1980 Legislative Session: 2nd

Session, 32nd Parliament

HANSARD

The

following electronic version is for informational purposes

only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1980

Afternoon Sitting

[ Page 1181 ]

CONTENTS

Routine proceedings

Speech from the Throne –– 1181

An Act to Perpetuate a Parliamentary

Right. Hon. Mr. Williams.

Introduction and first reading –– 1185

Presentation of reports –– 1186

Appendix –– 1186

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1980

The House met at 2 p.m.

This being the first day of the second session of the

thirty-second

Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the

dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation of the Hon. Henry

Bell-Irving, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, dated February 29,

1980, hon. members took their seats.

Prayers.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having entered the House

and

being seated upon the throne, was pleased to deliver the following

gracious speech.

SPEECH

FROM THE THRONE

HON. MR. BELL-IRVING: Mr. Speaker and

members of the

Legislative Assembly, may I call to your attention the presence in the

House of our guest and neighbour, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor of

Alberta.

Again it is my pleasure and privilege to deliver the Speech

from the

Throne to the members of this assembly. It is with a note of sadness

that I open these proceedings with the memory of the deplorable act

which last year took the life of Lord Louis Mountbatten, a world figure

and the cousin of our most Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

We remember also with sadness the recent deaths of two former

members of this assembly who served with dedicated devotion in the

interests of all of the people of British Columbia. Gone from us are

Einar Gunderson, who represented the electoral district of Similkameen

in 1952, serving also as Minister of Finance, and Arnold Webster from

the constituency of Vancouver East, who served in the years 1953 to

1956 as Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition.

Also now gone from our midst are those outstanding British

Columbia

athletes, Fred "Cyclone" Taylor, Lynn Patrick and "Torchy" Peden, and

the well-known journalist, Jack Scott, all of whom brought fame to

themselves and recognition to our province.

All Canadians are proud of recent actions taken by our

national

embassy in Iran. My government joins in expressing appreciation to

those who participated, and hopes that the continuing confrontation in

Iran will be resolved soon and the American hostages returned safely to

their families. It is our prayer that the cause of world peace will

prosper in this new decade.

We were honoured during the past year through the visits of

many

distinguished people, highlighted by the visit last April of His Royal

Highness the Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness, as president of the

United Council of the United World Colleges, made his first visit to

British Columbia, toured, and attended meetings at Lester B. Pearson

College of the Pacific on Vancouver Island.

Their Excellencies Governor-General and Mrs. Schreyer made

their

first official visit to our province in February, at which time His

Excellency officially opened the Institute of Ocean Sciences at

Patricia Bay and visited the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific.

Other distinguished visitors during the year included the Hon.

Jay

Hammond, Governor of Alaska; the Hon. Dixie Lee Ray, Governor of

Washington State; the Hon. lone Christensen, Commissioner of the Yukon

Territory; M. Jacques Pelletier, Secretary of State for Education of

the Government of France, and Mme. Pelletier; and many ambassadors and

high commissioners from countries throughout the world.

We were also honoured last summer with the presence of Lord

Denning,

Master of the Rolls, who graciously consented to participate in the

official opening of the new Vancouver law courts.

I note with satisfaction the celebration of 1979 as the Year

of the

Child and the Family, and the various programs that were introduced by

my government relating to this event.

My executive council has been increased by four ministers and

extend my personal congratulations and wishes to each of them for a

successful and fulfilling time in office.

My government also has initiated two new ministries and

reorganized

others. Legislation relating to these changes will be laid before you.

The Ministry of Universities, Science and Communications will

responsible for higher learning in the province, and for the continuing

advancement of scientific exploration. As a separate entity, my

reorganized Ministry of Education will be in charge of public school

education from kindergarten to grade XII, colleges, vocational schools

and institutes, including the British Columbia Institute of Technology

and the Open Learning Institute.

The Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations will coordinate

and

develop policies, strategies and activities for our province's

relationships with other governments, and be responsible for

constitutional matters. The ministry also will undertake certain

executive council administrative duties.

Recognizing the inestimable value of our tourist industry, my

government has re-established as a separate ministry the Ministry of

Tourism — to take full advantage of the benefits that may be derived

from the enjoyment of our abundant natural heritage.

On the national scene, my government renews its commitment to

the

cause of national unity, its commitment to one Canada, and to all of

our provinces being within that one Canada. It continues to hold the

view that current stresses within the Canadian federation demonstrate

even further the need for substantial changes to the constitution of

our country.

We British Columbians today have little more representation in

many

of the central institutions that govern the activities of Canada than

our forbears did in 1871 when the united colony of British Columbia

entered Confederation. My government has long been concerned about this

lack of representation.

Four years ago my government led the way among the provinces

proposing specific constitutional changes that would guarantee all

regions a continuing participation in the determination of national

policy, regardless of the make-up of the House of Commons. Since that

time, other areas in Canada have followed my government's lead. There

is an emerging agreement across our nation that Canada's constitution

must reflect today's realities and must ensure that each region of

Canada has its rightful place and rightful emphasis in Confederation.

My government's approach to constitutional change calls for

all the

regions of our widely diverse country to have a stronger and more

effective voice in federal decision-making on matters that affect the

provinces. Thus, far from seeking to withdraw from Canada, British

Columbia will seek a greater role at the nation's capital.

Our province today stands on the threshold of the most

[ Page 1182 ]

challenging and exciting decade in its

history. To

prepare for this, commitments must be made that will establish our

direction for the next ten years. My government accepts that challenge.

Through long-term planning and aggressive management of our vast

natural resources it will continue to lay the foundation on which to

build the unparalleled economic strength that will ensure a secure

future for all British Columbians, for this generation and for

generations to come.

