British Columbia Hansard — 20 April 2021, a.m., Issue 52 (42nd Parliament, 2nd Session)

20210420am-Hansard-n52

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session, 42nd Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Morning Sitting Issue No. 52 THE HONOURABLE RAJ CHOUHAN, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Second Session, 42nd Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ............................................................................................................... Hon. John Horgan Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training...........................................................................................................Hon.

Anne Kang Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries......................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing .............................................................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ....................................................................................................................Hon.

Mitzi Dean Minister of State for Child Care...................................................................................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services.....................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Education .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Jennifer Whiteside Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ........................................................................................Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy............................................................................................. Hon. George Heyman Minister of Finance .......................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Selina Robinson Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations................................................................................. Hon. Nathan Cullen Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.............................................................................Hon.

Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation .......................................................................................... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation....................................................................................................... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon.

George Chow Minister of Labour ...................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.............................................................................................................. Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Minister of Municipal Affairs ............................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Josie Osborne Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ........................................................................................................... Hon. Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction........................................................................................... Hon. Nicholas Simons Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport .................................................................................................................. Hon.

Melanie Mark Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................... Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of State for Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Bowinn Ma LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition...................................................................................................................................................Shirley Bond Leader of the Third Party .......................................................................................................................................................... Sonia Furstenau Deputy Speaker..........................................................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Assistant Deputy Speaker..............................................................................................................................................................Norm Letnick Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole .......................................................................................................................... Ronna-Rae Leonard Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...........................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.............................................................................................................................. Seunghee Suzie Seo Clerk Assistant, Parliamentary Services........................................................................................................................... Artour Sogomonian Clerk of Committees.......................................................................................................................................................................

Jennifer Arril Clerk Assistant, Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ..............................................................................................Susan Sourial Senior Research Analyst ................................................................................................................................................................... Karan Riarh Acting Sergeant-at-Arms..................................................................................................................................................................Greg Nelson

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Alexis, Pam (BC NDP) ............................................................Abbotsford-Mission Anderson, Brittny (BC NDP) .........................................................Nelson-Creston Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal Party) ............................................................... Penticton Babchuk, Michele (BC NDP)...............................................................North Island Bailey, Brenda (BC NDP).................................................. Vancouver–False Creek Bains, Hon. Harry (BC NDP).........................................................

Surrey-Newton Banman, Bruce (BC Liberal Party) ............................................ Abbotsford South Beare, Hon. Lisa (BC NDP) .......................................

Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Garry (BC NDP).................................................................Surrey-Guildford Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ...............................................Peace River South Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal Party).................................Prince George–Valemount Brar, Jagrup (BC NDP) ................................................................Surrey-Fleetwood Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal Party) .............................................

Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (BC NDP).................................Vancouver–West End Chant, Susie (BC NDP) ..............................................North Vancouver–Seymour Chen, Hon. Katrina (BC NDP) ............................................... Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Hon. Raj (BC NDP).................................................Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon. George (BC NDP) ..........................................Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal Party)........................Columbia River–Revelstoke Conroy, Hon.

Katrine (BC NDP) ....................................................Kootenay West Coulter, Dan (BC NDP) .......................................................................... Chilliwack Cullen, Hon. Nathan (BC NDP) ................................................................... Stikine Davies, Dan (BC Liberal Party)................................................. Peace River North de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal Party)....................................Abbotsford West Dean, Hon. Mitzi (BC NDP) ...............................................

Esquimalt-Metchosin D’Eith, Bob (BC NDP) .........................................................Maple Ridge–Mission Dix, Hon. Adrian (BC NDP) ................................................ Vancouver-Kingsway Doerkson, Lorne (BC Liberal Party) ........................................Cariboo-Chilcotin Donnelly, Fin (BC NDP) .......................................... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Dykeman, Megan (BC NDP)............................................................... Langley East Eby, Hon. David, QC (BC NDP).......................................

Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (BC NDP) ..................................................Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (BC NDP) .................................................Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (BC NDP) ...............................................

Victoria–Swan Lake Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) .............................................Cowichan Valley Glumac, Rick (BC NDP) ..................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Greene, Kelly (BC NDP) ........................................................Richmond-Steveston Halford, Trevor (BC Liberal Party) .........................................Surrey–White Rock Heyman, Hon. George (BC NDP) .........................................Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon. John (BC NDP) ......................................... Langford–Juan de Fuca Kahlon, Hon.

Ravi (BC NDP) .............................................................. Delta North Kang, Hon. Anne (BC NDP) .................................................. Burnaby–Deer Lake Kirkpatrick, Karin (BC Liberal Party) ........................West Vancouver–Capilano Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal Party)....................................................................Shuswap Lee, Michael (BC Liberal Party) ..............................................Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (BC NDP)...............................................

Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal Party) .................................. Kelowna–Lake Country Lore, Grace (BC NDP)........................................................... Victoria–Beacon Hill Ma, Hon. Bowinn (BC NDP).....................................North Vancouver–Lonsdale Malcolmson, Hon. Sheila (BC NDP)........................................................Nanaimo Mark, Hon. Melanie (BC NDP).................................Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Mercier, Andrew (BC NDP) ........................................................................

Langley Merrifield, Renee (BC Liberal Party)......................................... Kelowna-Mission Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal Party) .......................... Kamloops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ................................. Prince George–Mackenzie Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal Party).................................................. Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)............................ Saanich North and the Islands Osborne, Hon.

Josie (BC NDP)........................................Mid Island–Pacific Rim Paddon, Kelli (BC NDP) ................................................................Chilliwack-Kent Paton, Ian (BC Liberal Party) ............................................................... Delta South Popham, Hon. Lana (BC NDP)........................................................ Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce, QC (BC NDP) .............................................Surrey-Whalley Rankin, Hon.

Murray, QC (BC NDP) .............................Oak Bay–Gordon Head Rice, Jennifer (BC NDP) ...................................................................... North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (BC NDP)...................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal Party)......................................................................... Skeena Routledge, Janet (BC NDP) .............................................................Burnaby North Routley, Doug (BC NDP)...........................................

Nanaimo–North Cowichan Russell, Roly (BC NDP).................................................... Boundary-Similkameen Rustad, John (BC Liberal Party)......................................................Nechako Lakes Sandhu, Harwinder (BC NDP) .................................................Vernon-Monashee Sharma, Niki (BC NDP)..........................................................Vancouver-Hastings Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal Party) .................................................... Kootenay East Simons, Hon. Nicholas (BC NDP).........................

Powell River–Sunshine Coast Sims, Jinny (BC NDP) ................................................................. Surrey-Panorama Singh, Aman (BC NDP) .............................................Richmond-Queensborough Singh, Rachna (BC NDP)...................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Starchuk, Mike (BC NDP) ......................................................... Surrey-Cloverdale Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal Party) .......................................................

Kelowna West Stone, Todd (BC Liberal Party) ...............................Kamloops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal Party) ............................. West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal Party)....................................................... Fraser-Nicola Walker, Adam (BC NDP) ....................................................... Parksville-Qualicum Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal Party) ....................................... Richmond North Centre Whiteside, Hon. Jennifer (BC NDP) .........................................

New Westminster Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal Party)......................Vancouver-Quilchena Y ao, Henry (BC NDP) ..................................................... Richmond South Centre LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission................................................................................. Pam Alexis Abbotsford South...............................................................................Bruce Banman Abbotsford West......................................................................

Michael de Jong, QC Boundary-Similkameen........................................................................ Roly Russell Burnaby–Deer Lake....................................................................... Hon. Anne Kang Burnaby-Edmonds......................................................................Hon. Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Burnaby North .................................................................................

Janet Routledge Cariboo-Chilcotin ..........................................................................Lorne Doerkson Cariboo North.................................................................................... Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ...............................................................................................Dan Coulter Chilliwack-Kent .................................................................................... Kelli Paddon Columbia River–Revelstoke .........................................................

Doug Clovechok Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...............................................................Fin Donnelly Coquitlam-Maillardville ...................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Courtenay-Comox................................................................... Ronna-Rae Leonard Cowichan Valley ............................................................................. Sonia Furstenau Delta North................................................................................... Hon.

Ravi Kahlon Delta South ..................................................................................................Ian Paton Esquimalt-Metchosin .................................................................... Hon. Mitzi Dean Fraser-Nicola .........................................................................................

Jackie Tegart Kamloops–North Thompson .............................................................Peter Milobar Kamloops–South Thompson..................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country .....................................................................Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission ...........................................................................

Renee Merrifield Kelowna West ..........................................................................................Ben Stewart Kootenay East.......................................................................................Tom Shypitka Kootenay West........................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Langford–Juan de Fuca .............................................................. Hon.

John Horgan Langley .............................................................................................Andrew Mercier Langley East....................................................................................Megan Dykeman Maple Ridge–Mission.............................................................................. Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows............................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim............................................................ Hon.

Josie Osborne Nanaimo.............................................................................Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Nanaimo–North Cowichan............................................................... Doug Routley Nechako Lakes........................................................................................ John Rustad Nelson-Creston ............................................................................. Brittny Anderson New Westminster.............................................................. Hon.

Jennifer Whiteside North Coast ........................................................................................... Jennifer Rice North Island................................................................................... Michele Babchuk North Vancouver–Lonsdale......................................................... Hon. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour...................................................................Susie Chant Oak Bay–Gordon Head..................................................Hon.

Murray Rankin, QC Parksville-Qualicum........................................................................... Adam Walker Peace River North ................................................................................... Dan Davies Peace River South ................................................................................ Mike Bernier Penticton ................................................................................................. Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam...................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam.......................................................................Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast..............................................Hon. Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie....................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ..................................................................

Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre..........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough..................................................................Aman Singh Richmond South Centre .......................................................................... Henry Y ao Richmond-Steveston ............................................................................

