1985 Legislative Session: 3rd Session, 33rd Parliament

HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985

Afternoon Sitting

[ Page

5117 ]

CONTENTS

Speech from the Throne

Hon. R.G. Rogers, Lieutenant-Governor –– 5117

An Act To Perpetuate A Parliamentary Right (Bill 1). Hon. Mr. Smith.

Introduction and first reading –– 5121

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985

The House met at 2:04 p.m.

This being the first day of the third session of the thirty-third

Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the

dispatch of business, pursuant to the proclamation of the Hon. Robert

Gordon Rogers, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, hon. members took

their seats.

Prayers.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having

entered the House and being seated upon the throne, was pleased to

deliver the following gracious speech.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

HON. R.G. ROGERS (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and

members of the Legislative Assembly, on behalf of our Sovereign I would

like to extend greetings to you all on the opening of the third session

of the thirty-third parliament of British Columbia. I trust and pray

that the people of our province and their needs will remain in the

forefront of your thoughts and deliberations, and that all members of

this Assembly will strive during their service to work for the common

well-being of all British Columbians, and to ensure that their hopes,

dreams and aspirations are realized to the fullest extent possible.

As we gather here today, it is fitting that we pay tribute to the

passing of old and valued friends. All British Columbians were saddened

by the death of Major-General George Pearkes, a former representative

of Her Majesty in British Columbia, and one of British Columbia's most

distinguished citizens. The deep esteem in which General Pearkes was

held by his fellow British Columbians was evidenced by the thousands

who turned out to pay their respects at the state funeral.

The people of British Columbia also mourn the passing of Donald

Campbell, who served his constituency of Okanagan North and the

province with great dedication and enthusiasm; and of Arvid Lundell, a

member of this Legislative Assembly between 1949 and 1963.

We mourn, too, the death of the legendary Archie McKinnon, one of our truly great athletic heroes.

Today, the thoughts of all of us are with Steve Fonyo, our fellow

British Columbian who, in the tradition established by the late Terry

Fox, is demonstrating that courage, determination and a brave spirit

can overcome the most severe physical handicap.

During the past year, my government and the people of our province

were honoured to welcome many important visitors, including His

Holiness Pope John Paul II, whose visit was a unique inspirational

event, not only for people of the Roman Catholic faith, but for all

British Columbians.

I am pleased to make special note of the first official visit of

Governor-General Jeanne Sauvé to British Columbia, and trust it will be

only the first of many.

We also had the pleasure of hosting the King and Queen of Spain, the Prime

Minister of Thailand and many other important visitors from around the world.

We note, in particular, visits from the Pacific Rim, where we continue to strengthen

economic and cultural ties in nations such as Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand,

Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

In the coming year my government will deepen and broaden contacts

with other nations and peoples as we prepare to welcome the world to

Expo 86. A committee under my Minister of Intergovernmental Relations

will coordinate the many visits of heads of state and other foreign

guests to Canada's Pacific gateway. This committee will ensure that all

visitors, investors and countries participating in Expo leave with a

greater understanding of our people and of the potential of every

region of our province.

It pleases me greatly to note the successful conclusion of two

international negotiations. After many years of discussion, my

government's efforts culminated in the signing of a treaty between

Canada and the United States of America which will safeguard the

natural wonders of the Skagit Valley, while maintaining good relations

with our neighbours in Seattle.

In recent days, too, Canada and the United States have reached

agreement on the salmon fishery. I am advised that this agreement will

help ensure that our commercial and sports fishing industries have a

future in which they can trust. My government is hopeful that these two

agreements will establish a pattern in the coming years for even deeper

and broader contacts with our American neighbours in economic and

cultural matters.

British Columbians, having shared the adversity of the international

recession, are entitled to feel a quiet sense of optimism as our

province enters what promises to be a time of economic renewal over

this second half of the decade. Having restrained public sector costs,

thus preventing the buildup of massive debt and corresponding tax

increases, my government today has room to manoeuver to pursue its

number one priority, the creation of real, permanent jobs for British

Columbians.