Energy supply, unemployment, inflation and government growth

and

spending are all matters of immediate and deep concern to my government.

British Columbia is blessed with possibly the widest variety

energy sources of any comparable area in the world. It is my

government's commitment that they be monitored, harvested, converted as

and when necessary and practicable, and utilized for the energy

self-sufficiency of our people now and for the years to come.

An energy policy has been formulated to meet the challenge of

providing within our provincial borders an ample and secure supply of

energy. Legislation will be introduced to establish review procedures

relating to the selection of alternative energy projects so that new

sources will maximize social and economic benefits to all British

Columbians while minimizing environmental impact.

In the field of non-renewable energy resources, my government

will

continue to encourage the current extensive exploration for natural

gas. You will recall that in 1975, our province's natural gas reserves

were declining in spite of clear warnings throughout the world of

coming energy shortages. My government began to take positive steps in

1976 to stimulate development of our natural gas potential, including

the construction of the Grizzly Valley gas pipeline. The result of

these steps is that today the estimates of the province's gas reserves

exceed seven trillion cubic feet — equal to more than 20 years of

present domestic consumption. My government expects that increased

exploration will result in considerable expansion of these reserves.

While exploration in British Columbia has so far found only

moderate

reserves of natural oil, in-depth consideration will be given to the

alternative of converting portions of our enormous quantities of coal

into gasoline.

The Ministry of Universities, Science and Communications is

establishing a research group with a broad mandate to study the

feasibility of British Columbia coal conversion. Considering that

through existing technology a metric ton of coal can produce up to

three barrels of gasoline, and considering that our Hat Creek coal

deposit alone is estimated to contain up to 15 billion metric tons —

and possibly more — the potential of this new source of energy for

British Columbia and Canada all but staggers the imagination.

In the area of renewable energy resources, our province, which

size is larger than the American states of California, Oregon and

Washington combined, today only harnesses about one-third of its

potential hydroelectric power. The remaining two-thirds, which is

roughly equivalent in energy potential to the total amount of oil

British Columbia now imports, rushes unused into the Pacific Ocean.

Full consideration will be given to salvaging this huge energy source,

but in such a way that it will not diminish our abundant salmon

fisheries.

Another renewable energy resource, much of which is also

unused,

lies piled into small mountains of sawdust in the various milling areas

in British Columbia. I am advised that the Ministry of Universities,

Science and Communications will be asking scientists to look for ways

of converting this wood biomass into useful products, again aiming

specifically at our shortage of provincial petroleum.

A third renewable resource, solar energy, is being

investigated by

the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources with the first

large-scale field test in Canada of the use of this source to produce

hot water for domestic use.

In order to balance and control the development of our

potentially

vast renewable and non-renewable energy resources, and to see that

their products are sold at a fair price to consumers, new legislation

will be introduced to create a B.C. Utilities Commission. In

anticipation of the federal government transferring its jurisdiction

over B.C. Telephone Company rates to our province, the commission's

mandate will also include the authority to hold hearings on proposed

telephone rate increases. Procedures also will be established for

reviewing applications for the export of energy from British Columbia,

to ensure that future energy requirements of all of our people are

fully protected.

In order to enhance the protection of our environment during

the

coming decade, a new Ministry of Environment Act will be introduced as

a first step toward a full review of environmental legislation. Also

legislation will be introduced to allow my Minister of Environment to

provide immediate response to pollution emergencies.

Another matter of deep concern to my government is

unemployment. The

population of our province in recent years has been growing at a

greater rate than the rest of Canada. To meet this growth, British

Columbia has been creating about 15 percent of Canada's new jobs, even

though we only have 11 percent of the population.

In spite of this, unemployment persists in our province. This

unacceptable to my government. To meet this problem directly you will

be asked to approve programs and expenditures to create jobs and

stimulate economic activity.

In education an expansion of career and vocational education

secondary schools will be proposed. New facilities will be established

in five community colleges and in the B.C. Institute of Technology.

Apprenticeship and job-training programs will be enriched.

My government plans to provide, through job opportunities,

access to

training and initial working experience for more than 14,000 young

people.

In order to stimulate our home market for British Columbia

forest

products, my government last year acted immediately under the powers of

the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing Act and launched a $200

million program to provide most favourable mortgage interest rates for

new homes and rental accommodation.

As well as assisting British Columbians to own their own

homes, this

program is stimulating all phases of our home construction industry and

reducing unemployment.

My government emphasizes that government growth in all of its

forms

is of continuing and deserved concern to all Canadian taxpayers. It is

my government's commitment that British Columbia taxpayers receive full

value for their tax dollar, that government growth be measured

qualitatively, and that the cost of government be held in check by a

balanced budget. The job of government in the 1980s is to accommodate

the citizen rather than the other way around. To this end, British

Columbians have already seen major tax reductions introduced since

1975. The social services tax rate, for example, has been brought to

its lowest level in more than a quarter century.

The scourge of inflation is also of deep concern to my

government. It continues to persist in our province, as it does

[ Page 1183 ]

across our nation and in other nations

of the world, including our main trading partner and good neighbour,

the United States.

As a province that has to rely on imports and exports to

survive, it

is unrealistic to believe that British Columbia alone and on its own

can stop this worldwide problem at its borders. But it is not

unrealistic to take positive steps to counteract its impact on the

lives of all British Columbians. My government believes the positive

way to fight inflation inside British Columbia, while still providing

the many and varied services which our people require, is to build a

strong and vibrant economy within our own boundaries.

