1970 Legislative Session: 1st Session, 29th Parliament

HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1970

Afternoon Sitting

[ Page 1 ]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1970

The House met at 3 p.m.

Due to the special arrangement of members' desks in the Chamber, it

was not possible to record the proceedings in the House on the opening

day of the first Session of the Twenty-ninth Legislative Assembly.

This being the first day of the first meeting of the Twenty-ninth

Parliament or Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia

for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a Proclamation of Colonel the

Honourable JOHN R. NICHOLSON, P.C., O.B.E., Q.C., LL.D.,

Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, dated the 17th day of October,

1969, the members took their seats, after having taken the prescribed

oath and having signed the Parliamentary Roll.

Colonel the Honourable JOHN R. NICHOLSON, P.C., O.B.E., Q.C., LL.D.,

Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, having entered the House, took his

seat on the Throne.

The Hon. W.D. Black, Provincial Secretary, said: -

Members of the Legislative Assembly:

I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to announce

that he does not see fit to declare the cause of his summoning you at

this time, and will not do so until you have chosen a Speaker to

preside over your Honourable Body. His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor

hopes to be enabled to declare, during the afternoon, his reasons for

calling you together.

His Honour was then pleased to retire.

The Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, addressing himself to the Clerk, moved,

seconded by the Hon. L.R. Peterson, that William Harvey Murray,

Esquire, member for Prince Rupert Electoral District, do take the

Speaker's chair and preside over the meetings of this Assembly.

A debate arose.

Mr. Macdonald, addressing himself to the Clerk, moved, seconded by

Mr. Hall, that Garde Basil Gardom, Esquire, member for Vancouver–Point

Grey Electoral District, do take the Speaker's chair and preside over

the meetings of this Assembly.

The debate continued.

On the first motion being put, the House divided.

Motion agreed to on the following division:-

YEAS — 38

Messieurs

Wallace

Le Cours

Williston

Ney

Chabot

Bennett

Merilees

Little

Peterson

Marshall

Jefcoat

Black

Gardom

Tisdalle

Fraser

Wenman

Bruch

Campbell

Kripps, Mrs.

McCarthy, Mrs.

Wolfe

Mussallem

Jordan, Mrs.

Smith

Price

Dawson, Mrs.

McDiarmid

Vogel

Kiernan

Capozzi

Skillings

Gaglardi

Shelford

Chant

Campbell

Richter

Loffmark

Brothers

NAYS- 16

Messieurs

Brousson

Clark

Nimsick

Cocke

McGeer

Dailly, Mrs.

Hartley

Williams, L. A.

Barrett

Calder

Dowding

Macdonald

Hall

Strachan

Murray

Lorimer

E.K. DeBeck, Esquire, the Clerk of the House, having declared Mr.

William Harvey Murray duly elected, he was then taken out of his place

by the mover and seconder, and conducted to the chair, where, standing

on the upper step, he expressed his grateful thanks to the House for

the great honour they had been pleased to confer upon him by choosing

him to be their Speaker.

And thereupon he sat down in the chair, and the mace was laid upon the table.

Prayers by the Lord Archbishop of Vancouver.

The letter of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and the certificate of

the Chief Electoral Officer of the result of the election of members to

represent the respective electoral districts of the Province of the

Legislative Assembly at the general election were read by the Clerk

Assistant, as follows:-

"OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PROVINCIAL SECRETARY,

"VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, October 21, 1969.

"Mr. E.K. DeBeck,

"Clerk of the Legislative Assembly,

"Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia.

"Re: General Election, August 27, 1969

"SIR,- His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor by His

Proclamation issued on the 2ist day of July, 1969, was pleased to

dissolve the Legislative Assembly of the Province, and it was necessary

to hold elections to fill vacancies caused by such dissolution.

"The elections were duly held pursuant to the provisions of the Provincial Elections Act.

"I transmit herewith the certificate of the Chief

Electoral Officer and Registrar-General of Voters setting forth the

names of the members who were elected in the respective electoral

districts.

"Yours very truly,

"L. J. WALLACE,

"Deputy Provincial Secretary."

(ENCLOSURE)

"CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF VOTERS,

"VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, October 16, 1969

[ Page 2 ]

"L.J. Wallace, Esq.,

"Deputy Provincial Secretary,

"Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia.

