British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, October 28, 2015

20151028pm-Hansard-v30n5

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session, 40th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) THE HONOURABLE LINDA REID, SPEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 (P rint) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Afternoon Sitting Volume 30, Number 5

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Fourth Session, 40th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Linda Reid EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council .............................................................................................................. Hon. Christy Clark Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing ......................Hon.

Rich Coleman Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon. John Rustad Minister of Advanced Education ............................................................................................................................... Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Minister of Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................................ Hon.

Norm Letnick Minister of Children and Family Development .......................................................................................................Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink ................ Hon. Peter Fassbender Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Mike Bernier Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review .....................................................................Hon. Bill Bennett Minister of Environment ..........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Finance .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations......................................................................................Hon. Steve Thomson Minister of Health ............................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism ...........................................................................................Hon.

T eresa W at Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of Justice ...............................................................................................................................................................Hon. Suzanne Anton Minister of Small Business and Red T ape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch ........................................................................................................Hon.

Coralee Oakes Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation..............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Stilwell Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services ................................................................................................ Hon. Amrik Virk Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................Hon.

Todd Stone Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness ....................................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Y amamoto LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition ...................................................................................................................................................John Horgan Deputy Speaker .............................................................................................................................................................................. Richard T.

Lee Assistant Deputy Speaker ............................................................................................................................................................... Raj Chouhan Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ............................................................................................................................................ Pat Pimm Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...................................................................................................................................................

Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees ................................................................................................................................. Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...................................................................................................................................................Roderick MacArthur, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Anton, Hon. Suzanne (BC Liberal) .............................. Vancouver-Fraserview Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal).....................................................................Penticton Austin, Robin (NDP) ................................................................................ Skeena Bains, Harry (NDP) ....................................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ............................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Bennett, Hon.

Bill (BC Liberal) ...................................................Kootenay East Bernier, Hon. Mike (BC Liberal) ......................................... Peace River South Bing, Dr. Doug (BC Liberal) ................................ Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ...........................Prince George–Valemount Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ................................Surrey-Cloverdale Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) .................................Vancouver–West End Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ........................................................... Burnaby-Edmonds Clark, Hon.

Christy (BC Liberal) ........................................ Westside-Kelowna Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) ...........................Fort Langley–Aldergrove Conroy, Katrine (NDP) .............................................................. Kootenay West Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ..................................................... Burnaby–Deer Lake Dalton, Marc (BC Liberal) ............................................. Maple Ridge–Mission Darcy, Judy (NDP) ..................................................................New Westminster de Jong, Hon. Michael, QC (BC Liberal) ..............................

Abbotsford West Dix, Adrian (NDP)............................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ......................................................................... Stikine Eby, David (NDP) ..........................................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP) ................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ............................................................ Port Coquitlam Fassbender, Hon. Peter (BC Liberal) ...................................

Surrey-Fleetwood Fleming, Rob (NDP) .......................................................... Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) .......................................................Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Scott (NDP) ............................................................Alberni–Pacific Rim Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ............................................. Abbotsford-Mission Hamilton, Wm. Scott (BC Liberal) .................................................Delta North Hammell, Sue (NDP) ....................................................

Surrey–Green Timbers Heyman, George (NDP) .................................................... Vancouver-Fairview Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ............................................... Surrey–White Rock Holman, Gary (NDP) .......................................Saanich North and the Islands Horgan, John (NDP) .......................................................................

Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ....................................................Surrey-Panorama Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ..................................................................Delta South James, Carole (NDP) .........................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ........................................Esquimalt–Royal Roads Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ............................................................. Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal) ........................................................................ Shuswap Lake, Hon. Dr.

Terry (BC Liberal) ....................Kamloops–North Thompson Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) .........................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ......................................................Burnaby North Letnick, Hon. Norm (BC Liberal) ..............................Kelowna–Lake Country Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ....................................Columbia River–Revelstoke McRae, Don (BC Liberal) ............................................................

Comox Valley Martin, John (BC Liberal) ..................................................................Chilliwack Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ..................................... Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ..........................................................Nelson-Creston Oakes, Hon. Coralee (BC Liberal) .............................................Cariboo North Pimm, Pat (BC Liberal) .........................................................Peace River North Plecas, Dr. Darryl (BC Liberal) .............................................Abbotsford South Polak, Hon.

Mary (BC Liberal) ..............................................................Langley Popham, Lana (NDP) ...................................................................Saanich South Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ................................................................ Surrey-Whalley Reid, Hon. Linda (BC Liberal) ..................................................Richmond East Reimer, Linda (BC Liberal) ........................................

Port Moody–Coquitlam Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ........................................................................North Coast Robinson, Selina (NDP) .............................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Routley, Bill (NDP) .................................................................. Cowichan Valley Routley, Doug (NDP) ............................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, Hon. John (BC Liberal) ................................................

Nechako Lakes Shin, Jane Jae Kyung (NDP) ...............................................Burnaby-Lougheed Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Shane (NDP) .....................................................Vancouver-Hastings Stilwell, Hon. Michelle (BC Liberal)............................... Parksville-Qualicum Stilwell, Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ........................................ Vancouver-Langara Stone, Hon. Todd (BC Liberal) .........................

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

North Vancouver–Seymour Throness, Laurie (BC Liberal).................................................Chilliwack-Hope Trevena, Claire (NDP) .................................................................... North Island Virk, Hon. Amrik (BC Liberal) ............................................. Surrey-Tynehead Wat, Hon. Teresa (BC Liberal) .............................................. Richmond Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (Ind.) .......................................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Hon. Andrew (BC Liberal) ........................ Vancouver-Quilchena Y amamoto, Hon.

Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston Vacant .....................................................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Vacant ...................................................................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Dr.

Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West ...................................................... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Alberni–Pacific Rim .......................................................................... Scott Fraser Boundary-Similkameen ................................................................ Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ...................................................................

Kathy Corrigan Burnaby-Edmonds ..........................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .............................................................Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North .............................................................................. Richard T. Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ........................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................... Hon.

Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ......................................................................................... John Martin Chilliwack-Hope ....................................................................... Laurie Throness Columbia River–Revelstoke .................................................. Norm Macdonald Comox Valley.....................................................................................Don McRae Coquitlam–Burke Mountain ....................................................................Vacant Coquitlam-Maillardville...........................................................

Selina Robinson Cowichan Valley ................................................................................ Bill Routley Delta North .........................................................................Wm. Scott Hamilton Delta South...............................................................................Vicki Huntington Esquimalt–Royal Roads .....................................................Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...................................................Hon.

Rich Coleman Fraser-Nicola.................................................................................... Jackie Tegart Juan de Fuca .....................................................................................John Horgan Kamloops–North Thompson ............................................ Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Kamloops–South Thompson ..................................................Hon. Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country ..................................................... Hon. Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission .............................................................. Hon.

Steve Thomson Kootenay East .......................................................................... Hon. Bill Bennett Kootenay West ............................................................................ Katrine Conroy Langley.......................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Maple Ridge–Mission ..................................................................... Marc Dalton Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ........................................................ Dr. Doug Bing Nanaimo ...........................................................................

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

Judy Darcy North Coast......................................................................................Jennifer Rice North Island .................................................................................. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ........................................Hon. Naomi Y amamoto North Vancouver–Seymour ..................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...................................................... Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .......................................................Hon.

Michelle Stilwell Peace River North ................................................................................ Pat Pimm Peace River South ..................................................................Hon. Mike Bernier Penticton............................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam ..........................................................................Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam ................................................................Linda Reimer Powell River–Sunshine Coast .................................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ............................................................. Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Richmond Centre ......................................................................Hon. Teresa Wat Richmond East ..........................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston ..............................................................................John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands ....................................................

Gary Holman Saanich South ................................................................................ Lana Popham Shuswap ................................................................................................Greg Kyllo Skeena .............................................................................................. Robin Austin Stikine ....................................................................................... Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale ....................................................... Hon.

Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Fleetwood ........................................................... Hon. Peter Fassbender Surrey–Green Timbers ..................................................................Sue Hammell Surrey-Newton ................................................................................. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ........................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Tynehead ......................................................................Hon.

Amrik Virk Surrey-Whalley.............................................................................. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ....................................................................... Gordon Hogg Vancouver-Fairview ..................................................................George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek ...................................................................Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview ......................................................Hon.

Suzanne Anton Vancouver-Hastings ....................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..........................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .................................................................Dr.

Moira Stilwell Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ......................................................................Vacant Vancouver–Point Grey .........................................................................David Eby Vancouver-Quilchena ................................................ Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Vancouver–West End ...............................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee ...............................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill .......................................................................Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake.........................................................................Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano ............................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..........................................................Jordan Sturdy Westside-Kelowna ................................................................

Hon. Christy Clark Party Standings: BC Liberal 48; New Democratic 33; Independent 2; Vacant 2

CONTENTS Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ..................................................................................................................................................... 9837 Tributes ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9839 Brad and Florian Chapman G.

Kyllo Introductions by Members ..................................................................................................................................................... 9839 Ministerial Statements ............................................................................................................................................................ 9840 Boat accident in Tofino and community role in ocean safety Hon. C. Clark S.

Fraser Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 9841 BCHL hockey showcase in Chilliwack J. Martin Tahltan Nation Development Corporation D. Donaldson Business start-ups in Penticton D. Ashton Home care S. Chandra Herbert Desert Hills Ranch J. Tegart Food culture and Camosun College culinary arts program L.

Popham Oral Questions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9843 Government record-keeping and freedom of information J. Horgan Hon. C. Clark K. Conroy Highway 16 issues and government record-keeping S. Fraser Hon. T. Stone Government record-keeping and freedom of information M. Farnworth Hon. C. Clark MRI waiting times in Fraser Health Authority J. Darcy Hon. T. Lake Funding for school facilities S. Robinson Hon. M. Bernier

Orders of the Day Government Motions on Notice ........................................................................................................................................... 9848 Motion 26 — Electoral Boundaries Commission report proposals (continued) M. Mungall S. Hamilton V . Huntington D. Routley G. Heyman G. Kyllo J. Darcy J. Horgan Introduction and First Reading of Bills ................................................................................................................................ 9873 Bill 42 — Electoral Districts Act Hon. S.

Anton Second Reading of Bills .......................................................................................................................................................... 9873 Bill 41 — Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 3), 2015 Hon. S. Anton D. Donaldson N. Macdonald Hon. B. Bennett

WEDNESDAY , OCTOBER 28, 2015 The House met at 1:32 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members Hon. P . Fassbender: Today I have the real pleasure to introduce some 30-plus participants of the Democracy in Action Conference joining us for question period. The Democracy in Action Conference is a program that was launched last year by Minister Oakes, the former Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. The 33 youths, aged 16 to 18, from across the province come to Victoria for this three-day learning program.

