Second Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Morning Sitting

Issue No. 147

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Introduction and First Reading of Bills

Bill 17 — Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Codes of Conduct) Amendment Act,

Hon. Christine Boyle

Bill M240 — Transparency of Advocacy Organizations Act

Tara Armstrong

Bill 18 — Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Parental Leave) Amendment Act, 2026

Hon. Christine Boyle

Members’ Statements

Easter

Korky Neufeld

Remembrance of Lapu-Lapu Day Victims

Mable Elmore

World Autism Awareness Day and Funding for Autism Services

Claire Rattée

Education Week

Sunita Dhir

Transgender Day of Visibility

Rob Botterell

Stephen Lewis

Steve Morissette

Speaker’s Statement

Guidance on Private Members’ Bills for Report Stage

Oral Questions

Drug Decriminalization Program and Data Collection

Claire Rattée

Hon. Josie Osborne

Service Model Change for Children with Support Needs and Funding for Autism Services

Rosalyn Bird

Hon. Jodie Wickens

Protection of Old-Growth Forests and Independent Assessment

Rob Botterell

Hon. Ravi Parmar

Old-Growth Conservation Funding

Rob Botterell

Hon. Randene Neill

Taylor Bridge Replacement

Jordan Kealy

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Access to Critical Cardiac Care Services in Surrey

Elenore Sturko

Hon. Josie Osborne

Service Model Change for Children with Support Needs and Funding for Autism Services

Peter Milobar

Hon. Jodie Wickens

Donegal Wilson

Lynne Block

Harman Bhangu

Reann Gasper

Thursday, April 2, 2026

The House met at 10:03 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Hon. Christine Boyle.

[10:05 a.m.]

Introductions by Members

Hon. Ravi Kahlon : It’s some sort of record. I get to talk about field hockey three days in a row. My

colleagues are going to be pissed off about hearing about field hockey, but we’ve

got a guest here today.

I’ve got a guest here, Amrit Hundal. She grew up in North Delta. She played field

hockey her entire childhood. She is a second-year JD student at University of Victoria.

She’s a proud UBC political science alumni. She does a lot of pro bono work through

UBC, giving back to the community.

She is also the niece of a good friend of mine, Udham Hundal, who’s known to many

people in this place, a very respected leader in both the field hockey community as

well as the business community.

Keep an eye on Amrit. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day she’s down here in these

seats and — who knows? — maybe even the Attorney General one day.

I’m hoping the House can please make Amrit very welcome today.

Scott McInnis : I have Nick and Trudy here, new friends from Columbia River–Revelstoke. We met at

the legion in Edgewater during the Remembrance Day ceremonies. I’m so thrilled they

reached out that they were going to be in Victoria. I look forward to taking them

for a tour and introducing them to you, Mr. Speaker.

Please welcome Nick and Trudy.

Hon. Brittny Anderson : Today I am delighted to welcome representatives from Canada’s kindest city, Peachland.

Today in the gallery, we have Patrick Van Minsel, who is the mayor; we have Coun.

Dave Collins; and we have CAO Joe Creron.

We had an absolutely wonderful meeting with the Premier earlier this week. They are

set to increase their housing by 10 percent. They’re doing absolutely incredible work

in Peachland. I got to visit them. I think it was about two years ago. We had a really,

really wonderful tour.

This time they provided me with a CD. This was Papa Thom. Papa Thom was one of their

councillors, who passed away a few months ago. He was such an incredible human being.

I just want to say I really appreciated the gesture of giving me the album from Keith

Pierson. It’s such a tremendous loss, Papa Thom’s loss from your community. It is

super wonderful to see you again and know that with Papa Thom’s music, his legacy

lives on. I just want to thank you for all of the incredible work that you do for

your community.

Please let them feel very welcome.

Claire Rattée : In the gallery today, we have a number of people that just came out front of the

Legislature with us for a rally for World Autism Day.

Today we have April Johnman; Lynne Hopkins; Vanita, Ryan and Ben Lindsay; Chelsea

Ganam; Nicole Imbrilo; Elena Lawson; Nicole Lancaster; Sara Lindberg; Jaclyn, Charlotte,

Max and Piper Ferreira; Madison, Stephen and Diane Ross; Michelle Clark; Ripley Davis;

Madison and Diane Perice; Patricia, Shane, Ava and Ivy Anderson; Nikolas, Lisa-Marie,

Michelle, Diane, Shane and Jaxon Chai; Kayla Burnell; Sharon Banning; Hayley Shade;

Ashleigh Allen; Tessa Guenther; Ed Court; Jennifer Marcell; and Dylan MacDonald.

I would just ask that the House make them feel very welcome, please.

Hon. Randene Neill : It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you today to some constituents of mine and,

more importantly, members of the ɬəʔamɛn Nation: Elder Eugene Louie; hegus John Hackett, who’s an amazing individual; Callum

Galligos, who’s my counterpart in land, water and resource stewardship with the nation;

Brandon Louie; as well as Denise, Kelly, Russell, Tabatha and Jenn.

[10:10 a.m.]

We are just days away from the tenth anniversary of signing the treaty back in 2016,

and we also have an important announcement today about a memorandum of understanding.

Thank you so much for being in the House today. It’s so good to see you here. But

as always, I can’t wait to see you at home as well.

Please, House, make them feel welcome.

