Park Taeheon, Baek Jaemin, Lee Donghyeon, Seo Jenny, Jeon Eunsoo, Jung Yujin, Hur Jiwon, Heo Jina, Kim Jaehui, Park Y eonbin, Park Junggyeong, Sung Jaehyeon, Shin Mingyeong, Shin Seongjun, Shin Yongbin, Jung Goun, Jung Myeongjun, Lee Seunghyeon, Ku Hongsun, Pak Jihyun, Kim Suhlki, Wi Inbok, Kim Donam and Hwang Daeyoun. I hope I got all of that right. Hon. N. Y amamoto: I have three guests to introduce today. Jeff McCarthy is the president of my riding asso - ciation, North Vancouver–Lonsdale.

He has brought his two in-laws, Peter and Halyna Carpenter, who are vis - iting British Columbia and have been here for the past three weeks. They are from Montreal. As they depart on Wednesday, back to Montreal, to minus 20 degrees and snow, we are obviously entertaining them with cherry blossoms. Would the House please make them feel welcome. A. Weaver: It gives me great pleasure to welcome Rory Hills to the Legislature today.

Rory is a fine young gentle- man, a recent graduate from Oak Bay High School in my riding, and one of British Columbia’s top debaters, having recently qualified for the Canadian nationals last year. He’s volunteering down at my office, and I would urge the House to welcome him warmly to his first day in the Legislature. J. Tegart: I know that the legislative interns were intro- duced last week, but I would like to welcome the five in- terns who have been assigned to the B.C. government caucus.

From our research department, we have Mark Levesque, and from our communications department, joining us today are Emily Barner, Katie Bowers, Corinne Brosz and Alissa Wrean. Could the House, and especially my caucus colleagues, please make them welcome. L. Reimer: I also wanted to introduce one of the legis- lative interns who has been a great support to me. I am so pleased that he is joining our B.C. Liberal caucus. Would the House please make welcome Mr. Mark Levesque. J.

Kwan: I don’t often have a visitor in the Legislature, but today not only do I have a constituent visiting us but also somebody who is a member of our caucus staff as well. I’m very happy to welcome Benjamin Alldritt on behalf of our caucus this afternoon. Ben was born and raised in the city of Vancouver, where lives with his partner, Jessica. He worked for many years in the construction industry before attending jour- nalism school at Langara College. Since then he has worked for CBC radio news as well as for newspapers in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Cariboo- Chilcotin regions.

Outside of work you can find him hik- ing, gardening and cycling. Please help me welcome Ben to this House. D. Horne: It’s with great pleasure today that I intro - duce David Mutka, who is visiting the precinct. David and his two young children worked tirelessly during the last campaign knocking on doors for me, and I truly appreciate their support. In his spare time, when he isn’t working for me, he also is a financial planner with Customplan Financial Advisors. I hope the House will make him truly welcome today. J.

Darcy: It gives me great pleasure to welcome an in- tern from my constituency of New Westminster, Kevin Sage, who comes from a long-established family in our community, is a great community volunteer, an excel - lent student, and we’re very pleased to have him work - ing as an intern during this session. Welcome, please, Kevin Sage. [1345] D. Barnett: I’m really pleased today to have a mem - ber of my constituency here. They don’t come very often. Tom Hoffman is the manager of external and stakeholder relationships for Tolko Industries out of Williams Lake.

With him is Bob Fleet, the vice-president of forestry and environment from Vernon, B.C. I ask the House to make them welcome.

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5785 A. Dix: I want to introduce today, from Calgary, George and Margaret Dixon and their friends Joan and Jim Fargey. George is my mom’s cousin, and his dad is no stranger to legislatures. His dad was a long-time Speaker of the Alberta Legislature back in the day. In his last election to the Legislature he defeated a young Joe Clark, who went on, nonetheless, to be Prime Minister of Canada, which is pretty good. We want to wish them all welcome today. L. Throness: Last but not least, I’ d like to introduce John and Cathy Van Laerhoven.

John is mayor of the dis- trict of Kent. He and Cathy are visiting for a few days in Victoria. Would the House please make them welcome. D. Donaldson: Visiting today are Alex Merrell and Glenn Morrison. They’re visiting from Winnipeg, but they’re old friends from Hazelton days. I’ d just like to say that Glenn was instrumental in cre- ating the shuttle bus service that services communities around Hazelton. I know he’s going to be eager to finally hear when a public transit system becomes a reality for Highway 16, the Highway of Tears. Would the House please join me in making them welcome.

Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 12 — FEDERAL PORT DEVELOPMENT ACT Hon. R. Coleman presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Federal Port Development Act. Hon. R. Coleman: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. Motion approved. Hon. R. Coleman: I am pleased to introduce Bill 12, the Federal Port Development Act. This act builds on changes made to the Canada Marine Act by the fed - eral government last year. The act would allow British Columbia to enter into agreements with Canada and port authorities to clarify regulatory oversight.

Specifically, these arrangements would extend the role of the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission in the construction, operations and permitting of LNG facilities on federal port lands. Marine traffic and LNG shipping operations are not affected by this bill. The Federal Port Development Act will help ensure that LNG facilities are consistently regulated in all of British Columbia and that LNG proponents can move forward with investments, knowing that provincial over- sight is clear. 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.

Bill 12, Federal Port Development Act, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. BILL M201 — TOBACCO CONTROL AMENDMENT ACT, 2015 J. Darcy presented a bill intituled Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2015. J. Darcy: I move that the bill intituled the Tobacco Control Amendment Act, of which notice has been given in my name in the order paper, be introduced and read for a first time now. Motion approved. J.

Darcy: Today I am reintroducing a bill which pro - hibits the sale of flavoured cigarillos and other flavoured tobacco products. The Canadian Cancer Society describes flavoured tobacco as “tobacco with training wheels” for good reasons. These products look like candy or cosmet- ics and come in flavours like chocolate, mint, cherry and peach. They produce a sweet-smelling smoke, not the usual harsh tobacco taste and smell. They’re sold in single sizes for as little as a loonie, making it easier for youth to become addicted.

When I introduced this same bill last year, the Health Minister promised that if the federal government did not act, he would. Well, the federal government has now enacted regulations that fall far short of the mark. Disappointingly, despite the call of the Canadian Cancer Society that B.C. needs to act now to ban flavoured to - bacco, including menthol, there was no indication in last week’s throne speech that this government will finally act. [1350] Alberta has already passed a law. Legislation has been introduced in Manitoba and Ontario.

All 28 European Union countries are banning flavoured menthol cigarettes — and still no action here in B.C. The tobacco companies’ marketing strategy that tar - gets youth is very slick and very effective, and 53 percent of young people in B.C. who smoke start with flavoured tobacco. That’s over 30,000 students. Tobacco, as we know, is the leading cause of prevent - able death, causing the deaths of 6,000 British Columbians each year, and the majority of new smokers are under 18. We can’t afford to wait any longer to get these products off our shelves.

I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for a second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

British Columbia Debates5786 Monday, February 16, 2015 Bill M201, Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2015, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE D. Barnett: This week we celebrate B.C. Chamber of Commerce Week, February 16 to 20, 2015, with the theme “Strengthening business, building communities. ” The B.C.

Chamber of Commerce is an important and respected voice of our province’s business community, representing the strength of more than 36,000 businesses of every size and building on the diversity of every sector. Small businesses are the grass roots and unwaver - ing support of our communities, and 98 percent of all businesses in British Columbia are small businesses em- ploying fewer than 50 people. It is because of their hard work that our neighbours have jobs, our municipalities have tax bases, our children’s sport teams are sponsored and communities thrive.

In the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, the South Cariboo and Williams Lake chambers of commerce play an im - portant role in creating jobs and contributing in so many positive ways, such as by supporting businesses through benefit programs and providing services and education to our communities. Our government recognizes the leadership and significant volunteer hours put in by the chambers of commerce throughout our province as they continue to support local business.

One of the many other ways to celebrate the success of small businesses is through the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce and South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Excellence awards. Congratulations to each of those who have been nominated, and congratulations to chambers all over our province for your continued success and for the role you play, which we greatly appreciate, in supporting our com- munities and wider global economy. 35th ANNIVERSARY OF CARNEGIE COMMUNITY CENTRE IN V ANCOUVER J.

Kwan: On January 20 our community celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Carnegie Community Centre. The Carnegie, at the corner of Main and East Hastings, is known as the living room of the neighbourhood. It houses recreational facilities, a low-cost cafeteria, a Vancouver Public Library branch and a variety of ser - vices and programs. The Carnegie is a drug- and alcohol-free area. It’s open every day of the year. It’s a place of learning. It’s a place for community performances. It’s a place for commun- ity dialogue. It’s a place for nourishment — food for the stomach and food for the soul.