As British Columbia continues to adjust and position itself within

the next global economy, our people will face new challenges and new

opportunities to work together for economic renewal. Our province, in

terms of its people, natural resources, fresh water and energy, has a

potential which is limitless. My government believes the road to

economic renewal will be paved by harnessing the skills and talents of

our people in a program of partnership for economic renewal. There are

no easy or instant answers to the economic difficulties we still face.

But my government will introduce a number of initiatives to expand

job opportunities in the private sector, to broaden British Columbia's

economic base, to attract new investments, to increase exports, to

train our young people for new opportunities, and to retrain those who

have been most affected by the international recession.

[2:15]

Economic growth in British Columbia is highly dependent on demand in

international markets for our products. Continuing low prices for our

natural resources have had serious effects on critical sectors such as

mining and forestry. These difficulties in our basic industries — the

traditional engine of our economy — have constrained growth in other

sectors and have reduced the revenues available to my government.

I am advised that our important forest industry continues to face

increasingly competitive markets for its products, and, as as result,

employment and earnings in the industry in 1984 remain significantly

below the pre-recession levels of the late 1970s. Demand in the U.S.

residential market for lumber remained relatively strong this past year

as United

[ Page 5118 ]

States housing starts increased slightly to

approximately 1.8 million units. I am advised that housing starts for

1985 are projected at a level equivalent to 1984.

Of major concern to British Columbia and Canada are attempts

underway in the important United States market to limit Canadian lumber

imports. My government will take whatever action is appropriate, in

conjunction with business, labour and the federal government, to ensure

that our access to this traditional market is retained and that quotas

are not imposed.

I am advised that, in spite of the sorely depressed market for some

minerals, the year 1984 saw an increase of 17 percent in the value of

solid minerals produced in British Columbia.

This past year saw another gratifying development: more than 19

million metric tonnes of coal were shipped to destinations in the

Pacific Rim, Europe, and other parts of North America. This represents

a 68 percent increase in shipments.

Despite these positive signs, low prices and depressed global

markets have had severe impacts on our most critical sectors — mining

and forestry. While British Columbia cannot affect the price of, and

demand for, the products of our mines and forests, I am advised that it

is in our power to control costs. To this end my government will

propose measures to facilitate a concrete partnership to restore jobs

that have been lost and to save jobs that may be threatened.

My government will appoint an independent commissioner to provide an

opportunity for interested parties to work together. The commissioner

of critical industries will recommend measures, and assist in

developing a partnership involving business, labour and government on

the basis of common and equal commitment. As part of this partnership

my government and its agencies stand ready to negotiate significant

relief measures to aid our critical industries in the areas of

taxation, transportation and energy costs.

My government is hopeful that strong federal leadership will assist

in bringing about economic renewal in our province through lower

interest rates and inflation in the months and years ahead.

Amendments to the Foreign Investment Review Act and changes to the

national energy program are important steps in the process of

convincing our friends, neighbours and trading partners that our

country is again interested in attracting investment, new development

and new employment.

I am advised that British Columbians now have strong representation

in the national cabinet and in its most important committees, and that

the diverse interests of our people will be promoted by a strong

government caucus in Ottawa.

I am also advised that a positive and constructive atmosphere

prevailed at the recent first ministers' conference on the economy, and

that there was a recognition that investment within and from outside

Canada is needed to help create jobs. As our province works in

partnership with the federal government, with British Columbia's

cabinet ministers and federal caucus, my government believes that a

fair allocation of federal dollars will be directed to British Columbia

in the key areas of forestry, agriculture, tourism, minerals, science

and technology and manpower training.

After a full-scale public hearing, in July 1984 the British Columbia

Utilities Commission recommended the southern route for the Vancouver

Island gas pipeline. The commission also determined the magnitude of

the federal contribution that would be required; this would represent

equitable treatment for British Columbia relative to the pipeline

constructed in Quebec and the Maritimes. My government will continue to

assist British Columbia's representatives in Ottawa to press ahead with

the federal government's commitment to the pipeline so as to ensure

that construction begins as soon as possible.

My government will continue to pursue the early resolution of the

question of offshore resources. A negotiated settlement of this long

outstanding issue could provide the impetus to economic development for

the benefit of both British Columbia and Canada.

