British Columbia Hansard — 23 April 2018, p.m., Issue 122 (41st Parliament, 3rd Session)

20180423pm-Hansard-n122

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Monday, April 23, 2018 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 122 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Third Session, 41st Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Darryl Plecas EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council............................................................................................................... Hon. John Horgan Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance............................................................................................................................Hon.

Carole James Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training..................................................................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Minister of Agriculture.........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General.................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development............................................................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Child Care......................................................................................................................................Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services.................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Minister of Education............................................................................................................................................................ Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources...............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Mungall Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.............................................................................................Hon.

George Heyman Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development..............................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Minister of Health.....................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon.

Scott Fraser Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology............................................................................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour...................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions............................................................................................................................ Hon. Judy Darcy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.................................................................................................................. Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General........................................................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction..............................................................................................Hon. Shane Simpson Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.....................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................ Hon.

Claire Trevena LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition................................................................................................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Leader of the Third Party ....................................................................................................................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................... Linda Reid Deputy Chair, Commi ttee of the Whole................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Commi ttees.................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Clerk Assistant — Commi ttees and Interparliamentary Relations ..........................................................................................Susan Sourial Sessional Law Clerk...............................................................................................................................................Loredana Catalli-Sonier, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal)........................................................................ Penticton Bains, Hon. Harry (NDP)...............................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal)................................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Beare, Hon. Lisa (NDP).............................................Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Garry (NDP) ..................................................................... Surrey-Guildford Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal).......................................................

Peace River South Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal)......................................... Prince George–Valemount Brar, Jagrup (NDP)..................................................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal)....................................................... Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–West End Chen, Hon. Katrina (NDP).....................................................Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ............................................................... Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon.

George (NDP)............................................... Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal)................................ Columbia River–Revelstoke Coleman, Rich (BC Liberal)...............................................................Langley East Conroy, Hon. Katrine (NDP)......................................................... Kootenay West Darcy, Hon.

Judy (NDP) ............................................................New Westminster Davies, Dan (BC Liberal)..........................................................Peace River North de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal)............................................ Abbotsford West Dean, Mitzi (NDP)...............................................................Esquimalt-Metchosin D’Eith, Bob (NDP) ...............................................................Maple Ridge–Mission Dix, Hon. Adrian (NDP)......................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Hon.

Doug (NDP).....................................................................Stikine Eby, Hon. David, QC (NDP).............................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP)....................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (NDP) ...................................................... Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (NDP) .....................................................Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal)........................................................... Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Hon.

Scott (NDP) ................................................ Mid Island–Pacific Rim Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) ........................................... Cowichan Valley Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal)................................................. Abbotsford-Mission Glumac, Rick (NDP)........................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Heyman, Hon. George (NDP).............................................. Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon. John (NDP) ...............................................

Langford–Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal).......................................................Surrey-Cloverdale Isaacs, Joan (BC Liberal).........................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain James, Hon. Carole (NDP)...................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Johal, Jas (BC Liberal)...............................................

Richmond-Queensborough Kahlon, Ravi (NDP)..............................................................................Delta North Kang, Anne (NDP)..................................................................Burnaby–Deer Lake Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ..................................................................Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal)............................................................................ Shuswap Larson, Linda (BC Liberal).............................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Michael (BC Liberal)......................................................

Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (NDP) ....................................................Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (B C Liberal)............................................Kelowna–Lake Country Ma, Bowinn (NDP)................................................... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Mark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal)...................................................................... Chilliwack Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal)....................................

Kam loops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal)..........................................Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP).................................................... Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal)...........................................................Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (B C Green Party)........................... Saanich North and the Islands Paton, Ian (BC Liberal)......................................................................... Delta South Plecas, Hon.

Darryl (Ind.) ..........................................................Abbotsford South Polak, Mary (BC Liberal)............................................................................ Langley Popham, Hon. Lana (NDP)..............................................................Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) .......................................................... Surrey-Whalley Redies, Tracy (BC Liberal)..................................................... Surrey–White Rock Reid, Linda (BC Liberal)................................................

Richmond South Centre Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ............................................................................ North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (NDP) ....................................... Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal)..................................................................................Skeena Routledge, Janet (NDP) .................................................................. Burnaby North Routley, Doug (NDP) ................................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, John (BC Liberal)..............................................................

Nechako Lakes Shypitka, Tom (B C Liberal).............................................................Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ........................................Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)................................................ Vancouver-Hastings Sims, Hon.

Jinny (NDP) .............................................................Surrey-Panorama Singh, Rachna (NDP) ........................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal)................................................................Kelowna West Stilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal)..............................................Parksville-Qualicum Stone, Todd (BC Liberal)........................................

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

North Vancouver–Seymour Throness, Laurie (BC Liberal)..................................................... Chilliwack-Kent Trevena, Hon. Claire (NDP) .............................................................. North Island Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal)................................................Richmond North Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (BC Green Party) ......................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal).............................. Vancouver-Quilchena Yap, John (BC Liberal)..........................................................

Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ..........................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Hon. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West.................................................................... Michael de Jong, QC Boundary-Similkameen.....................................................................

Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ...............................................................................Anne Kang Burnaby-Edmonds ..............................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Burnaby North................................................................................

Janet Routledge Cariboo-Chilcotin............................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................................. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack.............................................................................................. John Martin Chilliwack-Kent..............................................................................Laurie Throness Columbia River–Revelstoke........................................................

Doug Clovechok Coquitlam–Burke Mountain................................................................. Joan Isaacs Coquitlam-Maillardville..................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Courtenay-Comox ................................................................. Ronna-Rae Leonard Cowichan Valley............................................................................

Sonia Furstenau Delta North ...........................................................................................Ravi Kahlon Delta South.................................................................................................Ian Paton Esquimalt-Metchosin.............................................................................Mitzi Dean Fraser-Nicola........................................................................................

Jackie Tegart Kam loops–North Thompson............................................................Peter Milobar Kam loops–South Thompson ................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country....................................................................Norm L etnick Kelowna-Mission.............................................................................

Steve Thomson Kelowna West.........................................................................................Ben Stewart Kootenay East.....................................................................................Tom Shypitka Kootenay West...................................................................... Hon. Katrine Conroy Langford–Juan de Fuca............................................................. Hon. John Horgan Langley....................................................................................................

Mary Polak Langley East.......................................................................................Rich Coleman Maple Ridge–Mission ............................................................................ Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ..........................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim .............................................................. Hon. Scott Fraser Nanaimo...............................................................................

Leonard Eugene Krog Nanaimo–North Cowichan.............................................................. Doug Routley Nechako Lakes...................................................................................... John Rustad Nelson-Creston.................................................................. Hon. Michelle Mungall New Westminster......................................................................... Hon. Judy Darcy North Coast..........................................................................................

Jennifer Rice North Island............................................................................ Hon. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale................................................................. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour......................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head..........................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .....................................................................Michelle Stilwell Peace River North..................................................................................

Dan Davies Peace River South............................................................................... Mike Bernier Penticton................................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam .................................................................... Hon. Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam .....................................................................Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast.....................................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie..................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount.................................................................Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre ........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough.......................................................................Jas Johal Richmond South Centre........................................................................

Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston.................................................................................. John Yap Saanich North and the Islands............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap .................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena.........................................................................................................

Ellis Ross Stikine ..................................................................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale...............................................................................

Marvin Hunt Surrey-Fleetwood...................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers ......................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford....................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton.............................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama........................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Surrey South...............................................................................Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley........................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock............................................................................. Tracy Redies Vancouver-Fairview ............................................................ Hon. George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek.......................................................................

Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview .............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings.............................................................. Hon. Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington ..................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway ................................................................... Hon. Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara.............................................................................. Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant................................................... Hon.

Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey...........................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Vancouver-Quilchena......................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Vancouver–West End....................................................Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee...................................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill................................................................ Hon. Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake .................................................................. Hon.

Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano................................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..............................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC Liberal 42; NDP 41; BC Green Party 3; Independent 1

CONTENTS Monday, April 23, 2018 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 4117 Tributes..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4117 Doug Eastwood J. Thornthwaite Hon. D.

Eby Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 4118 Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 4119 Bill 20 — Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2018 Bill 22 — Civil Resolution Tribunal Amendment Act, 2018 Bill 21 — Class Proceedings Amendment Act, 2018 Bill 24 — Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2018 Hon. D.

Eby Bill M213 — Local Election Campaign Financing Amendment Act, 2018 T. Stone Statements (Standing Order 25B)......................................................................................................................................... 4121 Administrative professionals M. Elmore Sikh comm unity in Squamish area J. Sturdy Mission municipal forest and Zajac Ranch B. D’Eith Organ donation and Logan Boulet G. Kyllo Protections for tenants and North Vancouver case B. Ma Volunteerism by Lois Boyce L.

Reid Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 4123 Impact of employer health tax on school districts A. Wilkinson Hon. C. James Surrey school district portable use S. Cadieux Hon. R. Fleming Fishing industry and individual transferable quotas A. Olsen Hon. L. Popham Surrey school district portable use M. Hunt Hon. R. Fleming Impact of employer health tax on school districts S. Bond Hon. C. James B. Stewart Hon. R. Fleming T. Stone M. Stilwell

Orders of the Day Commi ttee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 4128 Estimates: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Hon. S. Robinson T. Stone S. Sullivan D. Barnett D. Ashton J. Tegart J. Rustad M. Stilwell T. Shypitka J.

Sturdy Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Commi ttee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 4150 Estimates: Ministry of Children and Family Development(continued) L. Throness Hon. K. Chen D. Clovechok Hon. K. Conroy

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018 The House met at 1:35 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Introductions by Members Hon. K. Conroy: I’m really pleased today to welcome some very special gueststo the Legislature — 55 adminis- trative professionals who work for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. They come from across the province, from as far north as Fort Nelson, west as Prince Rupert and east as Cranbrook, as well as throughout the Island and the Lower Mainland.

Administrative staff at the Ministry of Children and Family are known for their professionalism, care and devotion to the children, youth and families who walk through theirofficedoors. They’re often the first point of contact — a warm and friendly face that greetsthem by nam e. One youth said to m e that he always knew he was going to be okay when he heard that voice on the end of the phone when he was calling.

Then there are also those that are working here in the ministry’s office, in the provincialofficein Victoria, thatare particularly known for theirorganizational skills, ensuring that executives and other staff are fully supported in their professional needs. I’m not going to introduce them all, because there are 55 of them. Butplease join m e in welcoming allof ourcol- leagues from the Ministry of Children and Family to the gallery. M. Stilwell: Sometimes random encounters in life can turn into great connections.

It was in 2009, when I was in L.A. forarace, when I wentto pick up my carrentalthathad notyetbeen returned. I hadto waitfor it.In walked a man — who returned the carlate, I willsay. We struck up a con- versation, and we found many things in comm on. Many peoplewillknow my friend Danny Woodburn best from the iconic show Seinfeld, where he played Kramer’s buddy Mickey Abbott.Butnotonly is Danny an actorand a comedian; he’s an activistforthe disability rightsmovement.

