British Columbia Hansard — 3 March 2021, p.m., Issue 19 (42nd Parliament, 1st Session)

20210303pm-Hansard-n19

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

First Session, 42nd Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 19 THE HONOURABLE RAJ CHOUHAN, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC First Session, 42nd Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ............................................................................................................... Hon. John Horgan Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training...........................................................................................................Hon.

Anne Kang Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries......................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing .............................................................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ....................................................................................................................Hon.

Mitzi Dean Minister of State for Child Care...................................................................................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services.....................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Education .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Jennifer Whiteside Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ........................................................................................Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy............................................................................................. Hon. George Heyman Minister of Finance .......................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Selina Robinson Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations................................................................................. Hon. Nathan Cullen Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.............................................................................Hon.

Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation .......................................................................................... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation....................................................................................................... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon.

George Chow Minister of Labour ...................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.............................................................................................................. Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Minister of Municipal Affairs ............................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Josie Osborne Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ........................................................................................................... Hon. Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction........................................................................................... Hon. Nicholas Simons Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport .................................................................................................................. Hon.

Melanie Mark Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................... Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of State for Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Bowinn Ma LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition...................................................................................................................................................Shirley Bond Leader of the Third Party .......................................................................................................................................................... Sonia Furstenau Deputy Speaker..........................................................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Assistant Deputy Speaker..............................................................................................................................................................Norm Letnick Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole .......................................................................................................................... Ronna-Rae Leonard Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...........................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.............................................................................................................................. Seunghee Suzie Seo Clerk Assistant, Parliamentary Services........................................................................................................................... Artour Sogomonian Clerk of Committees.......................................................................................................................................................................

Jennifer Arril Clerk Assistant, Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ..............................................................................................Susan Sourial Senior Research Analyst ................................................................................................................................................................... Karan Riarh Acting Sergeant-at-Arms..................................................................................................................................................................Greg Nelson

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Alexis, Pam (BC NDP) ............................................................Abbotsford-Mission Anderson, Brittny (BC NDP) .........................................................Nelson-Creston Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal Party) ............................................................... Penticton Babchuk, Michele (BC NDP)...............................................................North Island Bailey, Brenda (BC NDP).................................................. Vancouver–False Creek Bains, Hon. Harry (BC NDP).........................................................

Surrey-Newton Banman, Bruce (BC Liberal Party) ............................................ Abbotsford South Beare, Hon. Lisa (BC NDP) .......................................

Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Garry (BC NDP).................................................................Surrey-Guildford Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ...............................................Peace River South Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal Party).................................Prince George–Valemount Brar, Jagrup (BC NDP) ................................................................Surrey-Fleetwood Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal Party) .............................................

Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (BC NDP).................................Vancouver–West End Chant, Susie (BC NDP) ..............................................North Vancouver–Seymour Chen, Hon. Katrina (BC NDP) ............................................... Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Hon. Raj (BC NDP).................................................Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon. George (BC NDP) ..........................................Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal Party)........................Columbia River–Revelstoke Conroy, Hon.

Katrine (BC NDP) ....................................................Kootenay West Coulter, Dan (BC NDP) .......................................................................... Chilliwack Cullen, Hon. Nathan (BC NDP) ................................................................... Stikine Davies, Dan (BC Liberal Party)................................................. Peace River North de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal Party)....................................Abbotsford West Dean, Hon. Mitzi (BC NDP) ...............................................

Esquimalt-Metchosin D’Eith, Bob (BC NDP) .........................................................Maple Ridge–Mission Dix, Hon. Adrian (BC NDP) ................................................ Vancouver-Kingsway Doerkson, Lorne (BC Liberal Party) ........................................Cariboo-Chilcotin Donnelly, Fin (BC NDP) .......................................... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Dykeman, Megan (BC NDP)............................................................... Langley East Eby, Hon. David, QC (BC NDP).......................................

Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (BC NDP) ..................................................Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (BC NDP) .................................................Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (BC NDP) ...............................................

Victoria–Swan Lake Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) .............................................Cowichan Valley Glumac, Rick (BC NDP) ..................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Greene, Kelly (BC NDP) ........................................................Richmond-Steveston Halford, Trevor (BC Liberal Party) .........................................Surrey–White Rock Heyman, Hon. George (BC NDP) .........................................Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon. John (BC NDP) ......................................... Langford–Juan de Fuca Kahlon, Hon.

Ravi (BC NDP) .............................................................. Delta North Kang, Hon. Anne (BC NDP) .................................................. Burnaby–Deer Lake Kirkpatrick, Karin (BC Liberal Party) ........................West Vancouver–Capilano Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal Party)....................................................................Shuswap Lee, Michael (BC Liberal Party) ..............................................Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (BC NDP)...............................................

Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal Party) .................................. Kelowna–Lake Country Lore, Grace (BC NDP)........................................................... Victoria–Beacon Hill Ma, Hon. Bowinn (BC NDP).....................................North Vancouver–Lonsdale Malcolmson, Hon. Sheila (BC NDP)........................................................Nanaimo Mark, Hon. Melanie (BC NDP).................................Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Mercier, Andrew (BC NDP) ........................................................................

Langley Merrifield, Renee (BC Liberal Party)......................................... Kelowna-Mission Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal Party) .......................... Kamloops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ................................. Prince George–Mackenzie Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal Party).................................................. Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)............................ Saanich North and the Islands Osborne, Hon.

Josie (BC NDP)........................................Mid Island–Pacific Rim Paddon, Kelli (BC NDP) ................................................................Chilliwack-Kent Paton, Ian (BC Liberal Party) ............................................................... Delta South Popham, Hon. Lana (BC NDP)........................................................ Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce, QC (BC NDP) .............................................Surrey-Whalley Rankin, Hon.

Murray, QC (BC NDP) .............................Oak Bay–Gordon Head Rice, Jennifer (BC NDP) ...................................................................... North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (BC NDP)...................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal Party)......................................................................... Skeena Routledge, Janet (BC NDP) .............................................................Burnaby North Routley, Doug (BC NDP)...........................................

Nanaimo–North Cowichan Russell, Roly (BC NDP).................................................... Boundary-Similkameen Rustad, John (BC Liberal Party)......................................................Nechako Lakes Sandhu, Harwinder (BC NDP) .................................................Vernon-Monashee Sharma, Niki (BC NDP)..........................................................Vancouver-Hastings Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal Party) .................................................... Kootenay East Simons, Hon. Nicholas (BC NDP).........................

Powell River–Sunshine Coast Sims, Jinny (BC NDP) ................................................................. Surrey-Panorama Singh, Aman (BC NDP) .............................................Richmond-Queensborough Singh, Rachna (BC NDP)...................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Starchuk, Mike (BC NDP) ......................................................... Surrey-Cloverdale Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal Party) .......................................................

Kelowna West Stone, Todd (BC Liberal Party) ...............................Kamloops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal Party) ............................. West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal Party)....................................................... Fraser-Nicola Walker, Adam (BC NDP) ....................................................... Parksville-Qualicum Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal Party) ....................................... Richmond North Centre Whiteside, Hon. Jennifer (BC NDP) .........................................

New Westminster Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal Party)......................Vancouver-Quilchena Y ao, Henry (BC NDP) ..................................................... Richmond South Centre LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission................................................................................. Pam Alexis Abbotsford South...............................................................................Bruce Banman Abbotsford West......................................................................

Michael de Jong, QC Boundary-Similkameen........................................................................ Roly Russell Burnaby–Deer Lake....................................................................... Hon. Anne Kang Burnaby-Edmonds......................................................................Hon. Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Burnaby North .................................................................................

Janet Routledge Cariboo-Chilcotin ..........................................................................Lorne Doerkson Cariboo North.................................................................................... Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ...............................................................................................Dan Coulter Chilliwack-Kent .................................................................................... Kelli Paddon Columbia River–Revelstoke .........................................................

Doug Clovechok Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...............................................................Fin Donnelly Coquitlam-Maillardville ...................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Courtenay-Comox................................................................... Ronna-Rae Leonard Cowichan Valley ............................................................................. Sonia Furstenau Delta North................................................................................... Hon.

Ravi Kahlon Delta South ..................................................................................................Ian Paton Esquimalt-Metchosin .................................................................... Hon. Mitzi Dean Fraser-Nicola .........................................................................................

Jackie Tegart Kamloops–North Thompson .............................................................Peter Milobar Kamloops–South Thompson..................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country .....................................................................Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission ...........................................................................

Renee Merrifield Kelowna West ..........................................................................................Ben Stewart Kootenay East.......................................................................................Tom Shypitka Kootenay West........................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Langford–Juan de Fuca .............................................................. Hon.

John Horgan Langley .............................................................................................Andrew Mercier Langley East....................................................................................Megan Dykeman Maple Ridge–Mission.............................................................................. Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows............................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim............................................................ Hon.

Josie Osborne Nanaimo.............................................................................Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Nanaimo–North Cowichan............................................................... Doug Routley Nechako Lakes........................................................................................ John Rustad Nelson-Creston ............................................................................. Brittny Anderson New Westminster.............................................................. Hon.

Jennifer Whiteside North Coast ........................................................................................... Jennifer Rice North Island................................................................................... Michele Babchuk North Vancouver–Lonsdale......................................................... Hon. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour...................................................................Susie Chant Oak Bay–Gordon Head..................................................Hon.

Murray Rankin, QC Parksville-Qualicum........................................................................... Adam Walker Peace River North ................................................................................... Dan Davies Peace River South ................................................................................ Mike Bernier Penticton ................................................................................................. Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam...................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam.......................................................................Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast..............................................Hon. Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie....................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ..................................................................

Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre..........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough..................................................................Aman Singh Richmond South Centre .......................................................................... Henry Y ao Richmond-Steveston ............................................................................

Kelly Greene Saanich North and the Islands .............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South .............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap...................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena........................................................................................................... Ellis Ross Stikine........................................................................................ Hon.

Nathan Cullen Surrey-Cloverdale .............................................................................. Mike Starchuk Surrey-Fleetwood.....................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers........................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford......................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton ..............................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ...................................................................................... Jinny Sims Surrey South ................................................................................ Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley ................................................................. Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Surrey–White Rock .......................................................................... Trevor Halford Vancouver-Fairview.............................................................. Hon.

