Second Session, 42nd Parliament

(2021) OFFICIAL REPORT

OF DEBATES

(HANSARD)

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 103

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

CONTENTS

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Introduction and First Reading of Bills

Bill 19 — Societies Amendment Act, 2021

Hon. S. Robinson

Statements (Standing Order 25B)

World Cerebral Palsy Day

J. Routledge

Tourist attractions in West Vancouver–Capilano

area

K. Kirkpatrick

COVID-19 and wildfire response by communities in

interior B.C.

H. Sandhu

World Cerebral Palsy Day

S. Cadieux

COVID-19 response by Fraser Health Authority

J. Sims

Mental health awareness and discussion

T. Halford

Oral Questions

Government response to heatwave

S. Bond

Hon. A. Dix

P. Milobar

Panel report recommendations and deferral of

old-growth logging

S. Furstenau

Hon. K. Conroy

Truck driver training and ICBC road tests

T. Shypitka

Hon. M. Farnworth

COVID-19 vaccine policies for teachers and school

staff

J. Tegart

Hon. J. Whiteside

Education system reopening and use of rapid

testing

D. Davies

Hon. A. Dix

Petitions

S. Furstenau

Reports from Committees

Election Act Provisions Review Committee, report,

August 2021

J. Brar

P. Milobar

Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 17 — Protected Areas of British Columbia

Amendment Act, 2021

Hon. G. Heyman

P. Milobar

S. Furstenau

Hon. S. Malcolmson

E. Ross

F. Donnelly

K. Paddon

S. Chant

R. Russell

D. Routley

J. Brar

J. Sims

Hon. G. Heyman

Committee of the Whole House

Bill 14 — Early Childhood Educators Act

Hon. K. Chen

K. Kirkpatrick

E. Ross

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021

The House met at 1:33 p.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Hon. S. Malcolmson.

Introductions by Members

Mr. Speaker: Member for Richmond South Centre.

H. Yao: Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to do

two introductions, if you don’t mind.

The first one is for one of my constituents. Her name is Elfriede Dorge,

and she’s celebrating her 100th birthday. I welcome the House to put your hands

together and make her feel excited about her celebration.

[1:35 p.m.]

The second one I would like to introduce is actually the new director

general for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, or TECO. Her name is Lihsin

name is Sam. Of course, we would also like to welcome Jacob Nien-Ting Hsia,

secretary of TECO.

Everybody please join me in making them feel welcome.

Hon. K. Chen: I am so grateful to have this opportunity to wish happy birthday to a close

friend of mine, someone who I truly admire and who is also a colleague in this

House, the member for Vancouver-Hastings.

I actually met the member for Vancouver-Hastings when we both ran for

municipal politics in 2014 at a temple where she brought her young child, her

daughter, who was about the same age as my son. I remember thinking, at the time,

about the extra barriers women and young mothers — we were both younger at the

time — have to carry when we’re entering politics.

I’m so honoured to have worked with her. She was one of the first people to

work on the Childcare B.C. plan. I really appreciate her work, and I look forward

to working with her closely in the years to come.

Happy birthday to the member for Vancouver-Hastings.

Hon. S. Malcolmson: Here for their first time witnessing question period in person, from the

minister’s office for Mental Health and Addictions, Arianna Klus and Siobhan

Clancy. Will the House please make them welcome.

J. Tegart: I’d like to wish a happy birthday to one of the most hard-working local

media stars that I know. Michael Reeve works for Q101 radio in Merritt. Please

join me in wishing him a happy birthday.

D. Davies: Today I’m welcoming a couple of guests in the House, Sonjia Grandahl and

Brent Frain. Both of these folks have been fiercely fighting for persons with

disabilities — currently working on raising shelter allowances as well as the

infamous $300 clawback. I’m sure you’ve seen them out on the front lawn a number

of times.

Would the House please make them feel welcome.

R. Merrifield: It’s very rare that you get to honour one of your mentors, one of your

teachers, someone who has championed you literally in snow, rain and at the doors.

But today I actually get to welcome to the House someone that many of you are

already familiar with, Steve Thomson.

Steve has served in 2009, 2013, 2017. He always showed up. He knew

everyone. He always attended events within our riding and always listened. He gave

me insanely big shoes to fill, doing things like the Great Bear Rainforest in his

tenure as minister. If I could have designed an older brother, it would certainly

be someone like Steve Thomson.

Please join me in welcoming him to the House today.

Hon. L. Beare: I have a brief birthday greeting to give as well. In the precinct today, we

have Ramesh Ranjan, my former ministerial adviser, now caucus outreach for us at

the B.C. NDP. It is his birthday today. Please join me in thanking him.

J. Rice: I have two guests in the gallery today, Ben Tassell and Julena Breel. Ben

was a constituency assistant of mine who is now on his way — today, I think, or

tomorrow — to Ottawa to be a constituency assistant to re-elected MP Taylor

Bachrach.

Ben and Julena were quite helpful this summer when they helped me build a

greenhouse. I wanted to put on the record that I am really grateful for the

weekends that they sacrificed.