Reann Gasper : Please join me in welcoming Kathy Williams, who joins us today all the way from Alberta.

Kathy serves as a school board trustee in ward 8 in the Chinook’s Edge School Division

and is deeply committed to supporting students and strengthening public education

in her community.

She is also the proud mother of my executive assistant, Ethan Williams. We are very

pleased to have her here at the B.C. Legislature.

Welcome, Kathy.

Hon. Diana Gibson : Everybody in this House knows how hard our staff work during these long days in the

Legislature. It’s my great pleasure to introduce my guests today, my administrative

assistant Carly Bernays, who is our trusty spirit of the office, and her sister Amanda

Bernays, who is joining us in the gallery for her very first time.

Amanda graduated from Camosun College in my riding back in 2023, in marketing, and

is now attending Vancouver Island University for her post-baccalaureate bachelor of

education to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.

Would the House please make them feel very welcome.

Macklin McCall : I, too, would like to introduce my Peachland delegation that’s here, as the minister

across the aisle did.

I’ll start off with Patrick Van Minsel, the mayor of Peachland, and CAO Joe Creron

and Coun. David Collins are here with us today.

I just want to recognize that they’ve been here for a week, having meetings with ministers

and official opposition critics on all things important to Peachland.

Will the House please join me in welcoming them to the Legislature today.

Jeremy Valeriote : I’m pleased to introduce, and please stand if you’re comfortable, Prym Goodacre and

Thomas Reimer from the Green team dream team.

Please welcome them, visiting the House today, and give them a round of applause,

if you don’t mind.

Hon. Grace Lore : It’s been a good week for introductions for me. I’m pleased to welcome Angus Matthews,

who’s here today with the Maritime Museum Society. He’s an advocate and volunteer

working really hard with a vision and drive for our local waterfront.

He’ll be joined later today by Alicia Thomas from the Esquimalt Nation. We’re going

to have a few meetings around community.

I am really grateful for his work and vision in the community and for my ministerial

colleagues who are going to join us for some meetings today.

Will the House please help me make Angus very welcome.

Rob Botterell : I hope the House will indulge me. This is an extraordinarily special day for me.

It’s my daughter’s birthday. She’s a captain in the Coast Guard. She wouldn’t want

me mentioning her age, but she’s in her mid-30s.

Will the House please wish her a happy birthday.

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

Bill 17 — Housing and Municipal

Affairs Statutes (Codes of Conduct)

Amendment Act, 2026

Hon. Christine Boyle presented a message from His Honour the Administrator: a bill

intituled Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Codes of Conduct) Amendment Act,

Hon. Christine Boyle : I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce the Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Codes of Conduct)

Amendment Act.

This bill requires local government, elected officials, to adhere to a provincial

code of conduct. Any breaches of the code are to be handled by a locally appointed

neutral investigator who meets the criteria prescribed by the province through regulation.

Investigators will review all complaints and make recommendations on whether sanctions

should be imposed against an individual by the council or board.

[10:15 a.m.]

This bill responds to repeated requests made by local governments and other interested

parties, such as the Union of B.C. Municipalities and the Ombudsperson’s office, to

establish a mandatory code of conduct across the province and enhance enforcement

mechanisms to support the implementation of the code.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. Christine Boyle : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill M240 — Transparency of

Advocacy Organizations Act

Tara Armstrong presented a bill intituled Transparency of Advocacy Organizations Act.

Tara Armstrong : I move that a bill intituled the Transparency of Advocacy Organizations Act, of which

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

time now.

In British Columbia today, there are thousands of organizations working to influence

public opinion and public officials — Pride societies, Indigenous lobby groups, environmental

organizations and many others. Many are receiving money from the government or from

foreign sources, yet the public often has no way to see who is funding them, how much

they receive or how that money is being spent.

This bill changes that. It requires advocacy organizations receiving government or

foreign funding to publish annual reports divulging their funding sources, amounts

and the salaries of their five highest-paid employees. They must also disclose the

legal names of all affiliated organizations. Finally, they must post a notice on their

funding, along with a one-click link to those mandatory disclosures.

If they refuse, the public can step in. The bill empowers any British Columbian to

take a non-compliant advocacy organization to court. If a violation is proven, courts

can impose large penalties of up to $10 million and award up to 30 percent of those

amounts to the applicant who brought the court action.

This bill will drag shadowy lobby groups into the light of day. It will do this by

harnessing the democratic power of financial transparency and public accountability.

I welcome every member to express their support.

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

Motion approved.

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

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill 18 — Housing and Municipal

Affairs Statutes (Parental Leave)

Amendment Act, 2026

Hon. Christine Boyle presented a message from His Honour the Administrator: a bill

intituled Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Parental Leave) Amendment Act, 2026.

Hon. Christine Boyle : I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce the Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Parental Leave)

Amendment Act, 2026. This bill establishes a provincial minimum parental leave entitlement

for locally elected officials. The legislation provides for a provincial minimum entitlement

of 26 consecutive weeks of parental leave. Local elected officials will be eligible

for full remuneration and will not be disqualified for missing council or board meetings.

This bill responds to long-standing advocacy from local elected officials and local

governments and promotes gender and generational diversity and equity in local politics

by providing local elected officials with consistent access to parental leave.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. Christine Boyle : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

[10:20 a.m.]

