First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Monday, May 5, 2025

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 55

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Statements

Greg Holmes, Steve Kowan and Michael Johnston

Hon. Garry Begg

Introductions by Members

Statements

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Marathon Achievements

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert

Introductions by Members

Statements

Richmond-Bridgeport MLA and Buddhist Culture Day

Hon Chan

Introductions by Members

Statements

Dolleen Logan and Lheidli T’enneh Nation

Rosalyn Bird

Introductions by Members

Statements

Wildfire Services and Firefighters

Larry Neufeld

Introductions by Members

Statements

Wildfire Services and Firefighters

Jordan Kealy

Sheldon Clare

Members’ Statements

Lapu-Lapu Festival Attack and Support for Community and Victims

Mable Elmore

Buddhist Culture Day

Teresa Wat

Asian Heritage Month and Support for Filipino Community

Paul Choi

Neil Brewer

Tony Luck

Neighbourhood House Week

Amshen / Joan Phillip

Comox Valley Crisis Response Services Poem

Brennan Day

Ministerial Statements

Red Dress Day and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit

People

Hon. Christine Boyle

Á’a:líya Warbus

Rob Botterell

Oral Questions

TransLink Funding and Government Position on Road Pricing and Vehicle Levy

John Rustad

Hon. David Eby

Peter Milobar

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Review of Mental Health Act

Jeremy Valeriote

Hon. Josie Osborne

Indigenous Consultation and Environmental Requirements for Resource Development Projects

Scott McInnis

Hon. Bowinn Ma

Reann Gasper

Zero-Emission Vehicle Policy and Targets

Hon Chan

Hon. Adrian Dix

Pete Davis

Trevor Halford

Petitions

Anna Kindy

Rob Botterell

Tabling Documents

Documents regarding point of order raised by Linda Hepner

Orders of the Day

Motions Without Notice

Membership Change to Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Committee of Supply

Estimates: Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Hon. Garry Begg

Elenore Sturko

Bryan Tepper

Claire Rattée

Rosalyn Bird

Second Reading of Bills

Bill M211 — Zero-Emission Vehicles Repeal Act (continued)

Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room

Committee of Supply

Estimates: Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (continued)

Donegal Wilson

Hon. Randene Neill

Jordan Kealy

Jeremy Valeriote

Rob Botterell

Estimates: Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson

Kristina Loewen

Trevor Halford

Proceedings in the Birch Room

Committee of the Whole

Bill 7 — Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act (continued)

Steve Kooner

Hon. Niki Sharma

Gavin Dew

Rob Botterell

Kiel Giddens

Harman Bhangu

Monday, May 5, 2025

The House met at 1:33 p.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Teresa Wat : With great pride today, I rise in the House to introduce close to 130 members and

their families of the Shaolin Temple and Cultural Centre of Canada in Richmond, my

beautiful city that I represent. Led by abbot and headmaster Shi Yandi, the temple

shares the knowledge of 1,500 years of illustrious and legendary culture of Shaolin

kung fu, wellness, Chan Buddhism and Shaolin TCM medicine and arts.

I would like the House to please make them welcome and congratulate them for the spectacular

performance at the Hall of Honour on this third B.C. Buddhist Culture Day.

I have to say that any one of you were not there, you were really missing something.

But don’t worry. Master Shi Yandi promised to stage another performance. We requested

them.

Hon. Christine Boyle : Today is Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered

Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Today is a day of mourning, a day to

acknowledge the heartache of the family and friends of those taken too soon and a

day to reinforce the need to end violence against Indigenous people.

[1:35 p.m.]

In the gallery today to help us honour this day, we’re joined by members from the

Declaration Act secretariat, which guides the province in ensuring provincial laws

align with the UN Declaration and are developed in consultation and cooperation with

Indigenous Peoples.

Leading this work and joining us today is Deputy Minister Si Sityaawks / Jesssica Wood as well as Ashley Andrew-Lambert. Kira Cormier, Jackie Demerse-Abbassi,

Tiffany Dunning. I see nobody is standing up, but I’m just going to point anyway —

Lisa Fielding, Johnny Hanuse, Celeste Loganhume, Trenton McIntyre, Kateryna Paliukh,

Clare Pederson, Yimmie Sonuga and Courtney Striker.

These folks work incredibly hard doing important and challenging work, and they do

it in such a dedicated and thoughtful way. I want to thank them for the critical work

that they are doing in our province. I’m so grateful to work alongside you.

Will the House join me in making them feel welcome.

Linda Hepner : I’d like the House to give a welcome to my constituency assistant who is here today,

Margot Gauley — excited to have the first time in this building and to do a wonderful

tour and who does a great job helping me at the Surrey–Serpentine River constituency

office.

Please give her a warm welcome, if you would.

Statements

Greg Holmes, Steve Kowan

and Michael Johnston

Hon. Garry Begg : On April 23 last month, some LAPS officers…. Sgt. Greg Holmes received the B.C. medal

of meritorious service, and Sgt. Steven Kowan and Sgt. Michael Johnston both received

the B.C. medal of valour at the Police Honours Night.

Sergeants Johnston and Kowan are being recognized for their courageous actions during

the BMO bank armed robbery in June. Officers from Victoria and Saanich police departments

responded to the call, and Sergeants Johnston and Kowan were leaders of that response.

Sgt. Greg Holmes was recognized for leadership and professionalism during the Capital

City Centre Hotel fire in November of 2020.

The good news is that all three of these persons are now members of LAPS here at the

Legislature. We are truly fortunate to have their leadership, experience and dedication

continuing to serve on this team.

Introductions by Members

Kiel Giddens : It’s my pleasure to introduce someone who is no stranger to this House, as former

MLA for Prince George–Mackenzie Pat Bell is here on the floor of the Legislature today.

Of course, Pat, as many of you know, was proof that there is life after politics.

He started a new business, Northern Lights Estate Winery, that has been very, very

successful.

Maybe just to update members on what else Pat has been up to. He’s been an active

volunteer for the Hart Highlands Winter Club in Prince George and has taught many,

many kids, including my own, how to ski, which is pretty special. He started a parent-and-tot

ski program. He’s also just received his Professional Ski Instructors of Canada level

3 certification, which as I understand, makes him a trainer of ski instructors. His

words, not mine: this makes him the oldest person in Canada to receive this designation.

I just want to have everybody in this House welcome Pat Bell to the Legislature today.

Hon. Kelly Greene : I rise to make a really special birthday wish to my grandma, Patricia Willis. It

is her 95th birthday. She’s affectionately known as great big nana, and she is famous

for everything she does, from baking to growing fruits and veggies to her naughty

limericks.

She lives big, she loves big, and she’s sweet and tough — best nana ever.

Please help me wish her a 95th birthday.

Korky Neufeld : From the beautiful city in the country, Abbotsford, I’d like to introduce the Pacific

Christian School. Leading the group today is Caleb Toews, with grades 7 and 9 students

on a field trip here to Victoria. For many of them, it’s their first time in the Legislature.

They’re somewhere in the precinct, so join me, please, in making them feel welcome.

[1:40 p.m.]

Statements

Kate Ryan-Lloyd

Marathon Achievements

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert : I want to celebrate somebody, who works hard for all of us, on her own personal achievement.

I want to congratulate our Clerk, Kate Ryan-Lloyd, on placing third in her division

for the Toronto Marathon and qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Well done.

Introductions by Members

Misty Van Popta : I would like to introduce a few distinguished guests and good friends of mine, Langley

township Mayor Eric Woodward and intergovernmental relations Nick Hosseinzadeh, who

are in the House.

Nick came to the township with over 15 years of experience in government and public

policy, and the mayor, with a background in tech, has been in public service since

Mayor Woodward and I go way back to when he was my landlord, 16 years ago, followed

by being seatmates watching our local council meetings on Monday nights through the

2010s. Yes, we were those people. We are a couple of municipal geeks, friends and

colleagues.

Will this House make them welcome.

Statements

Richmond-Bridgeport MLA

and Buddhist Culture Day

Hon Chan : A heartfelt shout-out to our beloved Richmond-Bridgeport MLA, Teresa Wat, for her

decades of commitment to promoting Buddhist Culture Day, a meaningful win for cultural

exchange in our beautiful, diverse province.

Thank you so much for such an incredible job.

Introductions by Members

Mable Elmore : I’m pleased to introduce eight members of the 2026 B.C. legislative internship program

cohort in the gallery today. Kayden Anderson Hancock, Jenna Inch, Kyra Ames, Emmanuel

Adeboyega, Zoflex Vek, Massimo Calabresi, Bethany Shminko and Adana Ndagiu.

They are visiting the Parliament Buildings today to meet with staff and this year’s

cohort of legislative interns to ask questions and learn more about this place. We

look forward to welcoming them next year.

Can the House please join me in making them feel very welcome.

Lynne Block : Sometimes when we tell people to take a hike, it’s a negative. Today it’s a positive.

I would like to welcome today members of the Take a Hike youth mental health program.

Take a Hike is a one-of-a-kind program that is in several school districts in our

province, including West Vancouver school district. This program supports youth facing

anxiety, uncertainty and instability. By combining clinical therapy with immersive,

nature-based training and learning, it empowers students to grow mentally, emotionally

and academically.

These changes have a lasting impact. Take a Hike youth develop the skills they need

to become resilient young adults who can face and overcome life’s challenges, including

transitioning to further education, finding housing, building healthy relationships

and securing employment.

I ask that everyone in the House please give the representatives of Take a Hike a

very warm welcome.

Amna Shah : I, too, would like to join my colleague across the way in welcoming Take a Hike Foundation.

It was my pleasure to meet with them recently. They got to share all of the amazing

work that they do, including really relying on peer support and guidance from those

with lived experiences.

I want to give them a very, very warm welcome, and I hope that the House will join

me in doing the same.

Statements

Dolleen Logan and

Lheidli T’enneh Nation

Rosalyn Bird : Today I’d like to give a big shout-out to Lheidli T’enneh Nation. This past Saturday

they had a monumental swearing-in ceremony with three firsts ever: Dolleen Logan was

re-elected as the first female Chief to be elected three successive times, the first

time they’ve had two former Chiefs on council at the same time and the first time

they’ve had three councillors also be elected to the lands authority.

I just wanted to give the nation a big shout-out today.

[1:45 p.m.]

Introductions by Members

George Anderson : This is the first time that I actually get to introduce constituents from my riding.

Today we have Paula Waatainen and also Ellen Waatainen. There’s something very special

about this introduction today. One of the interns is related to these two individuals.

Here is an interesting story. I will be very quick. In 1992, Henry’s father, Jeff,

was an intern at the Legislature. His mother, Paula, had worked on a campaign for

her MLA and had been invited to visit the Legislature. During that visit, she met

Jeff. They would go on to get married and have a family, which includes, in turn,

Henry.

The last time that Ellen visited the Legislature was to see their son, Jeff, in 1992

for the budget. Now they’re visiting their grandson.

Statements

Wildfire Services and Firefighters

Larry Neufeld : In the riding of Peace River South over the weekend, we had an amazing 13 wildfires

start over the two days of the weekend.

I just wanted to give my extreme gratitude to the incredibly hard-working firefighters

and the incredibly resilient members of that riding. The professionalism that I experienced

by speaking with the minister responsible and the people that work for him was very

well-received, and I thank them for it.