It’s a place where everyone is welcomed and feels a sense of belonging. On the evening of the 20th we gathered to share stor - ies that we remembered from the last 35 years.

We hon- oured some of the people that contributed to the success of the Carnegie, people like the late Bruce Eriksen, who fought to have the Downtown Eastside recognized as a community; MP Libby Davies, who has served the com- munity for 40 years — she and Bruce were part of the original campaign that founded the Carnegie; Muggs Sigurgeirson, a former president of Carnegie and a tire - less advocate for the neighbourhood; Bob Sarti, who vol- unteered and helped animate the Carnegie with theatre and cultural events. Who, of course, could forget Bob’s chili?

There was Richard Tetrault, whose beautiful mural makes the room dance with life; the late Sandy Cameron, a dedicated volunteer and accomplished poet, chronic - ler of life in the Downtown Eastside; and Jean Swanson, a lifelong anti-poverty activist and a strong advocate for Raise the Rates. The late Margaret Prevost, fondly known as “Princess” Margaret, was one of the longest-serving presidents of the Carnegie, who just brightened up the room with her very presence. Paul Taylor is the volunteer editor for the Carnegie Newsletter , who speaks the truth about all things in our community.

Of course, there were the exec- utive directors — Diane McKenzie, Donald McPherson, Michael Clague, Dan Tetrault, Ethel Whitty and many others — who made the Carnegie what it is today. [1355] The evening ended with everyone enjoying coconut cake topped with a large slab of chocolate made specially for Libby Davies in appreciation of her exemplary service and contributions. ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES AND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT IN FORT ST. JOHN P . Pimm: I rise today to speak of a very important issue in my community of Fort St. John.

We’ve been enduring a drastic shortage of doctors in our fabulous city, as you may have heard. The community has been working tire- lessly to come up with solutions over this past year. First, we met March 17 with our professional commun- ity to figure out some solutions. Secondly, in September of 2014 we had a public meeting where a group called Concerned Citizens for Health Care, Northern Health, doctors and myself — as well as the opposition critic, I might add — heard our local public concerns.

In October I formed a committee called the short-term health solutions committee, consisting of myself as chair, Northern Health division of family practitioners, the mayor of Fort St. John, the mayor of Taylor, Peace River

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5787 regional district directors, chamber of commerce, indus- try and Concerned Citizens for Health Care. To date, here are some of the changes that have been made to address our problems. We now have a Northern Health clinic for unattached patients that opened in July of last year, with one doctor, one nurse practitioner and two more nurse practitioner positions that we’re trying desperately to recruit. We have a new Northern Health walk-in clinic that opened in January of this year for un- attached patients, serviced by all of our local physicians.

We still have two primary clinics that offer regular ap - pointments and walk-in service for their attached pa - tients. We have successfully recruited and signed five more new doctors to join us in July and September of this year. Once our new recruits join us, we’ll then start attaching patients to our new doctors. We are one of the few com- munities that can offer fee-for-service opportunities as well as alternate payment plans for our doctors. We’re currently doing a study and a report how to make a sustainable, long-term campus of care for Fort St. John. This report will be ready by March 31, 2015.

We’re waiting for those results. I want to thank our Health Minister for supplying the additional funding for the two new nurse practitioner positions that we’re trying to fill, and I want to espe - cially give this group of people who have donated most Saturday mornings for the last three months a great big thank-you. They have much more to do, but we’ve come a long way in a very short time. UNIVERSITY NEIGHBOURHOODS ASSOCIATION MULTICULTURAL COMMITTEE D.

Eby: Even though I was almost eaten by a dan - cing lion this year, it was again my pleasure to attend the University Neighbourhoods Association’s lunar new year festival at the Old Barn Community Centre in my constituency. Florence Luo, chair of the multicultural committee that hosts the event every year with the help of the Old Barn Community Centre staff, told me that she remembers when the first lunar new year event was hosted at the UNA years ago. It was much smaller, just a single room. Now the event draws hundreds of attendees and has outgrown the full Red Barn Community Centre.

The success of the event is due in large part to the hard work of the University Neighbourhoods Association’s multicultural committee. To my knowledge, the UNA welcomes more newcomers to Canada than any other neighbourhood in my constituency. Given that role, neighbours there have taken on the challenge of provid- ing a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity and makes everyone feel welcome. The multicultural committee’s goal is fighting isolation and celebrating diversity, and that’s why they’ve intro - duced several exciting and well-attended events that occur regularly throughout the year.

Connection night creates an opportunity for new Canadian residents to connect with their neighbours through the discussion of topics that help them learn about Canadian culture and traditions. The Let’s Cook Club encourages community members to share their cooking skills, resulting in delicious feasts that every - one enjoys. The Community Y outh Band creates beautiful orches- tral music, thanks to their 30 members aged 13 to 17. The band regularly brightens UNA community events with their remarkable talents.

The seniors and friends pro - gram promotes events targeted at reaching out to and engaging seniors in the community. The multicultural community’s members are Florence Luo, Sabrina Zhang, Jim Taylor, Reihaneh Noorbakhsh, Keri Zhang, Shaohong Wu, Eustina Na, Grant Hoyme, Jade Zhang, Qiuning Wang, Ying Zhou and Katy Short. I’ d like to thank all the members of the multicultural committee and the UNA executive for their work in building such a welcoming community for newcomers. SCOUT-GUIDE WEEK J. Thornthwaite: February 15 to 22 is Scout-Guide Week in Canada.

This annual event provides an oppor - tunity for Scouts Canada and the Girl Guides of Canada to come together to recognize their shared heritage and celebrate the invaluable work both groups do to prepare today’s youth for future success. [1400] For more than 100 years Scouts Canada has brought a world of excitement, adventure and friendship to more than 17 million youth. Their programs instil important life skills and principles, such as leadership, cooperation, teamwork and public service. More than half of Canada’s current leaders took

part in Scouting and Guiding in their youth, and it was with these organizations that they learned how to strive for excellence and committed to building a better world by giving back to the community. These values and life experiences are developed through a variety of fun and challenging outdoor pro - grams that empower youth to build a solid foundation of skills and find their inner strength. Through exciting adventures, Scouts and Guides develop into capable, con- fident, well-rounded individuals who are better prepared to take on the world.

All Scouts programs are co-ed, and everyone is wel - come to take part regardless of race, gender, religious belief, sexual orientation or economic circumstance. It is because of this that Scouts Canada is widely recog - nized as an open, diverse organization that is commit - ted to providing a safe, secure environment for youth to learn and develop. Scout-Guide programs are developed and maintained by energetic, dedicated volunteers who give selflessly of

British Columbia Debates5788 Monday, February 16, 2015 their time. I ask the House to join me in recognizing Scouts Canada and the Girl Guides of Canada for the great work that they do in communities across the prov- ince. I wish them all the best as they celebrate Scout- Guide Week 2015. LITERACY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING J.

Shin: There is a group of good folks who regularly gather in the meeting room at Tommy Douglas Library — the usual suspects from Burnaby Family Life, com - munity and continuing education, multicultural soci - ety, neighbourhood house, public library and city of Burnaby as well as provincewide partners like Decoda Literacy Solutions, Literacy Now, ISS B.C., MOSAIC, Neil Squire Society, SUCCESS and Purpose Society. My fellow Burnaby MLAs and our staff also attend, and it is because all of us believe there is a growing difficulty in our community, and that is literacy and English learning.

Literacy is the ability to understand and use written in- formation as well as numerical for daily activities at home, at work and in our community, be it using a computer to send e-mails at work or knowing how much to budget for savings every month for retirement. There are four literacy levels, ranging from level 1 where individuals have great trouble reading. For ex - ample, they may be unable to determine the correct dosage of medicine to give to their child from the infor - mation that’s available on the package. At level 2 people have limited skills.

They are not able to deal with material that’s presented in a manner that’s not simple or clearly laid out. At level 3 one would be considered to have just the bare minimum of skills to cope with the basic de - mands of everyday living. Unfortunately, over 75 percent of Canadians fit into levels 1, 2 and 3, with more than 40 percent of us falling below level 2, and the numbers are growing. In our cur - rent economic climate where jobs can’t find people and people can’t find jobs, it’s more crucial now than ever to prioritize literacy and English language learning.