Members’ Statements

Easter

Korky Neufeld : This coming weekend many British Columbians will be focused on Good Friday and Easter

Sunday. The Bible teaches three powerful truths about how God relates to humanity:

justice, mercy and grace.

There is justice. Justice means receiving what we do deserve. God is perfectly holy

and righteous, and justice requires that wrongdoings and sin be addressed. In a just

system, every action has consequences, and people receive the results of their choices.

Then there’s mercy. Mercy means not receiving the punishments we deserve. Even though

humanity has fallen short of God’s standards, God shows compassion and restraint.

Instead of immediately giving us what we deserve, he extends forgiveness and patience.

Then there’s grace, and grace goes even further. Grace means receiving something good

that we do not deserve. Through grace, God not only withholds the consequences but

also gives us blessings, such as forgiveness, new life and a restored relationship

with him.

There are three truths that come together most clearly at the cross and resurrection

of Jesus Christ. Justice was satisfied because sin was dealt with. Mercy was shown

because we did not receive the consequences ourselves. Jesus took them for us. Grace

was given because through Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness and the promise of

eternal life. Justice, mercy and grace together reveal the depth of God’s character:

perfect righteousness, deeply compassionate and overwhelming generosity.

The Bible states, in Romans 3: “God setting things right by way of Jesus setting things

right for us. Not only for us but for everyone who believes. Since we’ve compiled

this long and sorry record of sins and proved that we’re utterly incapable of living

the glorious lives God wills for us, he did it for us. Out of sheer generosity, he

put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re

in and restored us to where we always must be. He did this by means of Jesus Christ.”

We have the cross and resurrection. That is good news.

Happy Easter.

Remembrance of

Lapu-Lapu Day Victims

Mable Elmore : This April my community will observe a cultural tradition that is deeply imbued with

love and remembrance. It’s called Babang Luksa, or the dropping of the veil of mourning,

a custom rooted in family and friendship. It will be an occasion to pray together

and honour the memory of those who were lost in the April 26, 2025, festival tragedy

in Vancouver.

It does not mean that grief comes to an end. It simply means that we are taking another

step in our shared journey of healing. It also reinforces the importance of community

and ongoing social supports to reassure victims and their families that they are not

alone.

I am reminded of the Sermon on the Mount, wherein Jesus said: “Blessed are those who

mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Individually and collectively, Filipinos know

grief well. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one or the loss of the ability to practise

a profession in Canada because of challenges in foreign credential recognition, Filipinos

have had their own share of suffering. But we know that sorrow is not a permanent

place. With God’s grace, we will find new strength together with the broad community.

Thank you for your solidarity.

In memoriam: Jenifer Darbellay, Kira Ganapol Salim, Vicky Bjarnason, Glitza Daniela

Samper, Glitza Maria Caicedo-Samper, Daniel Samper Toro, Jendhel Sico, Richard Le,

Katie Le, Linh Hoang, Nerissa Pagkanlungan.

I invite everybody to join a commemoration mass at St. Andrew’s Parish, 480 East 47th

Avenue, on April 10 at 2 p.m., and also a community dinner of commemoration, where

victims will be there to give tribute to their loved ones, at Fraserview Banquet Hall,

on April 12 at 5 p.m.

[Applause.]

[10:25 a.m.]

World Autism Awareness Day

and Funding for Autism Services

Claire Rattée : Today on World Autism Awareness Day, we should all take time to recognize and celebrate

the incredible contributions and potential of autistic individuals all across this

province.

Over the past few months, I have heard from countless parents across our province

who have fought tirelessly to get their children diagnosed, access support and build

stability in their lives.

Families like Amber’s, whose young son was once non-verbal and is only now beginning

to communicate because of early intervention. Or Stephanie’s, whose son is thriving

in school today but still relies on therapy to continue to succeed. Or Jenna’s, who

knows firsthand what can happen when children grow up without the support that they

need.

What’s concerning about these stories is that each of these children are going to

lose access to their support funding unless a change is made very soon. These stories

are powerful reminders of a simple truth, that early intervention works. Support is

not a luxury. It is not optional; it is foundational.

When children receive the therapies that they need, they build communication, confidence,

independence and the ability to participate fully in their communities. When those

supports are taken away, the risks are not theoretical; they are real. Regression,

mental health challenges and long-term system involvement are the consequences.

Neurodivergence exists on a spectrum, and support must reflect that reality. There

is no such thing as not autistic enough when a child is struggling.

On this day, we should be reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and dignity and

ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

On this side of the House, we will always defend the right for all neurodiverse children,

including all of those on the autism spectrum and with Down syndrome, to receive the

life-changing supports that they deserve. When we invest in children early, we are

not only supporting families; we are building stronger communities for all of us.

Education Week

Sunita Dhir : I rise today to recognize Education Week, taking place across British Columbia from

April 7 to 10. Education Week is a time to reflect on the vital role education plays

in supporting young people as they learn, grow and discover their potential. It’s

also an opportunity to celebrate the students, teachers, education assistants, counsellors,

administrators, school trustees and support staff who make our K-to-12 system strong

and vibrant.

In classrooms across our province, students are building skills that will shape their

futures — learning to read their first book, experiencing science and technology,

discovering the arts and sports and developing a lifelong love of learning. These

moments are foundational, and they’re made possible by the dedication, compassion

and professionalism of those who support students every day.