I am advised that the western producing provinces and Canada are

actively involved in negotiations on energy-pricing and taxation

issues. My government views these negotiations as an excellent

opportunity to stimulate the important oil and gas industries in our

province.

I am advised that the immense potential of our food production

industry will be enhanced by specific marketing initiatives which my

government will undertake in cooperation with the private sector. These

initiatives are intended to capture significant markets here and

abroad, building towards an international food exhibition at Expo 86,

which will provide global exposure of our industry to new markets and

buyers from overseas.

The lower mainland's importance as a focal point for British

Columbia's increasing trade and commercial links with the Pacific Rim

will see my government intensify its efforts to develop a major

international financial centre.

The channelling of international capital into resource and

high-technology ventures in our province and elsewhere will continue to

receive major emphasis. I am advised that British Columbia industry is

already exploiting the leading edge of technology in underwater

exploration and satellite communication, and that the future

opportunities in the areas of biotechnology and mariculture are

significant. In this regard my government views the development of the

world's first rechargeable lithium batteries by Moli Energy Ltd. as an

excellent example of job-creating partnerships between our

universities, the private sector and agencies of government.

My Minister of Finance has undertaken a comprehensive review of

taxation in British Columbia and its effect on economic development.

Throughout the fall of 1984 extensive public hearings were conducted to

seek the opinions of British Columbians on the topic. More than 350

submissions were made in 27 communities. This extensive public input

will form the major underpinning of the plans my Minister of Finance

will present to this assembly.

In the weeks and months ahead, led by my first minister, members of

my government will travel across our province to communicate directly

with ordinary British Columbians, our private sector, labour and

management groups and local governments to put in place a program of

partnership for economic renewal. At the same time my Minister of

Municipal Affairs will offer to municipalities a program of partnership

for economic renewal at the local level. In broadening the partnership,

my government will harness the $2 billion a year purchasing power of

municipalities and other public sector bodies, including Crown

corporations, to create new opportunities for business and new jobs for

British Columbians.

My government recently established the new B.C. Lottery Corporation.

The coming year will see the hiring of more than 100 people from the

Kamloops area to staff the headquarters. With an annual payroll of more

than $3 million, the Lottery Corporation will be a significant addition

to the business community of Kamloops, and the purchasing power

[ Page

5119 ]

of the corporation will provide the foundation for the spinoff of new jobs and high-technology industries.

In the coming year my Minister of International Trade and Investment will launch

an intensive and aggressive campaign to expand exports and investment. As part

of this campaign my government will move to increase British Columbia's

presence in key markets by placing representatives in Canada's embassies

and consulates abroad. This initiative is viewed by my government as a very

high priority because of the importance of exports and investment to the provincial

economy, and in the coming year these efforts will be supplemented by trade

missions in which private sector participation will be encouraged.

Continued support will be extended to the Asia Pacific Foundation to

aid in its valuable activities to promote and strengthen economic and

cultural ties among British Columbia, Canada and the nations of the

Pacific Rim. Our drive to penetrate new markets for our exports and to

increase trade will be matched by our efforts to attract new industries

in order to create new employment for British Columbians.

Given the present trade orientation of our province and our

developing role in the Pacific economic community, my government will

introduce special measures to promote enterprise in British Columbia in

cooperation with the federal government.

In order to increase the attractiveness of our local communities as

places for new job-creating investments, my government will propose

measures to permit the negotiation of short- to medium-term discounts

for incremental electricity and longer-term electricity discounts to

encourage new investment.

An important factor in our province's drive to increase its exports

and attract new job-creating investment is the continued improvement in

labour-management relations in British Columbia. I am advised that

significant improvements have, in fact, taken place since 1981 and that

British Columbia's performance is improving steadily relative to other

provinces in Canada. My government attaches great importance to

demonstrating to our trading partners and potential investors a new

level of maturity and stability in industrial relations.

My government will continue to assess ways and means to improve

industrial relations. Toward this end, my Minister of Labour will

consult with ordinary British Columbians on the future of industrial

relations in our province.

My government will propose new measures to encourage ordinary

British Columbians to invest their savings in existing and new

businesses — particularly small business — and to help create new jobs.