Thankfully, our community leaders, volunteers and organizations are stepping up. We just wrapped up the Family Literacy Week campaign last month, and I en - courage all of us in doing our share to raise a reader in our community. Oral Questions HUNTING ALLOCATION POLICY CHANGES AND RULES FOR GUIDE-OUTFITTERS J. Horgan: It’s been a couple of weeks since the gov - ernment’s most recent decision on the allocation of wild- life resources between resident hunters and non-resident hunters. Despite claims by the government that the num- bers are small, the expectations in the community are quite different.

In fact, the consultation that stakeholders expected did not take place. The minister said in this place last week that, again, it was a matter of a few animals. But to most hunters and to most British Columbians, this common resource should not be privatized, and it should be available to British Columbians first. My question to the minister is: why are you putting foreign hunters ahead of resident hunters? [1405] Hon. S. Thomson: Thank you to the member oppos- ite for the question.

As I indicated last week in response to a question on this issue, sustainable hunting in British Columbia brings $230 million in economic activity to the province. That’s about $230 million from resident hunters, $120 million from the guide-outfitting industry. We recognize that both sectors of the utilization of this resource provide that important economic activity.

It’s about finding a balance that recognizes that contribu - tion from both sectors and ensuring that they have access to those resources, providing viability for the guide- outfitting industry but also ensuring that the principle of resident hunter priority is maintained. That’s what the decision does. Madame Speaker: Recognizing the Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. J. Horgan: Again to the minister, the allocation pro - portions are not equitable in the eyes of resident hunt - ers. They’ve made that abundantly clear to the minister.

There was a consultation that took place, and arbitrary decisions came from that — not a consensus, not a col - laborative approach but arbitrary decisions on behalf of the government and the member from Cranbrook. But it’s not just the allocation that’s a concern. Let me read…. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. J. Horgan: Let me read a March 22, 2013…. People will remember. That was weeks before the last provincial elec- tion. An order-in-council was passed: the Wildlife Act General Regulation.

It reads as follows: “ A guide-outfitter does not commit an offence if the guide-outfitter...allows his or her clients to kill game to the extent that the num- ber killed exceeds” — exceeds — “the quota assigned to the guide-outfitter. ” End of the regulation change. Now not only do non-resident hunters get more access to our common resource, but they don’t have to abide by the same laws that resident hunters do. Again my question is to the minister. Y ou’re giving

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5789 more animals away to foreign hunters, you’re allowing foreign hunters to exceed what are conservation quotas, ultimately, and you’re doing both of those by claiming that you’re backing British Columbians. It doesn’t ap - pear to be the case, hon. Minister. How do you justify that? Madame Speaker: Comments through the Chair. Hon. S. Thomson: Again, of 45,700 animals harvested in British Columbia, only 3,700 of those are in allocation. That’s less than 8 percent of the total.

The greatest majority of wildlife harvesting in British Columbia is on general open season. That’s what pro - vides the meat for the freezers for resident hunters. Again, 30,000 of that 45,700 are deer — general open season across the province. Moose allocation — 8,515 across the province. The decision is based on a number of principles. One is First Nations considerations. Second is conservation as a key principle. Third is resident hunter priority.

The decisions and the allocation here of the resource — a total of 60 animals involved, about a few hundred op- portunities that arise out of that in order to provide that balance. That was the basis of the decision. Again, it maintains those core principles of resident hunter priority but ensures also that there’s an oppor - tunity for guide-outfitters to continue their important economic contribution to the province and maintains resident hunter priority. Madame Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition on a further supplemental. J. Horgan: Thank you, hon. Speaker.

Well — through you to the minister — giving more access to foreign hunters than you are giving to resident hunters is dis - proportional. It’s disproportional regardless of what the numbers are. More important than the botched consultation on the allocations is an order-in-council exempting prosecu - tion for non-resident hunters. How does the minister, how does this government, justify saying to foreign hunt- ers: “Y ou don’t have to abide by the same rules as British Columbians”? How do you justify that? Hon. S.

Thomson: I know the members opposite have latched onto some of the misinformation and the num - bers that are out there and that are being communicated by the resident hunters. The member opposite, just to point how deep… Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. [1410] Hon. S.

Thomson: …the research goes, in comments on CKNW on January 29, 2015, said this. “ Also, the abil- ity for local folks to fill their freezer with a couple of veni- son” — first of all, this decision does not affect venison at all — “and perhaps a moose, if they’re lucky enough to get a tag.... ” Again, the allocation with the general open season and allocation formulas around moose and the general open season on deer — this does not take opportunities away from resident hunters.

This provides for that bal - ance and ensures we have a viable guide-outfitting in - dustry in British Columbia — $120 million in economic contribution to the province — and supports hunting as a sustainable occupation for resident hunters, who do make a very, very important contribution. That’s recog- nized. Resident hunter priority, $230 million in econom- ic activity. We recognize that and then make sure that it provides that balance. K. Conroy: Resident hunters also know that if they went out and hunted over their quota, they would have the book thrown at them.

They could have their rifle taken away, their car, their truck, their ATV . They could be thrown in jail. Let’s be clear about what this OIC says here. It explicit- ly exempts guide-outfitters or their clients who kill more game than they are permitted under their individual quota from prosecution under the Wildlife Act. So to the minister, why did he create special rules for wealthy foreign hunters and guide-outfitters that don’t apply to B.C. resident hunters? Hon. S. Thomson: Again, recognizing here that in making this decision, there were a number of other fac - tors that were taken into the decision.

One of those — and it has been a longstanding part of the allocation formula — was to remove the capacity for success fac - tors for the guide-outfitting industry. This is where they could go well over their quotas. They could harvest more. What we recognized was that we needed to provide a management tool that allowed them to manage their quota within an allocation period, within that five-year period. We didn’t want to incur huge fines for being slightly over it in one year.

Guide-outfitters are still re - quired to manage their quota within that five-year al - location period, and if they go over that, their quota is reduced. Madame Speaker: The member for Kootenay West on a supplemental. K. Conroy: So they’re only allowed to break the law within a five-year ramification? There are no timelines. There are no timelines in the OIC, and local hunters know that this stinks. They believe that this OIC actually is a “get out of jail free” card, and it’s just for foreign hunters

British Columbia Debates5790 Monday, February 16, 2015 and guide-outfitters. I think this is worse. I think it could be known as legal- ized poaching. I think that’s what this OIC has done. To the minister, what made him decide that the key rule of hunting, the very key rule that all hunters abide by, at least all resident hunters abide by in this prov - ince…? Don’t harvest more animals than you are al - lowed to — why shouldn’t that apply to foreign hunters or guide-outfitters? Hon. S. Thomson: Just to be clear, it does apply. Those rules do apply.

What we did provide was a management tool that allowed the opportunity, if they were slightly over in one year, to be managed within that five-year quota period. If they don’t manage within their quota, if they don’t manage within that quota allocation, admin- istrative penalties… Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. Hon. S. Thomson: …can be applied, and quota can be reduced. So guide-outfitters understand they need to strictly adhere to their quota.

But this provides for that flexibility to ensure that if they’re slightly over in one year, they’re not assessed a huge administrative penal - ty while we manage the overall quota over the five-year period. Penalties still apply if they’re well over that, and they also can have quota reduced and administrative penalties applied. [1415] OVERSIGHT AND REGULATION OF MINING INDUSTRY N. Macdonald: This government’s lax approach to mining oversight is bad for industry and worse for fam - ilies that depend on mining jobs.

We know that govern- ment regulators didn’t tell the minister about serious engineering concerns at Mount Polley, even after the tailings dam failed. The minister said as much during a whole host of media interviews. Now the minister wants to rely on industry-controlled review panels to assess tail- ings ponds in the province. Just to be clear, the compan- ies hire the panels, the companies pay for them, and the companies control the information. To the Minister of Mines: isn’t it time to get back in the business of government oversight so that mining families can have some confidence in their future? Hon. B.

Bennett: I am glad to hear that the hon. mem- ber actually cares about mining families, like we do on this side of the House. The member made reference to some e-mails that either he or the Leader of the Opposition read out last week between engineers and made reference today to the fact that the minister, myself, didn’t know about them. Those e-mails were between the engineers of record. They were not between the engineers and Ministry of Energy and Mines staff. Ministry of Energy and Mines staff knew nothing about those e-mails. Interjection. Hon. B. Bennett: The member is actually making the point.

As the panel has said in numerous places in the report, in our western world the regulator depends on the en - gineer of record to do a design knowing what is under the foundation of whatever it is that’s being built. That would be true of an apartment building. It would be true of a mine, a tailings storage facility, and it would be true of almost anything that is built in today’s western world. If you have engineers that are exchanging e-mails indicating that they know something that the regulator doesn’t know, I would say that there is more to come from the two investigations that are being done.