Education is about more than academics. Our schools are safe, inclusive and supportive

spaces where students can access opportunities, build confidence, form meaningful

friendships and find care and guidance when they need it most.

The tragic events in Tumbler Ridge have deeply impacted communities across British

Columbia, reminding us of the strength, resilience and compassion within our school

communities, especially in difficult times. There has never been a more important

time to recognize and thank those who are dedicated to supporting students and strengthening

our education system.

I invite all members of this House to join me in celebrating Education Week and the

many individuals who make education in British Columbia so meaningful.

Transgender Day of Visibility

Rob Botterell : “Protect the dolls.” This week we celebrated Trans Day of Visibility, a day where

the trans community is supposed to feel free to be who they are without fear. That’s

not always the case in our society, where being trans, visibly or in stealth, still

puts you in danger.

[10:30 a.m.]

Access to timely, quality health care is a challenge for many across our province,

and the trans community feels this crisis more than most. Gender-affirming, life-saving

health care is more and more difficult to access. Medications often have unreliable

coverage. Wait times for specialists in surgeries are years long and getting longer,

especially with the shuttering of the Montreal surgery pathway.

There are also fundamental flaws with this province’s name-change ban, which has caused

immense harm to transgender and other marginalized communities.

Resolution of these issues affects more than the trans community. We’ve seen it time

and time again. When the trans community advocates for improvements in social services

and health care, everyone in British Columbia benefits. Transgender individuals affect

more than the trans community, not just as advocates for gender equality but as scientists,

teachers, construction workers, librarians, doctors.

Trans Day of Visibility is about recognizing the struggles and joys of being trans.

Trans people have the right to live in dignity and be safe in their communities just

like everybody else. We have much work to do to make our community safe for everyone,

but no one has to do this work alone.

To our trans friends and their allies in this chamber and across the province: we

stand with you today and every day.

Stephen Lewis

Steve Morissette : It was with great sadness that we learned about the passing of an incredible human

this past Tuesday — former leader of the Ontario NDP and a proud activist, father,

husband, grandfather and much more, Stephen Lewis.

Elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario at 26 years old and becoming the leader

of the Ontario NDP at just 33, Lewis became known for his eloquent and passionate

public speaking skills and his dedication as Leader of the Official Opposition to

hold the government at the time to a high moral standard, fighting for compassion

for all people.

Lewis worked fiercely to protect, uplift and improve human rights, and his advocacy

for gender equality, anti-racism and social justice is at the very heart of what it

means to be a New Democrat and a Canadian.

Stephen wore many impressive hats throughout his career, all rooted in his passion

for human rights, including serving as an ambassador to the United Nations and working

for UNICEF. Lewis was an incredible activist and dedicated much of his life to bringing

awareness to and fighting against apartheid in South Africa and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In 2003, he co-funded the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which works to deliver funds and

other resources directly to community-led organizations who are leading responses

to HIV and AIDS in Africa.

He is survived by his three children; his grandchildren; and his wife, Michele Landsberg,

an incredible leader, author and educator.

Stephen Lewis changed our country for the better, and his impact will continue to

be felt here and across the globe.

Speaker’s Statement

Guidance on Private Members’ Bills

for Report Stage

The Speaker : Hon. Members, earlier in the week, the House received a report on private members’

bills from the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills.

That report will be taken up during the next private members’ time, on Monday, April

It has been some time since the House last considered a reported private member’s

bill, so the Chair will take the opportunity to offer some guidance to the House.

Report stage is intended to give members an opportunity, particularly those who did

not participate in the deliberations of the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills

and Private Members’ Bills, to discuss the amended form of the bill. It is not an

opportunity to re-canvass the merits and principles of the bill or to discuss details

that are suited for committee stage consideration.

[10:35 a.m.]

The maximum of 15 minutes of debate at report stage is intended to give the House

an opportunity to canvass the amendments brought forward by the committee for the

House’s consideration.

If a bill has been reported without amendment, it seems to the Chair that there is

a limited scope of debate that could reasonably proceed at this stage, and the House

should consider advancing the bill to its final stage of the consideration, being

third reading.

At third reading, the House has a maximum of 20 minutes of debate to consider the

bill at its final stage in the legislative process. As noted in Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia , fifth edition, at page 254: “Third reading debate has not been common in the Legislative

Assembly, particularly when those substantive amendments have been made to the bill

at committee considerations.”

If a bill has been amended at committee stage, third reading debate should focus on

introducing new viewpoints on the final form of the bill. Members participating in

third reading debate should not offer arguments that were canvassed at previous stages

of the consideration of the bill. Members will know that unamended government bills

are seldom subject to debate at third reading, and that practice should be applied

for unamended private members’ bills.

The Chair hopes that this guidance will be of assistance to the House as it navigates

debate on private members’ bills in their final stages of consideration.

Oral Questions

Drug Decriminalization Program

and Data Collection

Claire Rattée : Yesterday, when I asked this government why they ordered the destruction of invaluable

scientific research, the minister said: “This is false and absolutely misleading,

what the member is saying. The data that Dr. Somers collected was not destroyed.”

I have a simple question for the minister. Does she stand by her statement that the

research was not ordered to be destroyed, yes or no?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Again, data is a very critical component to understanding how government policies

and services are affecting people.

