First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 45

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Introduction and First Reading of Bills

Bill 12 — Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2025

Hon. Garry Begg

Bill M212 — Income Tax (Grocery Rebate Guarantee) Amendment Act, 2025

John Rustad

Members’ Statements

Creative Industries Week and Music Industry Achievements

Susie Chant

Ed Mah and Contributions to Dawson Creek Community

Larry Neufeld

Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association

Amna Shah

Falkland Stampede

David Williams

Ladysmith Resources Centre Association

Stephanie Higginson

Role of MLA s

Pete Davis

Oral Questions

Emergency Preparedness and Climate Change

Rob Botterell

Hon. Adrian Dix

Fossil Fuel Industry Impacts and Health Care Cost Recovery

Rob Botterell

Hon. Niki Sharma

Prescribed Alternative Opioid Safe Supply Initiative

Á’a:líya Warbus

Hon. Josie Osborne

Permit Process for Mine in Sechelt

Pete Davis

Hon. Jagrup Brar

Long-Term Care Waiting Times for Seniors

Jody Toor

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson

Massey Tunnel Replacement Project

Ian Paton

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Motor Vehicle Fatalities

Harman Bhangu

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Food Costs

Lorne Doerkson

Hon. Lana Popham

Hiring of Crown Prosecutors

Steve Kooner

Hon. Niki Sharma

Safety of Children in Government Care

Amelia Boultbee

Hon. Jodie Wickens

Heather Maahs

High-Speed Internet Service

Rosalyn Bird

Hon. George Chow

SkyTrain Fare Enforcement

Brent Chapman

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Funding for Surrey School District Infrastructure

Lynne Block

Hon. Bowinn Ma

Child Care Spaces and Wait-Lists

Reann Gasper

Hon. Lisa Beare

Disaster Financial Assistance

Macklin McCall

Hon. Kelly Greene

Wildfire Preparedness and Response

Hon Chan

Hon. Kelly Greene

Foreshore Licensing

David Williams

Hon. Randene Neill

Electric Vehicle Decal Program

Larry Neufeld

Hon. Adrian Dix

Closing of Forest Industry Mills and Production Facilities

Ward Stamer

Hon. Ravi Parmar

Emergency Room Waiting Times

Anna Kindy

Hon. Josie Osborne

Brennan Day

Addiction Treatment Beds in Northern Health Region

Claire Rattée

Hon. Josie Osborne

Government Action and Accountability on Issues

Peter Milobar

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Orders of the Day

Speaker’s Statement

Relevance of Debate on Second Reading of Bill 5

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 5 — Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2025 (continued)

Ward Stamer

Gavin Dew

Jody Toor

Speaker’s Statement

Unparliamentary Language

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 5 — Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2025 (continued)

Macklin McCall

Personal Statements

Withdrawal of Comments Made in the House

Misty Van Popta

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 5 — Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2025 (continued)

David Williams

Lawrence Mok

Harman Bhangu

Mandeep Dhaliwal

Reann Gasper

Claire Rattée

Misty Van Popta

Trevor Halford

Elenore Sturko

John Rustad

On the amendment

John Rustad

Hon. Brenda Bailey

Bruce Banman

Hon. Adrian Dix

Brennan Day

Sheldon Clare

Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room

Committee of the Whole

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

Peter Milobar

Hon. Niki Sharma

Steve Kooner

Rob Botterell

Kiel Giddens

Gavin Dew

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

The House met at 1:33 p.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Hon. Bowinn Ma.

[1:35 p.m.]

Introductions by Members

Darlene Rotchford : It is with great honour today that I get to introduce some of the following members.

Paul Ferentz, BCGEU, British Columbia General Employees Union, president and a friend.

The component 4 LifeLabs bargaining committee —Mandy DeFields, bargaining committee

chairperson; Kelly Jeffs, bargaining committee vice-chairperson; Maryam Baghalha,

bargaining committee member; Tony Ly, bargaining committee member; Rosario Viray,

bargaining committee member; Wendy Cummer, bargaining committee member; Linsay Buss,

BCGEU staff representative, negotiations.

As well, Barbara Mitchell-Pollock from Council of Canadians and B.C. Health Coalition.

As a past proud BCGEU member, I know this House will also make them all feel welcome

here.

Hon. Jodie Wickens : Today I would like to welcome several public service staff from my ministry. Corrina,

Marie-Helene, Travis, Angus, Darren and Gayle are joining us today.

I’m excited to see that Gayle Mavor is joining us in person for the first time in

her last week before retirement. I know we all have a bucket list in life, and I’m

more than happy to help Gayle with her bucket list today, joining us in the B.C. Legislature.

Gayle has been in government since 2017 and has served under multiple ministries.

I’m especially grateful for her communications support over the last few months while

I transitioned into this role.

Happy retirement, Gayle.

Will everybody please join me in wishing Gayle a very happy next part of her journey.

The Speaker : Member for Abbotsford South.

Bruce Banman : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m sure you can identify…. The role of the Whip

is often filled with having to chastise folks once in a while, which is a role I’m

sure that you are well aware of and familiar with, me being of the better-behaved

people in here. I would never….

It is also filled, at times, with great celebration, and this would be one of those

times. It has come to my attention that the member for Kootenay-Rockies…. It is his

birthday today.

Would this House please join me in wishing Pete a happy birthday.

Happy birthday.

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert : Happy birthday to the member.

Also, happy birthday to my husband, Romi. It’s a great day to have a birthday.

It’s also a great day to be the Minister of Culture, because it is Creative Industries

Week here in B.C. Thank you to all the members who joined the over 180 creative individuals

who came and joined us in the rotunda, representing the over 122,000 people who work

in the creative industries in B.C.

Whether it’s film, TV, visual effects, digital media, music, books, magazines or tech,

their brilliance was certainly on showcase today. I have more than 50 of them joining

us here today in the House. I plan on naming them all. No, I don’t. Don’t worry about

that. That’s too many names to mention.

But I will say where they have come from: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage

Employees; the Directors Guild of Canada; Union of B.C. Performers; ACTRA; the Association

of Canadian Film Craftspeople; International Cinematographers Guild; the International

Teamsters; B.C. Film Commissioners; Creative B.C.; Books B.C.; MagsBC; Music B.C.;

VFX and Animation Alliance of B.C.; Canadian Media Producers Association, B.C. office;

Screen B.C.; and many more — and Knowledge Network, of course, as well.

B.C. stands for British Columbia, but it also stands for “be creative.”

Thank you for being here.

Amelia Boultbee : I rise today to welcome Julie Fowler, one of my constituents and the co-producer

of one of my favourite events, Ignite the Arts Festival, which is a ten-day celebration

of arts, culture and music that takes place every spring in Penticton.

[1:40 p.m.]

She is the executive director of the B.C. Music Festival Collective, an industry association

supporting over 100 music festivals in the province. She is here for Creative Industries

Week.

Will the House please join me in making Julie feel very welcome.

Hon. Diana Gibson : We’re honoured here today to be joined by the Hon. Elizabeth Cull and her partner,

Terry Wickstrom, up in the gallery.

It is a real privilege for me to be able to welcome the Hon. Elizabeth Cull, former

Minister of Health, former Minister of Finance and, notably, the first New Democrat

MLA elected in my riding of Oak Bay–Gordon Head. She has paved the way for me, been

an inspiration for me and been a mentor to me.

It is a real privilege to have her in the House.

Would all the members help her feel welcome.

Gavin Dew : Our research team uncovered shocking information today.

Ryan Painter, a communications staffer who is well known on both sides of the House,

is getting married this Sunday. He and his fiancée, Stephanie, have been together

21 years, after meeting at UBC Okanagan. According to our researchers, Ryan first

proposed ten years ago, and this weekend they’re finally tying the knot and then spending

the break cruising down the Mexican Riviera.

Please join me in heartily congratulating Ryan and Stephanie.

Hon. Lana Popham : Not only is he the guy with the best hair in Saanich; he happens to also be our mayor.

I would like to welcome Mayor Murdock to the Legislature. It was so great to have

lunch and have a great conversation about all things Saanich.

I have known Mayor Murdock for a long time. I consider him a good friend and also

a really incredible leader in our community. I commend him for his efforts on food

security, always advocating for the citizens of Saanich and bringing his hair and

his good brain to the table.

Welcome to the chamber.

The Speaker : I thought the minister was going to talk about my hair.

Minister of Water and Land.

Hon. Randene Neill : Thank you, hon. Speaker. I would love to speak about your hair, but instead, I’m

going to speak about the hair of one of our best mayors in the Powell River–Sunshine

Coast riding, the mayor of Gibsons, Silas White, who is also sporting quite the do.

It’s nice to see you, Silas. I know you had lunch with the Minister of Health as well.

Could the House please welcome him today.

Jessie Sunner : I have the honour today to introduce folks from an amazing organization doing wonderful

work throughout our communities and, especially, to do so during Sikh Heritage Month

— folks from Khalsa Aid, which is an international humanitarian organization inspired

by the Sikh principle of seva, a selfless service.

Khalsa Aid Canada has played an incredible role in providing relief throughout Canada

in times of crisis, whether it be through COVID-19, through our disastrous floods

or the worst wildfires that our province has seen.

Today in the gallery, we have Baljit Kamoh, Parmeet Sidhu, Darshdeep Dehradun, Peter

Gill, Upinder Dhindsa and Trevor Magus.

Thank you so much for your service and everything that you do for our province.

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

Steve Morissette : I don’t have much of a do to sport here.

This is a great week. B.C. Book Day yesterday, and today in the gallery I have two

friends from Fruitvale.

Craig Horsland was a long-time teacher and an area historian in Fruitvale. Also, Craig

has recently moved to my colleague’s riding in Nanaimo to be close to family.

With Craig is one of my favourite people in Fruitvale, Gladys Todd. Gladys is a lifelong

community volunteer and has been a most lively, vibrant and positive personality in

the West Kootenays for 93 years.

Please join me in welcoming them to the House.

[1:45 p.m.]

Sunita Dhir : Today I would like to let the House know that Parmeet Kaur Sidhu from my beautiful

riding of Vancouver-Langara is visiting us with her awesome team of volunteers from

Khalsa Aid B.C.

I also just found out that she’s the daughter-in-law of our dear friend, Amarjeet

Singh Sidhu, who works as a longshoreman along with my darling husband, Navdeep.

Please make her welcome in the House.

Rohini Arora : There are a couple introductions I want to make. Of course, my colleague here and

other colleague have introduced Khalsa Aid, but I have to shout out Baljit Kamoh,

who has been such a mentor to me in reminding me of the importance of selfless service.

I think every conversation I’ve ever had with her has ended with that reminder.

Would everyone please join me in making her feel very welcome today.

One more. I’m so excited to see a lineup of my dear friends from IATSE 891. I used

to work at the B.C. Fed before this, so I’ve worked very closely with one person in

particular.

Sano, I want to give you a shout-out. Keep organizing, my friend.

Hillary Bergshoeff, of course, another dear friend of mine; Crystal Braunwarth, who

is the business representative; and Amanda Bronswyck, who is the newest president

of IATSE 891.

Please join me in making them feel very welcome.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Will the House please welcome Brent Frain and Sonjia Grandahl.

One of the first things I remember about Sonjia was that she was a recipient of an

insulin pump. She let me know so often what an important part of the health care system

that was for her.

Brent Frain is famous for many areas of activism, but particularly, I learn a lot

from the PWD Allies podcast that he co-hosts.

Will the House please make Brent and Sonjia very welcome.

Hon. Brenda Bailey : With Creative Industries Week, there are so many people here that we could highlight

and congratulate. It’s such an incredibly important part of our economy.

I want to just take a moment, if I could, to really give a shout-out to ILM. Industrial

Light and Magic have just expanded their presence in Vancouver. They’ve opened up

a new office, more than 900 people working there.