Kelly Greene Saanich North and the Islands .............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South .............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap...................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena........................................................................................................... Ellis Ross Stikine........................................................................................ Hon.

Nathan Cullen Surrey-Cloverdale .............................................................................. Mike Starchuk Surrey-Fleetwood.....................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers........................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford......................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton ..............................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ...................................................................................... Jinny Sims Surrey South ................................................................................ Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley ................................................................. Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Surrey–White Rock .......................................................................... Trevor Halford Vancouver-Fairview.............................................................. Hon.

George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek...................................................................... Brenda Bailey Vancouver-Fraserview...............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings ..............................................................................Niki Sharma Vancouver-Kensington....................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..................................................................... Hon.

Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara................................................................................ Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant..................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey ............................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Vancouver-Quilchena........................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Vancouver–West End .....................................................Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee .....................................................................

Harwinder Sandhu Victoria–Beacon Hill............................................................................... Grace Lore Victoria–Swan Lake.................................................................... Hon. Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano...........................................................Karin Kirkpatrick West Vancouver–Sea to Sky................................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC NDP 57; BC Liberal Party 28; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Morning Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 1275 Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 1275 Volunteer firewood supply initiative in Valemount S. Bond Rabbit River Farms and sustainable farming by Steven Easterbrook A. Singh Peace Crossing Historical Society and history of Taylor area D.

Davies MOSAIC services for immigrants N. Sharma Tsuts’weye support network for women entrepreneurs G. Kyllo Autism awareness and artwork by Margaux Wosk R. Glumac Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 1277 Anti-Asian racism and proposal for anti-racism education day T. Wat Hon. D. Eby Grace Seniors Home in Chinatown B. Stewart Hon. D. Eby Protection of coastal Douglas fir and Islands Trust legislation A. Olsen Hon. J. Osborne Grace Seniors Home in Chinatown M. Lee Hon.

D. Eby Wages for community social services workers D. Davies Hon. N. Simons Government response to freedom-of-information requests B. Banman Hon. L. Beare Massey Tunnel replacement project I. Paton Hon. R. Fleming Orders of the Day Second Reading of Bills .......................................................................................................................................................... 1283 Bill 3 — Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. H. Bains G. Kyllo A. Olsen Hon. H.

Bains Throne Speech Debate(continued) ...................................................................................................................................... 1287 Hon. J. Whiteside R. Singh

TUESDAY , APRIL 20, 2021 The House met at 10:03 a.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers and reflections: J. Tegart. [10:05 a.m.] Mr. Speaker:Members, before I invite members to make introductions, I would like to wish a very special happy birthday to someone who is working so hard to keep us safe and healthy, day in and day out. I would like to wish a wonderful day to our dear friend — I’m going to name him today — Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. Introductions by Members N.

Sharma:Would the House join me in giving a warm welcome to the team from MOSAIC today, including Olga Stachova, CEO; Sharon Butler, director of corporate part- nerships and social investment; Sherman Chan, director of family and settlement services; Michael Radano, director of employment, language and social enterprise; Sue Trevor, director of finance and administration; and the MOSAIC board of directors. Thanks for joining us today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) VOLUNTEER FIREWOOD SUPPLY INITIATIVE IN V ALEMOUNT S.

Bond: It is National Volunteer Week, and the theme is “The value of one and the power of many. ” We know that there have been countless acts of kindness during the last year, but we also know that British Columbians are excep- tional volunteers, not just during a pandemic but all the time. As MLAs, each of us in this chamber could share many stories of amazing individuals and organizations that make a difference every day in our communities and our regions. I want to share one of those stories today. It was started in 2017 by Valemount RCMP Sgt.

Robert Dean as a way for new detachment members to get to know their community and to contribute in meaningful ways in the place they would call home. RCMP members would be joined by community volunteers and the Valemount Junior Canadian Rangers patrol to buck and split wood at a variety of locations. Over the last four years, timber has been donated from a number of sources, including the Valemount Community Forest Company. The firewood is then loaded and deli- vered to seniors and others in the community that may need a little bit of extra support. And the generosity doesn’t end there.

Fuel, oil and equipment are also donated by a variety of local businesses. Since 2017, more than 70 volunteers have completed over 600 volunteer hours. The volunteers have ranged in age from eight to 80 years old, and an average of 12 house- holds have been helped each year since the program began. I think this is exactly the kind of story that demon- strates the power of many. Today, during National Volunteer Week, it is the perfect time to honour and recognize this very special group of volunteers in my riding. Thank you for working together to improve the quality of life for everyone in Valemount.

RABBIT RIVER FARMS AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING BY STEVEN EASTERBROOK A. Singh: I rise today to speak about Rabbit River Farms. In Richmond-Queensborough, as you turn in off River Road and onto the farms, you’ll likely be greeted by a very excited and friendly Blue, Steven Easterbrook’s bor- der collie, whose job it is to corral the hens who roam free outside the hatchery in a massive, secure yard. Steven is committed to the values of socially respons- ible, sustainable and humane farming practices. The family farms produce certified organic, free-range and free-run eggs.

All of their chicken flocks live in a cage-free envir- onment and receive top-quality feed, clean water, fresh air and tender care. And I emphasize “tender care. ” Steven is a pioneer and leader in Canadian organic and cage-free egg production. In addition to being the pioneer in producing organic eggs — the first farm in Canada to do so — Rabbit River was the very first SPCA humane-certi- fied farm in Canada, and he was vital in having that certi- fication instituted and recognized all across Canada.

In recognition for his contribution to advancing sus- tainable agriculture and enabling easier access to new egg farming, the family’s Rabbit River Farms received the B.C. Ethics in Action Award in 2001. Steven was also crucial in authoring the original Canadian certified organic egg pro- duction standards. Rabbit River and Steven are committed to their live- stock’s health and well-being, their family’s and employees’ health and well-being as well as the health of the com- munity, their customers, farming partners and other stake- holders.

They’re a leader in environmental stewardship and in sustainable, organic farming practices. [10:10 a.m.] The quality of life for their livestock is of supreme importance to them. I myself have seen these happy and proud hens. Advancing humane farming practices for all types of livestock is the backbone of his business. Please join me recognizing Steve Easterbrook and Rab- bit River Farms today. 1275

PEACE CROSSING HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND HISTORY OF TAYLOR AREA D. Davies: History is not only about the past. It is ongoing and happening now. The Peace Crossing His- torical Society, in the district of Taylor, aims to preserve and collect the history of the community and the sur- rounding area. The Peace Crossing Historical Society is excited to be working with the district of Taylor coun- cil and the surrounding historical groups to further the understanding and knowledge of the remarkable history of the area of Taylor.

Peace Crossing has been collecting artifacts and stories in the Peace region, working toward a museum in Taylor that will supplement the current assortment of history dis- plays throughout our northern area. Many of these local, precious artifacts are being stored in homes, garages and other museums. In 1972, the Taylor Museum was located on Peace Island Park on the Peace River. The original museum in Taylor was first part of Camp Alcan on the Alaska Highway dur- ing the Second World War before becoming part of Cent- ral Elementary school in Fort St. John and then becoming the museum.

I remember, numerous times, visiting the museum as a kid. Unfortunately, it did close a number of years ago and has yet to be replaced. Peace Crossing has also identified about 14 local vet- erans interred at the Taylor Cemetery, with great thanks to Warren Moore’s work. There are plans in place to have the cemetery graves marked on a public map, noting these heroes. The society’s short-term goal is to seek the district’s help with getting the society, first of all, fully functioning, while in the long term, it’s looking at building and moving into a larger space.

As any non-profit, they will be seeking grants for this work. Peace Crossing Historical Society looks forward to con- tinuing to explore the vision of the museum in Taylor, which highlights the community’s long history. The huge collection is a valuable knowledge archive that is currently housed by various people in Taylor, which really highlights the need for a permanent home. They also hope to be helping celebrate Taylor Elementary School’s 100th anni- versary this year.

Societies such as the Peace Crossing Historical Society are priceless to our communities, and I applaud all of those who volunteer their time in preserving our history. MOSAIC SERVICES FOR IMMIGRANTS N. Sharma:Today I rise, virtually, to acknowledge April 23 as MOSAIC Day. For 45 years, the Multi-lingual Ori- entation Service Association for Immigrant Communities, more commonly known as MOSAIC, has enriched com- munities and furthered the success of newcomers in B.C.

As one of the country’s largest settlement and employ- ment services non-profits, MOSAIC’s team of dedicated staff and volunteers serve roughly 35,000 people a year at 51 locations in greater Vancouver, providing support, advocacy and services in 83 languages. Their mission is to create a sense of belonging for everyone, whether they are immigrants settling in Canada, refugees seeking asylum or international students and migrant workers who are here temporarily.

While these numbers attest to the mission of MOSAIC and the good work they’re doing in community, what speaks loudest are often the smallest moments, like when Sharvin, a newcomer from Iran, joined other seniors through MOSAIC to knit warm clothing for people in need. Not only did she find a way to help others, but she was also able to bond with her granddaughter, who wanted to learn how to knit. Or when Almira, a nurse from the Philippines, took training at MOSAIC to qualify for a position in the health care sector and got help to find a job.

She now gives back to the community through her work with seniors, and she continues her education. Or when Ayaan, a student from Somalia, found a community of other refugee youth through MOSAIC. She is now working on a master’s de- gree, focusing on migration and diaspora studies, and advocates for other refugees. There are countless stories that I could share, but even these few moments show how MOSAIC’s positive impact has a ripple effect, changing more lives in B.C. for the bet- ter.