Our largest and most important industry is forestry. You will

recall

that the forest and range legislation enacted by the Legislative

Assembly in 1978 set the stage for the orderly transition from an era

in which emphasis was placed on the utilization of the province's

old-growth forests to the modern challenges best characterized by

intensive forest and range management practices.

The time has now come for a major commitment to the most

important

aspect of the future of the forest industry in British Columbia, a

commitment to perpetual reforestation. Although during the past four

years you were asked for and gave approval to increasing the amount of

reforestation over previous years, it was given on an annual basis.

This year you will be asked to make a major long-term commitment which,

in conjunction with intensive management of established timber stands,

will raise the quality and ensure the future of the most important

renewable resource in British Columbia. This perpetuation will form the

basis of a secure economic future for all British Columbians, for this

generation and for generations to come.

The assembly will also be asked to consider amendments to the

Forest

and Range Acts to improve administration of the province's forest and

range resources and authorize further decentralization of authority

within the administration of the ministry to promote more flexible and

prompt decisionmaking at the local level.

Early in 1976 my ministers prepared a blueprint for an

over-all

industrial strategy which would aid the recovery of our economy. This

has served us well, but now is the time to meet the challenges of the

1980s and nineties. My Minister of Industry and Small Business

Development informs me that a new industrial strategy will be completed

by his ministry shortly.

The importance of developing marketing strategies for British

Columbia products is a prime concern. Our province's rate of economic

growth is normally greater than that of either Canada or most other

developed countries, and my government wishes to continue to maintain

and, if possible, increase this lead through a combination of sound

planning and innovative programs. It is realized that only a strong

economy can ensure the future of our young people and provide the tax

dollars which will sustain our social programs.

My minister this year will be completing a thorough export

development strategy for Pacific Rim nations. The potential market for

British Columbia products around the Pacific is vast. By 1985, through

the initiatives of my government, British Columbians can expect to be

selling more than $11 billion worth of products each year to these

nations.

Following highly successful missions last year to Japan and

Korea,

my government is opening up a market for British Columbia forest

products in Japan that is expected to return to our province $1.5

billion a year by 1985, more than 2 1/2 times that which is being sold

now. In recognition of this burgeoning market, my first minister

recently took

part in the official opening of a sawmill in Nanaimo that

is designed to produce forest products solely for export to Japan.

My government is also opening up a proportionately large

market for

British Columbia forest products in Korea, with sales in 1985 expected

to reach $100 million a year.

The strengthening of British Columbia's competitive position

world coal markets will continue to be a high priority of my government

in the coming year, including vital road, rail and port developments.

To encourage the continued growth of small business in British

Columbia and to create employment opportunities, the Ministry of

Finance Small Business Venture Capital Corporation Act will create a

new type of investment company whose role will be to provide small

businesses with venture or equity capital. As indicated last year, a

special British Columbia income tax deduction will be proposed for both

individual and corporate taxpayers who invest in such venture capital

corporations.

At this time I would like to advise you that the free

distribution

of British Columbia Resources Investment Corporation shares to the

people of our province and the sale of additional shares to raise

investment capital have been received and widely acclaimed in a most

favourable manner. You have enabled the people to share directly in the

wealth of our vast natural resources through the extension of

individual ownership of corporation shares.

My government is now working hard to bring to British Columbia

major world exposition, Transpo '86. This exciting and highly

significant international event could draw the attention of all

countries to our province, as well as serve to commemorate the 100th

anniversary of the inception of Montreal-to-Vancouver rail service in

Canada in 1886.

Needless to say, great enthusiasm has been generated at all

levels —

national, provincial and civic — and British Columbia's submissions

have been most favourably received by the Bureau of International

Expositions. Legislation to incorporate Transpo '86 will be presented

to you.

Transpo '86 could well be one of the most spectacular events

British Columbia's history and provide a multiple of short-term and

long-term benefits — and opportunities — which will be felt throughout

the province.

This most important exposition is proposed for Vancouver — and

will have as its centrepiece a large amphitheatre on the north shore of

the city's False Creek area. Designed to house major sports and

cultural events and large-scale meetings, the amphitheatre will be part

of something even bigger — British Columbia Place, the exciting

development which will stretch along the north shore of False Creek

from the Granville Bridge to the Gastown-Chinatown area in the east.

I am advised that tourism is expected to become the world's

number

one industry by the year 2000. Hence, during the next ten years, it is

anticipated that world competition for the tourist dollar will increase

dramatically.

The Ministry of Tourism will bring strong emphasis to our

visitor

industry, which is one of our five basic provincial resources. My

minister will be concentrating on upgrading our tourist facilities, and

reaffirms that in British Columbia the atmosphere is such that tourists

are not only wanted, but are genuinely welcome and will receive both

great hospitality and good value.

My Minister of Municipal Affairs will lay a program before you

which

will afford our municipalities an opportunity to redevelop their

downtown districts so that they may

[ Page 1184 ]

revitalize commerce and provide new

sources of community pride.

My government will initiate a long-range plan to work in

partnership

with our municipalities to provide public transportation systems,

including all types of transit, of which we can all be proud.

My Minister of Transportation and Highways will propose that

the

existing provision of the Highways Act be amended so the province may

establish provincial highways in any city or city municipality. It

presently excludes city and city municipalities from having classified

provincial highways where the population exceeds 30,000. The amendment

will remove anomalies created by the expansion of a number of cities

within the province in recent years.

While the desire for special forms of transportation to ease

rush-hour commuter movements has become a high priority in the lower

mainland at this time, it is equally vital that highways and major

streets in the greater Vancouver area maintain their capacity to move

conventional traffic adequately as population centres expand. Forecasts

that population south of the Fraser River, for example, will by 1985 be

double that of 1971 are holding true and cannot be ignored.