Eventually, the responsibility for this will be affixed to someone, but the report has made very, very clear that that someone is not the regulator. N. Macdonald: Y ou know, the system has failed com- pletely. That’s what’s outrageous about this answer from the minister. We’ve had ten years of this. Has there ever been a company that was actually charged and had to pay a significant fine? Never. It has never worked. And the complete and absolute failure at Mount Polley speaks for itself. This government’s neglect and its reliance on third- party oversight is what has led to this sorry place.

In May 2014 third-party engineers at Amec were ter - rified that the tailings dam at Mount Polley might fail — 2014 May. They were worried about losing the dam and the mine. Did the minister tell Imperial Metals to stop operating in the danger zone? No. If the minister is to be believed, by what he’s just said, then, his own staff didn’t even tell him that there were problems even after the dam failed.

To the minister: surely, a responsible government would take this opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the past and fix this regulatory system so that the min- ing families can again have confidence about their future. Hon. B. Bennett: Well, we do, on this side of the House, want all British Columbians to have faith in the mining industry. We acknowledge quite readily…. And I’ve done it often, and so have other members of this government. This accident was unprecedented, but it was a terrible environmental disaster that we cannot allow to happen again.

But the opposition — and I said this in my very first answer last week — is insisting upon blaming the govern- ment for the accident itself. So I feel I have no other….

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5791 Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. [1420] Hon. B. Bennett: I have no other choice but to try to answer the member’s question, so I’ll read from the re- port for him. “The root cause of the breach was the un - drained failure of the upper GLU. ” Another quotation: “The dominant contribution to the failure resides in its design. ” Another quotation: “The breach was caused by a shear failure of the dam foundations. ” Here’s what it wasn’t. This is what the panel says. Interjection. Hon. B.

Bennett: The hon. member doesn’t actually like to hear what the panel states. But the panel states very clearly that inspections “would not have prevented fail - ure, ” that overtopping was not the cause and that piping or cracking or internal erosion also were not the cause of the accident. BAN ON SALE OF FLAVOURED TOBACCO J. Darcy: Last year the Health Minister promised in this House that there would be significant action to restrict the sales of flavoured tobacco products. He said he was wait- ing to see what steps the federal government would take.

The federal government’s new regulations fall far short of what’s needed, and the Canadian Cancer Society is calling on provinces to act now to protect our young people from the negative effect of flavoured tobacco. Will the minister be keeping his promise to take real action on flavoured tobacco? Hon. T. Lake: The Premier was very clear and gave our ministry a mandate to work with the federal government, which is something that we do quite effectively, particu- larly on the health file.

The federal government has made changes that we think will have a very positive impact on protecting youth from flavoured tobacco. All of us want to ensure that youth are not enticed into a habit that is the single largest preventable cause of death to the people of British Columbia. The federal government has been very good, has moved on this file. We want to continue to work with the federal government to ensure that youth in British Columbia are protected. Madame Speaker: The member for New Westminster on a supplemental. J.

Darcy: Here’s exactly what the Canadian Cancer Society said about the federal government’s new regula- tions. They “fail to give our kids the protection they de - serve. The government should have done more. ” That’s the Canadian Cancer Society, not the official opposition. Thirty thousand more young people begin smoking in British Columbia every year, and more than half of them start with flavoured tobacco. The bright colours, the candy flavours, including menthol, are all part of the tobacco companies’ marketing strategy to try and pitch these products to young people as if they were harmless.

But tobacco kills. It kills 6,000 British Columbians every year. It’s a public health issue, and this government cannot afford to wait any longer. Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario have all taken action on flavoured tobacco. Will the minister follow the lead of these other provinces and commit to acting now to take these dangerous products for our young people off the shelves in British Columbia? Hon. T. Lake: The member opposite doesn’t have to lecture me on the dangers of tobacco that killed my mom and has made my dad quite ill. All of us have been touched, I’m sure, in our families by the tobacco industry.

We don’t want youth to be enticed into smoking at all. We’ve worked with the federal government, and we’re working with the Canadian Cancer Society. We have a very good working relationship and have supported the Canadian Cancer Society in many of their initiatives, and we’ll continue to do so. We are working cooperatively with the federal gov - ernment. We’re also moving on e-cigarettes, and we’ll be introducing safeguards to protect youth from what many consider a gateway into tobacco use.

On this side of the House we are going to protect youth from exposure to tobacco, and we’ll continue to do that each and every day. [1425] NURSING SERVICES ON MAYNE AND GALIANO ISLANDS G. Holman: The B.C. Liberals recently cut funding for weekend on-call nursing coverage on Mayne and Galiano islands. These cuts put the health and safety of my constituents at risk and could even mean higher costs if they result in emergency situations. Will the Minister of Health reverse these cuts today? Hon. T.

Lake: It is important that we make sure that people have access to health care, whether it’s with family practitioners or nurses. In the previous model on those islands, nurses were the front line. Since that time phys- icians have located to those communities and are provid- ing primary care in a very effective way on those islands. Madame Speaker: Saanich North and the Islands on a supplemental.

British Columbia Debates5792 Monday, February 16, 2015 G. Holman: I think the minister knows that the Galiano Health Care Society, for example, the group that the minister or Island Health did not notify of these chan- ges, indicates that the minister’s response to them has been incomplete and is misleading and that the Galiano community strongly opposes these cuts. Madame Speaker: Member, kindly withdraw that re- mark. G. Holman: So done, Madame Speaker. People on the southern Gulf Islands pay the same health care premiums as other British Columbians, pre- miums which have doubled under this government.

As in many small communities across the province, people on Mayne and Galiano are paying more and getting less. Again to the Health Minister, will he reinstate the es - sential nursing coverage in these communities? Hon. T. Lake: There’s no question that nurses provide tremendous service. In the history of British Columbia, in rural and remote areas nurses have often been the front line of health care. We really appreciate and value the ser- vice they provide. The reality is that there’s a permanent physician that’s been recruited for Galiano.

Two nurse practitioners have been hired — one on Galiano and one serving Mayne and Saturna. So there is a change of service. I would argue that with a physician and two nurse practitioners, the service has been elevated — as well as on-call services available for the residents of those islands. FERRY FARES AND RIDERSHIP LEVELS N. Simons: Well, pay more and get less. That seems to be this government’s approach to the public. Nowhere is it more apparent than in they way they’ve managed fer- ries. Fares have gone up over 100 percent on some routes since this government took office, took the helm.

We’ve seen report after report, including one this past Friday that shows that ridership is down. It’s down to the low - est point in 20 years. To address the losses associated with a drop in rider - ship, fares go up even more and services get cut. What is the minister going to do to stop this downward spiral? Hon. T. Stone: For the almost two years that I have been the minister responsible — I have spoken many times in this House and many times outside of this cham- ber — I’ve articulated the vision that this government has for ferries.

It’s a vision that’s focused, first and foremost, on doing everything that we can — working with the corporation, working with the Ferry Commissioner and, indeed, working with coastal communities to ensure that Ferries is affordable and sustainable for the long term. I’ll say to the member opposite that one important point he often glosses over…. Members opposite often gloss over this point. It’s the fact that this government has invested a record-level $180 million in B.C. Ferries in the last fiscal year alone.

I would encourage the member opposite to actual - ly take a look at the vision that I announced a year ago. There was a wide range of other initiatives, including con- verting three vessels and two new vessels to LNG propul- sion, which will save $12 million per year for 27 years. [1430] Madame Speaker: Powell River–Sunshine Coast on a supplemental. N. Simons: I’m glad he didn’t suggest we just all start rowing. B.C. Ferries’ third-quarter report on Friday shows a $6.1 million loss recorded in the last three months of 2014.

The CEO said the losses would even be greater if it weren’t for the fare hikes helping offset the drop in rider- ship. Now, this minister knows fares are going to go up another 3.9 percent on April 1, even though sailings were cut by about 10 percent over the last year. The minister has already admitted fares are past the tipping point. Will he stop the fare increase of April 1 that will inevitably lead to a further drop in ridership and in revenue? Hon. T.

Stone: What I can assure the members op - posite is that this government is not going to stop in our unwavering commitment to doing everything we can to drive downward pressure on the fares at B.C. Ferries in this province. What’s most telling on this file is that the members op- posite pay no attention whatsoever to the myriad of ideas and initiatives which we have announced, which B.C. Ferries has announced. Every idea that is floated with the intention of driving down the pressure on fares, the opposition opposes. We’re looking at a feasibility study for the potential of a fixed link to Gabriola Island.

