1984 Legislative Session: 2nd 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, FEBRUARY 13, 1984

Afternoon Sitting

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CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Speech from the Throne.

Hon. R.G. Rogers (Lieutenant-Governor) –– 3213

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

Introduction and first reading –– 3218

Election of Deputy Speaker

Hon. Mr. Gardom –– 3219

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1984

The House met at 2:03 p.m.

This being the first day of the second 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, I extend greetings to you all on

behalf of our Sovereign, on the opening of this second session of the

thirty-third parliament of British Columbia. May I express the sincere

wish that your goals and objectives and the interests of the people you

represent will be met fully in the course of your service as individual

members and as the Legislature of our magnificent province.

Since we last met we have learned of the death of Arthur James

Turner, a member of this Legislature for Vancouver East from 1941 to

1966. Mr. Turner, who passed away at the ripe age of 95, was the first

president of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, and upon his

retirement was opposition House Leader.

Last month our province was honoured by the visit of the Premier of

the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Zhao Ziyang. All British

Columbians are excited by the vast commercial and cultural

opportunities afforded by the most populous nation on earth. None are

more so than the 140,000 British Columbians who trace with pride their

ancestry to China. I am pleased that in May my First Minister will

reciprocate Premier Zhao's visit in an effort to further expand

relations between our two peoples.

Last September my First Minister hosted the annual meeting of the

heads of government of Yukon, Alaska and British Columbia. Today the

governor of our neighbour to the south, the Hon. John Spellman, will

visit British Columbia, and in May British Columbia will host the

annual meeting of the western Premiers. These forums provide a useful

opportunity for discussion of matters of mutual interest to those who

live in the west.

Plans are now underway for the visit to British Columbia in 1984 of

His Holiness Pope John Paul II. This will be an event of significance

not only to British Columbians of the Catholic faith but to all people

in our province.

In the past three years, buffeted by a global and national tide of

recession, our fundamental priorities and character as a people have

been severely tested. Difficulties rose and confidence fell. British

Columbians have had to redefine who we are and what we can expect. My

government has had to count every dollar and to make every dollar count.

The problems we have been confronting are not the work of one person or of

one generation. They are of worldwide scope and of long-standing origin. The

tendency of government to grow, of taxes to increase and of regulations to expand

is being grappled with all across this land, on several continents and by governments

of diverse political orientation. British Columbians have met the challenge,

have overcome the most serious obstacles and, in a spirit of cautious optimism,

face the future with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. British Columbians

have made progress in getting our house in order. Hope is around and confidence

about.

Through my government's actions, the public sector now has available

the necessary tools to restrain spending and minimize to the extent

possible the burden on taxpayers. The tendency of government to grow is

being reversed and opportunities for those working in the private

sector are being expanded.

British Columbians have managed to preserve the most essential

services, and can now venture abroad with a conviction that we have

done what is right by affirming principle rather than yielding to

pressure.

Having come through the worst of times, my government's restraint

program has set in motion and put in place the fundamentals that

through hard effort will permit a return to the best of times. I am

advised that over the past two years the rate of inflation in British

Columbia has been reduced from 14.3 percent to 5.5 percent. In the

course of 1983, gains in production were realized for the first time

since 1981. Nearly 14,000 new businesses were established in British

Columbia, and by the end of the year the number of persons employed in

our province was 2.1 percent higher than a year earlier.

Though much has been accomplished, much remains to be achieved. Too

many of our people are still without employment. Interest rates and

mortgage rates are still too high — kept high by massive government

deficits in North America. All Canadians are paying the hidden tax of

excessive interest rates. Interest rates must be lowered if our

recovery is to work. My government believes that expanded international

trade and private sector investment are the key elements in fostering

new hope for the unemployed.

My government is providing leadership in restraint to governments

across Canada. Members of this assembly will be asked to approve a

budget for the next fiscal year that will demonstrate clearly the

results that have been achieved by the stringent application of

restraint since 1982.