My government recognizes the seriousness of this situation. It

is already moving to ease trouble spots.

An important need is for relief to the Massey Tunnel and the

Pattullo Bridge, where the greatest increases in traffic pressures are

from the areas of north and east Delta and of south and west Surrey. It

is evident to this government that the most effective solution to these

problems is to construct an additional crossing of the main arm of the

Fraser River in the vicinity of Annacis Island. From this crossing

additional street and highway capacity will be constructed to move

traffic to the west and north, and to the central Richmond area. Steps

are being taken to complete the necessary consultations and

arrangements with the municipalities involved so that this large and

highly significant project, with its resultant job opportunities, can

get underway as soon as possible.

My government further intends to continue to expand its

overall,

enlarged program of highway construction and paving, particularly on

the north bank of the lower Fraser River, on Vancouver Island, and

throughout the interior and north of the province.

As part of my government's transportation policy, measures

will be

introduced to rationalize the financing of British Columbia Railway,

and put it on a basis that is consistent with the approach taken to the

financing of the provincial ferry services and highway system. These

measures will aim to provide good fiscal management and an assurance

for the future of the railway.

You will be asked to enlarge the mandate of the Ministry of

Agriculture to include a responsibility for the food industry. This

will see the ministry work more closely with the industry to promote

British Columbia–grown and –manufactured food products. Legislation for

the maintenance of a healthy cattle industry will also be introduced.

My Attorney-General will be proposing for your scrutiny the

Holiday

Shopping Act. It will place responsibility at the community level for

determining restrictions in the operation of retail businesses on

holidays.

My Minister of Labour will propose extension of the coverage

under

the Workers' Compensation Act to improve the administration of

occupational safety in the province.

Legislation will be presented to codify employment standards

which

include workers in the agricultural industry. To clarify and improve

construction procedures and requirements, my government will present a

number of proposals.

Initiatives are underway to streamline procedure, cut red tape

and

improve government safety regulations in the planning, construction and

occupancy of buildings.

The Fire Services Amendment Act will be laid before you to

provide

for the adoption of modifications of the national Fire Code to suit

British Columbia's requirements and assist in establishing uniform and

consistent fire prevention and safety standards throughout the province.

A simplified appeal system for citizens adversely affected by

land-use decisions will be proposed by the Ministry of Municipal

Affairs.

The social services ministries will be proposing new

coordinated

programs to serve children with special needs. My Minister of Human

Resources will lay before you a family and child services act that will

encourage and support the role of the family in matters pertaining to

child welfare. To aid victims of crime you will be asked to approve an

increase in present compensation to ensure that criminal injury awards

will be consistent with those awards granted under workers'

compensation.

Legislation will be introduced by my Attorney-General to allow

the

provincial Judicial Council to discharge more effectively its important

role in the administration of the affairs of the provincial courts and

members of that court.

In order to protect the public and to help eliminate confusion

between the role of the police and that of the private security

agencies, the Private Security Agencies Act will be introduced to

regulate private security agencies in the province.

My Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs will place

before you

amendments to the Credit Unions Act to expand the financial stability

and management accountability of credit unions. Also amendments to the

Residential Tenancy Act will propose extending coverage of the Act to

permanent residents in hotels.

An increase will be proposed in the chiropractic,

naturopathic,

physiotherapy and pediatric benefits under the Medical Services Plan.

During the past four years my government has introduced many

new

social measures and strengthened existing programs as part of its

pledge to meet the needs of people. Let me name just a few: GAIN

(Guaranteed Available Income for Need) to bring income assistance to

qualified British Columbians in the 55- to 59-year age group and to all

single parent families; Shelter Aid for the Elderly Renter; Universal

Pharmacare, to provide all British Columbians with a measure of

protection from the high cost of prescription drugs; increased

allowances for the handicapped; the Long-Term Care Program, to bridge

the gap between the existing Acute-Care and Extended-Care Programs;

increased homeowner grants; increased help for first-home buyers; and

the largest program of hospital construction in the history of the

province.

Underlying all these programs is the dedication of my

government to

the principle that only through sound management of the financial and

material resources of the province can such programs be achieved and

endure. My government is determined that British Columbians shall enjoy

a program of health care second to none in North America. In keeping

with this resolve, the Dental Care Assistance Program, proposed by my

Minister of Health last year, will be implemented later this fiscal

year.

In conclusion, my first minister advises me that these

[ Page 1185 ]

proposals and various others that are

to be placed

before you will have a primary purpose in mind: that is to increase the

security, prosperity, well-being and enjoyment of life of all British

Columbians, for now and for the years to come. That is my government's

commitment. That is its mandate.

I ask your most careful consideration of these matters and of

the

budget to follow. I further pray that Divine Providence may guide your

deliberations.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I leave you now to

discharge

your legislative duties on behalf of the people of British Columbia.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, in order to

prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy of His Honour's speech.

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO PERPETUATE A

PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT

Hon. Mr. Williams presented a message from His Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled

An Act to Perpetuate a

Parliamentary Right.

Bill 1 introduced, read a first time, and ordered to be placed

orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House

after today.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that

the speech of His

Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into consideration at the next

sitting of the House, and that this order have precedence over all

other business except introduction of bills until disposed of.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. WOLFE: Mr. Speaker, I move that

the Votes and Proceedings

of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker, and that

he do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as he

shall appoint do presume to print the same.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that

the select

standing committees of this House for the present session be appointed

for the following purposes:

(1) On standing orders and private bills;

(2) On public accounts and economic affairs;

(3) On agriculture;

(4) On municipal affairs and housing;

(5) On labour and justice;

(6) On health, education and human resources;

(7) On transportation and communications;

(8) On environment and resources; which said committees shall

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

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

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

send for persons, papers and records, and that a special committee be

appointed to prepare and report, with all convenient speed, lists of

members to compose the above select standing committees of this House,

under standing order 68(1), and by leave said committee to be composed

of Hon. G.B. Gardom, Hon. E.M. Wolfe, Hon. P.J. Jordan and Messrs.