He sitson the Screen Actors Guildperformers with dis- abilities commi ttee and sees the great importance of por- traying positive images of peoplewith disabilitieson screen. Involved in the American Association of Peoplewith Dis- abilities, Actors for Autism and the LittlePeople’s Research Fund, he has been recognized forthe change of attitudesand societalperceptions of notonly peoplewith dwarfism butall peoplewith disabilities — allthis from a guy who originally just wanted to be a veterinarian.

Danny is in town filming amovie, so itwas agreatoppor- tunity for us to gettogether to talk about disability policy and possiblelinks forus to continue to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society for all. He’s here today with his wife, Amy, who is also awriterand acomedian. She shared herfrench fries with me this afternoon, so she’s my new best friend. I wouldlike the House to please make them both feelvery welcome. D. Routley: I’d like the House to help me welcome a gen- tleman from Illinois. He was born in Delavan, Wisconsin. He’s a dualCanadian and American citizen.

Tom Trotthas visited us here in B.C. because aftera30-yearcareerin law — and currently an adjunctprofessorof law atthe University of Illinois and the University of Chicago as well— he’s come to help us deal with the issues of mental health and addiction. His idea is a jail diversion program that would occur before a person is booked or arrested. Mostjaildiversion program s happen after a charge so the person receives a record regardless of the outcom e. Mr. Trott is very con- cerned aboutthe well-being of peoplewho are challenged in this way.

I’m very thankfulthathe wouldtake the time to fly allthe way here from Illinois justto meetwith the Ministerof Men- talHealth and Addictions — and on such aspecialday. With the farewellto the Lieutenant-Governor, he was treated to a special helping of B.C. politics, pomp and ceremony. Tom Trott, thank you very much for coming. Tributes DOUG EASTWOOD J. Thornthwaite: I have sadnews to pass on to the House. A very good friend to many here in the precinct, Doug Eastwood, died this weekend, tragically.

He was a lifelong Liberal and known to many of us for his work with the Attorney General, the member currently for Prince George–Valemount. He was her special assistant. [1:40 p.m.] Everybody that knew Doug had very, very fine thoughts abouthim. He always hadasmileon his face, always wanted to live life well. He was an accomplished lawyer, a QC, and an accomplished volunteerwith the LGBTQ comm unity as wellas the recovery comm unity. He willbe sorely missed by peoplein this House. I justwish everybody to wish allof the prayers and hope to his family at this difficult time. Hon. D.

Eby: I wouldjustlike to join my colleagueand, on this sideof the House, recognizethe contributions of Mr. Eastwood and his tragic, sudden and unexpected death. Certainly, our thoughts are with his family and friends. Everyone who hadthe opportunity to work with him in the Ministry of Attorney General had nothing but wonderful things to say abouthim. He willbe very deeply missed in a professional and a personal sense. 4117

Introductions by Members M. Polak: On thatsombre note, I rise to introduceto this House my…. I was going to say long-serving constituency assistant,butI suppose I willsay long-suffering constituency assistant.Cathy Gibbs is joining us today. Cathy has been a constituency assistantsince long before I was an MLA. She was a constituency assistant going back to Lynn Stephens’s time as the MLA for Langley. Not only is she my constituency assistant, but over the years, we’ve becom e very, very dear friends. She is visiting with us today. Wouldthe House please m ake hervery wel- com e. D.

Ashton: There are fourindividuals thatI wouldlike to recognize today from Shaw Comm unications thatare in the gallery. They do a really wonderful job of filming Voice of B.C., which is a show, as we allknow, broadcastthroughout British Columbia and readily taken up in many households. They also do an incredible job filming our constituency reports.If we do make a mistake, they can fix itin the mix. I wouldjustlike to welcome the fourindividuals from Shaw Comm unications here today. Hon. K. Conroy: I also have two peoplefrom my con- stituency that I’d like to introduce today, Sean Allen and Daina Morrison.

They are also friends of our son Ben. I wanted to congratulate them, because, as I believe, they are proof thatVictoria is truly the city of love. Whilethey were here this weekend, Sean gotdown on one knee. Itwas actu- ally at Mystic Beach, in the Premier’s constituency. He got down on one knee and popped the question, and Dainasaid yes. So please join me in not only welcoming them to the Legislature buton congratulatingthem on theirengagement. N. Letnick: Afterhospitals and doctors, the third-biggest expense item in Canadian health care is drugs.

Today we have three greatpeoplethathave come to talk to members of this House about some of the issues surrounding Phar- maCare: Louise Gillis, presidentof the Canadian Councilof the Blind; Gail Attarra,chair of the national biologics and biosimilars workinggroup and presidentof the Gastrointest- inal Society; and Dr. Ganive Bhinder, executive director of the Better PharmaCare Coalition. Wouldthe House please make them feel very welcome. Hon. D. Eby: We have some specialguestsup in the gal- lery here today.

Pat Danforth, who is the chair of the Dis- ability AllianceB.C., Jane Dyson, a memberof the Orderof British Columbiaand the executive directorof the Disability Alliance B.C., and Giovanna Bonifice, who is the managing directorof the Canadian Association of OccupationalTher- apists,are allhere to join us today. Please help me make them feel very welcome. Hon. L. Popham: I’ve got a few introductions today. Firstoff, I wouldlike to introduceone of my staff m embers from the Ministry of Agriculture and hertwo kids who are visiting.

Georgina Hodson is here with herdaughterPres- ley, who is 11 years oldand attends BaysideMiddleSchool in Brentwood Bay, and her son, who is nine years old, nam ed Paul. He attends Deep Cove Elementary Schoolin North Saanich. Georgina’s kids are here to learn aboutall the greatwork we’re doing in the Ministry of Agriculture. I wantto letthem know how gratefulI am thatthey lend m e theirm om and she can be partof ourteam. Welcom e them to the cham ber, please. [1:45 p.m.] I’d also like to talk about the guests that are here from Shaw.

Now, I don’t know if anybody knows this, but our guestsfrom Shaw have never, everattended question period before in alltheiryears of coveringus. I justwantto mention who they are: 14-year Shaw TV legislative bureau volunteer for the ever-popular Constituency Report, who lives in Saanich South, Linda Veroote and Voice of B.C. and Con- stituency Report volunteers Ben Kerr and Thalia Wilson. They are accompanied by Shaw TV producerJason House and the Victoria bureau chief, Kristina Verruyt.Kristina has worked arm in arm with VaughnPalmeron the Voice of B.C. formany years.

We wish Kristina and hercolleagueswellin the future. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who participated in B.C. Book Day today. This was the fifth B.C. Book Day that we’ve had in the Legislature. Thank you to the Speaker for allowing us to do it once more. It was a joint project by myself and the Deputy Speaker, the MLA for Richmond South Centre. It was a great success. I have seen everyone carrying their bags of books out of the hall. Hon. J.

Horgan: Justin the nick of time, joining us in the gallery are 38 Grade11 studentsfrom Belmonthigh school, in my constituency of Langford–Juan deFuca.They’re joined by Cathy Davis, their teacher. They’re here to watch our democracy in action. I have to confess, in the foyer before we began the proceedings this afternoon, I did play itup a littlebit. I’m expecting the best game we can getfrom the opposition and the Third Party, and we’ll do our level best to respond in kind. Wouldthe House please make the kids from B elmont very, very welcome. Hon. K.

Chen: Today we willalso have a group of grade 5 students, staff and teachers from John Knox Christian School, from Burnaby-Lougheed, visiting the Legislature. They’llprobably join us during the middleof question peri- od. I hope they willenjoy theirvisit,and I ask the House to please make them feel very welcome. J. Tegart:I’d like to acknowledge family and friends of the Lieutenant-Governor, Judith Guichon. I’m honoured that she lives in my riding. They’re in the precinct today, and I hope everyone willwish them welland also wish Judith well. 4118 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

A. Wilkinson: An episode in recentdays has called atten- tion to the fact that we must recognize the roleof citizen engagementin ourdemocracy. We allknow thatourdemo- craciesare built on maximum citizen engagement, which occurs at election time to select the people in this room and in Ottawa. Itoccurs through governmentconsultations, which, of course, are ongoing whenever an issue arises. It occurs through the mediaand the contactthatthe peoplein the gallery make with ourcitizens and thatthey make with the media. In the modern world, social media is a very effective vehicle for people to be involved in democracy.

Protest is a long-standing and essentialcomponentof this and some- times takes the form of civil disobedience. This is a long- standing provision, and componentsof it are protected by

section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of Canada. There is a democratic space for these protests. We, of course, recognize the frontlawn of this building and of the House of Comm ons in Ottawa as protected spacesfor that democratic expression. Marches through our streets are often enabled and protected by the police, because that’s their role in a democratic society. Of course, protestsinside this cham berare discouraged to the point of being prohibited, because this cham ber provides a safe space for discourse between the elected representatives. Are there limitson protest?Yes, there are.

The destruction of property is not permissible, criminal code offences are not permissible and, certainly, violation of court orders is notpermissible. When the news came outthatthe Premier’s home had been subject to a protest, this crossed a line. We allrecognizethatthere’s aneed forthatkind of activity in the rightkind of space, butany kind of attemptatintim- idation orharassmentof an elected official— and especially notof someone who leads government— is simply inappro- priate, impermissible, and I think it’s up to allof us to con- demn that kind of activity.

The Premier and his family are entitled to the quietenjoymentof theirhome, where he must contemplate his nextstep and prepare for question period. [Applause.] [1:50 p.m.] Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 20 — INSURANCE (VEHICLE) AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2018. Hon. D. Eby: I move the billbe introduced and readafirst time now. I’m pleased to introducethe Insurance(Vehicle)Amend- mentAct,2018.

This billwillmake a numberof changes to the act to help keep vehicle insurance rates affordable for B.C. drivers, to enablemotor vehicleinsurance rates to be more fair and to bring ICBC to a more financially sustain- able position and end its state of financial crisis. The bill also provides for a framework to support enhanced care forpeopleinjured in vehicleaccidentsso that they getthe help they need to recover from theirinjuries.

In keeping with our February 6, 2018, announcement on ICBC vehicleinsuranceproductchanges, this billwillintro- duceprovisions limiting the amounta claimantcan recover as damages for pain and suffering from a minor injury and provide a legal definition for a minor injury.

The billwillallow foran expanded listof health care pro- viders that ICBC must pay as accident benefits and allow government to set the amounts that can be recovered for those services.To ensure that the amountsrecoverableare fair, the minister responsible will be required to initiate a review of the amounts payablefor the provision of health care as accidentbenefitsevery five years and to tablethe res- ults with the Legislative Assembly.

