British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, February 17, 2016

20160217pm-Hansard-v32n9

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fift h Session, 40th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) THE HONOURABLE LINDA REID, SPEAKER ISSN 0709- 1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Aft ernoon Sitting Volume 32, Number 9

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Fifth Session, 40th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Linda Reid EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council .............................................................................................................. Hon. Christy Clark Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing ......................Hon.

Rich Coleman Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon. John Rustad Minister of Advanced Education ............................................................................................................................... Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Minister of Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................................ Hon.

Norm Letnick Minister of Children and Family Development ....................................................................................................... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink ................ Hon. Peter Fassbender Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Mike Bernier Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review .....................................................................Hon. Bill Bennett Minister of Environment ..........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Finance .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations......................................................................................Hon. Steve Th omson Minister of Health ............................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacifi c Strategy and Multiculturalism ........................................................................................... Hon.

Teresa Wat Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of Justice ...............................................................................................................................................................Hon. Suzanne Anton Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...................................................................................................................................Hon.

Mike Morris Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch ........................................................................................................ Hon. Coralee Oakes Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation..............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Stilwell Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services ................................................................................................ Hon.

Amrik Virk Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................Hon. Todd Stone Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness .................................................................................................................... Hon.

Naomi Y amamoto LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Offi cial Opposition ...................................................................................................................................................John Horgan Deputy Speaker .............................................................................................................................................................................. Richard T. Lee Assistant Deputy Speaker ...............................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ............................................................................................................................................ Pat Pimm Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ................................................................................................................................................... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees .................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...................................................................................................................................................Roderick MacArthur, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Anton, Hon. Suzanne (BC Liberal) .............................. Vancouver-Fraserview Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal).....................................................................Penticton Austin, Robin (NDP) ................................................................................ Skeena Bains, Harry (NDP) ....................................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ............................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Bennett, Hon.

Bill (BC Liberal) ...................................................Kootenay East Bernier, Hon. Mike (BC Liberal) ......................................... Peace River South Bing, Dr. Doug (BC Liberal) ................................ Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ........................... Prince George–Valemount Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ................................Surrey-Cloverdale Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) .................................Vancouver–West End Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...........................................................

Burnaby-Edmonds Clark, Hon. Christy (BC Liberal) ........................................ Westside-Kelowna Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) ...........................Fort Langley–Aldergrove Conroy, Katrine (NDP) .............................................................. Kootenay West Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ..................................................... Burnaby–Deer Lake Dalton, Marc (BC Liberal) ............................................. Maple Ridge–Mission Darcy, Judy (NDP) ..................................................................New Westminster de Jong, Hon.

Michael, QC (BC Liberal) .............................. Abbotsford West Dix, Adrian (NDP)............................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ......................................................................... Stikine Eby, David (NDP) ..........................................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP) ................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ............................................................ Port Coquitlam Fassbender, Hon.

Peter (BC Liberal) ................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Fleming, Rob (NDP) .......................................................... Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) .......................................................Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Scott (NDP) ............................................................Alberni–Pacifi c Rim Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ............................................. Abbotsford-Mission Hamilton, Wm.

Scott (BC Liberal) .................................................Delta North Hammell, Sue (NDP) .................................................... Surrey–Green Timbers Heyman, George (NDP) .................................................... Vancouver-Fairview Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ............................................... Surrey–White Rock Holman, Gary (NDP) .......................................Saanich North and the Islands Horgan, John (NDP) .......................................................................

Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ....................................................Surrey-Panorama Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ..................................................................Delta South James, Carole (NDP) .........................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ........................................Esquimalt–Royal Roads Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ............................................................. Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal) ........................................................................ Shuswap Lake, Hon. Dr.

Terry (BC Liberal) ....................Kamloops–North Th ompson Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) .........................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ......................................................Burnaby North Letnick, Hon. Norm (BC Liberal) ..............................Kelowna–Lake Country Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ....................................Columbia River–Revelstoke McRae, Don (BC Liberal) ............................................................ Comox Valley Mark, Melanie (NDP) ...........................................

Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal) ..................................................................Chilliwack Morris, Hon. Mike (BC Liberal) ........................... Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ..........................................................Nelson-Creston Oakes, Hon. Coralee (BC Liberal) .............................................Cariboo North Pimm, Pat (BC Liberal) .........................................................Peace River North Plecas, Dr. Darryl (BC Liberal) .............................................Abbotsford South Polak, Hon.

Mary (BC Liberal) .............................................................. Langley Popham, Lana (NDP) ...................................................................Saanich South Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ................................................................ Surrey-Whalley Reid, Hon. Linda (BC Liberal) ..................................................Richmond East Reimer, Linda (BC Liberal) ........................................

Port Moody–Coquitlam Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ........................................................................North Coast Robinson, Selina (NDP) .............................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Routley, Bill (NDP) .................................................................. Cowichan Valley Routley, Doug (NDP) ............................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, Hon. John (BC Liberal) ................................................

Nechako Lakes Shin, Jane Jae Kyung (NDP) ...............................................Burnaby-Lougheed Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Shane (NDP) ..................................................... Vancouver-Hastings Stilwell, Hon. Michelle (BC Liberal)............................... Parksville-Qualicum Stilwell, Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ........................................ Vancouver-Langara Stone, Hon. Todd (BC Liberal) .........................

Kamloops–South Th ompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal) ..................................West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (BC Liberal) ...........................................Vancouver–False Creek Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal) ..................................... West Vancouver–Capilano Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal) ............................................................Fraser-Nicola Th omson, Hon. Steve (BC Liberal) .......................................Kelowna-Mission Th ornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ..........................

North Vancouver–Seymour Th roness, Laurie (BC Liberal).................................................Chilliwack-Hope Trevena, Claire (NDP) .................................................................... North Island Virk, Hon. Amrik (BC Liberal) ............................................. Surrey-Tynehead Wat, Hon. Teresa (BC Liberal) .............................................. Richmond Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (Ind.) .......................................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wickens, Jodie (NDP) ..........................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Wilkinson, Hon.

Andrew (BC Liberal) ........................ Vancouver-Quilchena Y amamoto, Hon. Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Dr. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West ...................................................... Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Alberni–Pacifi c Rim .......................................................................... Scott Fraser Boundary-Similkameen ................................................................ Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ...................................................................

Kathy Corrigan Burnaby-Edmonds ..........................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .............................................................Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North .............................................................................. Richard T. Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ........................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................... Hon.

Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ......................................................................................... John Martin Chilliwack-Hope ....................................................................... Laurie Th roness Columbia River–Revelstoke .................................................. Norm Macdonald Comox Valley.....................................................................................Don McRae Coquitlam–Burke Mountain .......................................................Jodie Wickens Coquitlam-Maillardville...........................................................

Selina Robinson Cowichan Valley ................................................................................ Bill Routley Delta North .........................................................................Wm. Scott Hamilton Delta South...............................................................................Vicki Huntington Esquimalt–Royal Roads .....................................................Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...................................................Hon.

Rich Coleman Fraser-Nicola.................................................................................... Jackie Tegart Juan de Fuca .....................................................................................John Horgan Kamloops–North Th ompson ............................................ Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Kamloops–South Th ompson ..................................................Hon. Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country ..................................................... Hon. Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission .............................................................. Hon.

Steve Th omson Kootenay East .......................................................................... Hon. Bill Bennett Kootenay West ............................................................................ Katrine Conroy Langley.......................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Maple Ridge–Mission ..................................................................... Marc Dalton Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ........................................................ Dr. Doug Bing Nanaimo ...........................................................................

Leonard Eugene Krog Nanaimo–North Cowichan ......................................................... Doug Routley Nechako Lakes ........................................................................ Hon. John Rustad Nelson-Creston ........................................................................Michelle Mungall New Westminster ...............................................................................

Judy Darcy North Coast......................................................................................Jennifer Rice North Island .................................................................................. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ........................................Hon. Naomi Y amamoto North Vancouver–Seymour ..................................................Jane Th ornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...................................................... Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .......................................................Hon.

Michelle Stilwell Peace River North ................................................................................ Pat Pimm Peace River South ..................................................................Hon. Mike Bernier Penticton............................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam ..........................................................................Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam ................................................................Linda Reimer Powell River–Sunshine Coast .................................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ....................................................Hon. Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ................................................... Hon. Shirley Bond Richmond Centre ......................................................................Hon. Teresa Wat Richmond East ..........................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston ..............................................................................John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands ....................................................

Gary Holman Saanich South ................................................................................ Lana Popham Shuswap ................................................................................................Greg Kyllo Skeena .............................................................................................. Robin Austin Stikine ....................................................................................... Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale ....................................................... Hon.

Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Fleetwood ........................................................... Hon. Peter Fassbender Surrey–Green Timbers .................................................................. Sue Hammell Surrey-Newton ................................................................................. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ........................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Tynehead ......................................................................Hon.

Amrik Virk Surrey-Whalley.............................................................................. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ....................................................................... Gordon Hogg Vancouver-Fairview ..................................................................George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek ................................................................... Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview ......................................................Hon.

Suzanne Anton Vancouver-Hastings ....................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..........................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .................................................................Dr. Moira Stilwell Vancouver–Mount Pleasant .........................................................

Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey .........................................................................David Eby Vancouver-Quilchena ................................................ Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Vancouver–West End ...............................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee ...............................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill .......................................................................Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake.........................................................................Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano ............................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..........................................................Jordan Sturdy Westside-Kelowna ................................................................

Hon. Christy Clark Party Standings: BC Liberal 48; New Democratic 35; Independent 2

CONTENTS Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Aft ernoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................... 10431 Tributes ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10431 Provincial curling championships E.

Foster Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................... 10431 Tributes ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10431 Yvonne Cocke J.

Darcy Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................... 10432 Speaker’s Statement ............................................................................................................................................................... 10433 Talking Stick By-Election Results ............................................................................................................................................................... 10433 Introduction and First Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................................. 10434 Bill 7 — Industry Training Authority Amendment Act, 2016 Hon.

S. Bond Statements (Standing Order 25B) ....................................................................................................................................... 10435 Performing arts centre for Merritt J. Tegart Support for Syrian refugees B. Ralston Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society G. Kyllo 55-Plus B.C. Games S. Robinson Federation of Independent School Associations S. Gibson Jens Erik Knudsgaard K.

Conroy Oral Questions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10437 MSP changes J. Horgan Hon. M. de Jong Senior cancer care case J. Darcy Hon. M. de Jong Real estate transactions and collection of property transfer tax D. Eby Hon. M. de Jong Investigation into real estate transactions C. James Hon. M. de Jong Drinking water quality in Prince Rupert schools J. Rice Hon. T. Lake J. Wickens R. Fleming

Reports from Committees .................................................................................................................................................... 10441 Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner, report, February 2016 M. Hunt H. Bains Motions Without Notice ....................................................................................................................................................... 10442 Appointment of Merit Commissioner M. Hunt Appointment of Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Hon.