George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek...................................................................... Brenda Bailey Vancouver-Fraserview...............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings ..............................................................................Niki Sharma Vancouver-Kensington....................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..................................................................... Hon.

Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara................................................................................ Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant..................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey ............................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Vancouver-Quilchena........................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Vancouver–West End .....................................................Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee .....................................................................

Harwinder Sandhu Victoria–Beacon Hill............................................................................... Grace Lore Victoria–Swan Lake.................................................................... Hon. Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano...........................................................Karin Kirkpatrick West Vancouver–Sea to Sky................................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC NDP 57; BC Liberal Party 28; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introduction and First Reading of Bills.................................................................................................................................. 433 Bill 4 — Firearm Violence Prevention Act Hon. M. Farnworth Bill 9 — Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. J. Osborne Statements (Standing Order 25B) ........................................................................................................................................... 434 Message of thanks and COVID-19 response F .

Donnelly Clarence Boudreau S. Bond Community Social Services Awareness Month N. Sharma Coldest Night of the Y ear fundraising walk in White Rock T. Halford Pentlatch language revitalization A. Walker Role of social workers D. Davies Oral Questions........................................................................................................................................................................... 436 COVID-19 response for hockey and sports teams S. Bond Hon. J. Horgan COVID-19 response for tourism attractions T. Wat Hon. J. Horgan Data collection on long-term COVID-19 cases S. Furstenau Hon. A.

Dix COVID-19 response for tourism attractions and community events T. Stone Hon. R. Kahlon L. Doerkson COVID-19 response for arts organizations C. Oakes Hon. R. Kahlon Government response to COVID-19 P . Milobar Hon. R. Kahlon Hon. J.

Horgan Speaker’s Statement ................................................................................................................................................................... 442 Conduct of members during question period Reports from Committees........................................................................................................................................................ 442 Finance and Government Services Committee, annual review, budgets of statutory offices, March 2021 J. Routledge B. Stewart

Orders of the Day Second Reading of Bills ............................................................................................................................................................ 443 Bill 6 — Home Owner Grant Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. S. Robinson M. Bernier J. Sims D. Davies M. Starchuk T. Shypitka S. Chant L. Doerkson M. Elmore A. Olsen A. Mercier Hon. J. Osborne D. Coulter J. Brar Hon. S. Robinson Bill 8 — Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. S. Robinson M. Bernier J. Sims D. Coulter M. Elmore A. Mercier S. Furstenau P . Milobar J. Brar Hon. S.

Robinson Throne Speech Debate(continued) ........................................................................................................................................ 468 Hon. N. Cullen K. Greene

WEDNESDAY , MARCH 3, 2021 The House met at 1:35 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers and reflections: R. Russell. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 4 — FIREARM VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT Hon. M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Firearm Violence Prevention Act. Hon. M. Farnworth:I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I’m pleased to introduce Bill 4, the Firearm Violence Prevention Act.

The Firearm Violence Prevention Act will provide police with new tools to address the misuse of fire- arms, particularly the use of firearms by gangs and organ- ized crime to perpetrate violence. The legislation closes gaps in the existing federal and provincial firearms schemes by introducing new prohibitions and measures that will enhance the safety of British Columbians. Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. M. Farnworth: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 4, Firearm Violence Prevention 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. [1:40 p.m.] BILL 9 — LOCAL ELECTIONS STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. J. Osborne presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2021. Hon. J. Osborne:I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I am pleased to introduce Bill 9.

This bill amends the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, the Local Gov- ernment Act, School Act and Vancouver Charter. This bill proposes amendments to the Local Election Campaign Financing Act that builds on the work of this government to improve the transparency and accountability of cam- paign financing in local elections for British Columbians. Amendments to the Local Government Act, School Act and Vancouver Charter will improve and modernize the administration of local elections.

The amendments to the Local Elections Campaign Fin- ancing Act include enhancements to the regulatory frame- work for elector organizations; an increase to the time period during which election advertising is regulated before an election; clarification of the activities that fall under election advertising rules; implementing sponsor- ship contribution limits, similar to the limits we previously imposed to limit the influence of big money in campaign contributions; enhancing enforcement tools by providing Elections B.C. with additional investigations tools and the ability to impose progressive enforcement through admin- istrative monetary penalties; and minor changes to help ensure that the local elections financing framework is effective and works as intended.

The amendments to the Local Government Act, School Act and Vancouver Charter include changes to ensure that candidates have access to residential properties, such as strata properties, to canvass voters and distribute candid- ate information; address the disenfranchisement of some individuals by removing the requirement that individuals must have been a resident of their community for at least 30 days in order to vote; and ensure consistency among the choices that a court has when declaring an election invalid to improve efficiency for local governments.

We’re proposing these amendments to respond to issues identified following the 2018 general local elections. These elections were the first in which a full suite of campaign financing rules under the Local Elections Campaign Fin- ancing Act applied. The amendments will more closely align the campaign financing rules for local elections with those established for provincial elections in the Election Act, while continuing to account for the unique nature of local elections.

The changes in the campaign financing rules will apply in relation to the 2022 general local elections so as not to impact any ongoing and scheduled by-elections. However, the new rules relating to sponsorship contribution limits will be made retroactively, effective from tomorrow, to prevent prohibited sponsorship contributions from being made between the time that the legislation is introduced and royal assent. Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. J. Osborne:I move that the bill be placed on the 433

orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 9, Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, 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) MESSAGE OF THANKS AND COVID-19 RESPONSE F. Donnelly:Mr. Speaker, first I’ d like to offer my con- gratulations on your historic election as Speaker. I’ d also like to acknowledge that I’m on the traditional unceded territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation.

Since this is my first time speaking in the House, I’ d like to thank the people of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain for placing their trust in me. I’m excited to get to work on their behalf to secure funding for new schools, like Burke Mountain secondary and middle; more child care spaces and affordable housing; better support for seniors; and, of course, providing relief to hard-hit businesses, families and individuals. [1:45 p.m.] Thank you to all who helped on my campaign. Y ou know who you are. I couldn’t have done it without you.

I offer my congratulations to all members on their election or re-election and to those who stepped up for the election and put their names on a ballot. These are certainly challenging and unprecedented times. COVID-19 has taken so many from us and dramat- ically altered our lives — making sure we keep our dis- tance, wearing masks, keeping up with work responsibil- ities, care for children, operating schools and businesses. So many have been isolated for months. Our lives have been turned upside down, especially for our most vulner- able citizens. I would like to acknowledge our provincial health officer, Dr.

Bonnie Henry, and her team. Dr. Henry has been a pillar of strength, providing sound advice and lead- ership since the pandemic began. She has done a remark- able job leading the fight, alongside our tireless Health Minister. All our health care workers should be commended, along with front-line workers and essential service pro- viders. As vaccines continue to roll out, we’re finally begin- ning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. However, we still need to look out for one another, especially for these next few months. Let’s keep each other safe and healthy so we can focus on recovery.

Let’s work together for the sake of our amaz- ing province. CLARENCE BOUDREAU S. Bond: He is a singer-songwriter who goes by the name Penny Slim. He gets that name because he was born in Penny, British Columbia, located on the northeast side of the Fraser River, east of Prince George. Just recently Clarence Boudreau, a.k.a. Penny Slim, turned 90 years old. Well, as you can imagine, we were all very disappointed that we couldn’t give Clarence the big birthday celebration that he deserves, but his family and our community made it a memorable occasion non- etheless.

Clarence started playing music when he was five years old, and he hasn’t stopped since. He has written many ori- ginal songs, including one about the 2018 wildfires that has garnered a lot of attention. The smoke was unbearable, and it meant that Clarence and his wife, Olga, were stuck inside because they were sick of the thick smoke. It seems a fitting topic for Clarence to sing about, since Clarence served as a fire warden for about 30 years. Clarence Boudreau has his very own Y ouTube channel, where you can check out his songs, including the wildfire one.

Clarence and his wife, Olga, have been married for almost 70 years. That will be another memorable event as they celebrate their anniversary in July of this year. The first song that Clarence ever wrote was a ballad called “Full Moon, ” and it was a tribute to his wife Olga. The words go something like this. “Full moon, full moon, I’ll be hum- ming the tune as we walk hand in hand by the river. ” Clarence, we want to recognize your milestone birth- day, the incredible story of your love for Olga and the gift you are to our community.

Our wish for you is continued good health and much happiness with your beloved Olga. We can’t wait to celebrate your 70th wed- ding anniversary. In the meantime, we look forward to another Penny Slim original. Happy birthday, Clarence, from all of us here in the B.C. Legislature. COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES AW ARENESS MONTH N. Sharma:I rise virtually today to acknowledge March as Community Social Services Awareness Month.

This month is an opportunity for British Columbians to rec- ognize the important work of community social services workers and to thank them for their resilience, commit- ment and dedication to their role. Throughout the past year, we’ve all struggled with the effects of COVID-19. Community social services agen- cies have been there to provide support and assistance. They’ve stepped up by adapting their services and com- ing up with innovative solutions to deliver the programs and services that British Columbians need, often in very trying circumstances. 434 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Some of you may have used the community social ser- vices sector. Certainly, most of us know of an individual or family that has turned to this sector for help.

Whether it’s a newcomer looking for language skills training before starting a job search, a woman looking for shelter to exit an abusive relationship, an at-risk youth in need of safe coun- selling services or a senior looking for help to access a local food bank, community social services workers are there to provide help and assistance. [1:50 p.m.] In British Columbia, over 2,000 agencies employ more than 46,000 individuals who work in the community social services sector.

Take a moment to think about their critical role, the work they do and how they contribute to building healthy and caring communities in B.C. As we look to building a strong and inclusive economic recovery and a better future for British Columbians, these workers will continue to play a vital role. I would like to invite all members to join me — in fact, everyone in B.C. — in recognizing March as Community Social Services Awareness Month. COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR FUNDRAISING W ALK IN WHITE ROCK T. Halford:Today I am proud to talk about an event that I participated in.

