First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Morning Sitting

Issue No. 87

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Statements

Toronto Blue Jays and World Series

Korky Neufeld

Introductions by Members

Speaker’s Statement

Guidelines for Virtual Participation by Members

Introduction and First Reading of Bills

Land Acknowledgement Prohibition Act

Dallas Brodie

Bill M217 — Dashboard Cameras in Commercial Vehicles Act

Ward Stamer

Members’ Statements

Charles Helm and Health Care in Tumbler Ridge

Larry Neufeld

Cycling Without Age

Susie Chant

Chinese Calligraphy

Hon Chan

Don Nutini and Contributions to Trail

Steve Morissette

Whistler Naturalists Society

Jeremy Valeriote

Week Without Violence Initiative and Gender-Based Violence

Rohini Arora

Oral Questions

School Infrastructure Conditions and Replacement Facilities

Misty Van Popta

Hon. Bowinn Ma

Affordable Housing Project in Mission

Reann Gasper

Hon. Christine Boyle

Government Policies and Relations with Local Governments

Reann Gasper

Hon. Christine Boyle

Government Action on Social Inequality and Budget Priorities

Rob Botterell

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson

Medical Assistance in Dying

Tara Armstrong

Hon. Josie Osborne

Police Staffing Issues and Police Services for FIFA World Cup

Elenore Sturko

Hon. Nina Krieger

Enforcement of Laws on Illicit Drug Use in Public Spaces

Elenore Sturko

Hon. Nina Krieger

Safety of Health Care Workers and Whistleblower Protection

Anna Kindy

Hon. Josie Osborne

Funding for Residential Care Facilities

Brennan Day

Hon. Josie Osborne

Access to Emergency Health Care Facilities and Temporary Closings

Larry Neufeld

Hon. Josie Osborne

Funding for Residential Care Facilities

Peter Milobar

Hon. Josie Osborne

Government Action on Infrastructure and Social Issues and Funding for Residential

Care Facilities

Peter Milobar

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Orders of the Day

Government Motions on Notice

Motion 48 — Membership Changes to Children and Youth Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Motion 67 — Membership Changes to Children and Youth Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 31 — Energy Statutes Amendment Act, 2025

Hon. Adrian Dix

Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room

Committee of the Whole

Bill 17 — Intimate Images Protection Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (continued)

Misty Van Popta

Steve Kooner

Hon. Niki Sharma

Thursday, October 23, 2025

The House met at 10:03 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Hon. Kelly Greene.

Statements

Toronto Blue Jays and World Series

Korky Neufeld : Well, the Blue Jays called me to make sure that I would announce their next series

in the House, because as we know, athletes are very superstitious. They wanted to

make sure I announced them because they believe by announcing it in this House, it

propelled them to victory over the Mariners.

Without further ado, the best-of-seven-games World Series starts tomorrow night. It’s

the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

[10:05 a.m.]

The history of Los Angeles is that they’ve been in the league 135 years. They have

39 post-season appearances. They’ve won 27 pennants and eight world championships.

Their payroll is over $350 million annually.

The young Blue Jays have been 49 years in the league and have had 11 playoff appearances,

three pennants and two world championships but $100 million less in their payroll

annually.

This is David versus Goliath. All we need is one smooth stone, and we can knock Goliath

out.

Go, Blue Jays, go!

Introductions by Members

Hon. Lana Popham : I’ve got some guests visiting today in the chamber.

Two of them I absolutely adore. My dad, Henry, and my mom, Lee-Ann, are visiting from

Mayne Island, and they’ve brought a friend with them. They’ve brought Ryan Palmer.

He’s from Sacramento, California. This is his first time visiting our lovely country.

I’d just like to say thank you for being a friend to Canada. We appreciate your visit.

Dallas Brodie : Today I’m honoured to introduce an esteemed guest into our provincial Legislature.

He was fired from his position as a high school teacher for telling the truth. He

was fired for refusing to lie to his students. His name is Jim McMurty, and he refused

to repeat the worst lie in Canadian history, that a genocide took place at the Kamloops

Residential School.

Let me be clear. Canadians have never committed a genocide. Zero bodies were found

at Kamloops. Yet Canadians continue to be guilted into giving up their country based

on this lie.

The Speaker : Member.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Member, shhh.

Dallas Brodie : For that, Jim McMurty was silenced, cast aside and shamed.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members.

Member, just make the introduction, not a two-minute statement, please. Thank you.

Dallas Brodie : Okay.

He has a PhD in educational theory from the University of Toronto. He has been committed

to a life of service at schools as a coach, club supervisor, mentor and organizer

of events for students with disabilities.

Jim is a Canadian hero, and in the name of the truth and in the name of British Columbia’s

glorious history and its exceptional British founders, we honour Jim McMurty today

in this House.

Thank you, Jim.

Hon. Laanas / Tamara Davidson : Once again my daughter is here visiting in the precinct — a strong Indigenous young

woman.

I hope that everyone here will make her feel welcomed and stand up.

I also have the honour of introducing Michelle Brown, the executive director of the

North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association. This association does the unique

and important work of supporting marine mammals, the economy and the marine environment

off of northern Vancouver Island.

Please join me in welcoming Michelle.

Larry Neufeld : I know that my esteemed colleagues in this chamber on both sides of the aisle have

heard me introduce and speak of my family in the past, and we all appreciate how incredibly

important those folks are.

I’ve also been reminded by my family that we are joined this morning by my first grandchild,

and I neglected to mention his name last time I introduced him. So I’d like to welcome

Elijah Piper and his father, my son-in-law, Burl Piper.

Please make them feel welcome.

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert : Well, when people rise with hate, when they try to spread hate, we get organized.

I want to acknowledge a group that has joined us here today who stand against hate

against LGBTQ people sometimes spread by other people. They have joined us here, the

Dogwood Monarchist Society, and I’ve got to say that I’m a proud Dogwood Monarchist.

[10:10 a.m.]

They are a group established in 1972 to fundraise, to friend-raise and to have a heck

of a lot of fun dancing on Davie Street, dining on Denman Street, winning the West

End and, indeed, all across this province and across our country.

I would ask the House to please help me honour and welcome their most imperial sovereign

majesties, emperor and empress Zach and Alter; and their imperial crown princess,

Glimmer Rouge; and of course, the rest of their esteemed delegation who are joining

us today.

Go DMS. Go Dogwood monarchists. Stand against hate. Stand up for love.

Welcome.

Peter Milobar : We’re joined here today by two great younger Port Coquitlam–proud residents who do

a lot of great things within their community and are very proud to be from Port Coquitlam,

Keenan Adams and his wife, Florence.

Some members might recognize Keenan’s name. He was a candidate for us in the last

election, and we have no doubt on this side that he will one day continue on the tradition

of Port Coquitlam of putting someone here for 30 years.

Hon. Christine Boyle : I know we have a number of representatives from Neighbourhood Houses in the chambers

and in the building today, and I’m glad to welcome them all.

I just want to specifically recognize and welcome three members from the Little Mountain

Neighbourhood House Society in my own riding. Diane Wilmann is the director of settlement

and older adults, Andrea Canales is the director of children and youth programs, and

Joel Bronstein is the executive director.

Like all Neighbourhood Houses, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House provides incredible

programs and services that help ensure that our community is welcoming and safe and

supportive for all members across the community. I had the opportunity, with other

colleagues, to visit the Little Mountain Neighbourhood Society’s food hub recently,

where they distribute food that’s grown locally to members of the community.

Incredible work. I’m so grateful for them and all of the Neighbourhood Houses for

what they do.

Jeremy Valeriote : I am fully energized to introduce our new B.C. Green Party leader, Emily Lowan.

Emily grew up right here in Victoria and is a renter, organizer and passionate advocate

for climate justice and Indigenous solidarity. Emily has led federal policy coalitions

that represent over 1.5 million Canadians as a strategist at Climate Action Network

Canada, has worked at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, published critical

research and successfully led a major fossil fuel divestment campaign.

I note that Ms. Lowan is in very good company in this House. She’s also been targeted

by the Alberta Premier for her work. I look forward to Emily joining us here on the

floor of the chamber in good time.

Please join me in welcoming Emily Lowan.

Kristina Loewen : This morning I just want to give a shout-out to my youngest daughter. It is her birthday.

She is not here, but in my 25 years of raising my children, this is the first birthday

I’m missing. So it’s a little bit of a sad day for me, but I’m also just so overwhelmingly

proud of Mykyla. She turns 17 today, and she passed her road test on Monday, first

try.

Join me in wishing her a happy birthday.