The billwillalso provide thatcertain medicaland wage- loss benefitsreceived by a claimantmustbe deducted from a damage award in a vehicleclaim and that a person who pays orprovidesthatmedicalorwage benefitcannotrecover from the at-fault driver or their insurer. As well, the bill will allow for an increased limit for m edicaland rehabilitation costs,to be retroactive to Janu- ary 1, 2018, and provide the appropriate regulation-m ak- ing authorities for future product and rate premium design changes, including the announced enhancements to accident benefits. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I m ove the bill be placed on the orders of day for second reading atthe nextsitting of the House after today. Bill 20, Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2018, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. BILL 22 — CIVIL RESOLUTION TRIBUNAL AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Civil Resolution Tribunal Amendment Act, 2018. Hon. D. Eby: I move thatthe billbe introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce the Civil Resolution Tribunal Amendment Act, 2018. This bill grantsthe civil resolution tribunal jurisdiction overclaims arising out of the use and Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4119

operation of amotorvehicle. The jurisdiction willbe limited to a prescribed monetary amount, which will be up to $50,000. The billalso grantsthe tribunalexclusive jurisdic- tion overwhetheran accidentclaim involves a minorinjury and over accident benefit entitlements. The bill makes furtheramendmentsto the Civil Resolu- tion Tribunal Act in orderto improve on the processes in placesincethe tribunalbegan resolving strata property dis- putes in June of 2016.

In addition, the proposed legislation expands the jurisdiction of the tribunalto include disputes related to societiesas wellas housingand comm unity service cooperative associations. The proposed legislation is based on the existing legislative framework forstrata property and small claim disputes. Currently cooperative associations and non-profitsociet- ieshave to resolve theirdisputes in the B.C. Supreme Court, which can be very costly.

These organizations, which typic- ally operate with limited budgets,willgain betteraccess to justiceby accessing the dispute resolution and adjudication services of the civil resolution tribunal. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I m ove the billbe placed on the orders of the day forsecond reading atthe nextsitting of the House after today. Bill 22, Civil Resolution Tribunal Amendment Act, 2018, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

BILL 21 — CLASS PROCEEDINGS AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Class Proceedings Amendment Act, 2018. Hon. D. Eby: I move thatthe billbe introduced and read a first time now. I’m pleased to introduce the Class Proceedings Amend- mentAct,2018. This billamends the Class Proceedings Act to expressly provide for multi-jurisdictional class proceed- ings — thatis, class proceedings thatinvolve both residents and non-residentsof British Columbia.

The provisions are based on the Uniform Law Conferenceof Canada’s Uniform Class Proceedings Amendment Act of 2006. [1:55 p.m.] The bill includes amendments that will provide consist- ency and clarity relatingto the process forthe certification of multi-jurisdictionalclass proceedings. Provisions of the bill willrequire thatrepresentative plaintiffs in similarclass pro- ceedings comm enced elsewhere in Canada be given notice of an application for certification and an opportunity to make submissions at the certification hearing.

The billalso setsoutobjectives and relevantfactors to be considered by the courtin determining whetherto certify a multi-jurisdictionalclass proceeding as wellas authority for orders of the court relating to these proceedings. To provide a more effective way for as many potential claimants to be included as class members, the bill will change the class proceedings framework as itrelates to per- sons who donotresidein the province. Ratherthan non-res- identshaving to take steps to optin to a class proceeding in British Columbia, they will be included as a class member unless they choose to opt out. Mr.

Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I m ove the billbe placed on the orders of the day forsecond reading atthe nextsitting of the House after today. Bill 21, Class Proceedings Amendment Act, 2018, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. BILL 24 — MISCELLANEOUS STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT (No. 2), 2018 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2018. Hon. D.

Eby: I move thatthe billbe introduced readafirst time now. I’m pleased to introduceBill24, the Miscellaneous Stat- utes Am endment Act (No. 2), 2018.

This bill am ends the following statutes: the College and Institute Act, the Infants Act, the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, the Property Law Act, the PublicGuardian and Trustee Act, the ProcurementServices Act, the Business Corporations Act, the Societies Act, the Riparian Areas Protection Act, the Capital Region Water Supply and Sooke Hills Protec- tion Act, the Islands TrustAct, the Library Act, the Local Government Act, the Cultus Lake Park Act and the Van- couverCharter. This billalso m akes consequentialam end- m ents to a number of other statutes. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I m ove the billbe placed on the orders of the day forsecond reading atthe nextsitting of the House after today. 4120 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

Bill 24, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2018, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. BILL M213 — LOCAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 T. Stone presented a bill intituled Local Election Campaign Financing Amendment Act, 2018. T. Stone: I move thata billintituled LocalElection Cam- paign Financing AmendmentAct,2018, of which noticehas been given in my name on the orderpaper, be introduced and now read for the first time. The purpose of this billis very simple:to close aloophole.

Lastyear we supported legislation to take big money outof politics. The spirit was clear — cap political contributions to the amountof $1,200 and only allow contributions from individual British Columbians — but inconsistent wording has opened a back door at the municipal level.

The Local Election Campaign Financing Act refers to “campaign contribution,” which was already defined in the act as “funds exclusively for campaign use.” This confusion has caused Elections B.C. to recently determine thatcontri- butions from unions and corporations will continue to be allowed and thatthere are no contribution limitson money raised for operations at the municipal level, basically, for anything that’s not a direct campaign expense. This billwouldremove this confusion and bring the Local Election Campaign Financing Actin line with the provincial campaign finance legislation. Mr.

Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. T. Stone: I m ove thatthe billbe placed on the orders of the day forsecond reading atthe nextsitting of the House after today. Bill M213, Local Election Campaign Financing Amendment Act, 2018, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS M.

Elmore: As the Minister for Children and Family Developmentmentioned in herintroductions, 55 adminis- trative professionals from the Ministry of Childrenand Fam- ily Development are with us in the gallery today.

They’ve joined us because this week, in workplacesacross Canada and around the world, we celebrate administrative profes- sionals week, with Wednesday, April 25, designated as Administrative Professionals Day. [2:00 p.m.] This is a wonderfulopportunity to show ourappreciation and respectforadministrative professionals and to highlight the significantcontributions they make each and every day to the public service, non-profit agencies and businesses throughoutthe province.

We value ouradministrative pro- fessionals for theirorganizational skills, attention to detail, dependability, professionalism, creativity and so much more. As MLAs and ministers, we know very wellhow essential admin professionals are to our day-to-day work. They handletasks from scheduling to comm unication to corres- pondenceto organizing ouroffices.Withoutthem, ourlives would be extremely difficult.

Whilewe have designated this week forshowing appreci- ation forthe administrative professionals in ourlives,I know that you will all join with me in acknowledging that these essentialpeopledeserve recognition and praise throughout the entire year. SIKH COMMUNITY IN SQUAMISH AREA J. Sturdy: As part of Sikh Heritage Month, I wouldlike to acknowledge the contributions the Sikh comm unity con- tinues to make to Squamish and the entire constituency of West Vancouver–Sea to Sky — and has for over a century.

You only have to attend the annualSquamish Sikh Festival celebrations heldeach year in June to see how vibrant and significantthe Sikh comm unity is in the region. The annual celebration honours the martyrdom of the Sikh leaderGuru Arjan Dev ji. Itincludesteachings and a streetparadefrom the templeto Squamish downtown’s main streetand culmin- atesin aglorious sharingof food with the wholecomm unity. Sikhs first arrived in Squamish in the 1890s. The mills were hiring, and the young men couldeasily find work in Squamish and atthe millon Green Lake, in Whistler.

In the late 1950s, the rail line and the first version of the Sea to Sky Highway finally connected Britanniaand Squamish with West Vancouver and the Lower Mainland by land, rather than only by water. Increasingly, Sikh familiesbegan to settle in Squamish, attracted by jobs in forestry, mining and the railway. The comm unity settled around the waterfrontarea in what is now downtown Squamish. The Sikh comm unity diversified and continued to play an importantrolein the developmentand growth of Squamish.

Evenas automation reduced job opportunitiesin mills, Sikhs ventured into comm ercial and retail businesses, including a pharmacy, a hotel, a hardware store, transportation com- panies, construction and other retail. Many families,even today, also send many workers daily into Whistler, working especially in the hospitality industry. They bring a strong work ethicand dedication to comm unity in theirapproach as business owners and theirinvolvementin the localcom- munity and local government. Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4121

The Sikh society was incorporated in 1980, and the temple was opened in downtown Squamish in 1983. Itremains the hub of the Sikh comm unity today. I’d like to thank the Sikh comm unity of Squamish fortheir contributions to the strength and the diversity of the Sea to Sky. MISSION MUNICIPAL FOREST AND ZAJAC RANCH B. D’Eith:For 60 years, the district of Mission forestry departmenthas managed the Mission tree farm licence 26, also known as the Mission municipalforest.Now, this forest area is approximately 10,000 hectares, about 12 percent owned by municipality and 88 percent provincial Crown land.

All of the profits from the forestry go back into the municipalities to support programs and amenities. The municipal forest is located in the northern part of Mission, generally surrounding the Steelhead area, and north of Stave Falls, along the western shore of the Stave reservoir. Yesterday, on Earth Day, Dave Heyes, the manager of forestry business, and Bob O’Neal, director of forestry, hos- ted a special event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the municipal forest.

Councillor Carol Hamilton and I were honoured to plantthe 4.5 millionth tree in the reforestation program, aprogram thatwillensure thatthe forestwillcon- tinue to provide for another 60 years and beyond. The forestindustry works in tandem with the publicand the publicuse of the park and Stave Lake. The municipal foresttrails provide hikers with incredibleoutdoor exper- iences. Also, withinthe forest,is ZajacRanchforChildren.This is really ajewelwithinthe forest.In the summ ermonths, Zajac Ranch provides camps for children, youth and adultswith chronic,life-threatening or debilitating conditions.

I toured this incrediblefacility with Mel Zajac,the visionary of the camp, who is now in his 80s and as excited and active as ever, expanding and improving this amazing facility. [2:05 p.m.] We’re very lucky to have such a wonderful asset in my riding, providing forestry revenues, jobs, tourism, hiking, camping, boating, all working together in balance. ORGAN DONATION AND LOGAN BOULET G. Kyllo: It’s my pleasure to rise today on the occasion of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. Rightnow more than 600 British Columbians are in need of an organ donation.

Registering as an organ donor can help to save the life of someone who is in desperate need of help. It’s estimated that a single donor can save up to eight lives. Whilemore than 90 percent of British Columbians sup- port organ donation, sadly, only 20 percent of British Columbians are registered. One organization thatis making an enormous impact on increasing organ donation in our province is the Kidney Foundation of Canada, B.C. and Yukon division. Theiradvocacy work and awareness cam- paigns for organ donation are truly comm endable.