My Minister of Finance has been assisted in his efforts by extensive

consultation with interested parties. Although the process of

adjustment has not always been easy, most British Columbians are

prepared to work together and share in pursuit of restraint and

recovery. My government will continue to pursue measures that maintain

our financial integrity and enable us to maintain essential services

even in times of recession and depressed government revenues.

My government reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the

compensation stabilization program. I am advised that progress

continues to be made in moderating public sector wages fairly and

equitably. Settlements in the British Columbia public sector are now

substantially below those in other provinces and at the federal level.

The scope for productivity bargaining has been expanded significantly.

Our ability to maintain essential services in health and education has

been enhanced; and, in contrast to other jurisdictions, collective

bargaining continues to operate in the public sector of British

Columbia, with all settlements to date having been achieved through the

voluntary guidelines.

[ Page 3214 ]

My government is concerned over growing indications that the federal

government intends to abandon its commitment to public sector wage

restraint. While collective bargaining rights should be restored, wage

restraint must continue. Furthermore, my government would urge Ottawa

to take steps to reduce staffing levels that actually increased during

the recession.

I am advised that significant progress has been achieved in reducing

the size of government, including the number of persons employed in the

public service. Organizations have been streamlined and certain

functions transferred to the private sector. My government will

continue to search for new ways to achieve economies and efficiencies

for the taxpaying public.

To improve the productivity and decrease the overall size and cost

of personnel services, my government is amalgamating the Government

Employee Relations Bureau and the Public Service Commission and

reducing the number of staff in the personnel departments of all

ministries. This restructuring will be a significant step toward our

objective of a leaner, more responsive public service.

My government last year achieved an important settlement with its

principal union, the BCGEU. This agreement provides a negotiated

layoff, recall and termination procedure to achieve reductions in the

public service, and allows the provincial government to hold the line

on payroll costs over the next two years, a crucial period in British

Columbia's recovery.

I am advised that many of those in the private sector the employers

and employees who create the wealth in our province — have demonstrated

a new realism through the process of collective bargaining. Most

importantly, the partners in enterprise have demonstrated a growing

recognition that, whatever their differences, the common interest in

productive, competitive and profitable operations must predominate if

employment is to be preserved and new jobs created.

My government will emphasize economic recovery in 1984 within a

context of continuing restraint. I am advised that North American

economic growth is likely to continue and that growth in the Pacific

Rim and in Western Europe will strengthen somewhat. Accordingly,

British Columbia can expect to achieve accelerated recovery and

continuing improvement in labour market conditions.

[2:15]

Nevertheless, I am advised that the world economic situation remains

uncertain because of international debt problems, high interest rates

caused by massive deficits and the still-too-weak recovery outside

North America. As a province that is critically dependent on trade and

exports for its economic health, we must continue to affirm the need

for our industries to remain competitive, particularly in light of the

weak international receovery.

The vitality of British Columbia's economy is directly and

inextricably linked to its ability to export goods and services. Over

the past 20 years Canada's exports have increased from a fifth of its

output to almost a third. British Columbia's share has consistently

been double that of the national average. By 1982 our exports were more

than triple those of ten years earlier. As we enter 1984, I am advised

that there is substantial evidence that exports and international trade

will lead the economic recovery currently underway.

Historically the United States has been our largest trading partner,

but in recent years we have diversified our economy as Japan and other

nontraditional markets have become increasingly important. Our future

prospects are immeasurably improved by our favourable location on the

eastern edge of the Pacific basin. While our American friends are still

paramount in importance, I am advised that our reliance on them has

decreased dramatically in the last ten years. In their place, British

Columbia has sold ever-increasing amounts of pulp, minerals and

manufactured goods to Japan and the European Economic Community and to

developing countries around the world.