Hon. Brenda Bailey : Although I’m not there in the House today and working from home, I do know that Kits

Neighbourhood House is in the House today. This is a wonderful organization that provides

such integral services to folks in my riding, services for seniors, child care services,

everything in between.

I was recently there for Diwali. I go there for Nowruz. They do a wonderful job of

welcoming everyone into their community. They showed Sugarcane on Indigenous Peoples Day, really brought together our community to talk about, really,

issues of great importance.

They’re truth-tellers. They’re valued members of our community. They do fantastic

work.

Please join me in welcoming them to the House today.

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside : I’d like to provide a warm welcome today to Mary Trentadue, who is here with the

Neighbourhood House group that is visiting the precinct today.

[10:15 a.m.]

Mary is a former city councillor. She is a New West community booster and advocate.

She is somebody who brings community together, and she is part of a team that is working

on a beautiful project of building a Neighbourhood House in New Westminster.

Would the House please join me in making her feel very welcome today.

Kiel Giddens : I know we always talk about our loved ones at home when we’re here doing this work,

and I couldn’t do this job without my lovely wife, Elyse Giddens.

It’s her birthday on Saturday, so in the spirit of wishing our family members a happy

birthday, I want to wish my lovely wife a very happy birthday. Right now, as we’re

here today, my wife and my two kids are on a flight to Halifax. My wife will be receiving

her convocation for her MBA program, and I am so proud of her.

Congratulations, honey.

Hon. Grace Lore : I am also not there, but I know members of my community are. Victoria–Beacon Hill

is absolutely blessed to have three Neighbourhood Houses: the James Bay Community

Project, the Fairfield-Gonzalez neighbourhood association and the Fernwood resource

group.

They are absolutely essential. They provide $10-a-day child care, food, services to

seniors and newcomers in our community. They support new housing that is going in

all around Victoria–Beacon Hill. They are absolutely essential to robust, connected

communities.

I’m incredibly grateful for the work that they do and hope everyone will join me in

welcoming them to the House.

Hon. Anne Kang : On behalf of all the Burnaby MLAs that are here today, I want to recognize that in

the gallery today we have a very dear friend, Antonia Beck, who is the CEO of Burnaby

Neighbourhood House.

Antonia founded the Burnaby Neighbourhood House in 1996. She was first executive director,

and she is now CEO. Since then, we’ve seen two Neighbourhood Houses in Burnaby, one

in the south and one in the north. I want to thank her for her very close to 40 years

of service to the community of Burnaby, and I look forward to celebrating her retirement.

Would everyone join me in thanking Antonia for the work that she does and in making

her feel very welcome in the House today.

Anna Kindy : I want to welcome Dr. Kaitlin Stockton, a very strong advocate for health care, for

accountability and transparency.

I want to thank the Minister of Health for meeting her today.

Dana Lajeunesse : I want to introduce a local resident of mine, Kelly Walker, from the Sooke Family

Resource Society, also an advocate for Neighbourhood House.

Hon. Jessie Sunner : I’m pleased today to welcome the B.C. Federation of Students, who are visiting the

Legislature today as a part of their fall advocacy days.

They’re led by chairperson Debi Herrera Lira and secretary-treasurer Cole Reinbold

and joined by representatives and members at large from their organization that represents

14 universities and colleges across our province. They are passionate student leaders,

and they’re here to share their voices and the priorities for 170,000 students across

our province.

I would really like to thank them for their advocacy and ask the House to join me

in wishing them a warm welcome to the House.

Amshen / Joan Phillip : I would like to welcome all the Neighbourhood Houses that are here in the House.

I also invite the MLAs, all of us, to have a meet-and-greet with them from noon to

one in the Hall of Honour, a little luncheon.

Thank you for coming.

[10:20 a.m.]

Harwinder Sandhu : As a proud B.C. Nurses Union member myself and on behalf of the MLA for North Vancouver–Seymour

and our entire B.C. NDP caucus, I am thrilled to welcome B.C. Nurses Union delegates

here.

They’re here at the precinct, and we had a wonderful meeting — president Adriane Gear,

vice-president Tristan Newby, their executive team and their lobby coordinators from

all over B.C., all regions representing, fierce advocates for health care, stronger

public health care, and I had the honour to work with many of them.

I just want to say we had a wonderful meeting. They appreciated the efforts of our

government, making B.C. one of the only jurisdictions implementing nurse-patient ratios

and bringing relational security officers, as well as mental health supports. We shared

our challenges and our collective commitment to continue to work together to strengthen

our health care system.

Would the House please join me to welcome this incredible group of people and thank

them for everything they do every day.

Hon. Lisa Beare : In the gallery today, we have Christian Cowley from Maple Ridge, who runs the Neighbourhood

House in Maple Ridge — CEED Centre, as it’s known; which offers fantastic programs

and services to our community.

I hope the whole House will make Christian feel very welcome.

Just on a personal note as well, I want to give my heartfelt appreciation to the member

from Prince George and the member from Kelowna. All of us who have kids in this House

have missed events or families and spouses, and it’s difficult for every single one

of us.

We feel you. We see you. We know how important it is to your families that you be

here and do your work, but it’s also important for your families that you’re home

for them. So take the leave. Go home. Spend time with your families. We feel you.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Today joining us in the House from Nanaimo, we have two leaders in education. Dan

Parker, who is a grade 10 and 9 teacher from Nanaimo District Secondary School, NDSS,

is part of the B.C. Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy.

Reminder to members that from noon to one at Ned DeBeck, you can meet with some of

these teachers.

Dan Parker brought his class here to the Legislature in March. It was great to meet

them.

Also, from Vancouver Island University Students Union, Cole Reinbold.

Both of these leaders are making a big impact in my riding of Nanaimo–Gabriola Island.

Will the House please join me in welcoming them.

Darlene Rotchford : I would be amiss not to thank…. I see Mary from Esquimalt Neighbourhood House up

in the gallery. Esquimalt Neighbourhood House does amazing work in not just my community

of Esquimalt but across my riding.

Would the House make her feel extra welcome today.

Sunita Dhir : Today I welcome members from South Van Neighbourhood House in the gallery. They do

commendable work for communities, seniors, families and newcomers, and we are very

fortunate to have them serve the South Vancouver communities.

Let’s make them feel welcome in the House.

Speaker’s Statement

Guidelines for

Virtual Participation by Members

The Speaker : Members, I will remind all members that the updated virtual participation guidelines

include a prohibition on the use of blurred backgrounds.

While the Chair recognizes the Minister of Finance, I thank the minister for rectifying

her background right away. Thank you so much.

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

Land Acknowledgement Prohibition Act

Dallas Brodie presented a bill intituled Land Acknowledgement Prohibition Act.

Dallas Brodie : I move that a bill intituled the Land Acknowledgement Prohibition Act, of which notice

has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first time

now.

I rise today to introduce the Land Acknowledgement Prohibition Act. Land acknowledgements

are the anthem of a suicidal nation. They’re recited in classrooms, boardrooms and

before virtually every public event.

[10:25 a.m.]

They’re repeated ritualistically to instil the belief that our country is illegitimate,

that Canada has no right to exist, that our ancestors are evil and our history must

be abrogated. They tell our children that we stand on stolen land.

This bill will make it unlawful for publicly funded institutions and their employees,

such as teachers, to make or to compel others to make land acknowledgements that deny

the sovereignty of the Crown over the lands of British Columbia or that attribute

collective guilt based on race, ancestry or the historical actions of Canadian figures.

Our bill expressly protects statements that are historically accurate and includes

provisions to guarantee academic freedom.

British Columbia has a glorious history. Our British founders entered this land in

the 18th century as the untamed wilderness that it was. They built roads, railroads,

mines, homes, and established laws. They created a civilization, a civilization we

call home and enjoy today.

Our ancestors were not evil. The truth is they did not steal Canada. They built Canada,

and we’re not ashamed of that. We’re proud of their legacy and of our history and

culture, a magnanimous and glorious one. We’ll no longer shame ourselves in the daily

course of public life.

The Land Acknowledgement Prohibition Act declares that this land belongs to all British

Columbians, without apology and without surrender. We should end all forms of discrimination

between citizens based on race or ancestry.

I urge every member of this House to affirm their commitment to the equal rights and

equal dignity of every Canadian by supporting this bill.

The Speaker : Members, the question is first reading of the bill.

Division has been called.

[10:30 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.]

Members, the question is the first reading of the bill introduced by the member for

Vancouver-Quilchena intituled Land Acknowledgement Prohibition Act.

[10:40 a.m.]