Dr. Somers was contracted by government to undertake research. The data from his research

have been transferred into a government database, where they are available for academics

and for other researchers to access.

I stand by the statements that I made yesterday and that the data are in the hands

of government and available for those academics, researchers and government staff

— again, a very important component to evaluating programs, to being able to make

informed decisions, moving forward.

The Speaker : Member for Skeena, supplemental.

Claire Rattée : I have the letter that Dr. Somers received from the government. The letter says:

“All data must be destroyed, and all media storage devices that house ministry data

must be sanitized. This includes all backup copies, uploads and data on any media

devices.”

I spoke with Dr. Somers yesterday, and he assured me that he was forced to destroy

the data, not to transfer it.

So I’ll ask again. Why did this government order the destruction of critical addiction

and public safety data right before launching its decriminalization experiment? If

they did not destroy it, will the ministry table that data?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Dr. Somers worked under contract to government. As are the conditions of contracts

like that, these data then become the property of government.

Those data were transferred into government databases, and they remain available for

researchers, for academics, for government staff to be able to use, and they continue

to do so to this day.

Service Model Change for

Children with Support Needs

and Funding for Autism Services

Rosalyn Bird : Today the gallery is full of families whose children depend on autism supports.

Amber wrote to us about her son, diagnosed with autism at just a year old. He is only

now beginning to speak, regulate and build the basic skills he needs, because of early

intervention. However, her son may soon be considered not autistic enough to qualify

for support.

To the minister: why are you taking away funding from a child who is just beginning

to thrive?

Hon. Jodie Wickens : I first and foremost want to thank the families that are here today. I want to thank

them for their advocacy.

[10:40 a.m.]

I know firsthand what it feels like to advocate for your child. I am a proud mom of

an autistic child. I am an aunt of a child that has significant medical complexities

and disabilities. And I am now the minister responsible for all children in this province.

I take this role incredibly seriously.

We have a system that exists right now that is not working for all children. We undertook

extensive engagement over years. We spent $4 million to speak to families, to experts,

to service providers. There were three things that came out of that engagement.

The first is we needed more investment in our system. The system had not been invested

in for decades, and we are spending 475 million net new dollars in the system.

The second is that we were asked to expand individualized funding to more diagnoses

so children with Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities

will receive direct funding for the very first time.

Lastly, families and experts asked us to tie support based on a functional need, not

a singular diagnosis alone. We are building a stronger and fairer system for the future.

The Speaker : The member has a supplemental.

Rosalyn Bird : Everyone on this side of the House supports all neurodiverse children that need access

to funding.

Another parent, Stephanie, told us her son is verbal, bright and in school but still

needs occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavioural supports each year. She

said the new model forces families to prove their child is disabled enough to qualify.

If a child does well in school, that is the beginning of stabilization. With autistic

kids, they need consistent and stable supports continuously.

To the minister: why are you pulling the rug out on these families just as they have

started to feel secure?

Hon. Jodie Wickens : The members opposite have brought families here today. They should be honest with

those families. Governments in the past had years to invest in children with various

disabilities. They did not.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh. Shhh, Members.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : There is a track record of Conservative governments across this country and how they

deliver services for children and youth with disabilities. It is abysmal.

Members opposite stand in this House every day and say, “Stop spending. Don’t spend

any more money,” and now they want to say spending $475 million is not enough.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : You cannot have it both ways. We are making historic investments in children and

youth in this province.

There is a symbol used in the autism community. It’s the fingerprint. That symbol

is used because everybody’s fingerprint is different. Every child with autism has

very different needs. You could have a child that is indistinguishable from their

peers. You could have a child that’s non-verbal and self-injurious. Under our current

system, both of those children receive the exact same support.

In the new system, funding will be tied based on a functional need. We have children

with autism in our current system that will receive more funding in the new system.

We have thousands of children who will receive more support in the new system.

We are building a stronger, fairer system for thousands of children for years to come.

Protection of Old-Growth Forests

and Independent Assessment

Rob Botterell : Yesterday the Conservative member for Richmond-Queensborough and Attorney General

critic called for extinguishment of Aboriginal title on private property in Richmond.

In other words, ignore

section 35 of the constitution, ignore the historic injustice

to the Quw’utsun and abandon reconciliation.

Shame on the member, and shame on the Conservatives.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Member.

Rob Botterell : The Conservatives are not the only ones operating in an alternate reality. The Minister

of Forests says the government is protecting old growth, but every single panellist

from the old-growth strategic review has written a letter to this government stating

that the province is failing to protect our most valuable forests.

[10:45 a.m.]

Our constituency offices are flooded with letters about logging in the Tsitika Valley,

big-tree old growth in a priority deferral area auctioned off by B.C. Timber….

The Speaker : Question, Member. Question.

Rob Botterell : Question. Will the minister get real and conduct an independent assessment of high-value

old growth as called for by the Provincial Forest Advisory Council, yes or no?

The Speaker : Before I recognize the Minister of Forests, I want to caution members. When you make

comments about the opposition members, those who are not able to respond, it’s not

fair to do that. Thank you so much.

Hon. Ravi Parmar : Thanks very much, Member. I appreciate that. Make note of that answer. That doesn’t

happen every day.

It’s always a pleasure to be able to rise in this House and be able to speak about

the work that we’ve been doing on this side of the House to protect more old forests,

protect our old forests. This is a foundational value here in British Columbia, where

we are working hard to build a strong, sustainable and robust forest sector.