That was the Coldest Night of the Y ear for Sources B.C. The White Rock Coldest Night of the Y ear virtual event raised more than twice its target, bringing in $220,000 for homeless prevention services on the Semiahmoo penin- sula. The virtual event kicked off on February 19 and ran through February 21. Any time during that three-day peri- od, participants were encouraged to complete either a two or a five kilometre walk close to home. Now, being a rookie MLA, I chose to do this walk with my six-year-old daughter Sasha. I will be very honest. We did not complete two kilometres.

We completed one lap around our local track at the South Surrey field. I will say that, doing this as one of my first events, it was an absolute privilege. I want to point out, too, that on the day that I was sworn in, my first meeting as the MLA for Surrey–White Rock was with the White Rock Pride Society. At that time, I was invited to participate, with the White Rock Pride Society, on their team for the Coldest Night of the Y ear. That was led by captain Ernie Klassen. Through Ernie’s efforts, we actually raised over $16,000. I should also point out leadership by example. Sources B.C.

CEO David Y oung and his team, the Virtually Virtu- ous, raised over $60,000. Today I would like to say thank you to all the parti- cipants who participated in the Coldest Night of the Y ear and raised awareness and much-needed funds for our most vulnerable. PENTLATCH LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION A. Walker:I’m joining you today from the traditional territory of the Pentlatch-speaking people, a territory defined by a language that has not been spoken fluently since the passing of Chief Joe Nimnim in 1940. I bring to this House, for the first time ever, a Pentlatch phrase: ts xwi yahm.

Franz Boas, in 1886, spent three weeks with these people and recorded their vocabulary and their stories, but their language has been sleeping for the last 80 years. A language previously spoken by thousands of people in this area for countless generations is now being revived. Through the leadership and the tremendous work of Chief Michael Recalma, Jesse Recalma, Mat Andreatta, Sarah Quinn, who works with the Ministry of Indigen- ous Relations and Reconciliation, Sarah Kell, Su Ur- banczyk, Lisa Recalma and so many others, life is being breathed into this sleeping language once more.

Waking this language allows the descendants of the Pentlatch people to reclaim their identity, to recognize and con- nect with their history and to own their own future. I commend the incredible and tireless contributions these people have made. Y ou may ask: “What doests xwi yahm mean?” Well, in these uncertain times that we live in today, I share with you this simple but important lesson.Ts xwi yahm means “wash your hands. ” I would like to ask my colleagues to join with me in con- gratulating these hard-working people for their tremend- ous progress in revitalizing the Pentlatch language.

ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS D. Davies:The Dalai Lama once said: “It is not enough to be compassionate. Y ou must act. ” March is recognized across Canada as National Social Work Month. This incredible group of people have com- mitted themselves to working to help people. That’s how my opening quote fits this statement so well. It recognizes the many thousands of social workers in British Columbia and, indeed, across the country who have taken on this most notable profession. I can speak from the know, as I’m reminded every day.

Y ou see, my spouse is a registered social worker. [1:55 p.m.] Over the past year, communities across our province have come together and gone to great lengths to help prevent the spread of COVID. At the same time, the impact of the pandemic on our mental health has been unavoidable to most of us, if not all of us. That is why this month it is especially important that we recognize and honour this special group of front-line workers, who are there to support the most vulnerable members of our com- munity and are the safety net for people who find them- Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 435

selves in a time of crisis, whether because of COVID or otherwise. Our social workers are essential to meet the needs of British Columbians, who are facing overwhelming uncertainty, are carrying the pain of loss or are subject to the economic health and social inequalities that exist in our province and which have been made worse by the pandemic. Our health and well-being go beyond just physical health. The essential work that many social workers do every day ensures that those who feel they have no one to turn to can always reach out and find a helping hand.

I encourage all British Columbians to reach out and thank our social workers. Oral Questions COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR HOCKEY AND SPORTS TEAMS S. Bond: We know that the Premier is sitting on hun- dreds of millions of dollars in unpaid relief funds from his government’s botched grant program. It seems that his incompetent Jobs Minister can’t get relief to those who need it. So we have some ideas about how those funds could be used for some desperately needed support. Twenty-two community hockey teams from the West- ern Hockey League and the B.C. Hockey League have written to the Premier.

Together they are asking for $9.5 million so that WHL teams and B.C. Hockey League teams, like the Premier’s own Victoria Grizzlies and my Prince George Spruce Kings, can survive without fans in the stands. A simple question. Hopefully, a very simple answer. Will the Premier provide B.C. ’s local hockey teams with the $9.5 million in funding they need to survive the hockey season? Hon. J. Horgan: I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. Although I quibble with some of the

preamble, I absolutely share her view that the BCJHL brings people together. She and I shared an arena together. We had not so much physical distancing at that time. She cheering on her team, me cheering on mine. The important thing for both of us was to see young people learning the benefits and value of sport, which is something that is profoundly important to me and, I believe, to all members of this House. The question was straightforward, and I’ll do my level best to give a straight answer. I have been in discussion with BCHL leadership. We’re working with the minister responsible.

The minister is here to answer further ques- tions on this issue. We are not yet in a position to make a final determin- ation on the funds that have been requested, but there is good news. Although both the member and I talked about our BCHL teams, there are also WHL teams in Prince George, in Kamloops, in Kelowna, in Victoria and in Van- couver, and all of them will be hitting the ice again very, very soon. That’s good news for the kids; it’s good news for the teams. We can do that, according to Dr. Henry, in a safe and effective way. There’s going to be more news about both hockey leagues.

They provide an economic benefit. Certainly, the WHL restart will be a bonus for Kamloops and Kelowna. It will also be a difficult time for those teams, because outside of those two cities, they will not be hav- ing revenue coming in. We understand the issue. We’ve been working on it for a number of months. I regrettably have to say, “Stay tuned, ” at this point. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. S. Bond:The Premier is right to point out the role of the WHL in our communities as well. We’re delighted to see that they’ll be returning to play.

Having said that, there will be no fans in the stands, and there have been significant economic impacts. [2:00 p.m.] I know the Premier would forgive me for reminding him that my Prince George Spruce Kings swept his Victor- ia Grizzlies in the last championship that we saw each oth- er play against. The bottom line is, and the Premier is aware of it, that you can’t have a league without teams to play in it. It’s more than just the 22 local hockey teams.

From local foot- ball teams like the Langley Rams to baseball teams like the Victoria HarbourCats, community sports teams across the province are struggling to survive without funding from this government. So I’m pleased to hear that there’s con- templation around the local hockey teams. Will the Premier agree today to step up and deliver funding more broadly to community sports teams before the end of the fiscal year? Simple question, yes or no? Hon. J.

Horgan:I love it when someone with as much ministerial experience as the hon. member says: “Simple question, yes or no?” If there’s anyone in this place, aside from the member from Abbotsford, who knows that that is just not true, it’s the Leader of the Official Opposition. But I understand the intent. This has been, as we all know, an extraordinarily chal- lenging year for all of us, wherever we may live, whatever we may do. But the impact on minor sports, the impact on junior sports….

Whether it’s junior football, whether it’s my beloved Victoria Shamrocks, whether it is any organ- ization that all of us can name from our communities, they’ve been affected by the pandemic. We have done what we can to make sure that there’s a framework in place so those organizations can engage with government. As I said, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, 436 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Culture and Sport has been involved in those discussions with the two leagues that we talked about with respect to hockey. I am engaged in casual discussions, I would call them — I’m not talking about money with these organiza- tions — with others, whether it be junior football, whether it be the Western Lacrosse Association and others. I appreciate very much the Leader of the Opposition raising this question. I think it’s another one of those times when we can all say: “Y eah. This is something we need to get into.

We need to make sure we put our shoulder to the wheel, provide the resources to keep these organizations going until they can get back on their feet and get bums in seats. ” I thank the member for her question. Again, if there are further questions, I’m sure she could take it up offline or further through question period with the minister responsible. COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS T. Wat:We are having another example of British Col- umbians paying the price for the Premier’s incompet- ence.

Attractions like the Richmond Night Market in my rid- ing are going into a second summer with no support from this government. Last year they had to scrap $800,000 worth of memorabilia due to the cancelled 2020 season. They are also on the hook for a monthly lease of $65,000. My question is to the Premier. What relief is the Premier providing to attractions like the Richmond Night Market? Hon. J. Horgan:I’ll certainly, again, take issue with the

preamble from the member. I’m sure that the three newly elected New Democrats from Richmond will have a differ- ent view on the competence of the government. But per- haps in her isolation, not just because of the pandemic but because of the absence of Richmond MLAs to talk to…. I know that the three members on this side of the House are welcoming any intervention she may have to strengthen the night market and keep Richmond going through the next number of months as we finalize our plans on vaccinations and get British Columbia back to work. Mr. Speaker:The member for Richmond North Centre on a supplemental. T.

Wat:I guess I’ll take a no from the Premier. Here’s yet another example of the Premier’s unaccept- able incompetence. Butchart Gardens employs over 500 people during the summer, but they rely on international visitors. We are going into our second summer without support for attractions. Again my question is to the Premier. How many of these events must shut down for good before the Premier will be competent enough to act? Hon. J. Horgan:I know my spouse, Ellie, has visited Butchart Gardens a number of times, when she’s been able to do that, to keep that attraction going. Local visitors are critically important.

If I understand the member from Richmond correctly, she wants us to open up the border. She wants us to invite people from around the world to come to British Colum- bia to keep these tourism operations going. That’s just not going to happen. Not on our watch. [2:05 p.m.] Now, again, had the member started with a more appro- priate question — how can we work together to address these issues? — I’ d be in a better position to answer it. But I can say if we’ d now…. If we’re degenerating back into… Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Hon. J.

Horgan:…partisan hyperbole, then I can say quite confidently that the minister responsible for jobs, economic recovery and investment is on the job. We’re going to see results for people very, very soon. I know he’s going to be up any minute now, giving it right back to you. DATA COLLECTION ON LONG-TERM COVID-19 CASES S. Furstenau:I want to start by saying I absolutely sup- port taking every effort to minimize the fatalities asso- ciated with COVID-19 and the evidence-based response to prioritize the vaccination of elders.