At this moment in time, where there are challenges between the United States and Canada,

it’s really important that we congratulate and embrace those American companies that

continue to be such a vital part of our ecosystems in many different ways, like Industrial

Light and Magic. The 900 employees here, their largest studio worldwide, are creating

some of the highest and best quality storytelling the world knows, contributing so

much to the ecosystem in British Columbia. They are represented today by Jeff White

and Spencer Kent.

Could the House please join me in making them most welcome in this place and in B.C.

Rohini Arora : I thought I was done, but I saw another union brother just walk into the House, my

dear friend Michael Cheevers from UBCP-ACTRA. Many of you will know him. He used to

be the chief of staff to the previous Minister of Labour, Harry Bains.

Please join me in making my dear friend Michael feel welcome.

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

Bill 12 — Motor Vehicle

Amendment Act, 2025

Hon. Garry Begg presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor: a bill

intituled Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2025.

Hon. Garry Begg : I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I am pleased to introduce Bill 12, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2025. The proposed

licensing programs, the graduated licensing program and the new motorcyclist licensing

program.

These amendments will create new authorities to update the restrictions, qualifications

and timelines that apply to the two driver licensing programs.

[1:50 p.m.]

The Speaker : The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Hon. Garry Begg : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading of the

House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill M212 — Income Tax

(Grocery Rebate Guarantee)

Amendment Act, 2025

John Rustad presented a bill intituled the Income Tax (Grocery Rebate Guarantee) Amendment

Act, 2025.

John Rustad : I move that a bill intituled the Income Tax (Grocery Rebate Guarantee) Amendment

Act, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and

read a first time now.

“People need help now, so they can get ahead. They can’t wait 18 months to receive

any support. This tax cut for the middle class supports people who are struggling

with the high costs of groceries.”

“A thousand dollar tax cut a year, this year, next year and the year after that.”

“Under our plan, families will get more support. You’ll get it right away.”

“I’m on the side of everyday people and families who just want to end the day a little

further ahead than when they started.”

All those quotes are from the Premier between September 29 and October 9 of this past

year.

This Income Tax (Grocery Rebate) Amendment Act proposes to save each and every person

in British Columbia $500. By increasing the basic personal exemption, every British

Columbian who files taxes in B.C. will save $500 on their personal income taxes. This

means that a family of two with two incomes would have that $1,000 savings each and

every year.

Last year the NDP promised to bring in the $1,000 annual grocery rebate and then abandoned

that promise after the election. This bill rectifies that broken promise, and it brings

back the grocery rebate through reducing income taxes and making it permanent.

The Premier said: “People need relief now.” This bill would provide immediate relief

to those who are $200 away from not being able to pay their bills.

I hope that all members will find a way to be able to support this bill.

The Speaker : Members, the question is first reading of the bill intituled the Income Tax (Grocery

Rebate Guarantee) Amendment Act, 2025.

Division has been called.

[1:55 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.]

Motion approved on the following division:

YEAS — 90

G. Anderson

Blatherwick

Elmore

Sunner

Toporowski

B. Anderson

Neill

Osborne

Brar

Davidson

Kahlon

Parmar

Gibson

Beare

Chandra Herbert

Wickens

Kang

Morissette

Sandhu

Krieger

Chant

Lajeunesse

Choi

Rotchford

Higginson

Routledge

Popham

Dix

Sharma

Farnworth

Eby

Bailey

Begg

Greene

Whiteside

Boyle

Yung

Malcolmson

Chow

Glumac

Arora

Shah

Phillip

Dhir

Sturko

Kindy

Milobar

Warbus

Rustad

Banman

Wat

Kooner

Halford

Hartwell

L. Neufeld

Van Popta

Dew

Gasper

K. Neufeld

Day

Block

Bhangu

Paton

Boultbee

Chan

Toor

Giddens

Rattée

Davis

McInnis

Bird

Luck

Stamer

Maahs

Tepper

Mok

Wilson

Clare

Williams

Loewen

Dhaliwal

Doerkson

Chapman

McCall

Valeriote

Botterell

Kealy

Armstrong

Brodie

NAYS — 1

Hepner

John Rustad : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Linda Hepner : I have had my hand up, and I was asking for a correction relative to the vote, if

I may make a correction. I’m sorry if you didn’t see my hand.

The Speaker : The Chair will ask the House if the member is allowed to make that correction.

Okay, there’s no consensus. We won’t have it.

Leave not granted.

Hon. Garry Begg : I seek leave to make an introduction.

Leave granted.

The Speaker : Please proceed.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Garry Begg : I perhaps have made a mistake as the other member has.

I spent 38 years as a proud Mountie, and I’ve been told that the commissioner of the

RCMP, Giuliano Zaccardelli, is in the House today, something I should have acknowledged

earlier.

I apologize, sir, for that mistake. It’s very nice to have you here in the House.

You’re joined by other members of the International Police Association — Bill and

Eileen Ardill; Renata and Han-Guenter Bergen; Patrick and Shauna Convy; Jim and Lorna

Dallimore; Peter and Kelly Hoppe; Richard and Noreen Seville; Kevin and Kathy Worth;

the commissioner and his wife, Betty; Judy Jasper and Roger Finnan; Paul Segonah;

Gerry Pash and Beverly Straub.

I hope that you join me in welcoming the commissioner to the House today.

[2:05 p.m.]

[Applause.]

Members’ Statements

Creative Industries Week

and Music Industry Achievements

Susie Chant : I rise today to celebrate Creative Industries Week and to shine a spotlight on 2025,

the Year of Music in British Columbia.

I want to begin by acknowledging the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people,

the lək̓ʷəŋən, particularly the Songhees and Esquimalt here, and the səlilwətaɬ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh where I live.

Music is the heartbeat of our province. While we often celebrate the artists on stage,

there’s an entire ecosystem working behind the scenes to bring music to life. Educators

spark creativity in our young. Producers, engineers, agents, managers, venue operators

and festival organizers all play a vital role. Families and friends cheer on young

musicians as they pursue their dreams. These are the people who power B.C.’s vibrant

music industry.

In my riding of North Vancouver–Seymour, organizations like the North Shore Registered

Music Teachers Association and Ava Music and Art Centre are building community through

music and nurturing the next generation of talent. Strong music programs across primary,

secondary and post-secondary education ensure every child has a chance to discover

music.

This year B.C. artists are already making their mark. At the 2025 Juno Awards, B.C.

talent earned 66 nominations, 26 of them supported through the provincially funded

Amplify B.C. programs. One of the winners was Raffi, for those of you who know Raffi.

In February, B.C. musicians such as Nelly Furtado lit up the stage at the Invictus

Games, and we look forward to the Canadian Country Music Awards in Kelowna this fall.

Local concerts and festivals also continue to connect communities, support local economies

and strengthen our cultural fabric. That’s why in 2023, our government announced a

historic $42 million investment in the creative sector, including $22.5 million over

three years for Amplify B.C.

Let’s celebrate the people who make music and the incredible music that makes B.C.

such a vibrant place to call home.

Ed Mah and Contributions to

Dawson Creek Community

Larry Neufeld : I rise today to recognize a remarkable citizen of Dawson Creek, Ed Mah, a man whose

life has been defined by service, generosity and unwavering commitment to his community.

Ed is the proud son of Bing Mah, a Chinese immigrant who founded Bing’s Furniture

in 1959.

Over the 1980s, Ed took over the business, officially purchasing the 29,000-square-foot

building in 1985. But what Ed built went far beyond furniture. He built a legacy of

community care.

For decades, Bing’s wasn’t just a store. It was a stepping stone for local youth entering

the workforce, a place where families struggling to make ends meet could still access

essential furniture through flexible, pay-when-you-can plans. Ed never hesitated to

help a staff member in need, whether it was a vehicle, a loan, repairs, etc. Because

of him, business was always personal.

Ed and his family gave tirelessly to the community. His parents painted the mural

scene on Bing’s west wall, and Ed has shown up for every school function, coached

local baseball and volleyball teams, and even brought McDonald’s fries for entire

classrooms, with his burned arms and all. He read weekly with students, supported

school fundraisers and was a fixture at hot dog days.

After retiring in 2023, Ed continued working without pay for 1.5 years in order to

assist the transition of the new owners. Just last month he took back the business

to transform it into a year-round local market for artisans and entrepreneurs.

Ed Mah is also a Citizen of the Year, founder of the Dawson Creek car club and a recipient

of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Today I ask this House to join me in thanking Ed Mah not only for his service but

for his heart.

[2:10 p.m.]

Downtown Surrey Business

Improvement Association

Amna Shah : I rise today to recognize the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association, more

commonly referred to as the DSBIA.

At its inception in 2001, this BIA was formed by a small group of business owners

and property owners who had issues of concern and also to plan for economic development

in the Whalley area. The DSBIA has now become one of the most impactful organizations

in the downtown core. But of course, no organization is great without the people who

keep it running.

CEO Elizabeth Model, who, by the way, also has well over 100 Ironman triathlons under

her belt, is the leader who inspires excellence and influences thoughtful growth in

the downtown core. She is a community champion who bridges conversation between various

sectors and groups, and her team — Tracey Gravel, the now retired Bonnie Burnside

and Madeline Nicholls — are the hard-working pillars that give the DSBIA the excellent

reputation that it deserves.

A highlight initiative of the DSBIA is their student internship program. Students

plan and execute projects which benefit our business community and the broader community,

from working with businesses to revitalize their storefronts to developing websites

and marketing strategies for the mom-and-pop restaurants which have some of the most

delicious food in the city, from conducting safety surveys and studies to hosting

events, meticulously planned from start to finish and on budget.

I have seen the excellent students who go through this program. Some have interned

here at this very Legislature and some actually work in government. We are very proud

of their accomplishments.

We say in the city of Surrey that “the future lives here.” I can say with confidence

that our future is well nurtured with organizations like the Downtown Surrey Business

Improvement Association.

Falkland Stampede

David Williams : Now that the warmer weather is upon us, that can only mean one thing. It’s officially

rodeo season. In my riding, we are proud to host one of Canada’s oldest and finest,

the 105-year-old Falkland Stampede.

It all began in March of 1919 when residents gathered in a field in the northwest

corner of the townsite to celebrate the end of the First World War. They arrived by

wagon, buggy, horseback and car, sharing food, laughter and homemade ice cream. That

humble celebration became the first ever Falkland Stampede.

One of the first bucking horses ever mentioned was a big roan owned by David Hill,

couldn’t ride his bronc. Well, Chris managed to stay on for a few seconds, but he

stayed on the ground a lot longer.

Over time, the traditions grew, and what became Empire Day in March shifted to Victoria

Day in May. In 1931, students from Glenemma, Falkland and Westwold schools voted to

choose a May Queen. Although the May Day activities eventually faded, the rodeo itself

kept growing stronger year after year. In 1936, a brand-new community hall hosted

its first stampede dance.

Then in 1969, the Falkland Little Rodeo went professional, officially registered with

the cowboy protective association and has been expanding ever since. A special highlight

came in 1980 with the Terry Fox Rodeo of Champions, which raised $6,000 for cancer

research and drew a crowd of 4,000 people for this small little community.

Today the Falkland Stampede ranks among the top 12 rodeos in Canada. Thousands gather

each year for world-class rodeo events, fan-favourite clowns, as well as trick riders,

pancake breakfasts, country dances, and so much more.

This year’s stampede runs from May 17 to May 20. If you’ve never been, come experience

the excitement for yourself. If you’re a regular, yee-haw, and I’ll see you there.

Ladysmith Resources

Centre Association

Stephanie Higginson : Today I’m excited to rise to highlight an incredible organization in the riding of

Ladysmith-Oceanside, the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association.

[2:15 p.m.]

The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association is an inclusive, non-profit, multi-service

organization that assists people in all stages of life in the Ladysmith community

and surrounding areas. This includes providing housing support, victim services, counselling,

restorative justice, family and youth support, senior services and food security.