Here in coastal British Columbia, we know how important it is that we protect our

old forests. It’s why, on this side of the House, we’ve taken considerable steps,

commissioning an old-growth strategic review, developing an action plan and taking

necessary steps in moving forward on that action plan.

I would note to the member opposite that it’s really important…. If you talk to Garry

Merkel, who I’m going to be talking to in about an hour’s time…. The important step

that we have to take is engaging with First Nations. In the case of the timber sale

licence that member has referred to, we engage with that nation. They are supportive

of that timber sale licence because they’ve developed an integrated resource management

plan that meets the needs of conservation and economic value.

The Speaker : The member has a supplemental.

Old-Growth Conservation Funding

Rob Botterell : I didn’t hear an answer regarding the old-growth assessment called for by the Forest

Advisory Council. So let me take a different approach. Let’s try the Minister of Water,

Land and Resource Stewardship instead.

We know that the solution to protecting old growth and respecting the sovereignty

of First Nations is conservation financing. This government, alongside the feds, committed

$1 billion to the cause in 2023. But since then, we’ve had little or no detail about

how much money has been spent. We’ve also heard serious concerns from First Nations

regarding the scope and sufficiency of the fund.

I asked the minister in forestry estimates, and he suggested the Minister of Water,

Land and Resource Stewardship could answer.

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Rob Botterell : How much of the money is left in the conservation fund, and what steps are you taking

to ensure that nations have the flexibility they require when using this $1 billion

of financing to transition away from old-growth harvesting?

Hon. Randene Neill : I thank the member opposite for the question and also for, always, his advocacy in

fighting for nature and restoring biodiversity throughout our province.

In terms of the member’s question, there is something called the conservation fund,

which is a $300 million fund. It’s a provincial fund, and $150 million was committed

to from the provincial government. The other $150 million was committed through the

B.C. Parks fund.

This is intended to be an evergreen fund. As funds are depleted through partnerships

with protecting areas in conservancies, more private donations will come in. So we’ll

never be able to run out of that fund.

I think the member was also talking about the nature strategy, which is that $1 billion

G2G2G fund with the federal, provincial and First Nations governments. I can get the

exact numbers for him, but we publish a report every year into how many funds are

left and what we’ve done with the funds that year. We just literally released that

report this week, and I can certainly send a copy over to his office.

Taylor Bridge Replacement

Jordan Kealy : Metal fatigue does not reverse, and when steel is cracked, welded and cracked again,

it does not return to its original strength. In fact, it creates more stress points,

which is stated in the reports obtained by the ICBA after they waited nine months

for an FOI request of inspection reports from 2020 to 2025 of the Taylor Bridge.

[10:50 a.m.]

We now know the Taylor Bridge has cracked steel that is being welded and re-cracked.

This can only happen so much to steel so many times until critical failure occurs.

The corrosion in critical structural components and a coating system the government’s

own engineers say has failed…. You cannot just simply put this back together.

Even after all that, the records show that this government is still identifying a

preferred course of action, with reports leaning towards rehabilitation and more patchwork

instead of replacement.

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Jordan Kealy : Why has this government continued to patch a structurally compromised, declining

bridge, and will this minister commit today to finally replacing the Taylor Bridge,

yes or no?

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I thank the member for the question. I obviously realize the importance of the Taylor

Bridge in his neck of the woods and the importance it has to the province as a whole.

We take bridge safety very seriously. Bridges are inspected on a regular basis to

ensure that they are safe, and that happens with the Taylor Bridge.

We also know that the Taylor Bridge does need to be replaced. That’s why we’re spending

$40 million to date in terms of engineering and project development to do just that.

Extensive field assessment, structural and environmental, hydrotechnical, utilities,

traffic and economic analyses have been completed. This past summer load tests were

done on some of the key areas in terms of where a new bridge would be.

I can assure the member that work is underway to determine the best way that the bridge

needs to be replaced and how it should be replaced. At the same time, I want to assure

the member that the bridge is safe. It is inspected on a regular basis, as are all

our bridges in the province.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Jordan Kealy : Well, I go over this bridge all the time. I’ve walked across it, and I’ve seen holes

in the bridge deck bigger than my foot.

Truck drivers are saying a prayer before crossing this bridge with their loads. Confidence

is gone, and when confidence is gone, assurances from this minister don’t mean much.

So I’ll ask again. When will he stop relying on patchwork and commit to replacing

the Taylor Bridge with an upgraded new one that is meant to handle the loads and capacity

of our region so that we can continue to be the powerhouse of this province?

My constituents are demanding answers now, and this minister is just leaving us praying.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I will repeat what I just said for the member. We’re spending more than $40 million

in terms of the kind of studies that need to be in place to determine the appropriate

replacement for the bridge.

At the same time, I want to let the member know that not only is it regular maintenance

but regular inspection. I understand the member’s concerns, but I will also tell him

this. We have incredibly skilled, dedicated, professional people in the Ministry of

Transportation who regularly inspect that bridge, whose expertise goes into looking

at that bridge and ensuring that it’s safe. They will continue to do that work as

we work on the plan going forward to replace the Taylor Bridge.