Motion negatived on the following division:

YEAS — 5

Brodie

Armstrong

Bhangu

Maahs

Kealy

NAYS — 85

Lore

G. Anderson

Blatherwick

Routledge

Chant

Toporowski

B. Anderson

Neill

Osborne

Brar

Krieger

Davidson

Parmar

Sunner

Beare

Chandra Herbert

Wickens

Kang

Sandhu

Begg

Higginson

Phillip

Lajeunesse

Choi

Rotchford

Elmore

Morissette

Popham

Dix

Sharma

Farnworth

Eby

Bailey

Kahlon

Greene

Whiteside

Boyle

Yung

Malcolmson

Gibson

Glumac

Arora

Shah

Chow

Dhir

Wilson

Kindy

Milobar

Warbus

Rustad

Banman

Wat

Kooner

Halford

Hartwell

L. Neufeld

Van Popta

Dew

Clare

K. Neufeld

Valeriote

Botterell

Paton

Gasper

Chan

Toor

Hepner

Giddens

Davis

McInnis

Bird

McCall

Stamer

Day

Tepper

Mok

Sturko

Boultbee

Williams

Loewen

Dhaliwal

Doerkson

Luck

Block

Bill M217 — Dashboard Cameras

in Commercial Vehicles Act

Ward Stamer presented a bill intituled Dashboard Cameras in Commercial Vehicles Act.

Ward Stamer : I move that a bill, Dashboard Cameras in Commercial Vehicles Act, of which notice

has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first time

now.

All members of this chamber have witnessed firsthand unsafe and dangerous drivers

among us. In today’s fast-paced world, safety and accountability on our roads have

never been more important. That’s why implementing mandatory dashboard cams in commercial

vehicles is a smart, forward-thinking step that benefits everyone — drivers, companies

and the public alike.

Dashcams provide clear, objective evidence in the event of accidents or disputes.

Instead of relying on conflicting reports, investigators and insurance companies can

see exactly what happened. This protects professional drivers from false claims and

helps ensure that those truly at fault are held accountable.

Beyond evidence, dashcams promote safer driving habits. Knowing they are being recorded

encourages drivers to remain focused, follow traffic laws and drive responsibly. Over

time, this leads to fewer collisions, less downtime and reduced insurance costs for

companies and ICBC.

For the public, mandatory commercial dashcams means greater transparency on our highways.

That can help identify reckless drivers and unsafe driving conditions or even capture

evidence in criminal investigations.

In short, they make our roads safer for everyone. In an industry built on responsibility

and trust, dashcams are not about surveillance. They’re about professionalism, protection

and peace of mind. By mandating dashcams in all commercial vehicles, we’re investing

in safety, accountability and the future of transportation.

The Speaker : Members, the question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Ward Stamer : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Members’ Statements

Charles Helm and

Health Care in Tumbler Ridge

Larry Neufeld : It warms my heart and allows me to sleep well in the evening knowing that all of

in the evening.

And I want to thank you for that.

trauma that the beautiful community of Tumbler Ridge has gone through with respect

to losing their emergency response room.

Today I want to recognize an extraordinary British Columbian who has been instrumental

in heading the fight to bring back that incredibly important part of the community.

That individual is Dr. Charles Helm of Tumbler Ridge.

For decades, Dr. Helm has been a cornerstone of health care, science and community

leadership in the South Peace. As a family physician, he has served with compassion

and dedication, providing care to residents in some of our province’s most remote

and rural communities.

[10:45 a.m.]

Dr. Helm’s commitment to accessible health care has been unwavering. He has been working

very closely, as I’ve already stated, with local officials, colleagues and health

authorities to ensure that residents once again have access to their vital emergency

health care.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Helm’s passion for the outdoors and community well-being has

left a lasting mark. He helped develop and promote local hiking trails across the

region and founded the Emperor’s Challenge mountain run, an annual event that attracts

participants from across the province and celebrates the natural beauty of northern

British Columbia.

Dr. Helm is also recognized internationally for his pioneering work in paleontology.

His leadership in discovering and preserving the Tumbler Ridge dinosaur trackways

led to the area’s designation as a UNESCO global geopark.

On behalf of this House, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Charles Helm for

his outstanding contributions to health care, recreation and the scientific heritage

of this province.

Cycling Without Age

Susie Chant : Thank you for the opportunity to bring recognition to a small yet mighty new initiative

that provides great joy to the seniors and elders on the North Shore.

I will, of course, start by acknowledging with gratitude that I’m speaking on the

lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking people, specifically the Songhees and the Esquimalt.

And when I’m at home, I’m in the riding of North Vancouver–Seymour, and I’m on the

lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the səlilwətaɬ.

I speak these names with honour and pride.

Today I rise to celebrate a movement that brings dignity, joy and connection to our

elders and mobility-challenged citizens, Cycling Without Age. Founded on the simple

yet profound idea that everybody deserves the wind in their hair, Cycling Without

Age has grown to over 3,500 chapters in 41 countries. Here in British Columbia, we

are proud to host 23 chapters, each powered by volunteers who give their time, compassion

and pedal power to those who can no longer ride on their own.

I want to highlight the remarkable work of the North Shore Vancouver chapter. In 2025

alone, they partnered with 20 care organizations and 40 pilots, providing over 1,000

rides to residents using a fleet of five two-seater trishaws and two specially designed

wheelchair-carrying trishaws.

it’s about inclusion. It’s about ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of

age or ability. It’s not just about older people receiving rides. It’s also about

the volunteers, who are known as pilots. Cycling Without Age is less about volunteering

in the traditional sense of the word and more about active citizenship that’s driven

by a desire to get involved and to make a real difference for somebody. It’s about

creating relationships between people.

Let us continue to support and expand this inspiring initiative across our province

because when we invest in compassion, we build a stronger, more connected British

Columbia.

Chinese Calligraphy

Hon Chan : I would like to take this moment to recognize the Western Canada Chinese Calligraphy

Association for their recent exhibition and their ongoing contribution to our community.

I had the privilege of attending the opening of both their current and past exhibitions,

which beautifully showcase the richness of Chinese culture and artistic heritage.

One of the masters shared that practicing calligraphy helps bring calmness, balance

and reflection to our lives. I was especially inspired to learn that Master Lau, at

85 years old, continues to teach and share his passion, a true symbol of lifelong

dedication and community spirit. Chinese calligraphy represents more than artistic

beauty. It carries deep wisdom and philosophy.

My mother Susanna, a former Chinese teacher and principal, also practices calligraphy

and painting. She now serves as the president of Kingsland calligraphy, a group that

meets weekly at the Minoru Centre For Active Living in my riding of Richmond Centre.

When I was first elected as an MLA last year, she wrote for me the phrase 上善若水 , which, with the Speaker’s approval, I have here with me today. It means “the highest

water nourishes all things without competing for credit. It symbolizes harmony and

fairness.

My mother reminded me, and all of us as elected officials, that we’re not above others.

We’re here to serve with a good heart. Like water, we should serve and nourish every

corner of our society without ego or desire for fame.

[10:50 a.m.]

As we celebrate the first Korean Heritage Month here in British Columbia, let us continue

to celebrate the many cultures that shape our province and work together to build

a community rooted in respect, empathy and shared pride.

The Speaker : The member and I will talk later.

Don Nutini and

Contributions to Trail

Steve Morissette : Today, as I am often inclined to do, I rise to celebrate an incredible rural leader,

Don Nutini.

Recently I had the pleasure of joining the community at the Trail airport, to dedicate

their terminal in Don’s honour, now officially the Don Nutini Terminal. It’s a fitting

tribute to someone who has been instrumental in developing that airport and the terminal

building itself.

Now, I say this with great respect for my colleagues — mayors, councillors, regional

directors and MLAs. We come and go. But Don — he is ever-present, doing good work

for the community, and at 94 years young, he has no plans to slow down any time soon.

I met Don decades ago. From the first moment, he impressed me as calm, reasonable,

funny and, above all, a man of action, not words. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t

seek the spotlight but is always there in the background, quietly moving projects

and people forward.

Don’s fingerprints are all over the Trail area, from the Colombo Lodge piazza to the

heliport at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital to Trail Communities in Bloom and,

of course, the Trail airport.

Few people have given as much to their community as Don Nutini. At 94, he continues

to inspire all of us with his energy, humility and lifelong commitment to service.

Thank you, Don, for everything you’ve done and continue to do. You are a shining example

of selfless volunteerism, community spirit and the Italo-Canadian community in Trail.

Congratulations, Don. You are truly an inspiration.

Whistler Naturalists Society

Jeremy Valeriote : I am proud to stand and celebrate the work of the Whistler Naturalists Society. I

know what you might be thinking. Despite Whistler’s colourful counterculture history,

I am not talking about a nudist club.