Y esterday, the Lieutenant-Governor, Judith Guichon, and I had the opportunity to welcome the students to the province’s capital at a welcome luncheon. The prov- ince is well represented with students from every corner of this province, including students from as far north as Lax Kw’alaams First Nations, as far south as Osoyoos, as east as Creston and as west as Sooke. It should be mentioned that this conference would not be possible without the partnership and generous support of B.C. Rotary Clubsco across the province.

Democracy in Action is designed to help participants better understand British Columbia’s democratic pro - cesses and institutions as well as the privileges and re - sponsibilities of citizenship. [1335] I know that tonight members from both sides of the House will have an opportunity to attend a dinner where they can engage and get to know these students better. I would ask every member of the House to make them feel very welcome. J. Horgan: I have two introductions to make today of constituents of mine, but I want to follow on the minis - ter’s comments because I had my own question period just the other day.

I had, from Edward Milne Community School, Matthew Miller, who is here for the presentation of Democracy in Action Y outh Conference. Matthew came to my office and grilled me for a good 45 minutes on what my roles and responsibilities were, not just as a member of the Legislature but as Leader of the Official Opposition. I had — for a brief moment, in any event — a little bit of a sense of what the Premier goes through when we’re asking her questions. I want the House to make Matthew Miller from Edward Milne Community School very, very, welcome. My second introduction. I have two friends from my constituency.

One is Jane Parkinson, who is the mother of Elizabeth Parkinson, a legislative assistant of ours in the NDP caucus. She’s joined by her friend Kay Prosser. They are here enjoying their retirement, learning new things about democracy and what the Legislative Assembly does on any given day, as well as other pursuits. On a sadder note, I want to also acknowledge that Jane lost her husband, Kevin, just recently and is, sadly, enjoy- ing her retirement without her life partner.

I know that the House will certainly pass on our condolences to her, as I have already, and wish her the very, very best in the days and weeks and months ahead. J. Thornthwaite: Madame Speaker, I’ d like to recog- nize a very special birthday of somebody that many of you here in the House will know and remember — my es- teemed predecessor Mr. Daniel Jarvis, who was the MLA at the same time that you were, since 1991, for North Vancouver–Seymour. Would the House please wish Daniel a happy 80th birthday for November 1. Happy birthday, Daniel. M.

Farnworth: It’s not often that I get visitors from Port Coquitlam here to the buildings, but today I’ d like to take the opportunity to introduce a very special guest. She’s active in our community. She works at the Prostate Centre as a researcher. She has been touring the building. She got to see the library, including — I think, for a re - searcher — an 1877 edition of Scientific American. Would the House please welcome Dr. Amy Lubik to Victoria and wish her a really great day here in the Legislature. Hon. A. Virk: It’s my pleasure to make two intro - ductions today.

In the precinct is my constituent Steven Purewal of the Indus Media Foundation. Members of the House will recall displays in the halls of the Legislative Assembly celebrating World War I and the contribution of South Asians in that. My second introduction. In the House today is a group of young leaders, a young group of individuals in uniform, the 3300 British Columbia Regiment of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps based in Surrey, also known as the Bhai Kanhaiya Cadet Corps.

These 40 cadets participated in a ceremony earlier to - day to remember the sacrifice by members of the South Asian battalions who fought bravely shoulder to shoulder with Canadian troops in World War I. They are being led today by Major Taylor and Captain Nagra. Apparently, I gave him a field promotion today. I don’t know if that stands or not. His commanding officer will know that. Would the House please make them feel welcome. S. Simpson: I have a group of people here to intro - duce that I’m very, very pleased to be able to bring to the attention of the Legislature.

Joining us today is Eileen Greene, a leader from the University of Victoria School of 9837

British Columbia Debates9838 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Nursing. She’s joined here by 18 of her fourth-year nurs- ing students, who in six months’ time will be joining the profession, after they complete their time here. [1340] They include Carlee Anderson, Taylor Arkles, Sharon Blackmore, Nichele Boas, Brianne Campbell, Rabina Dodd, Christine Doyle, Hicham El-Boualaye, Rebecca Feddema, Kim Ferguson, Gurinder Hari, Bryce Kniert, Carlee Lawless, Ashley McNaughton, Holly Prince, Amber Smith, Brianna Willett and Julia Wilson. I apolo- gize for any pronunciation problems. I particularly, though….

Eileen is a special person, not just for the leadership she provides at the school of nurs- ing, but for the work she has done internationally. She is the founder of the Home of Good Hope in Namibia eight years ago. This is a facility that provides basic health care support and that feeds 500 people a day in Namibia. Eileen was recognized this July with an international award for human rights for her work in Namibia and the work she’s done there and the work that she’s done here. I’m also pleased to introduce her because she is the mother of my sister-in-law here in Victoria. I hope everybody will welcome Ms.

Greene and these nursing students to the House. L. Larson: Hon. Speaker, it is my pleasure to welcome to British Columbia and to our House a visiting delega - tion from the Senate Standing Committee on Health and the Senate Standing Committee on Implementation of the Parliament of Kenya. The committee is interested in learning about best practices, health financing and planning for serious health epidemics. The members of the committee joining us in the gallery this afternoon are Senator Lesan, Senator Ali and Senator Kanainza. Accompanying the members are the following offi - cials and staff: Mr.

George, Honorary Consul, Consulate of The Republic of Kenya; Mr. McMillan, assistant to the Honorary Consul; Ms. Madjibodou, committee secretar- iat; and Ms. Mudibo, committee secretariat. The delegation met with the Select Standing Committee on Health at lunch and will meet later today with staff from the Ministry of Health. Would the House please make our guests welcome. H. Bains: It is a pleasure, and actually it was a very honouring moment, for me to be present at a ceremony where over 40 cadets made up of South Asian young men and women of the 3300 B.C. Regiment…. The ceremony.

What was so moving is the glimpse of history that Steven Periwal gave us and reminded us of our history — what we went through as British Columbians — when South Asians first came to Canada in 1897, and then 1914, when, although the Komagata Maru was denied entry and those passengers were not allowed to land, some of them went on to fight for the Crown in the First World War. They never gave up on Canada, and I’ve said this before. I think they continue to turn Canada into a better place and British Columbia into a place that we all proudly say today is the best place to raise our children and work.

Along with them was a good community worker, Dr. Amer Shergill, and his wife, Furminder Shergill. They were here. And also Raj Periwal from the gurdwara from Victoria. Thank you to Steven Periwal for doing such a great job and reminding us where we came from and where we are today so we never forget the history going forward, so that people coming after us can also relate to us — that we also play a little role in their lives, that their lives are even better than what we have today. Please help me to send them a very warm welcome to this beautiful House. Hon. M.

Polak: The Democracy in Action conference in Victoria has already been referenced. Four of those students are from Langley, two of whom I have had the opportunity to meet with in my constituency office. I will tell you that these are absolutely amazing young people. From Langley we have William Karpan, Roxanne Kondos, Caiden Sue and Erin Maloney. Would the House make them welcome. [1345] J. Darcy: I’ d like to join with the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Health in welcoming our Kenyan delegation today, who met with us at noon.

I know that they are here, they say, to learn about best practices in health care, but I think that it was very, very clear to our committee — to the members from both sides of the House on our committee…. We had sort of a bipartisan, common reaction to what we learned about their Implementation Committee. They have an Implementation Committee that is struck in their Senate — an elected Senate, by the way, that includes rep- resentation from youth. There’s a 26-year-old woman in the galleries today who is a senator in Kenya.

Their Implementation Committee takes the motions from parliament, reviews them every three months to see whether or not they’re implemented, and, indeed, they report back to parliament with very, very clear direc - tions about what needs to be done, if it hasn’t been done. I think we were all inspired by that. So while they’ve come here to learn from us, we certainly have an awful lot to learn from them as well. Thank you so much, and welcome. Hon. T. Stone: I’m sure I speak for all members of the House when I say it’s always a special treat when our family is here with us.

I have been thrilled to have my mother in town all week. I’ve been trying to mind my p’s and q’s. She’s here in the gallery today.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9839 Her dad, who is my grandfather, is a large part of the reason — a large part of the credit — for my love of pol - itics and my desire to get involved in public life. He was a lifelong CCF-NDP’ er till the day he passed away. He used to always say that my political attachments must have been because I was dropped on my head at child - birth. At lunch today, I was able to once again get a firm assessment of that day from my mother, who confirms, yet again, that that was not the case. Please join me in welcoming my mother to the cham- ber today. J.

Rice: From Democracy in Action today I have a guest visiting from Lax Kw’alaams, known to some here, perhaps, as Port Simpson. Cayden White is a 16-year-old grade 11 student. He’s an exceptional student and com- munity leader in Lax Kw’alaams. He’s a student mentor, tutor, athlete and basketball coach. He especially loves sports, especially basketball. He has received awards for sportsmanship and athleti- cism — highest achievement — and he’s also received the Andy Spence Memorial Award. This award is given out to a student who has given back and helped the community significantly.

He’s an active participant in his culture and community, participating in traditional food harvesting, regalia making, and speaks the Sm’algyax language, which is the language of the Tsimshian people on the north coast. Would the House please make Cayden feel welcome. Hon. C. Oakes: I have three constituents in the House today. I have Brittany Grob, Alexandra Hamm and Cameron Sytsma. Would the House please help make them welcome. G. Holman: I have a number of constituents in the House today that I’ d like to introduce.

First is a classroom from Brentwood Elementary of 30 grade 5 students and ten parents, led by their teacher Ms. Blackie. Secondly, a councillor from Central Saanich, Niall Paltiel, who I believe is one of the youngest councillors in British Columbia today. Third, also a student who lives in my constituency, Daniella Ledet of Saanichton, who is participating in the Democracy in Action events here today. Would the House please make them all feel welcome. L.

Reimer: It’s my pleasure today to introduce to you two wonderful students who are here for the Democracy in Action program and who both inter - viewed me in my office. Ms. August Sarar is a student at Port Moody Secondary School, in grade 12, and Mr. Dylan Buckmaster is a constituent in Coquitlam–Burke Mountain and comes to us from the Rotary Club of Coquitlam Sunrise and attends Pinetree Secondary. Would the House please make them very welcome. [1350] C. Trevena: I, too, would like to recognize a student who is here for the Democracy in Action conference.