To invest in the province's future and contribute to employment, my

government has already undertaken several major projects. Ports, rail

and highways are vital to our province's future, and I am advised that

significant advances have taken place in the shipment of coal and grain

from Prince Rupert, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Major initiatives such as Expo 86, the new Annacis bridge and the Coquihalla

Highway are by conservative estimates expected to create up to 25,000 jobs

between now and 1987. The Coquihalla Highway, I am advised, will provide a new

connection for visitors to Expo — including international investors — to travel

to the interior of our province and will provide new opportunities on the coast

for interior businesses and residents.

My government is committed to the development of tourism and looks

forward to welcoming new visitors to British Columbia during Expo 86. A

healthy tourism industry, with its heavy reliance on small business

entrepreneurs, will help provide jobs and employment opportunities for

British Columbians now and in the years ahead. During 1984, more than

12 million visitors traveled in British Columbia, spending more than

$2.2 billion. My Minister of Tourism will place increased emphasis on

three major goals: the continued increase of tourism revenues through

aggressive and effective marketing; the development of high-quality

tourist facilities and services to complement British Columbia's

stunning natural attributes; and the ongoing encouragement and

coordination of training programs to enhance the high standards of

service required for a truly effective and world-class tourism industry.

Expo 86 will be a benefit to all British Columbians. The world will

see British Columbia in a way which has never been the case before.

Investors in the key areas of transportation and communication will see

our province as a good place to live and a good place to locate and

create jobs. This $1.5 billion in expenditures will create a $4 billion

increase in economic activity in Canada, $3 billion of which will be in

British Columbia. Sixty-three thousand person-years of employment and

$1.3 billion in wages and salaries will result.

[2:30]

The spirit of Expo 86 will live on through a legacy of permanent

facilities and community benefits to be enjoyed by future generations

throughout the province. But my government believes our greatest

heritage will assuredly be the lasting spirit and reputation of having

shown the world that we can achieve great things together.

The reform of our legislative and democratic process is an ongoing

task. An enumeration of voters will be conducted in 1985 using computer

technology to update voter lists.

Regulatory reform is underway across all levels and in every

ministry of my government and ongoing efforts are being made to cut

government red tape and end bureaucratic roadblocks in order to produce

more cost-efficient and effective programs for the benefit of taxpayers.

My government believes that the family unit remains the cornerstone

of British Columbia's society. My Attorney-General will initiate a

number of reforms to strengthen, consolidate and update legislation in

areas of family law related to children and spouses.

The civil rights of children and women will be further protected

through measures designed to deal with the growing availability of

materials, particularly those related to sex and violence. I am advised

that law enforcement in British Columbia will be examined to determine

that the most effective and cost-efficient procedures are being

followed, and my Attorney-General will continue to view the reduction

of child abuse and wife assault as matters of high priority. In

addition, steps will be taken to bring provincial legislation into

conformity with the equality rights provisions of the Charter of Rights

and Freedoms, which come into effect on April 17, 1985.

The year 1985 marks the conclusion of the United Nations Decade for

Women. My government wishes to recognize the substantial and tangible

contribution women make to the economy and society of this province.

Many women in the public service have received special training and

instruction in career advancement, and my government intends to

continue this program in the coming year.

[ Page 5120 ]

My government continues to place its highest priority on the

maintenance of our excellent health care system. My Ministry of Health

will again receive the single largest spending allocation of all

government ministries — approximately one-third of the total provincial

budget.

My government's commitment to high-quality health care is

exemplified by the recent opening of the A. Maxwell Evans Clinic, which

offers 100 beds and a large ambulatory unit. The Cancer Control Agency

of B.C. now provides British Columbians with access to facilities and

services which are among the finest in the world.

I am advised that the hospitals and practitioners of British

Columbia are to be commended for maintaining high-quality essential

health services with only modest increases in expenditure. Improved

efficiency, reductions in duplication and restrained settlements have

all contributed to the maintenance of our excellent system.

In the area of higher education, my government is committed to

consultation and cooperation with the universities and the Universities

Council to promote excellence within a context of adjusting to changing

priorities. I am advised that our universities have made specific

commitments to review institutional academic priorities. My government

will provide special assistance to permit our universities to

strengthen areas of high priority and reduce areas of lesser priority.