The LRCA was formed in 1992 and continues to grow and has become an integral part

of the Ladysmith community. One of their newest projects, the Heart on the Hill, is

a 36-unit subsidized housing initiative that just celebrated its second full year

of operations, providing stable housing for Ladysmith residents in need.

The Ladysmith Resources Centre operates a ten-bed, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year shelter

for anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. The facility operates seamlessly

in the heart of downtown Ladysmith.

This past year the LRCA was able to expand their counselling services and has grown

to include both master’s-level student counsellors and retired professionals offering

their expertise. This includes Ladysmith’s first trauma counsellor to meet critical

mental health needs in the community. Their victim services program provides 24-7,

on-call and in-office crisis and trauma support to the communities of Ladysmith, Cedar,

Cassidy, Stz’uminus, Thetis Island, Penelakut Island, Saltair and Chemainus.

There are lots of other amazing programs the LRCA provides, including programs for

LGBTQI+ youth, mental health and wellness initiatives, a drop-in program for fathers,

senior support services and so much more.

I admire and appreciate all the work they do for the community and for leading with

empathy and compassion in everything they do.

Role of MLA s

Pete Davis : When I first walked into this Legislature, I stopped for a moment not out of nerves

but out of respect. You can feel the weight of this place, the history, the responsibility,

the generations of decisions made within these walls. Standing here, I felt it. But

more than anything, I felt purpose.

I didn’t grow up planning to be a politician. I was busy raising a family, running

a business and doing what folks in the Kootenays do — work hard, solve problems and

help our neighbours. But over time, I started seeing too many things slipping through

the cracks, and I couldn’t ignore it, so I stepped up.

I’m here because I believe B.C. can be better for working families and rural communities,

for the next generation. Representing Kootenay-Rockies, just the eighth MLA ever to

do so, is one of the greatest responsibilities I’ve ever had to carry, and I take

that seriously.

The people I represent are resilient. They value hard work, straight talk and accountability,

and they deserve someone who brings that same spirit to this chamber every single

day.

Now, let’s be honest. We won’t always agree on things in here, and that’s okay. That’s

what we call democracy. But whether sitting across from me or right beside me, I believe

that we all are here because we care deeply about this province.

So to everyone in this House, I want to say: thank you. Thank you for your service,

thank you for your dedication and thank you for your belief in this province.

We are all here for the same reason — to make life better for the people who depend

on us, the people who put us in these seats. When we leave these halls, it’s not the

titles that will matter. It’s the lives we’ve changed, the people that we’ve helped

and the future we’ve built together for British Columbia.

Oral Questions

Emergency Preparedness

and Climate Change

Rob Botterell : In recent years, devastating floods and extreme wildfires in B.C. have killed countless

people, destroyed hundreds of homes, displaced tens of thousands of people and caused

billions of dollars in destruction. It’s undeniable.

The climate emergency is slowly destroying our ways of life, yet this government has

consistently shown it’s not prepared to protect people from the impacts of climate

change, nor are they ready to transform the extractive economy that got us here. This

year’s budget provided no mention of increased spending for the province’s nascent

flood plan or for reduced wildfire risks.

My question is to the Minister of Energy. Your own Climate Solutions Council warned

that the province is not prepared for the threats that climate change pose to communities

and the economy. What is the minister’s response to them?

[2:20 p.m.]

Hon. Adrian Dix : The Climate Solutions Council, which is established by legislation, plays an important

role in providing recommendations for change and working with us to see that that

change is implemented. We’ve consistently done that.

You see that in the clean electricity requirement, which has been given life since

the most recent parliament was put into place, with renewable energy projects across

B.C. You see it in the low-carbon fuel standard, which we’ve used not just to expand

our climate agenda but to support jobs in different parts of the province.

We’ve seen it in the output-based pricing system, which we support in British Columbia

and continue to support. We saw it on January 1, when we put in new methane regulations.

B.C. is leading Canada in the reduction of such emissions in the oil and gas industry

by 43 percent since 2015.

In short, by working together, we’re making progress. Under the CleanBC plan, we need

to make more progress, both in the commitment of people and the opportunity of people

to contribute to solutions on climate change. That’s why we’ve moved forward our review

of that plan and are working with the hon. member and his party on a review of this

plan, which I hope we will be announcing shortly.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Fossil Fuel Industry Impacts

and Health Care Cost Recovery

Rob Botterell : If this government is serious about recovering health care costs from wrongdoers,

they must look at the role of fossil fuel companies in B.C.’s health costs.

Fossil fuel air pollution is a leading cause of early death in Canada, killing 34,000

Canadians each year. The 2021 heat dome cost the province upwards of $5 billion. Smoke

from wildfires leads to respiratory, heart and other conditions that require hospitalization

and increased health care costs.

Just like the tobacco industry, fossil fuel companies have engaged in misinformation

campaigns to discourage governments from enacting laws that would save lives.

My question is to the Attorney General. Will this government demand accountability

and compensation from the oil and gas industry so that citizens aren’t left bearing

the costs?

Hon. Niki Sharma : I’m really proud of the work our government has done, and we’ve led the way in terms

of national class actions. We’ve led the way on tobacco. We’ve led the way on opioids

and had success at every level of the court system here in B.C. That’s a B.C.-led

initiative that we can all be proud of.

Recently I was able to announce one of the largest settlements ever against tobacco,

big tobacco, and that would mean $3.7 billion coming into B.C. health care right here.

The tools that we have under the Health Care Costs Recovery Act are very important,

although as Attorney General, I’m not going to indicate in the House right now what

would be future litigation opportunities or where we will use the tools that we’ve

developed.

What I will say is that I am very proud of the work we’ve done so far on behalf of

British Columbians, and it’s something we can all be proud of.

Prescribed Alternative Opioid

Safe Supply Initiative

Á’a :líya Warbus : To the Minister of Health, how many doses of prescribed alternative opioids did this

government hand out between 2022 and 2024?

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

Talking about the prescribed alternative program, which is a valued part of our government’s

approach, one of many tools that we are using to separate people from the effects

of the toxic drug supply…. Prescribed alternatives are literally medicine for people

that help save lives while they work with their care providers and prescribers to

move on to other forms of assistance like opioid agonist therapy.

We’ve recently made changes, as the House knows, to the prescribed alternatives program,

moving into witnessed consumption as a way of balancing public health priorities.

We know that prescribed alternatives need to be used by the people for whom they are

intended, and that’s why we’ve moved the program this way.

The Speaker : Member for Kootenay-Rockies.

[2:25 p.m.]

Permit Process for Mine in Sechelt

Pete Davis : It’s my birthday, and you forget me. It’s okay.

To the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, how long has the Sechelt carbonite

mine been undergoing permitting in B.C.?

Hon. Jagrup Brar : Thanks to the member for the question.

We have a very rigorous assessment process when we talk about the mining sector to

make sure that we have public safety and a high level of environmental safety. I cannot

comment on the individual case.

I will be happy to talk to the member, if the member wants to talk to me about that

particular case. I can provide, of course, the member with information. I will be

happy to talk to the member about that.

Long-Term Care

Waiting Times for Seniors

Jody Toor : To the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, what is the average

wait time for seniors who applied for long-term care in B.C.?

The Speaker : Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

It’s taken on notice?

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Mr. Speaker, long-term care is not in my file, but I will say that absolutely any

time that a member of the public seeks services from our government we do everything

we can to get them connected it as quickly as possible.

Massey Tunnel Replacement Project

Ian Paton : Eight years have gone by with no signs of the George Massey Tunnel ever being replaced.

To the Minister of Infrastructure: how much have you spent on the Massey Tunnel replacement

even before the environmental assessments have been completed?

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Work is underway on the George Massey Tunnel. It is funded by the provincial government.

We are working with the federal government to get a significant contribution to that

project, which is going to improve transportation throughout the Lower Mainland by

being able to take dangerous goods under there. It’s a project that has been approved

by local government.

We know that the other side of the House, again, doesn’t seem to want the project

to go ahead, but this side is committed to building the project. Work is underway

in terms of design preparation.

I told the House the other day in response to a question where they said there were

engineering and technical issues that that was not the case. The engineering and technical

issues are….

Interjections.

The Speaker : The minister will conclude.

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

The project is being built, and we’re going to get it done.

Motor Vehicle Fatalities

Harman Bhangu : To the Minister of Transportation, how many people died in fatal crashes in British

Columbia in 2023?

Hon. Mike Farnworth : One death in a crash is too many. That’s why this ministry focuses on ensuring that

our highways are safe, with incredible staff who do an amazing job. That’s why we’ve

strengthened the number of commercial vehicle safety enforcement officers.

That’s why we are making investments right across this province in terms of dealing

with issues on our highways and our side roads, identifying priorities, making sure

they’re funded. That’s why there’s $15 billion of capital projects across this province

to improve transportation and make our roads and highways safer.

We are going to continue to do that kind of work because it’s important for the province

of British Columbia.

Food Costs

Lorne Doerkson : To the Minister of Agriculture, how much more is household spending on food this

year as compared to last year?

Hon. Lana Popham : I think that the cost of food and where we are sourcing it is of great interest right

now to British Columbians. I do not have that fact on me today, but what I can say

is that as we look over this year and, I expect, the coming years, there’s been a

fundamental shift in the way that people are shopping. They’re trying to support British

Columbia producers.

We are focused on trying to make sure that we’re supporting farmers so they can produce

more. We’re looking to support food processors so they can process more and get more

B.C. and Canadian food onto those shelves. We see that’s what consumers are wanting

these days.

[2:30 p.m.]

Hiring of Crown Prosecutors

Steve Kooner : What is the current vacancy rate for Crown prosecutors in B.C.?

Hon. Niki Sharma : We’ve been making record investments in our justice system. I’m really proud to note

a few things.

We are almost at full complement when it comes to our Supreme Court and our Court

of Appeal.

Our Provincial Court is fully complemented with our judges and Crown counsel. We were

able to hire 40 new Crown counsel over the last couple years. So we are continuing

to staff up our Crown counsel, and from the B.C. prosecution service note to me, we

have full complement.

Safety of Children

in Government Care

Amelia Boultbee : How many children in MCFD’s care are currently missing?

Hon. Jodie Wickens : I want to thank the member opposite for the question.

The safety and well-being of children in this province is my top priority. Any time

a child is missing, that is very concerning for the family, for the caregiver and

for the people involved in the child care system.

We have processes in place in our ministry anytime a child is in need of protection.

I’ve provided the member opposite with the information around the policies and procedures

in the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Front-line staff work with families

with information. Information around children is protected under the Child, Family

and Community Service Act.

Always happy to work with the members opposite on this very issue.

Heather Maahs : My question is also for the Minister of Children and Family Development. How many

children have died in government care since 2017?

Hon. Jodie Wickens : As I’ve mentioned in this House before, any child that dies is devastating. We have

provided the numbers. We publicly disclose the numbers of children who die in government

care and children who die, in general, in this province. Everybody has access to that

information, including the members of this House, including the members of the public.

I’ve provided the member from Penticton a comprehensive breakdown of the number of

children in care who have passed away. The Coroners Service publicly discloses the

reasons for those deaths, and we’ve canvassed that pretty extensively in this House

already.

High-Speed Internet Service

Rosalyn Bird : What percentage of rural British Columbians do not have access to high-speed internet?

Hon. George Chow : Thank you for the question.

Since 2017, we have invested $584 million to works expanding connectivity to rural,

remote and First Nations communities as well as along highways.

So now 74 percent of rural homes have access to high-speed internet compared to only

57 percent when we took office in 2017. So that’s a vast improvement from 57 percent

to 74 percent.

In 2017, only 66 percent of homes in First Nations communities had access to high-speed

internet services. The figure is now 83 percent, and that will grow to 96 percent

when the current projects in progress are completed, and that’s anticipated in 2027.