Joanna Morrison from Campbell River is a student at Carihi — very engaged in community and in issues and is hoping, once she graduates high school, to study inter- national relations. I hope that people will make her very welcome here and for her very active future. Tributes BRAD AND FLORIAN CHAPMAN G. Kyllo: It’s with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to two fine gentlemen from the North Okanagan who lost their lives recently in a plane crash in northeastern B.C.

Brad Chapman was a Vernon-based businessman and community leader in the North Okanagan who, along with his eldest son, Florian, died tragically when his small plane crashed near Taylor, B.C. Brad was 56 years old and Florian only 26. They were the principals in the Chapman Group of companies that included L.B. Chapman Construction and related companies. Brad was a larger-than-life character who commanded the respect of people in every room that he entered. He had a passion for flying once he acquired his pilot li - cence in his late 40s.

Flying allowed Brad to pursue his other passions for big-game hunting and fishing, and he would often fly to remote locations in order to pursue it. Whether it was for business or pleasure, Brad never passed up the opportunity to go wheels up. Brad raised five children with his wife, Michaela, his partner in business and in life. He was also very community-minded, supporting numerous charities and community-based initiatives in and around the North Okanagan. If money was needed to support a worthy cause, Brad Chapman could always be counted on to step up and to contribute. I considered Brad a friend.

He was very supportive of me in my desire to become an MLA. Brad and Florian will be profoundly missed by their family and their friends, the community they lived and worked in and by their many business colleagues around the province. Introductions by Members S. Robinson: I, too, would like to welcome a student to the chamber today. She interviewed me — or, rather, grilled me — just as some of my other colleagues were this last couple of weeks. Kimberly Venn is here from Coquitlam. She’s a first-year business and economics student at SFU.

She also had the benefit of receiving a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Coquitlam. I’m very proud to have her here in the House today, and I hope everyone will help make her feel welcome.

British Columbia Debates9840 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 J. Sturdy: Today I have the pleasure to introduce to the House Don Evans. Don is president emeritus of the West Coast Railway Association, a B.C. non-profit soci - ety whose work is the preservation of British Columbia’s railway heritage. The society has built and operates the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, British Columbia, which is western Canada’s largest railway heritage facility, where it hosts some 60,000 visitors annu- ally.

The heritage park is home to the province of British Columbia’s world-famous Royal Hudson locomotive, as well, and the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre. Don is also the incoming governor of the Rotary District 5040 and is here to speak to the youth of Democracy in Action. Will the House please join me in making him feel welcome. A. Weaver: I, too, would like to welcome a stu - dent, Silvia Albu, who’s in the gallery tonight with the Democracy in Action students. Silvia is a grade 12 student at Mount Douglas Secondary in my riding.

I found out during the interview that she was in the grade 4 French immersion class that my son was in at Campus View as well. Would the House please make her feel very welcome. S. Hamilton: Following the same theme, I had a delightful and enchanting young lady by the name of Kennedy Dawes take the opportunity to come to my of - fice. She’s here representing my constituency of Delta North with Democracy in Action. She’s very inspiring, and she took more time to ask me questions about how she could get involved in community, as opposed to just simply questions about politics.

So I have a lot of faith that she has a very bright future. Would you please help me welcome her to the chamber. M. Hunt: Also with Democracy in Action from the Surrey-Panorama is Harvay Sidhu, who is here to join that as well. I’ d like the House to welcome him as well. L. Larson: I would like to welcome the one person from the Boundary-Similkameen riding, Teagen Aspell. S. Fraser: I may be in a little bit late, but I’ d like us to recognize Freya Knapp from Port Alberni. She’s a bright student who interviewed me and didn’t give any quar - ter. She is a very astute student, and she’s going to go far.

I’m proud to recognize her today, along with the other students. [1355] Hon. A. Wilkinson: It’s a great pleasure to introduce to the House today a man in the gallery, Mr. Josef Beck, who is the new consul general for the Federal Republic of Germany, stationed in Vancouver. Two notable things to remember about Germany. It’s tied for second place as the largest exporting economy in the world, and it’s the homeland of the member for Surrey-Fleetwood. Please welcome Mr. Beck. D. Donaldson: I have a member of the constituency, from Smithers, participating in the Democracy in Action Y outh Conference.

Her name is Chan Tran. She’s a stu- dent at the University of British Columbia, and I think that she’s vying for the student who’s come the furthest of any from the north. I would ask the House to please welcome her to the Legislature today. Ministerial Statements BOAT ACCIDENT IN TOFINO AND COMMUNITY ROLE IN OCEAN SAFETY Hon. C. Clark: Earlier this week — Sunday night, to be exact — the entire province and people around the world were heartbroken to learn of what happened in Tofino. Y esterday I was there. My grandfather was born on the shores of Clayoquot island.

As a daughter of the coast, a great-granddaugh - ter of the coast, I know that accidents at sea are a con - stant danger for all of us. It’s something that we’re raised with. It’s something that we just know in our bones. In my life, my father, my grandfather and my great-grand - father were all fishermen. My father and my sister were rescued at sea — they would have otherwise perished — by a neighbour who just happened to see them — a situa- tion not that dissimilar from the ones that many British Columbians can tell you about.

Y esterday when I was up in Tofino, I had an opportun- ity to see and talk to the people who rose to the occasion, who, in the midst of a crisis, stepped up in a really, truly incredible way. We’re still learning about what happened. There are many more details to come out. The Transportation Safety Board has more work to do. We know that. But in the meantime, we need to do a few things.

The first one is that Minister Y amamoto, our minister responsible for emergency response, is going to make sure that we work with the Ahousaht and other First Nations, who have lived on that coast and have fished that region for millennia, who know it better than anyone else, are as prepared as they can possibly be for events like this. Today I’m calling on the federal government to en - sure that First Nations are more formally integrated into Coast Guard response for sea rescue and other kinds of immediate responses required all up and down our coast.

They know it better than anybody else, and they should be part of that response. We need to improve cell service in the region. We also need to recognize those individuals who really did something extraordinary. The people on the Leviathan, the crew and the passengers, all have stories of incredible heroism to tell. They were brave, and they were

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9841 selfless. One woman refused to be rescued, with a broken leg, because there was a pregnant woman she felt need - ed help more than her. The Ahousaht, who responded immediately. They did not hesitate for a moment to put themselves in harm’s way. The Coast Guard, which re - sponded immediately and got there in the absolute fastest time that they possibly could. Also, the people of Tofino, who have opened their hearts and their homes to support the victims and those who are suffering.

I am going to nominate Chief Councillor Greg Louie and Mayor Josie Osborne to receive some of the first Medals of Good Citizenship on behalf of their com - munities. There is a long road ahead for Tofino and for people who live on the coast, but the greatest test of character is how we respond as individuals in the face of crisis. The people of Tofino and the people of the Ahousaht First Nation have passed that test with flying colours. S. Fraser: I would have dearly loved to have had the opportunity to join the Premier yesterday.

I thank her for her thoughtful words and her timely commitments and acknowledgement and support of the communities in Clayoquot Sound. [1400] It’s still early days. The loss of life is still palpable, and it’s raw. We now know the identities of those that have lost their lives. We know something about their lives, their aspirations and hopes, something about their fam- ilies. That makes it somehow more difficult. Our deepest condolences from all of us in this House go out.

We also know more about those who were involved in the rescue, those who were involved on the ground — the hardship and the trauma that they have gone through and that they will continue to go through and relive. It’s those on the water, those from Ahousaht, who were the first on the scene and remained searching for days, never giving up. It’s those in Tofino who opened their homes and their hearts. It’s those involved in the industry, the whale-watching companies, those women and men whose hearts have also been broken by this tragedy.

It’s the emergency ser- vices personnel, the Tofino Coast Guard and hospital staff at Tofino General that did so much. We thank you all. Please know that all people in B.C. share in your grief, and we thank you. Statements (Standing Order 25B) BCHL HOCKEY SHOWCASE IN CHILLIW ACK J. Martin: This afternoon I would like to recognize Prospera Centre and the Chilliwack Chiefs for their efforts in hosting the annual Bauer British Columbia Hockey League Showcase for the past four years. For four days each year, all 17 BCHL teams come to Chilliwack to compete in a pair of regular season games.

Teams and players get optimum exposure to scouts from the college and professional ranks. Since the first show - case was held, the BCHL has had over a dozen players selected in the NHL entry draft. The economic spinoffs have been recognized in my community. I want to thank all those involved in promoting sports tourism and those in our local hospitality industry for working alongside the Chilliwack Chiefs business personnel to host such an exceptional showcase each and every year for the past four seasons.

I would ask that the House please join me in thanking Glen Ringdal, Barry Douglas, Andrea Laycock and all of the other Prospera Centre staff and community vol - unteers for hosting this incredible event. And especially to the Chilliwack Chiefs themselves — who managed to come off with one of only two shutouts during the show- case, as they downed the Victoria Grizzlies 4-0 — thank you so much. TAHLTAN NATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION D.

Donaldson: As you head north of Treaty Creek on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, you enter a vast, sparsely populated, remote area of the province, dominated by mountains, glaciers, extensive alpine plateaus, pristine waters and a diversity of wildlife and fish populations. This is Tahltan traditional territory and is home to an award-winning First Nations business. The Tahltan Nation Development Corporation received the B.C. Aboriginal Business Award in the category of Community-Owned Business of the Y ear at a gala cere- mony in Vancouver earlier this month.

The TNDC was recognized for its efforts to ensure community members benefit from responsible economic and resource develop- ment in their territories. This award is a timely tribute. The TNDC is celebrating its 30th year. Over those three decades, the company has grown to a multi-million-dollar corporation. With its start in the mining and construction sector, they’ve expanded into energy, communications and transportation. In 2014-15, the TNDC paid out more than $13.4 million in wages, employing 250 workers. Approximately 75 percent were Tahltan, and 90 percent were First Nations.

It’s really a staggering achievement when you consider that most of the basic infrastructure needs for business development, like cell phone service or a well-maintained airport, don’t exist in the area. The Tahltan purposely separate their political arm, the Tahltan Central Council, from their business branch, the TNDC. Sometimes this presents challenges. For instance, when the provincial government authorized more than 100 development permits on the traditional territory,

British Columbia Debates9842 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 it can run counter to the Tahltan values of responsible economic development and the exercising of Tahltan title and rights. But the fundamental strategy of Tahltan Central Council setting the governance framework through legal and negotiating approaches with the prov- ince and the TNDC conducting business under the rules and regulations set by that framework is a key to success. I congratulate former TNDC CEO, Bill Adsit, current CEO president Garry Merkel and board chair Calvin Carlick for their vision, hard work and for the award.