I also think there’s room in the discussion, especially with the recent approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine, to consider not only years of life lost but years of life limited by the long-term health impacts experienced by some COVID-19 patients. As the head of the Center for Post-COVID Care in New Y ork has estimated, at least 10 percent of COVID-19 patients end up developing chronic symptoms. Most long- haul patients are women, relatively young, and many only experience mild illness when first infected.

Added to that, recent data from the U.K. suggests that roughly 15 percent of kids under the age of 16 have at least one lingering symptom five weeks after their initial diagnosis. My question is to the Minister of Health. The answer can be short and, hopefully, sweet. Is his ministry collect- ing data about long-term COVID illness experienced by British Columbians, and if so, where is the information being posted for the public? Hon. A. Dix:The member will know — and I appreciate her question — that this subject, the issue of the impact of Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 437

COVID-19 as a long-term impact, is at the centre of our responses. We have many centres of excellence that are supporting people who are addressing COVID-19. The point she makes is an important one, in terms of both immunization and in terms of the future of the pandemic. This pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s lives — those who’ve lost their lives, those who got sick and those who continue to deal with that. Those issues, and how we deal with those issues, are something that has been repeatedly reported on and answered by Dr. Bonnie Henry in our public briefings.

We’ d be very happy to set up a briefing about those with the hon. member so she can get a sense of the actions we’re taking in support of people who are dealing with the long- term effects of a pandemic and of a virus that can have deep impacts on people of all ages. S. Furstenau:I do look forward to a briefing, and I will ask in the briefing again about the collection of data around people who are experiencing these long-term symptoms and where that data is publicly available.

As reported in theNew York Times, COVID long-haul patients report a stunning array of mysterious symptoms: fatigue, pain, insomnia, memory problems, brain fog. This should, as the minister points out, raise important ques- tions for how we organize our COVID policies in B.C., which professions are prioritized for vaccination and the level of risk we are expecting front-line workers to take. Y ounger people may be less likely to die, but the long- term impacts from this virus are not always trivial.

For health care workers and teachers, who have the highest number of WorkSafeBC COVID claims, respectively, as well as the 12,000-plus recorded cases for children and teenagers, this is particularly worrying. My question, again, is to the Minister of Health. How is the minister accounting for long COVID in decision-mak- ing, and how is he preparing to support long-haul patients, both medically and in the event that they are unable to work or go to school, while navigating a long and uncer- tain recovery? Hon. A.

Dix:Well, the member will know that we have established three specialty clinics in British Columbia to address the needs of people who are dealing with the ongoing effects of a COVID-19 infection. That effort, which is a significant effort in our health care system, is something that’s been ongoing for some time. I’ d be happy to brief the member on it. The member talks about immunization clinics and the decisions that will be made.

We’ve made it very clear from the beginning, from December in our briefing, then Janu- ary in our briefing and then this week in our presentation about immunization plans, that the focus of our effort is to deal with those who are most vulnerable. So long-term care was first, then assisted living. [2:10 p.m.] Rural and remote Indigenous communities had high priority. Health care workers who serve those, who are most vulnerable, have been very substantially immunized. That reporting we’ve done consistently. Our plan for the coming months was laid out on Monday.

It again focuses on an age-based approach but also includes those with specific needs who are not in the age-based, including those, for example, with develop- mental disabilities. With respect to the AstraZeneca vaccine and, poten- tially, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, we are doing modelling based on the evidence. Reports and recom- mendations are made by the BCCDC and Dr. Henry based on the evidence of what would have the most positive effect both on the outcomes for people and on the outcome of the pandemic in British Columbia. That ongoing review will guide us as we use, potentially, other vaccines.

It could be AstraZeneca or Johnson and Johnson or others. These are considerations. Everything we do is based on the evidence. Every per- son who is immunized is followed on their immunization path. Every person who tests positive for COVID-19 gets support and is involved in contact tracing and follow-up support. That effort will continue based on the evidence in B.C. and led by our extraordinary team of public health professionals. COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS T.

Stone:We have yet another example of an organiza- tion that’s been left flapping in the wind because this gov- ernment can’t seem to shoot straight when it comes to get- ting supports out to organizations that have been decim- ated by this pandemic. The Pacific National Exhibition is a beloved summer attraction. We all can recall time spent there as kids or taking our kids there. Last year the PNE lost almost 90 percent of its revenue. The pandemic has led to 100 full- time staff layoffs and the loss of 4,100 part-time jobs associated with the PNE, yet the PNE has had no gov- ernment support.

My question to the Premier is this. Will the Premier step up and deliver the relief to the PNE that is so desperately needed by the end of this fiscal year? Hon. R. Kahlon:I thank the member for the question. Certainly, we know there are many businesses that are struggling. I know that not having international tourism and not having the ability for businesses to attract even local customers has been hard, especially for some of our tourism operators, some of the larger tourism operators.

I know that the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture has been engaging with them about the challenges they’re 438 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

facing and how we can navigate that and support them. I suspect she’ll have more to say on that very soon. We do appreciate the member raising that concern. It’s something we’ve heard. We’ve been engaging with them for months now to make sure that we understand fully the challenges they face now as well as the challenges they face going forward, coming out of the pandemic. Mr. Speaker: The member for Kamloops–South Thompson on a supplemental. T. Stone:Well, simply put, words are not good enough. Talking about continued engagement is not good enough.

Saying that you’ve been working on it for months is not good enough. This is a minister that established a $300 million pro- gram six months ago and has only managed to push $50 million out the door. That’s incompetent. This is a minister that refuses to loosen up the eligibility criteria so that these dollars, the very dollars that are there to help organizations who need it, businesses that need it, get that support…. That’s incompetent. There are a few more examples of organizations that desperately need help.

They have been hit hard by the pan- demic and are, again, struggling because of this govern- ment’s incompetence. The Vancouver Art Gallery’s revenue has fallen by 75 percent. Science World’s revenue is down 85 percent. The Vancouver Aquarium was forced to close and needs funds to feed its animals. These attractions are struggling, while the Premier, the Minister of Jobs, the Minister of Tourism and the government generally do nothing to support them.

My question, again to the Premier, is: will the Premier provide the supports that are so desperately needed by all of these organizations so that they can make it not just through this fiscal year but well into the future and be enjoyed by British Columbians from across the province? [2:15 p.m.] Hon. R. Kahlon: The member mentioned incompet- ence. Imagine a minister that runs a profitable insurance corporation and turns it into the red — billions and bil- lions of dollars. That is incompetence. Imagine a minister…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:All right, Members. Okay, Members. Members will come to order.

Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Okay. Minister, take your seat, please. Are we finished? The minister will proceed. Hon. R. Kahlon:Obviously, his incompetence is a bit of a hard thing for him to deal with. We know it’s a tough time. We know it’s difficult times for businesses. We know it’s tough times for our tourism operators. When you can’t have international tourists come in and your business relies on that, it’s certainly a challenge for businesses. Interjections. Hon. R. Kahlon:Now, the member wants to continue. Maybe he wants to hear more about his incompetence.

Imagine a minister who runs ICBC into the ground and then hands away free buildings to lobbyists. Now, if he wants to keep going, I can keep going on this because I’ve got a long list. I’ll talk about the businesses that are struggling right now. We know it’s a difficult time. We know if you can’t have international tourists here…. We know that even if you can have domestic tourism here, these businesses are struggling. We know there are grants available for many businesses that have less than 149 employees. They can apply. Many are applying. Over 60 percent of the dollars…. Interjections. Mr.

Speaker:Members, a question was asked. Now let’s hear the answer. Hon. R. Kahlon:Over 60 percent of the businesses that have applied for the grants so far have been tourism oper- ators. Money is going out the door. We’re going to continue to work with the larger operators that have over 149 employees — to both work with them on the challenges they’re facing now as well as how they can be successful in the years ahead. L. Doerkson:We have another example of British Col- umbians paying the ultimate price for this government’s incompetence.

Communities like Williams Lake host stampedes and festivals that bring in economic activity and help to celebrate our local culture. Sadly, the Williams Lake Stampede had to cancel their event last year and may not be able to open again this year. The question to the Premier is: will he commit to providing some relief to these struggling community events? Hon. R. Kahlon:Thank you to the member for asking his first question. Welcome to this House. Hon. Speaker, thank you for raising the concerns that he has in his community with the rodeo. I’ve had the privilege of attending that rodeo.

It’s a fantastic event and Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 439

draws people from throughout the region and outside of the country as well. We know it’s a challenging time with the rodeo having been cancelled. I’m happy to meet with the member and even with the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture to engage with the rodeo to see how, again, we can support them in the current challenges they’re facing as well as how they see their economic recovery going forward. L. Doerkson: These groups would like engagement from our government. This is what we need help on right now. Y et another couple of examples of this government’s incompetence.

Communities like Quesnel have had to cancel Billy Barker Days now for two years in a row. They just made the announcement recently. Armstrong has had to cancel the Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede last year and may not open in 2021. I believe many events in our province are seriously at risk of never coming back. When will the Premier support these events so that they can be there for British Columbians when it is safe to reopen? Hon. R. Kahlon:Thank you again to the member for the question. His question was that these organizations want to engage with government, and that’s what I’m offer- ing.

I’m offering to join him, if he would like, to engage with those organizations. It’s a challenging time. I think the public knows that when you can’t have international tourists here, when you can’t have people traveling to other communities to visit and also attend these important events we all love to attend, it’s a challenge. I think the member understands it’s a global pandemic. We’re going to see this challenge for some time. I’m willing to engage with the organization that he’s mentioned, as well as my colleague from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. We’ll have that conversation in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR ARTS ORGANIZATIONS C. Oakes:Well, we’ve heard today that the government has a strong understanding of what is going on and that they understand the challenges. [2:20 p.m.] We have more examples of British Columbians paying the ultimate price for this Premier and this government’s incompetence. One in four art workers lost their jobs last year, and groups are in desperate need of support. Arts societies across the province are facing another year of almost no revenues.