Since 1980 my government has been actively pursuing the prospect of

establishing one or more duty-free zones in our province. At present

these zones are established in 77 countries. There are eight foreign

made zones and four special-purpose subzones on the west coast of the

United States alone. Duty-free zones could increase trade flows and

foreign investment, and enhance British Columbia activities in

manufacturing, assembly, distribution and finance. Major opportunities

exist for expansion of deep-sea port capacity in conjunction with

duty-free zones. My government welcomes the federal government's recent

indication in its throne speech of a more positive attitude to such

zones, and intends to renew its attempts to have Ottawa give approval

to specific locations in our province.

My government will conduct a thorough review of the impact of tax

legislation on economic development, and will consider innovative

vehicles for stimulating investment in job-creating activities in large

and small businesses. My government will also establish joint task

forces with the private sector — management and labour — to seek out

new opportunities in finance, manufacture, assembly and other areas

that build on our natural advantages.

My government recognizes that for British Columbia, with its

relatively small domestic market, export trade and foreign investment

tied to new markets are essential to economic well-being. Governments

around the world are becoming increasingly involved in promoting the

sale of their goods and services in the international arena. To

maintain and strengthen British Columbia's share of world markets, my

government will spearhead an expanded trade program targeted at the

major developed and developing countries. My ministers will lead

specific trade missions to the United States, Japan and Korea, Western

Europe, the ASEAN countries, China and Latin America. Their task will

be the building of harmonious long-term relationships that will

ultimately lead to increased jobs, business opportunities and

prosperity not only for British Columbians but for all Canadians. My

government will sponsor missions, that include private sector

representatives, to follow up specific opportunities in these areas as

well as to India, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of Canada. My

government will emphasize programs that assist British Columbia

companies to attend trade fairs, undertake market development trips,

upgrade their products or processes and sponsor visits by foreign

buyers.

A key part of the government's strategy to build export markets will

involve participation in the new Asia Pacific Foundation to be located

in Vancouver. My government has strongly supported the concept of such

a centre from the beginning. Broadening our relationship to include

educational, scientific and cultural exchange is essential if we are to

maximize our trade with the fastest-growing region of the world. As a

practical demonstration of our commitment to

[ Page

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this institution, my government will contribute financially towards the centre over the next several years.

The pace of international activities will hasten as British Columbia

moves closer to its meeting with the world and as the world moves

closer to its meeting with British Columbia. I refer of course to Expo

86, our province's international exposition of transportation and

communications. British Columbia will be celebrating the centenary of

the transcontinental railway's completion, and no theme can be a more

fitting symbol of our past and of our future. By sponsoring Expo 86, my

government believes Canadian unity will be strengthened. Several

provinces will participate in the exposition, and the federal

government's contribution to Expo — the Canada Place pavilion — will

later be converted by Ottawa into a trade and convention centre and

cruise ship facility.

Members of this House and all British Columbians can look forward

with pleasure and anticipation to 1986, when my government will host

the world. The spectacular pavilions and other exciting events will

attract about 15 million visitors to view international, provincial and

corporate exhibits — all displaying their contributions to

transportation and communications over the ages.

British Columbia will also be the venue for a series of special

events and attractions appealing to experts and enthusiasts alike,

ranging from space technology to the golden age of steam locomotion to

the performing arts.

Expo will provide a tremendous stimulus to our economy and will

result in over 50,000 person-years of direct employment in British

Columbia alone. The construction industry will receive a much-needed

boost, as will the tourism and industrial sectors, as visitors from the

around the world come to know people throughout this province and

their industry.

By opening British Columbia's doors to the world, Expo 86 will prove

to be of lasting significance to our people and economy. It will be an

opportunity to attract investment and new technology. My government is

undertaking this project to demonstrate that British Columbia is a good

place to invest and create jobs, and that British Columbia is a

reliable trading partner. The eyes of the world will be on British

Columbia, and our people will be called upon to demonstrate that we can

work together and deliver a product on time.