Introductions by Members

Harwinder Sandhu : I, too, would like to welcome former MLA Pat Bell here, because he was my MLA when

I lived in Mackenzie. In fact, he got elected the year I moved to Mackenzie. At that

time, I had no clue that I’d be standing here and introducing and welcoming him.

Thank you for your service, and we welcome you here.

George Anderson : I have one last introduction. I would like to introduce Cindy Cheuk; Woody, who is

very kind and chose to miss school at St. Michael’s, his math class, to be here in

the Legislature; and Lindsay.

They are both public servants who have dedicated their lives to trying to make British

Columbia a great place. And great that Woody could also be here in the Legislature

for his first time.

I hope the House would make them all feel welcome.

Statements

Wildfire Services and Firefighters

Jordan Kealy : I just wanted to acknowledge, similar to my neighbour in the South Peace, that in

the North Peace, when I was going to try and get home on Thursday evening, I got delayed

until three o’clock in the morning with a fire just outside of the city. With the

swift action of the municipalities as well as the fire truck from our airport, they

were able to make swift work of the fire on one side of it so that nothing was damaged

and everyone was safe.

As well, I want to thank the ministry for their swift action with air support and

being able to help out with that as well.

Thank you very much.

Sheldon Clare : I would echo the compliments paid by the others with regards to the prompt efforts

of the B.C. wildfire service in putting out the fire just north of Hixon, B.C., this past weekend.

I drove through probably an hour or two before that started. I was back there the

next morning to enjoy burgers and a very nice open house at the Hixon Volunteer Fire

Department. They were up all night, and they were still flipping burgers the next

day. I am very proud of all of them.

I just wanted to say thank you to the Minister of Forests for having his people there

to deal with the situation. It saved a lot of people’s homes.

Members’ Statements

Lapu-Lapu Festival Attack and

Support for Community and Victims

Mable Elmore : It’s been over a week after that fateful day on April 26. The loss has left us raw

and broken. Yet in the depths of sorrow, great courage is being summoned. The Filipino

and broader community is mustering the strength to go on. We are turning sadness and

despair into love and meaning.

[1:50 p.m.]

The unimaginable tragedy that struck after the Lapu-Lapu festival reminds us about

our shared humanity. It reminds that our humanity is all too fragile and how life

is but a moment that may be gone the next.

But there is hope, because the tragedy also demonstrates that our humanity is resilient.

We will heal, we will rise, and we will emerge stronger.

I want to acknowledge the outpouring of support from across British Columbia, Canada

and around the world for this tragedy. It’s meant everything to support the families,

the victims, the community and everybody impacted.

I want to thank, and I’m also proud of, the leadership and response from the Filipino

community. Within 24 hours, they stood up the emergency task force — the crisis response

to Lapu-Lapu Day, supported by the Vancouver school board, the city of Vancouver,

the provincial government, the Red Cross, Provincial Health, John Oliver School, Vancouver

Foundation, Woodward’s Foundation — to really come together. The community is working

hand in hand with numerous partners in delivering care and support.

I want to thank every single member of this House personally for all of your expressions

of support. Many of you were there on the day. I’ve conveyed that to the community,

and it’s deeply appreciated.

My request is for all of us to continue to wrap our arms around the community, all

the victims, everyone who is left with a heavy burden, to continue to stand together

— a reminder that in the darkest of times, the light of solidarity shines bright.

Thank you very much.

[Applause.]

Buddhist Culture Day

Teresa Wat : We just witnessed the amazing Shaolin kung fu performances by so many talented children

and youth at the Hall of Honour to mark the third Buddhist Culture Day in British

Columbia.

I’m particularly proud and honoured, as the MLA who first introduced and championed

the establishment of Buddhist Culture Day at this B.C. Legislature, to see how much

this day has flourished. It began as a vision to recognize and celebrate the rich

Buddhist heritage and teachings that greatly enrich our collective life in British

Columbia.

Rooted in values of mindfulness, compassion and harmony, Buddhism has been a guiding

light in shaping both personal practices and community collaboration. From the International

Buddhist Temple, Vancouver Fo Guang Shan and Lingyen Mountain Temple to Thrangu Monastery

— all located in Richmond — and many others, these sacred spaces are more than places

of worship. They are also vibrant centres of learning, cultural exchange and spiritual

refuge.

Across our province, this year’s celebrations this past weekend were remarkable. Events

such as the B.C. Buddhist Festival in Vancouver, the Bathing Buddha Celebration Fair,

the International Bathing Buddha Festival and the B.C. Buddhist Culture Day celebrations

in different parts of Richmond brought together diverse communities in shared joy

and reflection.

I’m so excited to celebrate this day with my Buddhist and non-Buddhist neighbours

alike and be reminded of the values we all share, whether it be cultural diversity

or spiritual wisdom. As we celebrate Buddhist Culture Day, let us carry forward the

spirit of Buddhism and continue to build a province grounded in peace, kindness and

unity. Let’s all embrace and practise these values not only in ceremony but also in

our daily lives.

Namo Amituofo.

Asian Heritage Month and

Support for Filipino Community

Paul Choi : This month we honour the 1.4 million British Columbians of Asian descent whose courage

and creativity have shaped our province, from railway camps of the 1880s to today’s

clean tech labs.

[1:55 p.m.]

My own journey began in a tiny corner store in B.C., stocking shelves after school,

and those nights taught me that an open door can change a life. They carried me through

police patrols, as a lawyer in courtrooms and now in this chamber as MLA for Burnaby

South–Metrotown and Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific Trade.

Diversity is more than a virtue; it is our economic superpower. Our unique sister

province partnership with Gyeonggi in Korea is fuelling clean tech investments here

in Burnaby, and fresh ties with Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam are opening doors

for B.C. film, forestry and food.

Yet as we celebrate, we pause in grief. Just days ago joy at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival

turned to heartbreak when an attacker struck at the very heart of the Filipino community.

My deepest condolences go to the families mourning loved ones and to those recovering

from sad acts.

The grief and the anger being felt are not confined to the Lower Mainland, but they

ripple across B.C. and Canada and around the world. So let us honour Asian Heritage

Month and the lives shaken in Vancouver by standing shoulder to shoulder, learning

each other’s stories and guarding each other’s safety. Ensuring our province where

opportunity is never gated by accent, faith or skin colour is a legacy we owe to every

child and every family grieving today.

Happy Asian Heritage Month and mabuti to our Filipino friends.

Neil Brewer

Tony Luck : It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I rise today to mark a momentous

occasion for the citizens, family and friends of the district of Kent and Harrison

communities to honour an extraordinary individual, Mr. Neil Brewer, who on February

6 of this year became the inaugural recipient of the Freedom of the District of Kent,

the community’s highest civilian award.

This prestigious award was created to honour those whose long-term contributions have

not only enhanced life within their community but have earned recognition well beyond

their borders. Truly, no one embodies this spirit more than Neil.

For 35 years, Neil Brewer stood as a pillar of strength and selfless service with

the Kent Harrison Search and Rescue team. He led with compassion and courage, personally

responding to over 600 search and rescue missions, saving lives, restoring hope and

offering safety in the most critical of moments. His leadership helped secure vital

funding, modern equipment and even a new home for the team.

Neil’s impact extended far beyond Kent Harrison Search and Rescue. He played a role

in developing essential communication systems used by SAR teams across British Columbia.

Brewer began his career with search and rescue in 1990, quickly being approved as

a manager for the following years. He contributed to the development of critical communication

systems for search and rescue teams throughout British Columbia.

His service was widely recognized, from Search and Rescue Volunteer of the Year award

in 2007 to the B.C. Medal of Good Citizenship and to the Emergency Management Exemplary

Service Award in 2019 and a lifetime honorary membership of the BCSARA. But even more

powerful than the accolades was his legacy, a legacy of mentorship, innovation and

unwavering dedication.

Neil has been described as a hero, a leader, a friend, and indeed, he was all of that

and more. Sadly, 25 days after receiving this prestigious award, Neil passed away

this past March.

Neil Brewer gave of his time, his heart and his strength, and though he is no longer

with us, his legacy of service will live on not only in the lives he saved but in

the lives he inspired.

Rest in peace, Neil. Bravo Zulu. Well done.

Neighbourhood House Week

Amshen / Joan Phillip : I rise today to highlight Neighbourhood House Week, which is celebrated from May

4 to 10.

Neighbourhood houses are pillars of our community. They’re warm and welcoming spaces

that are a second home for people to find support and friendship. They recognize the

importance of a connection with others and are safe spaces that focus on inclusion

and building stronger communities.

[2:00 p.m.]

They provide services for all kinds of needs, including those of children, youth,

adults, seniors, families and new Canadians.

I had the pleasure of meeting with some of the local neighbourhood house associations

with my colleagues in March. Hearing from these tireless workers and volunteers highlighted

how vital these non-profits and their programs are to people in British Columbia.

My little brother attended daycare at the local neighbourhood house, and sometimes

he didn’t want to come home. So I’m grateful for the role that they play in my community.

At neighbourhood houses, people of all ages, cultures and nationalities with different

barriers can come together to feel seen and meet with others. By building more supportive

and connected communities, we create a stronger and more inclusive B.C.

Will the House please celebrate Neighbourhood House Week with me and join me in holding

my hands up to all the volunteers and workers in this province.

Huy ch q’u siem. Thank you.

Comox Valley Crisis Response

Services Poem

Brennan Day :

“Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Please lend me your ear

for a tale of brave folks who bring safety and cheer.

In the valley of Comox, through sunshine and storm,

there’s a group of fine people who daily perform.

They patrol through Courtenay. In Comox, they roam

through Cumberland streets and the KFNs’ home.

They face what’s the hardest, from crime to despair,

mental health crises, all handled with care.

But they work in the shadows, no boast or loud fuss,

but their courage and kindness mean everything to us.

And yet where they work is a mould-ridden mess:

cracked walls, shaking floors, a seismic-failed stress.

It’s small. It’s outdated. It’s just not okay

to ask them to serve in a place built of clay.

They’re there when we call every hour, each day,

so let’s build them a space that won’t shake away.

But wait! There is more. They’re not stopping at that;

they’ve thought of a way to help folks where they’re at.

It’s called IMCRT, or Car 67,

a team to bring help when life stops being heaven.

A cop and a nurse, side by side in one ride,

to help those in mental crisis with nowhere to hide.

It’s working in Nanaimo and down south as well,

and it’s high time our valley could ring the same bell.

I’m calling on partners from every town hall:

let’s stand up together with one voice and one call.

Minister of Health, the ball’s now in your court.

This isn’t a fight; it’s a call for support.

For this isn’t just bricks or new floors or new lights;

it’s about what we value, defending what’s right.

And Solicitor General, please don’t make us beg.

There’s a reason we strengthen the seismic code regs.

And before I sit down, just one final note:

there’s an alert set for Wednesday, not just to promote.

It’s a drill, not the quake, but don’t let it fade.

It speaks to the risks we’ve long too delayed.

If that was the warning we’ve all been dreading,

there’s a building in my riding that needs no forgetting.”

Ministerial Statements

Red Dress Day and Action for

Missing and Murdered Indigenous

Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People

Hon. Christine Boyle : I rise in the House today to acknowledge the National Day of Awareness for Missing

and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People, also known as Red Dress

Day.

On this day, we see red dresses hung in trees and from windows and pinned or beaded

on clothes and jewellery, or the red dress hanging on the inner balcony of this House.