"General Election, August 27, 1969

"SIR,- The Twenty-eighth Legislative Assembly of the Province of

British Columbia was dissolved on July 21, 1969, and writs were issued

on that date, calling for a general election. Writs were made

returnable on September 27, 1969, but due to a judicial recount held in

the Kootenay Electoral District, return day had to be altered to

October 10, 1969.

"August 13, 1969, was designated as the day for the nomination of candidates, and polling-day was August 27, 1969.

"All writs have now been returned to me by the Returning Officers

and I hereby certify that the following members have been elected to

represent their respective electoral districts, as set out hereunder:-

Alberni

Howard Richmond McDiarmid.

Atlin

Frank Arthur Calder

Boundary-Similkameen

Francis Xavier Richter.

Burnaby-Edmonds

Gordon Hudson Dowding.

Burnaby-North

Eileen Elizabeth Dailly.

Burnaby-Willingdon

James Gibson Lorimer.

Cariboo

Alexander Vaughan Fraser.

Chilliwack

William Kenneth Kiernan.

Columbia River

James R. Chabot.

Comox

Daniel R.J. Campbell.

Coquitlam

David Barrett.

Cowichan-Malahat

Robert Martin Strachan.

Delta

Robert Wenman.

Dewdney

George Mussallem.

Esquimalt

Herbert J. Bruch.

Fort George

Ray Gillis Williston.

Kamloops

Philip Arthur Gaglardi.

Kootenay

Leo Thomas Nimsick.

Langley

Hunter Bertram Vogel.

Mackenzie

Isabel Pearl Dawson.

Nanaimo

Frank James Ney.

Nelson-Creston

Wesley Drewett Black.

New Westminster

Dennis G. Cocke.

North Okanagan

Patricia Jane Jordan.

North Peace River

Dean Edward Smith.

North Vancouver-Capilano

David Maurice Brousson

North Vancouver–Seymour

Barrie Aird Clark

Oak Bay

George Scott Wallace.

Omineca

Cyril Morley Shelford.

Prince Rupert

William Harvey Murray.

Revelstoke-Slocan

Burton Peter Campbell.

Richmond

Ernest A. LeCours.

Rossland-Trail

Donald Leslie Brothers.

Saanich and the Islands

John Douglas Tisdalle.

Shuswap

Willis Franklin Jefcoat.

Skeena

Dudley George Little.

South Okanagan

William Andrew Cecil Bennett.

South Peace River

Donald Albert Marshall.

Surrey

Ernest Hall.

Vancouver-Burrard

Harold James Merilees

Bert Price.

Vancouver Center

Harold Peter Capozzi.

Evan Maurice Wolfe.

Vancouver East

Alexander Barrett Macdonald.

Robert Arthur Williams.

Vancouver–Little Mountain

Leslie Raymond Peterson.

Grace Mary McCarthy.

Vancouver–Point Grey

Patrick Lucey McGeer.

Garde Basil Gardom.

Vancouver South

Ralph Raymond Loffmark.

Agnes Kripps.

Victoria

William Neelands Chant.

Waldo McTavish Skillings.

West Vancouver–Howe Sound

Louis Allan Williams.

Yale-Lillooet

William Leonard Hartley

"K. L. MORTON,

"Chief Electoral Officer

and Registrar-General of Voters."

On the motion of the Hon. W.D. Black, seconded by the Hon. F.X. Richter, it was Ordered,-

That the letter of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and the

certificate of the Chief Electoral Officer of the results of the

election of members be entered on the Journals of the House.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor again entered the House and took

his seat on the Throne. The Speaker, standing on his Honour's right,

then spoke to the following effect.-

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR:

The House of Assembly have elected me as their Speaker, though I am

but little able to fulfill the important duties thus assigned to me.

If, in the performance of those duties, I should at any time fall

into error, I pray that the fault be imputed to be, and not to the

Assembly, whose servant I am, and who, through me, the better to enable

them to discharge their undoubted rights and privileges, especially

that they have the freedom of speech in their debates, access to Your

Honour's person at all seasonable times, and that their proceedings may

receive from Your Honour the most favourable

interpretation.

The Hon. W.D. Black then said:-

MR. SPEAKER:

I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to declare to

you that he freely confides in the duty and attachment of the House of

Assembly to Her Majesty's person and Government, and not doubting that

their respective proceedings will be conducted with wisdom, temper, and

prudence, he grants, and upon all occasions will recognize and allow,

their constitutional privileges.