M. de Jong Orders of the Day Budget Debate (continued) ................................................................................................................................................... 10442 C. James Hon. S. Bond N. Macdonald J. Martin D. Eby Hon. Michelle Stilwell K. Conroy

WEDNESDAY , FEBRUARY 17, 2016 Th e House met at 1:34 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. [1335] Introductions by Members J. Horgan: I have a number of guests in the gallery to- day. I want to introduce Keith Dearing, and joining Keith is Bev Christensen. Many will know Bev Christensen as a tenacious fi ghter for the people of Prince George. She is a published author on energy policy in British Columbia. She was a school board trustee, and most importantly to me, she’s the mother of my chief of staff , Suzanne. Would the House make Bev and Keith very, very welcome.

I have two other guests in the gallery today who’ve joined us from Nanaimo. Th ey’ve made a pilgrimage, a trip over the Malahat. Th at’s Brent Frain and his partner, Sonjia Grandahl. Th ey’re both here today to observe the goings and comings of the Legislative Assembly and to ask some hard questions about funding for people with disabilities. Would the House make them both very, very welcome. L. Larson: On behalf of my caucus colleagues who participated in the MLA mentor program of UBC Equal Voice, I’ d like to welcome to the House Jade Scrymgeour, Hailey Graham, Zahara Baush and Jalini Parmasothi.

Would the House please make them welcome. K. Corrigan: Well, what a great day it was for the UBC Equal Voice mentees, young women coming to talk to women MLAs about the importance of women getting involved in politics. It was a great day for the offi cial op- position to also host some of those students, along with the government-side MLAs. Th at was me and the mem- ber for Saanich South, the member for Nelson-Creston and the member for Kootenay West. On behalf of all of us here, I’ d like to welcome Natasha Mihell, Harleen Brar, Nicole Covey, Audrey Tong and Cheneil Antony-Hale.

Would the House make them feel welcome, please. I have another group that is here today and that I’m very thrilled to welcome. We have the wonderful Anne Kang, a city councillor in the city of Burnaby and a constituent of mine. Along with Anne, we have her husband, Diego Lin, and their children, Elizabeth Anne and Teddy — well, Th eodore, but I call him Teddy Lin — and a young woman, Letitia Chu, who’s spent many hours working in my offi ce as a volunteer. With them, as well, is Henry Y ao and Andre Chen. I hope that you will make all of them very welcome. Hon.

Michelle Stilwell: I’ d like to welcome Sheila and Jack Hay, who are coming down from Parksville today for their fi rst question period. I hope we don’t disappoint them. Would the House please make them feel welcome. M. Farnworth: Shortly, two new members will be tak- ing their place in the House, and watching in the gallery for the new member for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain will be her husband, Brian, a self-employed milkman, and their two children — Troy, age ten, and Adriana, age six. Will the House make them most welcome for this really important occasion in their family’s life.

Tributes PROVINCIAL CURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS E. Foster: I rise today to recognize a group of young men from my riding in Vernon. I speak of the Jim Cotter rink from the Vernon and also Kelowna curling clubs, made up of Jim Cotter, skip; third, Ryan Kuhn; second, Tyrel Griffi th; and lead, Rick Sawatsky. On the weekend, they won their third consecutive B.C. provincial curling championships in Nelson.

Th is is the sixth trip to the Brier for skip Cotter and lead Sawatsky, and they will be heading to Ottawa to rep- resent British Columbia in the national championships, the Brier, and we would like to wish them good luck and good curling. [1340] Introductions by Members M. Elmore: I’m very pleased to welcome my good friends for their fi rst visit here in the Legislature. I call her Tita Effi e Chiong. Also, I consider as my extended family her husband, Nick Chiong; their children Joy Nary, Jed Chiong, Leo Mananghas and Ariel Embrero. Th ey all hail from Coquitlam–Burke Mountain.

Th ey were all here to witness the swearing-in ceremony. Th ey worked very hard to elect the MLA for Coquitlam– Burke Mountain, and I’ d ask everyone to please make them very welcome. Tributes YVONNE COCKE J. Darcy: Well, we have welcomed some awesome women today, and I rise to pay tribute to a formidable woman, a resident of New Westminster, who passed away recently. She never had a seat in this House, was never a member of this House, but she certainly exercised tremendous infl uence over it.

I’m referring to Yvonne Cocke, part of the infamous Cocke machine, who was a city councillor in New Westminster, a super eff ective 10431

British Columbia Debates10432 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 campaign organizer, a very strong and committed fem- inist and the life partner of Dennis Cocke, who served as Health Minister in this House. Robin Geary and former MLA and cabinet minis- ter Colin Gabelmann were recently quoted as saying: “Yvonne was a committed feminist and an outstand- ing organizer. She and Dennis were so strong and ef- fective within party circles that some wanted to ‘unplug the Cocke machine. ’” Fortunately, party members were smarter than that. Th ere will be a memorial service for Yvonne later on in this session.

I will certainly inform members of this House, but I know that this House would also want to ex- tend its deepest sympathies to her family and to honour a woman who’s truly made an impact on politics in the province of British Columbia. Introductions by Members Hon. M. Bernier: It’s not very oft en I have the pleas- ure of introducing my wife in this House. As I think most people would appreciate, it’s quite a lengthy pilgrimage from Dawson Creek to Victoria. I want to take this mo- ment to acknowledge that my wife is visiting, but more importantly….

I guess I shouldn’t say more importantly than my wife, but in this case…. What I’ d like to say is that just as important is the fact that we…. Interjections. Hon. M. Bernier: I’ll keep digging, yeah. I am very honoured to say in the House that we are very proud grandparents for the fi rst time and want to welcome our fi rst grandchild to the province of British Columbia. S. Hammell: In the gallery are two amazing young members of the Iranian community. Th ey’ve been here to enjoy the ceremonies this morning and now have stayed back to watch question period: Amir Bajehkian and Roya Amirafard.

Would the House please make both of them welcome. D. McRae: Today in the galleries, we have students from G.P . Vanier joining us. As people in this cham- ber know, while I was Minister of Education…. All the schools of British Columbia are very good, but G.P . Vanier holds a near and dear spot in my heart. It was where my father taught. I went to daycare there. I gradu- ated there. I taught there. My niece graduated from that school. It’s been a great school in the Comox Valley. We have 43 students from the Vanier Explore program, grade 11 students.

Th ey are joined by their teachers Crystal Gaudry, Grayson Pettigrew and Dave Neill. Would the House please make them welcome. J. Rice: With the exception of the seniors discount one can get at Shoppers Drug Mart at the age of 55, my fath- er today is actually offi cially a senior citizen. He’s turned 65, and I would like the House to join me in welcoming Michael Wesley Rice. A happy 65th birthday. L. Reimer: It’s my great pleasure today to welcome to the House two ladies that I worked with for many years in the Tri-Cities.

Cathie Camley was the executive direc- tor of the Learning Disabilities Association Fraser North chapter, and Clair Schuman was involved with autism and also the Learning Disabilities Association. Both have been passionate advocates for children and for special needs children. Would the House please make them very welcome. J. Shin: I am thrilled to share with the House our new- est British Columbians from Syria, who arrived just six weeks ago and are so excited to be here. It was a long, heartbreaking journey that our Syrian families in the gal- lery endured to be with us today.

Th ey fi rst fl ed to Jordan in 2012 to survive the terror that brutalized millions of innocent lives in their country. [1345] I can’t begin to imagine their immense suffering and pain as they saw their homes destroyed and their loved ones murdered, but I do know that here in British Columbia they have friends who will stand alongside them as they begin their new chapter. Now I’ d like to recognize the life-changing work by the Canadian Arab Forum of B.C., a non-profi t organization prompting and celebrating Arabic and Muslim culture in Canada’s vibrant multicultural society.

CAFBC is a member of the Council of Muslim Organizations of B.C. and regularly hosts events and sponsors initiatives like today’s delegation. Also on that note, I would like to thank Mr. Liaquat Khan, a respected businessman in Surrey and a promin- ent member of the Pakistan Canada Association, who generously sponsored the cost of our guests’ trip to the Legislature today. To our newest fellow British Columbians: we hope you fi nd peace in your days of healing ahead in Canada — the best country in the world, dare I say — which all of us, and now you, too, have the privilege of calling home.

Would all the members in the House please make them feel very welcome. [Applause] H. Bains: I stand with pride and honour to introduce and join with the member for Burnaby-Lougheed to ex- tend our warm welcome to our newer British Columbians. Th ese are the families…. As you have heard and many British Columbians have read in the media, their lives were uprooted because of no fault of their own. British Columbians opened up their arms, their wallets and their doors, and here they are today.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10433 It makes me so proud to stand here and to welcome them. I will name a few of them, because they are in Surrey now — Khaled Mohammed Oday, Abu Bahker Khan and Ibrahim Abu Karousse. At the same time I welcome them, I want to say thank you to Liaquat Ali, Y ousef Barakat. Like all British Columbians, these are the people that actually stepped forward and said “welcome” to all of our Syrian individ- uals who left their homes, not by choice, but we are here to welcome them.

I say please join with me, like all British Columbians have done, to say welcome and make their stay here as comfortable as we can. S. Robinson: I have a number of guests here today. I’ d like the House to join me in welcoming Brooke Campbell from the B.C. Seniors Games Society. She’s their communications chair. Th e one thing I will say about Brooke is that she suff ers from chronic volunteer- ism. It’s just one of the things that she’s really very good at. I’ d also like to join my colleagues in welcoming those Syrian refugees who have made Coquitlam their home.

Coquitlam residents are thrilled and have gathered and organized over the preceding months, preparing for the arrival of Syrian refugees, and we are thrilled. I am cer- tainly thrilled to see them here in the House today. Would the members please join me in welcoming Mahmoud Halak, Smah Nyalh, Rahaf Halak, Merna Halak, Husam Jahmani, Ikhlas Alhussein, Laith Jahmani, Kenan Jahmani, Rebal Jahmani and Ali Elhayou. S. Hammell: I’ d like to, in particular, welcome council- lor Y ousef Barakat. He is a proud Canadian who was born in Palestine and immigrated to Canada in 2010.