Now, the recenttragicbus crash of the HumboldtBroncos has brought increased attention to the life-saving value of organ donation. Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet,atthe youngage of 21, was wise beyond his years and hadtaken the selfless initiative to registeras an organ donor and, in his death, gave the giftof life, helping to save the lives of six others. Logan’s heroic action gives voiceto his selfless and benevolent nature. Anyone may register, regardless of their medical condi- tion, and there is no age limit— young or old. In fact,the oldestorgan donorin Canadawas 93 years old.

Decisions to registerand donate organs to others is apowerfullife-saving gift,and I encourage members of this House and allBritish Columbians to take action and registerwith B.C. Transplant at register.transplant.bc.ca. Heroes aren’t born. Like Logan Boulet, heroes are registered. PROTECTIONS FOR TENANTS AND NORTH VANCOUVER CASE B. Ma:I rise today to talk abouta numberof tenantswho have come to my office in recent months. I’d like to talk aboutCheryl, who is a long-time residentof North Vancou- ver. She’s been living there for 17 years.

Actually, she’s been livingin North Vancouverformany decades,buthercurrent home is a 600-square-foot unit in North Vancouver where she’s been residing for 17 years. Abouttwo years ago, the rentalbuilding was soldto anew landlord. The new landlord wentaround to every tenantin the building and told them that they all had to sign new fixed-term leases. Now, she was on amonth-to-month lease, and she knew her rights. She said: “No, I will stick to my month-to-month lease.” Some of her other neighbours did sign new fixed-term leases.

One year laterthe landlord wentaround, room to room, and demanded thatthose on a fixed-term lease accepta 20 percentincrease on theirrent,orelse they wouldbe vacated because they were usingafixed-term lease and vacate clause. Cheryl, however, was on month-to-month, and she declined to accept a 15 percent increase. Three months later she received an arbitration notice. The landlord had applied to increase herrentby 43 percent,using aprovision atthe time that was known as the geographic market rental increase provision. She went to battle in arbitration, and with the help of our office and some advocates, she won.

This was about two years of the landlord attempting to increase her rent. She has been successful in fighting back each time. Then, three months later, she received another notice. They are now attempting to evict her so that they can turn the unit into a caretaker unit. I guess I tellthis story because sometimes there are land- 4122 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

lords out there who are trying very hard to getrid of low- income renters. I wouldlike the opportunity to thank the House today. Every singleone of these stories thatwe have toldhas actually been addressed somehow with the partner- ship and cooperation of everyone in this House. I want to thank them all very much. VOLUNTEERISM BY LOIS BOYCE L. Reid: I rise today to pay tribute to the late Lois Carson Boyce, who has been affectionately referred to as the Rolls Royceof volunteerism, notonly in ourcomm unity of Rich- mond but nationally as well. Lois passed away on February 27 atthe age of 99.

She was one of Canada’s most decorated volunteers, dedicating her time, energy and talentstowards a numberof causes, most notably environmental, social and seniors issues. [2:10 p.m.] She am assed an incrediblevolume of awards, certificates and photos with dignitaries thanking her for her tireless work. Am ong herm any achievementswas the prestigious Golden Jubilee Medal awarded to her by the Governor General of Canada.

Locally, Lois earned the Richmond Cham ber of Comm erce Comm unity Service Award in 1998 as wellas the Richmond Volunteers Are Stars Award in 2006 and an EthelTibbitsaward in 2010 honouring her contributions as a Richmond pioneer and a long-serving m ember of the comm unity. Hermostrecentwork in ourcomm unity was around local seniors care initiatives, including Richmond City Centre Comm unity Association and the Safe Comm unitiesalliance. Because of her, residentsof Richmond Centre now have a comm unity centre and much more.

Family, friends, dignitaries and many members of the comm unity gathered this past Saturday to celebrate Lois’s life, herkindness and herspiritof giving. Lois Carson Boyce was a huge force in Richmond, and she will be missed. Restin peace, to ouriconicIslander. Herlegacy liveson in the many projects and lives she touched in her 99 years. Oral Questions IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS A. Wilkinson: I’m sure the incoming governmentfigured outvery quickly thatschoolboards are required to balance their budgets.This is an essential component of our gov- ernmentsystem.

Of course, they’re required to presenttheir budgets to government seven days from now, on April 30. The question obviously arises.On February 28, the Premi- erstood and said thatgroups such as governmentagencies and non-profits would be kept whole from the employers health tax. This representsa major cost to school districts, with no alternative revenue source. The question is simple. To the Premier, when does he intend to keep his promise? Hon. C. James: Thank you to the member, the Leaderof the Opposition, for the question.

I’m very proud of the fact that on this side of the House, unlike the otherside of the House, we madea decision that we will eliminate medical services premiums in 2020 for all British Columbians. We are also ensuring thatwe are fiscally responsible. We are bringing in resourcesforhealth care through an employ- ers health tax.We are in discussions with groups and organ- izations. The implementation does notbegin untilJanuary 1, 2019. Those discussions are going very well. Mr. Speaker: The Leaderof the OfficialOpposition on a supplemental. A.

Wilkinson: It appears that the Minister of Finance’s standard lines have not changed since February 28. So we have to ask: with seven daysleftbefore the Surrey schooldis- tricthas to presenta balanced budget,how willthey make up their$21 million deficitthey’re incurring because of the employers health tax? We have a Premierwho heldoutthatthis is notgoing to be aproblem.He reassured allthe schooldistrictsthatthey’d be okay. And lo and behold, broken promise yet again.

The obvious question — and not to ride on the Finance Minister’s coat-tails — is: willhe keep his word, tellthe Sur- rey schooldistrictthey need notrun adeficitand providefor the studentsforwhich he campaigned in the election, rather than break his word yet again? Hon. C. James: I willremind the member, as the Surrey schoolboard knows and as allschoolboards and others who are paying medicalservicespremiums know, they are saving 50 percentas of January 1 this yearbecause we reduced med- icalservicespremiums by 50 percent.We also recognizethat there willbe some costson January 1, 2019. We are in dis- cussions.

Those discussions are going well. Mr. Speaker: The Leaderof the OfficialOpposition on a second supplemental. A. Wilkinson: Well, here we have more dodging and weaving from the FinanceMinister. The Surrey schoolboard reportsit’s paying an extra,incremental$7 million nextyear because of the employers health tax. The Finance Minister says: “Oh, don’tworry aboutit.They’re going to have their MSP paymentsreduced.” Well, she seems to have forgotten already thatnextyearis the double-up year, with both MSP premiums and the employers health tax, a double hit to school districts.

These school districts all around the province need answers in the nextfourbusiness days, notrhetoricfrom the Finance Minister. Are they running deficits or not? The question goes directly to the Premier. Willhe instruct his FinanceMinisterto make schooldistrictswholeso they can geton with the business of teaching children, notfight- ing with the Finance Ministry over their budgets? Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4123

[2:15 p.m.] Hon. C. James: Well, to hear the othersidestand up and talk abouteducating children is unbelievablein this House. Thatside, the oldgovernment,did everything they couldto ensure thatchildren didn’thave smallerclasses,thatstudents didn’t get the support they needed. We have invested record investments in education because we believe in publiceducation in this province. The otherside may have troubleunderstanding whatit’s like to work with others, but we are working with others. We are working with school boards. We are having those discus- sions. We willhave aresolution.

We willmake schoolboards ableto continue the kind of good work thatthey’re doing in educating students around this province. SURREY SCHOOL DISTRICT PORTABLE USE S. Cadieux: Well, how aboutanotherbroken promise — portables? The Premier and his Education Minister both madeaclearpromise to eliminate portablesin Surrey in four years. It’s their promise, not mine. The Premier promised: “We have to have a totalremovalof these portablesoverthe course of the nextfouryears. We need to startreducingthem by half in the first two years.” My question is to the Education Minister.

Is he on track to reduce portables by half next year? Hon. R. Fleming: I thank the memberfor herquestion. Itcomes justa few days afterSurrey education leaders were righthere in Victoria to meeton this very issue. Of course, this memberwillknow the progress thatourgovernmenthas madein such a shortperiod of time, justsinceLabourDay. In fact,90 days ago she tweeted aboutitand said, “Glad to see the governmentmoving forward on these much-needed projects,” including a new 655-spaceelementary school in her constituency. I woulddirectherto readan articlein herown newspaper.

The headline is: “Surrey Trustee Praises…PortableMeeting with B.C. Minister of Education.” I would welcome the member, as she has given this governmentpraise, where her governmenthas failed before, on creating thousands of new spacesnow in ashortperiod of time in Surrey, to come to the nextannouncement, when our government has an oppor- tunity to make one. Mr. Speaker: The memberfor Surrey South on a supple- mental. S. Cadieux: I willcelebrate the elimination of portablesif this governmentdoes meetitspromise. Butto this date, they have notdone so.

The NDP promise was to eliminate port- ablesand to be halfway done in two years. We’re one year in, and it’s a broken promise. Familiesin Surrey are getting the opposite of whatwas promised. In fact,they’re getting 11 additional portables this year. Again to the minister, how many portableswillhe reduce next year? Hon. R. Fleming: I hate to correct the member. We are notone year in, butwe are a strong nine months in. We’re just getting started. We’ve announced hundreds of new spaces, thousands more to come.

I find itcurious thatthe opposition members, who have failed to look after the students and familiesof Surrey for so many years and who’ve disappointed Surrey familiesyear afteryearwhilethe numberof portablesdoubled undertheir watch,now show suchimpatienceforourgovernment,when we’ve already announced hundreds of millions of dollars of capital funding to deal with theirbacklog. We’re acquiring sites — because thatgovernmentdidn’teven buy the land to buildthe schools on — and we’re funding schools and new additions in Surrey. That’s what our government is doing.

That’s what the school board has praised our government for doing. That’s whatthe mayorof Surrey has saidthatshe expressessatisfac- tion for— forfinally being engaged by agovernmenton this jointinitiative. That’s whatparentgroups are saying in Sur- rey as well. I’lllisten to those stakeholders any day, before I take lessons from a group thatsystematically failed families in Surrey for years. [2:20 p.m.] FISHING INDUSTRY AND INDIVIDUAL TRANSFERABLE QUOTAS A.

Olsen: We have the opportunity to buildone of the most innovative and successful 21st-century economies of any jurisdiction in the world, yetsome wouldhave us chase KinderMorgan to the bottom of the barrel. Asidefrom the risk it poses to our coastline, the KinderMorgan pipeline doesalmostnothingto buildsustainable, well-payingjobs in our province. Frankly, ourprovince wouldbe betteroff addressing the challenges facing other industries, such as the fisheries industry. Once-vibrant coastal comm unities that humm ed with activity are increasingly shuttered. The jobs have moved out of these comm unities.