Brummet, Hyndman, Cocke, Gabelmann and Howard, and that pursuant to

standing order 72(a)(6) the said special committee appoint members of

the House to fill any existing vacancies on the Committee on Crown

Corporations.

MR. HOWARD: I rise here very briefly to put

to the House a

proposal which will enhance and greatly strengthen our democratic

system and our electoral processes. The last provincial election was so

blatantly subjected to partisan manipulation that this Legislative

Assembly must take corrective measures. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, keeping

in mind a ruling made by Mr. Speaker Murray on the first day of the

second meeting of the 28th parliament, I'm pleased to move, seconded by

the hon. member for Shuswap-Revelstoke (Mr. King), that the motion be

amended by adding "

(9) On unfair election practices;" after the word

"resources."

HON. MR. GARDOM: A copy would be

appreciated, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Are copies available? Please

assist.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER: The amendment appears to be in

order, hon. members.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, the

government accepts the amendment.

Amendment approved.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, that's the

best applause I've had all year from the hon. opposition.

Mr. Speaker, I would move, seconded by Mr. Howard, the hon.

member

for Skeena, that Walter Kenneth Davidson, Esq., member for Delta

electoral district, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the

Legislative Assembly.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I would move

that report No. 9

of the Select Standing Committee on Standing Orders and Private Bills,

adopted by this House on February 27th, 1973, relating to oral

questions, be adopted by this House for the present session.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I would move

that on each

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this session there be two

distinct sittings on each day, one from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and one from 8

p.m. until 11 p.m., and on each Friday there be one sitting from 10

a.m. until 1 p.m., unless otherwise ordered.

Motion approved.

[ Page 1186 ]

Presenting Reports

The following reports were presented:

By Hon. Mr. Wolfe:

Public Inquiries Act under Hon. Mr. Justice P.D. Seaton.

Annual report of the British Columbia lotteries branch, April

1, 1978, to March 31, 1979.

The Public Service Labour Relations Act, 1979.

The First Citizens Fund Advisory Committee, January 1, 1979,

to December 31, 1979.

Annual report of the Public Service Adjudication Board, 1979.

Annual report of the Members of the Legislative Assembly

Superannuation Act, March 31, 1979.

Annual report of the Public Service Superannuation Act, March

31, 1979.

Annual report of the College Pension Act, August 31, 1979.

Annual report of the Municipal Superannuation Act, December 31, 1978.

Annual report of the Teachers' Pensions Act, December 31, 1978.

Annual report of the Public Service Commission of British

Columbia, 1979.

By Hon. Mr. Curtis:

Public Accounts of British Columbia, March 31, 1979.

Return submitted in accordance with

section 46(2) of the

Revenue

Act, Revised Statutes of B.C., 1960: refunds and remissions made under

section 46(1) of the Revenue Act, Revised Statutes of B.C., 1960, for

the calendar year 1979.

Return submitted in accordance with

section 85(4) of the

Taxation

Act, remissions and refunds made under authority of

section 85(1), (2),

(3) of the Taxation Act, Revised Statutes of B.C., 1960, for the

calendar year 1979.

Statement of unclaimed money deposits under authority of

Unclaimed

Money Deposits Act, Revised Statutes, 1960, for the fiscal year ended

March 31, 1979.

Annual report of the Purchasing Commission, January 1, 1979,

to December 31, 1979.

By Hon. Mr. McGeer:

Annual report of the Science Council of British Columbia.

Annual report of the Universities Council of British Columbia.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 2:56 p.m.

APPENDIX

20 Ms. Brown

asked the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources the following questions:

With reference to the Provincial Rehabilitation and Employment

Program (PREP) —

1. What are the names, salaries, previous occupations, and

locations

of the "Job Finders" in the program and the Provincial Co-ordinator?

2. What is the total number of administrative staff, excluding

the Job Finders?

3. What is the total cost and the number of months covered for

the program for 1977, 1978, and to date in 1979?

The Hon. Grace McCarthy replied as follows:

"1. The names, salaries, previous occupations and locations of

the 'Job Finders' in the program are as follows

Name

Salary

Previous Occupation

Location

D. Abrahamson

$1,575

Assistant Personnel Officer,

Ministry of Transport

Penticton

R. Rasmussen

1,527

Civil Liberties Secretary

Vernon

D. J. Quellet

1,527

Building

Security Officer, Public Works

Kelowna

S. Thornton

1,375

Job Experience

and Training Co-ordinator, C.E.C.

Cranbrook

A. Walker

1,527

Branch Manager,

C.E.C. Centre

Nelson

N. Turlock

1,527

Job Placement

Officer, Search Outreach, C.E.C.

Prince George

W. Simpson

1,575

Financial

Assistance Worker, MHR

Williams Lake

D. Sugimoto

1,419

Assistant

Manager, Department Store

Prince George

K. Laing

1,527

District

Manager, Investors Syndicate

Chilliwack

W. Thomas

1,527

Sales Manager

Abbotsford

E. Fox

1,575

Personnel

Representative, T. Eaton Co.