Since the immigration of the family to Canada, he has continued to demonstrate a passion for promoting intercultural re- lations, diversity and inclusion. Y ousef is the person who has been behind organiz- ing this trip of the Syrian new Canadians to our House, their House. I’ d like to also introduce to the House Ryan Alda Benut. [1350] Speaker’s Statement TALKING STICK Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, one further intro- duction. With the blessing of the Hon. Steven Point, this Talking Stick was presented to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly by the Hon. Judith Guichon at an event at Government House.

This Talking Stick was carved by the artist James Delorme and was presented to the Hon. Steven Point, as Lieutenant-Governor, in 2010 by Chief Robert Sam, as a gift from the Songhees First Nation, to commemorate the Salish Sea naming ceremony. Th e Talking Stick is a replica of the totem pole located on the front lawn of the Government House. Th e totem pole was carved by Chief Tony Hunt and originally designed by Mungo Martin. By-Election Results Clerk of the House: February 16, 2016 Hon. Linda Reid Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Room 207, Parliament Buildings Victoria, B.C.

V8V 1X4 Dear Madame Speaker: On July 13, 2015, this offi ce received your warrant advising of a vacancy in the Legislative Assembly resulting from the re- signation of Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, member for the electoral district of Vancouver–Mount Pleasant. On August 17, 2015, this offi ce received your warrant advising of a vacancy in the Legislative Assembly resulting from the resignation of Douglas Horne, member for the electoral district of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain.

On direction from the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council, I issued writs of election for the electoral districts of Vancouver– Mount Pleasant and Coquitlam–Burke Mountain on January 5, 2016, ordering that by-elections be held to fi ll these vacancies. Th e writs specifi ed general voting day to be February 2, 2016, in both electoral districts. Th e by-elections were held in accordance with the provi- sions of the Election Act, and the completed writs of election have been returned to me. In accordance with

section 147(2) of the Election Act, I hereby certify the following individuals to be elected to serve as members of the Legislative Assembly: Melanie Mark for the electoral district of Vancouver–Mount Pleasant; Jodie Wickens for the electoral district of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. Sincerely, Keith Archer, PhD Chief Electoral Offi cer British Columbia Hon. S. Anton: I move that the certifi cate of the Chief Electoral Offi cer of the results of the election of members be entered upon the Journals of the House. Motion approved. J.

Horgan: It has been two weeks of constant smiling from me from me, and I know that gives great joy to the members on the opposite side. It was a truly moving day. I want to thank the mem- ber Delta South for joining us and members of the gov- ernment’s caucus for being here for the swearing in, the ceremony that involved Tsimshian drum corp — just an exciting passionate and powerful moment for all of us who participated.

Adding to that — what I thought could not be a better day — is to have our friends from Syria come here to ob- serve the transition from one to another, from the old to the new — people leaving this place and people coming

British Columbia Debates10434 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 into this place without fear, without reprisal, without vio- lence. It is something that is a reminder to all of us of how profoundly fortunate we are to live in this great country and in this spectacular province, and of the privilege and honour to represent the citizens in our communities. A spectacular day.

I have the honour to present two women, two moth- ers: the fi rst First Nations woman to take a seat in this building and the youngest member — with great respect to the member for Vancouver–West End, who now has to pass the mantle to the member for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. Two women who will fi ght for their commun- ity, passionate supporters of children, passionate support- ers of families and passionate supporters of education.

Madame Speaker, I have the honour to present Jodie Wickens, the member for the electoral district of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain and Melanie Mark, the member for the electoral district of Vancouver–Mount Pleasant, who have taken the oath, signed the parlia- mentary roll and now claim their right to take their seats. [Applause.] [1355] Th e hon. members for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain and Vancouver–Mount Pleasant took their seats. Hon.

M. de Jong: May I say, on behalf of the govern- ment benches, to the new member for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain and the new member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant: first of all, congratulations. To acquire the right to sit in this place is, in and of itself, a tremendous achievement and an honour. Th ey have earned that right, and we look forward to working with them. I can’t, in fairness, pledge that each moment in this chamber will be characterized by the mood that exists at the moment. But I can say this. In ways that have already been described, and, I expect, in other ways, both are pioneers.

I can also, I think with a measure of certainty, say this. Away from the glow of the bright lights in this cham- ber, they will, I know, come to appreciate that there is a measure of collegiality that exists in the halls of this place. Th e House Leader for the two new members and I have, in the past, commented on the exclusive — not elitist, but exclusive — club of individuals over the past 130 or 140 years that have acquired the right from the citizens to sit here. All of us enjoy that. We bear at least one thing in common — me with you.

I arrived here in a by-election and earned the right 22 years ago today to sit here. I do remember the sense of excitement. I remember the sense of excitement on the night, and I remember the sense of awe and excitement of walking down the red-carpeted fl oor as the members just did. So bravo. Good luck. I can’t pledge a desire to extend your careers indefi n- itely here, but I do know that you will enjoy your time and look forward to working with you, on behalf of all government members, now that you’ve taken your seats.

Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 7 — INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AMENDMENT ACT, 2016 Hon. S. Bond presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Industry Training Authority Amendment Act, 2016. Hon. S. Bond: I move that Bill 7 be introduced and read a fi rst time now. Motion approved. Hon. S. Bond: Skills training continues to be a major priority for the province, given the shift s in the labour market and the projected demand for skilled workers over the next decade.

Th e importance of skills training is why, in 2013, Jessica McDonald was appointed to con- duct an independent review of the Industry Training Authority and trades training in B.C. We have commit- ted to implementing all 29 recommendations outlined in the McDonald report, aimed at strengthening B.C. ’s trades training system. [1400] Th e Industry Training Authority, or the ITA, is the regulatory body responsible for managing our province’s trades-training system. It is ensuring B.C. trains the right number of skilled workers to meet demand.

Th e ITA is governed by the Industry Training Authority Act, which outlines the ITA ’s power to deliver a high-quality and eff ective apprenticeship system. It’s time to update the act and make the changes necessary to ensure that the Industry Training Authority is best positioned to eff ect- ively lead the system in B.C. Today we are introducing amendments to the act that will directly address the recommendations provided in the Macdonald report.

Th ese amendments will clarify and strengthen the authority’s role within the system and ensure industry stakeholders are engaged in stra- tegic planning and decision-making. At the same time, the amendments will ensure the ITA continues to have fl exibility to respond to priorities quickly and effi ciently. I move that Bill 7 be placed on the orders of the day for the next sitting of the House aft er today. Bill 7, Industry Training Authority Amendment Act, 2016, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10435 Statements (Standing Order 25B) PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE FOR MERRITT J. Tegart: Th e city of Merritt, in the heart of Fraser- Nicola, has a rich cultural diversity that spans all sectors of the community. Y oung and old are enthusiastic par- ticipants in Merritt’s arts scene. Unfortunately, as in most small communities, Merritt lacks an adequate facility where live performances, music events and plays can be held, a centre to showcase and promote arts and culture in the community. Th e Nicola Valley Community Th eatre Society is work- ing on a solution.

Th e society has completed a detailed business plan that makes a performing arts centre a suc- cessful proposition from a cost standpoint. Stand-alone performing arts centres historically are money-losers for communities. Income rarely covers operating expenses, but the Nicola Valley Community Th eatre Society en- visions a performing arts centre that generates steady revenue by including a movie theatre that screens fi rst- run Hollywood fi lms. Th e society has determined that a community-owned cinema complex incorporated into a performing arts centre could subsidize the cost of the entire venue.

Th is proposal has wide community support. A 250-seat per- forming arts centre would be combined with the attached three-screen cinema complex of 100 seats each. With an estimated cost of $5 million, this is an ambi- tious project. Fundraising has begun, and a membership drive has resulted in almost 450 members. Th e theatre society views this as a pilot project to demonstrate how small communities with limited resources can build and operate facilities that foster local arts and culture. One idea, a couple of people that are passionate, and you can change a community. SUPPORT FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES B.

Ralston: Th e civil war in Syria has created one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. More than half of all Syrians are either refugees or internally displaced. Th ousands of refugees continue to fl ee, taking perilous journeys that make it clear that resettlement to third countries like Canada continues to be needed. In addition to government-assisted refugees, there are other civil society–based legal avenues to assist Syrian refugees — by sponsorship agreement holders, by groups of fi ve or more citizens or by community spon- sors.

Canadians have reached out, and here in the com- munities of British Columbia, many civil society groups, faith-based organizations, businesses and networks of individuals have all answered the call for help. For many Syrians, these sponsorships mean a new beginning, and they start with our support. Groups like the Canadian Arab Forum of British Columbia, the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia, SUCCESS, the B.C. Muslim Association and many others are helping.

Be it by volunteering, off ering housing or em- ployment opportunities and with in-kind or direct dona- tions, citizens across British Columbia are responding.

Th e challenges of resettlement in British Columbia, including learning English, seeking employment, enrol- ling children in school and seeking, in some cases, med- ical help for the post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the horrors of war, are all part of the new lives refu- gees will need to overcome to successfully integrate into British Columbia. [1405] On behalf of all members, I extend my thanks to every- one involved, and to our new Canadians joining us in the gallery today: welcome home. NECHAKO-KITAMAAT DEVELOPMENT FUND SOCIETY G.

Kyllo: Today I’ d like to recognize the achievements of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society on its 15th anniversary. For the past 15 years, volunteer board members have dedicated their time and energy to support the society’s economic development man- date. Th e society was established back in 1999 to support economic development in the region roughly between Kitimat and Vanderhoof, the area that was most aff ected by the Kemano project and the creation of the Nechako reservoir.

Th e society funds projects in partnership with com- munities and other partners, serving the needs of some of B.C. ’s smallest communities, including a number of First Nations communities. As of March 31, 2015, the society has approved a total of 282 individual projects valued over $8.8 million. In 2014-15 alone, the society leveraged $1.6 million from outside sources, attracting critical investments into some of B.C. ’s smallest and most vulnerable communities.

Th e projects funded by the society are developed spe- cifi cally in response to the needs of First Nations and non– First Nations communities in the region. Communities such as Fraser Lake, Burns Lake and the Saik’uz Nation have all benefi ted from projects funded by the society. Such projects include marketing and promotional cam- paigns, community hall upgrades, downtown revitaliza- tion initiatives and the creation of world-class walking and biking trails. All of these projects spur economic de- velopment by making the region more attractive to busi- nesses and residents.