Organizations like Island Mountain Arts in my riding, theatres and independent cinemas are begging this government for assistance. There is money that this government has not been able to get out the door. Will the Premier provide arts funding for theatres and arts societies before the end of this fiscal year? Hon. R. Kahlon: Thank you to the member for the question. I’m happy to engage with the member regarding the theatre in her community that wants to access funding. We’ve had theatres that have applied for and received money. I know that a theatre in Trail just recently got money.

They sent me a really lovely note about how the dollars have helped their business and how they see their future now because of the dollars. I would say to the member that if they have less than 149 employees, they certainly can apply. Money is avail- able. I would encourage her to help them with their applic- ation and to guide them to the place where they need to be. If she would like us to engage with them directly to help them, we’re happy to do that. Mr. Speaker:The member for Cariboo North on a sup- plemental. C. Oakes: Well, perhaps the minister should give the same advice to his own ministers.

Ana Rose Carrico of the Red Gate Arts Society says that venues like hers might not be able to stay afloat financially. She’s in a minister’s own backyard. Perhaps the ministers could actually go and help their own constituents and do their jobs. She says: “The venues that have the ability to survive are the ones that are going to have money. The smaller, more local venues will have to shut down. ” Hey, if the Arts Minister won’t act and the Jobs Minis- ter won’t act, will the Premier step up or let arts societies close for good? Hon. R.

Kahlon: The member may be aware that there’s $25 million, part of StrongerBC, for the B.C. Arts Council, which directly supports these organizations. The member may want to direct the concerned groups to the pot of money that the Arts Council has available. As part of StrongerBC, we also have millions of dollars available for theatres and other organizations of that kind that want to pivot and do some infrastructure upgrades to their facilities. Those dollars are available.

If the member would like, she could reach out, and we can get her direct contacts for the businesses so that she can help them in her com- munity. GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO COVID-19 P . Milobar:We have, yet again, another example of this Premier’s incompetence and his minister’s incompetence when it comes to distributing the funds that this assembly unanimously approved almost 12 months ago now and that are still sitting there. 440 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Since we’re hitting year-end, it’s critical that these dollars get out the door, especially for agencies that don’t currently qualify. Many local B.C. museums, for example, don’t qual- ify. They’re run by non-profits. They’re not able to access the small business recovery grants that are out there, and they could be closing for good. Again to the Premier, the Premier has had over 11 months now to help these groups out. Will he commit today to helping them before the end of this fiscal year, when that money disappears? Hon. R. Kahlon:The member has his timelines mixed up.

As he’ll know, this program was launched in late Octo- ber. We made significant changes to the program on December 21. Since then, we’ve seen a significant increase in applications. We’ve seen $51 million go out to small businesses. That has helped 30,000 employees, and 33 businesses in his community, he’ll be happy to learn, have gotten that money. That means a lot to the 33 businesses in his com- munity. I know that 33 is maybe a small number to those that live in Vancouver, but it’s significant in smaller towns in the province.

I’ll say to the member that the pandemic has shifted throughout the last year, and so have our supports. We’ve been nimble all the way through the process, and we’re going to continue to be nimble. We’re going to continue to engage with organizations that don’t fall below the 149 employees mark. We’re going to work with them to find support, not only how they can survive now but also how they can go forward. [2:25 p.m.] P . Milobar:That’s very concerning. It highlights…. I know the Premier and the mutual admiration society on the other side of the House don’t like to hear the word “incompetent” today.

So blundering, bungling, amateur- ish, incapable, inept, clumsy. Y ou name it. That was high- lighted in that last answer by the minister. Here’s a simple timeline for the minister. On March 23 last year, unanimous support…. And $1.5 billion was sup- posed to be targeted and earmarked to help businesses and agencies. It hasn’t been spent. It hasn’t gone out the door. We’re asking the minister and the Premier questions about agencies that don’t even qualify and if they can still get help, and the minister goes back to prepared speaking notes about businesses we’re not even asking about.

The question was about museums that don’t qualify for any grants. They’re about the PNE, which doesn’t qualify for any grants. They’re about animals needing food at an aquarium. Instead, the minister talked about ICBC. If you want to talk about incompetence and not trying to answer a question, that’s it right there.

Again to the Premier, when will these groups, who have been asking for 11 months — most of whom have been closed for those 11 months because of health orders or incapable of being able to operate, have been having the same request for 11 months on money that was approved in this assembly 11 months ago…? Perhaps the Premier can let the minister in on that memo. When is that money going to go out to these groups? Y ou’re sitting on it. There are hundreds of millions of dol- lars sitting there, as we approach the fiscal year-end at the end of this month, that haven’t gone out to these groups.

When will they get an answer that they’re going to survive or that they’re going to have to close for good? Hon. J. Horgan:I was just asked a question. I won’t thank him for doing so. I will say to the House, particularly to the official oppo- sition for the line of questioning today, that they’ve iden- tified a whole host of agencies, businesses, operations that are struggling. We get that because it’s happening in our constituencies as well — 57 of them on this side, 30 on that side of the House, 87 across the province. It’s not one way or the other here. It’s all British Columbians.

Now, we together, collectively, put $10 billion into the B.C. economy between budgets — unprecedented. That money is spent, Member. It’s spent, and you know it is. The funds that we have available have been targeted to small and medium-sized businesses. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Hon. J. Horgan:What we are doing now, in cooperation — the Minister of Jobs, the Minister of Tourism — is reaching out to the very organizations that you’ve articu- lated and saying: “How can we make this work for you?” That’s what we’ve been doing. Interjection. Hon. J.

Horgan:“How about a cheque?” says the mem- ber on the other side. “How about a cheque?” Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Hon. J. Horgan:If only that had been the attitude of the official opposition when they were cutting programs for people. If only that had been their position when they were abandoning people through 16 years of neglect. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Order. Hon. J. Horgan: We will address these issues in a Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 441

responsible way to meet the interests of all British Colum- bians wherever they may live. Here is a news flash for the member from Kamloops. It’s a global pandemic, dude. Get with the program. [End of question period.] Speaker’s Statement CONDUCT OF MEMBERS DURING QUESTION PERIOD Mr. Speaker:Members, you may think you know that making a big noise is a good way of doing question period. The Chair doesn’t appreciate it. Also, I want to share with you that I have received phone calls from members who may not be sitting in the gallery. They used to come here but not anymore. They still watch us.

They listen to the language being used today. I heard the words “competence, ” “incompetence, ” “incompetent” numerous times. An Hon. Member:So? Mr. Speaker:So the point is…. If the member will sit down and listen before I finish my statement. The point is that let’s be temperate in our language in our debate, because the public is watching. Opposition members have every right to ask these questions. I understand they’re passionate and all that, but be careful. Be careful. Interjection. [2:30 p.m.] Mr. Speaker:I’m not stopping you from asking a ques- tion — incompetent. I’m not stopping you.

All I’m saying is it was used so many times. People take notice of it. Just be careful; that’s all I’m saying, okay? Y ou have the right to ask questions. We will have a won- derful debate in the House every day. Reports from Committees FINANCE AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE J. Routledge:I have the honour to present the first report of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for the first session of the 42nd par- liament titledAnnual Review of the Budgets of Statutory Offices, a copy of which has been deposited with the Office of the Clerk.

I move that the report be taken as read and received. Motion approved. J. Routledge:I ask leave of the House to move a motion to adopt the report. Leave granted. Mr. Speaker:Member, continue. J. Routledge:I move that the report be adopted. In doing so, I would like to make some brief comments. Mr. Speaker:Proceed. J. Routledge:This unanimous report summarizes the committee’s recommendations for the budgets of the province’s nine statutory offices. Committee members met with all statutory offices in February to carefully review their budget proposals for the upcoming three fiscal years.

The committee supported necessary increases to address non-discretionary pressures as well as additional funding to support offices with ful- filling their legislated mandates. Committee members appreciated the efforts of the offices to find innovations and efficiencies and encourage all statutory offices to con- tinue to find these opportunities to ensure fiscal respons- ibility and prudence.

The committee also acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on each office and extends its appreciation to all officers and their staff for their continued work on behalf of British Columbians and for their engagement during the budget review process. I would also like to extend my appreciation to all com- mittee members for their diligent and thoughtful consid- eration of the budget submissions, and particularly recog- nize the Deputy Chair, the member for Kelowna West, for his support and work during this process. B.

Stewart:I want to thank the Chair for her remarks about this report. I know that it was an incredibly difficult timeline to work with, and the Clerk of Committees and their staff really pulled out all the stops, as well as all of the statutory officers, to do their job. The presentations were, indeed, gratifying — to see the challenges that they face, some of the innovations that were presented.

I know that there were fairly sub- stantial increases due to legislative pressures and oblig- ations, such as the Office of the Police Complaint Com- missioner, the Ombudsperson and the Human Rights Commissioner as well as the Auditor General. We look forward, as a committee, to seeing their future progress reports and making certain that they’re thoughtful in terms of the challenge of the resources that British Col- umbians have in these tough times. I just want to thank all of the committee members from both sides of the House for their thoughtful and probing questions.

We look forward, as a committee, to 442 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

the reports coming back and updates on the progress of their individual offices and the Case Tracker System, which is a part of this. Motion approved. [2:35 p.m.] Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:I call second reading on Bill 6, Home Owner Grant Amendment Act. [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] Second Reading of Bills BILL 6 — HOME OWNER GRANT AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. S. Robinson:I move that Bill 6 be read a second time now. These amendments enable the full centralization of the homeowner grant program, a program that provides prop- erty tax relief for 1.1 million B.C. homeowners each year.

In December 2020, government introduced the Finance Statutes Amendment Act. This act ensured that all homeowner grant applications must be provided to the province for the 2020 and 2021 tax years, effectively removing local government’s legal obligation to collect and process homeowner grant applications. This was the first step in centralizing the homeowner grant program. The amendments in this bill are the final steps to ensure the province meets its commitment to fully centralize the pro- gram as announced in Budget 2020.

After listening to our municipal partners, who said that administering this program was a burden, we made the decision to centralize the program. The province already administers homeowner grants for rural properties, and it makes sense to centralize and streamline the program. Local governments support this change, as it removes an administrative burden and ensures that they will not need to collect and store sensitive personal information. This is important as the province meets its commitment from the 30-point plan for housing affordability to collect social insurance numbers on homeowner grant applica- tions.