All British Columbians will be proud to learn that the largest

resource development project in Canadian history, the development of

the massive northeast coalfields, progressed to the operating stage in

1983. The work on this enormous project has proceeded on

schedule and

on budget, with the first deliveries of coal loaded aboard ships bound

for Japan in January of this year. This project stimulated tremendous

economic activity during the recession. It provided more than 6,000

direct construction jobs in 1983, representing over 12 percent of the

province's construction workforce. I am advised that the project will

result in over 3,000 permanent, direct jobs.

This world-scale endeavour is a brilliant testimonial to

productivity and private and public sector cooperation and performance.

Through the multi-product port at Ridley Island, it has provided

British Columbia and Canada a second route to the Pacific Rim. The

northeast coal and transportation project will provide a permanent

legacy to future generations of British Columbians.

It is also my pleasure to advise members that new coal-mines in the southeastern

region of our province have begun shipments of metallurgical coal to the steel

industry in Far Eastern and Scandinavian countries. British Columbia will continue

actively to market coal from all regions of the province. My government is pleased

that the federal government has brought about changes to the Crowsnest Pass

freight rates — changes that British Columbia has sought for many years. With

the removal of rates that discriminate against our commodities, British Columbia

can be assured of many additional construction jobs and an adequate transportation

system in the future. My government is pleased that tunnelling contracts have

already been announced in the southeastern part of the province.

As our economy emerges from the depth of the recession, the private

sector has emerged as the fundamental underpinning of a healthy and

resurgent economy. I am pleased to report that Toyota Motor Co. began

construction in 1983 of an aluminium alloy wheel manufacturing plant

that will employ initially 100 people. The plant will manufacture in

British Columbia products for the international market which, given our

province's relatively small population, must be our target if we are to

diversify our economy. With the increasing scale of Japanese auto

operations south of the border, major opportunities exist for British

Columbia to expand its involvement in this sector.

I am advised that proceeds of the housing and employment development

bonds are helping put British Columbians back to work. Through the LIFT

initiatives, more than $70 million has been committed to over 500

manufacturing, processing and high technology projects. This has been

accompanied by small business investments of about $66 million. Through

this vehicle my government and the private sector have preserved over

3,000 jobs and created almost 5,000 new, permanent jobs.

The business information centres operated by local chambers of

commerce in over 70 communities around the province continue to provide

a valuable service to small businesses that do not have ready, direct

access to government services. In 1983 the BICs assisted over 30,000

potential or existing entrepreneurs. My government will continue its

commitment to create an attractive investment climate for the private

sector and to support business and industrial job creation

opportunities. A coordinated strategy has been developed to market

available serviced industrial land, thus encouraging economic

development at the local level.

The small business sector, the backbone of the province's economy,

will continue to be assisted through a variety of information, advisory

and advocacy services, including the business information centre

program, which will be modified and enhanced in response to the needs

of small business.

To encourage the entrepreneurial spirit among our younger citizens,

my government will support enterprising students who create their own

summer jobs. My ministers will seek to find new ways to facilitate the

flow of private risk capital, both foreign and domestic, to sectors

that have the potential to thrive, grow and create new employment

opportunities.

Employment in British Columbia's third largest resource industry —

agriculture — remained strong through 1983. The food sector now employs

62,000 persons distributed throughout all regions of the province.

My Minister of Agriculture and Food visited key agricultural areas

of Europe and Great Britain last year. My government intends to provide

encouragement and assistance to enable the agricultural industry to

utilize advanced technology in both production and marketing of

agricultural

[ Page 3216 ]

products. A replacement program for the expiring federal/provincial

agricultural and rural development subsidiary agreement will be

negotiated.

Several major initiatives are being pursued to improve the currently

depressed markets for British Columbia's natural gas. My government is

in the process of restructuring the industry's institutional and

financial framework in order to encourage a healthy industry which can

create and take full advantage of future market opportunities.