I encourage all members to congratulate the hard- working volunteers and staff of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society for their extraordinary ser- vice to their communities over the past 15 years. Th eir dedication to serving their communities has undoubtedly

British Columbia Debates10436 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 helped to make the northwest central region an even bet- ter place to live and play. 55-PLUS B.C. GAMES S. Robinson: The 55-Plus Games are coming to Coquitlam this year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a representative of the host community. Coquitlam is celebrating its 125th birthday this year, and hosting the annual 55-Plus Games is a great way to bring our community together. I love the fact that we’re celebrat- ing our birthday with sport, competition and friendship.

And what’s more, the city’s parks and recreation depart- ment has been hosting try-it sessions so residents can try their hand at a new sport that will be showcased at the games. The B.C. Seniors Games Society works with com- munities around the province to hold these games. Th e volunteer-run society operates the multisport 55-Plus Games every year by bringing people together to cele- brate the year’s culmination of hard work, dedication and friendship in sport and other recreational activities. Th is September Coquitlam will welcome up to 4,000 par- ticipants and coaches in 22 diff erent sports and activities.

Participants will engage in everything from archery to whist. An additional 1,500 volunteers will be on hand to help put on the games, making this one of the largest community gatherings Coquitlam ever hosted. While the community will benefi t by bringing out the best in us as hosts, there will be signifi cant economic benefi ts to the region as well. Survey data collected for the B.C.

Seniors Games in Langley in 2014 indicated direct economic impact of more than $3.1 million in the area, of which over 85 percent was created by the spend- ing of games participants, while the remainder was con- tributed by games society organizers and related agencies. Join us in Coquitlam this September and be amazed at how older adults take to their sport and push their limits. Be sure to celebrate with us because #youwishyoucould- playlikeanolderadult. FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS S. Gibson: Congratulations to the Federation of Independent Schools on their 50th anniversary.

For over fi ve decades, FISA BC has been a strong voice for independent schools in our province, providing a divers- ity of choice for parents for the education of their chil- dren and youth. Today the federation is the umbrella organization for over 76,000 students attending 297 member schools. Th is represents 93 percent of the total independent school enrolment in our province. FISA ’s growth demonstrates the respect it enjoys among B.C. ’s independent schools. I’ve had the pleasure, over this past year, of visiting 35 independent schools and plan to visit more in the com- ing months ahead.

Independent schools provide a valuable complement- ary alternative to the public education system. It’s all about choice. [1410] Th anks to the energy and passion of FISA, our govern- ment recently passed Bill 29, which ensures that property reasonably necessary for the education of children con- tinues to be exempt from property tax. Th is will ensure that unnecessary fi nancial burdens are not placed on independent schools so they may use their resources to educate and enlighten our children. Way to go, FISA. We’re all proud of you and your con- tribution to the quality education for our entire province.

JENS ERIK KNUDSGAARD K. Conroy: Last Saturday, February 13, I attended the service for Jens Erik Knudsgaard, who passed away in Kananaskis on February 5. Erik was born on February 12, 1938, in Rossland — the fi rst set of triplets to be born in Rossland and, some say, even in B.C. Erik’s hobbies included skiing, hiking, Masons, Sons of Norway and Ski for Light Canada. He enjoyed trav- elling to England and Denmark, celebrating his Danish heritage and, especially, spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Erik is survived by his wife, Margaret; his sons — Paul and his wife, Colleen, and Mark and his wife, Julie-Anne; his daughters, Karen and Anna; his grandchildren, Mya, Kristian, Logan, Winter and Moss; his brother, Einer and his wife, Mariette; and his sister, Linda and her hus- band, Allan; as well as nieces and nephews. Erik was predeceased by his parents, Hans and Linna, and his brothers, Frankie and David. Erik had been in Kananaskis as a guide for blind ski- ers, participating in the annual Ski for Light event. On Saturday, he guided his blind skier to a gold-medal fi nish.

Later that night, Erik died peacefully in his sleep. He was a member of the Sons of Norway, Castlegar Nordic Lodge #76, made up of members of Scandinavian heritage from throughout the West Kootenays. Ski for Light is an outreach program of Sons of Norway that annually pairs visually impaired cross-country skiers with sighted guides for a week of skiing, training ses- sions and social events. Th e program started in Norway but expanded to the U.S. and then Canada. In fact, the very fi rst Ski for Light event in Canada was hosted by the Castlegar Nordic Lodge in 1978. Th ey hosted again in ’89, ’96 and 2003.

Erik was an enthusiastic and successful guide. As well, he was always there to help out friends and family. He never failed to give me political advice, always with a smile and a hug. Our community has lost one of those members who contributed much and never asked for

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10437 anything. As his sons said in their eulogy of their dad, he died doing what he loved, helping someone else achieve their goal and a gold medal too. Oral Questions MSP CHANGES J. Horgan: Over the past two weeks, the Premier has made a number of statements about what she thinks is wrong with the medical services tax.

Most recently, she said — and I’m quoting this, because I certainly wouldn’t have said this: “It’s antiquated, it’s old, and the way people pay for it generally doesn’t make a…ton of sense, so therefore, it is really hard to try and make the sensible changes that we need to do. ” Five years the Premier has presided over the tabling of budgets. For five years, she’s known that it is un- fair, it is antiquated and it needs to be fi xed. But just last week, apparently, we discovered that that would be really, really hard. My question to the Minister of Finance is this.

Why is it that aft er claiming that they were going to do some- thing to relieve the burden of the medical services tax on British Columbians, they are in fact increasing the take this year, next year and the year aft er that? Why is it so really, really hard to do the right thing and make an unfair tax disappear and let British Columbians deal with health services like every other province in the Confederation? Hon.

M. de Jong: As I mentioned, I think, a day or two ago, predictably the Leader of the Opposition and, I suspect, a few of his colleagues are choosing to dismiss outright the signifi cance of the changes that are outlined in the budget that was tabled yesterday. In so doing, they are saying no to changes that would ensure that a single adult making less than $42,000 can save up to $324 a year by virtue of the changes we’ve made to MSP . [1415] Th ey are saying no to changes that would see an adult couple earning up to $45,000 save up to $480 a year.

Th ey are saying no to changes that would ensure a senior couple earning less than $51,000 could save up to $480 per year. Perhaps more importantly, they are saying no to changes that will ensure that 70,000 single-parent families can save up to $1,224 a year on medical servi- ces premiums. Madame Speaker: Th e Leader of the Opposition on a supplemental. J. Horgan: It’s old, it’s antiquated, and the way it’s paid generally doesn’t make a ton of sense. Th at was from the leader of the government of British Columbia.

I think what British Columbians would like is for the Minister of Finance to say yes to helping families that are in distress. I think British Columbians would like a gov- ernment that says yes to doing away with unfair taxes that have been crippling people for generations. Th e minister is oft en prone to say — and he may have it prepared in his next response — that he believes that, somehow, British Columbians need a symbol that health care costs some money.

Now, if they were only increas- ing the medical services premium by the increase in the Medical Services Plan expenditures over a year, that would be fi ne. But my reading is that this year medical services are going up 2.9 percent, yet the MSP premium is going up 4 percent. Th at’s not even revenue-neutral, as the minister likes to say. Th at’s a grab, plain and simple. For the fi rst time in my memory, there will be more revenue from the medical services tax than from forest- ry, than from mining and natural gas.

We have now $100 million in a photo-op slush fund for the Premier that’s not being funded by LNG revenues, because there aren’t any. It’s being funded by — you’ve got it — the diff eren- tial between the 2.9 percent increase in his budget and the 4 percent increase in the tax. My question to the Minister of Finance: why the tax grab? Why don’t you do something about the antiquat- ed, old and unfair way you’ve been collecting taxes from families for the past 15 years? Hon.

M. de Jong: Th e opposition leader and his col- leagues’ unfamiliarity and lack of enthusiasm for the concept of saving is well known to people across British Columbia. But I expect I’ll have some opportunity to dis- cuss that further in follow-up questions from him and his colleagues. Th e question, though, that the member has put and that deserves a direct answer relates to where there are increases. I noticed, in his

preamble and in some of the commentary that he has advanced outside of this chamber, he and his colleagues have chosen — pur- posefully, I expect — not to refer to the signifi cant on- going increase in the Health budget that is measured in the billions of dollars. Th at’s billions of dollars to ensure that British Columbians can access the health care that they need. And an unwillingness on the part of the member to acknowledge that of the soon-to-be $19 billion that taxpayers will provide to fund Health Ministry operations…. Th at doesn’t even include all of the other health aspects of the budget.

Of the Health Ministry operations, but 14 percent of that comes from MSP premiums. We have made changes that acknowledge the challenge that families face. We have made changes that result not in nominal or insignifi cant savings but signifi cant sav- ings to families in every circumstance, and it’s all laid out in the budget. It’s good news for those families — that they are securing the relief they need under a balanced budget in 2016.

British Columbia Debates10438 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 SENIOR CANCER CARE CASE J. Darcy: Y esterday the Finance Minister said: “Th e measure of any society is refl ected in the degree to which it is willing to help the most vulnerable. ” [1420] Well, Fran Flann is the most vulnerable. She’s 82 years old and recovering from cancer surgery. While she was having surgery, her landlord decided to clean up her apartment, which was infested with bedbugs. A social worker found her in a motel room, but funding for that ran out aft er a week. Now Fran is in a homeless shelter.

Th at is a shameful way to treat a senior and a cancer pa- tient — absolutely shameful. If a society is measured by how much it is willing to help the most vulnerable, to the Finance Minister: how does his government measure itself when it comes to treating Fran Flann? Hon. M. de Jong: Th ere are people in British Columbia who experience challenges. Th ey are seniors; they are other individuals.

I expect that one of the common fea- tures that draws people to this chamber — and two more just joined us — is a desire to take steps that would al- leviate some of the challenges that people in British Columbia face — those most vulnerable people. Th at is why we have devoted and, within the budget, provided hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding to support our most vulnerable citizens. Th at’s why we have ensured…. Th at’s why we have capitalized and taken advantage of our fi scal strength as a province, which surpasses any other jurisdiction in Canada.

It’s why we have applied ourselves with such diligence to fi scal discipline and why we have taken steps to reduce the cost of borrowing money so that, in this case, up to half a billion dollars more is available to do what I presume the member wants government to do, and what we are doing, which is to take steps to make life just a little bit easier for those that are confronted by those challenges. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS AND COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX D.

Eby: We know that residents of Metro Vancouver, who are watching an out-of-control real estate market drive prices well beyond what they can aff ord, are not celebrating the Premier’s budget. But shadow fl ippers have a reason to celebrate. Th e Premier and the Finance Minister failed to close a loophole that they’re exploiting to evade the property transfer tax that everybody else has to pay. Th is loophole could be costing the province hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Th at’s money the Premier is taking instead from hard-working families through in- creased MSP , hydro and other fees.