I am commanded also to assure you that the Assembly shall have ready

access to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor upon all seasonable

occasions, and that their proceedings, as well as your words and

actions, will, constantly receive from him the most favourable

construction.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor was then pleased to open the Session by the following gracious Speech:-

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly:

[ Page 3 ]

In opening the First Session of the Twenty-ninth Parliament of

British Columbia, I welcome all Members and express my confidence that

you will discharge your duties carefully and with wisdom for the

lasting benefit of the people. Seated for the first time at this

Session are nine new Members whose knowledge, I feel sure, will benefit

the deliberations of this House.

May I recall to your memory that nearly one hundred years ago, in

March, 1870, the Legislative Council of the Colony of British Columbia

embarked on a lengthy debate on the question of union with Canada. This

issue was one of great import, not only for the people living in

British Columbia, but for the new nation that was beginning to take

shape. Out of these deliberations there came a set of terms of union

which, in June of that same year, were the subject of discussion with

Members of the Legislative Council, have long been revered for their

contribution to the evolution and development of our Province — Joseph

W. Trutch, Dr. John S. Helmcken, and Dr. R.W.W. Carrall. Thus was the

ground prepared for our transition from Colonial, to Provincial status.

I am pleased to report to you that, pursuant to the provisions of

the British Columbia Centennial '71 Celebrations Act passed at the last

Session of this House, the British Columbia Centennial '71 Committee

has been convened and already much progress has been made in the

organization of the fitting commemoration of British Columbia becoming

Canada's sixth Province, a most significant event in our history.

I note with sadness the death last month of Mrs. Nancy Hodges, the

first woman Speaker of the British Columbia Legislature and first woman

Speaker in the British Commonwealth. Her service to Canada was

outstanding, first as a Member of the British Columbia Legislature and

later as a Member of the Senate.

During the past year the Province was host to many distinguished

visitors, including His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of

Edinburgh.

The twentieth conference of the Colombo Plan was held in Victoria

during the month of October last. It is significant to note that this

is the first time that meetings have taken place other than in the

Capital of Canada. This conference has given us a deeper awareness and

greater understanding of our neighbours in South and South-east Asia.

On October 27th last, the Honourable Philip Arthur Gaglardi assumed

the portfolio of Minister of Social Welfare The Royal Commission

appointed under the Public Inquiries Act to inquire into matters

relating to the distribution, sale, and consumption of spirituous,

vinous, and malt liquors within the Province, and the laws and

regulations pertaining thereto, continues to carry out its function.

Last year, 26 members of the Bar of this Province were appointed

Queen's Counsel. Included among these appointees was the first woman in

British Columbia to be named a Queen's Counsel. To each of these I also

extend my congratulations.

Under the Centennial Cultural Fund Act of 1967, the Perpetual

Cultural Fund was constituted and, under the Revenue Surplus

Appropriation Act, 1969, the First Citizens' Fund, the Agricultural Aid

to Developing Countries and World Disaster Areas Fund, and Physical

Fitness and Amateur Sports Fund were established on a perpetual basis

Reports will be made to the Legislature concerning their respective

programmes.

I am most pleased to note that the Annual British Columbia Festival

of Sports, initiated by my Government, will be held in all parts of the

Province from May 16th to June lst.

Letters of Understanding have been completed between the Province

and the adjoining States of Washington, Idaho, and Montana to provide

for the use of Civil Defence equipment and manpower on a mutual basis

in the event of a major disaster. Plans for the inclusion of Alaska are

under negotiation. Civil Defence volunteers supplemented the efforts of

the community of Trail in coping with the results of a major flash

flood in April, 1969, thus bringing to the fore the value of our

Provincial Civil Defence organization and the contribution by many

departments of government within a co-ordinated programme.

In keeping with the progressive policy of my Government with respect

to the restoration of historic sites within our Province, a

Government of British Columbia was completed on the 23rd day of April,

1969, respecting the acquisition of the historic buildings, lands, and

other premises comprising the Hudson's Bay Trading Post at Fort St.

James, and its restoration, maintenance, and establishment as a

historic park.