In many cases, they’ve moved right out of our country. In 1985, the coastal fisheries employed 20,000 peoplein B.C. By 2015, that had fallento 5,000. At the heart of this issue is the system of the individualtransferablequota that many in this industry have said privatized our natural resource. The quotas are now more valuable than the fish. My question is forthe Ministerof Agriculture. The mari- time provinces have engaged the federal government in a process to transition away from the individual transferable quotas. When will B.C. be doing the same? Hon. L. Popham: Thank you to the memberforthe ques- tion.

I know the memberunderstands thatthe Department of Fisheries and Oceans is responsiblefor maintaining and 4124 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

sustaining sustainableharvestson behalfof British Colum- bians, as wellas Canada.We are gladto be hearing aboutthe federalchangesto the FisheriesAct.We’re also doingourjob, making sure thatB.C. is represented atthe table. We’ve been working hard at that. As well, we sponsored the Fisheries for Comm unities Gathering this year. We sponsored itfor$40,000. This was a placewhere peoplefrom allof ourcomm unitiesthroughout ourcoastcouldgettogetherand talk aboutwhatthey want when they think about B.C. fisheries. We also sponsored a B.C.

Young Fishermen’s Gathering, which brought together 50 young fishers from across the province and talked about their future in the fisheries industry. This is an investmentin ourfuture. It’s very, very import- ant that we represent B.C.’s view at the federal table, and we’ve been doing that. Mr. Speaker: Saanich North and the Islands on a supple- mental. A. Olsen: The vision of a 21st-century economy cannot justbe urban-centric. We need to talk aboutthe opportun- ities we’ve had in this province to create good, well-paying employment that harnesses our resources and the natural innovation of British Columbians.

The future for the natur- alresourceindustry and countless comm unitiesrightacross ourprovince liesin adding value, notjustsimply exporting raw product. We’re currently doing the opposite. Lastweek atthe wildsalmon forum I hosted in Vancou- ver, I was toldthat a large Chinese company recently pur- chased over$50 million worth of these individualtransfer- ablequotas in British Columbia.The fish are harvested here, sentto Asia forprocessing and packaging and then shipped back to us. This mustchange. The ministersaid thatwe trust DFO to manage a sustainablefishery.

The peoplethatI met with have gotserious questions aboutthat.DFO is missing in action on the westcoast.We need ourprovincialgovern- ment to be a champion for this industry locally. My question, again, is for the Minister of Agriculture. There is an absence of federalleadership. Willthis govern- mentstand up for British Columbia by facilitating an inde- pendent review of our quota licensing system? Hon. L. Popham: Again, thanks for the question. I know the memberis passionate aboutthis issue, and I can assure the member that so are we.

Ourministry has provided insightand specificwestcoast perspective to the discussion around the proposed changes to the Fisheries Act.We have to keep up the pressure from our side, and we are doing that. The Ecotrust report that came out of the conference in January…. This reporthadaction items specificfor the fed- eral Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Some of these were specifically around how social, economic and cultural objectives are to be achieved in the Pacificregion fisheries.

We have to be atthe tablerepresenting the comm unitiesthat wantstrongfisheries.We’re doingthat.I think thatthe mem- ber also knows that as we navigate and try and work with the federalgovernment,it’s very importantto recognizethat they holdmostof the cards. Whatourjob is, is to represent B.C. at that table. [2:25 p.m.] SURREY SCHOOL DISTRICT PORTABLE USE M.

Hunt:The Premiercame to Surrey and madea prom- ise. “We have to have atotalremovalof portables” in Surrey. “We need to startby reducing them by halfin the firsttwo years.” On October19 lastyear, the ministersaid: “I believe that we can substantially complete that timeline.” To the minister, he must have analyzed the numbers required to meetthis promise. How many portablesdoes he plan to eliminate next year? Will he give us a number? Hon. R.

Fleming: I think thatif this sideis going to ask questions aboutSurrey portables,they have to acknowledge theirown absolute failure and the mess they’ve leftthis gov- ernment with, to begin with. They m ore than doubled the numberof portablesin that school district under their watch. They failed to acquire sites in a fast-growing comm unity. They took all the tax dollars from hard-working m om s and dads in Surrey and didn’tputback the comm unity infrastructure by building schools in Surrey. That’s whatthis sideof the House is commi tted to doing. We’ve already announced 1,600 spaces.Thatmemberought to know.

He was there forsome of the announcements.And there’s more to come. We’re working very closely with the schooldistrict.The chairof the board was justin the news- paperlast week comm ending this side of the House for an entirely different approach from w hat they had for 16 years. So I say to thatmemberand othermembers opposite in Surrey — and there are fewer of them today, admittedly: come work with this side of the House. We’re building a plan in Surrey that’s actually buildingschools, actually build- ing the comm unity infrastructure that fast-growing Surrey needs. That’s what we want to do.

That’s what we’re doing, and that’s whatthe schooldistricthas said makes us a valu- able partner, where they were missing in action. Mr. Speaker: The member for Surrey-Cloverdale on a supplemental. M. Hunt:Well, it’s yetanotherNDP broken promise. The vice-chair of school district 36, Surrey, has confirmed that Surrey’s portable bill is set to double this year, including $1.2 million for 11 new portables.They’re adding portables in Surrey, not eliminating them. Again, to the minister, willhe cutthe numberof portables in half next year or not? Hon. R.

Fleming: Well, again, I’d like the other side to Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4125

take some creditwhere creditis due. Sixty new portablesin Surrey came because thatsidefoughtteachers for 15 years, and loand behold, Surrey hadto orderanother60 portables to support smaller class sizes. They failed them again. We’re trying to tow away the damage that they did as quickly as possible. I say to that member: have some patience. Afterall, for 16 years, he said nothing whileport- ables doubled. We’ve announced thousands of spaces— more announce- ments to come. The member is always welcome to attend them.

The membershouldalso look atwhatthis sideof the House is doing differently on the operating side — 59 mil- lion new dollars each yearinto the Surrey district,savingsof $7.2 million this year, MSP savingsin the millions of dollars this year. Those are the new resourcesgoing into the Surrey schooldistrictto help improve classroom learning resources for kids in his area. IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS S. Bond: Well, schooldistrictsmustbalancetheirbudget by April 30.

But for weeks, this Education Minister has refused to clarify if school boards will be exempt from the costsof the new NDP-imposed employer health tax as the Premierpromised. No exemption from this ministermeans funding gaps and service cuts. To the minister, school districts want and deserve an answer. Will they be exempt or not? [2:30 p.m.] Hon. C. James: I wouldremind the member, again, since the othersideseems to conveniently leave itout,thatthere is a50 percentsavingsto allschooldistrictsand otheremploy- ers this year — 50 percentas of January 1.

Nextyear there willbe, again, another50 percentsavingson MSP premiums, and in 2020, we willbe eliminating MSP premiums. We are continuing to work with and to listen to not-for-profits,to school boards about what they need going forward. That’s why the implementation doesn’tstartuntilJanuary 1. We’re having those discussions, and we’ll continue to have those discussions. Mr. Speaker: Member, before beginning, if I might remind you thatitwouldbe helpfuland importantfor you to direct your question through the Chair. S.

Bond:Through the Chair, this is whatthe Surrey board of education vice-chair, Terry Allen,toldthe media about the new employer health tax. It reflects the concerns of schoolboards across the province. “We were hoping, and I think alldistrictswere hoping, for some relieffor that,but that’s notgoing to happen, I don’tthink. Maybe itwill. You never know. But there’s been no relief, to this point.” School districts across the province, including Surrey, need to finalizetheir budgetsin one week.

They need an answerfrom this ministerwhetherornotthey willbe forced to make service cuts because they were blindsided by the surprise employers health tax. To the minister, a pretty simplequestion. Will he listen to the concerns of school boards across British Columbia, with budgetdeadlines looming, and exemptthem from the employers health tax? Yes or no? Hon. C. James: Well, I can letthe other side know that we will not do what they did. We will not double MSP premiums and m ake schoolboards have to pay that.

Whether we’re talking about MSP premiums, whether we’re talking about hydro rates, whether we’re talking about computer systems and tech, that side, the oldgov- ernment, forced school boards to have to cut program s and services and supports for kids to be able to pay for their mess that they put onto school boards. We will continue to listen to school boards. It’s why we setthe implementation date forJanuary 1, 2019, so we could ensure a smooth implementation. Those discussions are going well and will continue. B.

Stewart:The Premierpromised schooldistrictswould be keptwhole, butschooldistrict23 has reported aprojected budgetshortfall, citing the additional burden of the NDP’s new and higheremployerhealth tax. “It’s $1.9 million forus that we weren’t planning on having to pay for,” says Eileen Sadlowski, district secretary-treasurer. To the Minister of Education, will he be providing the new funding forthe CentralOkanagan schooldistrict,as the Premier promised, or will they be forced to cut staff? Hon. C. James: Thank you to the memberfor the ques- tion.

As I said earlier, we are continuing to listen and work with school boards, unlike the other side who didn’t work with schoolboards, who justdownloaded costswithoutany discussion. We, in fact, have increased our investments to education. We are having discussions now. The Kelowna board, as with other boards, is saving 50 percent on their MSP premiums this year. Mr. Speaker: Kelowna West on a supplemental. B. Stewart:The Ministerof Education decided to spend $40,000 recently to tourEurope ata time when he was for- cing school districts into deficits to pay for the new NDP employerhealth tax.

Schooldistrict23 has said they have to cut four staff. Again to the minister, willschooldistrictsbe keptwhole? Or will they be forced to make cuts? Hon. R. Fleming: To thatm ember, I wouldcongratulate him for getting back into the House. A lot of things have happened since he disappeared for a little while. One of which is thathis government,which foughtteachers to its dying breath, actually lostin the Supreme Court,and this 4126 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

yearwe have 3,700 new teachers teaching ourkids in Brit- ish Columbia, including in the district in his area. That’s good policy. [2:35 p.m.] I’m also very happy to say thatthis governmenthas been very active making long-overdue capitalannouncementsto remove portables in Kelowna, in a fast-growing district. That’s whatthis governmenthas been ableto accomplish in a few short months, where his government failed. In regards to funding, here’s the difference for the mem- bers to contemplate.

This year, this full fiscal year, there’s $550 million more in operating funds going to school dis- trictsto be ableto manage theiraffairs. We’ve returned sav- ings where thatgovernmentdownloaded tens of millions of dollars of costs.We’ve said: “Keep your broadband service fees this year” — $20 million. Overages on teacherpension plans in the tens of millions of dollars are being keptby schooldistricts,with one provi- sion: thatthey be invested into kids and classrooms and that they strengthen oureducation system afterso many years of downloading and ripping funding outby the previous side.

That’s what districts are doing. T. Stone:One thing is clear. The ministerhadno problem finding the money for his recenttrip to Europe. Butschool districtsacross this province are still waiting to find out if this minister is going to fulfil the Premier’s promises, and they need to know by the end of this month. My question to the Ministerof Education is this: why was there money in the budget,in his budget,for his European adventure, but there is no money in the budget to enable school districtsto coverthe costsof the NDP’s new health payroll tax? Hon. R.