That’s why I would like to invite all members to join me and everyone in British Columbia to recognize April 23 as MOSAIC Day and to celebrate MOSAIC moments all around us. [10:15 a.m.] TSUTS’WEYE SUPPORT NETWORK FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS G. Kyllo:Hon. Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak on an important community network in the Shu- swap: Tsuts’weye Women’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Network, supported by Community Futures Shuswap and funded through Western Economic Diversification Can- ada.

This important project supports women-owned or women-led enterprises and the start-ups, expansions or ongoing operational phases of business in the Shuswap. The name of the project,tsuts’weye, means “butterfly” in Secwepemctsin and is symbolic of the butterfly effect. When one woman is empowered in a community, the effects can often be powerful and far-reaching. Tsuts’weye, led by project manager Carmen Massey, is guided by an advisory round table of experienced businesswomen from diverse backgrounds and is dedicated to ensuring equit- able access to business training for women.

Tsuts’weye works with Secwépemc communities, Shuswap Immigrant Services Society, Canadian Mental Health Association and 1276 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

other community groups to guide and support diverse wo- men in the Shuswap. Through their entrepreneur-in-residence program, net- working opportunities, workshops, courses in marketing, Tsuts’weye has impacted hundreds of businesses and women in the Shuswap area. It is undeniable that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been especially chal- lenging for all, but women and their businesses have been particularly hard hit. However, throughout the pandemic, Tsuts’weye has continued to support women entrepren- eurs with their programs, courses and networks — a truly remarkable and noteworthy endeavour.

I’m incredibly proud to have Tsuts’weye Women’s Entre- preneur and Innovation Network in my riding, and I’m very grateful for the work they continue to do. I urge all members of this House to think about the ways that you can support and empower female entrepreneurs in your communities. AUTISM AW ARENESS AND ARTWORK BY MARGAUX WOSK R. Glumac:April is Autism Awareness Month. Actually, this is autism acceptance month, because it’s not enough to just be aware of autism. We all know that autistic individuals are an important part of our community.

I had the opportunity, recently, to meet with a constituent of mine by the name of Mar- gaux Wosk, who is a very talented autistic and non-binary artist and writer. They recently received a grant from the B.C. Arts Council. Margaux sells artistic creations such as enamelled pins, face masks and clothing on an Etsy page called Retrophiliac and runs a Facebook group called Made By Autistics, with over 3,200 members, that sup- ports autistic writers, crafters, musicians and others that have something unique to share or sell.

Margaux’s extensive artwork is bright and vivid and is something that they dream of one day showcasing in a live art exhibition. The pin that I’m wearing today is one of these creations, inspired by the neurodiversity symbol. Margaux wants to move away from some of the puzzle- piece logos and bluish designs that have been used to rep- resent autism. Instead of a puzzle piece, suggesting that something needs to be fixed or solved, this symbol is a bright and beautiful spectrum and looks more like a game board, representing a journey.

To find out more about Margaux’s unique journey and to learn more about their artwork and message, please visit navigatingjourney.com. I look forward to attending Mar- gaux’s first art exhibition in the future. Mr. Speaker:I understand the Minister of Health is online now. So I invite him to make that introduction he wanted to make earlier. Introductions by Members Hon. A. Dix:Thank you very much, hon. Speaker. I wanted to wish a special happy belated birthday — the birthday was yesterday — to Riley Dewerson. It’s his 14th birthday.

He’s a regular viewer of our live stream and will be watching this from home today. He’s also the co-host of a Vancouver Co-op Radio show called Neurodiversity Now and a member of the MayDay Choir for Neurodi- versity. He is watching today. Please wish Riley — and all of the people that he’s involved with and involved in learning about the Legis- lature — a happy, happy belated birthday on April 19. [10:20 a.m.] Oral Questions ANTI-ASIAN RACISM AND PROPOSAL FOR ANTI-RACISM EDUCATION DAY T.

Wat:On March 28, I stood with leaders from B.C. ’s Asian community at the Stop Asian Hate rally in response to the horrifying shootings in Atlanta. Here in B.C., anti- Asian hate crimes have risen by 350 percent in Burnaby and over 700 percent in Vancouver. Leaders from the com- munity asked for the proclamation of anti-racism educa- tion day to prevent this from happening again. On April 6, Tuesday, I submitted the application to the proclamations office and sent a letter to the Attorney Gen- eral. Since I have not heard from the Attorney General, I started an online petition last Sunday.

In just over a week, over 6,000 people have signed in, calling for this. My question is to the Premier, on behalf of all of the affected communities. Will the Premier proclaim May 29 as an annual anti-racism education day? Hon. D. Eby: Thank you to the member for this very important question. I don’t think there is anybody in this House who doesn’t recognize and who isn’t alarmed by the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in our province — and not just in our pro- vince, across North America. This is a topic of discussion internationally.

I think it’s incumbent on all parties to work together to fight hate in our province, all forms of hate, including anti-Asian racism, and I want to thank the member for her efforts to raise awareness around this important issue. In that spirit, I have written back to the member to respond to her letter, to thank her for her work on this issue and to share with her details about work that gov- ernment is doing on a week of recognition around anti- discrimination. There are many initiatives that our gov- ernment has put in place to fight racism. I’m happy to go into detail.

What my letter says to the member, and what I’ d encourage her to consider, is that we work together on this Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1277

week to fight hate, including anti-Asian racism. I think we’re better together on this very important issue. Mr. Speaker:The member for Richmond North Centre on a supplemental. T. Wat:Thank you for the minister’s response and thank you for suggesting that we should all work together. I have always been working together with this government, from day one, and I wish this government could include me in a lot of consultation and idea-sharing. The whole B.C. Lib- eral caucus would love to do that.

I haven’t heard from the minister whether this govern- ment is going to proclaim May 29 as an annual anti-racism education day. Anti-Asian hate crime has risen by 350 per- cent in Burnaby and over 700 percent in Vancouver, as I stated in my earlier question. Next month is Asian Heritage Month. Certainly, other than celebrating the contribution of Asian communities in B.C., we are forced to reflect on how discrimination exists in our society today. We need to do better, and it can start with action from this government today. The community who suggested the idea to me is now watching.

They are confident that the Premier and the minister and this government are listening and are walk- ing their talk. My question once again to the Premier. Will the Premier commit that this May 29 will be the first anti-racism edu- cation day? Hon. D. Eby: If the member hasn’t received my letter, she will be receiving it imminently. In the letter, I thank the member for bringing forward this request from the community for recognition on a particular day, and I share with the member information about a planned week of recognition that government has in the works. Our work clearly overlaps.

There’s an opportunity for recognition and for us to work together on this important issue of anti-Asian racism as well as to fight other forms of hate in our province. I look forward to working with the member on that. We’ve got a lot of work to do. Part of that is around raising awareness, and part of that is around taking action, as the member says.

To that end, I’m very proud of our government’s work through the Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism, where she has delivered a Resilience B.C. framework that is already sup- porting groups that are the target of hate. [10:25 a.m.] I note that the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre…. When they were the target of Zoombomb hate directed at them, it was the Resilience B.C. spoke in Richmond that reached out to them to provide them with support. We need action. We need awareness.

I’m happy to work with the member on ensuring that appropriate recognition is made of anti-Asian racism and that we all fight it togeth- er. I look forward to working with her. GRACE SENIORS HOME IN CHINATOWN B. Stewart:Earlier today I spoke with Christina Lam, whose parent lives at Grace Seniors Home. I also have received many other letters from the families of the 70 vulnerable seniors living at Grace Seniors Home near Chinatown at risk of being evicted in the middle of the pandemic. We’ve learned B.C.

Housing is funding the operator that is taking over this site but will only guarantee their hous- ing until appropriate options are identified. Families are saying that if they are forced to move out, it will be “an earlier death sentence. ” Will the Premier today guarantee that all the occupants of Grace Seniors Home will be allowed to stay perman- ently? Hon. D. Eby:Thank you to the member for the import- ant question.

The federal government has a rapid response to home- lessness initiative through which they directly fund non- profit organizations to buy spaces, where there are sup- posed to be spaces available, for people who are currently homeless to move in quickly. Through that federal pro- gram, the Grace manor site was purchased by a non-profit organization. I’m very grateful that it was purchased because it was at risk of being purchased not by a non- profit organization but, in fact, by investors, speculators or developers. So it’s now in non-profit hands. The member raises an important issue.

The building is, in fact, full of Chinese seniors. They’re very reliant on the immediate community, as well as each other, for their health and well-being. We are seeing a challenge around the conversion of, in particular, housing for Chinese seni- ors, especially older housing like this, in the Chinatown area in Vancouver.

I think we have a very elegant solution coming to provide support for those seniors and for their families, who are clearly concerned, but also to recognize that the non-profit who bought this space has a very significant number of urban Indigenous people who need to get off the street and get inside. I thank the member for the question. I assure him it is front of mind for me. It is a very significant concern for our government. We are working with CMHC and the non-profit who purchased the building to find a solution, and I think the member will be very pleased, given the nature of his question. Mr.

Speaker:The member for Kelowna West on a sup- plemental. B. Stewart:Thank you very much, Minister, for that response. I like the elegant option you mentioned, but the families that are in there, Minister, disagree. Frankly, they 1278 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

have been rattled by the letter that they received from Mr. Lee, who currently owns the building. This was intended to be housing that fits a certain cri- teria by the city of Vancouver. The vast majority of the residents…. Their concern is they’ve been left in the dark about what’s happening. Homeworkers are actually telling them that this is just a PR stunt by the government. So they should leave anyways. That’s not what they want. These people are in culturally appropriate housing with the right care in Chinatown, and they are looking to stay where they’re at.