Access to Critical Cardiac Care

Services in Surrey

Elenore Sturko : On March 8, a patient suffering from a heart attack was en route from Surrey to Royal

Columbian by advanced life support ambulance when they were diverted due to a staffing

shortage. EHS was rerouted to Surrey Memorial Hospital, which doesn’t provide the

same level of cardiac care as RCH, and the diversion cost precious minutes. The patient

died.

Perhaps they would be alive today if they were able to get treatment at RCH’s cardiac

intensive care unit, or, if Surrey had these resources, perhaps their chance of survival

may have been higher. But that wasn’t an option for them or any other resident south

of the Fraser. Even with the cath labs in Surrey, cardiac patients in critical condition

must be transported to access cardiac intensive care.

My question. When will this government deliver timely and equitable access to health

care for underserved communities south of the Fraser?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for the question.

We know just how quickly the community of Surrey is growing south of the Fraser. That

is why this government has been so focused on building the infrastructure and providing

the services, including opening a new cardiac cath lab recently at Surrey Memorial

Hospital.

[10:55 a.m.]

The member speaks of a specific incident. While I can’t comment on that, I can say,

of course, that tragic circumstances like that are terrible situations to hear about,

and all of our hearts go out to the family members and friends of any person who tragically

or unfortunately passes away.

That’s why we continue to do the work to strengthen British Columbia’s health care

system, investing in those fast-growing communities and investing in smaller communities

too: building new hospitals; renovating emergency rooms; undertaking recruitment campaigns

to attract the specialists, the physicians that we need; continuing to invest in B.C.

Ambulance Service; and working with all parts of the health care system to deliver

the care that people expect to have close to home when they need it.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Elenore Sturko : I’m sure that those words will not be that comforting to those who are losing their

lives or their loved ones’ lives due to staffing shortages.

The addition of two cath labs in Surrey is a welcomed improvement, but what the public

may not know is that the labs are only staffed Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

and they’re for urgent but not critical patients. Residents south of the Fraser will

have to be sure to

schedule their heart attacks during business hours or be diverted

to RCH and pray they aren’t on diversion again.

My question. When will the minister get serious about timely and equitable cardiac

care for the thousands of British Columbians living south of the Fraser?

Hon. Josie Osborne : We are serious about this work each and every day. We know that the population is

expanding, it’s growing and it’s aging, and people deserve that care. The last thing

you want to worry about, of course, when you are sick or when you have a critical

incident is whether the specialists will be there to serve you.

That’s why we’re building a new medical school in Surrey, opening this fall. That’s

why we’re expanding nursing seats. We’ve expanded medical seats at UBC. You cannot

reduce wait-lists and you cannot improve care without those people.

The work that we are doing is showing progress. Between 2019 and 2023, the number

of specialists practising here in British Columbia increased by 22 percent. We continue

to invest and build in hospitals, in surgical care, in new operating rooms: new surgical

suites at Peace Arch, Burnaby General, Royal Inland, Kootenay Boundary; a second hospital

in Surrey; and work at Surrey Memorial.

A year ago we set a record for the number of surgeries that we are undertaking here

in British Columbia. We are seeing progress. We are going to stay committed and focused

on doing this work.

Service Model Change for

Children with Support Needs

and Funding for Autism Services

Peter Milobar : I thought the minister was going to say they set a record for emergency room closures.

The Minister of Children and Family Development has demonstrated a master class today

of the expression “that was then; this is now.” In 2021, the minister and other members

of that government that weren’t in government at the time had no problem protesting

the exact same cuts to autism that we are seeing this government implement now.

Reggie is a child in my riding who’s been receiving autism supports for the past several

years. Reggie’s mom, Heather, describes him as a bright, humorous and inquisitive

child who likes history, trains, Lego and video games. Reggie was first diagnosed

at three years old and non-verbal. At ten, he could not read or write. Reggie is now

in middle school and thriving.

Reggie’s mom says this progress is largely due to the ongoing funding and therapy

Reggie has been receiving. Reggie, however, is now one of the 10,000 children whose

funding will be slashed to zero by this government, putting his progress at risk.

Now, Reggie’s mom did meet with the minister on Wednesday, and it was a circular meeting

with no outcome other than niceties being exchanged.

Why is the minister putting the future of kids like Reggie at risk with these funding

cuts?

Hon. Jodie Wickens : I was very involved when an announcement was made to change our system in 2021. Any

time you make a change to a system and you transform from one state to another, there

are some families that are going to be challenged by that.

The member is incorrect. Our new transformation and our new system are considerably

different from what we were talking about in the previous system.

[11:00 a.m.]

We are expanding direct funding for children and families in our province. We are

increasing direct funding from $129 million to $326 million. We are investing $80

million in publicly available, highly specialized programs and services.

I encourage every MLA in this House…. The member from Kamloops can go to the Kamloops

Child Development Centre and talk to the leaders in that organization about the welcomed

investments that are being made in his community. This will make incredibly huge differences

in the lives of children and families in this province. We will continue to do this

work.

In an unprecedented time globally, with global pressures financially, we are choosing

to invest in children, on this side of the House. I am proud of that. We will create

a stronger, fairer system well into the future.

Donegal Wilson : I believe those words are pretty hollow for the families in the House today.

Two parents, Kaomi and Mike, told us their daughters gained life-changing communication

and emotional regulation skills through early intervention. They said clearly that

early intervention works.

Why is this government taking away support for these children when we know it’s working?