Collecting social insurance numbers adds rigour to the homeowner grant administration to help fight tax eva- sion, reduce fraud and ensure people are paying the right amount of tax. Centralization not only lifts an administrative burden from our local government partners but will also make it faster and easier for homeowners to apply. This means all owners will have access to an online application as well as being able to apply over the phone with a government agent. Centralization also ensures all B.C. homeowners are treated fairly.

This means that eligible applicants will receive the full grant they are entitled to, while ineligible applicants will not receive a grant. These amendments do not change existing eligibility criteria for homeowner grants and do not change grant amounts. The amendments also modernize the Home Owner Grant Act, ensuring consistency with other modern stat- utes and providing more tools to increase efficient recov- ery of amounts owed to government. Ministry staff con- sulted with local governments and the Union of B.C. Municipalities on changes to the program before the amendments were finalized for introduction.

Ministry staff have also worked closely with local governments on process and system changes to ensure that the transition to centralization is as seamless as possible. As well, we have confirmed that there is no notification required under British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act because the province’s homeowner grant program does not apply on treaty First Nations lands orNisg̱ a’a lands. Treaty First Nations and Nisga’a Nation administer their own homeowner grant programs.

Although they have the same eligibility require- ments as the provincial homeowner grant program, these eligibility requirements are not changing with centraliza- tion. The treaty First Nations and Nisga’a will continue to administer their own homeowner grant programs under their treaty property tax agreements and in accordance with their laws. Similarly, the provincial homeowner grant program does not apply on the reserve lands of a taxing First Nation. If they provide homeowner grants to residents, they do so under independent property taxation authority.

The province will continue to be available for discussions with treaty First Nations and Nisga’a Nation on future alignment with the administration of the homeowner grant program. [2:40 p.m.] In

summary, these amendments deliver on the commit- ment made in Budget 2020 to centralize the homeown- er grant administration, enable our government to meet another commitment in the 30-point plan for housing affordability and benefit both local governments and B.C. homeowners by ensuring that a more efficient and effect- ive homeowner grant program will be delivered. M. Bernier:Thank you to the minister for her opening remarks on Bill 6. I understand there are going to be a few people getting up and speaking to the bill.

Let me start by maybe just highlighting some of the issues, challenges and things that we’re going to bring up when we get to committee stage on this bill later on in this session, whenever that may be. I think it’s fair to say that, obviously, there are some reservations around this and some skepticism that we might have on this side of the House. When you look at the government’s success rate right Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 443

now, lately, of trying to administer and roll out programs, it hasn’t been very successful. Obviously, we have to really scrutinize and ask the tough questions — is government ready for this? — because government has been trying to roll out programs with no success. We heard today in question period that 16 percent of money that was approved by this entire House a year ago has managed to go out to help businesses.

We continue to get phone calls or emails day after day from people in the province of British Columbia who were expecting a COV- ID recovery cheque in their bank account by Christmas, as was promised by the NDP government, and so many have, unfortunately, not seen that assistance and help. Whether it’s citizens on the ground, whether it’s busi- nesses or whether it’s communities, people in this province have not seen this government fulfil their promises. So I have a hard time understanding why, at this time, gov- ernment….

As the minister mentioned many times in her brief opening remarks on this bill: centralization. Well, centralization…. What I see under the NDP gov- ernment is more about control. It’s about gathering infor- mation that they can use on people. These are some of the concerns that I’m hearing: “Is this just another attempt by this government to get more of my personal information? Why do they want it, and how are they going to use it in years down the road that could negatively affect me?” We’ll get into discussions again in committee stage.

I’m pleased to hear the minister acknowledge that the idea here is not to change the eligibility requirements or the monetary amounts that people will be eligible for under a homeowner’s grant. That’s good news, but I want to dive into that a little bit further later on. The minister, I think, was acknowledging that it’s simple and straightforward, this process. Well, unfortunately, I don’t know if it is. Right now, in a lot of parts of rural British Columbia, it is…. For 25 years, it’s been a process where, you know, a senior couple goes to city hall.

They fill out the forms for the application for their homeowner’s grant. While they’re there, they give a cheque and pay their taxes minus that amount to the city. I don’t know if I have con- fidence that this change is not going to negatively affect some of those people who, for 25 years, have done some- thing a certain way. There are a lot of parts of British Columbia, especially in rural B.C., that don’t have the connectivity, that don’t have access to the Internet.

We saw that actually roll out, the negative problems with that, this last December when people were trying to apply for their COVID recovery benefit, unanimously approved by this House to try to go out by Christmas.

The amount of people that said, “I couldn’t apply because I don’t have Internet, and the phone number you gave me didn’t help, ” or people who did apply, who didn’t receive the funds, who were asked a whole bunch of ques- tions to actually have to prove that they were married for 50 years or lived in B.C. for 75 years or that they’re actually on a pension which, by the way, the government knows about because it might be a government pension….

These are some of the frustrations that we’ve seen in the province over the last few years, specifically the last year with some of these COVID recovery programs that have not worked.

Now the government wants to centralize, as the minister says, to get more information. [2:45 p.m.] On the one hand, we’re always telling people: “Don’t give out our social insurance numbers to people. ” Now the minister is saying: “The government wants your social insurance number in gathering for the homeowner’s grant in order to make sure they know who you are and they can gather more information on you. ” I guarantee you that just that comment alone is going to spark people wondering: “What’s up?” People are going to wonder why the government wants yet more informa- tion from them that they may or may not have had to sub- mit before.

For me, the comments that I’m hearing from people are: “This is just another example of government trying to control me. This is government trying to control my life by them centralizing and getting that information. ” Now, I hope the government is going to be doing, when this passes, which I assume it will — the government is going to support this — a very robust exercise on educa- tion for people who are going through this. The minister said 1.1 million people, obviously, are homeowners in this province.

But when you look at the record of this government of targeting and almost penalizing through taxation, through information and through programs that they’ve done in the past — almost targeting and penalizing homeowners — there is a reason why homeowners might be a little skeptical about why government wants to centralize and start tak- ing on this information. I’m seeing this on social media already. People are say- ing: “What’s up? What’s the hidden agenda?” Of course, we have to ask those questions in this House to get govern- ment on record of what their plans actually are, if there are any other ones.

If there’s not, I welcome the minister and this government to set the record straight for the people who have concerns that there might be a hidden agenda by government doing this. We’ve also heard from local governments that do have some frustrations or challenges with this that it’s actually something that they weren’t quite prepared for. Obvi- ously, the minister has mentioned support for this. Well, that’s great, I guess, for some, but not for all. We want to make sure we get some of those issues addressed and brought forward.

One of the big things, again, that we’re going to want to talk about during committee stage is making sure, as I said a few moments ago, that government is not centraliz- ing, as the minister said, to gather this information to fur- ther target and penalize and hurt homeowners in British 444 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Columbia. The government keeps touting their 30-point plan. There has been new legislation that’s been brought forward, too, recently. It just goes to, again, the fact that there is unease out there with the intentions of govern- ment. I look forward to getting up in committee stage and addressing some very specific detailed questions about this. But at this point, the government and the minister have given me no reason why I should be able to support this bill.

I don’t have the comfort that has been given to be able to support something without that information that so many people in B.C. are asking about, about the intentions of this bill. There has been no communication around it, for the most part, to actual homeowners. That’s why we have 1.1 million people who are homeowners who are going to have those questions on the intentions of this government. I look forward, on their behalf — and any future homeowners, hopefully lots of them, in the province — to what this will mean going forward.

With that, I will look forward to some of the further comments and look for- ward to committee stage. J. Sims: It is a pleasure today to rise and speak in the people’s House. There is nothing more important to the people of British Columbia than housing. I can remember just a few years ago, and hearing from members…. I hear almost every day how important housing is. It’s fundamental. It’s founda- tional. I’m so proud of the work that the government has done to address homelessness. We still have a lot to do.

We have to address affordability. [2:50 p.m.] It was very difficult for me to listen to my predecessor speaking about some of these issues and not acknow- ledging the problems they created in the housing market when they were in government. But the bill we have before us today is fairly straightforward. There are no hidden agendas here. I don’t think you could have anything clearer than this piece of legislation. What we have been going through over the last year has been…. I’m sure we are all aware of it. We live it every day.

It’s a worldwide pandemic, a pandemic that has turned the world on its head, inside out, upside down, however you want to say it. During this time, so many things have been highlighted to streamline work and to make it easier for the people of British Columbia to deal with processes. Over the last year, we’ve had to learn to do so many things online. I can tell you I ended up doing things online, paying bills and things, which I had always said I was not going to do. I ended up doing banking online.

I’ve ended up communicating with my grandchildren on FaceTime ad nauseam because there is no other way to communicate with them. What I’ve learned during this time is how we can all adapt. People have got so used to dealing with so much stuff with the magic devices in their hands or on their desktops that they are looking for more and more things that they can do online, do safely and proceed. Don’t get me wrong. Like me, many others cannot wait to get back to the pre-COVID time, somewhat the pre-COVID time, so that we can go out and do things in person.

This particular bill is in response to the minister paying attention to what the municipalities were telling us. And you know what? I’ve been very proud of the work of this government, because we have focused on listening. Listen- ing is very important. We learn so much from it. What we heard from the municipalities was how cumbersome, time-consuming and costly it was for the municipalities to administer this legislation, the homeowner’s grant, which, by the way, they have been doing since 1957. They have been doing it since 1957. Our population has grown.

Home ownership has grown, though I can still tell you that many are still struggling to afford to buy a house. If any of us watched the news this morning, we know that the real estate mar- ket has picked up again, maybe due to the low interest rates. People are getting concerned. “Can we afford to buy a house?” But we do have a large number of people who do own homes already, and they do access the homeowner’s grant. So what this bill will do is allow online applications, and the system will be centralized. This is a way to take away an administrative burden that existed on municipalities.