The Whistler Naturalists emerged from founder Bob Brett’s and others’ desire to better

understand and appreciate our natural environment. They diverged from the Association

of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment because they chose a path focused on

exploration and education instead of advocacy. For over 25 years, this volunteer-driven

organization has been a cornerstone of nature education in Whistler, offering monthly

bird walks, glacier monitoring, bioblitzes, dendrochronology and school outreach programs.

One of the Naturalists’ most remarkable contributions is the October festival to celebrate

mushrooms, called Fungus Among Us. I’m going to say it a few times because I like

saying it. Fungus Among Us brings together schoolchildren, amateur mycologists, scientists,

Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, chefs and nature lovers to explore the fascinating world

of fungi.

On a foraging walk and talk with enthusiastic expert Erin Feldman last Saturday, my

daughters and I learned that mushrooms are just the tip of the iceberg, the fruiting

body of a vast underground mycelial network. Also, the MycoMap Network will map the

genetic sequence of every species of fungi in British Columbia and beyond, because

fungi are more than just fascinating; they’re foundational.

From penicillin to statins, fungi have revolutionized modern medicine. They’ve given

us life-saving antibiotics, immunosuppressants for organ transplants and are now being

studied for their potential in mental health therapy. Psilocybin from fungi is showing

promise for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fungus’s

role in science is as profound as its role in our forests.

Through events like Fungus Among Us, the Whistler Naturalists remind us that nature

is not just something we visit. It’s something that is part of us, and we are part

of it. The Naturalists’ dedication to fostering curiosity, stewardship and community

connection is a gift to Whistler and beyond.

[10:55 a.m.]

Week Without Violence Initiative

and Gender-Based Violence

Rohini Arora : This week, from October 20 to 24, I proudly stand in solidarity with YWCA Canada,

the World YWCA and communities in dozens of countries to mark the Week Without Violence,

a time to recommit to ending all forms of violence, especially violence against women

and girls.

Around the world, more than 123 million people have been affected by conflict and

persecution. In the Middle East, including Gaza; Sudan; Ukraine; and the Democratic

Republic of Congo, women and children, who do not start wars, are too often the ones

that suffer most. These realities remind us that peace and safety are not abstract

ideals. They are human rights that must be protected, built and shared.

Here at home in Canada and in British Columbia, we know the struggle is not distant.

Every two days a woman or a girl in Canada is killed because of gender-based violence.

Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionately high rates of violence,

rooted in systemic inequities. We cannot accept this as normal.

Our government is committed to creating a future where safety, dignity and justice

are not just privileges for some but guarantees for all. That means sustained investment

in prevention, affordable housing, trauma-informed supports and survivor-centred action.

It means amplifying the leadership of communities and organizations like the YWCAs

across the province and around the world, who continuously show us what true courage

and care in action truly look like.

But this work cannot be done by one government or one organization alone. All levels

of government — local, provincial, territorial and federal — must unite with communities,

Indigenous partners and global allies to end gender-based violence once and for all.

As we rise for peace this week, I am reminded of the words of Malala Yousafzai, who

said: “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”

The truth should guide us in every policy, every partnership and every act of solidarity

until every woman and girl can live free from fear.

Oral Questions

School Infrastructure Conditions

and Replacement Facilities

Misty Van Popta : Families are losing faith that their kids will ever have safe, reliable schools under

this government.

In Kitimat, Mount Elizabeth, the only middle school, was promised to be replaced ten

years ago. Twenty percent of that school building has been condemned and is closed.

Even Rio Tinto and LNG have staffing issues because of the state of that school.

When will the minister deliver on that promise and treat rural students with respect?

Hon. Bowinn Ma : As the member has noted, families need good schools in their communities so that

they can give their children the best chance that they have to succeed and thrive.

It’s not only good for our children, but it’s also good for our economy. When communities

don’t have enough access to safe schools for their children, they can have difficulty

recruiting workers into their communities.

This and all so many other reasons are why our government has been building and expanding

K-to-12 schools at a record pace since we came into government in 2017. We’ve invested

over $6 billion in schools so far. There’s much more on the way.

I’m happy to connect with the member opposite on the specific school that she has

raised, but suffice to say, we have been doing a lot, and we will continue to do a

lot.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Misty Van Popta : Cedar Elementary was promised a replacement in 2017 and again in 2024. The minister

blamed the delay on a fire at another school, but that’s covered by school replacement

program.

The school’s breakfast and lunch program is run out of a gym change room, and the

only accessible bathroom in the entire school is behind a plastic accordion door in

a storage closet.

When will this government finally give Cedar students a safe, inclusive school?

[11:00 a.m.]

Hon. Bowinn Ma : It was devastating to communities across the province when we lost schools to fire.

We lost three schools to fire in the last few years alone.

We’ve been working with school districts that have been affected by these fires. It

was understood that the schools that were affected by these fires needed to be prioritized

in our capital plan, and that’s what we’ve prioritized.

I assure the member that we understand that more needs to be done. As a government,

we have demonstrated our commitment, year over year, to building and expanding schools

across the province. We’ll continue to do that work.

Affordable Housing Project in Mission

Reann Gasper : In Mission, a 92-unit affordable housing complex is finished and sitting empty.

Families can’t afford to buy, can’t afford to rent and now can’t even move into homes

that are already built.

Can this minister stand and give us a specific date when the doors will be open for

this building? What is the date?

Hon. Christine Boyle : Thank you for the question.

I’m happy to follow up on the specifics of that building. I don’t have them in front

of me.

I can tell you that across this province we’ve been working on delivering more housing

for seniors, more housing for families, more supportive housing.

In Mission specifically, we’ve delivered 73 units through the community housing fund

for low-income families. We’ve delivered 179 units across three separate projects

for community members with special needs, 19 units, 50 units of supportive housing

and 54 shelter beds.

More is needed, and I’m happy to work with the member opposite to better understand

the specific project she’s speaking to.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Government Policies and

Relations with Local Governments

Reann Gasper : Local mayors are saying relations with the NDP are “at a historic low.” They are

hiding behind NDAs and shutting out communities with a one-size-fits-all approach

that fits nobody.

View Royal mayor Sid Tobias called this government’s and this Premier’s actions dangerous.

Why doesn’t this Premier trust B.C. mayors and councils?

Hon. Christine Boyle : We have very good relationships with the vast majority of local governments across

this province.

I know how hard it is to be working at the local government table, and I am so glad

to be working alongside hard-working and dedicated mayors and councillors across this

province. I had excellent meetings throughout the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference

just recently. I’m on the phone with mayors regularly, talking about how we can work

together on challenges.

We are, it’s true, a government that has been very ambitious, appropriately so, on

building more housing options so young families can stay in their communities, so

seniors can age in their communities. We’re working alongside local governments to

reduce barriers, reduce red tape and ensure that homes get delivered for people in

every community of this province, and we’ll continue to do that work.

Government Action on Social

Inequality and Budget Priorities

Rob Botterell : Yesterday I spoke to the previous member for Saanich North and the Islands, who encountered

a bear while fishing in the Goldstream River, a precious ecosystem that’s under threat

from a completely unnecessary, ecosystem-killing highway expansion proposal. Adam

Olsen said he and the bear happily coexisted without conflict because there is enough

salmon in the river for both of them.

Our province is a bit like that river, but food isn’t being shared with everyone.

That inequality is rupturing our social cohesion. British Columbia has the worst inequality

in Canada, with the poorest 20 percent of households totalling only 3 percent of disposable

income. This isn’t only unfair; it’s dangerous.

According to a United Nations report released today, there’s a direct link between

inequality, an insufficient social security system…

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Rob Botterell : …and the rise of far-right extremism.

My question is to the Premier. Inequality is driving an us-against-them mentality.

Is he the least bit worried that his failure to address inequality is rupturing the

social cohesion of this province?

[11:05 a.m.]

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : The world does feel very uncertain right now, and we recognize the pressure that

people are under across the globe because of inflation impacts.

Our government has made poverty reduction a priority since our very first year in

government. British Columbia was the last place in the country to have a poverty reduction

strategy. We brought in one in 2018. We brought in another one last year. It has informed

across government the annual increases to minimum wage, the highest minimum wage in

the country other than Prince Edward Island.

Historic investments in food growing and food distribution to help people tackle the

incredibly increased cost of groceries. Improved employment planning so that people

that need a little bit of an extra lift up can get employment supports so that they

can participate more fully in community and economy. That’s good for everybody. As

we discussed yesterday, historic increases in income assistance and PWD support.

There’s more for us to do. We’re continuing to do the work, because we know everybody

does better when they get a little bit of extra help.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Rob Botterell : We have heard it over and over. The government’s coffers are empty, and everybody’s

got to tighten their belts. Let’s start by cutting corporate subsidies and handouts

to fossil fuel companies. Next we can look to B.C.’s wealthiest 1 percent, who aren’t

paying their fair share. That would start to balance the scales and make life more

livable for the working class.