SkyTrain Fare Enforcement

Brent Chapman : What is the fine for not paying for a ticket on the SkyTrain?

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Our SkyTrain system is going to grow by another 16 kilometres as we are investing

$5.9 billion in building a brand-new line.

[2:35 p.m.]

Part and parcel of that expansion will be an expansion in the very important transit

police who help keep security and safety on our transit system. In fact, yesterday

I met with the representative from the transit police union to talk about ways in

which we can….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Please conclude. Please continue.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : The member across the way says that talking about the great work that our transit

police do on our transit system to keep people safe is pontificating. Shame on that

member. Those men and women do an incredibly important job, and they put their safety

on the line every single day.

He may think it’s pontificating, talking about the great work that they do. This side

of the House supports our transit police.

Funding for Surrey

School District Infrastructure

Lynne Block : To the Minister of Education and Child Care, what was the infrastructure deficit

for the Surrey school district as of June 2024?

Hon. Bowinn Ma : In Surrey, we have invested over $1 billion in Surrey school district since 2017,

a historic investment. We have so far completed 19 projects, with 19 projects more

underway.

This is in comparison to the years prior to our government taking office, when zero

new schools were built in the four years prior to 2017. So yes, there was absolutely

an infrastructure deficit, and we are working hard each and every day to overcome

that.

Child Care Spaces and Wait-Lists

Reann Gasper : To the Minister of Education and Child Care, how many people are currently on the

wait-list for $10-a-day child care?

Hon. Lisa Beare : I thank the member for the question, because we know how important it is to provide

affordable, reliable, safe child care to families all across the province. We have

a number of ways we do that.

The $10-a-day program that the member mentioned currently has over 16,000 seats in

it. Just two weeks ago I announced an additional 770 spaces. We are on track to meet

our federal targets of 20,000 by spring next year.

But that’s not all we do. We also provide support to 138,000 families through our

fee reduction program, which has resulted in the reduction of costs — on average,

$900 a month per family. This has brought child care down from $47 a day, when we

formed government in 2017, to $19 a day on average. And we’re going to keep going.

Disaster Financial Assistance

Macklin McCall : To the Minister of Emergency Management, what’s the average insurance payout from

disaster financial assistance for losses due to a wildfire?

Hon. Kelly Greene : We know that communities across B.C. are finding challenges with flooding, with fire,

and it’s always so important for personal preparedness as well as government preparedness.

For people, I recommend going to PreparedBC and looking at the information about addressing

each of the hazards that different communities might face.

One of the aspects that people should be looking at is getting home insurance. Fire

insurance is readily available across B.C., and people can look at optional coverage

for things like overland water and earthquake coverage, which are very critical.

The Speaker : Thank you.

Hon. Kelly Greene : Disaster financial assistance helps assist people coming back from an emergency in

instances where there is no readily available insurance. I know that it’s very important…

The Speaker : Thank you, Minister.

Hon. Kelly Greene : …for personal preparedness, and I welcome any questions from the member on that.

Wildfire Preparedness and Response

Hon Chan : So far only one minister answered our questions, so let me try again.

To the Minister of Emergency Management, how many evacuation alerts due to wildfires

were there in 2024?

[2:40 p.m.]

Hon. Kelly Greene : It’s very important to coordinate response across different ministries.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Member.

Hon. Kelly Greene : I’m really quite disheartened that members opposite find emergency preparedness,

keeping communities safe, protecting people in their time of emergency, hilarious.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Kelly Greene : The amount of laughter on the other side is shameful.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Minister will continue.

Hon. Kelly Greene : Thank you very much.

My ministry coordinates across ministries for different kinds of emergencies — whether

that’s wildfire, whether that’s flooding, whether that’s landslides. Our ministry

makes sure that those lines of communication are open, that we’re protecting people,

that we’re showing up in communities and supporting them in their response and recovery.

Foreshore Licensing

David Williams : To the minister of water, lands and natural resource stewardship, how many new foreshore

licences have been processed or renewed since the 2024 election?

Hon. Randene Neill : Thank you so much for the question. It’s Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, not

“natural.” But thank you for that.

I can get that number for you.

Electric Vehicle Decal Program

Larry Neufeld : To the Minister of Energy, from 2018 to January 2025, how much did the government

spend handing out stickers for EVs?

Hon. Adrian Dix : I think the achievement of British Columbians in leading Canada in buying new EVs

and the impact that has on the economy — where we’re displacing gasoline, which is

produced outside of B.C., with EVs that are powered by electricity that we make inside

B.C. — is a significant achievement.

It’s a significant achievement, for example, by the New Car Dealers Association, which

has been a partner in that exercise; by B.C. Hydro; and by British Columbians.

I hold the member in high regard, and I look forward to our further discussions in

estimates debate. I would say that these issues in our province are serious issues

— the issues of climate change, the issues of economic development, of building a

better province together.

I think, in this House, in the questions we ask, in the way we have exchanges, we

should promote that dialogue and promote solutions, and not engage, I think, in games

that don’t serve the public interest.

Closing of Forest Industry Mills

and Production Facilities

Ward Stamer : Thanks for the reminder that this is question period, not answer period.

To the Minister of Forests, how many sawmills and manufacturing facilities have been

closed in the last two years?

Hon. Ravi Parmar : At a time when we are under threat by Donald Trump, you have an official opposition

that is completely out of touch. What an absolute embarrassment we are experiencing.

Whether it’s the threat on our sovereignty, whether it’s the impact on our softwood

lumber, the impact on our forest sector, to have the members across the way waste

valuable time from holding government accountable to ask really dumb questions.

I would ask the member opposite: use your time wisely. Ask us questions. Hold us accountable.

Don’t waste our time.

Emergency Room Waiting Times

Anna Kindy : Not to waste anybody’s time, but to the Minister of Health, what is the benchmark

standard for emergency room wait times?

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

We had the chance to canvass many detailed questions like this in estimates. I don’t

think this is estimates. I think this is question period.

I think the members opposite know that cabinet ministers have a tremendous responsibility;

that they oversee incredible resources, people, opportunities and programs; and that

we are focused on making life better for British Columbians.

Those are the subjects we should be canvassing in this House. That’s what we should

be talking about.

Brennan Day : To the Minister of Health, with that non-answer, we know that the benchmark is around

four hours.

What percentage of ER visits meets even that low standard?

[2:45 p.m.]

Hon. Josie Osborne : Once again, thank you to the member opposite for the question.

I know that he and many others on the other side haven’t had the privilege of sitting

in cabinet and haven’t had the responsibility of overseeing the programs and services

that British Columbians depend on. They don’t expect us to memorize numbers. They

expect us to do our jobs, and my job is to help strengthen the public, universal,

health care system for British Columbians.

I am willing and I have made it abundantly clear to the member opposite that I am

willing to work with him to sit down and talk about solutions. Those are the conversations

I want to be having with the opposition, with all members of this House. It’s the

work that I was sent here to do and that I am going to stay focused on.

Addiction Treatment Beds

in Northern Health Region

Claire Rattée : To the Minister of Health, and this is a question that you should know the answer

to: how many treatment beds are there in the Northern Health region?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Yes, we did canvass this. You know what? I don’t have that number memorized, so I’m

not going to say a number that I might get wrong. I will get it back to the member.

We have canvassed that in estimates.

I can tell her that we have added over 750 treatment and recovery beds since we formed

government in 2017. I can tell the member that we have over 3,700 publicly funded

beds here in British Columbia. I can also tell the member, because we discussed this

in estimates, that there are not enough services for people up north and that we know

there is more work to do to serve people who live in remote and rural communities.

My commitment is to continue to expand those services. We will be expanding Road to

Recovery into the northwest part of British Columbia, because we know that people

living in those communities need accesses to services like that. I remain committed

to that work, and I’m here to do it.

Government Action

and Accountability on Issues

Peter Milobar : Today we’ve had questions asked of, by my count, 21 ministers, and we’ve had one

minister even come close to answering a question that they were asked under their

file, and it was the Minister of Citizens’ Services.

We got a lecture from the Minister of Forests because we had the temerity to ask a

question of how many sawmills have closed under his watch. Instead of remotely answering

the question he said, and I quote: “Holding government accountable is a waste of time.”

We asked the minister responsible for kids in care how many kids are currently missing.

No answer. How many kids…?

The Speaker : Question, Member.

Peter Milobar : Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence, we’ve asked ten-second questions today and had

to endure three-minute non-answers, so I’ll just be a second.

No answer on how many kids have died. You would think that a government that is supposed

to be focused on results would actually know what the results that they’re trying

to drive towards actually are. But this government…. From sawmill closures to ER closures

to ER wait times…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Peter Milobar : …wait-lists for child care, kids missing, kids who have died, wildfire costs — no

answer. There’s no relevance from their answers whatsoever, because they simply do

not know where they’re trying to drive, while we have record deficits in British Columbia.

Again, my question to the government is a simple one. When can we expect this government

to actually start publishing, start providing to the public, to the opposition, because

it’s not a waste of time to hold the government accountable, actual benchmark deliverables

that the ministers are actually responsible for and driving towards?

These are supposed to be in their mandate letters, but apparently, they consider all

of that a waste of time, and how dare we ask them what they are actually delivering

on for British Columbians.

[2:50 p.m.]

Hon. Mike Farnworth : What we saw today from the opposition shows exactly why they deserve to be over there.

They know full well, and that member knows full well, that the estimates process deals

with detailed questions every single time we’re in estimates, which we are right now,

and that those questions get answered.

He knows full well that the role….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Interjection.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : “Know the file,” hon. Member? Every single member on this side of the House knows

what the file is.

Every single member knows it’s about making life more affordable for British Columbians.

Every single member knows it’s about building the infrastructure, whether it’s hospitals

in Fort St. James, hospitals in Terrace, bridges like the Pattullo Bridge.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Every single member knows what their job is. It’s about making sure we maintain a

public health care system.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : We answer questions on those every single day.

But, you know, when it comes to questions, we saw them during the election campaign.

Half their members wouldn’t show up to an all-candidates meeting.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Mike Farnworth : Their leader would hold press conferences and refuse to take a supplemental. He would

only take questions….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members.

Interjections.

[The Speaker rose.]

The Speaker : Members, be quiet, please. That’s enough. Members, come to order.

Please conclude.

[The Speaker resumed their seat.]

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I’ll tell you something else. No one on this side of the House had to throw out their

campaign signs because they decided they couldn’t win with the party they were running

for and ran with another party.

[End of question period.]

Point of Order

Amna Shah : I raise a point of order or privilege — I’m not sure, if you would guide me — where

a member opposite referred to us as lying, which I’m sure is a word that we cannot

use in this House.

The Speaker : Member, that’s a point of order.

Amna Shah : Sure. Thank you. A point of order for the member for Langley–Walnut Grove.

The Speaker : Who else? Any member on that point of order want to say anything?

If not, we will take it under advisement, Member. Thank you.

Orders of the Day

Hon. Mike Farnworth : In this chamber, I call continued second reading debate, Bill 5.

In the Douglas Fir Room,

Section A, continued committee stage, Bill 7.

[2:55 p.m.]

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Deputy Speaker : Thank you, Members. We’ll call this House back to order, where we will contemplate

conversations around Bill 5.

Speaker’s Statement

Relevance of Debate on

Second Reading of Bill 5

Deputy Speaker : I do just want to introduce a brief statement, Members.

Over the past two days, the Chair was very lenient with respect to debate on the second

reading of Bill 5. The debate has resembled debate on the budget motion, a question

that is no longer before this House.

As always, the rule of relevancy applies at second reading. Members must address principles

and merits of Bill 5, which deals primarily with taxation matters. The Chair put members

on notice prior to adjournment yesterday to keep their remarks strictly relevant to

Bill 5.