For some reason, this government is pretending that shadow fl ipping isn’t hap- pening, that this property transfer tax evasion isn’t hap- pening — and it isn’t collecting this money. To the Finance Minister: why is he not acting to close this loophole? Hon. M. de Jong: Well, quite frankly, I would have ex- pected a more informed question or submission from the member, because he knows what he said is just not true. In fact, in very specifi c and pointed ways, we have begun the process of gathering information that heretofore has not existed about the very phenomenon that he describes.

But I would have expected at some point in my search of the commentary from this member, in particular, to see some recognition for a step the government has taken that has the immediate impact of putting not one, not two, not three, but up to $13,000 directly into the pock- et of a family that wants to purchase a home in British Columbia.

Th at is true in the neighbourhood that the member represents, and whether he cares or not, it is true for British Columbians right across this province. [1425] Is there any better indication of the negativity or the spirit of no that pervades across the benches of the op- position than that member’s refusal to acknowledge a $13,000 benefi t for British Columbians who want to get into the housing market? Madame Speaker: Vancouver–Point Grey on a sup- plemental. D.

Eby: What British Columbians would like to see is some recognition from this Finance Minister and this Premier of the hundreds of millions of dollars left on the table through property transfer tax not paid by shadow fl ippers and not paid by international investors. Wealthy international investors are celebrating the Finance Minister’s budget as well. They’re using our low dollar to scoop up commercial properties, espe- cially in Vancouver. Vancouver’s Royal Centre building sold to a German billionaire for more than $400 million. Vancouver’s U.K. Building sold to Chinese investors for $122 million.

Th ey, and others like them, get to avoid the property transfer tax by using a loophole, which the Finance Minister knows about, called a bare trust. On these two deals alone, the province may have given up, up to $11 million in revenue. Th ere are hundreds like them over the last ten years. Why did the Finance Minister not close this loophole, as well, around the property transfer tax? Hon.

M. de Jong: First of all, again, the member will know that the budget yesterday announced specifi c steps to do something that has not taken place in the 30 years since the advent of the property transfer tax, around the question of bare trust. It’s something previous govern-

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10439 ments chose not to do, including governments led by the party opposite. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. We’ll wait. Please continue. Hon. M. de Jong: Look, believe me, I don’t like to think about the ’90s either. I share that with the oppos- ition, actually. We are beginning the process of gathering accurate in- formation upon which sound decisions can be made. But it was a very interesting submission. Th e member seemed to be quite critical of the fact that people came to British Columbia and are purporting to make a commercial in- vestment.

I’m going to repeat something I said yesterday, just so that people understand. Th e government, members of the government caucus, actually value and encourage people coming to British Columbia to invest in our economy. We actually think it makes sense for people to be encouraged to come here, invest, set up businesses, employ British Columbians, di- versify our economy even further, diversify our markets. I expect, and will say again, that that is one of the important things that distinguishes the government from the oppos- ition.

I will also say it’s one of the reasons British Columbia continues to lead Canada in terms of economic growth. INVESTIGATION INTO REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS C. James: Th is year and next year, the government projects that they will collect an unexpected extra $750 million in property transfer tax, largely due to the out- of-control real estate market in the Lower Mainland. Residents of Metro Vancouver are concerned that specu- lators, shadow fl ippers and others are hyperinfl ating the market, and they’re ensuring that property prices con- tinue to remain disconnected from the stagnant wages of B.C. ’s families.

Now, an independent investigation into the real estate market in Metro Vancouver that could include spot aud- its, title research and comprehensive interviews under oath would likely cost about $1 million. Will the Finance Minister do the right thing and spend 0.001 percent of his property transfer tax windfall to fund, for example, a retired judge to investigate what’s really happening in Metro Vancouver in the housing market? [1430] Hon. M. de Jong: Well, it’s not the fi rst time, but once again, we’re getting somewhat mixed signals from the op- position.

One member thinks we’re not collecting enough property transfer tax, and another member thinks we’re collecting too much. Let me say this about an important portion of the real estate market, housing market, in British Columbia. In Vancouver last year, the statistics reveal that a third of the homes that were sold, sold for under $400,000.

So when I hear members opposite dismiss as inconsequen- tial a decision that immediately provides an exemption for British Columbians — for people who live here, who want to buy and make their permanent home here — an exemption that could save them $13,000, it suggests to me that there is something else at play. Th ere is a process underway to examine some of the practices that have given rise to concern involving the Real Estate Council and the superintendent of real es- tate.

Th e member has heard me in the past — and my expectations and the government’s expectations around proper behaviour by those involved in the real estate sector. But for heaven’s sake, the single biggest change to the property transfer tax — an opportunity for British Columbians, not just in Point Grey or Shaughnessy but around this province, to purchase a new home and save up to $13,000…. If the members opposite can’t join with the government and celebrate that fact, I guess that speaks volumes to where they are. Madame Speaker: Th e member for Victoria–Beacon Hill on a supplemental. C.

James: I’m amazed that you would hear the Finance Minister standing up and talking about being against closing loopholes, dealing with speculators and ensuring British Columbians are treated fairly. Th at’s what we’re talking about in this House. Th e minister chose to completely ignore a thoughtful proposal from UBC’s Sauder School of Business which gave a way to track absentee speculator investors through the tax system. Th e minister knows that there have been very serious allegations about real estate manipulation in Vancouver. So again my question is to the minister.

Why on earth does he believe that a voluntary declaration will be com- pleted accurately by international investors who want to shield their true residency? Hon. M. de Jong: Th e member may not remember this, but I do — not, by the way, because of political involve- ment but as a result of professional involvement in duties I had 100-plus years ago. We used to collect information. We used to require people to provide information about citizenship. I haven’t dwelt on this, but the member per- sists, and so I shall. I have no idea why the NDP government in 1998 de- cided to end that practice. I have no idea.

I am certain that as a keen student of history of her party and govern- ments past, the member will stand up in a moment and explain that to us.

British Columbia Debates10440 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 We are taking steps to collect specifi c information, re- liable information and — as odd as this might seem to members of the opposition — to base subsequent deci- sions on that reliable information. DRINKING W ATER QUALITY IN PRINCE RUPERT SCHOOLS J. Rice: Y esterday, the parents of school children in school district 52 received a shocking letter. Th ey were informed that their children had been drinking water with lead levels in excess of Health Canada guidelines. Four schools were tested.

Th ree elementary schools and one middle school in Prince Rupert have lead lev- els beyond the maximum acceptable level. Th ey were in- formed that in order to address this problem, the district would begin fl ushing school water pipes and installing fi ltered water fountains. Parents want to know what the health impact on their children might be. [1435] Can the Minister of Education tell the House how long he has known that school children in my riding have been exposed to contaminated drinking water? Hon. T.

Lake: Th e health authority, obviously, is very concerned about drinking water quality and has been working with Prince Rupert schools, as they do around the province when there’s a question of water quality. We know that lead is a naturally occurring substance but also is released from older plumbing, older pipes. I under- stand that in the ’80s and ’90s here in Victoria, for instance, there was a need to address this situation in older schools. Th e health offi cer in Prince Rupert has determined, through routine testing, that there are slightly elevated lead levels.

Th ey are taking proactive action with the school district to ensure that the drinking water for those students in those schools is safe. A letter has gone out to parents to advise them of this. We will ensure that the water is safe to drink in those Prince Rupert schools. Madame Speaker: Th e member for North Coast on a supplemental. J. Rice: My question was not answered. Th e question was: how long have they known? Almost half of the 23 sample sites inspected by Northern Health tested positive for elevated lead lev- els.

Children at Conrad Elementary were drinking water with lead levels three times higher than health guide- lines, and, to quote Northern Health, “Th ere is no ‘good’ amount of lead” — period. Parents in my community want answers. Can the min- ister tell the House how long these children have been drinking contaminated drinking water? Hon. T. Lake: Medical health offi cers around the prov- ince are certainly aware of the interaction between older plumbing, the alkalinity or acidity of the water and the relationship that results in possible contaminants in the water.

Th e health offi cer for Prince Rupert, as soon as they were aware of the elevated lead levels, worked with the school. Th ere is a program in place to ensure that the fau- cets are fl ushed fi rst thing in the morning, to make sure that any residual lead from the plumbing system has been fl ushed from the system, and there will be fi lters put on those water fountains to ensure that water is fi t to drink for the students of those schools. J. Wickens: Hon. Speaker, it actually gets worse.

According to Northern Health, children attending Pineridge Elementary have been drinking water with lead levels 14 times higher than the maximum concen- trations allowed by Health Canada — 14 times. Why has the Minister of Education allowed our school children to drink water that Health Canada says is unsafe? Hon. T. Lake: I want to thank the new member for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain for the question and for the style in which she presented it. I’ve never had to ask a question in question period. I don’t look forward to the opportunity, but I think she did a great job.

Th e reality is: as soon as Northern Health was know- ledgable about the elevated lead levels, they worked with the school to ensure that there was a system in place to protect the children at these schools. Th is is a problem that has occurred in older buildings throughout the prov- ince. As soon as people are aware of the problem, meas- ures are put in place — fl ushing systems, fi ltration systems. Northern Health is working closely with the school dis- trict to ensure that water is safe for these children to drink. R.

Fleming: Parents in British Columbia expect the government to look out for their children when they are at school, and of course, they expect their kids to be safe when they go to school each day. [1440] Imagine the shock of a parent receiving a memo yes- terday saying that their kids have been exposed to tox- ins linked to developmental disabilities and permanent physical damage from lead poisoning. Imagine that. My question is to the minister, whichever one cares to answer here today.

It’s about other schools in the north- west, because the testing results in Prince Rupert have shown that all of those schools came back with posi- tive results that will impact children. How many other schools have been tested for elevated lead levels, and will the minister release the fi ndings of those tests so parents can be properly informed? Hon. T. Lake: As I mentioned, in older buildings with plumbing that is aging, particularly depending on the

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10441 pH of the water system, there can be an interaction that causes lead to be residual in the water, particularly if the water has been sitting overnight. Th at’s why it’s important to fl ush those systems fi rst thing in the morning. Th is government is committed to replacing older schools throughout the province — over $1.7 billion over the fi scal plan to renew schools throughout the province of British Columbia.