Three in ten British Columbians are eating less every month to make ends meet. Meanwhile,

the province finds another $200 million to fund fossil fuel infrastructure. So when

we’re looking for ways to balance B.C.’s budget, we should start at the top.

My question is to the Premier. Why is his government cutting social services and giving

massive handouts to corporations and billionaires when he should be doing the opposite?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Let me speak to the approach that our government has been bringing in, in contrast

to when the opposition was in power. Income assistance frozen for a decade under the

opposition when they were in power, a 73 percent increase….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members. Members.

Minister, please complete.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Thank you.

They brought in mean-spirited barriers to people that needed help the most — cancelling

the disability bus pass, for example. We brought it back. The opposition….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members.

Order, Members. Members, take it easy.

Please conclude.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : We’re proud of the investments that we have made in people that need extra help,

that need a lift up. We’re going to continue to do that work, guided by our poverty

reduction strategy. It’s a record we’ll continue to build on.

Medical Assistance in Dying

Tara Armstrong : Canada now has the fastest-growing assisted suicide program in the world, and here

in British Columbia, one in 20 deaths is now by government-assisted suicide. That’s

one in 20.

This program was supposed to be a last resort, reserved for those suffering unbearable

physical pain and facing imminent death, but a recent Cardus report has exposed something

truly horrifying. Forty-two percent of all MAiD deaths involved people living with

disabilities — people who needed support, not a lethal injection. One in five of those

deaths involved people who were suffering from isolation and loneliness.

[11:10 a.m.]

My question for the Premier is this. Why is this government facilitating the death

of people who aren’t dying when it should be providing them with the support and dignity

they need to keep living?

Hon. Josie Osborne : The choice of an individual in a situation in which they are facing the most extreme,

the most dire consequences is something to take incredibly seriously. That’s why we

have followed the framework that has been set out by the federal government in respecting

the rights of individuals to make these decisions and using a system of accountabilities

to ensure that these decisions are made with integrity, with support and with compassion.

We’re going to continue in the vein of that work and, at the same time, continue to

provide the supports for people and their families as they experience the bereavement,

the suffering and the loss from any number of reasons why a person may choose to take

this course.

That’s an incredibly serious topic and one that we will continue to listen to experts

in various fields as we guide this path forward.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Tara Armstrong : One in 20. When this program began, every Canadian was told that it would only apply

in the most extreme cases, people in agonizing pain with no hope of recovery. No one,

and I’m sure not a single person in this chamber, believed that we would ever come

to this — that in our beautiful province, people with disabilities, people struggling

to survive, people battling loneliness would be encouraged to die.

The Premier has the power to stop this, to stop it now, to legislate, to use the notwithstanding

clause if needed. Let’s put aside for a moment the issue of those with terminal illnesses.

Will the Premier at least introduce legislation to stop the government from killing

people who aren’t actually dying?

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Josie Osborne : I will simply repeat a few of the things I said.

These are very personal decisions that are taken by individuals together with their

families, with their care providers, under a strong system of accountability to ensure

that these decisions are taken with compassion and made with integrity.

Those decisions lie with those people, and I know that everyone in this House wishes

nothing but the very best for a person and their family who is facing the issue of

a terminal disease or another reason for which they would choose this path.

We will continue to follow the guidance of medical experts and human rights experts

and listen to that guidance as we move forward.

Police Staffing Issues and

Police Services for FIFA World Cup

Elenore Sturko : The government’s mismanagement of law enforcement in our province has destabilized

policing like we’ve never seen before, creating recruiting, retention and training

crises. A lack of comprehensive HR strategy and years of underinvestment in the Justice

Institute has forced agencies to compete for new recruits and resort to poaching each

other’s experienced officers, luring them with taxpayer-funded signing bonuses.

The shortage has gotten so bad that VPD and others are considering pulling back their

officers from critical integrated teams like CFSEU. This government has created a

competitive policing environment when they should have created and nurtured a cooperative

one.

FIFA is only nine months away. With the shortage of police in the region reaching

a breaking point, police overtime costs skyrocketing and taxpayers footing the bill,

how does this Premier intend to provide policing for FIFA, and how much is it going

to cost the taxpayer?

[11:15 a.m.]

Hon. Nina Krieger : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

Police departments, municipal as well as RCMP across B.C. and across Canada, are facing

challenges and staffing pressures. That’s why we recently announced the expansion

of training seats at the Justice Institute of British Columbia by 50 percent to ensure

that high-quality recruits can get into communities faster.

Centralized training is essential to ensure that standards are consistent throughout

the province. We have also invited municipal police to submit proposals for local

training opportunities that are satellite and tethered to the Justice Institute.

We all have the same goals of ensuring that there are sufficient police resources

in our communities.

We will continue to work with police, with levels of government and with all partners

to ensure that we have adequate policing resources, especially around major events

like FIFA 2026.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Enforcement of Laws on

Illicit Drug Use in Public Spaces

Elenore Sturko : It’s unfortunate that this investment comes more than six years late and won’t be

sufficient to meet the needs of police across this province.

In September, I joined MLAs in Prince George to tour the impacts of the NDP’s failed

drug and soft-on-crime policies. It was a working tour with business leaders, and

we walked in front of a downtown business where a man openly consumed drugs through

an uncapped, used hypodermic needle in our direction. It was a stark example of what

community members in Prince George and in communities across this province face every

single day.

In July, a New Westminster police officer told Global News : “The provincial government has made it very clear. Charges for simple possession

will not be entertained. Those will not be approved.” Despite claiming to have recriminalized

public drug use last year, this government has continued its failed experiment by

refusing to prosecute drug possession.

If drugs have truly been recriminalized in public, can the Premier tell us how much

drug possession charge approvals have increased since last year, or will he finally

admit that this government has no intention of enforcing the law?

Hon. Nina Krieger : Thank you to the member for the follow-up question.

Let me be clear that public drug use is illegal in British Columbia. Where there is

public drug use, police have the power to seize drugs and move people along. We know

the police are doing this work.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Nina Krieger : Possession seizures have more than doubled since the Premier made a change to the

decriminalization policy. In the last two years, we have also opened over 400 new

treatment and recovery beds to help more people who are struggling with addiction.

We will keep working with police, keep working with community partners and across

government to ensure that we save lives and keep communities safe.

Safety of Health Care Workers

and Whistleblower Protection

Anna Kindy : In British Columbia today, nurses are being punched, strangled, threatened with weapons

and even sexually assaulted. The B.C. Nurses Union president said health care facilities

are like pressure cookers right now, while nurses say they’ve never seen it so bad.

Our hospitals are short-staffed, overloaded, unsafe and out of control. Our front-line

workers, nurses and doctors are often bullied, reprimanded and fired for trying to

speak out about the violence they endure.

To the Premier: do you commit to get rid of censorship of health care workers, yes

or no?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for the question and bringing up the incredibly important

topic of safety in health care workplaces.

A number of us had the privilege of meeting with the B.C. Nurses Union this morning

to discuss this very topic. I will emphasize and will agree with the member and every

member in this House who says that hospitals are a place where people go to get well.

It is not a place where people go to experience any form of violence, whether you’re

a patient or a nurse or any other health care worker in that setting.

Preventing violence in the workplace is absolutely critical to creating the safe,

supportive workplaces where people can do what they were trained to do and that is

to deliver health care. That is why we have continued to focus on a number of different

approaches to reducing violence in the workplace.

That includes listening to nurses, front-line nurses like the ones that we met this

morning, like the ones that I have met across the province over this past year, hearing

from them terrible stories, heartbreaking stories, very difficult circumstances that

affect not only those individuals but their entire unit and the workers and other

nurses with them.

[11:20 a.m.]

That’s why we’re going to continue to invest in the relational security initiative.

That’s why we’re continuing to work with the Nurses Union to hear about other ways

that we can create safer, more supportive workplaces, including minimum nurse-to-patient

ratios. We’re going to stay focused on this work because violence in any health care

workplace is completely unacceptable.

Funding for

Residential Care Facilities

Brennan Day : Heartbreaking. Speaker, 850 seniors across this province are at risk of being thrown

into hospital hallways and the streets due to this government’s reckless cuts to long-term-care

funding.

Will this minister reverse course and extend the funding deadline immediately, yes

or no?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for the question and for the letter that he has recently

written me.

Again, I want to start out by just saying thank you to all of the workers in long-term-care

facilities and assisted-living facilities across this province for what they do to

deliver exceptional, dedicated care to seniors and their families.