When it comes down to it, it’s all about sustaining the people, while taking care of the traditional territories. BUSINESS START-UPS IN PENTICTON D. Ashton: It gives me no end of pleasure in this House to rise, as I do on occasion, to inform of the many wonderful virtues of the area surrounding Penticton, Summerland and Naramata. [1405] This time I’m thrilled shared to share the news with everyone that my hometown of Penticton has received yet another accolade. Last week the Canadian Federation of Independent Business released its rankings of the best places in Canada to start and grow a business.

It should now come as no surprise to the members that Penticton fared very well in those rankings — so well, in fact, that I’m proud to say that Penticton is ranked as the best place in British Columbia to start and grow a business. What makes this ranking even sweeter is that among B.C. cities, Penticton finished one spot ahead of our lar- ger rival to the north, Kelowna. In fact, the only place in Canada that ranked ahead of Penticton is the Calgary periphery, the group of municipalities that surround the Alberta metropolis, which scored only three-tenths of a point ahead of Penticton.

Therefore I have the pleasure to announce that Penticton is the best small city in Canada to start and grow a business. As the MLA for Penticton and the former mayor of that incredibly fine city, this honour fills me with incred- ible pride. These rankings by the CFIB are based on the strong concentration of entrepreneurs, the high busi - ness start-up rate, the optimism and success of business owners and — what I think is incredibly important — the continuation of good public policy.

In addition to being an amazing place to live, Penticton has created a business-friendly environment that inspires and rewards entrepreneurship. The message to all entre- preneurs in this is: Penticton is ready to accommodate you. We’ll see you there soon. HOME CARE S. Chandra Herbert: Imagine this: not being able to prepare your meals or take medication, stuck with dirty clothes and soiled bedding, left at home alone, no family able to help and real concerns that there’s no one who cares. For too many British Columbians and, espe - cially, seniors dealing with illness and disability, this can be their reality.

They get sicker, their housing becomes unsafe, and eventually they have to go into the emer - gency room — expensive long-term care for the rest of their lives. It doesn’t have to be this way. We know what we need to do, but we need to do it better. Home care is the solu- tion. Don’t we all want to spend our health care dollars wisely, cut down on emergency room visits? Don’t we all want good lives for our fellow citizens as they age, regard- less of their wealth? With the increasing age of British Columbians, we will need to rely on home care and pre- ventative health care even more. Home care works.

Constituents tell me that in some cases they’re afraid of being able to do their laundry be- cause they’re afraid they’re going to fall down and injure themselves. Constituents tell me of the 89 Saint Elizabeth home care workers who’ve recently been laid off, and they ask me: “What happens next? Why?” Constituents speak gratefully about what a difference having a home care visit makes for their lives. It changes their lives for the better. But some constituents aren’t able to get that help. Home care workers do better, and so must we. We need to honour our home care workers, thank them.

They are our eyes, our ears, our voices, our arms, our hearts in helping the most vulnerable in our communities. They are asking for our help in this House so that they can succeed. When they succeed, our communities succeed. When they succeed, our economies succeed. When they succeed, our health care system succeeds. I ask all of us to thank a home care worker and look at what we can do to help them succeed. DESERT HILLS RANCH J. Tegart: Early in the 20th century, settlers in the area around Ashcroft found that the rich volcanic soil there produced some of the best produce in the world.

They found that as long as you added water to the fertile soil, almost anything would grow. More than 100 years later, Desert Hills Ranch is com- mitted to bringing its customers the finest produce avail- able. From the careful selection of only the best seed to the gentle harvesting and packing, Desert Hills monitors its products every step of the way to ensure that its cus - tomers receive the best product on the market. Desert Hills Ranch Farm Market in Ashcroft has been owned and operated by the Porter family since 1983.

They grow more than 40 products, including the finest watermelon, cantaloupes and honeydew melons, field and Roma tomatoes, onions, potatoes, carrots, peppers, beets and much more. They supply several retail out - lets in British Columbia, including Superstore and the Overwaitea Food Group and Co-op. Of course, their

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9843 products can be purchased right at the farm gate in Ashcroft. [1410] Business has been so strong that production has tri - pled in the past three years, and the number of employees has increased to 200 from just 20 three years ago. Food and safety and the environment are a top prior- ity for David Porter and the staff at Desert Hills Ranch. They strive to protect the land they cultivate by follow - ing the most rigid environmental stewardship practices.

For the best-tasting, freshest B.C.-grown produce, I recommend a visit to Desert Hills Ranch whenever you’re in the Ashcroft area, and please look for their brand in your local supermarket. FOOD CULTURE AND CAMOSUN COLLEGE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM L. Popham: For as long as I remember, I’ve been fas- cinated and captivated by the world of food. From grow- ing it to preparing it, I’m interested in every step and in every role there is to be played. This fascination has led me to believe that every farmer needs a chef, and every chef needs a farmer.

If you want to be a great farmer, you have to work with great farmers, and if you want to become a great chef, you have to work with great chefs. If you want a great meal, you make sure you’re friends with both. The strength and growth of the local food movement has brought together farmers, chefs and eaters like never before. The passion for good food is one that drives many of us, and in British Columbia, we are surrounded by people with this passion. The calibre of our chefs is extra- ordinary, and as eaters, we get to reap the benefits of this talent at our local restaurants.

Y ou can be born with the passion for food, but to em- brace it professionally, training is a must. Saanich South is home to one of the best and most successful Red Seal–designated professional cook-training programs in Canada at the Camosun College Culinary Arts Centre. Led by five amazing chefs — chef Gilbert Noussitou, chef Clemens Dober, chef Nikolaas Sillem, chef Steve Walker- Duncan and chef Michael Weaver — this culinary pro - gram is world-class, and it is one to support. The public is invited to do just that by making a res - ervation at the ClassRoom Restaurant.

The ClassRoom Restaurant offers gourmet dinners prepared and served by senior students. Dinner at the ClassRoom Restaurant is more than a meal; it’s a unique dining experience. Besides enjoying a fabulous four-course meal at a great price, only $32.95, guests have an opportunity to contrib- ute to an exceptional learning experience for tomorrow’s chefs and cooks. To the Camosun culinary arts program: thank you for all you do. The world tastes better because of you. Oral Questions GOVERNMENT RECORD-KEEPING AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION J. Horgan: For months, we’ve been asking the B.C.

Liberal government why it is that when we ask for documents, when we ask for information about policy decisions, when we ask for information about basic con- sultations, we continue to get “no records” responses. Last week the Information And Privacy Commissioner issued a report entitled Access Denied: Record Retention and Disposal Practices of the Government of British Columbia. The minister responsible tried to characterize it as an administrative report on purely technical matters. But the heart of the issue, as we now know, goes right into the heart of the Premier’s office.

Y esterday I asked the Premier if she would apologize to Tim Duncan, the courageous whistle-blower who came forward when he was bullied by an official in the Minister of Transportation’s office and directed to delete e-mails that he felt needed to be retained to respond to an access- to-information investigation. She refused to offer an ex- planation or an apology to Mr. Duncan. We asked her why it was that the person responsible for freedom of information in her office used a tracking system consisting of Post-it Notes, and she didn’t answer.

We asked the Premier why she had said in May, and then again as recently as this fall, that she wouldn’t tolerate anyone working in the government that wasn’t abiding by the rules and yet Ms. Cadario and Mr. Facey, identi - fied by the commissioner, continue to be in the employ of the province of British Columbia. My question again, given 24 hours, is to the Premier. Will she do the right thing, apologize to Mr. Duncan and also follow through on her commitment to ensure that people working under her are not breaking the law? [1415] Hon. C.

Clark: We certainly do, as I’ve said a num - ber of times, take the report that the commissioner has provided us very seriously. We’re thankful for the direc- tion she’s given us. We are acting on that direction, hir- ing David Loukidelis, a former Information and Privacy Commissioner, to make sure that we give life to her recommendations throughout government. That means ensuring that training is properly and ad- equately done throughout staff. It means helping make sure that what are defined as transitory documents is consistent across government and making sure that we’re up to date on technological change.

There is work to do there, and we’ve certainly begun work on it. So in answer to the member’s question: yes, we are very busy making sure that happens. Mr. Loukidelis has been retained. In the meantime, all political staff and all min- isters have been directed not to delete any e-mails, even

British Columbia Debates9844 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 those that are transitory, until we get further direction from Mr. Loukidelis and further clarification and train - ing across government. That, I think, will go a long way to ensuring that we are able to not just answer the member’s questions but, much more importantly, to make sure that we’re speak- ing to the citizens of British Columbia, who have a just and fair expectation that documents that government has a duty to retain are properly retained and available to them under FOI. Madame Speaker: The Leader of the Official Oppo - sition on a supplemental.

J. Horgan: It’s a shame that the Premier doesn’t take what she says seriously. It’s a shame that the Premier doesn’t give life to her own comments around this issue. In May, she said that she would not tolerate…. I in - terpret that…. Maybe it’s an

interpretation issue. Not tolerating something usually means that you’re going to address it in a meaningful way, not by saying: “We brought in an individual from the past who’s going to make sure that we don’t do it again. ” Well, they said they wouldn’t do it again in 2012. They said they wouldn’t do it again in 2013. Now here we are, two years later, and we’re still not going to do it again. But it’s not just Ms. Cadario who has an absence of records. It’s not just the Premier who has an absence of records. We contacted, as I said yesterday and we raised here yesterday, the Premier’s office and asked if Mr.

Dyble, her deputy minister, had any records, any documentation around litigation, around internal investigations, around the botched firing of seven health care workers. Now, one would think, with all of the activity around that file, that someone in the Premier’s office would have kept a scrap of paper, but that is not the case. We then asked for another series of information from the Premier’s communications director, Ben Chin. We asked if he had kept any records or documents over a period of time.

Y ou can well imagine the response we got, even though, at the time, the Premier’s flagship legislation with respect to oppressing municipalities, the Auditor General for Local Government, was a fiasco in the making and we were just about to not hire her for - mer colleague George Abbott. But the communications director, the guy responsible for making some sense of the incoherence in the Premier’s office, did not keep one scrap of paper.

So my question, again, to the Premier is: if the Premier’s director of communications doesn’t write anything down — he doesn’t send any e-mails — how is it that he com - municates her inexplicable vision to the people of British Columbia? Hon. C. Clark: Well, as I’ve pointed out in the House previously, transitory records, which include unnecessary duplicates, are, under the act, allowed to be disposed of, as they properly are. Individuals who originate docu - ments should be keeping them and making sure that those are available for freedom of information.