We see people across Canada join to mourn those who have been taken from us, to honour

the Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people taken and those impacted by gendered

and racialized violence.

Today people join to call for justice and for an end to the unspeakable violence.

The red dress, a symbol for the movement, is linked to a 2010 art installation, the

REDress Project, the work of Métis artist Jaime Black.

[2:05 p.m.]

The red dress is a visual reminder of loss for the staggering number of Indigenous

women and girls who have been murdered or are missing. The project sparked a grassroots

movement that has now grown to unify us all in the fight against gender-based violence.

Today we acknowledge the heartache of the families and friends of those taken too

soon and recommit ourselves to the action that is urgently needed to prevent more

harm.

The stories and words I’m about to share are uncomfortable ones, and they may be distressing

to people listening in the House and in the gallery today, as well as those tuning

in virtually. I would encourage anyone who needs to, to step out or seek support.

Across Canada and across British Columbia, Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+

people continue to be harmed by gender-based violence, and we see the impact of this

violence every day. We have had both a provincial and national inquiry. We continue

to read missing-persons alerts from the police or pleas for help posted on social

media. We gather with community members on anniversaries or days of recognition like

today to mourn those taken from us, many of whom still have not been found.

We don’t know the exact number of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and

2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada or in B.C., but we know one is too many, and today we

hold space for each one of them. They were matriarchs and leaders, grandmothers and

mothers and aunties and daughters and sisters and cousins and friends. They are loved.

And it’s important that we say their names.

On August 20, 2024, 40-year-old Jennifer Blackburn was last seen in Nanaimo.

On July 18, 2024, 62-year-old Alice Maureen Chingee was reported missing by her family

in Mackenzie.

On July 9, 2024, 57-year-old Karen Tessier was last seen in Fort Nelson.

On December 7, 2023, 40-year-old Renee Didier was reported missing in Dawson Creek.

Her remains were found near the Kiskatinaw River on May 18, 2024.

Renee’s cousin, 29-year-old Darylyn Supernant, was reported missing on March 15, 2023.

Darylyn’s remains were discovered on April 19, 2024.

Stephanie Patterson, Chelsey Quaw, Caitlin Potts, Lisa Marie Young, Carsyn Mackenzie

Seaweed, Shaylanna Meghan Lewis, Christin Marion West, Bella Laboucan-McLean — these

names represent only a fraction of the total number of missing or murdered Indigenous

women in B.C., and there are many whose names we don’t know. This is our devastating

and heartbreaking reality.

I want to recognize and hold up my hands to all those who continue to create awareness

and drive change in our province and our country, including members of this Legislature.

I offer gratitude to those who continue to guide us in the work we’re doing to meet

our obligations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

This work is happening in community. It’s happening in the fields of policing and

justice, of community safety and victim services, and it’s happening as we work in

consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to align our laws with the UN

declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In September 2016, the federal government established the national inquiry into missing

and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Its purpose was to examine and report on

the causes of violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls. The final report

also included 231 calls for justice. These calls for justice lay out steps that governments,

institutions, social services, industries and all Canadians can take. They offer a

clearly defined pathway to end this crisis and a way forward together.

[2:10 p.m.]

On June 3, 2021, the second-year anniversary of the release of the Calls for Justice , Canada released a national plan for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls

and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. On that day, B.C. also released its own plan called A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C. A Path Forward recognizes that as a government, we must examine and reform our systems and actions

that contribute to and maintain violence.

Harmful government policies, laws and practices have led to decades of systemic inequalities

and structural discrimination against Indigenous peoples. It is this history that

created the multigenerational and intergenerational trauma, social and economic inequality

and racism that ultimately leads to the pervasive vulnerability of Indigenous women,

girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples today. This acknowledgment underpins the critical need

for our government to work hand in hand with Indigenous partners to drive transformative

change in legislation, policy and practice and make communities safer.

Also, central to the plan, we’ve heard from Indigenous people that it’s important

for government to make sure they have the resources they need to lead the work to

end this violence and resources to support healing. Through the plan, the path forward

community fund is helping Indigenous communities and organizations create and implement

their own culturally safe solutions. The B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship

Centres developed and is implementing the fund, which helps meet the need for Indigenous-led

capacity-building and safety planning. It’s accessible to First Nations, urban and

off-reserve Indigenous peoples, Métis citizens and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Since 2022, four rounds of funding have ensured resources are allocated directly to

projects led by Indigenous communities so cultural solutions and healing can continue.

We know there is more to do, and we’re committed to working with Indigenous communities

and organizations to build a province that is safer for Indigenous women and girls.

Today the family members of Tatyanna Harrison, Chelsea Poorman and Noelle O’Soup are

speaking in Vancouver, and I want to recognize them.

Every single Indigenous woman, girl and 2SLGBTQIA+ person needs to be able to feel

safe in their community, their neighbourhood and their home. We are absolutely committed

to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

It is critical for this work to take place at every level of government and across

all parts of society. We’re going to support and lead this work in every way we can,

in recognition of those who have been hurt, those who have been murdered and those

who have been stolen. We must continue the work to ensure that we dismantle the underlying

systemic issues that result in this epidemic level of violence experienced by Indigenous

women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

To the people and families who have faced harm and loss and grief: please know that

we and so many others commit to being a voice in government who will continue to advocate

for and enact change to end gender-based violence and harm against Indigenous people.

Á’a :líya Warbus : Hon. Speaker, ts’ít siam, sol’temexw casta MLAs British Columbia, siam NDP, Conservatives

casta Green Party, qwelam stam qwel xwelmexw casta shxwelí the alex.

[Halq’eméylem text provided by Á’a:líya Warbus.]

I want to put my hands up to all the leaders of this territory, the MLAs across British

Columbia from the NDP, Conservatives and Green Party. I’m calling on all of you and

anyone that’s watching to listen to the words of the xwélmexw people and the sisters

that have passed on to the spirit world. May our ancestors be with us in this important

moment.

[2:15 p.m.]

I rise with a heavy heart to acknowledge and commemorate Red Dress Day. It’s a day

of mourning, remembrance and awareness for all of us. Across the province, red dresses

hang in doorways, trees and on buildings, and they represent the Indigenous women,

girls and two-spirit people who are missing, those that were taken too early. But

most importantly, all of them are in our hearts and not forgotten.

This day holds a deep significance for many Indigenous communities across the province

and across all of Turtle Island. As we remember the lives that are lost and those

families that continue to grieve to this day, my family included, it’s a day for us

to show solidarity, cross the aisle and reflect on the urgent need for systematic

changes and justice.

I’d like to first honour and put my hands up in gratitude to the Métis artist Jaime

Black-Morsette, a descendant of the Red River Métis. It was Louis Riel who said: “My

people will sleep for 100 years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give

them their spirit back.”

We have a similar prophecy in Stó:lō territory, and that is: it will take seven generations

from the time of contact for the people of this land to stand up again. I believe

that we are seeing that across our country right now, as the seventh generation and

their descendants stand up against the systematic violence that we’ve experienced.

Her art installation was first imagined as she watched another Indigenous woman speak.

She saw in her mind the red dresses hanging in public spaces as a representation of

the disproportionate number of missing and murdered women. She envisioned them hanging

as a reminder of the dark statistics that we hear repeated over and over again. Over

the years, this day has been observed across Canada, and here in British Columbia

it has become a focal point for remembering and advocating for the safety and well-being

of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

We all know the statistics, but it bears repeating today that Indigenous women represent

nearly 25 percent of the victims of homicide in Canada, despite comprising less than

4 percent of the population. As of 2021, 29 percent of homicides involving Indigenous

women and girls remain unsolved. Indigenous women report higher rates of childhood

violence and are 1.62 times more likely to experience violent victimization before

the age of 15. Indigenous women are sexually assaulted three times more often than

non-Indigenous women.

Again, these statistics are a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis we face today.

Although it might be hard to hear and to grapple with, I’ll repeat something that

my mother says: just imagine having to live it.

On this day, I’m glad that we are called to recognize the calls to action from the

national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. I want to thank

the minister for bringing those calls to action forward in this House to remind us

all that the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in the justice and child welfare

system needs to end.

We need increased support for Indigenous communities to address gender-based violence.

We need to implement culturally appropriate services, shelters and programs for all

survivors of violence and education for all Canadians on the history and impact of

colonization on Indigenous people in this country. While there is much to be said

and done, the reality is that the calls to action require sustained commitment from

government of all levels.

[2:20 p.m.]

It’s time to ensure that the voices of Indigenous women are not just heard but are

centred in every decision, policy and action.

On Red Dress Day, we’re called to reflect on the deep pain that’s caused by the epidemic

of violence, but we’re also here to commit to change. We must ensure that those responsible

for the heinous acts are held accountable and also that prevention, support and healing

are central in our response and that we take our cues from Indigenous leaders, matriarchs

and young people. These families and communities who have suffered loss continue to

call for justice, and we can honour them by standing together, both in word and action,

today.

I urge all leaders to support the important events that may be happening in your area.

Lend your ear and your strength as we collectively honour and uplift the children,

siblings and parents and all community members that are left behind. Every time we

lose one of our Matriarchs, we lose a piece of our collective story — a singer, a

dancer, a painter, a teacher, healer, leader; and we lose hope of the future descendants

that she may have carried.

There are really no words that can heal the broken hearts or the trauma that Indigenous

families and communities continue to shoulder. But as a leader, I’m committed to doing

whatever I can to improve and challenge broken systems, to help create a British Columbia

where young Indigenous women and their descendants can dream and achieve anything

they truly put their hearts and minds to.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those that continue to pick up the pieces.

Battle your dark days, and look to the future for what you are here to achieve. We

need all of you. You are so valuable, and you are so loved.

Rob Botterell : In 2019, the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous

Women and Girls delivered 231 individual calls for justice directed at governments,

institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians. Here is a selection

of the calls for justice that require immediate and continuing action.

Ensuring that Indigenous people have access to safe housing, clean drinking water

and adequate food.

Providing adequate, stable, equitable and ongoing funding for Indigenous-centred and

community-based health and wellness services that are accessible and culturally appropriate

and meet the health and wellness needs of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Establish a guaranteed annual livable income for all Canadians, including Indigenous

peoples, to meet all their social and economic needs.

Recognizing Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination in the pursuit of economic

social development.

Supporting programs and services for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people

in the sex industry to promote their safety and security.

Immediately commence the construction of new housing and the provision of repairs

for existing housing to meet the housing needs of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+

people.

Support the establishment and long-term sustainable funding of Indigenous-led, low-barrier

shelters, safe spaces, transition homes, second-stage housing and services for Indigenous

women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people who are homeless, near homeless, dealing with food

insecurity, poverty and who are fleeing violence or have been subjected to sexualized

violence and exploitation.

Develop and fund safe and affordable transportation services for Indigenous women,

girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people living in rural and remote communities.

[2:25 p.m.]

Immediately and dramatically transform Indigenous policing from its current state

as a mere delegation to an exercise in self-governance and self-determination over

policing.

Provide legislated paid leave disability benefits for victims of crime or traumatic

events.

Expanding and adequately resourcing legal aid programs in order to ensure that Indigenous

women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people have access to justice and meaningful participation

in the justice system.

by expanding restorative justice programs and Indigenous peoples’ courts.