The program that the member is referring to, I know, as he understands, was a temporary

measure brought in during extraordinary circumstances, during the COVID-19 pandemic…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Josie Osborne : …at a time when we had to take extraordinary action because of the state that long-term

care was left in when we formed government in 2017.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Josie Osborne : We are addressing the root issues around building out our long-term-care system,

hiring more workers into our long-term-care system and raising the standards of care

because of the way it was left when we formed government and the work that we have

had to do to fill those gaps.

We’re going to continue to work with the B.C. Care Providers Association. Health authorities

are working with operators as they move through this transition.

We are and will remain incredibly dedicated to continuing to invest in building and

hiring so seniors get the care they deserve.

Access to Emergency Health Care

Facilities and Temporary Closings

Larry Neufeld : This past week Tumbler Ridge ER, closed; 100 Mile district’s ER, closed. Tomorrow

Burns Lake ER, closed. Three communities and zero life-saving support.

Will the minister guarantee the reopening of the Tumbler Ridge ER and no further ER

closures in this province?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for the question around the incredibly important subject

of rural and also, as we’ve seen, urban emergency rooms and the challenges that we

are facing across the province when it comes to workforce and being able to fully

staff emergency rooms with doctors, with nurses and with the health care professionals

that need to be there.

When an emergency room goes on a temporary diversion, it is incredibly unsettling

for people. It is difficult not only for communities but for the health care workers

themselves.

Again, I want to say thank you to those workers for doing everything they can, because

I know it’s incredibly hard on them when emergency rooms are temporarily closed as

well.

That’s why we are going to continue to focus on doing everything we can with health

authorities to fill those gaps. Health authorities work often up to just hours before

an emergency room might be temporarily closed, trying to fill those gaps.

The answer is recruiting and training more health care professionals. It is incorporating

new technologies. As we’ve seen, Interior Health is moving forward to help sustain

physicians in smaller ERs with virtual service as well. This is supporting the emergency

rooms. It’s supporting communities.

We are going to continue to do this work because we know just how unacceptable it

is for communities to face this kind of stress.

Funding for

Residential Care Facilities

Peter Milobar : Well, there was a very serious question asked on behalf of 850 seniors that face

eviction, essentially, from where they are living a week from now. That was whether

or not the minister would restore funding for a critical program and critical services

that those seniors rely on to make sure they have safe and secure housing.

Can we get a clear answer from the minister? Not deflection, not “much work to do,”

not blaming governments from 1942. Can we get an answer from the minister on behalf

of and, most importantly, for those 850 seniors.

Will they have funding extended by this government, yes or no?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Again, we know that this was a temporary measure that was brought in at a time when

it was very much needed. But what we need…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members.

Hon. Josie Osborne : …is a sustainable, long-term model of care for seniors.

Interjections.

[11:25 a.m.]

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Josie Osborne : That is exactly what we are focused on, and that means hearing from operators as

they go through this transition, as they are speaking up. As we are working with the

B.C. Care Providers, they are monitoring and talking to their members as well.

We know that this funding has been used in a variety of different ways by different

operators, and we are going to continue to work with them. At the same time, we have

to address the root cause, and the root cause is adding more health care workers into

that system, providing the supports that seniors need when they’re living in these

facilities.

That is adding more training seats. That is making the health care…. That is making

the program where people can earn and learn and become a health care assistant more

accessible in more communities around this province.

We are deeply committed to that work. We’re going to continue to do it.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Government Action on Infrastructure

and Social Issues and Funding for

Residential Care Facilities

Peter Milobar : Once again no timeline, no firm commitment from this government on anything today.

“Much work to do.” “We have to continue the hard work.” “We are aware of the hard

work.” That’s what we hear.

That doesn’t get schools built. That doesn’t get schools that have been under the

threat of being demolished, being decrepit or burned down, and a minister that’s unaware

of which schools we are even talking about in this province. Yet Bill 15 was supposed

to expediate those schools being rebuilt.

I come from a district that had a school burn down. It took five instructional years

for this government to replace a school at a site that a school used to exist on.

That’s the track record of this government — not previous governments, this government.

In the middle of a housing crisis, in the middle of an affordability crisis, we asked

the minister questions around a 92-unit housing project that still hasn’t opened its

doors. He doesn’t even know what units we’re talking about, let alone a date for when

those units might be open for people to live in.

Again, I come from a city that has 42 units that were supposed to be open 2½ years

ago. We still can’t get a date for those units either. That’s this track record.

We have a government trying to lecture us about poverty reduction, yet they forget

that they had a campaign promise that seniors were going to get bus passes.

Where are those seniors bus passes, Minister? Where is the $1,000 grocery rebate?

The list goes on and on, of broken promises from this government, no one else. Much

work to do…

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Peter Milobar : …on nurses’ safety. They acknowledge that nurses continue to see an escalation of

violence in the workplace. They acknowledge it’s not acceptable, yet they don’t provide…

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Peter Milobar : …any answer in terms of a timeline or a deliverable that we can count on, other than

that they’re going to continue to work on security guards that are not allowed to

engage or touch any perpetrator that’s actually inflicting violence on those nurses

in their workplace.

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Peter Milobar : It’s not good enough. And all of those are much larger systemic issues that this

government can’t answer for.

I’m going to ask, for a third time today, on behalf of the 850 seniors that are terrified

of what’s going to happen over the next week…. They can’t wait for nurses to go through

training. They need funding to stay in place so their existing housing needs are being

met.

Will this government extend the funding for those 850 seniors across this province,

or should they expect eviction notices over the next week?

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Member, shhh.

Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : The member keeps saying: “Just say yes. Just say yes.” Is that what goes on in their

caucus when the question comes up: “Do you support our leader?”

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members.

Members, come to order.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : There is no question on this side of the House as to whether or not we support our

leader.

[11:30 a.m.]

The real question is on that side of the House, because the only systemic problem

they seem to have is getting themselves organized and deciding what side of an issue

they stand on and which leader they support, either now or in the future.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : This side of the House is focused on building this province. We are building….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : We are doing our job. We are doing our job building schools like Hazel Trembath.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh. Shhh.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : We are doing our job by building hospitals in ridings like Fort St. James, which

we are opening. We are doing our job by strengthening the rights of workers.

We are doing our job, on this side of the House, by building an economy that will

lift people up, by opening up the northwest of British Columbia, by spending more

than $195 million in the northwest. We’re getting the roads in place to open the mines

that are going to build this province, create the good-paying jobs and train young

people in this province so that they get a future here, addressing issues of homelessness.

That’s what this side of the House is doing. They can complain all they want. All

they need to do is support their leader.

For that, can you say yes?

The Speaker : Phew. All right. It’s over.

[End of question period.]

Orders of the Day

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 48 on the order paper.

Government Motions on Notice

Motion 48 — Membership Changes to

Children and Youth Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 48, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which

ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth.

[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition

House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated

September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective

September 12, 2025:

That Darlene Rotchford and Dallas Brodie be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, for the

First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]

The Speaker : Members, the question is the adoption of Motion 48.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 67 on the order paper.

Motion 67 — Membership Changes to

Children and Youth Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 67, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which

further amends the membership of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth.

[That Rosalyn Bird replace Heather Maahs as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth; and,

That Kristina Loewen and Qwulti’stunaat / Debra Toporowsk i be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth.]

The Speaker : The question is the adoption of Motion 67.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : In this chamber, I call second reading of Bill 31, Energy Statutes Amendment Act.

In

Section A, the Douglas Fir Room, I call Committee of the Whole on Bill 17, Intimate

Images Protection Statutes Amendment Act.

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 31 — Energy Statutes

Amendment Act, 2025

Deputy Speaker : Members, we’ll call this chamber back to order, please.

We’ll ask you to take your conversations outside.

We are about to hear from the minister on Bill 31, the Energy Statutes Amendment Act,

Hon. Adrian Dix : I move that Bill 31, Energy Statutes Amendment Act, be read a second time now.

On this occasion, I think, it would be useful and important to acknowledge that I’m

speaking from the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking people, the Songhees and the Esquimalt First Nations.

This bill, this legislation, which advances British Columbia’s economy, is about using

and leveraging our clean electricity to drive economic growth and diversification,

unlocking the potential of the northwest of our province and supporting the growth

of key sectors for the benefit of all British Columbians.

People know the urgency. They know the urgency in terms of economic and trade uncertainty

requiring action, and we are acting. They know the urgency in these times where communities

across our province and across our world are dealing with issues of climate change.

[11:35 a.m.]