Fleming: I guess the question the other side shouldask themselves is: why was there no money…? Why was there no concern for thousands of kids in British Columbia and thousands of familieswho couldn’t getinto French imm ersion education in British Columbia ata time when demand for it grew by 35 percent? It’s because they failed them. They didn’t put the money into training French-language teachers. Ourgovernmentis trying to meetthe aspirations of B.C. familiesto have bilin- gualkids as aproductof graduating from ourschoolsystem. That’s what we’re working on, and we’re proud of it.

We’ve hired 3,700 teachers this year, the largestinflux of new teaching talent into our school system in generations. We need to hire more. That side of the House, when they were in charge, failed to investin teachertraining opportun- ities. We’re doing thatforB.C. studentswho are in B.C. uni- versities. We are hiring out of province and the rest of Canada. Yes, we are hiring internationally to bring French- language teachers here to British Columbia to meet the aspirations thatB.C. familiesand kids have to learn French in British Columbia. Mr. Speaker: The memberfor Kam loops–South Thomp- son on a supplemental.

T. Stone: I say this as a father and as a member of this Legislature. I’m very proud to have been part of a former governmentthatpresided overan education system thatres- ulted in our kids having amongst the best education out- comes in the entire world. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, please. We shall hear the question. T. Stone: Mr. Speaker, on the same day thatthe minister flew to stop 1 of his European adventure, Paris, SD 23 repor- ted a projected budget shortfall. The district specifically notes that the new NDP employer health tax is not being covered.

Included in cutsin theirplan is to eliminate four full-time positions. Again to the minister, why is atrip to Europe ahigherpri- ority than the students of SD 23? Hon. R. Fleming: I wish the memberopposite wouldpay a littlecloserattention to some of the issues thatarise, even in his own constituency. Such greatnews lastweek — that, for years, after16 years of almostno investmentin his own district,this governmentis investing potentially tens of mil- lions of dollars into getting rid of portablesin Kam loops. That’s the change; that’s the difference. Here’s the situation.

Districts are actually struggling to spend the money this governmentis providing them to hire the new teachers that they are able to hire, that they’re entitled to hire. That’s why we’re making additionaleffortsto recruitteachers, to train more teachers in B.C., to hire from out of province and to recruit internationally in B.C. [2:40 p.m.] We see the teachershortage thatwe have today. It’s caused, in large part, by the conduct of that side of the House for so long in the education system. These are challenges, but they’re also opportunities for B.C. to make our education system even stronger. M.

Stilwell:The CampbellRiverschoolboard is worried aboutthe new NDP employerhealth tax,and theirMLA has been silent.Whilethe ministerwas in Europe, trustee John Kerrhadthis to say: “The board willbe required to cutser- vicesin the amountof an average close to $256,268 overeach of the nextthree years…. The tax willbe a de facto budget cutforschooldistrict72 and every otherboard of education in the province.” My question to the ministeris: willhe providenew money to keep schooldistrict72 whole, or was there only enough money set aside for his European adventure? Hon. R.

Fleming: As I reminded the House earlier, what’s Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4127

different about this year than a year and a half ago under the previous governmentis about$550 million in additional investmentsinto kids and classrooms. What’s differentabout this year than, say, a coupleof years ago is thatwe’re hiring 3,700 teachers when they fired thousands of teachers in Brit- ish Columbia. That’s the difference. What’s different in Campbell River and in other school districtsis thatinsteadof downloadingcosts,we’re returning savings in the tens of millions of dollars to schooldistricts, and they are in a healthy fiscal position. We’ve heard from secretary-treasurers.

We’ve heard from board chairs around B.C. They’ve looked at the approach that that government had, which was to rip out hundreds of millions of dollars in resourcesin the schoolsystem, and they’ve looked at ours, which is an approach to invest and work closely with oureducation partners. They preferours, not surprisingly. [End of question period.] Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:In this chamber, I callthe debate on the estimates of the Ministry of MunicipalAffairs and Hous- ing.

In Commi ttee A, I callcontinued debate on the estim- ates of the Ministry of Children and Families. [2:45 p.m.] Commi ttee of Supply ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING The House in Commi ttee of Supply (Section B); L. Reid in the chair. The commi ttee met at 2:48 p.m. On Vote 36: ministry operations, $196,910,000. Hon. S. Robinson: I know thatwe’re getting started, and I look forward to hearing questions from the otherside. I just want to say a few words, if I might.

I’m very fortunate to have with m e a group of experi- enced senior staff who are key to the Ministry of Muni- cipalAffairs and Housing work. I’m joined by the deputy minister, Jacqueline Dawes, and assistant deputy minis- ters. I’ve gotGreg Steves with housing and TaraFaganello with localgovernment.Laterwe’llbe joined by Kevin Volk with comm unity and legislative services.I also have Tracy Campbell, our executive financial officer and ADM of m anagement services.

We have astrongleadership and agreatteam atMunicipal Affairs and Housing, and I wantto thank them for making progress on the issues that matter to British Columbians. We’re doing things like improving access to safe, functional housing thatpeoplecan afford to buy orrent.We’re improv- ing policiesand servicesfor many landlords and renters in the province and working to support better transportation options for people in Metro Vancouver by supporting the Mayors Council’s ten-year vision.

We’re also working with British Columbia’s 189 localgov- ernmentsto help them to help theirresidentsand the com- munities so thatthey can allthrive. I’d also like to recognize the leadership of ourCrown agency. We’re joined here today by the B.C. Housing chiefexecutive officer, Shayne Ramsay, one of the busiest people in the province these days. [2:50 p.m.] We also are supportive of the B.C. AssessmentAuthority’s presidentand chiefexecutive officer, Jason Grant,and Tech- nicalSafety B.C.’s presidentand chiefexecutive officer, Cath- erine Roome. I know thatourtime is valuablehere.

I wantus to use it well, but I’d like to also give a few brief highlightsof what we’re doing. Improving housing affordability and housing availability is one of the mostimportantmandates British Columbians have given our government. After listening to British Columbians and afterconsultation with expertsin the hous- ing sector, expertson both the supply and the demand side, we released Budget2018. Itincludessignificantnew invest- mentsthatare grounded in a new 30-pointhousing plan for British Columbians.

Our plan has started with taking action to stabilizethe housing m arket, to curb demand and to provide better protection and betteroptions for renters. Whilethe Min- istry of Financetakes action to curbdemand, my ministry is focused on rentalpoliciesand on increasing the overall housing supply.

Ourplan includessupportforaffordablerentalhomes for peoplewith low and middleincomes, new rentalhomes for seniors so they can stay in theircomm unities, more homes for Indigenous peoples,new housing for women and chil- dren fleeing violence, new spacesof student housing and new homes with 24-7 supportfor peoplewho are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We will also make a significant investment, more than $1 billion overten years, to preserve and protectourexisting social housing for people already living in those homes. Altogether, we willbe investingmore than $7 billion overthe nextdecade.

This willbe the largestinvestmentin housingin the history of British Columbia. You’ve heard me, certainly, here in this chamberand else- where, talk about the importance of building strong part- nerships. That’s why we launched a new housing hub at B.C. Housing — in orderto bring everyone togetherto facil- itate the building of homes thatpeoplecan afford. The hous- ing hub is already developing partnerships to find, use or redevelop availableland in comm unities hardest hit by the housing crisis.

The new hub underlines the importance of partnerships and the coordinatingof effortthatittakesto address housing 4128 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

affordability and availability. The hub willbe actively pursu- ingpartners, whetherthey are non-profits,co-ops, localgov- ernments, landowners, First Nations, investors, faith com- munities.These peopleand these groups are looking to part- nerwith us, with theirgovernment.The hub willbe tasked with trying new things, bringing together innovative part- nerships to build the homes British Columbians need — homes to rent and homes to own. With rentalvacancy so low in many partsof province, we need to make sure thatrenters have the secure housing they deserve.

Budget2018 includes new investmentsto expand eligibility and increase benefitsforourrentalassistancepro- grams for low-income seniors and working families.This willhelp familiesand seniors stay in theirhomesand in their comm unities. These enhancements will benefit 35,000 households, including 3,200 new eligiblefamiliesand seniors. Effective September 2018, on average, seniors will receive an extra $930 per year, and the increase for familieswill be about $800 a year. We’ve also taken steps this spring to further strengthen protection for renters and for manufactured home owners.

These actions buildon the steps we’ve already taken, includ- ing closing whatis known as the fixed-term-lease loophole and eliminating the geographic rent clause. Whileaddressing the housing crisis is a major priority of this ministry, we have a number of other important roles. I’m pleased to continue to supportapproximately 5,000 not- for-profitsin delivering programs through B.C., through our comm unity gaming grant program, and to work with the federalgovernmenton much-needed infrastructure funding around the province.

As the Minister Responsiblefor TransLink, we are very much focused on investing in transitand transportation to make life betterforresidents,forbusinesses and forvisitors. We supportthe mayors’ vision and ourfunding willbe ready to support them as projectstake flight and start liberating people from the current congestion. Before we getinto questions, there are a numberof other peopleI’d like to thank in my office.

I’d like to acknowledge my seniorministerialassistant,CraigAshbourne; ministeri- alassistant,Daniela Gardea; executive assistant,MattDjon- lic;administrative coordinator, Christine White; and admin- istrative assistantLisa Grant.These are the peoplethatkeep life rolling, keep me busy and help us, together, deliverfor British Columbians. T. Stone: Thanks to the ministerfor that introduction.

I wouldalso like to acknowledge and thank the staff that, I know fullwell, are instrumentalin helping the ministerpre- pare and doallthatreally heavy lifting back in theirrespect- ive officesto bring to life the government’s priorities, which is a lotaboutthe investmentsthatpeoplereally need in this province. [2:55 p.m.] I just wanted to letthe minister know that I will be leading the questioning on the municipal affairs side of the equation. I’ve got a few initial questions there. Then we’llbe turning itoverto the m emberforVancouver–False Creek, who is the official opposition Housing critic.

He willleadourquestioning on the housing side of the equa- tion. I m ay jump in, as will other select m embers of the opposition, with respect to housing. That will likely take us through the majority, if not all of, today. We’ll reserve TransLink and a few otherbitsand pieces for tomorrow as well. Withoutfurtherado. Firstoff, I’m wondering, withrespect to ministry organization…. We talked in estimates last fall aboutsome things thathad been broughtinto the ministry and some things thatwere taken outand so forth.

The first question wouldbe: have there been any furtherchanges to the ministry structure, the ministry organization, this year? If so, could the minister please detail that for us? Related to that, I’m wondering if the ministercouldjust provide a little bit of detail to this House with respect to the expenditures, insofaras operating expenditures being up about $15 million overall. By my read of it, that looks like the housing-related componentsof herministry’s budgetare up about $32 million. Ministry operations is down about $47 million.