These evictions will destroy one-fifth of the culturally sensitive homes in the area. I have personally visited cul- turally sensitive homes, like Grace, and know how import- ant and unique they are to the health and well-being of their seniors. I would ask that the Premier intervene and prevent these seniors from losing access to their culturally sensit- ive care. Hon. D. Eby: Any senior or family member of a Grace manor senior who is being advised to move should not take that advice. We are working on a solution to this problem that will maintain the social supports and the community supports for these seniors.

We recognize the sensitivity and vulnerability of this group. I’m very grateful to the time that B.C. Housing has put in to work with CMHC and the non-profit operator to find a solution that will make everybody satisfied. I think that we will have good news for the member. I advise him that this is not a PR stunt. This was a building that was for sale and that could have easily been purchased.

In fact, there was significant interest in the building from the private sector to purchase it. [10:30 a.m.] I also accept, very much, that this was a very regrettable set of actions by the owner of the building, including advertising that he was looking for a warehouse to put these seniors into. I hope that was just a translation error. The original ad was in a Chinese language. I’m incredibly concerned about the actions of the owner of this building. Those seniors were not safe in their housing. It is now in non-profit hands, and B.C.

Housing is work- ing on a solution to maintain those social connections that the member rightly recognizes are so important. I look forward to having an update for him imminently. PROTECTION OF COASTAL DOUGLAS FIR AND ISLANDS TRUST LEGISLATION A. Olsen:When we hear about the Salish Sea, it’s often in the context of the southern resident killer whale or the sockeye salmon. Both are iconic, both are endangered, and there is an overwhelming response in Saanich North and the Islands when they’re raised. Add the coastal Douglas fir to species that draw the attention of my constituents.

A narrow strip of land circling the Salish Sea, including greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands, is known as the coastal Douglas fir biogeoclimatic zone. This zone is characterized by a unique geography and diversity of eco- systems that include unique wetlands, shorelines and the Garry oak meadows. Over the last four years, my Islands Trust colleagues and I have heard from our constituents on the southern Gulf Islands who want these sensitive ecosystems protec- ted from clearcuts.

Neither the Islands Trust nor the pro- vincial government have the policy in place to stop clear- cut logging from taking place in the area. It turns out the powers extended in the Local Government Act do not exist in the Islands Trust Act. My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Will the minister amend the Islands Trust Act to allow local trust councils to implement and enforce bylaws to regulate tree cutting? Hon. J. Osborne: Thank you to the member for the question. It’s an honour to rise in this House and receive my first question as the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

As those in this House know, I’m a passionate advocate for local governments, for families and for the environ- ment. I appreciate this question very much because I know how much the member cares about this issue too. The former government did not do enough to prioritize environmental protection; nor was enough done to ensure that communities had say in how their forests were man- aged. This government is focused on making different choices to make sure that forests and biodiversity are there for generations to come. I did have the opportunity to recently meet with the Islands Trust.

I commended them for the excellent work that they’re doing, heard them and listened to them to gain insight into their proposal. We have committed to further discussions. Again, thank you to the member opposite for the ques- tion. Mr. Speaker:The member for Saanich North and the Islands on a supplemental. A. Olsen:Thank you to the minister for the response. Clearcut logging is having a dramatic effect on the land- scape of the southern Gulf Islands. It’s having a detriment- al impact on the environment and Gulf Island neighbour- hoods.

A public information campaign is underway, and Gulf Islanders have been demanding accountability from their elected officials, and they should. As the Coastal Douglas-fir Conservation Partnership website highlights, the CDF zone is “home to the highest number of species and ecosystems at risk in B.C., many of which are ranked globally as imperiled or critically imperiled. ” For more than a decade, the conservation partnership has included all levels of government, Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1279

ENGOs, landowners and industry, yet the clearcuts con- tinue unregulated. At the Islands Trust council meeting in September of 2020, a motion was passed by council requesting the province give the trust the power to create the tree-cutting bylaws like a municipal government has. They’ve asked for these powers through their council table. Again to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, every day we delay is another day that these endangered ecosystems are at risk.

Will the minister commit today to urgently amend the Islands Trust Act as per the request of the council, and when can the council see to have the power to create tree- cutting bylaws? Hon. J. Osborne:Again, I know just how much coastal communities care deeply about forests, about waters, about wildlife, about biodiversity. And as a former marine biologist myself and a member, a resident, of a coastal community, I resonate and understand these concerns. Again, I really appreciated sitting down and talking with representatives from the Islands Trust about this issue.

The member opposite knows how much I care about this. I def- initely invite him…. My virtual office door is open, and I’m happy to discuss this with him further. Again, I’m committed to continuing to work with my colleagues. This government is listening to communities, understanding their concerns, and we are here to work with them. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further. [10:35 a.m.] GRACE SENIORS HOME IN CHINATOWN M. Lee: The government has a responsibility to act to ensure that culturally sensitive care is maintained for the residents of the Grace seniors manor.

Family member Tim Lam says: “ All of this comes at a time of heightened anti- Asian racism targeting our elders. Not only do they face outward violence on the streets, they also face systemic violence from institutions that continually forget and devalue their needs. ” I’ve heard from one elderly couple, together for 80 years, who have been told they will have to be split up to qualify for long-term care. Will the Premier intervene and guar- antee that these seniors will not be separated? Hon. D. Eby: I hate to ruin a question period. I know how much work goes into preparing these questions.

I don’t pretend that this is a trivial issue. It’s not. But I can tell the member that telling elderly seniors that they’re at risk of being split up, when I have explicitly said now, twice, that government, I believe, has a solution that we’ll be presenting imminently that allows seniors to maintain their social connections, both within the building and in the broader community, is simply irresponsible. Now, I welcome questions from the members on all matters related to housing, but I think that Grace seniors have been through enough. I am very grateful to B.C.

Housing, to CMHC and to the non-profit organization involved in working together to come up with a solution to support these seniors. This is not an outcome that anybody wanted, that seni- ors would be split up. I do understand the emotion around the issue and why it would be a serious issue of concern for the opposition. But I can assure the member, and I’ll assure all the members that are going to ask questions after this, if they continue on this theme, it is front of mind, and we will address it. Mr. Speaker:The member for Vancouver-Langara on a supplemental. M. Lee: B.C.

Housing failed to communicate with the residents here. There has been a total failure of communic- ation. Residents in that seniors care home found out from the newspaper that they had to move — advertising, look- ing for places to move the residents in, to warehouses. This is the communication that was given to these residents. They’re in their 80s and their 90s. The stress and the anxiety that this government has caused these residents is unforgivable.

This government had the responsibility to ensure there was a proper, appro- priate plan in place to ensure culturally sensitive care was maintained for these elderly residents. Let’s hear from a family member again: “B.C. Housing appears more concerned with managing a PR crisis, rather than finding an adequate solution for families. ” Families say they have virtually had no communication from B.C. Housing. Culturally sensitive care is very hard to come by. Two- and three-year wait-lists to get culturally sensitive care and there have been no guarantees it will remain under the Premier’s plan for this housing.

Will the Premier personally guarantee that these seniors will be allowed to permanently remain in their homes and keep their culturally sensitive care? Hon. D. Eby: I don’t want to let the facts get in the way of a great question, but here we go. The statement about moving seniors into warehouses was made by the actual owner of the building. The federal government has taken ownership away from that person, I think appropriately so. The member blames B.C. Housing for a lack of com- munication. It’s a federal government program that pur- chased the building directly through a non-profit organ- ization.

The member says that B.C. Housing is engaged in a PR campaign, rather than taking actual action, des- pite the fact now, in three — this is the fourth — ques- tions in a row, I have been very clear that B.C. Housing has been taking action, and we will be protecting those seniors. Those are the facts. 1280 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

W AGES FOR COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES WORKERS D. Davies:The wages of all front-line workers in B.C. ’s community social services sector are funded directly by the province, but 17,000 workers continue to be discrimin- ated against by this government for simply not belonging to a union. [10:40 a.m.] This is what Reach Child and Y outh Development Soci- ety has to say: “Y our work should determine your salary, not your union status. If you’re going to do the same work, you should receive the same pay. ” Will the Premier stop this discrimination? Hon. N.

Simons: I would like to, first of all, thank the member for showing an interest in this sector. Obviously, it’s one that has been providing important services to Brit- ish Columbians throughout the province. As the member knows well, it’s a very diverse sector, and there have been some historic issues that I’m proud to say our government has taken on head-on. That includes issues around wages, recruitment and retention.

I’m very pleased to say that the Social Services Sector Roundtable, which this government established, is a very good venue for these discussions to be discussed and for us to find a resolution that the previous government ignored. Thanks for the question. Work is being done in this sec- tor. I think that all parties at the table are confident that it will be successful. Mr. Speaker:The member for Peace River North on a supplemental. D. Davies:I’m sorry to say that this minister isn’t listen- ing, nor is he working with this sector. The service agencies have had to file labour complaints.

In the middle of a pan- demic, the very people who are putting their health at risk are being discriminated against by this government. Communitas Supportive Care Society says: “For more than two years, we’ve been fighting for equality for all our community service workers who are delivering an essential service. It is time for the government to listen and act. ” My question again to the Premier or the minister: will they end the discrimination? Hon. N. Simons: Thanks again to the member for his question. I appreciate it.