Establishment of the new Field Consultant Service of the Library

Development Commission is now a reality. First steps have also been

taken toward the organization of library systems based on the regional

district plan, and in this connection work is progressing in the Peace

River, East Kootenay, and West Kootenay areas.

You will be asked to give consideration to the initiation, under the

jurisdiction of the Honourable the Speaker, of a system of recordings

on tape of proceedings in this House.

To extend the benefits of home ownership now provided by the

Provincial annual home-owner grant and assistance to build new homes,

you will be asked to consider legislation to Provide further assistance

to tenants by way of a grant or second-mortgage loan for the purchase

of homes already in existence.

During the past year, Over one thousand accommodations were

authorized for the benefit of elderly citizens throughout the Province.

Demands for this type of housing are continuous and my Government will

provide further assistance under the Elderly Citizens' Housing Aid Act

to meet this need.

A matter of prime concern in British Columbia today is the

protection of our environment. There are many facets to the problem of

environmental control. They range beyond those measures designed

directly to minimize air, soil, and water pollution, to those so

necessary in a programme of environmental health protection. My

Government will continue to work toward the protection and preservation

of our total environment, so that all our citizens may enjoy the

beauties and wonders of our heritage as intended by nature. Reports

will be made to the Legislature concerning the efforts and progress

being made.

My Government is pleased to report that 10 new Provincial parks were established in 1969, bringing the present total to 275.

The Capital Regional Park District, since its formation in 1966, has

acquired or is in the process of acquiring seven parcels of choice

recreational land. The Vancouver-Fraser Regional Park District, active

since 1967, has already acquired extensive holdings in the Lower Fraser

Valley.

To meet the growing pressure on our fresh-water sports

[ Page 4 ]

fishery resource, reflected by the purchase of

187,000 angling licences by our residents, the stocking of lakes with

hatchery-raised game-fish continues, together with our trout-spawning

improvement projects. In addition, 135 lakes, mostly in the northern

part of our Province, were surveyed for fisheries potential.

The travel industry continues to expand at the rate of approximately

10 per cent per year, and its economic impact is felt in every corner

of our Province.

My Government is pleased to report that the mineral industry

continued its steady growth. The concentrator at the Brenda open-pit

mine, west of Peachland, will be in full operation early this year.

Indications are that Island Copper Mines Ltd. mining property at Rupert

Inlet will be brought into production in 1971 and the Lornex Mine in

Highland Valley in 1972. Discovery and partial exploration of what

appears to be a billion-ton orebody in Highland Valley is significant

in that it is the first single orebody of sufficient size and grade of

ore which may support a copper smelter in the Province. As a result,

feasibility studies are being made with a view to the erection of

copper smelting and, if feasible, refining facilities in British

Columbia.

With completion of the Roberts Bank Superport bulkloading

facilities, coal from the Kootenay area will be exported to Japan to

meet contracts which this year require delivery of 5,150,000 long tons.

Exploration activity in the oil and gas industry continued on a

similar level to that in 1968. Drilling took place in the Bowser Basin

north of Stewart, but the Peace River district remains the only area of

production.

I am pleased to report that the Department of Public Works continues

its programme of construction and maintenance in support of all my

Government's activities throughout the Province.

Following very careful selection procedures, a design team of

architects and engineers, composed largely of British Columbia talent,

is making good progress with plans for a British Columbia Building in

Vancouver.

My Government's extensive programme of highway improvement will

continue in 1970. In almost all of the 38 highway districts, road

reconstruction or paving and bridge replacement is in progress. Of

special importance is the near completion of the Yellowhead Route 16

from Prince George to Tete Jaune Cache. Roads affected by the Columbia

River hydro development have been relocated and much of the

reconstruction is completed.

British Columbia Ferries report that the pattern of over-all growth

in carriage of passengers and vehicles continued through the past year.

Various steps were taken to deal with this additional traffic

offering. The most significant of these was the "stretching" of the

Queen of Esquimalt, which, without loss of speed or handling ability,

consistently carried well in excess of two hundred vehicles during peak

loading periods Consequently, the Queen of Victoria will be modified

prior to this summer.

The upgrading of ferry passenger accommodation and service was completed elsewhere, particularly in the Sunshine

Coast, Powell River, and Campbell River areas. In addition to new

services between Quadra and Cortes Islands, the ferries owned by Coast

Ferries Ltd. were purchased and as of June 15, 1969, incorporated into

the Ferry Service.