Taking urgent and special measures to ensure that Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+

people are represented in governance and that their political rights are respected

and upheld.

I have listed only 13 of 231 individual calls to justice. As leaders of our communities,

members of the Legislature, we can and must do everything we can to fulfil these calls

for justice.

We do need to do the work, and it will take time, but we owe it to everybody to get

this work done expeditiously and in keeping with the need to fulfil every one of these

calls for justice.

Oral Questions

TransLink Funding and

Government Position on

Road Pricing and Vehicle Levy

John Rustad : Affordability is a huge issue for all British Columbians. British Columbians can

just not afford to have another surprise cost just to be able to get to work or to

go to school.

The NDP has repeatedly promised British Columbians that they will not implement road

pricing, yet TransLink is facing a funding crisis and with a promise that they’ll

receive a new funding tool. Quite frankly, given the record with this government on

Bill 7, which we are currently debating in this Legislature, it’s not hard to imagine

why we cannot trust this government.

I will give this Premier an opportunity to stand and confirm today. Will he commit

that his government, over the term of this session, will not implement road pricing

in any form and that he will not be giving TransLink the tool to implement road pricing

in British Columbia?

Hon. David Eby : That’s an easy question. No, we won’t be doing those things. In fact, we’re the government

that took the tolls off the bridges that the Leader of the Opposition put in place.

When they were going to build another new bridge, over the Massey, they were going

to toll that bridge too.

We’re the government that reduced ICBC rates for British Columbians — five ICBC rebates,

put $600 back in drivers’ pockets, supporting them with cost of living. Rates have

been flat for four years after we reformed ICBC, with reforms, by the way, that the

Leader of the Opposition opposed and continues to oppose.

We will take the steps to make sure life is affordable for British Columbians and

deliver for them.

The Speaker : Leader of the Official Opposition, supplemental.

John Rustad : It’s nice to hear that they aren’t going to consider that, although I didn’t quite

get that clear commitment.

Regardless of that, most British Columbians in this province are within $200 of not

being able to pay their bills on a monthly basis, yet a vehicle levy that could cost

more than $200 annually is now being considered.

In 2001, the Minister of Transportation rejected the idea of a levy, saying people

are already paying enough. Now, 24 years later, when prices have gone absolutely through

the roof, we’re refusing to hear that same commitment. The government abandoned the

plan in the year 2001 because, in its own words, and I quote, “the public has said

loud and clear they don’t want it.”

[2:30 p.m.]

Once again to this Premier, given TransLink’s challenge in its budget, will this Premier

commit today that he will not bring in a vehicle pricing levy and that TransLink will

not be given the tool to also bring in a vehicle levy on British Columbians?

Hon. David Eby : There’s only one individual in this House that stood with a government that put tolls

and an additional 40 percent in ICBC charge cost increases when he was in government,

and that’s the Leader of the Opposition. He stands in this House, and he fearmongers

on road pricing and vehicle levies and other things, which explicitly we are not doing,

yet despite the fact that we continue to reduce costs for drivers in this province,

he continues to vote against them.

He went to Ottawa to lobby. What did he lobby for? Increased salaries for politicians.

He went to Ottawa to lobby. What did he lobby for? He said that renewable energy was

unicorn farts.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. David Eby : Six billion dollars’ worth of unicorn farts, $3 billion in capital investments for

First Nations renewable energy in this project, on just one call for power, and the

Minister of Energy has announced another one today. You won’t get this province ahead

by insulting the core industries that built this place.

Interjection.

Hon. David Eby : You won’t get this province ahead by double-dipping on salaries, member for Langley–Walnut

Grove, and by advocating for higher salaries for politicians.

What you’ll get, if you want to build this province, is a government that is committed

to the priorities of British Columbians, building schools and hospitals faster, something

the Leader of the Opposition is also opposed to.

Peter Milobar : Unfortunately, the Premier didn’t answer the question directly. He wandered all over

the map. He did reference a heckle, but he didn’t actually answer the question directly.

It’s a pretty straightforward question. It was a relatively straightforward answer

he gave on road pricing but not on vehicle levies. Again, I appreciate that the Premier

may want to have a little flourish after his initial answer, but if he could stick

to the actual question in his original first few words….

Is this government very clearly contemplating a vehicle levy as the additional revenue

source for TransLink, or are they contemplating allowing TransLink to have the legislative

capability to impose a vehicle levy? Is that the funding source that they keep talking

about, of this mystery new funding for TransLink?

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I appreciate the question from the other side of the House.

We’ve made it clear. I’ve made it clear. The Premier has made it clear. We will not

be introducing road pricing into the province of British Columbia.

Interjections.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Well, it’s really interesting to hear the heckling from the other side, because during

the election campaign, their solution to the….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Please continue.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, if you are interested in listening to the answer, let him speak.

Please continue.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : We know from the opposition that when it comes to transit and long-term sustainable

funding, they have no answers, because they don’t recognize the importance of transit

to our economy in British Columbia.

They don’t recognize the importance, in terms of being able to provide transit-oriented

development so that people can find affordable places to live and have alternatives

to using motor vehicles, which is what the public has been asking for, what the business

community has been asking for, and what is just plain common sense — something missing

from that side of the House.

[2:35 p.m.]

What we have committed to do with the latest agreement with TransLink — which saw

the province put $312 million to cover their operating funds, with equal contribution

from the local governments — is to look at what other alternative sources will ensure

long-term sustainability when it comes to the operations of TransLink.

We know that they have declining gas tax revenues that have come about through

(1) more fuel-efficient vehicles, (2) more people taking transit and (3) the growth of

electric vehicles.

They are saying we need to make up those shortfalls in order to maintain the transit

system and expand the transit system, which we need in this province. We have no preconceived

ideas as to what those solutions will be, but we have committed to work with TransLink

to ensure that we can put in place…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : …operational sustainability for TransLink and also recognize that affordability is

key to doing that, and we will do just that.

The Speaker : Kamloops Centre, supplemental.

Peter Milobar : Talk about no answers. So we’ll try for a third time.

The minister answered about road pricing. This will be the third question now, without

a clear answer, apparently, by this government, around vehicle levies. This is a government

that has cut $2 billion out of their revenue with carbon tax. We’re starting to see

changes that that pays for on all sorts of green transit initiatives, active transportation

and a whole wide range — EV vehicle rebates, all those things. The government are

the ones that said there would be a new funding source for TransLink.

The question that’s been asked twice today — so this is the third time — is very clear.

Is that new funding source going to be a vehicle levy, or will the government commit

today that they will not impose a vehicle levy, nor will they allow TransLink the

legislative ability to bring in a vehicle levy for their new funding revenue?

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I’ve made it clear that we’re going to work with TransLink on what are sustainable

solutions.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, shhh.

The minister will continue.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : It’s funny that the member from Abbotsford said that it sounds like a yes to him.

When I look at the statements of the member sitting right behind him, the member for

Surrey–Serpentine River, who — calm down, Member — apparently supported a mobility

tax when the member was mayor and sat on the board and said: “What fundamentally the

commission has done is really getting us out of the gate with a very difficult discussion

but one that needs to be had.”

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members. Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : The member was one of several mayors at the meeting who expressed general support

for the concept of mobility pricing — expressed support.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members, come to order.

Shhh.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Actually, what the opposition needs to get ready for is for a government that is

committed to ensuring long-term, sustainable funding for TransLink, to get ready for

a government that will continue to invest in transit, such as the $5.9 billion being

built on the south side of the Fraser, the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain station.

I don’t see any one of them on that side saying: “Don’t build it.” I don’t see any

one of them on that side saying: “Don’t give us more buses.” I don’t see any one of

them on that side not asking to expand transit near communities across the province.

It’s got to be funded, but it’s got to be funded affordably. We will work with local

government to do just that.

Review of Mental Health Act

Jeremy Valeriote : For many years, health experts and advocates, all-party committees of this House

and former members of this caucus have been calling for a comprehensive overhaul of

B.C.’s Mental Health Act. This outdated legislation has been criticized for violating

human rights and failing to address mental health and substance use disorders with

evidence and compassion.

Last week this Premier promised to at last overhaul the act. So far, we haven’t heard

a plan for what this process will look like.

To the Premier: when you committed to reviewing B.C.’s Mental Health Act, how did

you envision this work would be undertaken and completed?

[2:40 p.m.]

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

I can’t begin this answer without just acknowledging again some of the circumstances

that have brought us to this place and the devastating and horrific tragedy that our

province experienced at the Lapu-Lapu Festival. Our focus right now continues to be

making sure that we’re doing everything that we can to ensure that people are receiving

the right supports.

I know that people want action, and I completely agree. That’s why our actions will

continue to be around building out the continuum of care that people need to find

the supports they need for their mental health and initiating a review and a modernization

of the Mental Health Act. I have directed my staff to come back to me with the options

that I need to consider about how we are going to undertake that review and that modernization.

This is not a small piece of work. I take this incredibly seriously. I recognize the

urgency, but I also recognize the importance of doing it right. So when we know more

about that scope and timeline, I’ll have a lot more to say to this House.

I look forward to the participation and collaboration with all members of this House

in this incredibly important piece of work.

The Speaker : Leader of the Third Party, supplemental.

Jeremy Valeriote : Thank you to the minister. I’m heartened to hear that this can be a multi-partisan

effort.

As we know, B.C.’s Mental Health Act was passed in 1964 and hasn’t been substantially

updated since the ’90s. This outdated legislation was created in a time where mental

health challenges were treated as moral failings, where the appropriate response was

deemed to be punishment, coercion, forced medication and electroconvulsive therapy.

Sixty years after the act first passed, 30 years since it was substantially reviewed,

our world and understanding of mental health, we can all agree, has changed dramatically.

This legislative overhaul must not repeat the mistakes of the past.

How will the Premier ensure that people with lived and living experience are at the

centre of this work to ensure B.C.’s new Mental Health Act doesn’t cause more harm

than good?

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

I agree completely that it is so important to have the experience of people with lived

and living experience as part of this work, just as it will be equally important to

work with First Nations. Of course, any review of

an act like this must be done under

our obligations that we’ve made under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous

Peoples Act.

That’s why it’s important that we take this work deliberately, carefully and thoughtfully.

That is my commitment to this House to do that. I recognize the urgency with which

people want to see action when it comes to mental health and continuing to build out

the continuum of supports, and my commitment is to continue to do just that, whether

it’s bolstering the education that we’re doing with children and youth, adding more

Foundry centres for youth to be able to access, providing counselling supports for

people at free or low cost.

We know that thousands and thousands of people have accessed those supports. I’m also

quite heartened to have this discussion here today because I recognize that it is

Mental Health Week from May 5 to May 12, and I encourage all MLAs, all members of

this House, to be active participants in their communities, talking to people about

reducing the stigma in talking about the challenges that people face and that we all

continue to work on this together.

Indigenous Consultation and

Environmental Requirements for

Resource Development Projects

Scott McInnis : The Premier’s push to fast-track projects is now facing direct criticism from Indigenous

leadership. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs warned that fast-tracking in response

to U.S. tariffs risks “watering down the environmental assessment process.”

Why does this NDP Premier continue down this path despite direct warnings from Indigenous

leadership in British Columbia?

Hon. Bowinn Ma : Our commitments under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act are

incredibly important, and it is absolutely understandable that our critical partners

— First Nations, UBCIC — and other partners would want assurances that we are continuing

to be committed to those commitments.