Measures will be introduced to improve technological and vocational

training within the college system.

In 1985 — International Youth Year — my government will implement a new scholarship program to reward merit and achievement.

My government has strengthened its commitment to distance learning

by establishing the Open Learning Consortium. Through this consortium,

students can combine classroom and home study from member institutions

to obtain a degree, no matter where they live or their financial or

personal situation.

I am advised that the Knowledge Network has continued to improve the

quality of its educational programming and its coverage of the

province., Viewer ratings and correspondence confirm that it is highly

regarded as a valuable service by many residents.

The establishment of the science and engineering complex at the

University of Victoria and the new pulp and paper centre at the

University of British Columbia are prime examples of partnership in

economic renewal.

Employment training remains a high priority of my government. An

extension of the federal-provincial National Training Act has been

signed, and negotiations are being held with the federal government to

ensure that British Columbia's labour force is adequately trained to

meet future needs.

In keeping with my government's concern that young people find

summer employment, last year's successful job creation programs — the

Student Venture Capital program and the Jobs for Youth program — will

be continued.

In the field of public education, I'm pleased to report that

examinations and learning assessments show our young people are

performing well in critically important areas. My Minister of Education

will continue to discuss new directions and methods to bring about

further improvements.

In recognition of our increasingly technological society, my government is

proposing changes to high school graduation requirements that will place greater

emphasis on mathematics and science. My government believes that effective teaching

results in quality education, and I am advised that measures to reward teachers

who display outstanding ability will be considered.

My Minister of Education will consult with the community on the

future of our school system and will propose new measures for

consideration by members. My government's commitment to help the

disadvantaged, the handicapped and those British Columbians who

encountered difficulties as a result of the recession, was met in a

wide range of areas.

I am informed by my Minister of Human Resources that service levels

were maintained in all programs despite increased workloads. My

government commends the performance of the 79 non-profit societies

providing services to approximately 4,500 handicapped adults. All

British Columbians owe a particular debt of gratitude to the 4,000

foster families who care for the wards of the superintendent of family

and child services.

Combatting child abuse will continue to be a high priority for my

Minister of Human Resources. Increased public awareness of the

resources available for reporting suspected incidents of abuse or

neglect, such as the Helpline for Children, will be promoted. I am

advised that the staff of the ministry will continue to undergo

training in the crucial area of child protection.

My Minister of Environment, with sound environmental legislation now

in place, will continue to fulfil his mandate to protect and enhance

environmental quality in British Columbia.

Recent monitoring of air quality in the lower mainland has indicated

emerging problems associated with acid rain and high ozone levels. My

Minister of Environment will continue his cooperative program with the

other western provinces and with the State of Washington on acid rain,

and has initiated an ozone control program in the lower mainland.

Because of flood damage sustained last year at various locations

throughout the province, provision will be made for an enhanced diking

program this year.

The diverse cultural heritage of our province is an integral

component of the fabric of British Columbia society. My government will

propose a number of measures to further enhance British Columbia's

heritage.

My government is proud to report that British Columbia, a province

with 10 percent of Canada's population, sent 112 athletes — or 25

percent of the Canadian teams — to the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Nine of these athletes returned with gold medals, four with silver and

eight with bronze. In addition, nine British Columbia athletes competed

for Canada at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. In World Disabled Games

competitions our athletes won 21 gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze medals.

My government will add a new dimension to sports programs aimed at

increasing the number of B.C. athletes on the 1988 Olympic team. The

first phase of the program — B.C.'s Best Ever — will channel $1.6

million to six Winter Olympic sports, with the objective of doubling

the number of B.C. athletes on the Canadian team for the Calgary

Olympics. I am advised that the second phase will focus on summer

sports for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

Last year thousands of athletes competed in the B.C. Winter Games in

Fort St. John and the Summer Games in Burnaby. In 1985 about 275,000

British Columbians will be involved in playdowns leading to the games,

making it the largest participation program in North America. Osoyoos

and Oliver hosted the 1985 Winter Games last week, with

[ Page

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nearly 2,100 athletes competing. These two

communities, with a combined population of 4,500, provided 2,400

volunteers, working in a highly successful partnership. All British

Columbians can look forward to equally successful Summer Games in

Nanaimo, which will host more than 3,000 competitors in 1985.