Langley

W. Read

1,276

Assistant Loan

Manager

Terrace

E. Devore

1,575

Financial

Assistance Worker, MHR

Dawson Creek

S. Nickel

1,276

Sign Painter

Fort St. John

E. Agutter

1,527

Personnel

Consultant

Kamloops

H. Castle

1,527

Community

Service Officer, Probation Dept.

Campbell River

[ Page 1187 ]

Name

Salary

Previous Occupation

Location

A. R. Brown

1,276

Assessor, Canada

Taxation

Duncan

C. Comis

1,527

D.N.D., Alcohol

and Drug Officer

Nanaimo

V. Hawkes

1,276

Summer Student,

P.R.E.P.

Nanaimo

L. Campbell

1,575

Employment

Co-ordinator

Victoria

E. Allan

1,455

Employment

Counsellor, MHR

Victoria

P. D. E. Burton

1,344

Advertising Sales

Victoria

G. Owen

1,455

D.N.D. Staff

Officer

Victoria

M. Creighton

1,344

Sales Manager,

Department Store

Victoria

L. Roback

1,419

Clerk-Typist,

MHR P.R.E.P.

Victoria

S. Piper

1,527

Federal/ Provincial Sales Tax

Consultant (own

business) C.E.C.

New

Westminster

M. Cohen

1,455

Special Service

Worker, MHR

New Westminster

L. Dunn

1,455

Branch Manager,

Finance Company

New Westminster

N. Garandza

1,527

Managing Director and Job

Finder, Outreach

Program, C.E.C.

Burnaby

S. Trapp

1,455

Clerk 3, MHR,

P.R.E.P.

Burnaby

R. Davis

1,455

Investigation

and Sales

Burnaby

D. Harrison

1,527

Placements

Officer, Outreach Program

Burnaby

I. Land

1,527

Bank Manager,

Royal Bank

North Vancouver

J. Haugo

1,575

Rehabilitation

Officer 1, Woodlands

Surrey

J. Blackaby

1,527

Personnel

Officer and Rehabilitation Consultant,

W.C.B.

Richmond

H. Dutkowski

1,419

Assistant

Employment Co-ordinator, Municipality

of Surrey

Surrey

J. Loosemore

1,455

Employment

Co-ordinator, V.R.B.

Surrey

J. Burke

1,455

Sales Manager

Surrey

R. Stew

1,455

Provincial

Co-ordinator

Surrey

P. Brand

1,455

Teacher

Richmond

D. DeMarco

1,455

Placement

Officer, Vancouver Opportunities Program

Vancouver

J. Vaughn

1,575

Employment

Counsellor

Vancouver

N. Giles

1,276

Personnel Officer

Vancouver

J. Lee

1,455

Financial Aide

Worker

Vancouver

A. Muehling

1,455

Personnel Officer

Vancouver

D. Shaw

1,455

Student, Youth

Employment Program,

Ministry of Labour

Vancouver

G. Wong

1,455

Insurance,

Salesman

Vancouver

J. Amos

1,455

Counsellor,

Vancouver Job Development Society

Vancouver

D. Roemer

1,455

Carpenter

Vancouver

O. Whelan

1,375

Information

Officer

Vancouver

J. Adamson

1,455

Restaurant

Manager

Vancouver

G. Lucas

1,455

Auditor

Vancouver

B. Cline

1,375

Counsellor,

C.N.I.B.

Vancouver

L. Ball

1,455

Student,

Employment Program, Ministry of Labour

Vancouver

J. Pace

1,455

Financial

Assistance Worker

Vancouver

NOTE—Due to regionalization of the P.R.E.P. program in March

1979, the Provincial Co-ordinator's position was eliminated.

"2. 27.

"3. From January 1, 1977 to March 31, 1979, inclusive, the

cost was $2,124,307."

21 Ms. Brown

asked the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources the following questions:

With reference to the number of social assistance recipients

placed in employment—

l. Were any placements made in 1976, 1977, and 1978?

2. If the answer to No. l is yes, how many persons were placed

in each month in 1976, 1977, and 1978?

[ Page 1188 ]

3. Were any of these placements made in ministries of the

Provincial Government, and if so, how many, and in which ministries?

4. Were any of these placements made in ministries of the

Federal Government, and if so, how many, and in which ministries?

5. Were any of the placements in private employment subsidized

in any way by the Provincial or Federal Governments?

6. If the answer to No. 5 is yes, how many jobs were

subsidized and

what was the total cost to (

a) the Provincial Government and (

b) the

Federal Government?

7. Were any of the placements made through Canada Manpower?

8. If the answer to No. 7 is yes, how many in each month?

The Hon. Grace

McCarthy replied as follows:

"l. Yes.

"2.

January

1,080

February

1,199

March

1,365

April

1,163

May

1,195

June

1,306

July

952*

August

1,127

September

1,164

October

1,019

November

1,418

December

--------

--------

--------

Totals

5,490

12,454

8,934

* P.R.E.P. began May 1976, and statistics were not available

until July/August 1976.

"3. Yes.

Highways

Highways

Human Resources

Human Resources

Forests

Forests

Health

Health

Provincial Secretary

Consumer Affairs

Transport and Communications

Transport and Communications

Housing

Various Ministries

Mines and Petroleum Resources

Labour

Public Works

Parks

Recreation and Travel

Public Works

----

Environment

Total

----

Total

Human Resources

Forests

Transportation, Communications and

Highways

Health

Attorney-General

[ Page 1189 ]

Provincial Secretary

Consumer and Corporate Affairs

Education and School Boards

Agriculture

Environment

Finance

Lands, Parks and Housing

Municipal Affairs

Tourism

B.C.B.C.

Societies

----

Total

"4. Yes.