My government continues to support the proposed Western LNG project

which will export liquefied natural gas to Japan. The way is now clear

for project sponsors to enter into direct contractual arrangements with

gas producers. While my government will make every effort, in

conjunction with Japanese and Canadian interests, to move the project

ahead, the support of the governments of Alberta and Canada will also

have to be forthcoming if the project is to proceed.

An interim natural gas export pricing regime developed in

consultation with the Alberta and federal governments and industry has

contributed to slowing the erosion of gas export sales. British

Columbia is continuing to work with these parties to explore

alternative pricing options for the future to increase export sales and

to expand provincial and producer revenues from this important source.

My government remains committed to the Vancouver Island natural gas

pipeline. Terms of reference have been set and commissioners appointed

to evaluate proposals. Public hearings are in process, and the report

of the hearing panel is expected later this year. Federal funding, as

announced in the National Energy Program and as already undertaken in

Quebec and the Maritimes, will be necessary if this project is to

proceed.

Federal/provincial public hearings concerning the environmental

impact of petroleum exploration drilling in offshore areas will be held

during this session.

[2:30]

My government has examined various methods of increasing B.C. Hydro's sales

so as to reduce surpluses, increase revenue and minimize rate increases to British

Columbia customers. My government has now approved long-term firm electricity

exports by B.C. Hydro. Other measures such as industrial price discounts and

private power developments that create jobs have either been implemented or

are under review.

Despite the generally depressed conditions in world metal markets, I

am advised that over 100,000 mineral claim units were recorded in

British Columbia in 1983. This all-time record demonstrates a confidence

felt by the British Columbia mining industry in its future. I am

further advised that 1984 is expected to be another year of vigorous

mineral exploration activity in the province.

In keeping with my government's long-standing commitment to

encourage new mine development, additional steps will be taken this

year to eliminate regulatory roadblocks. The approvals process for mine

development will be streamlined by reducing the number of agencies

involved.

Late last year, my government completed studies on the development potential

of the northwest which identified major mineral resource potential in the region,

particularly for base metals and coal. My government has indicated that it is

prepared to respond to the need for infrastructure in this region when the private

sector comes forward with specific development proposals.

During this "Year of Tourism," efforts will be concentrated on

encouraging more Canadians, particularly the province's residents, to

vacation in British Columbia. This can be achieved by our hospitality

sector offering superior service and by making our transportation,

accommodation and food costs more attractive relative to our major

competitors south of the border.

The Los Angeles Olympics will be a major competitor this year in all

our major markets, and my government is undertaking an aggressive

advertising campaign to encourage those attending the Olympics to

vacation in British Columbia after the games.

Despite the recession in our markets, the resulting decline in

business travel, the shrinkage of the expense account market, the drop

in consumer spending, and the bad weather during June and July, tourism

in British Columbia fared better than in 1982. It recorded increases in

trips and tourism revenues generated. During 1983, the most difficult

year in recent decades, tourism proved its resilience and its role as

an economic stabilizer by recording an increase in employment.

Progress has been made in transferring government functions to the

private sector. My government will complete the privatization of the

Cypress Bowl ski area, the Manning Park Lodge and the Gibson ski area

during the coming year. Other potential areas for privatization are

still under study. My government will be announcing additional

initiatives in the future.

An increased number of housing starts is anticipated for 1984 and

1985. These will be aided by serviced parcels of Crown land which will

be marketed for residential development by the private sector.

In the social housing field there will be special emphasis upon

housing for the disabled, including assistance for disabled people

leaving institutions for community living.

My government will introduce new legislation to achieve a better

balance between the interests of tenants and landlords as well as an

expeditious process of dispute resolution.

My government recognizes the dominant influence of world markets for

forest products on the provincial economy. Markets for the products

produced by the forest industry improved in 1983, after two

extraordinarily difficult years. B.C.'s industry suffered unprecedented

financial losses in 1982, losses that resulted in plant closures and

widespread layoffs. That experience underscores the importance of the

forest industry to the province's economic well-being.