Meanwhile, health authorities will always work with school districts to ensure that water in the school sys- tem is high quality and fi t to drink for the students. R. Fleming: Th e fact is that British Columbia has no mandated test of drinking water in public schools. In fact, Ontario is the jurisdiction that has seen fi t to conduct regular testing to determine whether their school chil- dren are exposed to high levels of lead. In the case of Prince Rupert, they are fl ushing the pipes, and they’re telling parents that they can buy their own home lead-testing kit at a discount for $29.

Is this all that the ministry is prepared to do — tell parents to buy a test kit and you’re on your own? In light of all we know, in light of what this minis- ter knows, in light of the discussion going on in North America about the risk to children from lead poisoning, I ask this of the minister: will he do the right thing? Will he start to coordinate provincial testing, mandatory for every school in British Columbia, to determine what risk there is to kids in our province? Hon. T. Lake: It is evident that as soon as Northern Health was aware of elevated lead levels, action was taken.

In older plumbing, we know that there is a possibility of lead getting into the system if water has been sitting in it for a period of time, particularly if the pH of the water system makes lead come out into the water. Th e water supply in Prince Rupert is absolutely fi ne. It’s the older buildings that have an issue, whether that’s residential buildings or whether it’s school buildings or whether it’s hospitals.

Northern Health is working closely with parents and the school to make sure that the water in the school system is fi t to drink for the students of Prince Rupert. [End of question period.] Reports from Committees M. Hunt: I have the honour to present the report of the Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner. I would move that the report be taken as read and re- ceived. Motion approved. M. Hunt: I ask leave of the House to move a motion to adopt the report. Leave granted. M. Hunt: In moving the adoption of this report, I would like to make some brief comments.

Th is report represents the committee’s unanimous recommendation for the reappointment of Ms. Fiona Spencer as the Merit Commissioner of British Columbia.

As you are aware, the role of the Merit Commissioner is an important one, but when I mentioned to folks that I was Chair of this committee, the standard question was: “What is a Merit Commissioner?” Well, the Merit Commissioner is a statutory offi cer of the Legislature who is responsible for ensuring the eff ective application of the merit principle in public service appointments, thereby confi rming that the appointed individuals are qualifi ed for their positions. Th e Merit Commissioner accomplishes this through random audits and through detailed reviews of specif- ic appointment decisions.

Since her original appoint- ment in 2010, Ms. Fiona Spencer has carried out these responsibilities in a most capable, eff ective and profes- sional manner. [1445] Ms. Spencer’s knowledge of public service and man- agement and human resource issues, both at the prov- incial and federal levels, as well as her integrity and commitment to accountability, make her an ideal candi- date to continue to fi ll this role. I want to thank my fellow committee members, includ- ing the Deputy Chair, the member for Surrey-Newton, for their contributions and support of the selection process.

It was a delight to work with each and every one of you. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the presence of Ms. Spencer in the gallery today, right behind me, and, on behalf of the committee, off er her our sincere con- gratulations. With that, I would move adoption of the report. H. Bains: I rise to add my comments in concur- rence with the Chair of the committee, the member for Surrey-Panorama.

I would also like to thank all commit- tee members for their focused and principled approach in reaching and concluding the process to recommend unanimously to this House to reappoint Fiona Spencer as Merit Commissioner for British Columbia. On behalf of the committee members, I want to thank, in particular, the Chair of the committee for his respect- ful, constructive approach in collecting views from all those who wished to off er.

On behalf of all members of the committee, I would like to thank the legislative Clerk’s offi ce, especially Kate Ryan-Lloyd, for their sup- port to help organize meetings and their technical advice. Th e legislative committee agreed to recommend Ms. Fiona Spencer’s appointment in 2010 and her reappoint- ment in 2013, and we believe she will continue to serve British Columbians with integrity, excellence and dedi-

British Columbia Debates10442 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 cation to her role. We look forward to Ms. Spencer con- tinuing her leadership as an independent offi cer of the Legislature, responsible for monitoring the application of the merit principle to public service appointments. Madame Speaker: Th e question is adoption of the report. Motion approved. M. Hunt: I would ask leave of the House to permit the moving of a motion requesting the Lieutenant-Governor- in-Council to reappoint Ms. Fiona Spencer as Merit Commissioner of the province of British Columbia. Leave granted.

Motions Without Notice APPOINTMENT OF MERIT COMMISSIONER M. Hunt: I move: [Th at this House recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council the reappointment of Ms. Fiona Spencer as an Offi cer of the Legislature, to exercise the powers and duties assigned to the Merit Commissioner for the province of British Columbia pursuant to

section 5.01 of the Public Service Act .] Motion approved. J. Wickens: I seek leave to make introductions. Madame Speaker: Please proceed. Introductions by Members J. Wickens: I’ d like to say a special welcome to some people who are very important to me in the House today. We have Louise Witt and Dione Costanzo, who are past colleagues of mine from the Autism Support Network; their children, Catherine Taylor and Eric Paquette; my sister-in-law, Brenda Newton, and Sam Newton; my good friend Joanna Drake and her mom, Karen Styles; and two mentors of mine, Clair Schuman and Cathie Camley.

Please help me in welcoming them today. Motions Without Notice APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIV ACY ACT Hon. M. de Jong: By leave, I’ d like to move a mo- tion. For the information of members, it is the activa- tion of the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, pursuant to

section 80 of that act. [Th at a Special Committee be appointed to review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act , R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 165 pursuant to

section 80 of that Act, and that the Special Committee so appointed shall have the powers of a Select Standing Committee and is also empowered:

a) to appoint to their number one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the committee and to delegate to the subcommittee all or any of its powers except the power to report directly to the House;

b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess aft er prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient;

d) to conduct public consultations by any means the commit- tee considers appropriate, including but not limited to public meetings and electronic means; and

e) to retain personnel as required to assist the committee; and shall submit a report, including any recommendations re- specting the results of the review, to the Legislative Assembly by May 26, 2016; and shall deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjourn- ment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

That the said Special Committee is to be composed of Don McRae (Convenor), Eric Foster, Sam Sullivan, Jackie Tegart, John Yap, Kathy Corrigan, David Eby, and Doug Routley.] I think all members are in possession of the motion. I will say that it asks the committee to submit its report by May 26, 2016. For the record, the special committee is composed of Don McRae, convener; Eric Foster; Sam Sullivan; Jackie Tegart; John Y ap; Kathy Corrigan; David Eby; and Doug Routley. By leave, I will move that motion. Motion approved. Orders of the Day Hon.

M. de Jong: Continued debate on the budget. [1450] Budget Debate (continued) C. James: It is my pleasure to continue my beginning discussion that I started yesterday, to rise to speak to B.C. Budget 2016. Y esterday was simply a quick overview of the budget, and today I want to take my opportunity to be able to talk a little bit more in-depth about specifi cs in the budget, about the kinds of things that are import- ant to British Columbians and the role of the budget in all of those. So just for those folks who are paying attention and listening, I’m going to go through the strengths of British Columbia.

I’m going to go through the role of the budget in supporting those strengths and dealing with the chal- lenges. [R. Chouhan in the chair.]

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10443 I want to talk a little bit about this government’s prom- ises. I believe it’s important to talk a little bit about the new promises in the budget and what the track record of this government is when it comes to promises, because I think it’s important for the people of B.C. to remember history when we take a look at new promises.

I want to take some time, as well, to talk a little bit about the reality for families, the challenges that fam- ilies are facing, some stories that I certainly don’t believe are unique to my constituency but in fact are, I’m certain, heard from members across this province. I also want to take some time to take a look at what the public has asked for. There’s quite an extensive process that occurs in British Columbia through the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, where we actually take the opportunity to travel the province.

I want to take some time to talk a little bit and respect those voices, those people who take the time to be able to tell us what they believe the priorities should be. I’ d like to take some time, as well, to talk a little bit about that public voice. Th en I want to close off with a little discussion about possibilities — what possibilities there are in this prov- ince and what kinds of challenges we have. I will be the designated speaker as well. Just to begin, I want to talk a little bit about our strengths. I’ve had the good fortune to live in British Columbia for most of my life.

I immigrated with my par- ents when I was a baby and moved to British Columbia when I was fi ve years old. I, in fact, moved into this com- munity — into James Bay and the Victoria community — when I was fi ve years old and have spent almost my entire life in this community. I moved north for a bit and continue to call that my second home — Burns Lake, where my husband’s terri- tory is and where he continues to work as well. I consid- er that my second home. But Victoria and this beautiful place, as well as this province, has been my home for my entire life. I am a proud British Columbian.

It was interesting yesterday. I was asked a couple of times, in doing follow-up on the budget, why I felt that there were comments made by the other side bashing other governments and other provinces, talking about the strengths of B.C. compared to other places. I’m a big believer — a lesson that I think is important — that we can be proud without putting other people down. I think that’s critical for all of us. I will continue to be a proud British Columbian. I will continue to talk proudly about our province and the great strengths we have. I’m also a believer that people are the greatest asset that we have.

Th ey are our greatest strength as a prov- ince. Certainly, when it comes to the economy…. Our economy is a global economy, and we have a massive ad- vantage here in British Columbia when it comes to our diversity. We have people from all parts of the globe who have chosen British Columbia as their home. We had the wonderful example earlier today where we had refugee families from Syria who were here in the gallery witnessing what was occurring here. I’m just so proud to live in that kind of province, in a multicultural province where people reach out and support newcom- ers to British Columbia.

It really is one of our greatest strengths. If you’re looking at a global economy, we have people who have connections to all parts of the globe who’ve chosen British Columbia as their place to contribute, who’ve chosen British Columbia as their place to be able to share their strengths and their talents. [1455] When I go to citizenship ceremonies, which I think for all of us are very moving — to see new Canadians and to attend those ceremonies — I oft en say that I believe refu- gees and immigrants are some of the bravest people in the world.

I think that for many of us, to imagine coming to a country without the language, oft en without connec- tions, without family connections, leaving behind family, leaving behind everything you’ve known and taking that plunge, taking that big step…. To be able to come to a new country and say, “I’m going to share my talents and my experiences, ” is incredible, absolutely incredible. I think it really does speak to the courage and the strength of our immigrants. In British Columbia, when we talk about the strengths of our province, one of the huge strengths that we have is that diversity, those connections.

It certainly makes our province a much richer place, to know that we have those connections. Th e other piece that I think is important to acknow- ledge in our province is that we have a very fast-grow- ing entrepreneurial spirit in many, many folks in British Columbia. Whether it’s large businesses or small busi- nesses, whether it’s a home-based business or an inter- national business, whether it’s the area of high-tech, the area of agriculture or forestry, whether it’s health care — you name it — we really have an incredible amount of entrepreneurs in our province. Again, we all benefi t.