In 1969 the Pacific Great Eastern Railway completed the most

successful year of operations in its 57-year history Carloadings

climbed to record levels.

Two new railway extensions are under construction at the present

time. A 73-mile leg of the Takla Lake extension, running from Fort St.

James to Takla Lake in a northwesterly direction, is scheduled for

completion at the end of 1970. A 250-mile link, extending in a

northerly direction from Fort St. John to Fort Nelson, will be in

operation by the end of 1971.

Initial surveys have been completed for a further extension of the

Pacific Great Eastern Railway in a north-westerly direction from Takla

Lake to Dease Lake, a distance of 300 miles. The extension to Dease

Lake, by providing rail access to the resources of the area, will

result in the development of the vast, unsettled north-western quarter

of the Province.

British Columbia maintained the expansion of its educational

facilities in the public school sector in 1969. Although steps had to

be taken late in the year to bring approvals for capital projects under

careful review because of excessively high interest rates, my

Government has authorized an all-time high expenditure of over $60

million for construction of new schools this fiscal year.

The first phase of the Greater Victoria Vocational School was

completed this month and is expected to commence operation in April,

and construction was started last summer on a new regional vocational

school at Kamloops, which is expected to be ready for classes in the

fall of 1971.

Considerable progress was achieved in the expansion of the network

of regional colleges in 1969. Okanagan Regional College and Capilano

Regional College completed their first full year of operation, and two

more regional colleges came into existence last September, the College

of New Caledonia at Prince George and Malaspina College at Nanaimo,

bringing the total to six, including Vancouver City College and Selkirk

College at Castlegar. At least two more colleges are expected to come

into existence in the coming year, Douglas College in the Fraser Valley

and Cariboo College at Kamloops.

Because of the success of this new form of post-secondary education,

consideration is being given by my Government to permit the Greater

Victoria School Board to proceed with a plebiscite for the

establishment of a regional college serving the southern end of

Vancouver Island.

During last year, three presidents assumed office in the public

universities of the Province: Dr. Walter Gage at the University of

British Columbia, Dr. Bruce Partridge at the University of Victoria,

and Dr. Kenneth Strand at Simon Fraser University. Construction

programmes continue at all three institutions.

My Government has been pleased to learn that the Government of

Canada has decided to reconsider its proposed legislation affecting

educational television. By this action the door has been left open for

the future educational use of cable facilities, and for a continuation

of the harmonious cooperation that has existed in this Province with

the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The expansion of the industrial and commercial life of the Province

continues to be reflected in an outstanding rate of growth in the

labour force and improved working conditions. I am pleased to note that

last year there were more persons employed in British Columbia than

ever before. Further, the percentage rate of growth of the labour force

in this Province was approximately three times that of the rest of the

nation.

During 1969 the Human Rights Act was proclaimed and the Human Rights

Commission and a Director were appointed. Administrative procedures

have been established and every effort made to implement the provisions

of the Act to the end that there shall be no discrimination in employ-

[ Page 5 ]

ment or accommodation.

You will be asked to consider amendments to the Payment of Wages

Act, which will strengthen its provisions, thereby affording much

greater protection to the working people of the Province in regard to

unpaid wages.

As part of its service to both workmen and employers of the

Province, it is the intention of the Workmen's Compensation Board to

construct a Rehabilitation Centre in Richmond designed to accommodate

injured workmen and to reduce the time and cost involved in returning

injured British Columbia workmen to productive employment.

Indicative of my Government's concern in providing, under the

Workmen's Compensation Board, increased benefits to widows, dependent

children, and disability pensioners, in line with the increasing cost

of living, pensions were increased on January 1, 1970.

The Workmen's Compensation Board awarded bravery medallions and cash

awards totalling $10,500, under the recently established Bravery Awards

Plan.

The reorganization of the Courts continues, with the coming-into-force on August 1, 1969, of the Provincial Court Act.

The removal of most traffic offences from the Courts and the

substitution of traffic-violation notices now operates by Proclamation

in the whole Province, with the exception of the Counties of Vancouver

and Westminster, where the effective date has been proclaimed as April

lst.