For lumber producers, especially those in the interior, the recovery of the

key U.S. residential construction industry has resulted in increased sales and

somewhat better prices. U.S. housing starts in 1983 are estimated to have been

1.7 million, compared to about 1.1 million in both 1981 and 1982. While interior

producers now operate at or near full levels, coastal producers have unutilized

capacity and await improvements in the Japanese and European markets.

Pulp and paper markets have also strengthened recently. Producers

are experiencing firmer prices and will benefit as markets improve in

the coming years. Positive industrial relations are essential if these

benefits are not to be lost.

My government recognizes the importance of a strong, competitive

forest industry and the necessity for forest management to provide for

the future. A record 105 million trees were planted in B.C. In 1982-83,

marking the first year ever that over 100 million trees have been

planted. Consistent with my government's confidence in the ability of

the private sector to carry out a greater share of activities that have

been

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undertaken by the public sector in the past, the Ministry of Forests

will be pursuing new initiatives to permit redistribution of forestry

functions to the industry.

My government will continue to work toward reducing driving hazards

through enforcement of regulations and legislative initiatives. Special

attention will continue to be given to the problem of drunk drivers.

Construction of the major crossing of the Fraser River at Annacis

Island will be continued. Projects to be completed during 1984 include

first-ever bridge crossings over the Fort Nelson River on the Laird

Highway, the North Thompson River at Kamloops and the Nass River at

Greenville.

New projects throughout the province will include vital bridge

replacements, repaving and reconstruction of sections of important

highways, and the construction of debris catchment basins on Highway 99.

Protection of the environment continues to be an integral part of my

government's program. Construction of a special wastes treatment

facility and development of a secure landfill to deal with wastes that

require special disposal techniques will be underway this fiscal year.

The critical problem of solid waste disposal in the lower mainland has

also been recognized, and my government has taken a lead role in

co-operation with local authorities to develop a plan to be implemented

in the next two years.

The Habitat Conservation Fund is now fully operational, providing an

opportunity for sportsmen through a surcharge on licences, and others

through direct contributions, to play a direct role in habitat

protection and enhancement of our fishery and wildlife resources.

My Ministry of Environment, under an agreement with Ducks Unlimited

Canada, will be studying potential wetlands for enhancement of

waterfowl. The non-profit organization is committed to spending $25

million on enhancement projects over the next five years. This will be

undertaken in co-operation with other resource users, including

agricultural interests.

The protection from flooding of the Skagit Valley in British

Columbia has been a long-standing concern for my government. I am

pleased to report to this House that over the past year intensive

negotiations toward a mutually satisfactory settlement have borne

fruit. My Minister of Environment will be authorized to enter into

agreements with Canada and the city of Seattle to preserve the Skagit

Valley from flooding. A treaty between Canada and the U, S.A. is

anticipated this year to conclude the non-flooding agreement.

Positive industrial relations are a key element of British

Columbia's economic future. My government has been conducting in the

past year an exhaustive review of labour legislation. A committee of

independent experts will provide ongoing advice to my Minister of

Labour. My government wishes to ensure that the parties involved in

industrial relations and British Columbia's economic development are

served by new approaches to industrial relations to be pursued this

session.

British Columbia is entering a new era in human rights where a

greater emphasis will be placed on individual responsibility for

eliminating discrimination. The government will be introducing

legislation supporting this fundamental principle. The legislation will

reflect extensive consultation and recognize concerns voiced by experts

and citizens alike. Human rights is a responsibility we all share.

My government is concerned that appeals of Workers' Compensation Board

awards are not being handled in a timely and judicious, manner. It is the government's

desire to eliminate the existing backlog of appeals awaiting hearing and remove

this injustice to injured workers. The financial policies of the Workers'

Compensation Board and the board's accumulated unfunded liability are matters

which from the view of government, labour and management require attention.