I’ d like to just reiterate the importance of looking for long-term solutions to the historic inequalities that have existed in this very diverse sector. I think it’s very import- ant that government takes on this issue seriously, as it has and will continue to do. The table is made up of members from the diverse sec- tor that exists in this province. Issues are being discussed, and resolution is forthcoming. We have a number of ways of addressing this issue. The fact that we’re together at the table, dealing with them, I think is a good sign. I appreci- ate the question.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO FREEDOM-OF-INFORMATION REQUESTS B. Banman:On December 15, 2017, we, the opposition, filed a freedom-of-information for a list of files. Finally, after over three years of delays, the government was ordered to produce the records. But in spite of that order — which was over two months ago, I might add — the records have still not been provided. The latest excuse is: “Y our request requires consultation. Therefore, we are extending the legislated due date. ” To the Premier, who is it that’s being consulted? Hon. L. Beare: I want to thank the member for the question.

Our government is working really hard to ensure that our records are retained appropriately and that we’re responding to all British Columbians and their requests in a timely manner. The volume of FOI requests has increased by more than 40 percent over the past two years. In fact, there has been a 250 percent increase from political parties alone. Y eah. These requests have cost the B.C. taxpayers almost $43 million, and they take time — broad, sweeping requests like this for records that haven’t historically existed for government.

They didn’t exist under the previous mem- ber’s government; they didn’t exist under our government. We have had to create computer programs to actually gen- erate those records. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, let’s listen to the answer, please. [10:45 a.m.] Hon. L. Beare: That takes time, and that takes hard work from the public sector, which is responsible for this. The member has indicated we have responded, and those records will be coming when they’re ready. Mr. Speaker:The member for Abbotsford South on a supplemental. B. Banman: I can understand why screenshots take so long to get.

But this is a very familiar picture for the media, interest groups and anyone trying to access information from this government — endless and unex- plained extensions, even for the most basic of requests, such as a screenshot. In this case, the request was over three years ago. The NDP was ordered to produce the records over two months Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1281

ago, yet we still have zip — not a single record — in spite of paying the $2,700 requested. To the Premier or the minister, will they commit to actually meeting the current due date, or will this govern- ment yet once again find a reason to delay? Hon. L. Beare: I want to let the member know that creating those programs to get those screenshots that didn’t exist under their government, that don’t exist under our government until now, until we’ve created these programs — that’s 90 hours of work by our hard- working public servants. The member talks about time, the time required.

Under their government’s watch, the response rate for FOI requests was 74 percent in 2015-2016. Our government has a response rate of 86 percent. That is despite the 250 percent increase. Our public servants are working hard to fill these requests. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, listen to the answer, please. Minister, continue. Hon. L. Beare:Our government is working hard to fill those requests. In fact, last year alone we released 1.86 mil- lion pages of documents. We are being open, we are being transparent, and we will continue to be. MASSEY TUNNEL REPLACEMENT PROJECT I.

Paton: The Premier’s throne speech did have one laugh line, but it’s no joke to the people still sitting in the largest traffic bottleneck in British Columbia. The NDP said the George Massey replacement would continue to be a priority, which is just so disrespectful to the thousands of motorists, truckers and transit users still stuck in traffic. If the Premier hadn’t been playing political games, a replacement crossing would be opening next year.

Instead, the Premier ignored all the work already done, the hours of public consultation, endless engineering studies, count- less stakeholder meetings and a mountain of paperwork, and we’re still at zero. Will the Premier commit that actual funding for the Massey replacement will be in the budget? Hon. R. Fleming: Thank you to the member for the question. It’s interesting. I had time to reflect upon previous throne speeches, after listening to a lot of disparaging con- tent from the opposition.

The one that catches my atten- tion is the throne speech that was delivered on June 22, 2017, by a government desperate to cling on to power, about to test the confidence, and fail, in the House. That speech, that clone speech, I think it’s better known as, said this. “Recognizing concerns about the design, your gov- ernment will listen and work collaboratively to move this project forward. ” Isn’t it interesting that the opposition promised, to try and cling to power, that they’ d go back to the drawing board? They promised that they would start to work with and not against local governments on this project.

That’s exactly what we have done. We have worked with the may- ors in the region to align their regional transportation pri- orities with the province’s regional transportation priorit- ies. That work is complete. We have also satisfied another additional condition for going forward, which is that we have worked on a different financing model. We utterly reject and continue to reject a toll-based regionally discriminatory tax that is applied to commuters each and every day just because they live south of the Fraser, and we rejected that private model that the previous government proposed. No tolls, Mr.

Speaker. [10:50 a.m.] The third element that we need is a successful federal partnership. I am pleased to say that our government has the highest level of engagement possible. I am working with the Minister of Infrastructure. The Minister of Jobs and Economic Recovery is working with his counterparts. The Premier is engaged with the Prime Minister’s Office. This is a nationally significant trade corridor. It deserves investment from the federal government, just like bridges get in Ontario and Quebec. British Columbia deserves the same treatment, and that’s what we’re working toward. Mr.

Speaker:The Chair will allow one more question. I. Paton:Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the 85,000 commuters a day that use the George Massey Tunnel, I think moving forward we will take that answer as a: “No, we’re not going to see anything in the budget about the George Massey Tunnel ever being replaced. ” The only work done on the tunnel has been the addition of some new lighting, which makes it easier, I guess, for commuters, seniors and parents to see how long the traffic jams are when they’re in the tunnel and to observe the old, grey, cracked and decaying walls inside the tunnel.

The Premier might say the Massey is a priority, but there’s no mention of it, obviously, in the current budget coming up in a few hours, and there’s still no decision on whether to go with a bridge or another concrete tube. Can the Premier confirm, at least, to me, which option he’s chosen for such a high-profile priority? Hon. R. Fleming: I will say this to the member: I am proud to be part of a government with the most ambi- tious capital program in the country.

I think the mem- ber will be very pleased this afternoon that our govern- ment is building on the most ambitious capital plan in the country that existed before the pandemic, to build back better after the pandemic. 1282 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

The member should know that corridor improvements are already being contemplated and in the design phase and going to be underway on Highway 99 so that the exist- ing tunnel flows better, that there is better traffic manage- ment there. And we are determined to work with the fed- eral government to make sure that this nationally signific- ant trade corridor receives federal dollars. His government would have charged moms and dads every weekend — who take their kids to the museum or go to a soccer tournament or, heaven forbid, even go to work each and every day — thousands of dollars out of their pockets.

We’ve promoted affordability in every way as a government. We reject that approach. We have worked with the region to get a consensus on the best approach. We have a business case that we have shared with the federal government to support an invest- ment decision. I’m proud of the work that we’re doing, and I’m proud of the results that our government has made in investing in infrastructure and creating jobs in British Col- umbia. [End of question period.] Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:I call second reading of Bill 3, Employment Standards Amendment Act.

Second Reading of Bills BILL 3 — EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. H. Bains:I move that Bill 3 be read a second time now. Bill 3 amends the Employment Standards Act to provide up to three hours of paid leave per dose to employees in British Columbia who are receiving their COVID-19 vac- cination. [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] COVID-19 is an unprecedented public health emer- gency, not only here in British Columbia but across the world. An essential part of this province’s immunization plan is to remove barriers that prevent British Columbians from easily accessing the COVID-19 vaccine.

With this leave, both full-time and part-time employees will be allowed up to three hours of paid leave per dose in order to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For example, if an employee needs a leave from work half an hour early to receive their first vaccination, they would be entitled to be paid leave for that half an hour. If for a second vaccination, for example, the employee needs to leave work in the middle of their shift — that would happen in different circumstances, different scen- arios — they would be entitled to be paid three hours, and they will not be losing any pay or their job as a result of that.

Removing barriers to employees easily accessing COV- ID-19 vaccines will help stop the spread of this virus, ensure safe workplaces for all and support the economic recovery. [10:55 a.m.] While we hope that the vaccination clinics’ hours will provide enough option for employees to be vaccinated outside of their working hours, making sure that those employees who are unable to do so do not lose pay or their job is another way of removing barriers to access. There can be many different scenarios. In many places, the clinic hours, as I said before, are such that people would be able to

schedule their vaccination outside of their working hours. But there would be scenarios in different regions of the province — shift schedules are such, the clinic hours are such or the location of those clinics — where workers may have to travel a distance. They need this protection because many workers are paycheque to paycheque. They cannot afford to lose even this amount of pay in order to go get vaccinated. This leave will benefit those in rural communities or those who must travel greater distances to get to a vaccination clinic or where a local clinic has limited hours.

It will also help women, youth, minimum-wage earners and other groups who are more likely to be in lower-paid jobs that do not provide employer-paid leave benefits. It will also assist Indigenous women, who we know have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Last spring the government passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (No. 2), 2020, Bill 16, which introduced a job-protected leave entitlement to employees impacted by COVID-19, including when they have been diagnosed with the virus or are in self-isolation or need to stay home to look after a child because of a school or day- care closure.

More recently, April 1, regulatory changes were made that extended the unpaid job-protected leave entitlement to include employees being vaccinated against COVID-19 or assisting a dependent family member to do the same. This regulatory change was brought in as an interim meas- ure until ministry staff and I could consult on a proposal to introduce paid COVID-19 vaccination leave by legisla- tion. Bill 3 incorporates feedback we heard during these consultations with the business community, labour organ- izations, Indigenous partners and other stakeholders.

Most employers understand the benefit of having workers vaccinated and the need to provide a safe work- place for both workers and their customers. In addition, when their customers know that that particular business and their workers have the vaccination provided to them, they know that the businesses are winning their confidence — knowing that their health and safety is protected when they cater to those businesses, knowing Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1283

that the workers are protected, knowing that the work- place is safe for them to do business with. That is very, very beneficial to the businesses, and the businesses know that and acknowledge that. We recognize that many employers are also in a tough spot at this moment of the pandemic. The intent of this legislation is not to add burden to employers but to pro- mote the safety of their employees and all British Columbi- ans by removing a barrier to their ability to receive COV- ID-19 vaccination. To employers, I would like to thank you in advance for supporting your workers to get their vaccinations.