At the last sitting of the Legislature my Government, by means of

amendments to the Motor-vehicle Act and the Insurance Act, made

provision for a new and practical approach to the inseparable problem

of highway safety and automobile-insurance coverage. On January ist

much of this legislation was proclaimed. A Committee of this

Legislature will be asked to give further study to certain aspects of

the new automobile insurance plan and to make recommendations for its

improvement.

The Province's vital concern in protecting those who use our

highways continues. A new motor-vehicle testing-station in Richmond was

opened last month, and the contract has been awarded for a station in

Burnaby.

Probation services have now implemented throughout the Province the

policy enacted following your deliberations last year, under which

criminal charges against juveniles do not proceed until the whole of

the environmental situation is first examined to determine what is best

for the juvenile and the community. Voluntary juvenile probation

agreements without Court intervention are increasing. Under changes in

the Criminal Code, adults may now be placed under a probation order,

regardless of a previous conviction. It is a pleasure also to note that

the population of our gaols has decreased, despite the increases in

Provincial population.

You will be called upon to consider amendments in legislation to

protect further the rights of individuals in relation to rental housing.

A new Motion Pictures Act will be submitted to you.

In keeping with developments in the Corrections Branch, you will have placed before you for consideration a new Corrections Act.

The Law Reform Commission provided for at your last Session

commences its major work of overhauling the laws of the Province this

month under the distinguished chairmanship of the Honourable E. Davie

Fulton.

The Department of Agriculture remains aware of the need for

continuing progress in the development of programmes and other measures

that will perpetuate or improve the primary food-production resources

of the Province, consistent with changing consumer demands and economic

benefit to the producer. Continuous efforts are being made to encourage

the application of the newer discoveries of agricultural science,

coupled with the practices of modern business management.

At present the joint Federal-Provincial programme related to ARDA,

which now runs to March 31st, is in process of negotiation for a

further term. My Government is urging the Land Inventory programme be

extended by the Federal authorities to all areas of the Province not

now included.

New regulations introduced in 1968 under the Health Act have

resulted in improved sanitary standards which contribute to the

protection of our environment. The Health Branch and the Pollution

Control Board have cooperated in establishing water and air quality

standards. Air quality standards will be incorporated in municipal and

district air pollution control by-laws.

The passage of the Treatment Resources Act at the last Session of

the Legislative Assembly has been of great assistance in the

development of local community resources.

Grants have been paid to eight non-profit societies which provide

resources or facilities for the care of persons, particularly children,

who are mentally disordered. Six new mental health centres were opened

and the British Columbia Youth Development Centre, "The Maples," in

Burnaby, is being phased into operation. The Eric Martin Institute of

Psychiatry in Victoria was completed and a 50-bed preplacement centre

operated by The Woodlands School has been established in Maillardville.

The main contract was let for the construction of the Glendale

Hospital, a 300-bed extended-care unit for the mentally disordered.

Tranquille School was established as a regional facility and the

Riverview Hospital is now available to privately practising

psychiatrists. The year 1969 was a decisive year in the development of

regional and community based programmes, and these will be extended

during this year.

The spiralling cost of hospital care was reflected in the increase

of payments to our hospitals. In the present fiscal year over $150

million will be paid by the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service

toward expenses incurred by residents. Construction in the hospital

field continues on a large scale.

A publication titled "Hospitals for Extended Care, A Programme and

Design Guide," was completed in June of last year, the main objective

of which was to expedite the design, production, and approval processes

for extended-care hospital projects. In July of 1969 a Cost-Analysis

Team was organized and assigned to the study of major hospital projects.

The Medical Services Plan of British Columbia established July 1,

1968, has fulfilled successfully my Government's expectations by

extending to all residents of the Province comprehensive prepaid

medical coverage at a reasonable cost. The Provincial Plan provides

additional benefits and assured services beyond that required of

participating Provinces under the Federal Medical Care Act.

The revisions to welfare legislation approved last year have

resulted in improved services to children in conflict with the law and

in the inspection and control of community-care facilities. Successful

involvement in the self-help and local participatory programmes of

people needing help has produced noticeable benefits. Incentive

programmes for employable persons receiving assistance and enlisting

the aid of local businessmen through the British Columbia Alliance

[ Page 6 ]

of Businessmen gives a new hope and sense of worth to many.

Last October, the Ministers of Welfare and their officials from

Canada and the 10 Provinces met in Victoria for the first

Federal-Provincial Conference on Welfare to be held outside Ottawa.