In fact, many documents related to the issue that the member has raised — all of the documents that were identified — have been passed on to the Ombudsman’s office, and they will all be released publicly. We don’t…. When the Ombudsman is finished his work, those will be released. So it’s certainly not true for the member or other mem- bers to suggest that there are no documents. There are, and they have been passed on to the Ombudsman’s office as part of that review. We’re looking forward to the results of that review as well.

I hope that the member will stand up and ensure that he corrects the record with respect to documents, because those documents do exist. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Order. Hon. C. Clark: I will just finish by saying this. The vi- sion of this government doesn’t need to be communicat- ed by the press secretary or anybody else. The vision of this government is clear to every member of this govern- ment and, I think, to most British Columbians.

The vi - sion of this government is to make sure that we grow the economy, that we lift thousands of people in First Nations communities out of poverty, that we make sure that we pay off our debt so that our children will not be living under that burden when we are done here. [1420] That is our vision for British Columbia. I’m happy to have the opportunity to talk about it today, but again, I don’t need a communications director to do that. I’m very happy to do it myself. Madame Speaker: The Leader of the Official Oppo - sition on a further supplemental. J. Horgan: It’s interesting.

The Premier’s confession that not one original idea or document comes out of her office is quite extraordinary — quite extraordinary after four years. “We don’t originate anything here. We just get up and say whatever is in our head. ” That’s leadership. I know the people of British Columbia will take enor- mous comfort — enormous comfort — knowing that not a single person making six figures working in the Premier’s office ever creates a single idea. It all comes full blown out of her forehead. That’s extraordinary. Zeus has arrived here in the Legislature, and we don’t write a darned thing down. It’s not just….

Interjections.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9845 Madame Speaker: Members. Members. Please continue. J. Horgan: It’s not just the director of communica - tions, it’s not just the deputy to the Premier, it’s not just the Premier and it’s not just the deputy chief of staff that don’t create anything. We did a freedom-of-information request to the chief of staff, a 25-year veteran of this place. In fact, he was working for the government of British Columbia before the NDP brought in the Freedom of Information Act. I would think that he has had a quarter of a century to understand

interpretation. We asked him if he had any records at all about a pretty busy month for the Premier. It would be the month of June, when she was planning, announcing and cancelling Om the Bridge. That was a pretty busy time for political operatives. I recall reading a good deal of comment on that in the public press. I would have thought that the chief political fixer in the Premier’s office would have maybe dispatched an e-mail or two to some subordinate saying: “We should fix this. ” But apparently not.

We have the Premier, the deputy to the Premier, the chief of staff to the Premier, the deputy chief of staff to the Premier, the communications director to the Premier and, of course, the guy with the Post-it Notes. He’s the only one writing things down, but he doesn’t keep them. My question to the Premier is: why should anyone in British Columbia have any confidence in her and her office? Hon. C. Clark: I can give the member a couple of an- swers to that question. Look at how well British Columbia is doing com - pared to North America, compared to Canada.

Look at the $11½ billion, a record amount in the history of our province, that we have budgeted for constructing infra - structure, including Site C. Look at the number of jobs that we’re creating. We’ve seen the biggest decrease in unemployment, since the jobs plan was introduced, of any province in Canada. We have balanced three budgets. We will balance a fourth.

We are running a surplus, and that surplus repre- sents a dividend for the people of British Columbia that we can begin to share in a society that is founded on a wealthy, a highly functioning, a job-creating private sector that puts people in every corner of our province to work. If he wants to know why people should have confi - dence in this government, it’s because I and this great team that I work with have done everything we can to make sure that British Columbia is truly the best-per - forming province in Canada. [1425] K.

Conroy: Well, the people of British Columbia would think it would be a dividend if the government actually was open and transparent, as they say they are. On Thursday, government issued a statement in which the Premier’s office announced that, effective immediate- ly, John Dyble would assume responsibility for freedom- of-information requests in the Premier’s office. On Tuesday, the Premier claimed that David Loukidelis, not John Dyble, would solve the FOI evasions in the Premier’s office. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that Tuesday’s Premier didn’t agree with Thursday’s Premier.

Perhaps she deleted her statement. How will putting in the man who has openly flouted B.C. ’s FOI law in the Boessenkool affair and the health firing debacle restore public faith that the Premier’s of - fice is actually obeying the law? Hon. C. Clark: The member speaks to the issue I have already spoken to, as well, which is the fact that we want to make sure the act is being applied consistently across government. That’s why Mr.

Loukidelis, a former Information and Privacy Commissioner himself, a for - mer Deputy Attorney General, is coming in — to make sure that we are able to bring all of those recommenda - tions to life and make sure that it’s happening in a trans- parent way throughout the public service.

When the member talks about dividends, she raises an issue that should be talked about — 1,000 new child care spaces, a B.C. early childhood tax benefit, a B.C. training and education savings grant, a B.C. access grant, a sin - gle-parent employment initiative and the lowest overall provincial taxes in Canada, which means we leave more money in people’s pockets to spend how they see fit rather than think that government can spend it better for them. That is a real, tangible dividend for the people of British Columbia.

If you want to talk about confidence in who is going to grow the economy, who is going to put working people on jobsites, who is going to make sure there is a future, a great future, for people’s kids across our prov - ince, it’s this government. Those are the things we believe in. It’s our platform, it’s our plan, and it’s what we’re exe- cuting on every single day. Madame Speaker: Kootenay West on a supplemental. K. Conroy: And the highest child poverty in the coun- try for how many years in a row? Let’s not forget that one.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner said: “I would have expected that staff…in the Office of the Premier would have a better understanding of…their obligation to file, retain and provide relevant records when an access request is received. ” In other words, John Dyble, the Premier’s choice to lead the public ser - vice, should know better. Y et for more than two years, he failed to retain a single record on the biggest human re - sources crisis in B.C. My question is to the Premier.

How is it possible that the man she picked to solve the culture of delete in her office failed to keep any records on a human resources

British Columbia Debates9846 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 debacle that cost a man his life and will cost taxpayers millions? Hon. C. Clark: As I commented a little bit earlier today, Mr. Dyble was not the decision-maker, so those records were kept elsewhere. Those records, though, have been sent to the Ombudsman’s office, and the Ombudsman is looking through all those records as part of his investiga- tion. We look forward to that concluding and the public release of all of those records. With respect to poverty, I do want to just correct the record on that.

Seventy-five thousand children have been lifted out of poverty. We have seen the poverty rate for children in this province decline by 41 percent, the second-lowest poverty rate in British Columbia since 1980, long before the NDP ever saw the government side of the House. [1430] What we understand…. The way we were able to change the terrible rate on child poverty produced under a decade of NDP government was to focus on growing the economy, creating opportunities for people to be lift- ed out of poverty and then targeting supports to people who really need them. The difference between us and them is this.

What they focus on is trying to just make it a little more comfort - able, a little easier, for people to stay in poverty. What we believe in is trying to lift people out of poverty, to try and change that cycle and fix those issues in their lives forever. HIGHW AY 16 ISSUES AND GOVERNMENT RECORD-KEEPING S. Fraser: Chief Terry Teegee of the Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council, who lost a cousin on the Highway of Tears, says that the commissioner’s revelations have “shaken our confidence in how government are treating the whole Highway of Tears initiative. ” Why should anyone trust the Premier, when the B.C.

Liberal government’s track record is to put their politic- al gain, their political coverage, ahead of the lives of the women on the Highway of Tears? Hon. T. Stone: Again, on behalf of the government of British Columbia, and certainly as the minister respon - sible for Transportation, I want to once again reiterate the fact that we acknowledge the history and the pain that has been experienced by far too many families who live up and down Highway 16. This is why we have worked very hard for many years — in fact, predating my time as the minister responsible — on a wide range of initiatives.

I have spoken about a number of these initiatives in the past: the transit services which are in place, about $1.5 million per year, that connect a number of commun- ities; the Northern Health bus, which is funded at about $2 million per year; the web portal that was established, which connects people to all of the available resources; the $75,000 that’s been provided to the Carrier-Sekani for driver education and training. I will say this again. There is more to do.

That is why, in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority, we are very proud to be co-hosting, co-sponsoring, a sympo- sium in November in Smithers where, again, we will be bringing together representatives of all the First Nations, local governments and other stakeholders to further as - sess and discuss and identify initiatives which will make that corridor even safer. Madame Speaker: Alberni–Pacific Rim on a supple - mental. S.

Fraser: The minister’s political staff destroyed key information relating to a decision made on the Highway of Tears by this government that could affect the lives of the women in the north. The Coalition on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women is outraged at the fact that the B.C. Liberals deliberately destroyed records regarding the Highway of Tears. Like the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and like the fam- ilies of the missing and murdered women, they are all shocked by the actions of this minister, of this Premier and this Liberal government.

They’re asking the gov - ernment to formally apologize to the families of the murdered and missing for the wilful destruction of the e-mails and reports related to the Highway of Tears. Will the Premier stand in this House today and do just that and apologize to those families? Hon. T. Stone: The member opposite — in fact, the opposition — needs to, at some point, understand that official records, decision documents, reside in the min - istry. All of the records that the members opposite are referring to exist. They exist. They’re retained. They’re saved. They’re available for FOI purposes in the ministry.

Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. The Chair needs to hear the question and the answer. [1435] Hon. T. Stone: Thank you, hon. Speaker. I would also like to take this opportunity…. We have acknowledged — the commissioner in her determina - tion that there were 36 pages of a request that was made back in February — that the scope was too narrow on that request. So we’re very much working to produce those documents. But I also think it’s important, for the record, to reiterate for this House that since 2012, there have been six FOI requests on the topic of Highway 16, totalling over 600 pages of information.

Three of these requests were loaded onto open gov., and three were in-

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9847 formation that was sent right to the requesters. I know this because I have the material here in my hands. There are over 600 pages of material, mostly un-re - dacted, on Highway 16 — FOI requests — which have been released to requesters or have been posted on open gov. to this point. To simply suggest that there is any at- tempt on the government’s part to withhold key informa- tion is simply not true. GOVERNMENT RECORD-KEEPING AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION M.

Farnworth: In this House today, we have asked the Premier about missing e-mails and information requests related to one of the most awful human resource issues in this province that resulted in the death of an individual. The Premier felt that that was not worthy of a response. We have asked questions in this House related to the Highway of Tears and missing women. Again, the Premier felt those questions were not worthy of a response. We have asked questions related to other issues around the retention of information that are supposed to comply with the act, of freedom of information.