I think that’s the key that I’ d like to mention when I talk about our strengths in British Columbia. We all benefi t from that strength. We all bene- fi t from the creativity and the fl exibility. Th e determination to be an entrepreneur takes huge determination. It takes patience, but it also takes risk- taking.

It takes being able to take that big step out when others are saying to you, “Th is idea isn’t going to go any- where, ” or you’re turned down by folks when you’re look- ing for capital or you’re out looking for that opportunity — the many people, I’m sure, who’ve told those entrepre- neurs that it’s not going to work. I love the entrepreneurs who say: “If you haven’t made any mistakes…. ” In fact, at the most recent high-tech conference, there was an ask for a show of hands for the number of people in the audience who had gone bank-

British Columbia Debates10444 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 rupt and then come back again. Really, when you’re talk- ing about entrepreneurship, you are talking about taking risks. Y ou are talking about reaching out. Y ou are talking about making mistakes, learning from them and then moving on. So I think it’s important to acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirit in British Columbia as one of our huge strengths. We also have world-class institutions of higher learn- ing. I am so proud of our community college and univer- sity network that we have in British Columbia.

I use the term “community college” purposefully, because I worry — and I’ll talk a little bit more when we get into that sec- tion of the budget — about the eroding of our commun- ity colleges. I think they are a huge asset in our province. In fact, I think most people, certainly in my generation — I won’t speak for others — remember people starting off in college and moving to universities. Th at’s usually the path that is oft en taken, and we have some excellent agreements between colleges and universities for people to be able to take courses and to be able to move back and forth.

Well, it has been interesting to watch over the last fi ve years or so. We now actually are seeing the opposite. We are seeing people who have gone to university, who have received their degree at university, who are going to com- munity colleges as their second opportunity in the prov- ince, because they’ve seen that they have a degree and now they want to look at something a little more practical, sometimes, or something that has opened up another op- portunity for a job fi eld. Th ere isn’t one better than the other. Th ey are both critical — and both critical to a strong economy.

From my perspective, if we don’t have that community college and university system with the linkages and with the support, then I don’t believe we’re going to have a strong economy. I’m very proud of our community colleges and our uni- versities in British Columbia. One of the other advantages when it comes to the strengths of British Columbia — and I think we don’t talk oft en enough about it — is our public health care system and our public education system. Again, if you look at the foundation of a strong economy and the foundation of a strong society, public education and public health care are critical.

Th ey are important not only to a healthy community; they’re important to businesses. [1500] I can tell you that in the travels I’ve done in the years that I’ve been an MLA, I have lost track of the number of individuals at a chamber of commerce or at a business mixer that have talked about businesses saying that one of the things they look for, when they’re looking at invest- ment and when they’re looking at communities, is: what are the schools like, and is health care accessible? Because that’s what their employees are asking about.

Th eir em- ployees are saying: “If we’re going to come and work for you…. ” Particularly in the kind of competitive market that we see in our province and in our global economy, when you’re competing for people across the world, it’s important to take a look and see where those services are for people who are coming to work for your business. I certainly believe that our public health care system and our public education system are the foundation of a strong economy and the foundation of a strong society.

Again, as I go along, I’ll talk a little about what Budget 2016 off ered, or didn’t off er, when it comes to both of those areas. One of the other great strengths of our province is our place as a gateway to the Pacifi c. We have access to mar- kets that really are the envy of many, that really give us a huge opportunity and a huge advantage in a province. Again, I think it’s important for us to continue to recog- nize those strengths. We have an unparalleled natural environment. Anyone who’s travelled our province knows that.

We have a range across this province that is unparalleled to other places, and that attracts people from around the world, pro- vides opportunity for people to be able to explore the great outdoors. Again, it is an opportunity for businesses to really at- tract investment here in our province — to talk about our parks and our green space, to be able to talk about our natural environment, our mountains and our lakes and our coastlines and to talk about that as a real strength in bringing business investment into British Columbia.

I think when we take a look at building a strong econ- omy, we cannot underestimate the strength of our nat- ural environment and the ability to attract people here because of that. We have, as well, a highly qualifi ed labour force — well qualifi ed, well educated, productive, well trained. We cer- tainly see that when it comes to all sorts of industries. I’ll just mention one, which is the fi lm industry. We hear people talking about the wide choice that they have when it comes to being able to choose where they want to go to do a production.

Oft en British Columbia is talked about, because the investment was put in place for those well-trained employees, because we have a strong network. A production company knows that when they come to British Columbia, they’re going to have success. Th ey are going to have well-trained people who can start on the job immediately, who can be there, who can pro- vide that support. Again, that makes a huge diff erence when you’re looking for investment. We have a range of natural resources that, if man- aged sustainably, can be a huge long-term advantage for British Columbia.

I believe that there are few places on earth that have the kinds of advantages that we have in British Columbia — few places — but advantages that from my perspective, have been missed opportunities or have been completely neglected by the government. Y ou see that again in Budget 2016. To me, I think that is a government’s job, and a budget should be a defi nition

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10445 of that. It should defi ne a government’s agenda. It should really show what a government believes is important, how they build on those strengths, how they capitalize on those strengths. Government doesn’t do everything, but a gov- ernment does use the advantages and the tools that they have to capitalize on our strengths and to be able to ad- dress the challenges and the weaknesses that we may have. A budget, as I said yesterday, truly defi nes a govern- ment’s character. It speaks to a government’s choices, and it speaks to their priorities.

It speaks, I believe, to how a government sees the world and what they see as critical. It also tells us what they don’t see as critical, the things that are further down the list. As I started off yesterday, I talked a little bit about what this budget says to British Columbians, what this budget tells the people of this province. I have to tell you that I truly believe this is a budget that does refl ect the charac- ter of this government. It refl ects how clearly out of touch this government is with the people of British Columbia, how far out of touch they are. We saw that refl ected over and over again.

In my time, I’ll talk a little bit about those particular issues. [1505] I want to start with just one. It was one that we saw refl ected in last year’s budget that is once again refl ected in this year’s budget. I raise it fi rst, and as the key issue to defi ne a government’s character, because I believe it speaks so strongly to the kinds of priorities that this gov- ernment has, the people that they believe are important and the people that they believe aren’t.

Th at was when the government last year, and again in this year’s budget, in 2016, found money to be able to give the top 2 percent income earners a tax break in British Columbia. Nothing in my mind speaks more to the character of this Premier and of this government than that decision. Th is was a time where we saw the Finance Minister stand up and say to the rest of British Columbians that it was time to tighten your belt. Th is was going to be a tough economic year. Once again, there were clouds on the horizon. People needed to be cautious. Th e government needed to be cautious.

Th ey needed to be fi scally respon- sible. Th ey needed to be prudent with taxpayer dollars. Well, for the public to have to hear the government giv- ing them a lecture about being cautious with the public dollars while they found $230 million to be able to give the top income earners, millionaires, in British Columbia a tax break I think says everything. It says everything about the lack of regard this government has for the pub- lic, for hard-working British Columbians, for individuals who are trying to get by.

Th e public that I talk to are not looking for govern- ment to fi x everything for them — in fact, just the op- posite. Th ey understand that the government can’t fi x all the challenges. In fact, they are doing their part. Th ey’re working hard, many of them at two jobs, to try and get by. Th ey’re working very hard on modest incomes to try and put a little bit aside every single month, perhaps for their children’s sports programs or arts programs.

Perhaps they’re worried that their car might break down, and they just won’t have the ability to be able to get it fi xed because they’re getting by paycheque to paycheque. I talked to a family that talked about their children’s dental work. How on earth were they going to be able to manage to save up that little tiny bit on each paycheque, to put a little bit aside for dental work that they knew had to be done? Th ose individuals, those families, those seniors come into our community offi ces to talk about how tough it is to get by.

A senior that I talked to said they take their medication every second day because they want to spread it out. Th ey’re worried that they don’t have enough re- sources to be able to take it every day. Well, that’s not why they were given a prescription. Th at’s certainly not what their medical professional would recommend. Th at’s certainly not something that they would be looking at. Y et that’s exactly what they’re facing.

For those individuals to be told, “I’m sorry, ” that their own government just can’t aff ord to help them, and it’s just not possible to help them, I think is one of the big- gest insults that we see in Budget 2016. Oh yes, we can fi nd money, don’t worry, for the top 2 percent of income earners, even when the economy is struggling, even when we tell you that there’s no money there. When you’re struggling and your family is strug- gling? Sorry, nothing there for you. Y ou just have to wait. Y ou don’t count.

Th at’s what we see refl ected, once again, in Budget 2016 — a slap in the face to hard-working British Columbians trying to do everything right. I’ll come back in a bit to more specifi cs on the pres- sures that families are facing because of this government. I’ll talk a little bit more about the reality for families that I feel the government is choosing to ignore. I also want to take a just few minutes, as I said at the start, to talk a little bit about this government’s prom- ises. Y es, there were some promises, some commitments, made in the 2016 budget, and I’ll talk a little bit about that.

But I think for the public, they’re wearing thin. Th ey’re getting weary when it comes to the B.C. Liberal track record on promises. [1510] Now, to be fair to the government, there were a couple of promises that they have kept. Th ey certainly did give a tax break to the top 2 percent income earners. Th ey man- aged to do that. Th at was a promise that they didn’t break. Th ey managed to keep that one. Oh, red-tape-reduction day. I think that’s another one that they said they were going to come forward with and that the government actually brought in.

Whether they really cut red tape or not is a whole other matter. But they said they’ d bring in a red-tape-reduction day, and yes, I do believe they did do that.

British Columbia Debates10446 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 But what have most of the B.C. Liberal promises meant for families? What has happened to many of those prom- ises? I think the one I want to start off with is families fi rst. How many of us remember when the Premier stood up and made her biggest commitment, her big promise? It was going to be families fi rst. Th at’s what she was go- ing to focus on.

Well, you would imagine that that would have meant that there were going to be resources to families, that we would look aft er the most vulnerable families, that hard- working families were going to see a break from this gov- ernment. In fact, just the opposite. Budget 2016 makes life tougher for families. Th ere is no families fi rst. All I can imagine is that the Premier meant cer- tain families first, a few families first — those very rich, wealthy families fi rst but not the rest of British Columbians. Th ey certainly didn’t count in the families fi rst.