I’m just wondering if the minister could just providesome detailas to whataccountsforthe increases on the housing budgetsideof the equation and the decrease on the ministry operations side of budgetand, again, if there have been any significantchanges to the ministry structure and responsibilities. Hon. S. Robinson: There have been no additional reor- ganizations, no additional structural changes. I have a response around the budgetchanges. There have been changes to the ministry’s budgetsince the lastupdate.

In particular, they include the following: an increase of $31.89 million for the housing program’s operating budget and an increase of $54.474 million forthe housing programs capital budget. These increases are offset by a decrease of $47.629 million to ministry operations. The decrease is m ainly due to timing of grantsand fed- eralrecoveries underthe clean waterand wastewaterfund and the New Building Canada fund. There’s been a $50 million decrease for the clean water and wastewater fund and a $6 million decrease for the New Building Canada fund.

Provincial funding for these two program s was accelerated last fiscal. There’s also an increase in federal recoveries for the CWWF, which is the clean water and waste water, of $25.172 million, and in the New Building Canada fund, of $4 million. These reductions are offset by the following increases: $2.1 million for housing initiatives within the localgovern- ment division, an increase of $209,000 for BCGEU wage increases per the collective agreement, an increase of $171,000 to reflectadministration of the federalclean water and wastewater program.

And there have been some mis- Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4129

cellaneous administrative adjustments of $61,000. That includes benefit rate adjustments — that kind of stuff. [3:00 p.m.] Justto wrap itallup. The ministry saw an overallbudget increase of $38.731 million. So adecrease of $47.629 million for ministry operations, an increase of $31.89 million for housing operating dollars and an increase of $57.474 million for housing capital dollars. T. Stone:Thank you for that, Minister.

Couldthe minister provide a littlebit more detail as to whataccountsforthe issue related to the timing of grants?I can think of anumberof scenarios,butI wouldappreciate if the ministercouldjustkind of go through those categories again and indicate what exactly accounts for the timing being different than what was originally planned. Hon. S. Robinson: I think it’s really importantto geton the record thatthe commi tmentsare the same. There’s been no change in the commi tments.It’s really about cash flow, about when projects actually get the funding.

I just want to note, for example, that when we had this terriblefire — the wildfires of this summ er — it meant that projects got delayed. Or if there’s a particularly rough winter and they can’tactually startconstruction in the time frame thatthey thoughtthey wouldbe ableto start,there’s oftentimesadelay on some of these major projects.So this is justreally a cash flow situation. T. Stone: Okay. Well, thank you for that, Minister. I’m wondering if we could shiftgears. I just have a couple of questions with respect to the comm unity capital fund.

This was acomm unity capitalinfrastructure fund thatwas outlined in the minister’s mandate letter, I believe. I’m just wondering if the ministercouldindicate to this House if this fund actually has been created. If ithas been, can the min- ister outline how many dollars have been dedicated to the fund? And who willbe eligibleforthe fund oncethe applic- ation process is understood by those who can apply? [3:05 p.m.] Hon. S.

Robinson: I justwanted to clarify thatthe mem- ber was referring to the bulletin my mandate letter that directsme to partnerwith the localgovernmentsand First Nations to develop acomm unity capitalinfrastructure fund, ratherthan the comm unity capitalfund, because it’s slightly different. I’m assuming it’s the first. I wantto assure the memberand the House thatwork is wellunderway with that.There’s an opportunity to join with the federalgovernmentto make sure thatthere is a signific- ant fund available for comm unities to access.

We allknow how importantitis forlocalgovernments,in terms of making theircomm unitieslivableand rich, to have opportunities to create sports facilities, playgrounds, local comm unity centres,artscentresand such.Thatwork is being undertaken right now to put this together. T. Stone: Can the minister just indicate some timelines here? When willthe application process be up and running? When does she anticipate receiving applications? How will the applications be adjudicated? Who will be involved in that? I’m assuming it’s internal to her ministry, but poten- tially, there may be some third parties involved as well.

I’d appreciate some detail around there. Again, whatwouldthose idealprojectsthatthe minister has in mind actually look like, that wouldrepresent really good value for the taxpayers’ money in the contextof this new program? Hon. S. Robinson: The work is being undertaken as we speak. What I can tell the member is that the application process willbe a merit-based application process, so itwill be adjudicated by professionalpublicservants.We’re work- ing on putting together what the ideal project is, and that work is just being undertaken and reviewed right now. T.

Stone: I’m wondering if the ministercouldadvise the House if her ministry is contemplating any boundary changes for localgovernmentsor localjurisdictions around the province, for comm unities that want to extend their boundaries for any particular reason. [3:10 p.m.] I know thatwhen I was a partof the formergovernment, it was an often requested subject of great debate inside the government. So I’m wondering if the minister could just advise me, and the House, if there are any active considera- tions being given to boundary changes forany municipalor regional district jurisdictions in the province. Hon. S.

Robinson: The memberis correct.This boundary change requestdoes come up. Of course, itcomes from the comm unity themselves. The way the process works is thatit actually comes to staff first, who take a look and ask ques- tions in talks with the staff. They take a look atcomm unity support and stakeholdersupport, and they explore what’s going on. I can assure the member that none of these boundary changesare before me as minister. So I don’thave acomm ent on anything that’s before me. T.

Stone: Shifting gears, I’d like to ask a coupleof ques- tions aboutthe employers health tax and the impactof that on municipalities. I certainly know thatthe details relating to the taxitselfwouldnotfallunderthe purview of the min- isterbutratherof the Ministerof Finance. ButI dothink it’s a very relevantline of questioning here in MunicipalAffairs estimates, because I can say, with a greatdealof conviction, thatthere is no issueI’m hearingmore about,as the criticfor MunicipalAffairs, than municipalities and regionaldistricts thatare concerned aboutthe impactof the employerhealth tax on their operations.

I’m wondering if the ministercouldadvise this House if her ministry has done any analysis or any modelling with 4130 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

local government to determine what the potential fiscal impactscouldbe on localgovernmentof this new tax, mov- ing forward. [3:15 p.m.] Hon. S. Robinson: I know thatthe memberfully appreci- ates thatlocalgovernmentsare an autonomous levelof gov- ernment that make choices about how they’re going to be spending the revenue thatthey get.I was justchecking with staff around if we have received any formalcomplaints,con- cerns, issues. They haven’t.I have heard from some who are concerned, and I have heard others who say thatit’s a wash. It’s notaffecting them. So the response thatI’ve been hearing is quite varied. T.

Stone: Well, no quibble from me. Local government is an autonomous level of government, for the most part, butthey are often on the receiving end of decisions thatare madeby the provincialgovernmentthatcan have positive or negative consequences, particularly when it comes to their budgets. The employerhealth tax. I know, in the case of my com- munity in Kam loops, the finance director in the city accountsand the mayorbelieve thatthey’re staringdown the barrelof a $1 million hitto theirbottom line, including the impact on policing costs.

I wouldlike to ask the ministeragain if herministry has done any analysis or any work with perhaps the UBCM or otherlocal governmentsto understand what the budget impactswillbe, recognizing thatitwouldbe very different depending on the sizeof the municipality. I getthat.Buthas there been any work done to try and understand what the impactswillbe on localgovernmentbudgetsas the resultof a decision taken by the provincial government? Hon. S.

Robinson: I’d also like to remind the memberthat when they doubled MSP premiums, the localgovernments, I’m sure, had to make adjustments accordingly, because that’s what local governmentsdo. There are always various changesthathappenin the landscape, and they make choices about how they’re going to adjust. I also want to point out that I think it’s really important thatwe allrememberthatthis is asignificantsavingsto fam- ilies,and familieslive in allof ourcomm unities.

So as com- munities and localgovernmentsmake decisions abouthow to bestserve theirconstituents,familiesnow have $1,800 in their pockets that they didn’t have before. T. Stone: Well, the proof will be in the pudding on that one. The city of Kam loops and othermunicipalities thatI’m talking to are trying to determine whatthe fiscalimpactwill be of this new tax on theirbudgets,and they willallmake differentdecisions as to how to cope with the change. ButI tell you.

A $1 million change or a $1 million impact to the city of Kam loops’ budgetis a pretty significantproperty tax increase that the peopleof Kam loops, the homeowners in Kam loops, are going to face. It’s also resulting in…. It’ll put pressure on the cost of goods. I think it’s…. It might be easy for the minister to kind of gloss overthe impactshere. ButI’m justtrying to reflect what I’m hearing from the municipalities that are contacting me. Letme ask this, then.

Was there any consultation on the partof the ministerand herministry with localgovernment, whetherit’s through the UBCM or directly with local gov- ernments,as partof the government’s thoughtprocess and ultimate decision to proceed with an employer health tax? [3:20 p.m.] Again, for a city the size of Kam loops, it’s going to hit theirbottom line to the tune of $1 million m ore peryear. Once the MSP is fully phased out and there’s just the employerhealth tax, which is nottill2020, it’s a $1 million hit to their bottom line.

Was there any consultation, and couldthe ministerdetail whatthatconsultation looked like withrespectto the UBCM and other specific local governments? Hon. S. Robinson: I want to reflect back to what the memberhadsaid earlierwhen he firststarted these remarks and justremind him thatitwas the Ministerof Financethat brought forward the budget.Really, I’m very proud of this budgetin terms of whatitdoes, how itaffectsfamiliesand the impactithas on putting more money in people’s pock- ets,because there’s certainly been an affordability concern for families.

As part of that, I recognize that local governments will need to make decisions going forward to address the needs of theirconstituents.They have the information going for- ward in order to do that. T. Stone: I’m wondering if the ministercouldprovideme with any thoughtsthatshe has — I’ve readsome of herpub- liccomm ents— with respect to the loopholesin the local election campaign financing, which have clearly arisen.

We know thatevery memberof this House supported get- ting big money out of politics, corporate and union dona- tions, and lowering the maximum contribution amountfor individuals only to $1,200 perindividualperyear, both on the provincial election campaign side as well as the local election side of the equation. [3:25 p.m.] Yetwe now learn thatElections B.C. — in theirinterpret- ation of the amendmentsto the legislation, as amended from lastfall— has determined that,in fact,the way the legisla- tion is worded, there is aloopholethatmeans electororgan- izations are ableto continue to raise corporate and union donations and continue to acceptany contribution amount as long as those dollars are used for operational purposes and not campaign purposes.

Certainly, in the opposition, we feelthis violates the spirit of the amendments,the spiritof the legislation as amended from lastfall, which was why I saw fitto offerasuggested fix Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4131

in the form of a private member’s billearliertoday. I’m cer- tain that the minister will give it very careful consideration. I’m wonderingif the ministercouldcomm enton whather plans are to close this loophole so that the spirit of these legislative changes is truly honoured. We’re running out of time. There are six months before the municipal elections, and elector organizations are out there. Everybody’s con- fused. The government,I think, needs to provide some dir- ection on this. Couldthe ministercomm entas to whatherplan is with respect to closing this loophole?