As the debate is, of course, on Bill 5, we’ll continue. The rule of relevancy will

be strictly applied.

Welcome, everybody.

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 5 — Budget Measures

Implementation Act, 2025

(continued)

Ward Stamer : I know I don’t have a lot of time left. I just wanted to cover a couple of points

directly to Bill 5, knowing that this is a tax bill.

Again, I asked the question in question period and got a bit of a row from the minister

in regards to how many sawmills have closed in the last two years. Make no mistake,

we had mills closing before any threats of tariffs.

Back to Bill 5. There’s no tax relief whatsoever in this bill for the forest industry.

There’s tax relief for other industries, including the film industry, but there is

no tax relief for our forest industry, where so many of our communities, including

our First Nation communities, rely solely and directly on the forest industry of British

Columbia.

We’ve brought forward measures on stumpage reform. We’ve brought questions in regards

to freezing of stumpage paid in a specific period of time. That can be achieved as

it has in the past, where those logs that come into the manufacturing facility actually

get put over to one corner, and they don’t get processed. And if they do get processed

within that period of time, they go across the scales, and stumpage is paid.

Again, my question to you, Mr. Speaker, is: why isn’t this government recognizing

the reality of how serious the situation is with our forest industry, and why can’t

we get this government to help the much-needed communities and the much-needed people

of British Columbia on this file?

I would suggest that in this budget and Bill 5, there are going to be revenue increases

to the government, with an actual reduction in what we’ve already cut this year. There

was a guarantee of 45 million cubic metres that we were supposed to be able to attain

this year. Last year we did 32. In the budget, it says 30, then 30, then 29.

That is not what’s being asked for from the industry. What’s being asked for is more

fibre for our markets, more fibre for our manufacturing facilities, more fibre for

our value-added sector. Without this fibre, without inputs, we have no outputs.

In closing, I’m very disappointed with Bill 5. It doesn’t address the issues that

are pertinent to the industries in British Columbia today, and I would wish that the

Minister of Finance would relook at those opportunities.

Gavin Dew : It is an honour to rise in this Legislature and to speak to Bill 5, the Budget Measures

Implementation Act of 2025. For those watching or listening who may not follow the

legislative process closely, which is probably most people, let’s begin by clarifying

what this bill is and what it does.

Bill 5 is not just a technical document or a piece of procedural legislation. It’s

the implementation mechanism for this government’s entire fiscal plan. It is the legal

and financial tool that enacts the choices made in the provincial budget.

[3:00 p.m.]

In other words, Bill 5 is the government’s priorities written in law. It determines

which groups receive tax relief, which sectors are burdened with new costs and, most

importantly, who is ignored altogether.

It’s the blueprint for how the government plans to raise money and spend it. So when

we look at what is included and what’s left out, we’re not just looking at numbers;

we’re looking at values. Based on Bill 5, it’s clear that this government’s values

are deeply out of step with what British Columbians are asking for.

This is a bill introduced in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Families are struggling

to pay for groceries. Seniors on fixed incomes are falling behind. Small businesses

are hanging on by a thread. Parents are worried about their kids’ education. And people

across every corner of the province are wondering when, if ever, the government will

start to prioritize them. Bill 5 could have been the moment to respond to those concerns.

It could have delivered a real plan for affordability, for recovery, for growth. Instead,

this bill does something very different.

This bill extends the government’s ability to run deficits for three more years, until

2028. It formally amends the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act to

allow for continued overspending without a requirement to return to balance. This

is not a one-time emergency measure. It is not a response to an unforeseen crisis.

It’s a calculated move by a government that clearly no longer feels obligated to manage

public finances responsibly.

Make no mistake, deficits are not victimless. Every dollar borrowed today is a dollar

that has to be repaid tomorrow by our kids, by our grandkids, by future generations

who will inherit the consequences of this government’s failure to lead with discipline

and foresight.

What makes this all the more frustrating is that British Columbians aren’t asking

for extravagance. They’re asking for relief — targeted, practical relief that would

make life just a little more affordable and a little more manageable. But Bill 5 offers

no such relief. There is no provincial grocery rebate, even as grocery prices continue

to soar. There is no tax relief for small business owners. There is no fuel rebate

for truckers, no support for seniors, no credits for rural communities. Every one

of those items could have been included in this bill.

The government had the power and the opportunity to act, and they chose not to. That’s

what makes this legislation such a profound disappointment. It’s not just about what’s

in the bill; it’s about what’s missing. It’s about the things this government said

during the throne speech, during the campaign, in their press releases, and then failed

to follow through on when it mattered most.

Over the course of this speech, I’ll be walking through the specific sectors that

were left behind by Bill 5 — small businesses, agriculture, construction, education,

transportation and seniors. I’ll detail how this legislation could have delivered

tangible supports to people in every region of British Columbia, and how it instead

delivers more of the same — big promises, vague talking points and no meaningful action.

I’ll also highlight the long list of broken commitments from the 2025 throne speech,

commitments that were made with great fanfare and then quietly abandoned when the

rubber hit the road. At the end of the day, budgets and tax bills are not just about

numbers; they’re about trust. Trust that a government will do what it says. Trust

that public money will be managed responsibly. Trust that the people who show up,

work hard and follow the rules will not be forgotten by their government. Bill 5 breaks

that trust.

It’s not just a missed opportunity; it’s a signal to every British Columbian who was

hoping for relief this year that help isn’t coming. That is why I stand here today,

not just in opposition to this bill but in support of the people it leaves behind.

[3:05 p.m.]

Let’s turn now to the core of what Bill 5 should have done but didn’t. This bill is

a tax bill. It sets out how the government plans to collect revenue, who it chooses

to support and who it ignores. When you look at that list, you’ll see some glaring

omissions, especially in the very sectors that are supposed to be the backbone of

our economy.

Let’s start with small business. Small businesses are more than just commercial spaces.

They’re job creators, community builders, economic stabilizers. They’re the coffee

shops, mechanics, bookstores and tradespeople who hire local, who give back and who

help communities thrive.

In Kelowna alone, hundreds of small businesses support our economy, and they’re hurting.

These are business owners who weathered the pandemic, who took on debt just to survive,

who now face rising interest rates, rising payroll costs, rising input costs and a

carbon tax that keeps climbing. Many are barely staying afloat.

What did they do in Bill 5? Nothing. There is no expansion of the small business tax

credit; no relief from the employer health tax, which punishes success by taxing job

creation; no support for seasonal operators who have short business windows but year-round

expenses; no incentive to hire or invest; no program to help rural or remote businesses

who face unique logistical challenges. The NDP love to show up at ribbon cuttings

and call themselves pro–small business, but when the moment came to provide actual

relief, they passed.

Now, let’s talk about agriculture. Farmers are some of the hardest-working people

in this province. They deal with climate volatility, fluctuating markets, rising fuel

and fertilizer costs and the burden of new regulations, all while producing the food

we eat. In the past five years, they’ve endured floods, fires, extreme droughts and

supply chain chaos.

What did Bill 5 offer them? Nothing. There is no rebate or deduction for food costs,

no tax credit for modernizing equipment or improving energy efficiency, no investment

incentive for food processing in rural B.C., no input cost deductions, no targeted

measures for greenhouses, livestock producers or fruit growers and, perhaps most shockingly,

no provincial grocery rebate for struggling families or the farmers who feed them.

It is not as if this government didn’t promise support. They promised to establish

a Premier’s task force on agrifood competitiveness. They pledged to identify land

for innovation and expand food processing, something they’ve been promising and not

delivering on for five years. They said they’d match young farmers with land, invest

in extreme weather preparedness and top up crop renewal programs. Bill 5 proves that

all of those promises were just that — promises, not priorities.

Now let’s move to construction and trades. This should be a slam dunk for the government.

The trade sector builds our schools, homes, roads, hospitals — everything government

says it’s investing in. These are skilled workers, apprentices, independent contractors,

small firms competing for contracts, people who want to work, train others and grow

B.C.’s economy. So what’s in Bill 5 for them? Nothing.

There is no accelerated write-off for tools or equipment; no apprenticeship tax credit

expansion; no supports for sole proprietors in HVAC, carpentry, electrical or plumbing;

no tax relief for Red Seal workers; no local procurement reforms to ensure that smaller

firms can fairly compete for government contracts. This government has missed every

opportunity to grow our skilled workforce, despite labour shortages in almost every

region of the province. The irony is that these are the very workers the government

needs to deliver on its infrastructure plans. When they had a chance to support them

through Bill 5, guess what. They didn’t.

This failure goes beyond numbers. It sends a message that the people who keep our

economy moving, who invest in their communities, who take risks and create jobs, aren’t

worth supporting. It’s a message that hard work doesn’t matter, that government will

talk about affordability, productivity and recovery but won’t actually act on it.

British Columbians are not asking for handouts. They’re asking for a fair shot, a

government that sees them, a government that supports them with clear, direct, effective

tax policy. Bill 5 could have been that support. It could have been the moment this

government turned the corner on affordability and backed up its words with real help.

[3:10 p.m.]

It could have brought the Premier’s reset with the business community to life. Instead,

it leaves behind the very people we rely on to keep B.C.’s economy strong. That’s

not just disappointing; it’s damaging.

Education is the cornerstone of opportunity in any society. It is the system through

which we prepare the next generation to lead, to contribute and to thrive. It’s where

we build equality, lift children out of poverty and shape a better future for British

Columbia. That kind of future requires investment, not just in schools but in people,

in teachers, in education assistants, in custodians, in support staff, in infrastructure

and in the families and children who rely on all of it.

Sadly, none of that investment is reflected in Bill 5. At a time when class sizes

are growing, when students are learning in aging facilities or portable classrooms

and when school districts are facing real cost pressures, this government has offered

no meaningful tax or financial support through this legislation.

Let’s look at what’s missing. There is no tax credit for educators who spend hundreds,

sometimes thousands, of dollars out of their own pockets for classroom supplies. There

is no rebate for rural or remote teachers who travel long distances, often in difficult

weather, to serve their communities. There is no low-income grocery rebate or support

credit for underpaid education support staff, who are often living paycheque to paycheque.

These are simple, effective measures that would have made a real difference. But they’re

not in this bill.

The government’s broader promises — nowhere to be seen. They promised to invest $500

million in accessible, affordable child care. That investment is absent in both the

budget and this bill. They promised to expand the school meals program, ensuring that

no child comes to school hungry. There is no tax mechanism in Bill 5 to support that

expansion. They promised a mental health counsellor in every public school. Again,

no delivery mechanism in this bill, just a headline with no follow-through.

They promised electric school buses, stronger drug education, a ban on cell phones

and enough EAs in every K-to-3 classroom. Perhaps most ambitiously, they promised

to build 20,000 new student spaces across 58 capital projects. But those commitments

have vanished.

There is no accelerated capital depreciation or tax measure to spur construction,

no procurement incentive to get shovels in the ground, no additional funds to retain

and recruit front-line staff. The people in our schools, the ones who make the system

function, feel it. Teachers are overwhelmed. Education assistants are stretched to

the limit. Custodians and maintenance workers are expected to do more with less, and

administrators are forced to make impossible choices between basic building upkeep

and essential student services.

Bill 5 was a chance to recognize that strain and respond with real support. Instead,

it reflects a government that’s either unaware or unwilling to act. This matters even

more in growing communities like mine, Kelowna, one of the fastest-growing communities

in Canada, where the population of school-aged children continues to climb rapidly.

In our region, portables aren’t a temporary fix. They’ve become permanent classrooms.

Some kids will spend their entire school careers in temporary structures. This government,

despite all its lofty promises, has done nothing in Bill 5 to address it — no new

funding tools, no tax-based incentives for school construction, no support to ease

cost pressures on school boards trying to stretch every single dollar.

This bill could have offered targeted tax relief to school districts, managing energy

costs or transportation expenses. It could have provided payroll tax deductions for

school hiring. It could have created a tax credit for EAs in rural or high-need schools.