Defence

Defence

Health and Welfare

Health and Welfare

Post Office

Post Office

Transport

Transport

U.I.C.

C.E.I.C.

Manpower

Justice

Public Works

Education

Revenue (taxation excise)

Revenue

----

Indian Affairs

Total

----

Total

Defence

Health and Welfare

Post Office

Transport and Communications

C.E.I.C.

Public Works

Revenue (Taxation)

Corrections

Canada Works

RCMP

Trade and Commerce

Grain Elevator

----

Total

"5. Yes.

"6.

Subsidized Federal

Subsidized Provincial

-----

-----

-----

Totals

Federal costs

$480,362

$1,198,146

$250,239

Provincial costs

1,100

58,650

35,789

[ Page 1190 ]

NOTE—The data sought in this question is not normally required

P.R.E.P. statistical records. The figures quoted were obtained by the

individual P.R.E.P. offices in a process of tracing back through client

placement files for the period indicated.Therefore, the quotations are

made subject to claim of accuracy only to the point allowed by this

method.

"7. Yes.

"8.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

197*

September

October

November

December

--------

--------

--------

Totals

1,910

1,543

*P.R.E.P. began in May 1976, and statistics were not available

until July/August 1976."

24 Mr. Hall asked the

Hon. the Provincial Secretary and Minister of Government Services the

following question:

With reference to staff members employed in the Premier's

Office,

the Executive Council and Intergovernmental Relations Office, and the

offices of Ministers of the Crown—

What are the names of each person employed, their positions,

and present annual rate of salary or other stipend?

The Hon. E. M. Wolfe replied as. follows:

"The following persons are employed as of July 31, 1979:

Premier's Office

Salary per Annum*

Tozer, W. A. R., Executive Assistant—Premier

36,432

Gray, Mrs. H. M., Secretary to Premier

18,960

Paulsen, Mrs. P. M., Administrative Officer 2

22,428

Highton, Mrs. D. R. W., Clerk Steno 4

Chan, Mrs. L. M., Clerk Steno 3

14,568

13,200

Hansen, Mrs. D. E., Office Assistant 2

13,200

Hayes, Miss E. A., Office Assistant 2

13,200

Chui, Miss V., Office Assistant 2 — Temporary

11,940

Collins, D. J., Clerk Steno 3 — Temporary

12,660

Executive Council Offices

Smith, M. H., Deputy Minister

47,380

Arnett, J. L., Program Manager 2

28,860

Brown, D. P., Communications Planning Adviser

36,432

Greig, R. L., Assistant Communications Planning Adviser

17,496

Burnes, Miss I. J., Public Information Officer

16,500

[ Page 1191 ]

Cowan, Miss S. C., Clerk 4

14,184

MacKay, Mrs. A., Clerk Steno 4

13,860

Gamache, J., Clerk Steno 3

13,200

*Subject to increment adjustment.

Intergovernmental Relations

Office

Salary per Annum*

Campbell, D. R. J., Director

36,432

Archibald, G. C., Research Officer 3

25,540

Axford, D. C., Research Officer 4

27,960

Hick, W. A., Research Officer 2

19,584

Rutkauskas, Miss L., Clerk 5

17, 040

Ward, Miss K. L., Clerk Steno 5

13,860

Wilkinson, Mrs. K. M., Clerk Steno 4

14,568

Reser, D. C., Office Assistant 2

12,240

Inman, S. G., Office Assistant 1— Temporary

10,356

Ministry of Agriculture

Burleau, J. M., Secretary to Minister

17,832

Gray, M. A., Clerk Steno 4

13,860

Hardie, D. L., Office Assistant 2

11,352

Ministry of Attorney-General

Ferguson, B. J. C., Secretary to Minister

18,660

Dogue, S. M., Clerk Steno 5

15,276

Hughes, C. L., Clerk Steno 3

13,524

Feldmann, D., Office Assistant 2

12,720

Ministry of Consumer and

Corporate Affairs

Orrick, R., Executive Assistant

18,504

Hanley, E. J., Secretary to Minister

17,280

McDonald, V. A., Secretary to Minister

17,280

Ministry of Deregulation

Gwynne, M., Executive Assistant

22,860

Boyde, A. K. Secretary to Minister

17,796

Hall, D., Secretary to Minister

17,280

Vessey, E. M., Clerk Stenographer 3

12,660

Ministry of Economic

Development

Temple, C. L., Executive Assistant

19,500

Marshall, S. K., Secretary to Minister

18,660

Dallaway, L. M. Clerk Steno 4

13,860

MacArthur, D., Clerk Steno 3

12,660

Ministry of Education,

Science and Technology

Mitchell, G., Executive Assistant

25,800

Rozzano, J. M., Secretary to Minister

17,280

Russell, T. P., Office Assistant 2

12,720

Walts, L. J., Office Assistant 2

12,240

Vertes-Helfrich, J. M., Office Assistant 2

11,613

Ministry of Environment

Stark, P. A., Liaison, Co-ordinator

25,800

Moskwa, S., Executive Assistant

19,500

McBeth, J. L., Executive Secretary

14,076

Tait, L. J., Secretary

18,660

Davies, S., Clerk Steno 4

13,200

Barni, D., Office Assistant 2—Temporary

12,408

Adrian, V. L., Office Assistant 2—Temporary

11,940

Ministry of Finance

Ewing, R. H., Executive Assistant

19,500

Griffith, J. E., Secretary to Minister

18,660

Zimmerman, S. D., Clerk Steno 4

14,568

Griffin, J. C., Office Assistant 2

12,240

*Subject to increment adjustment.