Only my colleagues across the way, in opposition, could turn a piece of legislation that actually assists another level of government with administration and to lower the work- load for them and streamline this as something nefarious and something underhanded that is going on with a differ- ent agenda. Let me assure my colleague that over the last year we have learned that we do have to have more safety systems and security systems in place, but we’ve also learned that different levels of government are finding safe ways for us to engage and interact online. This is what it’s going to be.

This is instead of manually filling out a form and then hav- ing to mail it. Y ou will be able to go to the government website, hit a click button. The form will open up. Y ou will complete it, and you will send it. [2:55 p.m.] If you need assistance and you need help with it, there will be call centres, and you will be able to call and get this done centrally. There will also be help available for people at Service B.C. centres. Everybody knows that there are MLAs in every part of this province who also will be a resource to assist people who are absolutely struggling with this.

I think, when I look at the work that the minister has done, this is long overdue, probably. It is streamlining. It is making things easier. It is, in many ways, compatible with the way we are doing things right now. Also, for me, I always look at, if another level of govern- Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 445

ment is being impacted, what their reaction is. Y ou know, they’re happy about it. Let me read to you a quote so we can get it into Hansard. Here we have a quote from Brian Frenkel, who is the president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. That means all the local governments across B.C. from corner to corner to corner.

This is what he has to say. “For more than a year, local government and the Ministry of Finance staff have been working together to ensure the smooth transition of this program to the provincial government, ” said Brian Fren- kel. “This change will provide administrative improve- ments requested” — and I really want to focus on that, requested — “by local government and supports the implementation of the provincial housing plan. ” How unique to have a government that is responsive, that listened to local government, heard their concerns and moved forward with a legislative agenda after a year- long consultation.

So what could be secretive about this? What could be hidden about this? And when I’m looking at how this will make things easier for people, I’m thinking it’s common sense. As all of you know, I am a teacher, and I always have to use a teacher analogy somewhere. I always think if some- thing will pass the nod test with somebody in kinder- garten, it’s okay. It’s okay to move forward with that.

I would say, if I was to explain to my great-granddaughter, who is not in kindergarten yet — she is four — that this is what we’re going to be doing and this is why, she would be sitting there going like this, because it does make sense. It does make sense. I am very, very proud of the work done by the minister, in consult. I know two ministers have worked on this, and I acknowledge the work done by all of them. Once again, I want to assure people that this is to make it easier. Y ou can go to the government website online.

And by the way, just to make this crystal-clear, this is not an increased cost for individuals. The threshold has already been determined, right? There is nothing that’s going to be taken away at all. It’s just a way to access the homeowner’s grant. If you’re finding it difficult…. I do know that there are parts of this province, having travelled from corner to corner, that do have connectivity issues. There are parts that do, and I acknowledge that. For them, they do have phone calls. They can pick up the phone and get a lot of this done on the phone.

They can also visit their local Service B.C. centre and the MLA office as well, if they need additional help, because usually the connectivity in our government offices is a little bit more stable at times. Well, I’m not going to say too much there, because we have had issues. But let me tell you that there are many, many places people can go for help. [3:00 p.m.] While I’m up here talking about this legislation, as we talk about a homeowner’s grant, I know.

They are my chil- dren, my grandchildren and many other people’s children and grandchildren who are thinking: “I want to be able to afford to buy a house and how challenging housing afford- ability is. ” I want to remind everybody how the housing market was out of control when we first got elected. We did put a 30-point action plan in place, and some of it began to have an effect. It was having an impact. But now, with the interest rates…. I was shocked the other day, when I was looking on their website, at a bank offering interest rates of 0.99 of 1 per- cent. This was about a week ago.

I couldn’t get my head around that, because I was a house owner at a time when interest rates went up to 18 percent, and I know the impact that had on us. What has happened is that because of COVID, for a while, people were not buying. Right now, interest rates are low, so more are qualifying for mortgages. The housing market is hot again. This is a concern. I know for everybody who is in the housing market, you see your house price go up, and it makes you feel good. Y our equity is being built up.

But for those wanting to enter the market, they begin to have cold sweats, think- ing: “Will I ever be able to enter the housing market?” That is why I am proud of the billions and billions of dollars that our government has committed to building affordable housing and also housing for the middle class as well as addressing the homelessness issues that exist. I wish there was a magic pill for this, but we don’t have one.

But I can tell you that having addressed some of the major concerns around the money laundering issue, which was allowed to run rampant by the previous government, we did begin to see an impact of that. We all have a lot more work to do, and I’m looking for- ward to getting on with that. But in the meantime, what I do want to say to folks is: when you get new pieces of legislation, sometimes they’re very simple and they have a lot hidden behind them. When I was listening to my col- league from the opposition speaking, I kept thinking: is there something here that I might have missed in my read- ing of it?

Is it more than it is saying? Then I began to do my reading again, and I thought: you know what? This was a request. This is a result of consulta- tion. I know that the opposition, when in government, really did not believe in consultation or listening. I don’t think it was part of their vocabulary or their actionability, so for them, it often does come as news and often as a bit of a shock that there is a government that does listen to people, that does want to be responsive, that does listen to other levels of government. We do believe in working together in collaboration.

Working in collaboration is very, very critical. That doesn’t just mean within a party and outside or within one caucus or the other. I believe in working in collaboration with all of us in the House to find the best way forward to serve British Columbians. All of us come here to do that. I think this is a good time for me to thank the constitu- 446 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

ents of Surrey-Panorama for having elected me and sent me here to represent them again. I am always honoured and in awe of their trust. I would also like to thank every- one who worked on my campaign. Once again, I will say it is a privilege, always, to represent the people and to fight for them. As we look at this legislation, I’m hoping every member in this House will find a way to support this legislation, because this legislation is there to help to streamline and to make sure that we reduce the burden on municipal gov- ernments as they try to administer this particular provin- cial program.

The municipalities seem to be very happy with it. They don’t seem to have concerns. I think the public, when they realize how much easier, more streamlined, everything is, will be much happier with this as well. [3:05 p.m.] As I said before — and before I stop talking — they can go online, get information from gov.bc.ca, homeowner’s grant. They can go to the call centre. It’s a toll-free phone call, folks — 1-888-355-2700, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.

Go to a Service B.C. centre nearest them, and if all else fails, they can contact their local MLA and get some assistance that way. As I was saying, a big shout-out to the minister for the work she has done with the municipalities and for this col- laborative moving forward to find a solution for a problem that existed. D. Davies:I’m pleased to rise here today — well, not in the House but in the House virtually — to continue debate on this bill. I’m certain that my colleague from Peace River South, as well as others, is looking forward to examining this in committee stage. My remarks will be fairly short today.

I just wanted to bring up a few points from an angle of more rural and northern remote communities that are within my riding of Peace River North. I want to follow up on the member for Surrey-Panor- ama, her comments. I’m glad that she did go back and talk about how that connectivity is maybe not necessarily great all over the province. I can attest to that, Mr. Speaker. I have communities in my riding, and they are, across the province…. As the member said, you cannot just pick up your magic devices, because they don’t work. There are many areas across the province where there is no cell service.

There are many parts of our province that have poor, if any, connectivity to the Internet. There are still parts of the province where people have poor landline connectivity. I’ve had people reach out to me since this was first brought up. Please, you would have to excuse me and many British Columbians if they’re not fully confident in the government rolling out more online services, more “call us; we’re here to help” services, because we’ve seen those fail and fail again over the past number of months. My colleague already spoke to this briefly.

Whether we’re talking about the business grants rollout, whether we’re talking about the COVID relief, we have seen nothing but issue after issue with people trying to get through on this telephone line. There are 1.3 million homeowners in British Colum- bia. Well, that was a 2016 stat. Those are a lot of people that are going to be phoning, all at around the same time, when those tax notices come out across British Columbia. They are worried, and people have reached out to me. Even some municipalities in my riding have reached out to me. They’re really concerned about how this is going to roll out.

If you look at home ownership amongst 65-year-olds and older, 78 percent of people in that age bracket own their own homes. It’s probably safe to say that many of those in that age bracket aren’t necessarily avid Internet users, who are quite content with going into their city hall and signing off their piece of paper and handing it in, in a one-stop-shopping manner. Of course, that is now not available. So our concern is: is government ready for this? What has been demonstrated over the past number of months is…. We don’t think so. British Columbians cer- tainly don’t think so. I can read lots of things.

I’ve had people reach out to me. This is one elderly person in my riding. Those people who are not connected to the Inter- net, like senior citizens who never use a computer…. What exactly will happen when others cannot apply, but they might still qualify? Is that task going to be administered or picked up by the municipality? Or is the province going to have some alternative means to fix this? [3:10 p.m.] These are questions that people are asking me.

One of my friends goes: “Well, I guess this is one more thing that I’m going to have to do for my parents. ” We are already seeing kids of elderly folks now having to pick up doing these other online pieces that we’ve already seen govern- ment move to in many ways. I said I was going to keep my remarks short. I just wanted to bring forward some of the concerns that have been raised to me over the past weeks. It’s really about people. Unfortunately, this bill is not about people. It is not going to be as easy as I think the government thinks it might be.

Many people, again, don’t feel that government is going to be ready, as they’ve demonstrated already, to receive, really, another 1½ million phone calls or interac- tions via Internet. We have a lot of concerns. They will be brought up a little bit more during committee stage. I hope to be able to also speak during that time. It is important to know that these points are addressed by government. We do look for- ward to some robust discussion as we move forward. As I said, I’ll keep my remarks very short. I will leave this to the next speaker. M.

Starchuk:It is my honour to stand here for the first Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 447

time to speak on a bill that is so pointed at what I used to do. We see here that the local government is asking for this. I can tell you, from my four years as a councillor, the lineups, the streams that were there at city hall of people that were trying to pay their taxes. They were trying to get their grants and the confusion that was there. It was con- fusion young and old. This program that’s inside of here, to streamline it, to put it in concert with the rest of the province, is a very, very wise thing to do. It’s expected to be quicker; it’s expected to be fairer.