The need is to drive clean electricity in our province, in our world, at a time when

clean electricity is becoming more affordable, not less affordable. Our electricity

system, our publicly owned utility, B.C. Hydro — created, by the way, under a Social

Credit government, then supported under governments of multiple political stripes

since — can play the role that it has played, in particular in the 1960s, to drive

the next generation of economic growth in B.C.

We believe, the government believes, the Premier believes that B.C. will be the economic

driver of growth in Canada and that our clean electricity is a competitive advantage

to support the next generation of clean growth and job creation in British Columbia.

The North Coast transmission line, which is dealt with in the first

section of this

legislation, will enable us to unlock the growth potential of our electricity-constrained

northwest.

It is of particular importance and concern to the constituencies and the people of

the northwest — the people in Prince George–North Cariboo who are on the line, the

issue in Prince George–Mackenzie on the line, Prince George–Valemount, where the Wilson

substation is located, on the line; and also, of course, and importantly, in Nechako

Lakes, Bulkley Valley–Stikine, Skeena and North Coast–Haida Gwaii.

Those communities will get from this action, this building of the North Coast transmission

line, better access to electricity for residential, for commercial and for industrial

use. It is of particular benefit to communities in the North, but it is competitive

to all of us because surely the success of the northwest is the success of all of

us in British Columbia.

The North Coast transmission line also allows us a generational opportunity to unlock

a golden triangle of mining opportunities; expand our world-leading, cleanest LNG

sector with Indigenous-led projects in the northwest, ensuring that we are, consistent

with government policy, electrifying our LNG — this is something that the world wants;

it is showing its benefits everywhere — and electrify future port expansions to increase

and diversify trade, not just in communities such as Prince Rupert, importantly, but

also Stewart, also Kitimat.

The North Coast transmission line is a nation-building project that will unlock this

potential. At the same time, we must ensure that B.C. Hydro continues to adapt to

evolving market conditions, including new sources of electricity demand that can scale

quickly and consume vast amounts of energy. This is not new, and jurisdictions across

North America and across the world are dealing with this question.

Members of the House will know, just a few years ago, the actions the government took

in terms of the crypto mining industry to ensure that the clean electricity we have

in B.C. is used in the best possible way — at first, a temporary ban and now into

a permanent ban on the allocation of electricity to crypto in British Columbia.

The reason for it was that we have an industry that uses vast amounts of electricity.

Before the ban, that was 150 megawatts, which is no small amount of electricity now.

It would, in effect, take opportunities away from the ratepayers of British Columbia

and from other industries that do create jobs. That decision was taken and supported

by the parties in this House. What we’re doing today is consistent with that.

Bill 31 will enable a new, unique and innovative approach to enable data and AI centres

to proceed in a way that’s pragmatic, in a way that supports the projects that provide

the greatest benefit to our province in terms of data sovereignty, of job creation

and of support for our economy.

We, of course, must continue to support the natural resource sectors that have been

drivers of our economy, and you see that reflected in the actions the government has

taken, not just on the North Coast transmission line but on the clean energy projects

directly connected to that — all of them, as a group, majority-owned by First Nations,

but importantly, able to electrify the industries that we need to create wealth in

the future. This is what B.C. Hydro does at its best. It builds our province, and

this legislation supports it.

[11:40 a.m.]

We have watched, and we’ve learned from, the missteps of other jurisdictions. Those

missteps are everywhere. We are taking, yes, a different approach, one that learns

from the challenges that other jurisdictions have faced and that responds to the unprecedented

demands from the growth of crypto mining and the expansion of AI and data centre projects

in a way that puts British Columbia’s interests first.

It’s about striking the right balance, driving growth in traditional and in emerging

new sectors and enabling the right projects at the right pace that support strategic

investments that align with our economic interests and our interests in data sovereignty,

while delivering the greatest benefits to British Columbia.

I’m going to talk specifically…. Members of the House who have reviewed the bill —

I look forward to the remarks of my colleague from Peace River South to follow — will

know that this is a relatively small bill as these things go. It’s five sections of

a bill, and I just want to go through those sections — it’s not a standalone bill;

it’s a statutes amendment bill — and how they lay out and support British Columbia

ratepayers and people across British Columbia.

As everyone knows, when we talk about the North Coast transmission line, electricity

is the backbone of B.C.’s economy. It powers the resource sectors that built this

province. These industries don’t just rely on electricity. They rely on clean, affordable

and reliable power to stay competitive in a global market. In B.C., electricity isn’t

just an input. It’s a strategic advantage and has always been, that fuels jobs, exports

and rural economy while making B.C. a leader in addressing questions of climate change.

The North Coast transmission line will enable tens of billions of dollars in development

across northern B.C. that need access to electricity to proceed.

Industrial projects connected to the North Coast transmission line are expected to

create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs per year, contribute $9.85 billion

per year to the GDP and approximately $1 billion to public, provincial and municipal

revenues on average and avoid two to three million tonnes of carbon emissions per

year. Without the NCTL, this private sector investment would not happen, putting these

jobs, the economic growth potential and regional development at risk.

Amendments to the Hydro and Power Authority Act contained in the legislation will

enable the construction of the NCTL in partnership with First Nations along the line

and will unlock a generational opportunity to create new sources of economic growth.

It does so in, I think, a positive way, in partnership. That allows us to advance

the project, build the project more quickly in partnership and connect it to local

communities where revenues from the line stay in the region where the work is happening

— an important value that, certainly, members from the region will understand, and

communities will understand.

There’s always a lot of talk about how we deal with transformative issues of reconciliation.

There are many ways to do that, but one of them surely is to ensure that when there

is upside, when you see the possibility for mining growth, you work in the northwest

and you work with the Tāłtān. When you see opportunities in LNG, you work with the

Haisla. When you see activities in any area — whether it be the Port of Prince Rupert

or along the lines, whether it be in mining or other areas — that the opportunities

be available for people living in the region, including First Nations.

That is what this

section does. B.C. Hydro currently does not have the authority to

engage in such a joint venture partnership with First Nations. This law changes that,

and this is a critical aspect to what we’re doing. It allows us to address issues

of reconciliation, which are challenges and important elements of every major project

we build in B.C., in a way that shares the upside. Surely, this is what we should

be doing as a province together.

[11:45 a.m.]

I am proud of B.C. Hydro, which has worked since 2003 with First Nations to make this

happen. I was proud of the day when Wet’suwet’en traditional and elected chiefs joined

me to sign term sheets on the second part of the line. It was a great day for me and

a great day for our province, a great day for B.C. Hydro.

I’m proud of the work done and the leadership shown by First Nations on these questions.

We continue to work to ensure that term sheets are signed so that we can do what we

all expect to do, which is to start construction in 2026 on a line that will benefit

the North and the northwest of B.C. Let’s get it done.

This provision, this law, this change in the law allows us to do that. That’s why

it has the support, I think, of those First Nations. It also, I hope, will have the

support of all members of the House, because this is how we bring change together,

by working together and building for the greater benefit of all, and that is precisely

what the North Coast transmission line does. It does that for all of the communities

in the region.

Members who are from the North will know sometimes that electricity services, residential

in particular but also in commercial service, are not always the best. This will make

things better in every community on the line. I say, for the first and second phase,

all of those communities are in opposition ridings. It will make it better. Doing

this in partnership will make it better as well. These are important considerations,

and I hope members of the House will support them.

The legislation also ensures that the joint venture partnership continues and the

rights and responsibilities of B.C. Hydro continue to be held by the BCUC and other

regulators so that we can ensure that the new joint venture partnership is not a way

out of regulation but, in fact, ensures that the regulation provided to B.C. Hydro

under the Utilities Commission Act of B.C., the Hydro and Power Act, continue to be

in place — an important consideration.

This is not a way out of regulation, quite the contrary. It’s to ensure that B.C.

Hydro’s responsibilities to that regulation, to the community and to its obligations

under the law are maintained in the joint venture partnership, which is an important

consideration for all.

I want to speak briefly about the allocation framework. I think it’s important to

understand sometimes we think things are new. In fact, of course, British Columbia

has an interconnection policy now. It has, effectively, an allocation policy now.

What this policy does is change it.

Under the existing interconnection policy, B.C. Hydro is obligated to provide electricity

services to potential customers on a first-come, first-served basis, without consideration

of what the end use of the power will be, including how many jobs it will support

for B.C. or how it will benefit the economy, how it will affect ratepayers, how it

will generate revenue and benefits for British Columbians.

The current approach…. That will continue, because the legislation is specific, and

it’s this Legislature’s job to decide. This legislation is specific about what the

allocation framework will apply to and what it doesn’t. For most industries — manufacturing,

energy, forestry, mining, and so on — the rules will remain the same. They will not

be subject to an allocation framework. If we wanted to apply an allocation framework

to those industries, then we would have to come back to the House and apply it.