But, once again, it doesn’t.

Education is more than a line item. It’s more than a campaign promise. It’s a social

contract. When we fail to invest in our children’s education, we are failing every

generation that comes after us. When we undercut the educators and staff who keep

our system afloat, we are weakening the very foundations of our province.

[3:15 p.m.]

Bill 5 is proof that this government no longer sees education as a priority. They’ll

say the right things. They’ll make the announcements. But when it comes to actually

putting those commitments into legislation, into action and into classrooms, they

fall short. It’s not just a policy failure. It’s a broken promise, a betrayal of every

student, every parent, every teacher and every worker who believed this government

would back up its words with action.

British Columbians want a future where every child has a safe, well-supported classroom,

where teachers have the tools they need, where school staff are valued, where infrastructure

meets demand, where education is not just a great equalizer but the great priority.

That future is not reflected in Bill 5.

When we talk about keeping British Columbia moving, we’re talking about more than

just roads and rails. We are talking about a network of people, industries and infrastructure

that connects every corner of this province, from the Lower Mainland to the northeast,

from the Interior to Vancouver Island. If we’re serious about affordability, about

competitiveness, about climate adaptation and rural equity, then transportation must

be part of the conversation.

What role does transportation play in Bill 5? Almost none.

Let’s begin with the trucking and logistics sector. These are the people who ensure

that our grocery stores stay stocked, our supply chains flow and our economy functions.

They’re not looking for handouts, but they are looking for fairness.

Diesel prices have gone through the roof. Maintenance and insurance costs are climbing.

These costs hit independent operators and family-run logistics firms the hardest,

especially in rural and remote regions where long-haul routes aren’t optional. They’re

essential.

Bill 5 could have included a fuel tax rebate for haulers. It could have created a

credit for fleet electrification or even a modest deduction for remote logistics operations.

But none of that is here. There is not one tax measure in this bill that acknowledges

the costs facing the transportation sector or the risks to affordability if that sector

collapses under pressure.

Let’s not forget: when it costs more to move goods, it costs more to buy them. So

this is not just a trucking issue. It’s a cost-of-living issue for every British Columbian.

The impact is felt at the checkout line, at the construction site and at every small

business that depends on reliable, affordable shipping.

Now let’s look at rural and regional transportation. The gaps are even more glaring.

There is no fuel relief for rural drivers, no rebate for families who live in communities

without public transit and must rely on personal vehicles for work, school or medical

appointments. There is no support for rural transit operators, no renewed funding

for intercity bus services, no tax incentives for regional transportation infrastructure.

In some parts of the province, transit is a distant dream. In others, it’s in crisis.

Communities across the North and the Kootenays still feel the impact of Greyhound’s

departure. Meanwhile, the cost of maintaining local services keeps rising, and this

government offers no help.

Where is the rebate for people who spend hours on the road just to access basic services?

Where is the support for seniors who need to travel for specialist appointments but

have no transit option? Where is the relief for communities that depend on regional

transit for economic development and workforce mobility? There is none.

Even urban transportation receives only vague promises in Bill 5, with no clear tax

mechanisms to back them up. Where is the expansion of the West Coast Express? Where

is the SkyTrain extension to UBC? Where is the promised freeze on ICBC premiums?

There is also no tax relief for transit operators, no measures to support driver recruitment

or retention and no incentives to improve reliability, expand service hours or lower

fares. And for a government that talks endlessly about climate change and reducing

vehicle emissions, the absence of even a basic green transportation incentive is hard

to ignore. They say they want fewer cars on the road but offer nothing to make that

goal possible.

Let’s also talk about highways. Our roads in the North, the Interior and the East

Kootenays are deteriorating rapidly — potholes, washouts, unstable shoulders. These

aren’t nuisances. They’re hazards, and they’re everywhere, like at the corner of Highway

33 and Rutland Road.

[3:20 p.m.]

Industries in forestry, mining and agriculture depend on well-maintained roads. So

do First Nations communities, health services and emergency responders. Yet there

is no tax mechanism in this bill to fund improvements or maintenance, not even a targeted

credit or incentive for regional partnerships to repair critical corridors.

The government has also failed to mention commuter rail expansion through the Fraser

Valley or to Whistler and Pemberton, despite rising demand and repeated calls from

local leaders.

The taxi industry — left out entirely. No review of the outdated rate structure. No

tax relief for owner-operators. No assistance for vehicle electrification.

What does this all add up to? It adds up to a transportation sector under pressure

from all sides and a government unwilling to offer even the most basic tools to ease

that pressure. This bill could have been an opportunity to create fairness for rural

drivers, to stabilize goods movement, to expand clean transit, to improve affordability.

Instead, it reinforces the gap between the priorities of this government and the lived

realities of people across this province.

Bill 5 is a missed opportunity to build resilience, equity and efficiency into our

transportation. We all know what happens when you let roads crumble and costs climb.

People get stuck, and economies grind to a halt. That’s the future Bill 5 is steering

us toward.

Across every sector, Bill 5 tells the same story — promises made and promises broken.

Let’s walk through the commitments the NDP government made in its 2025 throne speech,

the grand vision they laid out for B.C., because what this bill shows us is how little

of that vision has been realized and how far they’ve drifted from the needs of everyday

people.

Start with health care. The Premier stood in front of cameras and pledged new community

clinics in every riding. He promised better access to family doctors and nurse practitioners.

He said travel assistance would expand for patients needing care outside their home

communities. There were commitments to build a second Red Fish Healing Centre and

address nurse-to-patient ratios.

But Bill 5 is silent on all of that. No tax incentives for clinic expansion. No funds

to support rural or remote medical access. No hiring credit for health professionals.

No rebate or subsidy for travel or medication. ER closures continue. Wait times grow.

And this bill has nothing to offer patients or providers.

In housing, the government pledged to expand modular and factory built housing, support

small landlords with subsidized insurance and prioritize public land for affordable

housing. None of it appears in Bill 5. The Premier also promised expansion of HEARTH,

temporary housing for homeless encampments. That too is missing. There is no delivery

mechanism here, no funding structure, just empty rhetoric. A house built on sand.

In public safety, British Columbians were promised tougher hate crime laws, reforms

to the Police Act and better tools for law enforcement. What does Bill 5 include to

support those priorities? Nothing. No funding for justice system modernization. No

tax credits for community safety initiatives. No support for the people on the front

lines.

Even in education and child care, where the promises were loudest, the bill is quietest.

They said $500 million for affordable child care, meals for every child in school,

a counsellor in every public school, upgraded electrical school buses, every K-to-3

classroom staffed with an education assistant. But those promises simply evaporated.

There are no child care tax credits, no incentives for school construction, no retention

supports for EAs, nothing in this bill to deliver on those commitments.

In energy and environment, British Columbians were told to expect a bold plan — renewable

energy, wind farms, conservation funding, trails and park investments. But the only

mention of energy in this budget is that B.C. Hydro is skipping the environmental

assessment process for select wind projects, a dangerous precedent and not the transparent

green transition people were promised. There is no funding for salmon restoration,

no plan to protect 30 percent of land and water by 2030 and not one tax credit to

support conservation or sustainable energy adoption at the household or business level.

Across all those sectors — health, housing, justice, education, infrastructure, environment

— there is a common thread. Bill 5 offers no tools to bring those big promises to

life.

[3:25 p.m.]

Whether we as opposition agree or disagree with those promises, we do want to see

a plan. We do want to see financial tools that substantiate the reality this government

is trying to paint.

This government has a habit of confusing press releases for policy. They make splashy

announcements. They hold photo ops. But when it’s time to actually govern, when it’s

time to legislate, they go quiet. And they complain when they’re asked to know their

files, know their numbers, know their math. This bill is not about building a better

British Columbia. It’s about maintaining the illusion of action without the accountability

that action requires.

Let’s not forget the final, central failure of this bill — the deficit. Bill 5 amends

the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act to allow deficit spending until

2028, not because of a pandemic, not because of a war, but because this government

can’t control its own spending and refuses to make the tough decisions that leadership

demands.

Instead of charting a course back to balance, they’re legislating their own excuses.

They’re saying to British Columbians: “We’re going to keep borrowing, going to keep

spending, and we’re going to leave your children with the bill.” That’s not responsible.

It’s reckless.

I want to close by returning to what this bill could have been. It could have helped

families with a grocery rebate. It could have offered tax relief to small businesses.

It could have supported trades, farmers, truckers and teachers. It could have made

life a little easier for seniors, people with disabilities and survivors of violence.

It could have delivered on the promises this government made to voters less than a

year ago. But it didn’t. Instead, it delivers more of the same: higher deficits, more

excuses and nothing for the people who need help the most.

Budgets are about priorities. Taxes are about choices. And this government has made

its choices clear. They’ve chosen bureaucracy over people, central control over community

empowerment, political optics over practical solutions. British Columbians are tired

of it after eight years.

I’ll be voting against Bill 5 not out of partisanship but out of principle, because

British Columbians deserve a government that listens, that delivers and that respects

their money and their trust.

They deserve better than this bill.

Hon. Brittny Anderson : I seek leave to make an introduction.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Brittny Anderson : I just noticed up in the gallery today that we have visitors, and I do believe that

they’re from the work-able internship program with Jeremy Scott.

I note that they are accompanied by service animals and an ALS interpreter. That seems

like a very special internship program.

I do hope that everyone that is in the House right now will make them feel very welcome.

Thank you so much for visiting with us today.

Debate Continued

Jody Toor : As the elected representative for the people of Langley-Willowbrook, I am truly honoured

to rise in this chamber today to speak on a matter of serious concern: Bill 5, the

Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2025.

Today marks yet another critical moment for our province as we confront the realities

of Bill 5, which relates to our current budget, our tax system and a government that

continues to fall short of the challenges British Columbians face every day.

Let’s be clear. Bill 5 cannot be examined in a vacuum. It is not just another piece

of routine legislation to be rubber-stamped and set aside. It is, in fact, the legislative

mechanism that translates this government’s budget into a real-world action.

[3:30 p.m.]

Every clause, every amendment and every decision embedded in this bill reflects the

priorities, or the lack thereof, that define this government’s fiscal blueprint.

Bill 5 also, at its core, is just another tax bill, but what makes it so concerning

is the role it plays in deciding who gets help and who doesn’t. It lays the foundation

for determining which British Columbians receive relief and which sectors benefit.

It’s not a neutral instrument. It’s a policy filter, a structure for picking and choosing

where support is directed and where it is withheld.

In a province struggling under the weight of affordability, this matters. Relief is

not a theoretical concept. It’s the difference between stability and the crisis for

families, workers and businesses. And when government chooses to withhold relief from

those who need it most, that choice has real-life consequences.

The reality is that the relief can change everything for someone. For example, consider

a mother at a grocery store. She is choosing between yogurt or cereal, both of which

her kids are asking for, but she can only afford one. She is not deciding based on

nutrition or preference or even sale price. She is deciding based on survival. She

has to explain to her children again why they can’t have both.

Relief also means something to business owners down the street. The one who started

her café a decade ago — she’s not looking for handouts; she’s just trying to stay

open. Her margins have been eroded by the inflation, insurance hikes, higher rent

and increased food costs. Her accountant tells her she’s operating in the red, and

she’s now asking herself whether she can keep the doors open for another month or

if she has to call it quits.

It’s not just small businesses. Larger employers and ones who provide hundreds of

local jobs are reviewing spreadsheets, comparing operations across their businesses

and asking whether it makes financial sense to stay in British Columbia at all.

That’s why relief matters, and that’s why the decisions baked into Bill 5 carry so

much weight. This bill, whether intentionally or through oversight, decides who gets

access to meaningful support or who is left to fend for themselves.