We are investing in alternative technologies. The cable ferry that will serve Denman Island will save $2 million per year. I encourage the members opposite to pick up that vi - sion that we announced a year ago. We are making sub- stantial progress in our efforts to drive down fares at B.C. Ferries. M. Karagianis: I guess the deal is if you’re a bridge, the B.C. Liberals are right there for you, but if you’re a ferry rider, a ferry-dependent community, too bad, so sad. That’s what we hear. Now the reality is 50,000 fewer passengers sailed on B.C.

Ferries compared to the same period last year, 12,000 fewer vehicles. The minister himself has admit - ted that we are beyond the tipping point. Y et what does the government do? Well, cuts the services and raises the

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5793 fares. Cuts the services and raises the fares, and so the spiral goes on and on and on. That’s not a solution. That is a formula for disaster, and this government…. Since they quasi-privatized this ferry system, it has been nothing but a dismal failure. Now will the government admit that this is part of the highway system, it should be treated that way, and get on with running this back into the red instead of into the rocks? Hon. T. Stone: Part of the great challenge that has weighed down B.C.

Ferries for a good number of years was the fact that from 1991 to 2000, B.C. Ferries debt in- creased 1,800 percent. Most of that debt related to a num- ber of fast ferries, which were actually never used by any ferry users in the province of British Columbia. On this side of the House we’re investing a record amount in B.C. Ferries. We are unrelenting in our ef - forts to embrace every initiative that we possibly can, all in an effort to drive down the pressure on fares and en - sure that B.C.

Ferries is there for the long term to serve British Columbians. [End of question period.] Ministerial Statements 50th ANNIVERSARY OF CANADIAN FLAG Hon. S. Anton: On Sunday, February 15, 2015, the national flag of Canada turned 50. Our red-and-white Maple Leaf flag was selected in 1964 for its easily recog - nizable design, the use of Canada’s national colours and the prominence of the maple leaf, a national symbol of pride and identity. This is a significant and special mile- stone as Canadians prepare for the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

At the inauguration of the new flag, the Speaker of the Senate said: “The flag is the symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion. ” Those words still ring true today. [1435] As our national flag is hung above government build- ings, businesses, schools and homes, above us here at B.C. ’s Legislative Assembly and above parliament in our nation’s capital, it serves as a symbol of peace and accept- ance, our Canadian values and our future as a nation.

As British Columbians, the anniversary of our national flag is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Canadian. Our national flag speaks to what we have ac - complished together, to the historical moments that have served to define us and to the promising future of this great country. Looking at the images from Prince George over the last day or two, there are quite a few flying in Prince George. Congratulations to them and the Canada Winter Games. I encourage all British Columbians to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Canadian flag.

Madame Speaker: In response to the ministerial state- ment, the Leader of the Official Opposition. J. Horgan: I thank the Attorney for her remarks cele- brating the 50th year of the red maple leaf on the white background with the red bars. We’ll remember, some of us…. I was a baby at the time, but there was a fairly acri - monious debate that carried on in Canada at that time. It went on. It was the great flag debate of its day.

We’ve had some tepid debates in this place compared to what hap - pened in our national parliament when it came time to change from the old ensign to what now all of us recog - nize as a pure symbol of what it means to be Canadian. I’ve studied abroad. I’ve travelled abroad. I know I’ve seen other Canadians with proud Maple Leafs on their backpacks. I recall vividly being in Dieppe one August, celebrating the anniversary of the tragic events at Dieppe. A Frenchman came up to me — I had a Canadian flag on my hat — and he embraced me.

It startled me because I’m not accustomed to small people coming up and em- bracing me, walking down the street. It shocked me, but it really, really shocked my kids. They said: “Daddy, what was that all about?” This French gentleman told me about his annual setup of a Canadian display in the town square of Dieppe to acknowledge what Canada and Canadians had done and what sacrifices were made on the beaches of Dieppe so long ago, so long before the national ensign, the Canadian red maple leaf, was adopted. It’s a symbol for us today.

It’s a symbol for us into our future, our proud future — a country united not just by our flag but by our common values. The debate that we had about accepting the maple leaf as our national sym- bol, I believe, is the foundation of what makes Canada so spectacular. We debated vigorously 50 years ago in our national parliament. Today, regardless of political stripe, regardless of province, we celebrate the raising of the flag, particularly when it comes to hockey games and Canadian national championships, as we’re having in Prince George. Reports from Committees M.

Bernier: I have the honour to present the re - port of the Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act. This report covers the com- mittee’s work in relation to its review of the Personal Information Protection Act. I move that the report be taken and read as received. Motion approved.

British Columbia Debates5794 Monday, February 16, 2015 M. Bernier: I ask leave of the House to move a motion to adopt the report. Leave granted. M. Bernier: In moving adoption of the report, I’ d like to make a few brief comments. This report summariz - es the results of the committee’s review of the Personal Information Protection Act, which governs how pri - vate sector organizations can collect, how they can use and how they disclose personal information. It requires organizations to protect and secure personal informa - tion against unauthorized use or disclosure.

The act also grants individuals the right to access their own personal information. The committee conducted public consultations from June to October, 2014. I’m pleased to say that the com - mittee worked cooperatively throughout the review and unanimously agreed to the report’s 15 recommendations to strengthen privacy protection for British Columbians.

The recommendations include proposed amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act that will im- prove accountability, address challenges related to new information technologies and respond to the changes in the legal landscape. [1440] The committee has also recommended that the prov - incial government report publicly on its response to the committee’s recommendations and its implementation plans in a timely manner. I’ d like to express the committee’s sincere appreciation to all the British Columbians for their input and who took time to participate with us.

I’ d also like to give a big thank-you to the Clerk’s office, who supported the com- mittee throughout the entire process. In closing, I’ d like to thank my fellow committee members, including the Deputy Chair, the member for Vancouver-Fairview, for their hard work on this com - mittee. With that, I move adoption of the report. G. Heyman: I would like to join the member, the Chair of the committee, in speaking to adoption of this report.

I would also like to thank the staff from the Clerk’s of - fice; the many presenters from around British Columbia, particularly interested parties; members of the commit - tee, who worked very cooperatively to reach a consensus report; and, in particular, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, who repeatedly took time to clarify issues for us and answer questions. In the end result, I think we have a set of recommen - dations that will, if implemented, make the act more cur- rent. They will give the commissioner some additional powers that she will need.

They will deal with issues re - lated to breaches and mandatory notification. They give, in short, the act more teeth than it currently has, while at the same time being responsible and being responsive to the size of organizations, as well as the sensitivity of the information in question, by making these policies scal - able to both those issues.

Finally, I would note, as the Chair has, that one of the concerns of the committee was that in the seven years since the last report and recommendations there has still been no public response from the government or the ministry — which is, of course, of particular interest to those people who took the time to pay attention to this act and make presentations. Therefore, we did recom - mend that the government respond in a timely manner to these recommendations, as well as outlining what imple- mentations the government and the ministry have, if any. Motion approved. Orders of the Day Hon.

M. de Jong: Continued debate on the throne speech. Throne Speech Debate (continued) On the subamendment (continued). D. Donaldson: Firstly, in my time that I have to re - spond to the government’s throne speech, I’m going to take time to say thanks to those here in the Legislature that I work most closely with in my role as official oppos- ition spokesperson on Children and Family Development.

That’s researcher James Harada-Down, communications officer Jennifer Jones and legislative assistant Teresa Scambler; also, to the Stikine MLA staff in my Hazelton and Smithers offices, who keep in constant touch with constituents as we work towards our mutual goals as the Stikine team: Shelley Worthington and Michelle Larstone in Smithers and Julie Maitland in Hazelton. Thank you to all of you for your commitment to fair - ness and justice — and especially to my wife, Anne Docherty, for her strong, articulate and never-wavering determination to work for social justice. The throne speech is this B.C.

Liberal government’s vi- sion for the coming year. It was widely criticized as lack- ing substance. In fact, one long-established provincial mainstream media journalist wrote on February 10, 2015: “On this day in provincial history the B.C. Liberals admit- ted they had pretty much run out of new ideas. ” [D. Horne in the chair.] I don’t really blame the Premier for the lack of sub - stance or not laying out a vision in the throne speech. That’s because she has said that she tries to avoid work- ing at the Legislature because “there are no real people in

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5795 Victoria, ” and “the sick culture” is unhealthy. Given that is where her values lie, why would one ex - pect her to use this democratic institution to actually honour the more than 1.8 million people who cast a vote with what her government’s vision is for the coming year? Given the attitude of neglect by the Premier, we will have to look elsewhere for what the B.C.