Many employers are supporting their workers to go get a vac- cination, because they know the benefits of having their workers vaccinated. They know that this is key for all of us to overcome the pandemic that we are facing right now. That’s the best thing that could happen to all of us to stop this pandemic. This is one way, probably the best way, to have every British Columbian, especially the workers, vaccinated at workplaces. This bill will remove the barriers to vaccination for many of those workers.

The best thing for all of us, as I said, is for us to stop this pandemic. [11:00 a.m.] When we developed this legislation, we have been mindful of the requirements of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We have done an assess- ment of this legislation as it relates to aligning with the United Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Introducing paid COVID-19 vaccination leave for employees in British Columbia, covered by the Employ- ment Standards Act, as this bill proposes, does not uniquely affect Indigenous rights described in the UN declaration.

We undertook consultation with employers and work- ers’ representatives and other stakeholders along with Indigenous partners to seek and consider their input and perspectives during the development of this bill. This included the Indigenous leaders and other repres- entatives on the B.C. COVID-19 Industry Engagement Table and representatives from the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women, the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and the First Nations Health Authority.

I was advised that the paid vaccination leave will par- ticularly assist Indigenous women, who have been dis- proportionately impacted by COVID-19. I also heard that the paid leave could be a greater financial challenge for small businesses that do not currently provide paid vaccin- ation leave, particularly those in rural areas and Indigen- ous communities where travel may be required to access vaccinations. Our government appreciates this concern, and it is one that the small business community has also raised with us more generally.

Throughout this pandemic, we have been mindful of the need to support workers and businesses. That’s why our government recently introduced another business support, the circuit breaker business relief grant. As a way to sup- port employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, we are proposing the paid leave in this bill. Turning to the specifics of this bill, I will highlight some of the features of the proposed COVID-19 vaccination leave. Paid leave of up to three hours will be available to employees in British Columbia for each dose if they need to take time off work to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

If an employee needs more than three hours or time off to assist a dependent family member to receive their vac- cination, the unpaid job-protected leave introduced earli- er this month will remain in place to support workers in this situation. The bill sets a formula for calculating the amount of pay for this leave, which is based on an employ- ee’s average hourly wage for the previous 30-day period. This is similar to the formula already in place under the Employment Standards Act for calculating an average day’s pay for the purpose of statutory holidays and paid domestic or sexual violence leave.

The legislation will permit an employer to ask an employee for reasonable, sufficient proof that the employ- ee is entitled to the leave — for example, a copy of the con- firmation email detailing the date, time and place of an employee’s COVID-19 vaccination appointment. The bill specifically provides that a worker will not need a note from a doctor, nurse or nurse practitioner to take this leave. If this bill is passed, the leave will be retroactive to the day it was introduced — yesterday, April 19 — to max- imize the paid vaccination leave coverage for working-age British Columbians.

We’re not alone in recognizing the need for this import- ant support for employees. Saskatchewan recently passed a law granting one three-hour paid leave for employees to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Bill 3 recognizes that the need for this leave is time- limited while COVID-19 remains a threat, and it may be repealed by regulation once the crisis has passed. This bill not only supports employees but also helps ensure the safety of all British Columbians. By helping to ensure that as many employees as possible are vaccinated, paid leave will play a vital role in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

British Columbians know that their government has their back throughout this crisis, and together, we will get through this. I look forward to debate on this bill. Thank you very much for the opportunity. [11:05 a.m.] G. Kyllo:It’s always a pleasure, and I’m very proud to rise in the House today on behalf of the hard-working men and women of the Shuswap and in fulfilling my obliga- tion, my duty, as the critic for Labour to respond to Bill 3, Employment Standards Amendment Act. I think it’s very important that we put on the record that no worker should have to choose between a paycheque and getting vaccinated.

Vaccinations are extremely im- 1284 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

portant. I don’t think anybody would in any way suggest otherwise. But I think what’s important to note is the fact that as this bill is coming forward, we are now two months into the legislative session. The minister has characterized the fact that government has the backs of employees and employers in the province. Y et if we had to look, the pandemic has been upon us for over 13 months now — 13 months. We knew 13 months ago that there was going to be a need for vaccinations in this province.

We certainly knew last fall, at the start of the fall legislative session, of the potential opportunity for vac- cinations. Y et this bill, which is a very simple bill — it does not appear that it took a lot of drafting time to put together — we did not see previously. As well, when we had the December sitting, there was ample opportunity in order to bring this legislation forward. Y et here we are, two months into the spring legislative calendar, with this bill being tabled.

Now, as the minister has clearly indicated, this bill, should it pass, will come into force and effect as of yes- terday, the day it was actually tabled in this Legislature. However, it’s also my understanding that over one million British Columbians have already been vaccinated. So the timing of this bill…. When the minister characterized, or tries to characterize, that this government has the backs of employees and employers, that certainly was not the case when they called that unnecessary and risky snap election last fall. Employers want to support their employees. There are ample opportunities….

As the minister has indicated, the opportunities for getting vaccinated in many communities is seven days a week with extended hours of operation, and there is always the opportunity for employees to

schedule their vaccinations outside of their work schedule. One of the pieces that I’m hearing from businesses that is very concerning is the fact that this applies to even part- time employees. Now, there is not a definition of what a “part-time employee” is. But for a moment, let’s think about those struggling small businesses that are challenged right now just keeping their doors open. They’ve had a significant amount of additional cost pressure, reduced revenue, business closures around the circuit breaker and otherwise, yet now these businesses will be potentially saddled with additional costs.

For a part-time employee that may only be working ten hours a week, I fail to understand why it would be neces- sary for that worker to have the opportunity of paid leave when the large majority of their week would be open in order to

schedule their vaccination at a time other than working hours. Y ou know, we need to find balance. That is the one challenge. What we have seen from this current government is additional layering on of additional ex- penses and taxes onto the backs of hard-working busi- nesses at a time when businesses are struggling. There’s no question that vaccinations are for the greater public good, and most businesses would amply want to support their workers in becoming vaccinated.

But I think we have to have a look at the manner in which this bill is being brought forward specifically with the opportunity for part-time employees to also have access to this partic- ular funding. There are many concerns that business organizations have. The other area comes to the proof — the ability of an employer to actually have confirmation that an employee has taken time off for valid reasons and actually received the vaccine.

Now, the minister has indicated that in order to request leave of an employer, getting confirmation of a registered appointment, whether that is either through a text or through an online email, would be sufficient evid- ence to provide to your employer in order to gain access for the paid leave component. [11:10 a.m.] What I did not hear from the minister was: how is the employer able to verify and ensure that the employee has actually been vaccinated?

If the intention of this bill and this piece of legislation is truly to provide the paid leave to ensure that workers are not losing any of their pay in order to become vaccinated, I think it’s also — to provide that balance — imperative that the employer has the ability to request confirmation from the employee that they’ve actu- ally become vaccinated. I’m certainly happy to canvass some further questions in committee stage, but I think that is going to be a very important piece.

Employers will want to know that if they’re indeed paying their employees for time away to become vaccinated, they have the ability of actually con- firming that their employee has indeed actually obtained that vaccination. Again, I just wanted to bring back the fact that this particular piece of legislation is now two months into the legislative calendar. As we know, over 1 million British Columbians have already received their vaccination shot. The funding and the opportunity for employees to take advantage of paid leave…. Those million-plus British Col- umbians will now lose out on that opportunity.

As much as we know that the vaccine has been available, and there is going to be the need and necessity for British Columbi- ans to be vaccinated for well over a year now, it just seems a little bit odd that this piece of legislation is coming in this late in the day. I was provided an opportunity to have a briefing from senior staff from the minister’s office yesterday. I asked specifically about the level of consultation that was undertaken and the timing of that consultation.

Al- though I had requested more specific information about the consultation — the depth, the breadth, the number of organizations that were actually consulted — I was denied that opportunity. I guess we have to take the min- ister at his word that the consultation has been very broad and included a large number of different business organizations. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1285

Then also, think about the timing. If we have known for over 13 months that there is going to be the need and necessity for British Columbians to become vaccinated, I would certainly be very interested in finding out at what point in time government actually undertook that very important consultation. When we have a look at the supports that have been provided for businesses….This is where it’s important to have a look at the balance. We certainly want to support employees, but we also need to be able to provide the necessary supports for the employers.

We know, as I’ve shared earlier, the significant litany of additional new taxes that have put additional cost bur- den on the backs of businesses. The minister referenced the restart program. I’ d like to remind listeners at home who may be watching today and may have interest in this particular topic of the fact that the $345 million COVID restart funding program — the botched $345 million pro- gram — was very late to come out of the gate, and $5 bil- lion in funding was provided by all members of this Legis- lature, in unprecedented fashion, last March.

The $345 million COVID restart program was not announced until just days ahead of the current Premier dropping the writ and throwing us into an unnecessary and risky snap elec- tion. As of last week, it’s my understanding that only $120 million of the $345 million program has actually gone out the door. With all due respect, the funding that was committed to and agreed on by all members of this House last March was intended to be put into the hands and the pockets of struggling small businesses to help them meet their finan- cial challenges. Y et what happened?

The current government chose to put their political self-interest ahead of the health and well-being of businesses and employees and individuals across this province. I’m very concerned about the lack of balance. When government does come forward with a program to help small businesses, it’s delayed. There are significant chal- lenges. With respect to the current challenge with restaur- ateurs that have been shut down from in-dining experi- ences….