The Premier has not thought those worthy of a response. Can she explain that to this House? Hon. C. Clark: Well, there are a number of processes underway, as the member knows. The Ombudsman’s re- port is underway. He is in receipt of many records that would otherwise immediately be available under free - dom of information, I believe, as part of his work. Those documents, those records, will be released when he says they can be released. In addition to that, our government is making sure that we give life to the recommendations of the Privacy Commissioner.

There’s no one better, I don’t think, in the country than David Loukidelis to make sure that we do that, ensuring that there’s proper training across govern- ment and making sure that the act is being consistently applied all across government. That’s what we’re hiring him to do, and I can’t think of anyone better to do that. I have given those answers a number of times. I don’t think it’s fair for the member to assume that he knows what I think and what I feel, because I have done my best to answer all the questions that have been put here today. Those processes are underway. We look forward to their conclusion.

There is more to do, and Mr. Loukidelis will draw us a road map of how we make sure we get that done. MRI W AITING TIMES IN FRASER HEALTH AUTHORITY J. Darcy: Peter McQuade, who lives in Surrey, has been in severe pain since April of this year. His doctors said from the very start that he needs an MRI to diag - nose the source of his pain, but because the wait-lists in Fraser Health are so long, he’s going to have to wait until April 2016. My question is to the Minister of Health. Why does Peter have to wait almost a year in order to find out why he’s suffering from such unbearable pain? Hon. T.

Lake: As always, physicians have the ability to ensure that if someone needs an emergent diagnostic procedure, they will have it right away. In Fraser Health, we have performed an additional 800 surgeries and an additional 3,400 MRIs between January and March of this year. [1440] We do recognize, however, that there are people wait- ing longer than we would like for some of these pro - cedures. We’re working very hard with all of our health authorities to make sure we can reduce those wait times, and I’m confident that we can do that. Madame Speaker: The member for New Westminster on a supplemental. J.

Darcy: Peter McQuade is not alone. There are thou- sands of other British Columbians like him, and many of them are waiting even longer than Peter. Some are being booked into 2017. In fact, the notification that Peter and other patients receive for their booking says, “Please note the year of the appointment” — the year. Why? Because some patients are actually showing up a year earlier than the time of their appointment. The government’s own benchmarks say that no one should have to wait more than 60 days for an MRI, and that’s for the least urgent cases.

Y et according to an FOI request about Fraser Health filed by the official oppos - ition, the government is only meeting its own benchmark in Fraser Health in 15 percent of the cases — 15 percent. Surely, we can do better. Peter McQuade is suffering. And it’s not a laughing matter. Peter McQuade is suffering. He can’t get treatment until he gets a proper diagnosis. My question is to the Minister of Health. Why is this government not even meeting its own benchmark for MRI wait times? Hon. T.

Lake: In fact, the number of MRIs done in British Columbia since 2001 has more than tripled, so we are doing far more MRI procedures than ever before. However, we understand, with an aging population, par- ticularly, that we have to increase the number of MRIs available. I have asked my ministry to work with all the health authorities and ensure that we can reduce those wait times. I recognize that in health care, we always can do better. We have one of the best-performing health care systems in Canada, but we’re not going to settle there.

We’re go- ing to continue to improve our system to make sure all British Columbians get the best health care in the world.

British Columbia Debates9848 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 FUNDING FOR SCHOOL FACILITIES S. Robinson: Maple Ridge school board has had to choose between window coverings for portables and ser- vices for students. As a result, teachers have been asked if they could find some cardboard, cut it to shape and pre- pare it for use as window coverings. That way, if they need to shade the windows from sunlight to keep out the heat of the day or they have to shade so that the classroom can actually see the overhead projector, they can simply tack up the cardboard to cover the windows.

In fact, as part of keeping our children safe, it’s proto- col in the event of a lockdown to close blinds so that any potential intruder cannot see into the classroom. But at this Maple Ridge school, teachers were told that in the event of a lockdown, the teacher is supposed to quickly tack this cardboard up so that the intruder cannot see the students in the classroom. My question is to the Minister of Education.

Will he admit that his government’s so-called administrative sav- ings are affecting our kids’ classrooms and stop under - funding our education system so that schools like these in Maple Ridge can have proper window coverings, like blinds, instead of cardboard? Hon. M. Bernier: Actually, on this side of the House, one of the things we’re really proud about is the fact that we work well with the parents, we work well with the teachers, and we work well with the school districts in the province.

In fact, we’ve invested more than $1.4 billion in the last few years just on improved schools, working on seismic, working on safety in the classrooms. One thing is important to mention here. What’s really important is the positiveness that we have on this side of the House when we talk about the education system. What’s unfortunate is we always have to hear the NDP besmirch the system. [1445] Y ou want to talk about outcomes, you talk about what happens in the schools. We’re rolling out a new curricu- lum. Why? Because we’re educating our students today.

We’re educating them for the jobs of today and tomor - row. If it wasn’t for this side of the House, if these people were in government, there wouldn’t be jobs tomorrow. So I want to thank this side of the House for the great work our members are doing. [End of question period.] Hon. A. Virk: I seek leave to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members Hon. A. Virk: I’ve had two classes visiting me from my constituency today, the grade 5 classes from Surrey Christian School. We’ve had Ms. Hofstede’s grade 5 class and Ms. Kay’s grade 5 class. Would the House please make them feel welcome.

Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. Interjection. Madame Speaker: Vancouver–Point Grey. Orders of the Day Hon. M. de Jong: Continued debate on Motion 26. Government Motions on Notice MOTION 26 — ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES COMMISSION REPORT PROPOSALS (continued) [R. Chouhan in the chair.] M. Mungall: It’s my pleasure to rise and speak to the motion to receive the report from the Electoral Boundaries Commission, as they are proposing to change the electoral boundaries for the upcoming 2017 election. I want to take this opportunity to thank the commis - sion for their work.

It’s not an easy job to look at the map of B.C. and look at how our electoral boundaries are shaped and what they need to do to rework those boundaries to ensure that people are represented — that we have a strong representation by population but also by region — and to hear from people right across this province in terms of how their communities connect, how they work together in terms of what they do on a day-to-day basis, just living and working together in their communities on the variety of issues that they may have.

For example, in Nelson-Creston, agriculture is a very important issue in my area — and how the Creston Valley connects and works together on the issue of agriculture and how they want to see them stay together in working on that issue and with their elected representative. It’s not an easy task for the commission to go out and speak with four million people on how they’ d like to see their electoral boundaries look, in terms of how that im- pacts their representation. Not an easy task, but they did it, and they did it well. They had some constraints this time around, as we all know.

One of the things that they had to take into con - sideration is that there were 11 ridings, I believe — 11 rural ridings — that were not going to be changed what - soever. They were going to be protected regardless of whether their population met the average or even the re-

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9849 quirements under the Election Act, historically, in terms of their population. [1450] For example, what the Election Act says is that con - stituencies cannot deviate from the average by more than plus or minus 25 percent. That’s no longer the case for those particular rural ridings, and Nelson-Creston is one of those ridings. We didn’t see much of the Boundary Commission this time around. We did engage with them back in 2007, 2008, when they were redrafting the boundaries at that time.

They came through Nelson and Creston to hear what we had to say about the boundaries. The original proposal would have taken four ridings out of the Kootenays and only had three ridings. Some of the things that we said at the time and that still hold true today — maybe not to the extent that we’re seeing with this current map, but they do hold true — are that we do have to create a balance between representation by population and the regional realities that are here in Canada and particularly in British Columbia.

We don’t want the people in rural areas to be at a dis- service of having good representation simply because there is a sparse population in their region, and it could take you two or three hours to get to your representative because of that sparse population. It’s fair to say that we do need to have regional rep - resentation, and that’s why we had the plus or minus of 25 percent. Nelson-Creston now and in this particular re- port is actually at minus 30.5 percent from the average. So we’re deviating by 30.5 percent, and that means that our total population in Nelson-Creston is 36,907.

I can appreciate that if we increased the size of Nelson- Creston to perhaps the former boundaries of what it was under my predecessor — the MLA for Nelson-Creston at the time, Corky Evans — the Slocan Valley was includ - ed in Nelson-Creston right up to Nakusp. I know today I still feel some challenges in being able to get out to all the communities I represent as much as I would like to. And I couldn’t imagine having that much larger a riding. But we do it. We see our federal counterparts do it. So we do make it work.

Right now, with the deviation of minus 30.5, there is a little bit of concern that maybe Nelson-Creston is being over-represented, but I think that’s more of a discussion for another day. Right now, it’s about the commission’s report, what they’ve done and the fact that they had quite the chal - lenge on their hands to comply to the constraints that were imposed on them by this government but also to meet the requirements of the Election Act and ensure that they have sufficient public input.

I do think that they met the task that was before them and we have a good electoral boundaries proposal from them at this stage. If I can, I would like to speak about Nelson-Creston under the current electoral boundaries that are going to be maintained in this report. Of course, I know that there are 84 other MLAs in this chamber that are very assertive that they represent the best riding in British Columbia, but the truth is that Nelson-Creston is actually the best riding in British Columbia for many reasons. The geography. We can start there with the geography. Nelson-Creston is 13,212 square kilometres.

On the east side, it goes all the way to Y ahk in the Creston Valley, then heads north through the Purcells and all the way around the north end of Duncan Lake, comes back south past Kaslo, then heads west at Balfour and takes in the west arm of Kootenay Lake. Heading past Salmo to South Slocan, just before you meet the junction between Highway 3A and Highway 6, it cuts off. Highway 6 belongs to my good neighbour, the MLA for Kootenay West. She has Mount Sentinel School on her side of the line.

For those who are watch - ing back home wondering where that line is, it’s just the property line between Mount Sentinel School and the Twelve Tribes farm. [1455] Then it goes south from there, down to the U.S. bor - der, and includes Salmo and the surrounding areas in the district of Salmo. We don’t include Fruitvale or Montrose or Warfield. Those are part of Kootenay West. But we do have some of the rural communities just outside of Salmo, closer to the Bombi junction. Those are the boundaries. But what’s really amazing about Nelson-Creston are those 13,212 square kilometres inside the boundaries.

Like I said, the Purcells are on the boundary on the east side. Then throughout the entire riding, we have the beautiful Selkirk Mountains, which are a very old moun- tain range, not as high and as rocky as the peaks of the Rocky Mountains but more of a rolling mountain. They are absolutely stunning to look at. We’re surrounded by them. They’re very, very tight as well. We don’t have large valleys. Kootenay Lake, over the last millions of years that it has been forming, has not provided a large valley. In fact, it’s a very narrow valley. As a result, it’s not necessarily an easy riding to navigate.