Liberals’ vision is for 2015 and, since nature abhors a vacuum, to fill the void with what I would see as a positive course for a respon - sible government. [1445] I had some time to reflect on this recently. Friday I attended the opening of the Canada Winter Games in Prince George, and Saturday I had to be back in the constituency. I had a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Prince George to Hazelton to consider the comments the Premier made at those opening ceremonies.

The Premier correctly thanked the more than 2,400 athletes competing in the games from 800 communities for being “strivers, ” as she said, and compared them to those who first settled in B.C. “Who built the province up with nothing, ” is what she said. Those who built the province up from nothing. I had to think about those words. What struck me is how great it is that, for the first time ever for a Canada Winter Games, there’s an official host First Nation: the Lheidli T’ enneh, on whose territory Prince George sits, at the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser rivers.

In fact, in Lheidli T’ enneh, in the Carrier language, it translates into English as “where the two rivers flow together” and “the people. ” Chief Dominic Frederick was in attendance, sharing the stage and listening to the Premier’s words that Friday night.

As I left Lheidli T’ enneh territory, drove west along Highway 16 and entered the provincial constituency boundaries of Stikine, on Wet’suwet’ en territory, and then on to Gitxsan territory, I thought about that statement from the Premier. “Those who built the province up from nothing. ” It’s not refutable that settlers worked very hard at what they did and that it took much to establish the institutions they brought with them, based in European culture. Institutions like this Legislature.

But what the Premier did in framing her statement was perpetuate an outdated point of view that what we call B.C. was just a vast frontier before the arrival of the Europeans, that there wasn’t anything here — no govern- ance systems, no laws, no economies, no social structures, no institutions and basically no people. “Built the province up from nothing. ” That reveals an egocentric mindset that demeans, devalues and ignores the pre-existence of sophisticated cultures and societies in what we now call B.C., long before the arrival of set - tlers.

As I pulled in from my five-and-a-half-hour drive home, after once again witnessing the beauty of the northwest — the land, the animals, the clean air, the clean water — I just wanted to say thank you to First Nations. Thank you to the Wet’suwet’ en. Thank you to the Gitxsan. Thank you to the Kaska, to the Tlingit, to the Tahltan, the Gitanyow, all of whose traditional territories and ab- original title are within the boundaries of the constitu - ency of Stikine. Thank you to the Lheidli T’ enneh and all other First Nations in B.C.

Thank you for your strong governance and social and economic systems that for 10,000 or more years enabled you to live in close connection to the land in a sustainable way. Thank you for being stewards of the land and waters so that when settlers did arrive in this province there wasn’t “nothing, ” but intact and healthy ecosystems upon which we could depend for our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical well-being — then and, I hope, into the future. I had the good fortune of hearing Dr. Cindy Blackstock speak recently in Victoria, in the fall.

For those of you who know, she’s the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, and she’s Gitxsan. She has a case in front of the Canadian Human Rights Act alleging Canada discriminates against First Nations children by consistently underfunding child wel- fare on reserves. I believe we’re expecting a ruling from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal later this spring, perhaps in April or May. For her work as an activist for child welfare, she’s been under surveillance by the federal government. Dr.

Blackstock says that our children are our greatest natural resource, and I couldn’t agree more. The Wet’suwet’ en have their own child-wellness strat- egy and practice based on their spiritual, cultural, men - tal and physical belief system. Its acronym is ANABIP . [1450] The Wet’suwet’ en recently conducted an external, in- dependent audit, a formative evaluation conducted by a provincially recognized evaluator, SPARC B.C., which stands for the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C., and a nationally recognized non-profit, Storytellers Foundation.

SPARC B.C. says it’s the first of its kind where a First Nation has contracted an outside, independent evalu - ation of an initiative that is founded on a traditional governance approach. Think about it — an independ - ent, third-party, formative evaluation in order to gauge success. Given the lack of progress this government has achieved for children in their care, perhaps it’s a practice that the Ministry of Children and Family Development should adopt for its own programs.

What came across from interviewing participants in this participatory approach to evaluation is the deep- rooted connection to land and culture that is at the heart of children being our greatest natural resource. Belonging and connection. Land and cultural connec - tion. Respect for land and women. Appreciation for the

British Columbia Debates5796 Monday, February 16, 2015 land. Connecting the land, family and ancestors. All of those were major, common themes expressed by those participating in ANABIP . Deep connection to each other and the land; under - standing that we are part of the ecosystems in which we live, not apart from them; and an acute awareness that diversity is fundamental to strengthen resilience in so - ciety — diversity of species, diversity of thought, divers - ity of culture, diversity of perspectives. This is what we have inherited as settlers to this province. It wasn’t and isn’t nothing.

It remains a substantive world view, a world view that is different from the dominant world view, the values of which we are bombarded with on a daily basis — how we judge success, what we value, what it means to make it.

But imagine for a moment what it would be like to have a government in power whose vision is founded in “We are all in this together, ” rather than “Every per- son for themselves;” a government who believes in reci- procity, that every person has a gift to give as well as to receive; a vision that recognizes that we are part of the ecosystems in which we live, not apart from them; the understanding of the importance of diversity of thought that this is based on, that the depth and quality and breadth of relationships one has in their life are what ultimately matter over everything else; a government that recognizes that people are at the heart of a thriv - ing society — not businesses, not corporations, not the economy, but people.

How would a government that holds this vision, this frame, this lens work? How would the public policy de - cisions unfold? What would it mean to people? Well, we heard nothing about that in the throne speech, so I’m go- ing to try to give a few examples. In the Ministry of Children and Family Development we would see a lack of properly preparing children in care for a productive adult life as a failure of relationship- building.

We would see the fact that children in care graduate high school at a 27 percent rate, compared to an 84 percent rate for the provincial average, as something that needs to be addressed long before the child ages out of care at 19. We would see resources and attention fo - cused at a young age on trauma therapy, on attachment issues, on love, on building the ability to have a relation- ship with oneself and then others.

In the Ministry of Health we would see more emphasis on the mental, spiritual, physical and emotional factors in what amounts to well-being as well as in our well- developed system of acute and emergency care. It would recognize that belonging and connectedness are essential for good health and resilience to illness. After all, where is the basis for the saying in our culture of “She died of a broken heart” if not in the recognition that emotional and spiritual health can be as important to survival as physical health? In attempting to address violence perpetuated against women…. Interjection. D.

Donaldson: Perhaps the member opposite has something to scream about that. I invite him, when he has his chance, to actually say something meaningful. [1455] You know, hon. Speaker, you would think, from a Rhodes Scholar, that he would understand holistic ap - proaches and something other than one aspect of one part of society. But he’s a member of the cabinet, so per- haps he has to put that aside and have one vision.

In attempting to address the violence perpetuated against women, we would see from the government that we are all in this together, that 99 percent of the violence against women is perpetuated by men. Men who seek support to try to address their behaviours before they’re criminalized would be able to get help, not just those men who have been already in jail, as is the case now.

With this vision, we would see a government who actively seeks to provide opportunities for people to strengthen their connection to the land, not by raising provincial park fees, for instance, but by making parks even more accessible than they are now and reinstitut - ing, for instance, the interpretive programs at these com- monly held jewels of the province. The most important connection to the land and the waters, the connection that that is where our food comes from, would be reflected as a top priority in government.

In mining and forestry we would see a government that recognizes how important these activities are for the people and the province. Therefore, we would see the oversight that is necessary to instil confidence amongst the public and investors, flowing from the knowledge that we are part of the ecosystems in which we live, not apart from them. In economic endeavours we would see a government that understands that diversity equates to resilience, and an overreliance on one sector is not in the best interests of the people in this province.

We would have a meaningful relationship with First Nations based on government-to-government under - standing, not a one-off agreement basis. This means beginning with the acceptance that aboriginal title is real and exists, and then beginning the dialogue on government-to-government basis from there. I was up in Prince George not too long ago, in mid- January. It was at the Premier’s Natural Resource Forum. A former cabinet minister from this B.C. Liberal govern- ment gave an address there — Geoff Plant. It was a very good address. He said a few things.

I want to quote from part of his speech and his remarks during the evening, because it really tells a lot about this government’s approach, or lack of it, to aboriginal rela- tionships. Mr. Geoff Plant said:

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5797 “ Aboriginal title is not just the right to be consulted about govern- ment land and resource decisions. It’s the right of the aboriginal owners to decide for themselves how the land will be used and to occupy, enjoy, possess and manage it. “There are important limits. Aboriginal land is held communally, not individually. It cannot be sold except by way of surrender to the Crown, and it cannot be used in a way that would prevent future generations from using and enjoying it.