Equally important is the other side of this: taxation. Bill 5 also determines who

gets taxed and who doesn’t. It is not just a revenue mechanism. It is a reflection

of government priorities.

It influences the same. Mothers’ decisions at the grocery store…. If transportation

taxes go up, so do food costs. If EV taxes go up, the family considering a used electric

car has to delay that decision again. If carbon levies remain in place, heating the

home in the winter becomes a bigger financial strain.

Every layer of tax is passed down, built up and eventually lands in the same place:

on the shoulders of the average household. It all compounds, it adds up, and when

it does, it forces parents, and particularly single parents, to begin subtracting

from their already thin budgets. First go the outings, then fresh produce, and then

medicines get stretched, skipped or rationalized. All of this is happening while this

government claims to be delivering affordability.

Let’s talk about the worker in this province, the one who earns a modest, reliable

wage but can no longer afford to live anywhere near their place of work. They’ve moved

outside of the urban core. Maybe they’ve settled in a rural area or in a smaller town

an hour or two away, but they still need to commute. What do they have to face? Rising

fuel costs, parking taxes and transit fees, all of which are worsened by taxation

policies within this bill.

These aren’t wealthy people. They’re tradespeople, care aides, retail staff and contractors.

They’re doing everything right, yet they’re being taxed for the privilege of getting

to work.

We are not in a stable economic environment. We are in a fragile one. People are not

thriving; they’re enduring. Any increase in taxation on those already stretched thin

must be approached with accuracy. It must be calculated. It must be tempered, strategic

and sensitive to the lived experiences of British Columbians.

But what Bill 5 offers is the opposite. It offers a generic application of policy,

rising costs on people with no margins left. That is not strategic. It is not responsible,

and it’s not justified.

[3:35 p.m.]

Then there’s a third layer. Who gets exempted? Bill 5 in its structure also defines

who gets to opt out, who for whatever reason is not expected to contribute. Who are

these individuals or groups? Why were they chosen? What criteria were applied? There

is very little transparency, and when decisions around taxation are made without transparency,

fairness becomes impossible to verify.

There is no doubt that taxation in principle is essential. We need shared revenue

to fund public goods. But taxation must be rooted in equality. It must reflect a shared

burden. A mother working two jobs to feed her children should not be paying the same

percentage of her income in comparison to taxes of corporations that benefit from

subsidies and exemptions. That is not balance. That is a policy failure.

We have seen time and again in this province that those with the most powerful voices

or the deepest connections are often the ones who end up avoiding the rules. Whether

it’s large-scale property holders, vacancy taxes or niche industries receiving tax

breaks that others don’t, the pattern is predictable and deeply unfair.

When governments design policies like this behind closed doors, through dense legislative

clauses, and the public has little time to review, these erode trust. People begin

to believe that it doesn’t matter how hard they work, how much they sacrifice or how

carefully they follow the rules, because the rules, they believe, are only applied

to some.

That’s what makes Bill 5 so problematic. It’s not just about raising a fee here or

cutting a break there. It’s about how those decisions are made and who benefits from

them. This bill gives us a window into this government’s priorities, and from what

we can see, these priorities are not aligned with people who need help the most.

What we see is a product presented for the public by the government, filled with gimmicks,

minor tweaks and a handful of tax changes, many of which appear to be tailored for

the government’s preferred industries, like film and digital media. Meanwhile, core

sectors like health care, housing, education, small business support are once again

treated as an afterthought.

To understand Bill 5, we must also scrutinize the budget that it is built upon, because

you simply cannot analyze the ingredients without first understanding the recipe.

What we’ve been handed is a recipe for instability, for deeper debt and for growing

costs that will land squarely on the backs of British Columbians. Let’s call this

what it is: a reactive, toll-tested strategy dressed up as responsible governance.

But British Columbians see through it. It’s a missed opportunity.

Another concerning part of this bill is the fact that government used Bill 5 to extend

deficits. The government wants to normalize the fact that it is operating with an

alarming deficit. We should not have been in this place in the first place. Now we

are forced to make up for the massive number. That’s not fair to the people. The people

should not suffer for government fiscal responsibility, poor planning.

Another deeply concerning aspect of this bill is the way the government is using Bill

5 to quietly extend and normalize record deficits. Buried within the fine print is

a quiet acceptance of long-term deficit spending as a new standard, as if it’s just

the cost of doing business. That is not acceptable.

A deficit of this magnitude should be a red flag, not a footnote. It should be a warning

sign that triggers action, not something brushed aside with vague assurance and a

political spin. The government wants British Columbians to believe that operating

a blooming multi-million-dollar deficit is somehow reasonable or even unavoidable,

but it’s not.

We should not be in this position. We should have not been here in the first place.

A responsible government should have planned ahead. We should have built buffers during

years of economic growth. We would have experienced discipline when revenues were

high and interest rates were low, but instead, this government spent without a long-term

plan, launched unfunded programs and failed to prepare for even the most foreseeable

challenges.

Now, instead of taking responsibility, they are passing the cost down the line. Bill

5 effectively formalizes that failure. It codifies the consequences of mismanagement,

and it asks British Columbians to accept them as normal. But we must not, because

the people of this province should not be made to suffer for government missteps.

They should not be handed the bill of poor discipline, poor foresight and poor execution.

[3:40 p.m.]

When deficits become normalized so does the erosion of public service — delayed infrastructure

projects, higher borrowing costs and demolished future opportunities.

Every year we run a deficit like this, we’re borrowing against the future of our children.

We are saying that today’s political convenience is more important than tomorrow’s

stability. That is not leadership. That is short term disguised as progression. We

on the other side of the House refuse to accept that frame. British Columbians deserve

a government that plans ahead, not one that stumbles into crisis after crisis and

calls it resilience.

Bill 5 doesn’t just contain numbers; it contains value. In that case, those values

are clear: pass the burden to the taxpayer, protect the politician brand and hope

no one asks too many questions. Well, we are asking, and what we’re seeing is a government

that failed to exercise basic responsibility, and it is now embedding that failure

into law. We cannot and will not support that. British Columbians deserve better.

The central problem is that Bill 5 is attached to a budget that has already been discredited.

It is outdated, is inaccurate and is now fundamentally misaligned with the economic

reality we’re facing. No wonder more and more British Columbians and, indeed, members

of this very own chamber are referring to it as a fudge-it budget.

Why? Because when the Minister of Finance stood in this House to present the budget,

she did so while knowing full well that two credit downgrades were looming. These

weren’t surprises that came out of nowhere. They were warnings — predictable, preventable

and entirely ignored by this government.

Let’s be crystal-clear about what those credit downgrades mean. They’re not just symbolic.

They’re not just technical terms in a financial report. They are direct reflections

of a collapsing confidence in this government’s ability to manage our province’s economy.

Two credit downgrades mean everything in British Columbia is about to become more

expensive. It means our borrowing costs will rise dramatically, eating into public

resources that should be going towards schools, hospitals and housing. It means that

already unsustainable deficits will bloom further without a roadmap for recovery.

It means taxpayers will be left footing the bill for political short-sightedness and

neglected.

We now have respected institutes like Moody’s projecting serious long-term risk for

British Columbians. Moody’s now projects that this government’s deficit will hit an

astonishing $14.3 billion. This should have triggered an urgent course correction.

In fact, both credit rating agencies now expect this government to be downgraded again.

Let that sink in. This government is on track for another downgrade. If we were receiving

a performance report card, we would be failing. The public sees it, the market sees

it, and now the rating agencies are spelling it out in plain terms.

Instead, the government chose to plow ahead with business as usual, brushing aside

warnings as though they were inconvenient background noise rather than red flags screaming

for action. This isn’t just poor budgeting. It’s dishonest governing. Promising stability

while knowing instability is on the horizon is not just irresponsible; it’s unacceptable.

British Columbians deserve honesty. They deserve clarity. Above all, they deserve

leadership that puts people before politics.

Bill 5 is the legislative expression of a budget built on shaky ground. It carries

forward not just the policies but the priorities and assumptions of a government that

has lost its way. And if passed without critical examination, it risks compounding

the very problems it pretends to address.

This government continues to behave as though British Columbians can’t see what’s

happening. But they do. They feel it every day in their mortgage payments, in their

grocery bills, in their gas tanks and in the declining quality of public service they

rely on. They are paying the price for this government’s refusal to act with foresight

and responsibility. So let us not treat Bill 5 as a formality. Let us treat it for

what it is — a test of this House’s willingness to stand up for financial transparency,

integrity and for the long-term prosperity of this province.

Despite all of this, the opposition continues to do our job. We spent hours, countless

hours, in budget estimates, scrutinizing numbers line by line, asking critical questions,

pressing for transparency. But how can we meaningfully review a plan when we don’t

even know if the numbers we’re analyzing are still valid?

[3:45 p.m.]

This is not just a matter of legislative housekeeping; it’s a question of financial

integrity. We are still waiting to find out whether the government plans to increase

the debt or if we’ll be cutting services to plug their growing fiscal hole. We need

to know, but most importantly, the public deserves to know.

British Columbians have a right to understand the real state of our province’s finances

and what it means for their hospitals, their schools, their taxes and their futures.

Instead, all they’ve been given is a moving target, a budget built on shifting numbers,

shaky assumptions and, apparently, very little honesty.

The hard truth is that this province is facing many crises, and one of the most pressing

is our overstretched, under-resourced health care system. Emergency rooms are closing,

wait times are growing, health care workers are burnt out, and British Columbians

are paying the price.

Now with the news of two credit downgrades, the cost of addressing these failures

has only gone up. The government’s mismanagement of finances isn’t just a political

problem; it’s a health care problem. Every delayed investment, every hike in borrowing

costs means fewer dollars available for hospitals, long-term care facilities and critical

staff recruitment.

One of the biggest needs in both the township and the city of Langley is long-term

care for the elders who live in our community. But tell me, where do we find the word

“senior” in the budget? Can you please point it out for me? You probably can’t, because

it’s not in there. This government has forgotten about seniors.

Deputy Speaker : Member.

Jody Toor : Bill 5 doesn’t give home retrofit or mobility credits, no fixed income relief, no

expansion to shelter aid or tax derails.

The Langley Care Society has operated the Langley Lodge for the past 50 years and

cares for 139 seniors. Right now there is a waiting list of upwards of one year for

people seeking care in our community. How will Bill 5 support them? How will it support all seniors in my riding? How will it support

all seniors in our province?

These deficits will also affect our schools. In communities like mine, kids are still

learning in portables year after year, class after class, with no end in sight. Capital

investments to build permanent classrooms to improve school infrastructure and to

meet the needs of growing districts all depend on stable, affordable borrowing.

But now every dollar spent on interest is a dollar taken away from students and families.

These credit downgrades don’t just damage the government’s credibility; they damage

our ability to deliver timely, effective public services. It’s British Columbians

who are left to carry the cost.

It wasn’t so long ago — October 9 of last year, to be exact — that the Premier promised

every family in British Columbia a grocery rebate, a middle-class tax cut. I quote

the Premier’s words, just uttered about six months ago. He said: “It’s really tough

out there for families, who have been hit hard by rising costs every day, essentials

like groceries.” Said Mr. Premier: “Under our plan, families will get more support,

and you’ll get it right away.”

The Premier was very specific about all the help he would give B.C. families, how

much help he would give a nurse and a construction worker making $90,000 and $70,000,

renting a two-bedroom apartment in Terrace. It would be $4,000 between now and 2028.

A couple each making $75,000, renting a two-bedroom apartment in Duncan, would get

$4,000. Three roommates renting a three-bedroom apartment in Vancouver would get $6,000

between now and 2028.

All of those very specific promises…

[The bells were rung.]

Deputy Speaker : Just hold on for a moment, Member.

Thank you very much.

Jody Toor : …of immediate and generous relief, of support for working people in British Columbia

to buy their groceries between now and 2028…. All those promises are speedy, immediate

relief. They all turned out to be lies.