[ Page 1192 ]

Ministry of Forests

Salary per Annum*

MacLaren, J., Executive Assistant

19,500

Smith, L. K., Executive Assistant

19,500

Landucci, V., Secretary to Minister

18,660

MacIntyre, M., Clerk Steno 4

14,184

Ministry of Health

Gran, C. M., Executive Assistant

19,500

Lord, B., Administrative Assistant

19,500

Ross-Jones, D. I., Secretary to

Minister

17,796

Seidel, M. M. E., Clerk Steno 4

14,568

Robinson, N. A., Clerk Steno 3

13,332

Ministry of Highways,

Transportation and Communications

Ketchum, J., Administrative Officer 1

20,280

Sproule, F. H., Executive Assistant

19,500

Coates, M., Secretary to Minister

17,796

Rutherford, F. J., Clerk Steno 4

13,524

Wilson, J. M., Clerk Steno 3

13,860

Mah, M., Office Assistant 1

11,352

Ministry of Human Resources

Lenko, G., Executive Assistant

19,500

Shandley, P. R., Secretary to

Minister

18,660

Wilkinson, A. R., Secretary to

Minister

17,760

Wilson, O., Clerk Steno 3

13,200

Proudfoot, P. A., Office Assistant 2

11,820

Gay, L. I., Office Assistant 2

11,352

Ministry

of Labour

McPhee, D. G., Executive Assistant

19,500

Brandie, L. J., Secretary to Minister

18,660

McIntosh, C. R., Clerk Steno 4

13,524

Cameron, M. J., Clerk Steno 3

13,860

Underwood, C., Office Assistant 2

11,352

Ministry of Lands, Parks

and Housing

Eraut, C. B., Executive Assistant

19,500

MacArthur, N. I., Secretary to

Minister

18,660

Symons, P., Clerk Steno 4

13,860

Lindballe, D., Clerk Steno 3

13,200

Lightburn, S., Office Assistant 2

12,720

Ministry of Energy, Mines

and Petroleum Resources

Battisson, B.C., Executive Assistant

18,504

Owen, M. F., Secretary to Minister

17,796

Brox, S. J., Clerk Steno 4

13,860

Ministry of Municipal

Affairs

Lidstone, D. F., Executive Assistant

19,500

Sage, D. A., Secretary to Minister

18,660

Whalley, C. R., Clerk Steno 4

14,184

White, E., Office Assistant 2

13,308

Severson, C. M., Clerk Steno 3

13,860

Ministry of Provincial

Secretary and Government Services

Guthrie, J. A., Executive Assistant

19,500

Schneider, S. M., Executive Assistant

19,500

Lauckner, E. V., Secretary to

Minister

18,660

Patrauchuk, D. A., Clerk 6

17,040

Scott, M. K., Clerk Steno 3

13,860

*Subject to increment adjustment.

[ Page 1193 ]

Ministry of Provincial

Secretary and Government Services

Salary per Annum*

Wesley, P., Clerk Steno 3

13,860

Guild, S. D., Office Assistant 2

12,960

Ministry of Tourism and

Small Business Development

Sheppard, M. F., Secretary to

Minister

19,860

Rosenke, B. A., Clerk Steno 3

13,860

Larsen, A. E., Clerk Steno 3

13,524

*Subject to increment adjustment.

18 Mr. Barnes

asked the Hon. the Premier the following questions:

1. When making application for BRIC shares, an applicant must

produce two identifying documents, such as driver's licence, birth

certificate, or social insurance number. Are applicants required to

produce proof of Canadian citizenship at the time of application?

2. If the answer to No. 1 is no, then could the Premier advise

the

House whether or not the banks and credit unions, etc., who are acting

as agents for B.C. Resources Investment Corporation, are paid their

$5.00 per application fee for qualified applicants only, or are they

paid for all applications received, whether they are later proven to be

Canadian citizens or not?

The Hon. W. R. Bennett replied as follows:

"1. No.

"2. The financial institutions are paid $2.50 for taking the

application. In addition, they are paid $2.50 for issuing the shares.

Should an incorrect certification as to Canadian citizenship be

discovered prior to delivery of the shares, the financial institutions

would be paid only $2.50 as they would be notified not to distribute

the shares."

29 Mr. Barber

asked the Hon. the Premier the following question:

With reference to the 25 cents per share paid to agents

selling BRIC

shares, what was the total amount paid to (

a) chartered banks, (

b) investment houses, (

c) credit unions, and (

d) other agencies?

The Hon. W. R. Bennett replied as follows:

"The payments of the 25 cents per share to agents selling BRIC

shares are in the process of being made. They were payable when the

shares were delivered and the agents submitted a final report. The

first payments were made in November 1979 and are expected to be

completed in March 1980."

30 Mr. Barber asked the

Hon. the Premier the following question:

With reference to the $5 fee per application for lots of 5

BCRIC

bearer shares, what was the total amount paid to (

a) chartered banks,

(

b) investment houses, (

c) credit unions, and (

d) other agencies?

[ Page 1194 ]

The Hon. W. R. Bennett replied as follows:

"The $5.00 fee per application for lots of 5 BRIC bearer

shares was payable in two instalments, $2.50 for each and $2.50

application processed for each lot delivered. The first instalment was

paid in July 1979 as follows:

(

a) Chartered banks

$3,029,855.00

(

b) Investment houses

348,412.50

(

c) Credit unions

859,882.50

(

d) Other

Nil

---------------

Total

$4,238,150.00

The payments of the second instalments began in November 1979

and will be completed in March l980."

[ Return to Legislative

Assembly Home Page ]

Copyright © 1980,2001: Hansard Services, Victoria,

B.C., Canada