But aboriginal owners are entitled to the economic benefits of their land, and they can use it, as the court said, ‘in modern ways, if that’s their choice. ’” These are the words of Geoff Plant in light of the Tsilhqot’in decision. He goes on to say: “Equally import- ant, the Supreme Court of Canada has made it clear that aboriginal title lands are not enclaves. ” Interjection. D. Donaldson: Perhaps the member opposite still be- lieves they’re enclaves, but he’s been proven wrong by the Supreme Court of Canada. They’re not enclaves immune from provincial legislative authority. “Provincial laws can apply.

Governments also have the power to infringe aboriginal title, but such infringements must satisfy rigorous tests of justification. Justification requires con- sultation with the aboriginal titleholder. Governments must act honourably. Infringement must be minimized, and justification requires ‘a compelling and substantial objective. ’” These are the words of Geoff Plant. They’re words where…. Perhaps this government hasn’t come to the realization that Mr. Plant has. Mr. Plant was representing on the government’s behalf during the initial stages of the Delgamuukw case.

He actually argued on behalf of the government the day that there was extinguishment of aboriginal rights — extinguishment the first time that the European settlers set foot on what is now called B.C. The government of the day’s policy was that aboriginal rights and title were extinguished. [1500] He’s come to the realization that that was wrong. I’ll quote some more from his comments, from that even - ing in Prince George. His comments were in the ilk of: “This government has a few options. One of the options is to do nothing. ” We’ve seen this government do that before — to just hold on to the status quo.

That’s one option. Another option is for this government to let the pri - vate sector deal with this issue entirely on their own. I think Mr. Plant is right to point out that this is not a good strategy, although it’s the strategy that this government is pursuing — right up until the past and right up till the Tsilhqot’in decision and, in effect, since then. He says that that is a dangerous practice.

I’ll quote again: “It’s wrong in principle, because fundamentally, the constitu- tional imperatives of recognition and affirmation are the respon- sibility of governments. ” He goes on to say: “It’s also dangerous in practice because to default to the business community as the problem-solvers in the absence of government leadership is simply to license ad hockery.

And while it may work for one company in one place dealing with one First Nation in respect of one project, the cumulative effect of hundreds of privately negotiated, self- ordered transactions is not certainty but uncertainty. ” You know, he couldn’t have been better describing the approach of this government over the last 14 years they’ve been in power than that — a one-off approach to dealing with First Nations, not a government-to- government approach, not a productive approach of re- spect, but a one-off that will lead to further uncertainty. Finally, I would like to say that Mr.

Plant has had an epiphany since he represented the kind of attitudes this government currently projects. He says in his speech to the Premier’s Natural Resource Forum: “Random, ad hoc arrangements, one private deal at a time, are a recipe for uncertainty. Governments sim- ply must take the lead here. ” Well, there are the marching orders, but what do we see in practice? We see in practice something absolutely opposite to what Mr. Plant is recommending. We see over 230 one-off agreements that this government has nego - tiated. I don’t blame the First Nations. They’re trying to negotiate the best deals they can.

But it leads to further uncertainty. It leads to one-offs all over the province, and it doesn’t lead to a productive basis on a government-to- government basis. Here would be the vision of a government that actually cares. It would be a vision where the provincial govern - ment shows its understanding of diversity by recognizing the legitimacy of First Nations traditional government systems in this province and, from that, act in true part- nerships, not ones that hinge on hereditary chiefs having to agree with whatever the project of the day is accord - ing to the provincial party in government.

That’s a true vision for the future. Interjection. D. Donaldson: I can tell why the member on the op - posite side is upset with my comments. It’s because his Premier did not provide any vision in a throne speech. Of course you’ d be upset if you’re a cabinet minister and your leader provides no vision in a throne speech. Therefore, he has to react to the vision I’m providing. I think he ac- tually, with deeper thought, would react in a more favour- able way than he is now.

I’ll also like to comment a little bit more on the ANABIP program, the program of child welfare and wellness that the Wet’suwet’ en Hereditary Chiefs have been working on and are working on. Of course, it’s an acknowledgment that the approach from this gov - ernment through the Ministry of Children and Family Development isn’t working. I mean, we have 8,000 kids in care in this province. Over 50 percent of them are of aboriginal ancestry, First Nations,

whereas in the general population in the prov - ince the demographic of First Nations is anywhere from 5

British Columbia Debates5798 Monday, February 16, 2015 to 8 percent. So on one hand we have 5 to 8 percent rep- resentation of First Nations in this province; kids in care, over 50 percent. Over 50 percent of those 8,000 kids in care are First Nations. [1505] Something isn’t working. Doing more of the same is not working. That’s this government’s approach. By the way, in the throne speech there was no vision on the fact of child welfare, on the mention of child wel- fare. No vision. I think that’s a terrible, terrible oversight. Let’s look at the ANABIP program.

The ANABIP program is the Wet’suwet’ en approach to child welfare. They’re trying to use the traditional governance systems to put forward a better, more positive solution than what they’re getting from the government at this stage. After the Tsilhqot’in decision on aboriginal title, the starting point should be, one would expect, to say that aboriginal title is a given. It’s not needed to be proven in every corner of this province. Let’s start from that. Let’s start from that starting point. Aboriginal title is a given. This government has not done that, and it’s leading to further uncertainty.

Rather than waste time in courts, the Tsilhqot’in deci- sion has shown that aboriginal title exists. Delgamuukw said there was such a thing as aboriginal title. The Tsilhqot’in decision, the William case, says it exists, so let’s start from that. It actually exists in reality on the ground. Let’s start with that. That would be a government that actually cared, that actually had a vision — starting from that point. What happened? The Tsilhqot’in decision was in June and early July of 2014.

In the fall the Wet’suwet’ en were hosted at a presentation by the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, from this government. They were given a presentation about what the provincial government has to offer in relation to natural gas pipe - lines. On the third slide the bullet point was “funding for child welfare, children’s wellness programming. ” Well, this is funding that is part of the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s natural budget — $100,000 a year, year after year. It should not hinge on ap- proval of a government megaproject.

It should not hinge on the approval of hereditary chiefs, who have aboriginal title on their territory, endorsing whatever plans the gov- ernment has on a project-by-project basis. This was an insult to the Wet’suwet’ en Hereditary Chiefs. It was using their children as bargaining chips in a desperate effort for the government to put its own agenda down the throats of the Wet’suwet’ en chiefs. I would like to go back to the ANABIP program and something that was said, something that was part of the formative evaluation that was conducted.

The formative evaluation would be a good idea for the government’s own programming in the Ministry of Children and Family Development. It was under one of the areas called social responsibility. This was one of the participants in the ANABIP program, a woman. I’m going to quote from what she felt about her testimony around social respon - sibility in the ANABIP program. “I feel in me the real spiritual connection to our grandmothers and grandfathers.

I’ve always known this but never acknowledged it: to know that wherever I go, whatever I do, my ancestors are standing right there beside me, guiding me and supporting me, giving me the foundation and a centre I know is solid. My experi- ences from my past sometimes leave me with feelings of loneliness or, periodically, as an island unto myself. Because of my upbringing and my education, I’m the person family and the public go to for direction and answers. Now I know I’m not alone.

The challenge for me is how I can help to create capacity in my clan and family so we all feel connected and loved and not so disconnected. ” That’s the essence of a spiritually healthy human being. That’s the essence of why people have to be at the centre of this province and why the vision this government out- lined was lacking — in fact, was absent. [1510] I’m going to begin wrapping up my comments with this. When it comes down to it, taking care of oneself, your children and grandchildren, your family and those you love, is what gives meaning for most of us living in this beautiful, resource-rich province.

A government that has a vision that is based on “We’re all in this together, ” not everyone for themselves; that is based on reciprocity; that is based on behaving as legis - lators that we are part of the ecosystems in which we live, not apart from them; that is based on embracing diversity in action, not just in words; that is based on the funda - mental belief that the breadth and depth of relationships we build in our lives is the basis for reaching our full po- tential individually and as a society — that will be a gov - ernment that helps create the conditions for B.C. and all who live here to be all they can be.

I didn’t see, hear or read that type of vision in this gov- ernment’s throne speech, and that is a disappointment for the people of Stikine and many in this great province. But we will persevere, because we are resilient, based on the breadth and depth of the relationships we have with each other as families, as neighbours, as community mem - bers, and our connection to the land that sustains us as a place-based people. L. Reimer: It is an honour to rise in the House and represent my beautiful riding of Anmore, Belcarra, Port Moody and Coquitlam.