My government, through its restraint program, has managed to

preserve the integrity of our most essential service, health care. All

British Columbians — be they in the dawn or the sunset of life — can

rightly take pride and feel confidence in the first-class quality of

health care provided in our province. Health is and will continue to be

the number one priority of my government. It accounts for nearly

one-third of our provincial budget, the highest proportion of any

province in Canada.

The coming year is one of new challenges to our health system. A

partnership among those who work in the system in the interest of

greater efficiency is absolutely required. To this end, unnecessary

duplication will be eliminated, and the commitment of medical

practitioners towards restraint will be encouraged. The co-operation of

those who must use the system is absolutely essential if we are to

benefit fully.

Recent legislative initiatives of the federal government threaten

the quality of health care provided to British Columbians. It is

restricting the financial options available to provinces and, at the

same time, reducing its own contribution to what is the largest single

item of provincial spending. My government believes that

federal-provincial co-operation in a spirit of sharing is essential if

our health services are to be preserved. To this end, my government

will put forward concrete proposals and new legislation to improve our

health system.

My government continues to believe that quality education must be

the number one priority of our school system. Children are our greatest

hope for the future. We must promote excellence and prepare our young

people to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

My government does not believe that throwing money at problems is

the way to enhance quality education. Excessive salary increases and

inflated payroll costs detract from quality by competing for scarce

dollars available to fund education. My government believes education

is for children, and that investments in education should be directed

towards acquiring skills and knowledge that will serve them well in the

future.

Educational standards and basic values must be reaffirmed.

Discipline must be restored, professionalism stressed and challenging

situations promoted. Without challenge, there is no achievement.

Without standards, there is no excellence. Accordingly, final

examinations for all grade 12 students in the province have been

reintroduced. In the coming year, grade 11 students will be required to

write examinations as well.

With the need for British Columbians to become even more competitive

in meeting technological change, discussions are proceeding with a view

to introducing more challenge to the secondary school curriculum,

including increased mathematics and science requirements for all

students. Wide distribution of discussion papers regarding curriculum

and graduation requirements will invite full participation from all

interested sectors.

[ Page 3218 ]

My government will consult with interested groups in preparing a

revised School Act. A reordering of responsibilities in education to

enhance decision-making at the local level will be proposed.

My government will continue to direct our colleges and provincial

institutes towards programs and courses which both meet and anticipate

the needs of all sectors of business and industry. Private trades

training will be encouraged where possible.

British Columbia's ninety recreation and sport associations will be

given more scope to set their own performance targets as they assist my

government in stimulating widespread participation in sport and fitness

activities and in developing athletic talent.

Special focus will be placed on encouraging volunteers to play an

even greater role in the development of sport, while on the playing

field my government will be reviewing ways of ensuring that the

principles of fair play and safety prevail.

The B.C. Games have now been successfully undertaken for six

consecutive years. During this time, 33,000 athletes have participated

in competition. The private sector now provides about 30 percent of the

funding, and volunteers in the communities throughout the province

provide the backbone for the Games. For example, 3,600 volunteers

participated in the 1983 Summer Games in Maple Ridge.

[2:45]

This March the 1984 B.C. Winter Games will bring more than 2,200 young athletes

to Fort St. John to excel in an atmosphere of friendly competition. More than

2,000 volunteers will make the games possible. In July the Summer Games will

be held in Burnaby. Together, more than 250,000 athletes will have participated

in the playdowns for the Winter and Summer Games. Planning has already begun

for the 1985 Winter Games in Osoyoos.

Even in difficult times we cannot forget the role of artists and

artisans in enriching the quality of our lives. In the arts, 1984 will

be a banner year as more than 1,500 artists in music, dance, theatre

and fine art converge on Penticton for the B.C. Festival of the Arts.