So I guess it means being more specifi c and asking questions about which families the Premier means. Th at’s the kind of lack of commitment that this govern- ment has had with their promises that makes the pub- lic cynical. Th e public expects the government to act on their behalf. Th e public expects the government to be there for them. When they hear a promise and a com- mitment from a Premier that says families fi rst, they ex- pect that means something. Th ey expect that that would be some benefi t to them. Instead, as I said, they simply get life made more diffi cult and less and less services and supports.

What about another promise and another commit- ment? Debt-free B.C. Now, that one was hard to miss for anybody, because “Debt-free B.C. ” was on the side of the campaign bus by the Premier in this last election, in 2013. Th e idea was that a prosperity fund would be rolling out the money by this time, eliminating the debt. I think at one point, it even said getting rid of the sales tax. Th at was all going to happen between 2013 and 2015. In fact, the Premier talked about that, talked about dates. Just to read a couple of quotes from the Premier.

Th e Premier said that at least one LNG plant will be on line by 2015. We’ll have “three in operation by 2020. ” Well, we’re here discussing Budget 2016. Th at’s a broken promise. What about that prosperity fund? Th e Premier was quoted as saying, “Th e prosperity fund could exceed $100 billion” — not million dollars, $100 billion — “over the next 30 years, ” and could eliminate the provincial debt, eliminate the provincial sales tax. Well, I have to say, an- other broken promise from this government. How much has the debt gone up since that prom- ise was made by the Premier in 2013? Well, $9 billion.

Th at’s a “b” — $9 billion the debt has gone up since the Premier said we’ d be “Debt-free B.C. ” Again, another broken promise. And we wonder why people are cynical about politics. It’s the worst of the worst when the big promises are made, when the pictures happen, the photo ops occur, and then nothing happens for families, for people who are slogging away, looking for life not to be made more diffi cult. Th ey are let down over and over again by this government. What did we see in this throne speech when it came to those jobs and the billions of dollars that should be roll- ing in?

In fact, this throne speech simply talked about a goal of hanging on to the existing 13,000 jobs. [1515] How far we’ve come from the Premier saying that we’re going to create tens of thousands of jobs in British Columbia. Instead, we’re trying to hang on to the existing jobs we have. And what happened to the prosperity fund? I took some time last year to talk to the Finance Minister about the prosperity fund, about when they would begin the process of putting in place the criteria for the fund, how it was going to be fi scally managed, when that was going to occur.

Th e Finance Minister, just last year, said that that fund was going to happen when LNG occurred in British Columbia. When we saw fi nal investment deci- sions made, when we had the prospect of having an LNG plant here and when we had the anticipation of the re- sources coming in to British Columbia, then the prosper- ity fund would be put in place. We actually have spoken about the fact that, particu- larly for resource markets, particularly for commod- ity prices that go up and down, there is some sense to a prosperity fund — to be able to put aside resources to be able to weather the storms of up and down.

But there’s something very critical here, and that is you need the industry and the funds from that industry to make up a prosperity fund. What did we see in this budget? What have we seen the Premier do? We’ve seen the Premier put in place her own fantasy fund, where she took $100 million of taxpayer money and put it into this imaginary prosperity fund for an industry that doesn’t exist and for money that hasn’t come into the province.

Th at $100 million, again, is hard- earned money that has come from British Columbians, from their pockets — to go into the Premier’s fund just to try and save her some embarrassment because she can’t deal with the fact that the LNG hasn’t arrived. She also doesn’t want to say that she doesn’t have a prosperity fund, so she’s taking your money, the public’s money, and putting it into this imaginary fund so that she can then say she’s done something. Well, that is the worst of the worst. Th ere is no industry. No new industry has come in. Th ere is no money coming in from that indus- try.

And yet the Premier puts together her own fantasy fund and says: “Now it’s there. ” I want to take just a minute to talk a little bit about that $100 million. If you take a look in the budget, 2015-2016, that $100 million is about the amount of money that the government brings in from the increase to the public’s medical services premiums. Almost $100 million. Y ou

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 17, 2016 10447 face a 4 percent increase on your medical service pre- miums. Once again, you’re facing a tough time. Once again, a fee has been put onto families, and that money now is going into the Premier’s fund. Th ey made a choice, this government. Th ey made a choice to say to you, “Y es, we’re going to gouge you one more time. Y es, we’re going to make your life more diffi - cult.

Y es, we’re going to increase your MSP premiums by another 4 percent, ” simply so the Premier can have her own fund so that in 2017, when we come up to the elec- tion, she can look like she’s doing something. Well, that’s not good economic planning. Saving the Premier from embarrassment should not cost the tax- payers, and that’s what we’re talking about here. Th at’s what we’re talking about. We’re talking about the Premier trying to save herself from embarrassment with taxpayer dollars, making life tougher for families once again.

Now, in going through this list of promises, there was also a promise from this Premier and from this govern- ment that they were going to support the most vulner- able — that that was important to the Premier, that that was critical. Well, I don’t have time to go through the lit- any of reports and investigations and deaths and challen- ges that the most vulnerable have faced in this province under the B.C. Liberals.

Whether we’re talking about the Ministry of Children and Families and children in care and those tragic stor- ies, whether we’re talking about mental health and people living with mental health issues, whether we’re talking about homelessness and people on income assistance and people on disabilities…. Y ou name it. Th is govern- ment made their lives more diffi cult and certainly didn’t provide resources for the hard-working staff who try and provide services and supports every single day. [1520] I’ve had workers in tears.

No one goes into the job of front-line social work, for example, particularly child protection…. Th ey don’t go into that job unless they care deeply about the children that they are caring for. Th ey don’t work in an income assistance offi ce, talking to people about poverty, unless they care deeply about the people that they’re working with. Th ere is nothing more heartbreaking than not being able to help someone who has come to you as their last resort — said to an individual: “I’m sorry. Th ere’s noth- ing I can do for you.

Th ere are no programs and services and supports I can provide for you, because the govern- ment cut the budget once again. ” It was 28 percent out of the Ministry of Children and Families in the fi rst couple of years of this government’s reign. Imagine the diffi culty that that causes. I think it’s also important to remember that the gov- ernment, for children in care, is the parent. It’s a legal re- sponsibility that the government has to these children. I would say this government has failed miserably when it comes to providing support for the most vulnerable in this province.

Even aft er they have been called out, even aft er report aft er report has come forward, does Budget 2016 address that issue? I’ll come back to that and talk a little bit about the amount of money that’s gone in. I’m glad we’re fi nally seeing some resources go into the budget for Children and Families, for the ministry, but it does not begin to make up what this government has taken out. Th ink of the lost years for those children and those families. Th ose don’t come back. Children and families don’t get those years back when this government didn’t invest the kind of resources that were needed.

What about the promise for a GP for everyone by 2015? Well, again, I think we’re debating the 2016 budget. We’ve passed 2015 now. I can tell you, just in my own cir- cle of friends and my own struggle, that fi nding a GP …. Everyone does not have a GP . We have not lived up to that promise and commitment. In fact, most people are still having a very diffi cult time trying to fi nd a family doctor. It really shows a pattern of this government.

It’s a pat- tern where the government makes big, loft y promises, where they say they’re going to do something — they even, in some cases, put a timeline on it — and the prom- ise is hollow. It has no plan to it. It has no focus. It has no result. I don’t know whether the Premier thinks, by simply putting it out there, that nobody will pay atten- tion. Well, we are going to continue to pay attention, and I can tell you that the public is paying attention. Th ey know what this government’s promises are worth. Th ey know the lack of support that this government has provided.

I said I’ d come back to a couple of pieces that are in the budget and just unpack them a little bit. I think that’s important to do, because on the surface, the government once again will try and put out that they’ve been doing big things for families, and big issues. But when you un- pack them, you fi nd out that in fact there’s a little bit of tinkering. Th ere are some promises that actually don’t live up to what the government says. I’ll just start off again to go back to the issue of MSP . I think it’s interesting, in this budget, that the government basically has admitted that MSP is an unfair tax.

Th ey’ve admitted that. Th ey admitted that the MSP is a tax that is unfair, that doesn’t work and that needs to be adjusted. Well, if you have a bad tax, and you’ve admitted it’s bad, and you’ve admitted it’s unfair and it doesn’t work, you would think that the promise and the commitment would be to get rid of it. But is that what the government did in Budget 2016? No. In fact, what they’ve decided to do is that yes, a few people will end up paying less, as children will be ex- empt. But a whole bunch of people — singles and couples and seniors — will end up paying more on their MSP premiums.

What kind of a break is that for British Columbians? Even those few people who are going to get a little bit of a break don’t get it till 2017. Y ou’ll remember I said that a budget is the sign of the character of a government.

British Columbia Debates10448 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Well, it says everything when the Premier doesn’t have to wait for her slush fund. Th e Premier doesn’t wait for her fantasy fund. She doesn’t wait to give millionaires a tax break, but oh, families who are going to get a break on their MSP: “By the way, you’ve got to wait until January 17. ” Th at is unfair. [1525] If the government is going to do something, they should acknowledge that the MSP is an unfair tax, and they should just make the commitment to get rid of it and ensure that the public knows that. But that’s not what we saw in Budget 2016.

I think, again, one of the areas — I would say dis- appointment, but I have to say anger — that makes me angry in this budget is the government saying that they’re going to support people with disabilities. Th ey’re going to give them some additional money every month. People with disabilities who saw that announcement in the budget expected that they are going to start seeing an in- crease each month from this government, because that’s what they said: $77 a month would start coming in to people with disabilities.

A small amount, but when you’re living on disabilities and you haven’t had an increase for a number of years, every little bit counts. What the government didn’t go into detail about, and certainly didn’t put out as the big announcement, is that they’re also taking away a transportation allowance and a bus pass program that they provide for people right now with disabilities. “We’ll provide you with $77 a month, but by the way, we’re not giving you a bus pass anymore, which means $55 has come back.

Y ou go and use that now to buy your own bus pass if you decide you want transportation. ” Well, I can tell you that for most of the people on dis- abilities that I talk to, the bus pass is one of the most im- portant things that they have. It gives them a chance to not be isolated. It provides them with an opportunity to be able to do some volunteer work if they’re able or to get out and be part of their community, as they should be. What an insult to people with disabilities to say: “We’re going give you some money, but by the way, we’re taking things back. ” Th at speaks to t

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20160217pm-Hansard-v32n9
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20160217pm Hansard v32n9
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	4ff9ff88505342e840669f91dbba0addb95c4b6e

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