Since they were initiated by my government in 1977, the B.C. Games

have been consistently successful because of the thousands of local

volunteers in the host communities, and my government wishes to pay

tribute to them for their efforts.

My government believes in the power and potential of individuals. It

is their initiative, their effort and their creativity that have made

our country and our province great.

Hon. members, you are now poised to embark on a significant and

challenging session. British Columbians, in every corner of our

province, will watch and follow your activities and decisions with

close interest as you work to bring about economic renewal. With the

leadership provided by my government, our people have come through our

most testing times together. I am confident that you will overcome our

economic difficulties and, in a spirit of cooperation and partnership,

help build a stronger British Columbia for all people.

May Divine Providence attend and guide you in your deliberations.

In the name of our Sovereign, I thank you.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, in order to prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy of the speech from His Honour.

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO PERPETUATE A

PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT

Hon. Mr. Smith presented a message from His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor:

a bill intituled

An Act to Perpetuate a Parliamentary Right.

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

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

after today.

HON. MR. CHABOT: I move that the Votes and Proceedings

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

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

shall appoint do presume to print the same.

Motion approved.

[2:45]

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

standing committees of this House for the present session be appointed

for the following reasons:

(1) On Standing Orders, Private Bills and Members Services;

(2) On Public Accounts and Economic Affairs;

(3) On Agriculture;

(4) On Municipal Affairs and Housing;

(5) On Labour and Justice;

(6) On Health, Education and Human Resources;

(7) On Transportation and Communications;

(8) On Environment and Resources;

(9) On Crown Corporations; which said committees shall severally be

empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as

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

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

persons, papers and records; and that a special committee be appointed

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

compose the above select standing committees of this House under

standing order 68(1), the committee to be composed of Hon. G.B. Gardom,

Hon. J.A. Nielsen, Hon. H.W. Schroeder, Messrs. Ree, Mowat, Veitch,

Howard, Hanson and Ms. Sanford.

MR. HOWARD: Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a few comments

with respect to this motion, and indicate to you and to the House

initially and at the outset that I want to propose an amendment to it.

Let me read that amendment and somehow or other get it to Your Honour

and to others opposite.

The amendment is as follows: that the motion be amended by adding

immediately after "

(9) On Crown Corporations," the following: "

(10) On

Economic Reconstruction and Job Creation;" and by deleting the words

"and Economic Affairs" from item (2). The effect of the amendment, Mr.

Speaker, would be to establish an additional committee of this

Legislature, one on economic reconstruction and job creation, and to

remove an anomaly, I suppose, in item (2) on Public Accounts and

Economic Affairs by removing the reference to economic affairs.

The removal of the reference to "economic affairs" is necessary

because of the importation of the concept of economic reconstruction

and job creation into this proposed new committee. In any event, the

Public Accounts Committee, as it is loosely referred to, has never had

an opportunity to examine economic affairs; it has only had the

opportunity to look at Public Accounts and the auditor-general's report, which is basically looking into the past.

The amendment before you says that we should look into the future.

What we need is to involve all of the elements in this Legislature — to

travel, talk with people, to listen to people particularly, to work on

the concept of reconstructing our economy — in doing something positive

and helpful for the citizens of this province. I know, Mr. Speaker,

that the speech from His Excellency that we just heard indicated that

the First Minister and other ministers are going to travel throughout

the province bringing the message, as the saying goes, but this

government has indicated that it hasn't been able to do anything

worthwhile for this economy. All it has brought is misery in the past.

They've got a history of contributing miserable situations to the

economy of this province. They've got a history of engaging in

confrontational and attacking prospects with respect to people in this

province. They have a history of making the recession worse than it

possibly could have been by contributing to it. They have proved, Mr.

Speaker, to be incompetent to manage the economy. Let me repeat that

for the benefit of the Premier — incompetent insofar as managing the

economy of this province is concerned.