Before I begin, I would like to thank my incredible family for all their support and sacrifice — my husband, Les; my sons, Gord and Bill; my mother, Norma — and the outstanding staff at my constituency office: Mary Sanzovo, my full-time CA who works very long hours for me; Vicki Collins and Barbara Spitz; as well as my legis - lative staff Suneil Karod, who supports me immensely over here in Victoria; and Fatima Seddiqui, my wonder- ful communications officer who supports me both in Victoria and in my constituency office. The throne speech delivered on Tuesday reaffirms our

British Columbia DebatesMonday, February 16, 2015 5799 clear direction in building a stronger economy, a stronger society and a stronger British Columbia. In order to do that, we must remain steadfast and we must stick to our plan. Our B.C. jobs plan has created more than 70,000 jobs since its inception. We live in very fragile econom - ic times, and I believe that any diversion from our plan could result in hardship for our citizens. Having said that, let me echo the remarks delivered by my colleagues that our province is in an enviable position in the world.

When the budget was introduced last year at this time, we were one of two jurisdictions in Canada to balance our books. Now, as we move towards an unprecedented third bal- anced budget, our government has reaffirmed its stead - fast commitment to control spending, to diversify and create jobs, to grow the economy and to increase our re- lationship with emerging economic interests. Through our dedication to balancing the budget, we have the foundation we need to grow our diverse economy with our B.C. jobs plan. I have many young families in my riding.

They appre- ciate our working towards a secure tomorrow by build - ing a stronger economy. Many of them are employed in Vancouver and have jobs created as a result of our re - source sector. Our cell phones, our clothing and our at- home gadgets are also a result of resource development. So many of our residents benefit from things that are hap- pening in other parts of our province as well as things in their own community.

My riding of Anmore, Belcarra, Port Moody and Coquitlam is blessed with an abundance of green trees, mountains and water and a history that is never forgot - ten, through our very active arts and heritage community. This past Friday, February 13, marked the birthday of Col. Richard Moody. The year before last we were able to present a plaque to commemorate both his birthday and the beginnings of Port Moody. Dr. David Spence and his wife, Donna, spent the year of 2013 at many different events playing the parts of Colonel Moody and his wife, Mary.

Their dedication and commitment to this is a trib- ute to the many real people in our community that add heart and soul to our beautiful landscape. [1515] In my constituency and across British Columbia these real people can also be small business owners. That is why this government has put such a special focus on small business across the different sectors. Small business employs more than one million people across our province.

B.C. has led the country in sup - porting small businesses by cutting red tape, and in 2015 your government will continue to lead by further reducing the cost and burden of needless regulations, making it easier to do business with the provincial gov - ernment. I had the pleasure in late 2014 to visit some small busi- nesses in my riding to thank them for their contributions to our provincial economy. We’re the first government in Canada to enshrine in law the requirement to pub - lish annual reports about regulatory reform. We’ve re - duced regulatory requirements by over 42 percent since 2001.

That’s more than 154,000 regulatory requirements off the books, and we’ve committed to holding the line right through to 2015. Our hard work is being acknowledged. This year the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the CFIB, awarded B.C. an A for reducing red tape for the third year in a row. As the only province in the country to re - ceive an A grade, we appreciate being a national leader in regulatory reform.

We were also nominated for a national Golden Scissors Award by CFIB for our work on the mobile business li - cence program, which allows business to operate across multiple municipalities with a single licence rather than needing one in each community. As a former city councillor in Coquitlam, I was pleased to advocate for and support this program in the Tri-Cities, including Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. Our end goal is to ensure that every single regulatory re- quirement in British Columbia is necessary, meaningful and serves a purpose.

Apart from small business owners, this government is working hard continually to seek new ways to grow our economy and support job creation. By 2022 we are ex - pecting a million job openings in B.C. Those jobs will be two-thirds through replacement as workers retire and then new jobs generated by new industries such as LNG and others. More than 78 percent of them will require some form of post-secondary education, and 43 percent of these jobs will be in trades and technical occupations. Filling those job openings, providing the right work - ers with the right skills in the right place, is an enormous challenge.

This challenge demands fundamental changes to how we do things now. To meet our province’s future demand for skilled workers, we need to maximize the po- tential of the young people about to enter the workforce, current workers who need to upgrade skills and people in underserved communities who face unique challenges to employment. Our plan, B.C. ’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: Re-engineering, Education and Training, charts a seamless path for young people, from elementary to high school, through post- secondary education and right into the workforce.

Our blueprint calls for a more targeted focus on train- ing for high-demand jobs. It encourages innovation in how we provide education and training to better meet the needs of British Columbians, and it gives employers and industry a stronger role in shaping and evaluating our skills and training funding and program delivery. Our blueprint lays out a major shift to a data-driven system where training dollars and programs are target - ed to jobs in demand. This system will also be outcome- focused. We will measure our success and adjust funding

British Columbia Debates5800 Monday, February 16, 2015 of programs as the economy evolves. The blueprint includes refocusing the Industry Training Authority so that B.C. ’s trades-training sys - tem is ready to meet the growing demand for workers. Already we’re bringing training closer to people through innovative learning solutions and making worksites the classrooms of the future, with mobile interactive train - ing facilities that we are using to train students in remote locations where there are jobs available and specific skills in demand.

We’re also taking innovative measures to reach out to aboriginal youth and work with them to make sure that they have the education, training and support they need to find a place in our economic future. We will set achiev- able targets for increasing aboriginal workforce partici - pation. The minimum goal will be to increase aboriginal workforce participation to 15,000 new aboriginal work - ers over the next ten years. All British Columbians deserve the opportunity to access education and skills training. Our blueprint is all about B.C. training for B.C. jobs for all British Columbians.

It’s about helping British Columbians to find their fit in this growing economy. Our government has also worked very hard to seek out other financial opportunities for our province, as British Columbia is dependent on trade and investment for eco- nomic growth and job generation. It wasn’t long ago that we relied solely on the U.S. as a trading partner. [1520] Our government had the foresight to look beyond what was just next door and put into place a strategy to expand trade outside of traditional markets, attract inter- national investment to B.C. and develop a demand for the B.C. brand overseas.

One of the industries we worked hard to expand into new territories was forestry. More than 58,000 families rely on that industry for their livelihood. When lumber exports to the U.S. slowed, we looked to the Asia-Pacific to pick up the slack. All that hard work paid off, and in 2010 annual sales of B.C. lumber to China exceeded sales to Japan, traditionally our No. 2 customer after the U.S. Shortly thereafter, wood sales to China surpassed sales to the U.S. for the first time in our province’s history.

Our total exports to China have grown by more than 600 per- cent in the last decade, and we are now the least depend- ent on trade with the U.S. than any other province in the country. That accomplishment is a direct result of this government working diligently to create growth, expand our markets and build mutually rewarding relationships with new customers. Another area that our government is working hard to forge a strong relationship in is South Korea.

Today South Korea is Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner and British Columbia’s fourth-largest, with more than 50 percent of Canada’s exports to Korea originating here in British Columbia. A government of Canada study shows that the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which went into force on the first of this year, could increase B.C. and Canadian exports to South Korea by 56 per - cent, which would translate into $1 billion a year for B.C. South Korea is one of the priority markets identified in the B.C.jobs plan.

In 2013 South Korea was British Columbia’s fourth-largest export destination, with $1.8 billion in goods being exported, behind the U.S., China and Japan. In 2013 over 50 percent of Canada’s exports to South Korea originated here in British Columbia. South Korea is Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner. As Canada’s Pacific Gateway, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this vast opportunity in the high- growth, emerging markets of the Asia-Pacific. South Korea is one of these emerging markets.

According to the government of Canada assessments, elimination of tariffs through the free trade agreement could boost our B.C. exports to South Korea by 32 per - cent. The CKFTA is good for business in every indus - try and region in the province. This includes the natural gas industries in the north, the forest industries in the Interior, seafood industries on the coast and agrifoods in the Fraser Valley and the Interior. The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement has eliminated tariffs on almost all of B.C. ’s key exports and provides access to new op- portunities in the South Korean market.

The greatest advantage of having a financially respon- sible government and one that seeks out other opportun- ities for economic growth is having the fiscal freedom to make strategic investments in social services that help B.C. families. The Ministry of Children and Family Development will invest $292 million on child care in 2014-15 — a 38 percent increase since 2000-2001. MCFD is moving for- ward with the B.C. early-years strategy to improve access, affordability and the quality of early-years programs in B.C.

This is in addition to the $1 billion a year we cur - rently invest in a range of early childhood services. As part of the strategy, MCFD is investing $32 million over two years, 2014 to 2016, through the major child care capital program, to create 2,000 new licensed child care spaces through

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20150216pm-Hansard-v19n6
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20150216pm Hansard v19n6
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	119901a98f46bd452669684d3f2dbac99338635f

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