There are many businesses that are going to close over the next coming months, yet the $50 million that was identified to help those specific businesses is not new money. They’ve simply reallocated funds out of the $345 million of the COVID restart program. [11:15 a.m.] That funding should have already been out the door. There is no benefit to British Columbians or the economy of this province until those funds leave government coffers and actually land in the hands of those struggling small businesses that are trying to meet payroll. I’m very supportive of employees.

I certainly am very interested in hearing further commentary through com- mittee stage and canvassing the minister further on some very specific questions. But I really do want to say that I am very supportive, as are my colleagues, of supporting vac- cination programs in this province and providing supports for employees. As I indicated at the outset of my com- ments today, no worker should have to choose between a paycheque and becoming vaccinated. A. Olsen:It’s my honour to rise today to speak to Bill 3. I’ d like to thank the Minister of Labour for bringing for- ward this bill.

I very much echo the sentiments of my colleague from Shuswap with respect to the fact that we should not expect workers in this province to have to make that difficult decision between going to work and receiving a vaccina- tion.

Just as we want to see the support for British Colum- bians who are feeling ill to be able to make the decision to be able to keep their job as well as keeping their col- leagues in the workplace safe, we also want to be encour- aging British Columbians to be getting a vaccination for those brighter days that this government continues to talk about so that we can perhaps see the light at the end of the tunnel — that, indeed, through vaccination, we will be able to achieve that.

This bill does provide the workers the ability to be able to step away from their jobs, to be able to go out and get that vaccination without losing pay and without perhaps losing their job because of it. I do think it’s perhaps somewhat unfair to raise these issues within the context of this bill. However, I think it is important to echo the comments that were raised by the member for Shuswap with respect to the delay in receiving this bill and, as well, the online platform for British Col- umbians to sign up for vaccinations.

It is important that British Columbians know that the members of the oppos- ition parties are raising these concerns with government. When government has said numerous times that they were prepared and ready for the vaccination program…. Thinking back to this time last year, in 2020, the govern- ments and our government were talking about how vac- cinations could take 12 to 18 to 24 months and that, really, the way that we were going to get through this pandemic was through mass vaccination.

It should be of no surprise — I think it is important to note — that for the platforms that have been put in place, the government took a long time to get there. We’ve, thankfully, seen the registration platform work very well for the government. I think that it’s important that we and members of the opposition do apply that pres- sure to government to ensure that they are putting in place the resources and the infrastructure to be able to support this mass vaccination. This bill, I think….

Despite what the member said earlier of perhaps the delay and the number of weeks ago that this could have been brought in, I’m very happy to see it here today. I’m just going to leave it at that. I’m interested in the questions around the consultation that will come, I think, in the committee stage. I just want to reiterate our support 1286 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

for this initiative to ensure that British Columbians don’t have to make that choice as it was framed earlier. [11:20 a.m.] I thank the minister for bringing this forward, and I do encourage the provincial government, with this vaccina- tion program, to expend the resources to put in place the infrastructure to be able to support British Columbians to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak to Bill 3. I look forward to supporting this bill through the process. Deputy Speaker:Seeing no further speakers, I go to the Minister of Labour to close second reading debate.

Hon. H. Bains: I do appreciate the comments by the member of the opposition — the member for Shuswap — and the member from Saanich for their very valuable input. I think I understand, from their commentary, that they do recognize the importance of having a very success- ful immunization program. The plan that B.C. has put in place is one of the largest and one of the most complex plans that we have seen in the history of this province. All experts know that having a successful immunization plan is the key to coming out of this pandemic. Businesses know.

That’s why they’re supporting their workers already — many of them are — to encourage them to go and sup- port them to go and get vaccinations. Workers know that not only is it their health, it’s their fellow workers and the families that they go back to live with. And their com- munities that they live in also are benefitting from the vac- cination program. Overall, it is a win-win-win situation. We all understand the best thing that can ever happen to all of us, including businesses — especially businesses, I will say — is to have this pandemic ended.

I think this is one way of doing it: removing barriers to vaccination. Many workers…. I have said before, and it’s been recog- nized, that there are many of those who, for a variety of reasons, may not be able to

schedule outside of their work- ing hours. The member talked about part-time. I think at the end of the day, it is the labour relation between the employer and employee. If an employee knows, “I have a number of days. I’m a part-time worker for this particular operation. I have a number of days to go and get vaccinated and get my appointment during those off days, ” they will do that. But again, a part-time worker may be with this employer, but they may have another job somewhere else. They may have to work with that employer as well.

Overall, they may not have any time outside of their working hours to get vaccin- ated. Every situation will be different. I do recognize and appreciate the comments and the concerns that are raised. Those issues were looked at. I think a lot of thought went into it, because we want to make sure that the employers aren’t burdened over and over with the cost implications of any policy that gov- ernment brings in. We are very, very cognizant of that situation.

Again, it is also recognized — and I appreciate that the opposition, both parties, recognize — that we need to work together to make the vaccination program success- ful. That’s the only way we are going to get out of this pan- demic. I really do appreciate the comments. Now I move second reading of Bill 3. Motion approved. Hon. H. Bains:I move that the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House to be considered at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill 3, Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021, read a second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration at the next sitting of the House after today. H. Y ao:If you don’t mind, I forgot to make this intro- duction earlier. Deputy Speaker:The member seeks leave to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members H. Y ao:I want to take a moment to wish my nephew Logan Robertson a happy birthday. He is the first grand- child on both sides of the family, and we really love that little rascal.

I want to thank the House for giving me this opportunity and ask everybody to wish him a happy birthday. Hon. H. Bains:Could we ask for a five-minute break, please? Deputy Speaker:I will approve that request. We are on recess for five minutes. The House recessed from 11:25 a.m. to 11:27 a.m. [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] Hon. R. Kahlon:I call Address in Reply to the throne speech. Throne Speech Debate (continued) Hon. J. Whiteside:Again, it’s a pleasure to resume my response to the throne speech.

I think when I left off yes- terday, I was singing the praises of my community of New Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1287

Westminster and some of the really important organiza- tions and people who work to make that community such a thriving, resilient place. I wanted to also mention important organizations, such as the Centre for African Immigrants who have been the recipient of an important grant as part of the B.C. mul- ticulturalism grants for work to tackle anti-Black racism. The centre was formed in 2003 with the goal of supporting visible minorities with ethnocultural barriers and assisting them in settlement, adjustment and integration processes.

The work they do in the community is important and a real example of the way in which we are increasingly valu- ing diversity and inclusion. I wanted to also note that, again, along the vein of the work that our government has committed to and that was outlined in the throne speech around anti-racism, the Pur- pose Society — also based in New Westminster and anoth- er very important part of the fabric of our community — provides social, health and education programs across the Lower Mainland.

They’ve received, also, a grant to fur- ther their community-based anti-racism work through the Resilience Anti-Racism Network. [11:30 a.m.] This work is really foundational to the values that are expressed in the throne speech about how we build strong and resilient communities. Other organizations, as well, like the Last Door Recovery Society and the Lookout Soci- ety, are providing very important supports to vulnerable people in our community. They have been called on to step up, during this pandemic, to protect vulnerable people, and they have done so with compassion, with dedication, with commitment.

We all, I think, in our community, owe them a debt of gratitude. Really, these kinds of values — around putting people first, making strong investments in the supports and ser- vices that people need; recognizing and taking steps to support diversity, equity, inclusion and reconciliation; ensuring that we are supporting people to live with dignity, no matter what their circumstances, and in fact working hard and fighting every day to change and improve those circumstances — are the key ingredients to building strong communities. That is how we nourish communities. That is where community resilience comes from.

These elements — investing in health care and edu- cation, child care, skills training for workers to take up the jobs that will be created as we build a green economy — are the values and actions that our government has committed to. They’re the values that are reflected in the throne speech. I think that in this time we reflect on: what is the role of government coming out of and helping to navigate the scope of a global pandemic? It’s an event that we had never anticipated any of us would be living through.

The role of government, as we are finding, is critically important in supporting communities, in nourishing communities, in ensuring that people have the services and the supports that they need. Our government has been and will contin- ue to be absolutely committed to ensuring that British Col- umbians have the services and supports that they need. I want to take a moment now just to turn to, specific- ally, the portfolio that I have in the role as Minister of Education.

I have to say it is such an incredible priv- ilege to serve in this position and to be, really, an advoc- ate for British Columbia kids and for the people who are working in our education system. We have, indeed, an excellent education system by many measures. Of course, we also have some challenges that we need to address. We have laid out, in our government program and through the values and principles we have articu- lated in the throne speech, a path forward. I have to say that kids, in particular, have been doing a remarkable job during this pandemic.

I think this genera- tion of children will of course be marked by their experi- ence of the pandemic, for a lifetime. They have had to pivot suddenly to online learning, in some cases. They have had to change how they interact with their friends. We have seen, across the education system, incredible work done in order to respond to this unprecedented time. We’ve witnessed, across so many parts of our soci- ety, particularly in education, just remarkable feats of compassion and resilience as workers, families and stu- dents have pivoted.

When we closed schools last spring at the start of the pandemic, we know that that had sig- nificant consequences in terms of the challenges that it posed both for students and parents and for everybody across our education system. [11:35 a.m.] In a report that was produced by the BCCDC in September examining this period, they looked very closely at the impact of this period on kids.

What they identified were an increase in the sense of isolation, an increase in mental health concerns, difficulties adapting to online learning, the fact that kids were missing their teachers and those social connections, and also the very real concern that this pandemic, as we know, has impacted people and communities in different ways. There are vulnerable communities. Kids living in vul- nerable communities have been disproportionately impacted in negative ways by this pandemic.