[2:45 p.m.]

That is why in Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, we expressly state under

section 20 that our obligations under DRIPA cannot be affected by any measures under

the Infrastructure Projects Act. That is there to provide greater assurance and to

confirm our continued commitment to DRIPA.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Scott McInnis : Well, thank you Mr. Speaker, but the concerns are still clearly there.

In addition to this, the UBCIC has said: “Additionally, UBCIC is concerned the province

is not upholding its own interim process on alignment of laws with UNDRIP or UNDRIP

itself.”

Why is this NDP Premier abandoning respectful consultation related to any and all

resource projects?

Hon. Bowinn Ma : I think we’ve answered the member’s question earlier by explaining that in

section

20 of the….

The Speaker : Member, we should not be talking about the contents of the bill which is in front

of the House.

Hon. Bowinn Ma : Very well. Thank you so much.

I’m very happy to canvass this question in greater detail during second reading debate

as well as committee stage of the bill. What I can say is that our commitment to the

declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples continues to be paramount to everything

that our government does.

Reann Gasper : In this government’s budget speech, they promised to fast-track projects and bring

certainty right across British Columbia. Instead, the Premier’s direction is triggering

warnings of legal chaos.

Former federal Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould said: “My prediction? More lawsuits

from proponents and First Nations, more uncertainty and poorer economic and environmental

outcomes.”

Will the Premier admit that his direction is creating more legal risks, not less,

and that he is risking setting reconciliation and investment back?

Hon. Bowinn Ma : Our government is committed to getting things built, the things that our communities

need, schools that our students need to attend, hospitals that provide critical services

to communities. And we have heard time and time again that although we are making

the single largest investment in critical public infrastructure in B.C. history, we

need to find ways to deliver that critical infrastructure more quickly.

I understand that the members have concerns about a bill that is before the House.

I’m happy to canvass those concerns during second reading of the debate and through

committee stage of the debate.

I assure the members that our commitment to environmental standards, to the Declaration

on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and to delivering for British Columbians the

public infrastructure that they need is paramount to our work.

Zero-Emission Vehicle

Policy and Targets

Hon Chan : A vehicle isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for families, workers and young people.

As we have heard earlier, British Columbians are only $200 away from not being able

to pay their bills and cannot afford an electric vehicle. Yet this government mandated

100 percent EV sales by 2035, with a $500,000 fine and six months of jail time just

for selling a gas car.

Will this NDP Premier listen to the practical needs of British Columbians and repeal

their heavy-handed zero-emission vehicle mandate before people are priced out of transportation?

Hon. Adrian Dix : I just will refer the member to the outstanding response from the member from Surrey

to his bill this morning as a strong response to what he’s saying. I would note that

the government, in its climate action, supports the low-carbon fuel standard, which

not only reduces emissions but creates jobs in places like Prince George. They’re

against it.

It promotes and supports electrification in our electrification policy, supports wind

projects all across the province, especially in rural and remote communities in different

regions. They’re against it.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Adrian Dix : They’re against it, hon. Speaker. As noted, we had a debate and will be having a

vote tonight on the EV mandate. Regardless of that, the member for Kamloops maybe

could heckle his own member now.

[2:50 p.m.]

That debate has occurred. That’s before the House, but I would say this. Electric

vehicles are good for British Columbia. They’re good for our environment. Allowing

people greater access to them is good for us and will continue to be good for us,

not for other reasons than we produce electricity in this province. We are electrifying

this province, and we import gasoline. It’s import substitution. It’s great for our

economy. It’s great for our environment.

We have a difference of opinion. They’re opposed to any measure that would deal with

the fight against climate change. That’s not our view. That’s the difference between

us and them, and we believe those measures also build our economy.

The Speaker : Member, if you wish to ask a supplemental question, make sure it’s not about the

contents of the bill already in front of the House.

Hon Chan : For sure, Mr. Speaker.

The minister can actually glorify all their achievements all he wants, but either

the minister isn’t understanding the reality or is refusing to be transparent about

it. In just about three months, more than a quarter of all new vehicles sold in B.C.

must be zero emissions. In the ministry’s own EV report, sales are declining, not

rising. B.C. will not meet its target. And now they even scrapped the EV rebate.

So my question is not about the bill. Will the minister publicly apologize if they

cannot meet their own target?

Hon. Adrian Dix : The last target was met by the government. I would say that on EVs, we are leading

Canada, number one in Canada. That’s, presumably, not good enough for the number two

party in this Legislature.

I would say that EVs, electric vehicles, which are clearly the wave of the future,

are an opportunity for people in their own lives to address climate change, and more

importantly, to purchase outstanding vehicles that will serve them well and serve

our economy well.

As noted, this is a province that produces electricity, and we’re going to produce

more. Today we announced a significant call for power that’s going to drive the production

of electricity in B.C. They’re against it.

They’re against it. They’re against every single measure that’s taken against climate

change. I’m not surprised they’re against this one, but we’re going to continue to

take action to build our economy and to address climate change.

Pete Davis : This Premier and government have already walked away from all of their environmental

commitments. They’ve walked away from the carbon tax, and now they’re walking away

from CleanBC.

To this Premier: do you think that it’s time to walk away from these unfair EV mandates

as well, and will you actually vote against them today?

The Speaker : Minister, it is again about the contents of the bill in front of the House. If the

minister wishes not to answer, you don’t have to answer.

Hon. Adrian Dix : I just note that the….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members.

It’s the minister’s prerogative. If he wants to answer, he will answer.

Hon. Adrian Dix : The member declared that we are walking away from CleanBC and walking away from climate

action. Quite the opposite is true. The only party in British Columbia that is against

climate action is the Conservative Party.

On a day when we announced one of the most significant steps to electrification of

our economy, something they oppose, when we announced, recently, wind projects, which

they oppose…. I would note that in the United States — in Texas, for example; in Iowa,

for example — they lead on wind projects. Is the new slogan of the Conservative Party

“Too right-wing for Texas”?

[2:55 p.m.]

Trevor Halford : Wow. We all know that reality and transparency are not this government’s strong suit,

but today it is clearly on full, absolute display. We ask a question about vehicle

levies, and we get a Fred Astaire performance over there. Not three times, and he

can’t even muster up an answer.

We ask questions about EV targets. Again, nothing. Nothing.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members.

Trevor Halford : Sensitive over there today, and I get why. I understand.

The Speaker : Let the member ask a question, please.

Member, please continue.

The member will continue.

Trevor Halford : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, the challenge is this. When this government is

asked straightforward questions, they can’t give a straightforward answer.

To the minister, does he stand beside the current targets, the targets that people

are paying for right now, the targets that stratas are paying for right now to equip

their units to make sure that they have charging stations, legislation that this province

has put in? Does this Minister of Energy stand by the EV targets that they have, yes

or no?

Hon. Adrian Dix : I am, of course, impressed by….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, please.

Hon. Adrian Dix : I think it is challenging to ask four out of….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

The minister will continue.

Hon. Adrian Dix : We get time to prepare for question period. It is difficult and challenging to ask

multiple out of order questions in a row. But that’s okay. The member from Surrey–White

Rock is new to this House — or new to his party, anyway — and I think that it’s interesting

to hear his questions.

Here are the facts of the matter. We have had EV targets. Those targets have been

met up to now. We continue to work hard to promote EV sales in our province, unlike

the opposition, which is opposed to electrification, opposed to electric vehicles,

opposed to low-carbon fuel standards, opposed to the output-based pricing system,

opposed to CleanBC, opposed to wind projects, opposed to every possible action we

can take on climate change….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Adrian Dix : We are going to have a vote in this Legislature later today, and they will get a

clear answer then.

[End of question period.]

Petitions

Anna Kindy : Today I rise to table a petition submitted by the B.C. Dental Association. The petition

has been signed by nearly 4,000 dentists and members of the public — a clear reflection

of widespread concern regarding the Health Professions and Occupations Act, or HPOA,

and the unintended consequences it may have on B.C.’s oral health care system.

They are concerned about the diminished role of dental expertise at the regulatory

level, specifically the lack of requirement for dentists to serve on the new college

and that all board members are to be appointed.

The Speaker : Thank you, Member.

Anna Kindy : The downstream effects are concerning: fewer practising professionals, longer wait

times, higher costs for patients and impact on patients’ safety.

The Speaker : Member, you don’t have to explain the petition. You already introduced it.

Anna Kindy : The petition….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Member.

Anna Kindy : Respectfully, 4,000 people signed this petition.

The Speaker : Member. Member for North Island.

Anna Kindy : The petition, respectfully, calls on government to pause implementation of the….

The Speaker : Please turn her….

Thank you.

Rob Botterell : I rise to present a petition. I have the privilege of presenting a petition on behalf

of my constituents on Galiano Island — Susan Lambert, Daphne Arber and Adriana Briand

— for the province to legalize human composting as an option for disposition of human

remains in our province.

The petitioner requests this House to review the Cremation, Internment and Funeral

Services Act and amend

part 3 to include natural….

The Speaker : Member, we don’t need to explain petitions.

Rob Botterell : Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Point of Order

Linda Hepner : I rise on a point of order. I live in a city that has geography larger than Vancouver,

Burnaby and Richmond combined. At no time did I say, as the Minister of Transportation

has alluded, that I support mobility pricing.

I would like him to withdraw that comment.

[3:00 p.m.]

Tabling Documents

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I’m happy to table the quote from CBC, May 2018, to show that I was accurate in my

comments.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Members, before the minister tables a document, is leave granted to table a document?

Leave granted.

Orders of the Day

Motions Without Notice

Membership Change to

Private Bills and Private

Members’ Bills Committee

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Before I get to main orders of the day, by leave, I move:

[That Mable Elmore replace Susie Chant as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’

Bills.]

Leave granted.

Motion approved.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : In this chamber, I call the estimates debate for the Ministry of Public Safety and

Solicitor General.

In

Section A, the Douglas Fir Room, I call the estimates for the Ministry of Water,

Land and Resources and after that the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

In

Section C, the Birch Room, I call continued committee stage on Bill 7.

[3:05 p.m.]

The House in Committee,

Section B.

The committee met at 3:07 p.m.

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Committee of Supply

Estimates: Ministry of

Public Safety and Solicitor General

The Chair : Good afternoon, Members. We will call this chamber back to order. Welcome back, everybody.

We’ll call on the minister to read the vote.

On Vote 42: ministry operations, $1,121,960,000.

The Chair : Does the minister have opening comments?

Hon. Garry Begg : I do. Thank you, Speaker. I’ll begin with a few opening comments before we begin

the proceedings today.

First, I would like to introduce staff who are with me and thank everyone in the ministry

for the tremendous work that they do every day.

Joining me today is Tara Richards, the Deputy Solicitor General; Alex Chandler, the

assistant deputy minister and executive financial officer; Glen Lewis, the assistant

deputy minister and director of policing and law enforcement services; and Jamie Lipp

and Brian Sims in the back row. There will be other ministry staff who will be coming

in and out of the chamber over the next couple of days, and I will introduce them

along the way.

A couple of things I’d like to acknowledge right off the start.

Today, as we have become acquainted, is Red Dress Day, also known as the national

day of awareness for missing and murdered Aboriginal women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

On this day, we honour the memories of those we have lost and recognize the harms

that their families, friends and communities have experienced. I hope each of us take

some time today to recognize the significance of this day and to reflect on the roles

we play in advancing justice, safety and healing for Indigenous people.