We hear the stories about how we’re worried about a social insurance number, and what’s going to happen. There’s a level that makes believe that it’s nefarious when, in fact, it’s the actual tool that will be used to ensure that that person making the application will get what’s justi- fied for what level of a grant they’re going to get back to themselves. When we think about and when we hear about the seni- ors’ population — they’re not capable, or it’s tough for them to be online — I want to just say one thing.

I will not give the age of my mother out, but I can tell you that she will be in the first dose of vaccines. She has no issues with learning how to get online. She’s fortunate. She has a com- puter. She has other people to talk to. Those are the simplicities of how this thing works. Those of us that have taken the time to go online and do the clicks that are there ahead of time will be able to see that it’s not a difficult situation for the people that are there. When we take a look at the municipal governments, they’re asking for the provincial government to do this.

They know the amount of time and effort that’s there for their staff, that they have to pay out of their budgets to administer something that is a provincial grant. It just makes sense to listen to those municipal governments and release them from the burden of the application process that’s there. We talk about the phone network that will be there for those people that may not have a computer, that may not be able to connect. We have those services that are there. The majority of the people that we find, that are out there, are able to do it online. So the phone system should not be overburdened.

For those people that feel that they still need to have some in-person help, Service B.C. is there. But I want to stress that our constituency assistants are there as well. They will be well-versed in that. They have our phone numbers. A special little shout-out to Denise and my new employee Naz, that will be there to help out those people that need that extra help to walk them through the steps that are there. [3:15 p.m.] No changes have been made to the program’s eligibility requirements or benefits. It’s the same program that was there before. The same eligibility that’s there.

The only minor change is the amount of dollars that are assessed to your home to make you qualify. It has gone up a small bit. Over 90 percent of British Columbians will qualify for this grant. Those 90 percent will benefit from that in a time when housing markets are on the rise again. One of the other parts to this program is that it says that there’s no cost. It’s in there as “no cost. ” But the cost that’s there to its savings to the municipalities will be the cost of the time that they don’t have to have those people administering this program.

Again, I want to emphas- ize that it’s the municipal governments, it’s the local gov- ernments that are asking the province for this service to continue the way it’s going. The program, when it unrolls, also has the ability for that person that does not have a computer, does not have a phone line, does not have that ability to meet somebody in person, to still go through that paper application process that’s there. Y ou can call an agent. They can make arrange- ments. They can ensure those paper trails that that person would like to do.

We’ve got many people in our constitu- ency that still like to receive their notices. They still like to receive their bills. They still like to have that tactile feeling of paper before they pay something that’s out. When the province takes over this part — when the billing comes through, the grant application comes through — it’s going to be the centralization that’s going to be more efficient for the actual homeowner.

As it sits in today’s world, with the municipal governments provid- ing that service, there are errors that can happen within the municipalities because of the familiarity that’s there for them to process these grants. By going to a centralized location, we’ll be able to have those people in a more productive way, that are doing that grant application on a regular basis, to be more effi- cient than the system that’s there today.

Going to this grant application process makes it consistent throughout the province of B.C., where we already have areas that have this grant application process in place for those smaller communities. I stand here today supporting this bill, supporting the minister and those people that were in consultation with those municipalities in getting what it is that they were after. The burden that was there on the municipalities was greatly provided to us to take a look at.

I know from my riding, Surrey-Cloverdale, it is just a portion of the city of Surrey where the local governments take care of all the ridings that are there, and they speak on their behalf as a whole. They are the ones that are asking for us to do what we are doing here today. I support this motion. I like everything about this motion. I like everything that’s inside of it with regards to the consultation that the government has had with the loc- al municipalities. T. Shypitka:Bill 6. I’ d like to take my place and talk 448 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

to the Home Owner Grant Amendment Act, 2021. We’ve heard from a couple members on both sides already on this. This is about switching gears. It’s about switching the process. I think it was the member for Surrey-Panorama that said it has been in place since 1957. We also have heard words on making it more simple and more fair. We can take both those descriptions. I think the min- ister herself said fair. This makes it more fair. We heard the member for Surrey-Cloverdale say it makes it more fair. I’m just wondering what they mean by that.

Are they meaning it was never treated fairly in the past, since 1957, where people seemed to get a quick response on filling in their homeowners grant application? They’ d go down; they’ d pay their taxes. Seemed pretty fair for, you know, 60 years almost. [3:20 p.m.] The simple part…. I think the member for Surrey-Pan- orama and the member from the North Peace region talked about the magic device. The member for Surrey- Panorama talked about listening to people.

Well, this magic device isn’t so magical when you’re in places like Grasmere or Baynes Lake or Hosmer or Newg- ate and many places in my riding that just have no con- nectivity at all, whatsoever. They enjoy what they’ve been doing for many years. That’s simply going to their local municipality and paying their taxes and, you know, mak- ing a day of it. “We’ll go into town and go shopping. ” It’s all been done very simply in the past. I don’t think this addresses simplification at all. There are also issues with personal information that the government is getting. A lot of people don’t think that’s right.

They get a little freaked out, to tell you the honest truth. I don’t blame them, seeing what’s been happening so far with this government in the last three or four years. A hidden agenda perhaps. There are a lot of conspiracy theories out there. What’s this leading to? Only time will tell. Some are very worried about where this may go. Maybe the elimination of the homeowner’s grant altogeth- er. Who knows? I was in municipal government for a number of years. This issue was never raised at the table, of this being an administrative burden to the municipality. I understand how municipalities and councils….

Any time you can get rid of any kind of provincial downloading, sure, I’m all in. But it’s got to be done in a way that is good for the con- stituents and the citizens of the area. I don’t think this is really addressing that, in this bill. The member for Surrey-Panorama says that we need to listen more. She was really eager to give some quotes. I pulled a few quotes, just from my page for today, men- tioning this bill. We’ll throw a couple at you. First one: “This makes no sense. How will it streamline it? Now we fill out the grant and sign it when we pay our taxes. How simple is that?

Now I have to apply to the province? Ridiculous. ” Another person quoted here: “Wow, huge mistake. Passing more authority to the province, or to Ott- awa, only leads to decisions that will hurt you later. ” Next quote: “This makes me very angry. ” The next couple of quotes here are from very strong, I know, NDP supporters. That’s cool with me. I get along with all of my constituents. This person is a really good friend of mine.

He believes in what this government has been doing to a large part so far, and this is what his quote was: “It was already as streamlined as possible. ” The next person says: “I wonder how much will be saved by people failing to apply. Not a good thing. ” There’s already a groundswell on this bill. I don’t think it’s as simple as what government is trying to make it look like right now. I think it needs to be a relook at this bill. I think that’s what we’ll be doing when we get to com- mittee stage, dissecting a little bit, maybe asking for some changes. Who knows?

I think we need to do what’s best for the people of British Columbia and really examine it as a whole. I’m going to make it quick here but just alert members of the House that this is not as simple and as fair as what government is saying right now. If government is truly genuine about making this simple and fair, then perhaps a hybrid system could be put in place. Perhaps we could have a little of both. Maybe we can have our cake and eat it too. That might be something that might be suggested in committee. I want to go forward.

I want to just reach out to both sides of the floor and say: “Let’s make this right for the people in B.C. and not for what you’re told is right. ” Look deep, and see if this is actually going to help or hinder. I mean, we look at some of the online processes that have gone on so far. We look at the B.C. recovery grant. This is something that was done online, a grant that was promised before Christmastime. Here we are into March, and I think only half of it’s been applied for so far. Not a lot of people happy with that process.

If we look at the speculation tax applications, a lot of people missed those deadlines. I’m not too sure how many people got caught in the cracks on that one. I know there were a lot of angry British Columbians about that process. [3:25 p.m.] The B.C. Parks reservation process last summer. What a disaster that was. It was a simple online reservation pro- cess, but it fell very short of what was promised. Then, of course, government grants for small businesses here in the province. We don’t need to go into too much detail on that one to shine a light on how disastrous that has been so far.

People are skeptical about what is simple and fair. I’ll leave it at that. We’ll look at joining you all later in committee stage. S. Chant: I’m honoured to have the opportunity to address the House on this important topic. I am speaking to you from the unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. I appre- Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 449

ciate the opportunity to be learning, living and playing in these areas. I find it really interesting that a group of people can look at something that is straightforward and that is moving us into the 2000s and say that it is some kind of conspiracy to defraud our seniors or to make things more difficult — when we have an alphabet of communities throughout our province, all of which have people that we are committed to supporting as best as can be, when we work with the municipalities and we hear from the municipalities that tell us that this process has been a burden for many years. I can attest to that.

I’ve stood in those lineups. That it was equitable and fair at all times…. My niece, who is an adult — I am old — purchased a home two years ago, and she knew nothing about the homeowner grant until her parents said: “Have you applied for it?” She said: “No. It doesn’t apply to me. ” She had to learn about it. Across the board, there’s always going to be a challenge with anything we implement, anything that anybody implements. [N. Letnick in the chair.] It surprises me that we’re talking about connectivity still, 20 years later.

There was another government in power for many, many years that maybe could have addressed this connectivity problem but apparently hasn’t. That’s another thing that we’re looking at addressing. Is it something that we are going to consider in terms of implementing this program? Of course it is. There are structures in place to support people that have not the capacity to use…. Whether it’s connectivity, whether it’s cognition, whether it’s capacity to have equip- ment, whether it’s economic, the structures are there to support those people.

Every person in this House that has risen to speak to this matter is part of that structure to sup- port these people, to do what needs to be done in order for them to benefit from this. The question of fair and equitable treatment. We’re not looking at what’s fair for everybody. I don’t know…. Here we are back atThe Lion King. Life is not fair. All of us have things to do in our lives that sometimes are harder to do than at other times. This is not one of those things. This is going to be relatively straightforward; it’s going to be relat- ively simple. The connectivity issues. I heard it.

I’m sure we will get further discussions on that, and we will work on solving those problems. That is our commitment to the people of British Columbia. That is why we collaborate. That is why we work together. The bit about the municipalities. Absolutely, anything that we can do to reduce the workload for the municipal- ity, to give them the time and the resources to devote

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20210303pm-Hansard-n19
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20210303pm Hansard n19
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	233e8f6ea639700fd878a1efd2867bf4c9d0daa8

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