That is why our government made it a really clear commitment — following the advice of our provincial health officials — that, really, keeping our schools open was critical, not only to maintain the connection to learning that is so important for children but also to ensure that kids retained a connection to the mental health supports they have access to in schools, to the meal programs, to all of the other services that support a child as a whole individual.

It’s not as though kids are only students when they show up at the door of the school, that they then leave the rest of their life behind them and come in and are just a student. They bring their whole lives with them. Some of those lives 1288 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

are challenging, and school is a refuge and an important source of supports. We have prioritized maintaining those critical supports. I know that it has been very, very hard, and there have been so many incredible acts of support from principals and teachers ensuring that kids who were not in school had groceries, ensuring that they’re working to maintain those connections. It has been tremendously humbling to witness the degree of compassion, commitment and effort that has gone into keeping schools going.

We owe a signi- ficant debt of gratitude to all of those on the front lines in our education system for making it work. I know we’re at a very challenging point in the pandemic right now, but we are of course starting to turn our thoughts to what things will look like in September as we build back. We know we have a challenging few weeks, several weeks, to get through at this point in the pandemic, but we know that there’s light on the horizon.

When we are planning for September and we think about what Septem- ber is going to look like, we certainly are hoping that that’s going to look much more like a regular September for kids across our schools. When I look at the way in which the values of our gov- ernment are reflected in the mandate that has been set out for our education system, the values that are reflected in the throne speech…. We are working now on develop- ing an anti-racism strategy for education. We are working with Indigenous rights holders on improving outcomes for Indigenous children.

We are increasing the presence of, contributing to and fostering the revitalization of Indigen- ous languages, which are critical parts of our government’s commitment to reconciliation. We are working on developing, on the ground, in the school, integrated mental health teams to support the mental health of children, and we have a mental health in schools strategy that is about supporting students and also adults in our school system.

Of course, we are going to bring our child care system into our education system and connect up those two very important elements of learning — early childhood learn- ing with education — and build the kind of child care system in this province that we know British Columbians need and that will be fundamental to our recovery. [11:40 a.m.] We are building on the success of the work that we did in the previous term of this government, in which we hired 4,200 teachers, including 700 special education teachers, and where we invested significant resources in not only improving the staffing in our schools but improving the services in our schools.

I have to say that we also…. I think this is one of the most significant elements of what we’re doing — the investments in capital dollars and in infra- structure that is built by and owned by British Columbi- ans in which to build a modern education environment in which kids can learn. I’ve had a chance to tour the new high school in my own community of New Westminster, and I have to tell you, it is such a remarkably different environment than the high school that I went to or that many of us went to. It is so open and light and designed around the principles of team learning.

I think about the kinds of competency and skills that kids are going to learn in those environments and the kinds of contributions that they’re going to make having gone through a modern education system — the contribu- tions that they’ll make to our society. It makes me feel very hopeful, I have to say — extremely hopeful. The work that we are doing on anti-racism in the sec- tor is critical, and on reconciliation. All of those ele- ments also are critical to building and imparting a sense of real empathy and compassion in kids.

I think that one of the most exciting elements of the work that we’re doing around child care is just building all of those val- ues and principles into early childhood learning right from the very beginning and then as kids move into ele- mentary school. I think we are going to see such incred- ible fruits, across society, of those investments that we are making, both in improving the operational side — the content and quality and empathy and compassion in our system — as well as improving the actual places that kids are learning in.

I feel deeply privileged to be part of that work and to have an opportunity to speak for and be part of a govern- ment that is making such incredible contributions to the health and well-being of our society. R. Singh: It is such an honour for me to speak in sup- port of the throne speech. Before I start, I really would like to thank my com- munity of Surrey–Green Timbers for having faith in me and getting me re-elected in the last election.

I would also like to thank my campaign team, especially my campaign manager David Fleming, Hasan Alam and Anmol Swaich for all the hard work that they put in, in my election cam- paign, which was very, very different than the traditional campaigns that we are used to. Also, a big thank-you to my constituency assistants, Sar- ina Grewal and Balkaran Singh, for all the hard work that they put in. I always say about them that they are my eyes and ears while I’m not there in the office, listening to the concerns of the community and providing advocacy.

So thank you to all of them. [11:45 a.m.] We know that the last year was really challenging for all of us. We were not expecting…. Last year when it first started, 2020, we had no idea how challenging it would be. How the communities have come together and faced this challenge…. Especially, I would really like to thank the different community organizations in Surrey that have stepped up and helped the most vulnerable populations in our communities.

I really want to thank our front-line workers, our health care workers who worked on the front lines providing ser- Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1289

vices for all of us that needed them, a lot of times putting themselves at risk. My hands go up for them. Really, I don’t even have enough words to say how thankful I am for all the work that they have put in. But we also know of the challenges that came last year, and which we are still going through, that there were cer- tain sections of the communities that were disproportion- ately affected. We know that COVID does not discrim- inate. It affects all of us. But certain populations, certain communities that are already marginalized, already oppressed, felt the challenges.

The challenges for them were much more grave than what was felt by the majority. It was an honour for me that the Premier had this faith in me to appoint me as the first Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. We know that racism and dis- crimination have been pervasive in Canada and in British Columbia. But also, we need the commitment to tackle that, to spell out that we have this kind of discrimination, that we have these issues in our communities, and how to tackle that.

That’s why I was so pleased and I felt so proud of our government when I saw in our throne speech that they have committed to the work that must be done to dis- mantle systemic discrimination, which is still a lived real- ity for so many in our province. I would really like to thank the work that has already been done. An especially big thank-you to my friend, my colleague, the Minister of Jobs and Economic Recovery, the MLA for Delta North, and the work that he has put in, in creating the anti-racism network for B.C., which is known as Resilience B.C.

This year we recently nearly tripled the funding for Resi- lience B.C., for all the work that they are doing. This fund- ing lift will support 36 organizations in 57 communities to fight discrimination and hate with anti-racism initiatives throughout B.C. This increase is part of the $2.9 million investment from B.C. ’s economic recovery plan, Stronger- BC, to deliver anti-racism initiatives. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] I would like to give some examples of how Resilience B.C. supports our communities, especially the victims of hate crimes.

The Resilience B.C. folks are on the front lines doing outreach and contacting those victims, people who are affected by this hate, and also creating a lot of edu- cational programs that will bring more awareness about these issues. I would really like to name a few recipients which got this funding, like Richmond Multicultural Community Services, which will promote and further implement a community response protocol which outlines procedures to respond to racist incidents and to facilitate focus groups to understand how better to support victims of hate.

Deltassist Family and Community Services will develop a social media training curriculum to help local social media spaces improve their capacity to respond to online racism and hate and to offer workshops on active witness- ing and bystander intervention and refine the community response to racism. Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George will create a manual for the public on the impacts of racism on health, especially in the context of COV- ID-19, to raise awareness and lessen the numbers of racist incidents in the health sector. These are just a few examples of the organizations.

There are many of them who are doing amazing work, and we want to enhance and empower them more. That’s why this increase in funding will help support these organizations. [11:50 a.m.] We have also committed to introduce the race-based data collection to help identify gaps in services and how to address them. We know that systemic racism exists in policies and programs, and this has a negative impact on people and communities. We need better information to ensure that services are delivered equitably.

Race-based data collection is about identifying where gaps and failures exist so we can provide better services for communities. We are beginning to engage with Indigenous leaders and community groups to develop a clear framework that will guide what we are asking individuals to disclose, how to store the data, how it will be used and with what goal, holding broader public consultations this summer.

This data is going to be so important to help us break down systemic barriers, but we don’t want this data to be misused and misconstrued in a way that’s harmful to communities of colour, perpetuating stereotypes and fur- thering racist sentiments and violence. That’s why we need to work with communities to ensure that it is stored and used properly. We are already doing some early work on our end. In the coming months, we will start engaging with community groups to develop a clear framework that guides what we are asking individuals.

Also, the government will continue working with the communities to develop B.C. ’s first anti-racism law. The past 12 months, as I’ve already mentioned, have shown that we need to address systemic discrimination and hatred in the province. We have seen a rise in anti-Asian and anti-Indigenous racism during COVID-19, and a worldwide focus on anti-Black racism through the marches for Black Lives Matter. This act is a recommenda- tion from the multicultural advisory committee. The Mul- ticulturalism Act has been in place for more than 25 years, and it’s time for a transition to active anti-racism.

The introduction of B.C. ’s first anti-racism act will rein- force our goal to combat racism in B.C. and ensure that individuals are treated equally, regardless of their race or skin colour. We are hearing from people that this needs to happen, and we are also hearing from them that it has to be done in the right way. We are in the early stages of the work, as I said, for the race-based data collection. It’s likely 1290 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

to come sooner, and this one will follow. The anti-racism legislation will follow the race-based data legislation. We have been gathering feedback from our Multicultur- al Advisory Council and Resilience B.C., the first B.C. anti- racism network. We are also trying to find out how we get together and how we collect the information to get legis- lation that is made in B.C. We have also reached to, as I mentioned, our Indigenous leaders to begin these discus- sions. I know I don’t have much time. I just want to say that the work…. I’m so proud of our throne speech.

We want to continue the work that we started, almost four years ago, of putting people first — whether it was health care, providing the health care resources, building more hospit- als; putting more funding into our educational sector; put- ting resources for the most vulnerable and the marginal- ized populations…. Always, whatever we are doing, we are putting people first. That’s what we will continue to do in the coming year. With that, I would like to stop now, and I would like to adjourn the debate. R. Singh moved adjournment of debate. Motion approved. Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved. Mr. Speaker:This House stands adjourned until 1:30 this afternoon. The House adjourned at 11:54 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1291

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