I’m pleased today to begin the estimate debates of the Ministry of Public Safety and

Solicitor General. It is a top priority of our government. We continue to invest and

work to improve safety and services in every community in the province, and we are

making progress.

[3:10 p.m.]

We also know that more work needs to be done to make sure British Columbians feel

safe in our neighbourhoods and communities. From retail theft and vandalism in our

downtown cores to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues on

our streets, these are some of the problems that we face every day.

It’s clear that we need to work together to break down silos and coordinate services

and crisis support programs in a way that fosters growth and bolsters community safety.

We know that this is not a problem that is unique to British Columbia; however, every

community does face its own unique set of challenges. One thing is common, in that

street crime and social disorder have underlying causes, and addressing them requires

a multifaceted approach. These are complex issues, and there’s no single solution

that can resolve them in isolation.

As you know, government passed the amendments to the Police Act last April. Some of

these changes focused on municipal police governance, giving municipal police boards

greater autonomy. The legislation also strengthened oversight by allowing for earlier

public hearings in misconduct investigations and giving the Police Complaint Commissioner

the power to conduct systemic reviews. We anticipate that these changes will improve

police governance and the investigative process, but we know there’s more work to

do, and that work is also underway.

As the minister, it is my duty to ensure adequate and effective policing levels are

maintained throughout the province. We continue to roll out a historic $230 million

in investments into the B.C. provincial police service. The budget provides new funding

for the Justice Institute of B.C. that will expand Police Academy training capacity

from 192 to 288 seats per year, bringing an additional 96 police officers per year

into B.C. communities.

B.C. Corrections is also part of my portfolio. It’s a vital part of the entire justice

system, working in partnership with others in the justice and health sectors to keep

our communities safe. We continue to invest in the repeat violent offending initiative,

a coordinated multi-agency program that is making real differences in communities

across our province. Through enhanced enforcement and information sharing, we’re interrupting

the cycle of offending. Over 400 individuals have been identified through this initiative

and are connected to supports they need.

As we see more individuals with mental health and substance use challenges within

the justice system, B.C. Corrections continues to enhance collaboration with health

and community partners to ensure this vulnerable population receives the service they

need. Recently the ministry collaborated with the Provincial Health Services Authority

to open new involuntary care beds at Surrey Pretrial. This was an effort that required

significant operational and security planning to allow the health authority to safely

assume operations for this critical service.

The mandate of the ministry is comprehensive in breadth and approach to advance strategies

and programs to improve public safety, and I expect we will canvass much of that important

work through these debates.

I’m also responsible for ICBC and the Liquor Distribution Branch. I should say that

in the first year of enhanced care, customers saved an average of approximately $490

per customer on their full-coverage personal auto insurance. That’s the basic plus

the optional. As well, it’s important to note that there’s been no increase in basic

insurance rates for six years. Over 95 percent of claims costs under enhanced care

go directly to customers. Over the last five years, eligible customers will have received

an average of $640 in rebates in their auto insurance.

These are just a few examples of the investments my ministry has made. That concludes

my opening remarks. I’m sure we’ll be discussing these and other priorities during

this debate.

[3:15 p.m.]

I look forward to the members’ questions. I know that other critics will be joining

the debate over the next two days, and I look forward to a constructive dialogue.

The Chair : As you’ve heard, we’re going to consider the budget estimates of the Public Safety

and Solicitor General Ministry.

Elenore Sturko : Thank you to the members of the ministry who have come to provide some information

for us today.

Thank you for the work that you’re doing for the province.

Thank you to the minister for his openness to answer my questions. I’m going to start

off, actually, by asking some questions related to police interactions with people

with serious mental illness. I think that in light of some of the incidents that have

not only taken place within the last ten days or so but also in addition to a number

of very significant issues that have taken place in 2024 and, indeed, in 2025 as well….

Over the last year in 2024 and in 2025, we’ve seen an increase in serious incidents

involving people with mental illness, often complicated by drug use, and incidents

involving people with drug-induced psychosis. Police are often the first point of

contact in a mental health crisis or incidents which involve criminal interactions

where a suspect is experiencing challenges with addiction, mental illness or brain

injuries.

Police are doing an outstanding job in this province. They respond to calls, they

make arrests and apprehensions, yet they are often faced with repeat incidents with

the same offender due to systemic issues, which they don’t have control over.

Police are also facing an increase in assaults against police. In 2025, in Vancouver,

there has been a 25 percent increase in assaults against peace officers, including

a recent interaction in Vancouver where an officer was lit on fire. There have also

been recent reports of a plot to murder a police officer in Vancouver.

Police leaders point to multiple factors influencing the increase in attacks on police,

being the acuity of mental illness and brain injury, increased frequency of interactions

involving individuals with drug-induced psychosis or drug-intoxicated behaviours and

anti-police sentiments.

These next series of questions, as they relate to the budget and as they relate to

the management of policing over the next budget year, are regarding those interactions

between people living with mental illness and addiction and police services.

Is there any information available on how many calls for service police across the

province are receiving on an annual basis related to mental health?

[3:20 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : Thank you, member opposite.

Being a police officer, as you were for many years, I know that you know the system

quite well. The reality of policing in today’s society has changed dramatically over

the past five to ten years. There are a number of factors that enter into that.

You mentioned drug psychosis and mental health needs that are apparent on the street.

You will also know that across the province — and, I think, across the country — there

have been some dramatic changes in the way policing is presented to the public.

I can’t, in specific terms, speak about any particular case, other than to say that

the police, in response to the increased calls, are more sensitive. They have taken

much more training than I did as a young member. They have formed PAC teams. They

have formed teams that look after not only the mental and physical health of the client,

but also the mental and physical health of the policing community.

I in no way intend to mitigate the effect that it has on communities. It is dramatic.

In this province, for example, you’ll know that we’ve changed or are changing the

legislation as it relates to our ability to confine people in custody.

[3:25 p.m.]

It’s a work in progress. It’s unfair of me to look at one particular case and cast

judgment upon it, except to say that as the needs of society change, the response

of the policing community has changed as well.

I think that’s good. I think that’s forward. It is a work in progress, but statistically,

there is no way that we can quantify the numbers involved. We find many times, of

course, that what started out as a call for police was redirected, either by the police

or by another agency that works with the police, so that that call is negated.

I in no way want to minimize it. I think we have to respond to it, and that’s exactly

what we’re doing.

Elenore Sturko : Thank you to the minister. I find that answer to be somewhat troubling, and I’ll

explain why.

I have a series of questions that I’ll be asking here, many of them related to no

particular one incident but to the totality of the circumstances that we’re facing

in the province, with a number of troubling incidents and a pattern that seems to

have emerged in the province with police having to respond to health care issues.

What I find troubling is that the question was related to how many calls for service

police are dealing with related to the Mental Health Act. We had last week a Premier

that announced a review of the Mental Health Act, as you know. I think that having

the minister as well….

We had a great conversation the other day. I think you have well over 30 years service

to this great country as a policeman. Awesome. So you definitely know what I’m talking

about.

I would say almost every call has some aspect of mental health in it, but there are

very specific criteria that apply to the Mental Health Act of British Columbia with

respect to police. I would really be curious to know if statistical data has been

collected, either through police analytics, with that type of work that they do for

many other categories — assaults, thefts over $5,000 and all that kind of stuff….

Look, we are about to, perhaps as a province, be embarking on a very important review

of the Mental Health Act.

My question…. There will be a series of questions, so hopefully, we can work through

this. Does the minister think that the police have data that would be valuable to

the upcoming review of B.C.’s Mental Health Act?

[3:30 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : It may be of interest to you to know that the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police

has a standing committee that meets several times a year. What they do, amongst other

things, is take a look at the pattern in calls for service. They have anecdotally

suggested to us that there are increasing examples where the mental health aspect

of the client comes into play.

Now, as you know, sometimes what starts out as something ends up as something else,

and it cannot be categorized as being a Mental Health Act call. That is one of the

reasons why, I believe, the Premier is interested in overhauling and reforming the

Mental Health Act — so that it can be more specific and better address the needs of

the mental health client. The impetus behind it is so that the police can adjust to

meet those new and emerging needs.

You will know, from your past experience, that we were poorly equipped in the past,

in many cases, to deal with the true psychologic or psychiatric needs of the clients

we came into contact with, but with the purported increase in persons under the effect

of drugs or suffering from systemic problems or brain injuries, it’s difficult to

quantify, in an empirical way, that total amount.

We can, I suppose, challenge the police community to take a harder look. My expectation

is that that’s something that is better addressed by those who will be forming the

committee to reform the Mental Health Act. So it is indeed entirely responsive to

what we’re trying to do.

The Chair : Just a general reminder to everybody participating in debate today to keep comments

and questions coming through the Chair. Thank you very much.

Elenore Sturko : I thank the minister for that response. I find it concerning, though. You know, there

have been many times when issues were brought forward to this government, not just

here in this session but over the last number of years, that were written off as anecdotal

evidence: “This government doesn’t recognize anecdotal evidence.”

For example, when it comes to things like the diversion of safe supply, stories from

families and reports from community groups were written off as anecdotal, yet I hear

the minister say, when it comes to understanding the Mental Health Act and how an

increase in incidents is being noted among police leaders, that it relies upon anecdotal

evidence to make judgments about where we should potentially go.

I would agree to some extent with the minister about the changing training and the

equipment, the groups, the types of responses. Certainly, in my career when dealing

with police and incidents involving mental health, there were significant improvements,

particularly over the last decade, but that doesn’t negate the requirement for proper

data collection that should be taken, especially in multiple incidents that we can

refer to, just in 2025 alone.

[3:35 p.m.]

One particular incident I know the minister is familiar with is a police interaction

with individuals, a family, who reported, at least through the media, that the person

had a history of mental illness requiring medication and had a history of crises and

then recovery.

They were called to assist the family because this individual, reported to be off

medication and in a mental health crisis, was arrested, but no mental health assessment

was undertaken. That person, brought to court for assaulting a police officer and

for uttering threats to damage property, was then released, only to — within hours

of that release from custody — in Vancouver, assault a Toronto tourist, causing bodily

harm to this individual.

So we see there that there is a potential, at least, for a gap between services that

are being provided under the Mental Health Act, or could be. That was a potentially

missed opportunity for an apprehension. Not knowing the full totality of the circumstances

police were dealing with but using my experience as a police officer, I might expect

that there could have been an opportunity there.

I’d ask the minister: in light of this review and in light of a previous reliance,

perhaps, on anecdotal information, will the minister make the recommendation that

police leaders engage…?

Firstly, I would like to know if there is any commitment in this 2025 budget to do

some data collection that could be useful in analyzing the Mental Health Act in terms

of how it’s working with police and how they’re utilizing that.

For example, and not to drone on, but in this case we saw perhaps a circumstance where

the Mental Health Act,

section 28, may have been applied and wasn’t. Is there something

in that section, either the training of the members…? They did not recognize that

as being something that could be applicable to

section 28. Can we make any kind of

change to that section?

I guess, does the minister have a budgetary allocation that would allow for this type

of data collection? Is the ministry prepared to make a commitment to collect data

on police interactions with the Mental Health Act specifically? Is there a role for

police and law enforcement leadership to play in that review?