In order to facilitate the provision of better services to children,

my Government will ask you to consider amendments to the Protection of

Children Act and the Adoption Act. Further, to describe more accurately

the changing role of the Department of Social Welfare, you will be

asked to consider amending the Department of Social Welfare Act by

renaming it the Department of Rehabilitation and Social Improvement.

Increased unemployment for marginal employees and the effect of

rising prices, particularly in housing of unemployable persons,

families on assistance, and the employed poor are serious problems. My

Government will ask you to consider an increase in social allowance,

boarding-home and nursing-home rates, and in the Provincial

Government's Supplementary Social Allowance to pensioners, based on

need.

The progressive forest policies of my Government are continuing to

bring spectacular results in investment and production. The most recent

developments reflect the impact of the newly required close utilization

of the raw-material resource. The expanded development of specialty

mills ensures a supply of residual chips for the record-breaking

expansion in the installation of pulp and paper plants, This year, six

of these will be under construction.

I am pleased to note that the water-pollution problems have been

solved in all the new pulp installations and will soon be remedied in

the older mills. Intensive research continues to resolve the problem of

kraft-mill odour. Tax incentives offered by my Government covering the

installation of all non-productive equipment installed only for

pollution control has assisted with the tremendous improvement which

has already been recorded.

The present fiscal year saw a number of significant developments in

the expansion of lumber and pulp mills at Crestbrook, Bulkley Valley,

Mackenzie, Kitimat, and Kamloops. Industry is also showing increased

interest in wood resources of the Bella Coola and Peace River regions.

I am pleased to report that despite downward market trends, which

started early in 1969, forest resource industries of British Columbia

continue a general upward climb in the Provincial economy. While the

United States remains our number one customer, it is likely that Japan,

by the end of the fiscal year, will reach and even pass the United

Kingdom to become our second-largest customer.

Our Forest Service and industry continue with the planting of

seedlings and have sown at twice the volume of three years ago. They

are meeting the planned production commitment of 75,000,000 seedlings

by 1975.

I am pleased to inform you that my Government will introduce a new

Land Act at this Session. I am certain the new Act will correct

deficiencies and improve procedures with respect to the disposition of

Crown lands within the Province.

Evaluation of the Province's water resources and planning of its

judicious use continues with assistance from our universities and

outside scientists. Pollution control administrative facilities have

been extended throughout the Province, with additional engineering

advice and assistance being provided. The Federal Government continues

its cooperation with respect to the Lower Fraser Flood Control

improvements. A new agreement was entered into with the Federal

Government, making provision for a comprehensive study of Okanagan

water problems. To foster consultation between the water-users in that

region and my Government, arrangements have been completed for the

establishment of the Okanagan Basin Board.

My Government suffered a grievous loss through the death of Mr.

Newton P. Steacy, Commissioner for Trade and Tourism, British Columbia

House, California. Provision has been made for continuity in our

representation abroad by the appointment of a British Columbia Trade

Commissioner to the staff of our Agent-General in London, and steps

have already been taken to strengthen our representation in California.

The Province's economy has maintained its record growth-rate

throughout 1969, with special significance in investment, employment,

and housing. Trade through customs ports in British Columbia during

1969 set a new record, surpassing the previous record year of 1968.

The Bureau of Economics and Statistics has prepared numerous

regional studies designed to encourage investment in and development of

specific areas of the Province. This year, three separate regional

economic surveys have been undertaken as well as two new industry

feasibility studies.

The Data Processing Centre, which provides service to all

departments and agencies, continues to show increased use and has

redesigned and reprogrammed many of its assignments.

My Government is pleased to report the completion of the British

Columbia exhibition structure, of unique design, for Expo '70 at Osaka,

Japan. Competent staff have been appointed and are fully prepared for

the opening in mid-March.

The Department of Industrial Development, Trade, and Commerce, on

behalf of my Government, will sponsor the 5th British Columbia

International Trade Fair to be held at the Pacific National Exhibition

grounds in Vancouver, from June 2 to June 12, 1971. This event will

contribute much to our Centennial celebrations.

The Energy Board is continuing to forecast the electrical load and

to disseminate its findings on the statistical survey of consumption of

electric energy.