This festival will give tomorrow's professional artists an invaluable

opportunity to team and develop through top-level competitions and

adjudication, master classes and performances. In addition, it will

give them a chance to mix with artists of other disciplines to exchange

ideas and to share their common devotion to art.

Members of this assembly are acutely aware of the need for reform of

the legislative process. All members share in this responsibility, and

the public will benefit immensely. British Columbians share an

overwhelming interest in expeditious, relevant and dignified

parliamentary proceedings. Accordingly, my government will place high

priority on achieving legislative reform.

A second first ministers' conference on native rights will be held

in Ottawa in mid-March of this year, in accordance with a resolution

enacted by this Legislature in October. My government will continue to

take an active role in representing British Columbia interests at these

conferences.

As early as 1978 British Columbia put forward a comprehensive set of

proposals to reform the central institutions of our federation,

including the senate. Other governments, most notably those of Ontario,

Alberta and Canada, are now pursuing this objective. My government will

continue to press for major changes to the senate so as to make this

body more responsive to the regional needs of British Columbia, and

indeed to all parts of Canada. Moreover, representation from this

province on many of the major boards and commissions of the country

continues to be insufficient, and my government will continue to seek

to redress this imbalance.

In its relations with other governments, my government will continue

to play a constructive role, co-operating in the interests of the people

of British Columbia with the federal government and with other

provincial governments. In the defence of those interests with respect

to particular issues, such as the, effective management of the national

health system, my government will not hesitate to speak up for British

Columbians in a forthright manner.

My government will continue to examine the Municipal Act, with the

intention of further streamlining and reducing the regulatory features

of land use legislation. The operational review of regional districts

initiated by the Minister of Municipal Affairs will be continued.

Implementation of the recommendations will be pursued where it is in

the public interest.

Hon. members, you now begin a most important and demanding session.

Our people are beginning to sense a new confidence, but much yet

remains to be achieved. But our people have shown they are strong, and

our people have shown they are energetic. I pray that in carrying out

your duties you will reflect fully on the effect of your decisions on

the people of our province and country. Through the continued

leadership of my ministers and through the efforts of this assembly you

must strive to build a stronger British Columbia.

May Divine Providence attend your deliberations.

In our Sovereign's name I thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: In order to prevent mistakes, hon. members, I have obtained a copy of His Honour's address.

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO PERPETUATE

A PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT

On a motion by Hon. Mr. Gardom, on behalf of the Attorney General

(Hon. Mr. Smith), Bill 1,

An Act to Perpetuate A Parliamentary Right,

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. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that the speech of His

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

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

business, except introduction of bills, until disposed of.

Motion approved.

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

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

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

shall appoint do presume to print the same.

[ Page 3219 ]

Motion approved.

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

standing committees of this House for the present session be appointed

for the following purposes:

(1) On Standing Orders and Private Bills;

(2) On Public Accounts and Economic Affairs;

(3) On Agriculture;

(4) On Municipal Affairs and Housing;

(5) On Labour and Justice;

(6) On Health, Education and Human Resources;

(7) On Transportation and Communications;

(8) On Environment and Resources;

(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) and 72A(l), and by leave the committee to be

composed of Hon. G. B. Gardom, Hon. J.A. Nielsen, Hon. H.W. Schroeder,

and Messrs. Ree, Segarty, Veitch, Howard, Cocke and Hanson.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, 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: Mr. Speaker, I move that on each Tuesday and

Thursday of this session there shall be two distinct sittings, one from

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and one from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and on each Monday

and Wednesday one sitting from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and on each Friday one

sitting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., unless otherwise ordered.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I move that report No. 9 of the

Select Standing Committee on Standing Orders and Private Bills adopted

by this House on February 27, 1973, relating to oral questions be

adopted by this House for the present session.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, before moving adjournment I

would very much like to express the best welcome and good wishes to the

many guests of all hon. members on the floor of the House and in the

galleries. I'm sure that all the members will hope that you may again

visit us and hear our deliberations as the session progresses.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

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