In fact, the longest straight stretch in Nelson-Creston is a whole 3.4 kilometres. A little while ago, I put a contest on Facebook for people to guess where that 3.4 kilometres is. There were some really wonderful guesses — all the way from a straight stretch that is between Creston and Y ahk and an- other straight stretch that is at the north end of Kootenay Lake to another one closer to Salmo, between Nelson and Salmo, on Highway 6. In fact, where it is, is on the Creston flats. This is one area where we do have a little bit of a larger valley — on the Creston flats.

That’s why you have the longer straight stretch. This is the historical drainage essentially produced by the Kootenay River flowing into Kootenay Lake. Historically, this area would flood every year and produce some of the most amazing wetlands, and it would recede every year as

British Columbia Debates9850 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 the spring runoff from the mountains discontinued. The water would recede, and the Kootenay River would con- tinue to flow into Kootenay Lake. The water would pull back. Historically, the First Nations would collect a lot of the natural vegetation in that area for their food. Nowadays we see farmers who have come into the valley. In fact, Creston was originally settled…. The First Nations settled it and were living in the area, and then the European settlers came in. They settled it in a way that was a bit different than the rest of the riding.

I’ll come back to what brought Europeans to the rest of the riding. What brought Europeans to the Creston Valley was that farming potential that resulted from the Kootenay River receding and depositing incredible amounts of nutrients onto the land base around the Kootenay River in what is the Creston Valley. It’s still a tight valley, but my goodness, doesn’t it pro- duce some of the best food you’ll ever eat, hon. Speaker? This is one of the contributing factors that makes Nelson- Creston the best riding in British Columbia. I’m sorry.

I know you represent the wonderful riding of Burnaby- Edmonds, and it is fantastic. But Nelson-Creston is just a little bit better. One of the reasons…. I have MLAs from other areas who are insisting their riding is actually better than Nelson-Creston. I hate to disappoint, but Nelson-Creston, I do believe, does re - main the best riding. One of the reasons, as I was going to say, is the food that’s produced in the Creston Valley. It truly is remark- able.

The best asparagus you’ll ever eat comes from Sutcliffe Farms — yes, colleagues do know this to be true — which grows this asparagus right on the Creston flats, on the Kootenay Lake flats that I was just describing. They grow it right there, and it truly is just remarkable. [1500] It is crisp. It is fresh. It’s just vibrancy as you bite into this asparagus. The same can be said for the carrots that are grown out in Canyon. And of course, the dairy pro - duction that exists all throughout the Kootenay valley is, bar none, some of the best dairy you’ll ever eat, as well, because of what the cows are eating.

The cows are eating the hay that is grown in the Creston Valley. They’re eat- ing the grasses that grow up from this mineral-rich soil in the Creston Valley. It would be terrible for me to leave this chamber at the end of my time without mentioning the cherries of the Creston Valley. Then, of course, I know the apple growers and the strawberry growers and everybody else is going to be quite upset with me. But we all know that Creston is well known for its cherries.

Again, it’s that richness of the Creston Valley and the water that exists in our area that allows us to produce all this phenomenal food, in - cluding those amazing cherries that people love to stop for in cherry season. I will remind members that the world’s best juice is produced from those cherries. That’s right. The best cherry juice is being produced by my friends Susan and Gary Snow. It’s called Tabletree cherry juice. They truly did win the award for the world’s best juice. The year fol- lowing that, they won the award for the world’s best apple juice.

So I’m not kidding when I say some of the best food you’ll ever eat comes from the Creston Valley. Y ou might think that the Creston Valley is not able to grow citrus fruit, but you’ d be wrong, because the Creston Valley is growing citrus fruit in their greenhouses. Y ou can even get oranges and limes and lemons. The farmers there are very creative in experimenting with citrus fruits. Y ou can pretty much get anything you’ d like to eat from the Creston Valley. And that’s all within 100 kilometres — or 100 miles, as the 100-mile diet goes. I’ve brought that up here in this House before.

One of the things that makes Nelson-Creston so great is that you can have a full 100-mile diet in Nelson-Creston because we also produce grains. We have amazing grain growers as well. I don’t just say it. I try to live it as much as I possibly can in my home. My husband and I, when we got mar - ried in 2011, wanted to show our family the wonderful abundance of the Kootenays and everything that can grow within 100 miles of our house. We hosted a 100- mile wedding feast. Everything that we served came from the Kootenays, 100 miles of Nelson. Most notably, pretty much 95 percent of that came from the Creston Valley.

Being able to have that lifestyle is great. It really shows that the connection between Creston and Nelson is right on our dinner plate. What’s on our dinner plates is very important to policy and government decision-making and representation. That’s why Nelson-Creston continues to be a riding where these two communities — these two important communities in the Kootenays — are linked. Just to share with you some of the history of when that link first took place, it was 1933 when the riding of Nelson-Creston first appeared on the hustings in the general election. It appeared after a redistribution of that time.

It was just the riding of Nelson, and there was a riding of Creston. So there were more ridings, and the population was smaller. In fact, Frank Putnam won that election in 1933 with 50 percent of the vote. So 2,489 people voted for Frank. There was a total of 5,162 voters. Now contrast that with the last election. We have about 26,000 registered voters in Nelson-Creston. A good per- centage of them…. We see about 60 to 70 percent of people coming out to vote. Contrast that with only 5,000 voters.

Now we have 26,000 people who are registered to vote in Nelson-Creston. [1505] In that same election, in 1933, that was also a signifi - cant year for the predecessor to the New Democratic Party. The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation was founded in that year, and they ran a candidate in Nelson- Creston. For as long as Nelson-Creston has been around, the New Democratic Party and its predecessor, the CCF , have also been running candidates.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9851 In 1933, the candidate for the CCF garnered 23 percent of the vote. It’s a little bit different now. We’re the succes- sor to the CCF — the NDP . We garner about 50 to…. I think our highest total, in 2005 with Corky Evans, was 60 percent. We’ve come a long way, just like the riding of Nelson-Creston has come a long way. I do want to acknowledge that it was 1953 that saw the highest voter turnout for Nelson-Creston. Now, Nelson- Creston — typically, we retain the right to brag that we always have high voter turnouts.

We always have a high- er voter turnout than the provincial average. Right now that provincial average sits at about 52 or 53 percent, and we’re 10 percentage points above that, at around 63 per- cent. Unfortunately, that’s not where we have been his- torically. Our highest was in 1953, at 88 percent voter turnout — 88 percent. I truly think that is amazing. The Social Credit won the election of the day in 1953. That high voter turnout, I think, is a real credit to Nelson-Creston. I think we need to do our very best in any future election to get back up to 88 percent or more.

That would be amazing to see — more than 88 percent. I think we need to set ourselves a goal in Nelson-Creston to achieve that 1953 high of 88 percent voter turnout. Only good things happen when people come out to vote. That’s democracy in action — absolutely. I spoke a little bit about one of my predecessors, Corky Evans, and I talked about other predecessors — Frank Putnam, for example. But I’ve had the privilege of actually meeting four of my predecessors.

First let me talk about Lorne Nicolson, who repre - sented Nelson-Creston — again, with different bound - aries than what’s being proposed here in this report. But it was the Nelson-Creston riding. He represented Nelson- Creston from 1972 through to 1986. In 1973 — I believe it was, if I’m remembering my his- tory books correctly — Lorne was named the Minister of Housing under the Dave Barrett government. It was quite an honour for Nelson-Creston to have a minister in the government and to be representing an issue that is so important to our region — and to anybody in British Columbia.

But the people in Nelson-Creston have a real passion for affordable housing, so it was very wonder - ful for us to see somebody who understood that passion be able to take what we have in Nelson-Creston, which is a commitment to affordable housing, and be able to take that responsibility forward for the rest of British Columbia as well. Lorne, though…. While I said he was elected in 1972, that wasn’t the first year he ran. He ran in 1969, at the same age I first ran for Nelson-Creston — at 31 years old. So Lorne was a young man while he was in the cab - inet of Dave Barrett and representing Nelson-Creston.

I have the honour of being a younger woman in the House — second-youngest. I’m very happy to pass the torch of youngest woman in the House on to my colleague the member for Burnaby-Lougheed. Lorne was a young man when he first ran for Nelson- Creston, and I have been very, very privileged to get to know him in recent years as a mentor to me, since I was elected in 2009.

Lorne has a deep passion for the Kootenays and a deep commitment to social justice. [1510] Every election you see him there, because that passion for the Kootenays, that passion for social justice, he be - lieves, is best met in his work in the democratic process. He never shies away from working in the democratic process. I’ve learned so much from Lorne over the years, and I’m so proud to be able to be filling his shoes, so to speak. He has done such a service to the Kootenays in representing us for a total of 14 years. Another predecessor that I had the privilege of meet - ing was Howard Dirks.

Now, he was representing Nelson- Creston for the Social Credit Party from 1986 to 1991. I got to know Howard when he was the executive director for the Nelson and district economic development part- nership. When I was first elected to city council in 2002, Mr. Dirks had that position. I met him at that time and got to know him through his work in terms of economic development for the area. He worked very hard for the area in that position. I saw that firsthand. I have no doubt that he had that same work ethic when he was an MLA for five years from 1986 to 1991. I didn’t get to see that firsthand.

If I was living in the Kootenays, I would have been eight years old when he was first elected. I would have appreciated knowing my MLA at the time, but I would not necessarily have had the full breadth of understanding of everything that he was doing for the re- gion at the time. No doubt he was working very hard and serving the people of Nelson-Creston very well. I thank him for doing that. I’ll also mention another MLA before I get to the biggest shoes that I have to fill. An MLA named Blair Suffredine represented Nelson-Creston from 2001 to 2005. He certainly made his mark on this seat at that time.

He was actually preceded by and succeeded by somebody who is without a doubt a legend in British Columbia politics. It doesn’t matter where I go in B.C. People always ask me: “How is he doing? How is Corky?” That’s right. Corky Evans represented Nelson-Creston with a lar - ger boundary set than what we see here in the Electoral Boundaries Commission motion that we’re speaking to today. He represented a larger boundary, which includ - ed the Slocan Valley and Nakusp, from 1991 to 2001 and again from 2005 to 2009. Corky….