While British Columbians were waiting for that….

Deputy Speaker : Member, I’m just going to caution against the word “lies.”

Jody Toor : They were dishonest.

Deputy Speaker : Or “dishonest,” frankly.

Jody Toor : Sorry, Mr. Speaker.

While British Columbians were waiting for that relief, this government found time

to include a tax cut for film industry — a tax cut they had refused for years, until

the current Finance Minister, the former head of DigiBC, took the job. It’s not about

supporting families. It’s about rewarding insiders.

[3:50 p.m.]

At the same time, this bill hikes parking taxes in Metro Vancouver while everyday

people are $200 away from missing a payment. This government is handing out $1,000-a-day

contracts and saying British Columbians don’t pay enough to park.

I don’t know about you, Mr. Speaker, but I’ve never heard anyone complain that parking

was too affordable.

The government has also promised tax hikes on EV cars, also increasing the issues

of affordability. Electric vehicles will now be much more expensive. This is the government

that says more people should drive electric cars.

What we are seeing here today is, unfortunately, no surprise. It’s exactly what we’ve

come to expect from a government that is desperately trying to cover up the massive

black hole of debt it alone has created through years of reckless overspending and

economic mismanagement. This is a government that makes short-term decisions with

long-term consequences, one that governs by polling data and press releases rather

than by principle and planning. And now we’re all paying the price.

British Columbians deserve better. The workers of this province, the families who

build our communities and the younger people trying to build a future here all deserve

better. Bill 5 fails every opportunity to deliver affordability to support seniors,

to help small businesses, to support our farmers, our families.

They deserve a government that is laser-focused on growing and strengthening our economy,

not shrinking it through excessive taxation and discipline regulation. They deserve

a government that is committed to creating jobs and retaining them, not destroying

them or forcing employers to pack up and leave for more suitable areas. They deserve

a government that believes in responsible, balanced spending, not that continuously

doubles and triples our public debt while offering no credible plan to bring that

debt under control.

We deserve a Premier and a Minister of Finance who take the health of this province

seriously, who don’t just shrug their shoulders when international credit-rating agencies

downgrade our credit not once, but twice. These downgrades aren’t just embarrassing.

They’re flashing red lights at investors, employers and families. They’re a clear

signal that this government is steering our economy in the wrong direction.

We deserve a government that recognizes the magnitude of the problem, that understands

the urgency of the moment and that puts forward a serious, thoughtful and credible

plan to address the damage. Instead, what do we get? A government that dismisses every

warning sign, that defaults responsibility, that clings to spin instead of substance

and hopes that no one will notice the mess it has created behind closed doors.

On this side of the House, we are committed to cutting the tax burden that is crushing

working families. We are committed to reducing the cost of living, not with band-aid

rebates but with structural changes that put more money back in people’s pockets.

Bill 5 does not provide support to offset the impact of the carbon tax. We ran on

a clean, principled platform to eliminate carbon tax in full, not just shave the edges

when it becomes politically inconvenient. And what happened after years of ignoring

calls for relief, after years of punishing working families and small businesses?

This NDP government finally blinked. But the job is far from finished, because while

they have tinkled one side of the carbon tax, the industrial carbon tax remains intact.

It continues to cause serious damage.

The people bearing the brunt of the burden aren’t the ones in the Premier’s office

or in the minister’s press briefings. They’re farmers, truckers, small business owners,

people just trying to make ends meet. Ultimately, it’s everyday consumers who pay

the price every time they shop, ship or fill their gas tanks. These costs don’t just

vanish. They exceed and they compound, and they are making life harder for people

who are already stretched to the breaking point.

This government has developed a dangerous habit, one that British Columbians are beginning

to recognize all too clearly. It is a habit of governing by reaction. British Columbians

need a government that is proactive, not reactive, which Bill 5 is a clear example

of, a government that is honest with the public — and does not just hide.

Yes, this government must now know the consequences of its actions, which Bill 5 completely

invades, because the damage is real. The housing crisis, the health care crisis, the

affordability crisis, the crisis of public trust — they aren’t all inherited. Many

were created or made worse by decisions made right here in this chamber.

[3:55 p.m.]

Bill 5 is not just flawed. It’s harmful, it reinforces unfairness, and it misses the

mark. It fails to protect those who need protection most. It sends a clear message

to British Columbians. If you’re not already ahead, this government is going to help

you catch up.

That’s why we cannot support Bill 5. Not because we oppose taxation, but because we

believe in fairness, because we believe in good governance and because we believe

that in time of economic instability, government should be lifting people up, not

pushing them further down.

Today and every day I will continue to fight for that future, a future built on prosperity,

growth and opportunity; a future where government is a partner, not a problem; a future

where British Columbians lead again.

Deputy Speaker : Minister of Finance.

Point of Order

Hon. Brenda Bailey : Thank you, hon. Chair. I’d like to make a point of order.

I heard the member opposite use the word “lie” and then correct it with “dishonest,”

which really is the same word. I’d like the member to withdraw that comment, please.

Jody Toor : I withdraw.

Deputy Speaker : Thank you very much.

Hon. Jagrup Brar : I would like to seek leave to make an introduction.

Leave granted.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Jagrup Brar : Once again on behalf of my colleague the MLA for Surrey-Newton, I would like to welcome

these beautiful students of grade 5 and grade 6 from École Gabrielle-Roy, a Surrey-Newton

school. They’re here to visit this beautiful House, at the same time to see the House

in action.

At this point in time, we are debating a bill, Bill 5, which is about a budget. On

the other side, there’s opposition. This side is the government. Each MLA can speak

for half an hour about that bill, so that’s what’s going on right now.

They’re joined by teacher Jeffrey Mathurin.

I will ask the members to please make them feel welcome.

Deputy Speaker : Welcome.

Speaker’s Statement

Unparliamentary Language

Deputy Speaker : I just want to make a quick comment with respect to the comments the Minister of Finance

just said. I did attempt to try to correct the second “dishonest” term.

I agree with the Minister of Finance. This Chair won’t accept lying or dishonesty

or any kind of allegation of that, and I would appreciate if members would stay away

from that kind of language in this chamber.

Now, recognizing for Bill 5 debate, the member for West Kelowna–Peachland.

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 5 — Budget Measures

Implementation Act, 2025

(continued)

Macklin McCall : Bill 5 is a lengthy piece of legislation amending numerous statutes to implement

the NDP’s budget. Within its clauses, there are telling examples of this government’s

flawed priorities and scrambled decision-making.

Allow me to target and dissect a few specific clauses that highlight the fiscal weakness

and dubious choices in this bill. By examining these in detail, we can see how the

NDP’s budget choices will affect hard-working British Columbians and why those choices

are the wrong ones.

One of the much-touted measures in Budget 2025 is a change to the speculation and

vacancy tax presented as helping regular folks. Bill 5 contains a clause that doubles

the annual tax credit for B.C. residents under the speculation tax from $2,000 to

$4,000. On the surface, that sounds like a gift to homeowners. In reality, it is a

gimmick that underscores this government’s lack of a serious housing plan.

Let’s unpack this. The speculation tax was meant to pressure owners of empty homes

and foreign investors, ostensibly to free up housing. But after years of this tax

in action, British Columbians are still facing an affordability crisis and a shortage

of available homes.

Now, faced with mounting criticism, the NDP’s answer is to hike the credit for locals,

which conveniently arrives right before an election.

[4:00 p.m.]

This clause is essentially an admission that their original tax was overbroad, snagging

ordinary British Columbians, like those with small cabins or family properties in

its net. So they raised the credit to ease the pain. But by doing this now, in 2025,

it’s too little, too late for many. It took years of complaints for this government

to act.

Meanwhile, this tax policy did nothing to make housing more affordable. Vacancy rates

remain low, rents and home prices remain high, and people continue to leave the province

in search of attainable housing.

Doubling the credit is a band-aid on a bullet wound. It might stop a bit of bleeding;

but it doesn’t heal the injury. It certainly won’t suddenly make housing affordable

for young families. More importantly, in a budget drowning in red ink, this move actually

reduces revenue. Yes, the government found a way to both claim credit for helping

citizens and quietly take a hit to the treasury, thereby deepening the deficit just

a little more, all for a short-term political win. How is that responsible?

The speculation tax was flawed. Fix it properly or scrap it. If housing is unaffordable,

address supply and zoning and interest rates. But this half-measure of a credit increase

has the feel of a pre-election rebate cheque, not genuine reform.

British Columbians see through such gimmicks. We know when we’re being bought with

our own money. Clause by clause, Bill 5 tries to paper over policy failures with cash

giveaways; but it can’t hide the lack of a real plan for housing or fiscal balance.

Additionally, buried in Bill 5 is another telling detail: an exemption under the speculation

and vacancy tax for a specific high-end resort area, Predator Ridge in Vernon. Imagine

that. While regular folks in cities were dealing with break-ins and high rents, the

government was busy ensuring a luxury resort’s wealthy owners get a tax break on their

empty vacation properties. This smacks of skewed priorities.

The NDP government will cut a sweet deal for a select few, but where is the relief

for the average renter in Surrey or the young family trying to buy their first condo

in Kamloops? This selective change shows who gets attention in an NDP budget, and

it’s not ordinary working families. It’s yet another clue that Bill 5 is more about

politics than good policy.

In sum, the clauses amending the speculation tax reveal poor budget planning in two

ways: they concede a failed policy by dulling its edges, and they shrink revenues

when we can least afford it.

A strong, fiscally sound plan would not rely on fiddling with such taxes at the margins

to claim progress. It would tackle root causes of our housing and affordability issues.

A conservative approach would prioritize increasing housing supply and reducing unnecessary

taxation, not twirling the dials on a tax and credit scheme and hoping for applause.

British Columbians deserve real solutions, not political sleight of hand.

While the government is busy giving modest tax credits with one hand, it’s reaching

into British Columbians’ pockets with the other. Bill 5 includes a clause that raises

the maximum tax rate on parking rights in the Metro Vancouver region from 24 percent

to a whopping 29 percent.

Most people might not immediately recognize what that means. So let me put it plainly.

This bill quietly authorizes TransLink to hike the parking tax that is applied every

time you park your car in Greater Vancouver. That’s a potential 5 percent jump in

the cost of parking at malls, work, hospitals, anywhere a fee is charged. This is

effectively a sneaky tax hike on commuters and families, included in a budget bill

with little fanfare.

[4:05 p.m.]

Why is the government doing this? Because they are desperate for every dollar, and

rather than tighten their own belt, they’d rather empty your wallet. Instead of finding

savings in a bloated bureaucracy or prioritizing spending, they choose to allow an

almost 21 percent increase in a tax that many working people pay daily.

This is how poor planning manifests, as a punitive measure on the public after the

government mismanages its finances. They may not boast about this in press releases,

but you can be sure you’ll notice it when you get the parking stub on your windshield.

Consider the timing. Businesses are still recovering from the pandemic. Workers are

being called back to offices, and many people have no realistic transit alternative

for all their trips. What does the NDP do? Make it more expensive to drive and park.

It’s as if they are oblivious to the challenges of anyone outside their bubble. A

parent driving kids to school and then heading to work will feel this. A senior who

has to visit a specialist in Vancouver and park near the clinic will feel this. Small

businesses that need customers to have easy and affordable parking will feel this.

It’s essentially a tax on mobility and daily life, introduced at the worst possible

time.

Moreover, this clause indicates zero creativity from the government. Need money for

TransLink or municipal projects? Instead of kick-starting the economy or encouraging

growth to raise revenue organically, just hike a tax. It’s a lazy and harmful solution.

TransLink’s funding challenges are real, but hitting drivers with a higher parking

tax, especially without improvements in services or alternatives, is unjust. Many

will ask: “Where is this money going? Will it actually improve transportation or just

vanish into the void of general revenue to fill the