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority experienced a productive

year during 1969, meeting the requirements of a rapidly growing

population and a steadily expanding economy. Important new

power-generating and transmission facilities were brought into service

and work was begun or continued on others.

Hydro's total electric generating capacity has increased by 146 per

cent since 1960. The outlook is for continued high level of activity.

Dr. H.L. Keenleyside retired as Co-chairman of British Columbia

Hydro during 1969, after a decade of dedicated service with the

Authority and its predecessor, British Columbia Power Commission.

During 1969, Duncan Dam and Hugh Keenleyside Dam came into operation in

accordance with the provisions of the Columbia Treaty; it was the first

full year of operation of the Arrow reservoir. Work advanced on

schedule during 1969 on Mica Dam, the third and largest of the Columbia

Treaty dams being built in this Province.

New transmission and distribution facilities brought increased power

and improved service to industries and communities in the Peace River,

Central and Southern

[ Page 7 ]

Interior and East Kootenay regions, as well as in

the Greater Vancouver area. Similar benefits will result from work

scheduled for completion this year on northern Vancouver Island and

near Powell River.

The advantages of electric service were extended during 1969 to many

remote communities to which service was not previously economically

feasible. The expanded programme was made possible by an increased

Provincial Government contribution to British Columbia Hydro's Rural

Electrification Assistance Fund, combined with a revised Hydro policy

which reduced the contribution required from customers.

A liquefied natural-gas storage plant now under construction in

Delta Municipality is scheduled to go into operation this September.

The additional storage capacity will enable Hydro to meet peak demands

during very cold periods at minimum cost.

British Columbia Hydro continues to have marked success in

attracting new industries to industrial sites adjacent to its railway

lines in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Rail access and

electric service were extended to the Roberts Bank Superport.

Though the Hydro Authority's revenues have been increasing, the cost

of providing its various services has grown even faster, mainly as a

result of spiralling interest rates and labour costs. Since British

Columbia Hydro was formed in 1962, residential electric rates have been

reduced four times and increased once. Similarly, the cost of gas to

residential consumers was reduced twice during the same period.

Last month my Government gave special recognition to its long-time

employees; 85 of whom received certificates of merit for 25 years of

completed service and 54 employees with 40 years of service received

gold watches. My Government appreciates the dedication of so many

long-time employees. Their work, undoubtedly, has contributed much

toward increased services to the public and enhanced the fine

reputation of one of the best Civil Services in Canada.

The Public Accounts will be presented and estimates for the ensuing

year will be submitted. Reports of the various departments of

Government will be laid before you.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I leave you now. I pray that the blessing of Divine Providence will rest upon your labours.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor was then pleased to retire.

The Speaker reported that, to prevent mistakes, he had obtained a copy of His Honour's Speech.

On the motion of the Hon. L.R. Peterson, Bill (No. 1) entitled An

Act to Amend the Contributory Negligence Act was introduced, read a

first time, and Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

On the motion of the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, seconded by the Hon. W.D. Black, it was Ordered,-

That the Speech of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into

consideration at the next sitting of the House, and that this Order

have precedence over all other business, except introduction of Bills,

until disposed of.

On the motion of the Hon. W.D. Black, seconded by the Hon. L.R. Peterson, it was Ordered,-

That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first

perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof,

and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the

same.

On the motion of the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, seconded by the Hon. D.L. Brothers, it was Ordered,-

That the Select Standing Committees of this House, for the present Session, be appointed for the following purposes:-

On Standing Orders and Private Bills;

On Public Accounts and Printing;

On Mining and Railways;

On Agriculture;

On Municipal Matters;

On Forestry and Fisheries;

On Labour;

On Social Welfare and Education; which said Committees shall

severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and

things as shall be referred to them by this House, and to report from

time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to

send for persons, papers, and records, and that a Special Committee be

appointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed lists of

members to compose the above Select Standing Committees of this House

under Standing Order 68 (1), said Committee to be composed of the Hon.

L.R. Peterson, the Hon. W.N. Chant, and Messrs. Bruch, Barrett, and

McGeer.

On the motion of the Hon. W.A.C. Bennett, seconded by the Hon. L.R. Peterson, it was Ordered,-

That Herbert Joseph Bruch, Esquire, member for Esquimalt Electoral

District, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this Session of the

Legislative Assembly.

The House adjourned at 4.21 p.m.