TheChair: The member for Nanaimo–North Cowichan seeks leave to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members D. Routley: I’d like the House to help me welcome two people that I’ve just met. We’ve done a nice tour of the building. With us today from Richmond, B.C., is Albert Adamoski. He’s a printer. He loves skiing Whistler. That’s a surprise, eh? He’s accompanied by Michaela Sal from Taiwan. She’s a housekeeperin Whistler. She loves outdoor activities.They’ve come here to visitourHouse, theirHouse. Can we please all make them welcome. Debate Continued Hon. S.

Robinson: I appreciate the m ember’s commi t- m ent to getting rid of big m oney out of our politics. It’s certainly musicto my ears to hearthis change in perspect- ive and this conversion thathas happened. It’s very excit- ing. I think we shouldhave a littleparty recognizing this commi tm ent. This interpretive challenge that we are seeing is one my staff are taking very, very seriously. We’re commi tted to addressingand fixingthis interpretive challenge thatwe have right now, and that should be coming shortly. T.

Stone: I’m justwondering if the ministercouldexplain why the legislation was introduced with such a glaring hole in it.We did canvass this particular topic atgreatlength in commi ttee stage of the bill. We did go back and forth. We were provided assurancesthatindeed big money, corporate and union donations, wouldbe removed from the mix as a resultof these changes and thatthe maximum contribution would be the $1,200 per individual. I certainly voted forthat.I supportthat,as domembers of the opposition. Itwas unanimous in this House.

So can the minister explain why she brought forward a piece of legis- lation that was so obviously flawed insofar as allowing this loophole to exist? Furthermore, when willshe introducea fix of some sort thatwillprovide localgovernmentsand allof those British Columbians out there that are contemplating running for office, all of those elector organizations out there that are looking for some clarity on this…? When can they expect some clarity from the ministeron afix to close this loophole? [3:30 p.m.] Hon. S.

Robinson: Again, I wantto thank the m ember opposite for his willingness to putthe effortinto a private m ember’s bill. Now he has this suddeninterestin banning big m oney, and I’m really grateful that he feels that way. I’m also thankfulto the elector organizations who under- stand the intent and have gone on record for continuing with that intent. [R. Chouhan in the chair.] I’m sure the member knows full well that when you are working with a piece of legislation, how itrolls out,how it plays outon the ground, sometimes doesn’tactually hitthe mark.

I’ve gone on record and certainly been very commi t- ted to addressing that

interpretation. It’s an

interpretation thatwe didn’tanticipate. Now thatothers have broughtitfor- ward in terms of how they understand what’s acceptable, we are in the process of identifying away to make sure thatthat is not the case. T. Stone:I appreciate that,Minister. Itcertainly is ourrole, as the officialopposition, to holdthe governmentaccount- ablefor the decisions thatitmakes and to ensure thatwe’re asking the right questions and the tough questions with respect to those accountabilities. This was an important piece of legislation that was sup- ported by everyone in the House.

Again, justa very simple question to the minister, because itsounds like she’s commi t- ted to a fix. I want to, again, highlight the urgency from a timing perspective, with municipalelections on the horizon and bearing down on allof us quickly. When does the min- isterplan on actually coming forward with a fix to this par- ticular loophole? Hon. S. Robinson: I appreciate the question, and I appre- ciate the time pressures. Trust me; I am fully aware. But I think it’s important to tell a bit more of this story.

I wantto remind allmembers of the House thatitwas a numberof years ago — I wantto say 2014 — when there was a task force put together by the oldgovernment to look at campaign finance and, in particular, expense limitsfor loc- algovernments.Atthe time, there was zero interestby the members opposite to include campaign contribution limits and get big money out. [3:35 p.m.] I know that I brought forward a m otion to see if we couldinclude thatin this task force. Itwas denied, which was very disappointing, because we’ve known for a long time….

British Columbians have been asking for som e time to get big m oney out of local elections. That would 4132 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 23, 2018

have been the time, I have to say, to actually do som ething to getbig m oney out. It was certainly the opportunity to have the legislation working and understanding so that you’re not in this six-month crunch. However, thatwasn’tto be, which was really unfortunate. Butitseems thatthe members opposite have seen the light and recognize the importance of banning big money and getting itoutof ourelection process. I’m pleased to hearthat there’s still that commi tment. I thought maybe it was just around the piece of legislation, buthearing thatthey’re still commi tted to that is a good thing.

Again, we heard atthe UBCM in September— you know, anew minister, justthree months — acommi tmentfrom the UBCM. We did move quickly, I wantto say, because there’s an election coming up this coming year, and we wanted to make sure that we could get big money out. I want to assure the m ember opposite that staff are working diligently to identify a fix. That shouldbe avail- ablefor all parties because they do need to know exactly what the expectations are. I can tell them right now the expectation is that big m oney will not be influencing our politics in this upcoming election.

The fix is in the works, and we’ll have it shortly. T. Stone: WhileI do appreciate the minister’s walk down memory lane on campaign finance reform and the gospel according to the minister on this, the fact of the matter is thatshe is the minister, and she is responsiblefor this piece of legislation. She was responsibleforoverseeing itsdrafting. She was responsible for ushering it through this chamber. Itcontains a very significantloopholethatis now causing tremendous concern and tremendous strife withinlocalgov- ernmentas localpoliticians prepare to puttheirnames for- ward for the forthcoming municipalelection.

Whatwas or was notthe rightthingto doin 2014 or2015 or2001 or1991 is not relevant to the line of questioning here today. On behalf of all of those mayoralty, councillor, regional districtand schooltrustee candidates outthere and allthose electoralorganizations, I willask one more time: couldthe minister confirm that this loophole will be eliminated via some sortof afix on herpartin time forthe municipalelec- tions that will be taking place later this year, in 2018? Hon. S.

Robinson: I’m pretty sure I answered this ques- tion, but I want to assure the member opposite that this interpretive challenge that we’re facing right now will be fixed, absolutely, in time for the upcoming election. T. Stone: I’d like to ask a few questions about gaming grants.First,I’m wonderingif the ministercan confirm what the level of funding will be for the forthcoming fiscal year with respect to comm unity gaming grantsand whether or notthatfunding levelis the same as lastyear’s. If it’s not,is it going up or is it going down? Hon. S.

Robinson: The budget for comm unity gaming grants remains unchanged at $140million. [3:40 p.m.] T. Stone: I wonder if the minister could provide some details on the allocation of the gaming grants. My under- standing is that there continue to be six intake categories: arts and culture, sport, parent advisory councils, environ- ment,publicsafety, human and socialservices— and capital. Are those stillthe grantcategories— one? Two, willthere be any movement of funds from one category to another? The overallamountis unchanged. I understand that.But are there any allocation changes withinthatoverallamount?

If so, could the minister please provide those details? Hon. S. Robinson: The comm unity gaming grants will continue to award a diverse range of grantsto a variety of non-profit organizations that represent six categories: arts and culture, sport, environment, publicsafety, human and social services, and parent advisory councils. The capital project sector also will be available. We’re commi tted to the notional allocations that the membernoted, butof course, I know thathe appreciatesthat comm unities and trends change overtime. What’s going on overtime changes.

Atthis point,we’re notanticipating any significant shift,but staff monitor very, very closely to see what the requests are, and we try to make sure that we’re a responsive grantopportunity forcomm unities around the province. T. Stone: If I’m hearing correctly, the ministeris notanti- cipating any significant changes in allocations from one application group to anotheras partof the overallamount.I appreciate that.

I’m wondering if capitalgrantrequestsfrom volunteerfire departmentswouldbe an eligiblerequest.There are a num- berof volunteerfire departmentsthatthe officialopposition is aware of and thathave some capitalneeds. Itwouldseem to me that the new capital project grant component of the gaming revenues program mightbe a usefularea to extract some funds to meet the needs of volunteer fire departments. I’m wondering if the minister has received any of those kinds of requestsand if she has any thoughtson whetheror notthose kinds of requestsmightbe considered within the overall application process. [3:45 p.m.] Hon. S.

Robinson: I’d like to letthe member know that volunteerfire serviceshave madeapplication, and some have been successful. It’s case by case. They have to meet, cer- tainly, the criteria,butthat’s certainly an eligibleopportunity for them. T. Stone:To the minister, I appreciate that. One more on the gaming revenue piece. The chief of the Tk’emlúps Indian Band, Kúkwpi7 Fred Seymour, obviously was — along with many FirstNations around the province Monday, April 23, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4133

— appreciative to hear of the government’s commi tmentto provide gaming revenues to First Nations. Kúkwpi7 Seym ourreceived a letterback from the Min- ister of Finance on November 3, 2017. In it, it says: “As partof government’s commi tm entto reconciliation atthis time, government is commi tted to working with First Nations leaders and comm unities on the developm ent of a fram ework for a share of provincial gaming revenues.

I will be working closely with my colleague the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, who will be leading this work.” My question, to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, is: couldshe advise the House as to whetheror nota share of provincial gaming revenues appliesto the existing pie that is provided to existing recipientsin those six allocation cat- egories thatwe justtalked about?Or is itthe government’s intention to provide net new gaming revenues above and beyond what’s currently available for the First Nations to apply for and receive? Hon. S.

Robinson: I want to letthe member know that gaming revenueand how that’s distributed is taxpolicy. That comes outof the Ministry of Finance, and it’s outsideof the scope of the administration of the program, which is what my ministry is responsible for. FirstNations groups are certainly, if they meetthe criteria, eligibleto apply, along with other non-profits, in orderto access the funds. Like I said earlier, the gaming revenues, overall, are part of tax policy. [3:50 p.m.] T. Stone: I understand that.

But it is the minister’s responsibility to those existing allocation categories and the organizations thatapply forand receive funding. The minis- terwouldbe ableto rattleoff allkinds of organizations, I’m sure, in herconstituency. I have lotsin mine — there are oth- ers around the province— thatreally rely on the gamingrev- enue stream that they receive each and every year.

I’m wondering if the minister could allay the concerns thatsome are expressing, in some of those existing organiz- ations — thattheirgaming revenuefund levels are notgoing to be compromised when FirstNations are cutinto the exist- ing pie but that rather, the intention on the government’s partis to provide netnew gaming revenues to FirstNations that will not come at the expense of existing recipients of comm unity gaming grants. Hon. S. Robinson: Onceagain, I wantto letthe member know thatmy ministry is responsibleforthe administration of th

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20180423pm-Hansard-n122
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20180423pm Hansard n122
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	3b1790da2180bb30cc29172bda6254d812e52db5

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