This allocation framework is intended to deal with what jurisdictions across North

America are dealing with: the speed of growth in emerging sectors such as data and

AI centres and potentially, not right now but potentially, hydrogen production for

export. The rapid scalability of these requires government intervention and action.

I spoke of the action that we took on the crypto mining industry, which was broadly

supported, including by all parties in the House at the time.

We need to ensure the competitive advantage of clean electricity supports industries

that deliver the highest benefit to B.C. and Canadians, not just energy-consuming

warehouses filled with servers that benefit foreign interests with little or no job

creation. This is not good for climate change, this is not good for our economy, and

this imposes, potentially, costs on ratepayers that would be unacceptable.

That’s the reason we’re doing this for these sectors: AI data centres, hydrogen for

export and crypto mining. That’s why the allocation framework applies here.

[11:50 a.m.]

Industries, as I said, that grow our economy, create well-paying jobs, reduce emissions

and strengthen the backbone of B.C.’s economy need access to reliable, clean energy.

What we have seen in other jurisdictions, where we’ve seen a rapid growth of data

centres, is that when other opportunities come along, they are effectively blocked,

and electricity rates are climbing.

We see this, for example, if people are following, in politics, the governor’s race

in New Jersey, where 22 percent single-year increases in electricity rates, paid for

by ratepayers but caused by the rapid expansion of data centres, are causing significant

issues. In our case, we accept and want to have growth in these sectors, but we want

to pace it consistent with our ability to provide clean electricity and in the interest

of ratepayers.

This is why the bill is enabling in that respect. It will enable B.C. Hydro to launch

a competitive call for projects in early 2026 for a two-year period that allocates

300 megawatts for AI and 100 megawatts for data centres. Amounts for hydrogen exports

will be set at a later time, and we’ll talk about this in a moment, because that industry

isn’t prepared in any event. It prepares for the day when it might be, and that would

be a hopeful time in our province.

We’ve seen jurisdictions struggle when growth in emerging high-load, fast-scaling

industries such as crypto, data centres, artificial intelligence centres and large-scale

hydrogen facilities outpace infrastructure. It’s important to proactively create a

framework to prevent this from happening in B.C. and to allow development but in a

means we can do it so that it doesn’t negatively affect our people, our ratepayers

and our economy. And that’s what this framework, enabled by the bill, does. These

actions are about protecting our grid, prioritizing local economic value and making

sure our power goes where it matters most.

I want to say specifically so that we understand. In Quebec, they passed legislation

that allows the minister and the cabinet to decide about projects above five megawatts.

That is not what we’re doing here.

I would just reflect on how we do deal with calls for power. We did a call for power

in 2024. We saw the results in December 2024. I became the minister in November 2024,

and I found out the results, the winners in that process, on the day before it was

announced. The decisions were made in a process overseen by an ethics officer that

ensured that it was a fair and competitive process.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

I think that’s an important consideration here for everyone to understand, that this

is not a decision where government gets to choose winners or losers. We get to set

out criteria. In the case of that call for power, for example, there was a requirement

for Indigenous participation. In the first call for power, a requirement of the maximum

level of a project…. In that case, the maximum level was 200 megawatts. We changed

that in the second round.

Government, as the people’s representatives, can set the criteria, but it doesn’t

make the decisions about who wins and who doesn’t. You set the criteria, and the winner

is determined by the quality of the bids and the analysis that’s made from those bids.

And then an announcement is made.

This is not a way for government to make decisions about individual projects. We get

to set the criteria on what’s important. Jobs are important. Economic value is important.

Climate change is important. Reconciliation is important, and the impact on ratepayers.

Those are all important. Impact in the broader economy is important, and, most specifically,

in this day and age, data sovereignty is important.

Those will be considerations that will be laid out in regulation. That’s something

that we can engage, as well, with the opposition on — what should be the criteria

that we put forward. Those are the ones that we see as important in making the decision

— value to the economy; support for data sovereignty, which is important for all people

in B.C.; and other issues such as impact on the climate and reconciliation of a project.

If they may be able to reuse heat, for example, they would get credit for that. And

that’s something we can discuss.

It’s not a question of myself as minister, which happens in other jurisdictions and

other laws like this, of making the decision. This is an allocation framework that

is a competitive process for access to one of the best resources in the world, B.C.’s

clean power, and that is how we are going to engage in it.

The Speaker : Noting the hour, Minister.

Hon. Adrian Dix : With that, I reserve my place and ask for adjournment of the debate.

Hon. Adrian Dix moved adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

[11:55 a.m.]

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside : I move leave to make an introduction.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside : I wanted just to draw the chamber’s attention to grades 5 and 7 students who are

here from the Pacific Christian School in the gallery. They are visiting with their

teacher, Hannah Benischek, and they are here to have a look at what happens in the

House.

We are so grateful, and I know that Minister Lana Popham is also very grateful to

have you here on the precinct today.

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

George Anderson : Mr. Speaker,

Section A reports progress on Bill 17 and asks to leave to sit again.

Leave granted.

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside : I move the House do now adjourn.

Motion approved.

The Speaker : This House stands adjourned until 1 p.m. today.

The House adjourned at 11:56 a.m.

Proceedings in the

Douglas Fir Room

The House in Committee,

Section A.

The committee met at 11:42 a.m.

[George Anderson in the chair.]

Committee of the Whole

Bill 17 — Intimate Images Protection

Statutes Amendment Act, 2025

(continued)

The Chair : Good afternoon, Members. I call Committee of the Whole on Bill 17, Intimate Images

Protection Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, to order.

I’ll recognize the member for Langley–Walnut Grove on the amendment.

On clause 7 (continued) .

On the amendment.

Misty Van Popta : Going back to yesterday, the intent of the amendment was to make sure that training

of tribunal members is legislated and not left to policy or regulation. That was the

intent with this particular amendment.

Steve Kooner : Earlier in the debate, throughout this bill, I was talking about the expertise, getting

at how it can help people more that are potential victims and victims. A concern I

believe I brought forward was: what is the expertise of this particular CRT to deal

with these potential victims?

Now, if we’re giving it an enhanced way to deal with damages and bigger claims for

victims and potential victims, and since these types of cases are very sensitive in

nature, involving a lot of emotional issues of the victims going through this — the

CRT is geared towards the early stages — there needs to be a mechanism that these

arbitrators are skilled, are trained, that whoever is listening to the case or handling

the case is trained.

We have moved this amendment for that purpose. It talks about adding: “The chair,

vice-chairs and other members of the tribunal must, within six months of appointment,

successfully complete a specialized training course on trauma at a prescribed institution

in British Columbia.” That’s the addition there.

[11:45 a.m.]

Hon. Niki Sharma : I really do appreciate the spirit of this amendment, and I think we all share that

common goal to make sure that the people that are overseeing these types of hearings

have the right training. Unfortunately, as it’s written, we can’t support the amendment.

I’ll just go through it so people understand why.

First of all, the purpose of that specialized expertise language in that one provision

is primarily about setting a standard for judicial review of CRT decisions. That’s

a multi-layered, very complicated system that involves a definition in

section 1 of

the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act,

section 116 of the CRTA and

section 56.7 of the

CRTA. The objective of that particular

section is to set the right standard of review

for specific types of CRT cases where they are judicially reviewed. We are concerned

about changing anything in that particular

section having unintended consequences.

Just a couple things also about the wording of the amendment. The way it’s worded,

it has potential application to all tribunal members rather than only the ones handling

IIPA disputes, which is a subset.

In the absence of a transition provision, we don’t know what would happen to the current

tribunal members that may be in the middle of an application right now, holding an

application right now.

There’s no definition of “specialized training course” — difficult to define.

I think the six-month timeline is probably too long. They should probably have the

training before, which I think is what they do. Before they even hear one of these

cases, they have the training beforehand.

Just to give people a little more information of surety, the CRT chair has confirmed

that there is trauma training, trauma-informed practice, including, for example, completion

of a course from the Justice Institute of B.C. called “Trauma-Informed Practice Foundations.”

The tribunal members have also attended sessions with the Ministry of Children and

Family Development to receive training on the duty to report a child in need under

section 14 of Child, Family and Community Service Act.

There are certain things about independent tribunals and what we can clearly say in

legislation and what is something to be determined by arm’s length from a tribunal

that is meant to be different from a political and government body.

Those are the reasons that I can’t support the amendment but just to say that I appreciate

the spirit of it.

Hon. Chair, I move that the committee rise and report progress and ask leave to sit

again.

Motion approved.

The Chair : This committee stands adjourned.

The committee rose at 11:48 a.m.