[3:40 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : I think we are on the same page in that our expectation of what is going to happen

as a result of our interactions with this particular community is the same. We want

to see everyone turn out as healthy and as productive as they possibly can.

It’s important that I make the distinction between anecdotal and empirical evidence.

One is not exclusive of the other. Policemen rely a lot on anecdotal evidence that

cannot be quantified in many ways. That having been said, I think you will know that

police record most information in PRIME, so some of that information can be extracted

for a specific purpose later, but not immediately identifiable as what we would call

empirical evidence.

What I can commit to is that the Minister of Health has been charged with the responsibility

of looking into improvements in the Mental Health Act so it better serves everyone.

I know that the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police meets with her about matters

like this regularly. My expectation, although it’s only mine, is that the Health Minister

will be calling upon the policing community and others who have constant and consistent

contact with this client group so that she gets the best she possibly can in reforming

the Police Act.

To reiterate, I think it’s important that I acknowledge that we’re on the same page.

Our intent is the same as yours. We recognize that there are deficient aspects of

the Mental Health Act which require our attention. In order for us to accomplish that,

we will work with the police and the other client groups so that the best possible

outcome results.

Elenore Sturko : How many apprehensions under the Mental Health Act of British Columbia are police

in British Columbia making every year, and of those apprehensions, how many or what

percentage result in certification?

[3:45 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : That information is not available to me today, but I will commit to getting that

information as quickly as I can and getting back to you.

Elenore Sturko : Thank you, Minister.

After a person has been apprehended by the police and brought to the hospital, regardless

of whether they are certified or not certified, what is the average time that elapses

between that first apprehension and the next police contact?

Hon. Garry Begg : It’s a fairly convoluted process for me to answer the question directly, but again,

I’ll commit to finding the answer that you seek and getting it to you.

Elenore Sturko : Just to clarify. The reason that many of these questions are being asked is given

the high-profile nature of what’s happening in our province with individuals, which

is a small group of individuals.

I want to always, at every opportunity that I have to speak to the public, let people

know that the vast majority of people who suffer from mental illness are not a danger

to the public. They do not become entangled with the criminal justice system and don’t

regularly have police interactions.

But there is a group of individuals, and anecdotally, at least, we can say that we

seem to see more police interactions with individuals with a brain injury, drug-induced

psychosis, intoxicated behaviours and untreated severe mental illness, many of whom

are living in very dire situations.

The reason why I find it unfortunate that we can’t dive into that particular information

is that it was not that long ago that we introduced an app in this province, HealthIM.

It was to reduce and to look at exactly addressing some of these things that are featured

in my questions about apprehensions, about interactions between police and people

with mental illness.

Just for the public, I will go through and get this on the record. HealthIM is a digital

public safety system designed to improve emergency police response in mental health

and addictions crisis situations, increasing safety for first responders, health care

staff and a person in crisis. This system will support a better interaction between

the person in crisis and the responding police officer by enabling the officer to

better understand the reason for the person’s behaviour.

The responding officer will be guided through a series of questions to help facilitate

a better assessment of the person in crisis. Their communication with health care

partners will also be enhanced, as the system will help them use the same clinical

language and will provide them information that doctors and nurses need at hand immediately.

Other benefits include: the assessment of risk of harm to self and others, which helps

determine the best way the person can receive help; provides client-specific safety

and de-escalation information to facilitate trauma-informed response, leading to better

outcomes; alerts health care partners to an incoming person escorted by emergency

responders; and flags instances of weapons possession and/or violent behaviour.

[3:50 p.m.]

A risk-of-harm analysis history can be developed over time, providing insight into

how to assist those with previous police contact.

My first question related to this to the minister is: what are the results of the

HealthIM program?

[3:55 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : I think it’s important that this, particularly the HealthIM, is a work-in-progress.

And because of that, the data sets that have been established as a result are not

fully there.

On March 7, 2024, Port Moody police department was the first agency to implement HealthIM

with provincial funding. Nelson PD will launch in May 2025, followed by municipal

departments Central Saanich, Saanich, Victoria and Oak Bay on the south Island in

June of 2025.

The HealthIM, of course, is a method of communication, sort of one-way communication

because of respect to the Privacy Act. The medical information basically cannot be

shared outside of the medical fraternity, but some of the information can be stored

in PRIME, which, in that case, helps an attending police officer to get a better picture

of the potential that they will face with this person when they arrive at the scene.

It is a work-in-progress, and we can keep you informed as the program continues.

Elenore Sturko : It’s been a year. HealthIM launched in March 2024. We’re in May, over a year. I’m

surprised that in something that would be so critical…. Mental health interactions

with police was a significant source of concern from British Columbians. It resulted

in the review to the Police Act and many other initiatives that the government undertook.

The fact that we would be a year in and not have an analysis even in the first six

months….

What if this was having a negative impact? What if we saw that it was steering members

away from apprehensions or hospital visits when they should be…? Without the interaction

with the HealthIM, maybe they would make the decision on their own to go.

I’m very, actually, concerned, given the weight and severity of what’s happening as

a result of mental illness with a small group of individuals in our province — a small

population of people with severe untreated illness, complicated often by drug use

and the violence that has undertaken in this province — that we wouldn’t have done

a more timely three months, six months, nine months, one year. Do we have less apprehensions?

Less certifications? More?

In cases where the app doesn’t recommend taking a person to the hospital, what would

be the frequency of returning visits to the same client? And after what period would

that next…? That’s how we would analyze to see if this thing is even working. Taxpayer

money. Budgeted money. We have information that we already…. As you know, in PRIME,

police officers already put mental health interactions in there. It’s nice to know.

Maybe there’s more comprehensive information. It’s actually the medical information.

Knowing that the ministry does not have available data on HealthIM, even though it

is now expanding to another jurisdiction…. One of the benefits of police mental health

outreach teams is that they can do something that HealthIM cannot do, which is, as

the minister states, share medical information with someone on the scene of a police

call, a psychiatric nurse, who can themselves, from the health authority, see data

about a potential client in the community and recommend services.

They can see what services that this individual might be getting, what type of voluntary

or involuntary treatments they may be receiving. And then that individual, that nurse,

can help this team to make a decision about whether or not a hospital visit is needed

or not. Whether or not this person has a history of non-compliance with medication

or not in a way that is much more comprehensive than an app, of course.

[4:00 p.m.]

In 2024, this government promised that there would be $3 million to increase the number

of police mental health outreach teams.

Burnaby had been asking for years to have one, and it was only after the murder of

Shaelyn Yang, a constable from Burnaby who was murdered by a person with a severe

mental illness in a police interaction…. It took a year for that police and mental

health outreach team to be staffed and approved by the government.

Langley was promised a police and mental health outreach team but has not received

it.

Of the promised police and mental health outreach teams, how many have been filled?

What portion of the 2025-26 budget represents an increase, and what are the province’s

plans to increase police and mental health outreach teams?

[4:05 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : I think your question is better directed to the Ministry of Health, who are the funders

of the types of programs to which you refer.

Elenore Sturko : Thank you for the answer to that question.

I would disagree. I think that the Ministry of Public Safety should be able to answer

questions about whether or not HealthIM is working and how many police and mental

health outreach teams we’re going to have, because they’re interacting with police.

They’re supposed to be there for police interactions. They were actually something

that was discussed during Reforming the Police Act, about the public’s dissatisfaction

with how people with mental illness were interacting with police officers.

I think that having the answer to whether or not police agencies in this province

can expect their promised expansions of police and mental health outreach teams should

be something that this minister and his staff should know. Whether or not they’ve

projected that in 2025, it’s to make sure that you guys are ready to train up some

units and then to supplement and support agencies, because we’re going to have a lot

of nurses come in. Or not. I just disagree with the minister.

There was also talk in response to some of the province’s dealings under the Mental

Health Act and with people with mental illness about adding a fourth option to 911.

Can the minister please speak to what work will be done, how the project is going,

what that option might look like in the province of British Columbia to add a fourth

option?

For people who may be unfamiliar with what this is, this is calling for emergency

services, calling 911 if it’s available in your community, and instead of having police,

fire and ambulance, having a fourth option for mental health. There would be some

type of service associated to that, whether it’s someone who is triaging, perhaps

a psychiatric nurse in a dispatch centre, at E-Comm or something.

This was something that was discussed. I’m wondering what type of work is underway

in the 2025 budget to make that a reality.

[4:10 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : As we move forward, the fourth option is one of the things I suspect that we will

take a look at. There is nothing in the current go-forward budget to accommodate that.

Elenore Sturko : I’m now going to read from the British Columbia Review Board annual report, fiscal

year April 2023-March 2024. It’s related to mental health. This says:

“BCRB snapshots of the intake process for new accused: in the fiscal ’23-24, the board

observed that the intake process for new accused had become much more complex and

time-consuming than in prior years. Courts released accused persons charged with violent

offences whose mental disorders were untreated and who were homeless and substance-addicted.

The following case example illustrates challenges staff face.

“Example 1: in mid-October 2023, the court released a female accused person who had

been unfit to stand trial on assault charges. Her matters were deferred to the board

for a hearing. The accused was homeless, substance-addicted and banned from shelters

in northern B.C. after assaulting shelter workers.

“With no means of contacting her, registry staff were unable to notify her of her

obligation to attend a hearing and comply with the board chair’s assessment order

to determine her mental health status and risk to the public. Despite extensive efforts

to locate her, the board next heard of the accused’s whereabouts after she was hit

by a car and hospitalized, then released back into the community. The board tried

unsuccessfully to have the courts detain her for her safety and that of the public.

“Staff were ultimately able to

schedule her matter for an in-custody hearing after

she was arrested and taken to a correctional facility. The board was subsequently

notified by corrections staff that the accused was going to be released on bail. Registry

staff acted swiftly and provided necessary documentation to correctional facility

staff to have the accused then brought to the Forensic Psych Hospital so that her

initial hearing could finally be held in January of 2024.”

That’s about six months.

“At that hearing, the board made a custody disposition.”

That’s an example that I think…. When I read that, I thought: “This isn’t just a one-off,

of course.” We hear about these types of situations occurring in British Columbia

time and again with people who are extremely vulnerable.

[4:15 p.m.]

This is a person that’s accused of serious charges but found not fit to stand trial

because they’re sick. And despite the fact that they are substance-addicted and homeless,

they were released onto the street, where they got hit by a car and then only were

able to interact with our system again once they committed another crime. This example

is the heart of what we’re dealing with right now in British Columbia.

My question is actually a two-for-one. I’ll just combine them together.

Are police in B.C. collecting statistics on their contacts involving people identified

as unfit to stand trial, who are living in the community, whether they are housed

or unhoused? What work is being undertaken between the Minister of Public Safety and

Solicitor General, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Health Minister, coordinated?

I do believe that this is going to be something that needs to be coordinated to ensure

people like this poor soul in this example do not fall through the cracks and do not

harm their fellow British Columbians.

Hon. Garry Begg : You will be aware, I’m sure, of the cabinet committee on community safety, which

is a relatively new group of individuals that has been formed by the cabinet to look

at articles of which you speak — how things fall through the cracks, for example.

The Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the

Health Minister all have a role to play in that.

It’s a new committee. I think we’ve met perhaps once or twice since it was formed.