Hon. Jodie Wickens : I know families will have questions.

Eighty percent of families who are currently receiving autism funding will receive

direct funding through one of the two new benefits that we are rolling out. For some

families who have a net adjusted income of over $200,000 a year or whose children

do not meet the federal criteria for a daily functional need, they may see a decrease

in direct funding.

However, we are prioritizing highly specialized, community-based services delivered

by speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, behaviour

interventionists. These programs and services are going to be well invested in.

We are not changing funding over the next year. We will work alongside families to

ensure that they have the information they need so that they know what supports and

services are available for them.

Lynne Block : I just want to say that there are still cuts to many families, thousands of families,

through this new model.

We heard from Katrina Kirk, a mother of two autistic children, one child receiving

$22,000 and the other receiving $6,000. Under this new system, Katrina was told that

her family will receive absolutely nothing — nothing.

How can the minister justify a plan where families like Katrina’s go from receiving

vital supports for their children to receiving absolutely nothing?

Hon. Jodie Wickens : I know the opposition is characterizing this as a cut. It is inaccurate. We are increasing….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : We are increasing individualized funding, including funding for children with autism

in this province. We are working with experts right now around the assessment criteria

for children to receive the benefit.

In the new system, children will receive individualized funding throughout their childhood

of either $6,500 per year or $17,000 per year based on a functional need, through

an assessment. For families who make above $200,000 net adjusted income or for children

who do not meet the federal criteria, they will receive priority access to community-based

services, highly specialized services that are available in all of our community.

I invite the member opposite to visit the B.C. Centre for Ability, which serves her

community in wonderful ways, and speak to the professionals in those organizations

who are going to support families through these changes.

Harman Bhangu : Decrease — in other words, cuts — is exactly what that side of the aisle is doing

to health care.

I’ve heard from a single mother in Aldergrove raising a child with autism. Her son

Reece is Métis. He doesn’t qualify for First Nations supports and has aged out of

Métis programs. Now, like many families across B.C., they are losing critical funding.

She told me they may have to leave B.C. just to access care.

My question. Is this government proud of the cuts and forcing families out of this

province?

[11:05 a.m.]

Hon. Jodie Wickens : We are not making cuts to programs and services. We are investing 475 million new

dollars, above and beyond what our current budget is.

We have heard from families for years who have said our current system is not working.

Thousands of children do not have access to the services and supports that they need.

That is changing under the new system.

We know exactly what Conservative governments do when it comes to children and youth

with disabilities. You can look to Ontario under a Conservative government: seven-year

wait after diagnosis for services. Alberta, three-year wait after diagnosis for services.

Based on need, we’re taking a different approach in British Columbia.

Since we made this announcement, I have met with families. We will continue to do

so. We have a website. We will work alongside them to make sure that they have the

information they need so that they know what supports and services they are going

to receive in a better, stronger, fairer system in the future.

Reann Gasper : You have children on wait-lists for two to three years that have finally been approved

for funding. Then they get a letter, when the announcement happens, and you say that

they no longer qualify. Now you say that isn’t a cut. What is that?

The minister paints us with a brush. She says we prescribe to stop spending money.

Here’s what we prescribe to you in this House every single day. Stop wasting taxpayers’

money. Stop mismanaging finances that should be going to children. I want to be clear.

I’m sorry. I’m very passionate about this because it’s about our children.

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Reann Gasper : I will get there, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely.

The Speaker : No, no.

Reann Gasper : I want to be clear. We are supporting funding for all neurodiverse children.

The Speaker : Member, ask the question now.

Reann Gasper : My question to every member on that side of the House: will you go outside on the

front lawn because of the promise your Premier made in 2023…

The Speaker : Through the Chair, Member.

Reann Gasper : …through the Chair, and defend your government’s cuts to families whose children

are being stripped away of their funding?

Will they do that?

The Speaker : Thank you, Members.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : I am proud to stand beside a Premier and a leader who listened and paused…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : …and directed my ministry to invest $4 million in a comprehensive engagement process

that listened to families, that listened to service providers and listened to experts

to redesign an unfair system to deliver more services and supports for more children.

I sat on that side of the House when there was a Conservative government on this side

of the House. I sat on that side of the House…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh. Shhh, Members.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Member for Abbotsford South.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : …when the now Leader of the Opposition stood idly by when they made cuts to my ministry.

I stood on that side of the House as a parent of a child with autism who could not

buy a house or could not do the things that they all pretend to care about now and

instead work with thousands of children with autism….

I will take no lessons from that side of the House. I am proud to be on this side

of the House. I have met with the critic. I answered these questions during estimates.

She knows that this is not a cut. They have brought families here today.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members. Members.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : I have never seen a government…

The Speaker : Thank you, Minister.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : …bring families to provide them with the wrong information.

[End of question period.]

Harman Bhangu : May I request leave to make an introduction?

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

Harman Bhangu : We have Murrayville Academy here from Langley. Their teacher Natalie is here with

11 grade 5 students here to witness the question period of democracy.

Will the House please make them feel welcome.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : In keeping with the motion passed yesterday, I move the House do now adjourn, and

I remind members that we are back at two o’clock this afternoon.

Hon. Mike Farnworth moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The Speaker : This House stands adjourned until two o’clock this afternoon.

The House adjourned at 11:10 a.m.