So we have an opportunity and a chance to carve out a new direction,

to involve all of the people in this Legislature, not just that select

few that happen to be in the cabinet, in a non-partisan approach to

economic matters in this province.

[ Page 5122 ]

1 urge the government — and I know it will; in my heart I know it

will because it believes in this approach — to accept the motion and to

follow up later on with the motion to refer some substantive matters to

that committee so that all of the people in this Legislature, through a

committee on economic reconstruction and job creation, can get on with

the prospects of bringing this province into some realities insofar as

jobs are concerned.

HON. MR. BENNETT: The member was so gracious in his remarks, I was almost tempted to accept the motion, but the government rejects it.

MR. LEA: Mr. Speaker, I am going to speak in favour of the

amendment. I just can't wait to get in with this new cooperative

approach that both sides are taking.

The New Democrats have put forward a motion that I think makes some

sense, because it's true that there has never been a chance, in my

experience, to discuss economic affairs in this province in the Public

Accounts Committee. I think this amendment would give an opportunity

for that.

But I suppose if we want the government to accept that, the best way

to go about it is to tell them how we can work together in the future

as opposed to telling them how big a flop they were in the past.

On the other hand, the Premier could have overlooked it and accepted

it and we could have had some cooperation in this House. Maybe we could

have moved forward. So if this is the kind of cooperation that is going

to be in the House between the two major parties, I think we should go

back to confrontation where we can get things happening.

Mr. Speaker, I am going to support the amendment because I think it

makes some sense. I don't see it as a panacea, but I sure like the new

spirit that I see in the House today.

Amendment negatived on the following division:

YEAS — 21

Macdonald

Skelly

Howard

Cocke

Dailly

Stupich

Lauk

Nicolson

Sanford

Gabelmann

Williams

Lea

D'Arcy

Brown

Hanson

Rose

Lockstead

MacWilliam

Wallace

Mitchell

Blencoe

NAYS — 32

Waterland

Brummet

Rogers

Segarty

McClelland

Heinrich

Hewitt

Ritchie

Pelton

Michael

Johnston

Kempf

R. Fraser

Parks

Chabot

McCarthy

Nielsen

Gardom

Smith

Bennett

Curtis

Phillips

McGeer

A. Fraser

Schroeder

Davis

Mowat

Reid

Ree

Strachan

Veitch

Reynolds

Division ordered to be recorded in the Journals of the House.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: I move, seconded by the hon. member for

Skeena (Mr. Howard) that William Bruce Strachan, Esq., member for

Prince George South, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of

the Legislative Assembly.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: I also move, again seconded by the hon.

member for Skeena, that Angus Ree, Esq., member for North

Vancouver–Capilano, be appointed Deputy Chairman of Committee of the

Whole for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

MR. HOWARD: Mr. Speaker, it might behoove us to examine what

we are doing. We are — and I say this because this is a new benchmark

for this chamber — formally choosing by motion at the outset a Deputy

Chairman of Committee of the Whole. What we are doing is indicating to

the person so chosen that there is unanimity of feeling within the

House about his selection and appointment to that high office, and that

that carries with it the obligation on the part of the person holding

that particular office to exhibit, in conducting the affairs of

Committee of the Whole, absolute impartiality in terms of rulings and

the conduct of the business of the House. It's a time-honoured

tradition that we go through with Your Honour, and with the Deputy

Speaker on another occasion. I thought this occasion should not go by

without saying that this is our obligation to ourselves, this is our

hope and anticipation, and I'm sure the member chosen for this office

pursuant to this motion will carry that out in the time-honoured

tradition as well.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Well, I have the greatest confidence in the

hon. member, and I'm sure that all hon. members fully appreciate that

the hon. member in question totally appreciates both his obligations

and his responsibilities.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, before moving the final

adjournment motion, I would very much like to express the best welcome

and, indeed, best wishes to the many gifts — I'm sorry, guests — of all

hon. members on the floor of this assembly and in the galleries.

[Laughter.] The gifts have not yet come to my desk, but I'm looking

forward to them. I would say to them, on behalf of all hon. members,

that we do wish you would again visit us, bearing gifts if you wish to,

and hear our deliberations in this third session of British Columbia's

thirty-third parliament.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

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