The whole idea is that we capitalize on programs already existing — like ReVOII, for

example, which is a highly successful program that monitors people when they’re released,

through whatever process, so that they don’t slip through the cracks, as you say.

It’s challenging, but it does require a coordinated effort by the principals of the

three ministries that I mentioned so that we reduce the opportunity for recidivism

on the part of members like this.

The Chair : Members, I’ve had a request for a brief recess, so this House is going to stand at

recess for the next five minutes.

The committee recessed from 4:20 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

The Chair : All right, Members. We’ll call the House back to order, where we’re considering the

budget estimates of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Elenore Sturko : In his previous answer, the minister mentioned ReVOII and the importance of these

types of groups in monitoring individuals who may have multiple contacts and may be

on bail. Is ReVOII or any other agency that the minister is aware of monitoring people

who have been deemed unfit to stand trial?

Hon. Garry Begg : We do not have people in the ReVOII program who have been found unfit to stand trial.

Elenore Sturko : I didn’t think so. To be honest, I didn’t think so. I just wanted that confirmed.

The real question is, based on the scenario that we listened to of this individual

who themselves is very vulnerable…. Also, at least from the scenario, we can see this

example of a real-life thing that happened here in B.C. — that they had at least victimized

two other people and then went on to commit another interaction with the criminal

justice system. It seems like there was no one watching. There was no one taking care

of them.

[Mable Elmore in the chair.]

So I’m wondering if the minister knows, just from a public safety lens: is there any

group or service, or is it the health care system? Is it our B.C. correctional system?

Who is it that is looking after people like this who…?

This woman was released from custody, not fit to stand trial, run over by a car, homeless,

addicted. Who is looking after to monitor individuals like this to ensure…? I understand,

and I think the committee that’s together with Health and that met two times now,

two whole times…. That’s good work that will be done. But in terms of every day, what’s

happening? We already have these scenarios playing out every day. Who is watching

these individuals?

[4:30 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : The question you asked is about who’s looking after and who’s not being looked after

— my version of your question.

I would say that we have a series of groups, situation tables and that kind of group,

who meet, have a case conference weekly or more frequently if and as required, so

that for persons like you speak of — who are not, perhaps, in a particular program

but are worthy of consideration — are being looked after when no one else is looking

after them. They’re not in a program. The suspicion is that they will reoffend or

cause other problems.

This is the group who, at the situation tables, isolate those people for continued

observation.

Elenore Sturko : I think this alone — I’ll just say it for the record — really represents an example

of where the gaps in our system currently are. While the review of the Mental Health

Act is important, perhaps it’s to have a look at the way that the act is working —

and, I think, several things.

Without the input of people — not only health care providers but law enforcement,

who are engaged with using it as one of the tools in the repertoire of responses that

police can use — and understanding how that is or is not being used, understanding

whether or not those apprehensions turn to certifications, how long a person’s treatment

lasts after certification, and how soon, after a release from hospital of someone

who may have had previous contact…. When’s the next time the police are interacting

with that person? These are important things to know.

Situations like this, we see, according to the review board’s own report, are increasing.

Likewise, the amount of services available for individuals who would meet those criteria

is diminishing, actually, according to the 2023-24 report. It would be shortsighted,

I think, if it is only a review of the Mental Health Act itself, the legislation,

and not a review of how that interplays with a variety of other services.

[4:35 p.m.]

I agree with the minister that there are tables, and different communities also have

different action groups that try to look after the needs of people who are in community

with different needs and vulnerabilities, but it’s not consistent in every community.

This was someone in the North, for example. We know, from my friends here on this

side and from that side, that the North is an underserved region when it comes to

mental health services.

I think that a systemic review that involves the interplay between public safety and

the tools that they have at their fingertips, and perhaps where more tools need to

be provided, would be important. And that’s not to criticize the Premier’s decision

to review the legislation. But just for the record’s sake as well, it’s legislation

that faces challenges by activist groups, by people who do not wish our province to

have the ability to both apprehend, certify and treat without a court order, which

is actually a benefit of our Mental Health Act currently.

If we would lose that, it would actually reduce the timeliness of treatment of individuals

and could compromise, for example, what’s happening with the new nine beds. Legislation

required to make that actually work relies upon our ability in British Columbia through

the Mental Health Act to be able to have someone who is certified by a doctor and

treated in a designated bed or facility, and that the treatment has to apply to the

illness that they have and that we don’t need to go back to court to make that happen.

The timeliness is certainly something that we care about, which is why one of my recommendations

is of course, as I just said, doing the full systems review to ensure that the alignment

with public safety is working. There are some gaps there. We saw it.

It’s also to see if there’s an opportunity for companion legislation, companion legislation

where a person does not meet the criteria or where a person is in community, where

there can be community-based involuntary supports, just like there are through the

Mental Health Act but perhaps a different criteria related to high-risk and dangerous

drug use, where a person is at risk of self-harm or harm to others or serious deterioration

not diagnosed with a mental health issue but high-risk because of substance use issues.

Certainly something to look at, and I would encourage ministry staff to think about

that.

The minister brought up the nine beds, and since we’re speaking about that, I was

wondering if the minister could speak a little bit about who qualifies, who meets

the criteria for these beds that are in the Surrey Pretrial and explain a bit about

what that person is designated as when they are in those beds.

Hon. Garry Begg : A couple of comments before I continue.

First of all, I agree with you that we need a systemic review of the system, and there

are multiple parts to the system. I think we acknowledge that as government. I think

when we speak of gaps in the system that pre-exist, we have to come to terms with

that.

My expectation, although I have no assurance of this, is that part of the review will

look at those tools that are missing and attempt to correct the issue because of the

emergent need for chronic care for some people in society.

The other issue is entirely within Fraser Health’s ability to determine who occupies

the beds at Surrey Pretrial.

Elenore Sturko : Thank you, in fact, for acknowledging, at least from this minister’s point of view,

that a systemic review is valuable for this province. I think that we’ve seen many

tragic things, not just in the recent time but over a period of time. We could, by

doing a systemic review not only of legislation but looking at systems and system

gaps, perhaps make something good come out of something that’s been very tragic for

the province.

[4:40 p.m.]

Just to clarify for members of the public who might be watching and wondering what

the answer really is to the question about who qualifies for the nine beds in Surrey

Pretrial, it’s people who meet the criteria of the Mental Health Act. There are certain

criteria. A doctor, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse would have

to assess a person. They would have to meet the criteria of the Mental Health Act

to receive that treatment, and in these particular beds, they would have to be in

custody of the B.C. correctional system. So these are not beds for anyone in the community.

These are beds for someone who has already done something in the community.

The next thing I’m going to talk to you about…. Actually, before I move on, I’ll table

a document for the minister and his staff.

I see the minister has had a chance to see it. In my opening remarks, when we began

talking in this

section about attacks on police, on the rising incidents of interactions

between police and people who may be violent for a variety of reasons…. One of the

things that police leaders have spoken publicly about is anti-police sentiment.

I brought a document here forward, which is actually from a news

article that was

published in New Westminster, and I’m going to read from this now. It says: “The Coalition

of Peers Dismantling the Drug War was awarded $180,000 by CAI in 2024.”

This isn’t on there, but CAI is the community action initiative. There are grants

that are given through the government, through health authorities. So a health authority

in B.C. gave taxpayer money, $180,000 in 2024, to the Coalition of Peers Dismantling

the Drug War.

This group’s express aims, and I’m quoting here, are to “defund all police services,

including the RCMP and prosecutors, to repeal the Controlled Drugs and Substances

Act and to release everybody imprisoned under the Controlled Drugs and Substances

Act.” In a 28-page report on this group’s website, the tax-dollar-funded coalition

paints a heroic picture of drug dealers who “keep their communities safe.”

My question to the minister is: does he believe that it is appropriate for taxpayer

money to go towards groups who are expressly aiming to defund police services?

Hon. Garry Begg : The short answer is no, of course.

I have no knowledge of the group of which you speak. I have no basis upon which to

believe this is a legitimate group or where they’re funded or how they’re funded and

when and where they were funded.

Elenore Sturko : Well, I can assure the minister that this is a group that’s funded by the current

government. They also funded the Drug User Liberation Front, gave them over half a

million dollars. That group publicly admitted to money laundering and purchasing drugs

off the dark web and then trafficking them. So this is not the first time that a group

such as this has received government funding, taxpayer dollars.

Understanding that there is a consequence for police to pay when public sentiment

against police rises, will the minister commit to speaking to the Minister of Health

to repeal the funding for anti-police groups who are actively fighting to legalize

drugs and to repeal the very laws that help keep this province safe?

[4:45 p.m.]

Hon. Garry Begg : The sentiments expressed in the document that you gave me are not mine. They’re abhorrent

to me. I’ve spent my whole life in law enforcement. I hold law enforcement as a sacred

challenge, and this is not representative of that. I honour the police. We honour

the police. We had, the other night, almost 300 policemen honoured for the work that

they do. I believe in the work that they do.

What is characterized here, again, is abhorrent to me. I do not support it in any

way. I, of course, have no personal knowledge of how they were funded, if they were

funded by our government.

Elenore Sturko : The reality is that you can’t support the police and fund groups that work against

them, and the CAI grants, the community action initiatives, have been funding organizations

that have been working against our institutions.

I’ve heard different reasoning from the Minister of Health and from other ministers

over time talking about: “Well, you know, they are peers.” There are lots of peers

in this province. There are lots of groups willing to do this work. There are lots.

I know that you probably have some of the same ones coming to your constituents and

mine too — same office, same people — because they want grants to make community safety

programs, to make health programs.

They didn’t get funded, a lot of them, but these ones did, and that’s a choice by

this government. They’re making a choice to give community action initiative grants

through the health authorities to anti-police, pro-drug organizations. But I’ll leave

that. I think we’ve made our discussion here on the record, and I appreciate the comments

of the minister.

I’m going to ask a few questions here related to the safety of nurses. I know that,

of course, a lot of the policy surrounding the security relational officers is actually

from the Ministry of Health. However, the licensing of the security guards comes through

the Solicitor General.

I did a little bit of research. We’ve canvassed the safety of nurses and spoken about

some absolutely unbelievable things that have happened in hospitals and horrific injuries

— a nurse committed suicide after twice being attacked in a hospital — and just the

kind of things that our health care workers are dealing with on a daily basis. We

really do need to provide safety for them.

[4:50 p.m.]

First, I want to start off by actually…. I’m going to read a little bit from a Fraser

Health job posting. This is for a relational security officer for my own region here.

It says: “Part time, $29.40 an hour.” Pretty good wage actually. Maybe if I don’t

make it next time, I can apply. “Qualifications: class 5 licence, CCTV, first aid

and security guard licence. Job description: We invite you to apply and find out why

employees recommend Fraser Health.” There’s a bunch of stuff there, but let’s see.

“Responsibilities: patrols buildings and grounds, including utilizing computers, surveillance

equipment and video monitoring; enforces regulations and security procedures; identifies

risks, safety and security hazards; takes appropriate action; checks doors, windows;

responds to emergencies such as the health organization disaster plans, emergency

codes, physically aggressive patients and persons; assesses the situation; consults

with medical staff and others; and takes appropriate action as required.”

There’s a bunch of different tasks here, lots of different duties.

“Skills and abilities: ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;

ability to deal with others effectively; ability to carry out the duties of the position.”

— that’s pretty broad — “ability to operate related equ