I’m going to just call him by his first name throughout this speech, because he is a friend and an - other mentor of mine. Corky was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests, and he was the Chair of the Legislature’s Select Standing Committee on Forests, Mines and Petroleum Resources when he first entered the chamber. He was given some substantial re-

British Columbia Debates9852 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 sponsibilities right from the beginning. Of course, his ability to meet those responsibilities was very clear. Not surprisingly, he became the Minister of Transportation and Highways. Following that, he also had the post of Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. After his first leadership race, he advocated…. Pardon me, his second leadership race. This was his second leadership race, and I’ll come back to that. After his second leadership race…. During the race, he was advo - cating for a ministry of rural development, looking at….

The economic development and the social development and the environmental needs of rural B.C. were distinct and different than what was happening in urban areas, and we needed to put a very specific lens on that. Corky advocated for that very successfully and became the Minister for Rural Development following that leader- ship race, which he didn’t win. That’s democracy. That’s why we participate. He became the Minister for Rural Development. Not long after that, heading into the 2001 election, Corky was the Minister of Health and for Seniors.

As I mentioned, my predecessor ran for the leadership of the New Democratic Party not once, as is the case for most people who have a go at that, but twice. That shows, to me, his commitment to the people that he served. [1515] I know that nobody disagrees with that — Corky’s commitment to the people that he served and to bringing those ideas forward and to having the debate, having the discussion, and to being a part of leadership in our party and in our province. Corky never shied away from that, and he still doesn’t today.

So not surprisingly, when time came to consider a new leader for the New Democratic Party, Corky stepped up. He stepped up, and you see him…. He wasn’t elected as leader, but he stepped up. He served this party well, and he served the region well. I see that my time is already up. I have so much more that I could say about Corky Evans and so much more that I could say about the best riding in British Columbia. I’m going to have to reserve those remarks for the next opportunity I can get to speak about Nelson-Creston.

It is truly an amazing place that I hope all members of the House will take the opportunity to frequent for some vacation time. One of the things that we do very well in the Kootenays is celebrate our region and provide a really wonderful op- portunity to relax, enjoy and have fun. We also have the longest free ferry ride in the world, in part because of the work that Corky Evans did to make sure that we have the Osprey ferry going back and forth between Balfour and Kootenay Landing on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake. When people come to visit the beautiful, beautiful area of Nelson-Creston….

Stop in Creston, have a wonderful meal, get some cherries. Stop in Nelson, enjoy the res - taurants, enjoy the beaches. And make sure that you get on the Osprey ferry for the longest free ferry ride in the world. Y ou will not regret it. If you get an opportunity and you see Corky Evans or Howard Dirks or Lorne Nicolson or Blair Suffredine or myself on Baker Street, do say hello. That’s the way we roll in the Kootenays. We’re friendly. We like to have a lot of fun, and we always welcome visitors to come to what is truly the best riding in all of British Columbia.

I’m sorry to disappoint 84 other members, but it is true. Nelson- Creston is the best place you can be in British Columbia. S. Hamilton: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the oppor- tunity to speak on this most important issue. Although it doesn’t affect my riding directly — it remains unchanged — it has had a significant effect on a number of people that sit in this chamber. I guess we’re going to be intro - duced to two more after the next election. I don’t know where we’re going to fit them all in, but I’m sure we will manage to squeeze.

Of course, we know that British Columbia is a prov - ince that has vastly different areas. They range in density of population between urban centres and highly remote rural regions. In Canada, electoral districts are based primarily on population and a formula known as the electoral quo - tient. The electoral quotient is an average population per electoral district, and it’s calculated by dividing the prov- incial population by the number of electoral districts. Now, I’m not going to drone on for 30 minutes.

I don’t have the capacity to say anything more in this House than has already been said on the issue of the Boundaries Commission’s decision to modify the jurisdictions in the province. As a matter of fact, we have heard a lot. We’ve heard a significant amount, and people in this gallery watching us and people watching on television must be wondering what in the world it is we’re doing here. Having listened to the opposition speak to some ex - tent about this particular issue, I think I know this prov- ince more intimately now than I ever did before.

Corky Evans was a gentleman that the member opposite just spoke about who I never met, but I know him intimately now. He seems like a very nice fellow. Some day, when I do meet him, I’ll have to remind him of all the time that was spent talking about him here in this chamber. We’ve had history lessons. We’ve had geography les- sons. We’ve had lessons on demographics. We know all about the service organizations in just about every com- munity in this province. Of course, they do incredible work.

I’m glad to be part of a community with a very strong sense of duty when it comes to the service organ- izations that continually support all of the efforts that are so needed to every community. [1520] We need organizations like that regularly and volun - teers in a community. They’re the heart and soul of every community, no less in mine. It’s very, very important that we support their efforts, because communities are much richer and more vibrant as a result of the efforts

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, October 28, 2015 9853 put forward by our volunteers. We really could not sur - vive without them. Hypothetically, if the population of British Columbia was 100 people, let’s say — and this is the way it’s all go- ing to work out in terms of how we define the sizes of our jurisdictions and our constituencies — the province would then be divided into ten electoral districts, and you’ d wind up having ten people residing in each riding. It’s pretty simple. The riding of Delta North, as the riding of Delta South, has been pretty consistent over the years.

We haven’t changed very much. While I guess I’m glad that my boundaries haven’t changed with any significance — ac - tually they haven’t changed at all — as I mentioned before, we do have some members in this House whose bound - aries have changed quite significantly. I have an immense amount of appreciation for the work that every member in this chamber who comes from a rural part of the province does — the amount of time they have to travel. I think the member for Peace River South mentioned to me that for him to drive from one end of his riding to the other takes him some eight hours, from the longest point.

That’s very, very signifi - cant. It’s very, very difficult to service a riding — one MLA — that size. The importance of maintaining the ability to properly represent a geographical area — I’m glad the commis - sion took this into consideration and, as a result, decid - ed to make sure that there were no changes to that type of representation. Personally, a riding like mine I can transit from one end to the next, at its longest point, in about 12 minutes. There are some ridings that are even more densely popu- lated, and you can walk from one end of the riding to the next in just about the same amount of time.

The important thing to remember, though, is that if we have roughly the same number of constituents in each riding, they still have to be properly represented. Even if a riding, geographically, is substantial and the number of constituents in that riding is less, I think it’s just as im- portant that they be properly served. Whatever we can do to help with respect to resources in each constituency, I think, would be welcomed. In addition, due to the population increases in the Lower Mainland, specifically, the commission is recom- mending an increase from 85 seats in this House to 87.

If my fellow members think it was crowded before, as I mentioned, we’re going to be bulging at the seams here eventually. I really don’t have much more to say about this. I’ d just as soon let other members speak. But again, pretty much everything that has to be said on this issue has been said. I think we’ve canvassed it quite significantly in this House. I look forward to listening to further debate, but for now, I will conclude my comments. V . Huntington: I appreciate that Delta South and Delta North are able to address this issue simultaneously, al - most, in the House.

It’s a pleasure to follow the member for Delta North. I’m pleased to speak to the resolution: “Be it resolved that…the proposals contained in the Final Report of the Electoral Boundaries Commission tabled in the Legislative Assembly on September 28, 2015 be approved. ” I hadn’t originally intended on speaking to this mo - tion. I felt that because my riding had been fortunate enough not to be changed, there wasn’t much I could add to the debate. However, two situations prompted a change of heart.

One was meeting the House Leader for the official opposition in the hall and listening to his wise words that advised me that this was an opportun - ity to speak about my riding and about the meaning of the Electoral Boundaries Commission to the province of British Columbia. [1525] Perhaps I’ll take this opportunity to say that my thanks are very sincere for the time that the member for Port Coquitlam has given me over the years in mentoring me in this House. The Opposition House Leader is the individual with whom I have the most official contact.

I could not have proceeded as well as I have managed to in the House without his very congenial and helpful ad - vice over the years. As an independent, I don’t sit with a caucus. I don’t have that natural support a caucus brings to its mem - bers. That was recognized from the very first day by the member for Port Coquitlam, who has eased me into this job in the most admirable of fashions. I am indebted to him for that.

The second reason that I decided to speak was because I had been listening to the members during the course of this debate, and I began to realize just how well served we were as a House and as a province by the electoral bound- aries commissioners.

Even though they were deliberating within a confined mandate, these commissioners seemed to have under - stood the importance of community and the importance of listening to people from communities who were con- cerned that their personalities might be changed — not their personal personalities but the personalities of their neighbourhoods, of their homes, of their communities, of their towns and cities and villages — as a result of de - cisions made by outsiders.

The commissioners listened diligently to these com - ments and, I think, have done a great service to the prov- ince and to its people in the deliberations that they have recommended to this House. They’ve done a wonderful job, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Not so much can we say the same thing, particularly in the case of my federal riding, of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission. Delta South has been treated like a soccer ball over the years federally. Whether you call

British Columbia Debates9854 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 it gerrymandering or trying to fit populations into one an- other, I believe the decisions have been made without any application of the comments made to the commissioners over the years, the federal commissioners, by commun - ity members or by their representatives, by the way. I was privileged enough to have written the comments from one of the MPs when the Boundaries Commission was considering a change to the federal riding of Delta. Since 1988, Delta has had so many different names that we’re totally confused.

We feel that everybody else is totally confused about what we are. We know what we are, but we haven’t thought that the federal commission- ers of the day recognized what we were. We have been called Fraser Valley West. We’ve been Richmond–South Delta, Surrey–White Rock–North Delta. In 1996, we became Delta South–Richmond. Then it was Newton–North Delta. Then it was Delta. Then it was Delta–Richmond East, and now once again, we’re Delta, which is what we want to be. We’re Delta.

North Delta and south Delta, from a municipal point of view, from a federally constructed point of view as a riding, is Delta, and that’s what we would like to stay. We have no faith, however, given the history of our name changes, that that will happen. At least provincially, Delta South and Delta North are different, distinct and preserved. We have been since at least 1991. It gives stability to the ridings, to the people, and it gives comfort to the population to know that their communities are stable and are recognized as such prov- incially and by the Boundaries Commission. How can we say it?

It gives one pride to stand up. I’m sure the member for North Delta feels the same. I cer - tainly do as the member for Delta South. It gives us pride to stand up and say that we represent those communities and that those communities make up one, the munici - pality of Delta. Delta North and Delta South are divided almost equal- ly by population. But far more than population, they’re divided by personality and geography. [1530] Delta North is basically a suburban, urbanized com - munity with a large industrial component of Annacis Island. Delta South, however, has two smaller suburban communities in La

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20151028pm-Hansard-v30n5
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20151028pm Hansard v30n5
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	3ee295b477097a9a8eef813955b9c248a347bc8b

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