Would the House please make them both feel welcome.

[1:40 p.m.]

I. Paton: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our good chaplain for lunch today. Many, many

years ago he went on a blind date with his brother-in-law, Casey van Vloten, who

is here today to see us. Casey is an old friend from Abbotsford.

I hope the House will welcome Casey van Vloten, the brother-in-law of Jason

Goertzen.

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

BILL 19 — SOCIETIES

AMENDMENT ACT, 2021

Hon. S. Robinson presented a message from Her Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Societies Amendment Act, 2021.

Hon. S. Robinson: I move the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to introduce the Societies Amendment Act, 2021.

In November 2016, the new Societies Act came into force, replacing the former

Society Act. The new act provides societies with a responsive legislative

framework giving them greater adaptability in their internal governance, while

also ensuring transparency and accountability.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to address various issues that

have come to light since the act came into force. These proposed amendments

will refine the Societies Act by making it more accessible, addressing

uncertainties and omissions, and creating consistency within the act and with

other legislation. Many of these issues were identified by members of the

public, societies and the legal community. Feedback from a public consultation

was carefully considered and incorporated into these amendments.

The proposed amendments were also developed in close consultation with

the corporate registry, which administers the act. To help maintain

consistency, related amendments to the Business Corporations Act and the

Cooperative Association Act are also being proposed. Refining the Societies Act

will support and further empower societies in their vital work to strengthen

our communities and deliver social services right across our

province.

We have been mindful of the requirements of the Dec­laration on

the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act as we have developed this legislation. We

have done an assessment of this legislation as it relates to aligning with the

UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples. We know that Indigenous

peoples have specific interests in the organizations that provide services in

their communities.

As a result, we have consulted with Indigenous partners to seek their

input and their perspectives. This has included notifying treaty First Nations

of the proposed amendments and discussing the amendments in detail with the

Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government. Consultations also included discussing proposed

amendments with the First Nations Summit, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and

the Métis Nation B.C.

Some proposed legislation was revised based on the feedback received

from these discussions. We will con­tinue to work with Indigenous peoples

as we move forward with this work in the spirit of reconciliation.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second

reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill 19, Societies Amendment Act, 2021, introduced, read a first time and

ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting

of the House after today.

Statements

(Standing Order 25B)

WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY

J. Routledge: Mr. Speaker, I’m wearing green today in recognition of the 10,000

children and adults in B.C. who live with cerebral palsy. October 6, 2021, is

World Cerebral Palsy Day.

Today I’m thinking particularly about twins Elias and Gabriel. Their

aunt has been telling me about their journey since they were diagnosed with CP

when they were two years old. That was 13 years ago. She told me about their

mother transforming their wheelchairs into taco and pos­tal trucks, when

they were nine years old, so that they could trick and treat on Halloween, just

like the other kids. I applaud her for her creativity and her commitment to her

sons’ sense of belonging.

This is a day to both celebrate and support those living with cerebral

palsy as well as to promote inclusion, raise awareness and take action to

ensure that people with CP have the same rights, access and opportunity as

everyone in our communities. Over 17 million people worldwide are living with

CP, and despite being the most common physical disability in children around

the world, many people still don’t know what it is.

[1:45 p.m.]

CP is a complex disability that can affect each person differently. One

in four children with CP cannot talk. One in four children cannot walk. One in

two children have an intellectual disability. One in four have

epilepsy.

Today I encourage everyone to help us spread the word and raise

hashtags #bc4cp and #worldcpday. Share photos of sites in your community that

are lit up green. We have 16 landmarks around B.C. that will be joining in,

including the Legislature.

Please join me and everyone in British Columbia to recognize today as

World Cerebral Palsy Day.

Elias and Gabriel, here’s to you.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN

WEST VANCOUVER–CAPILANO

AREA

K. Kirkpatrick: West Vancouver–Capilano is home to some of Vancouver’s most popular

tourist attractions for locals and tourists alike.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of British Columbia’s top

attractions. Originally built in 1889, it offers visitors a unique opportunity

to mix adventure while exploring some of our rich history and culture. Locals

and visitors can appreciate the nature via the Treetops Adventure walk and

enjoy splendid views of the old-growth forest and river as they cross the

450-foot-long footbridge suspended 230 feet above the Capilano

River.

No more than a seven-minute drive from the suspension bridge you will

find yourself at the base of Grouse Mountain, a popular summer and winter

destination. Grouse Mountain has something for everyone, whether you’re an

outdoor enthusiast conquering the Grouse Grind, which, if some of you have not

already done it, is a 2.9 kilometre hike up the side of a mountain, with a

2,800-foot elevation gain and 2,830 stairs. If you’re ever bored on a weekend,

it’s a great thing to come and visit us to do. Or go with the family, in the

summertime, for a leisurely stroll on the mountain and meet the local bears,

Grinder and Coola, at the wildlife refuge.

Once the snow arrives, you’re spoiled for choice with things to do, be

it skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or ice-skating. Following a busy day

exploring some of our North Shore attractions, tourists can go over to Edgemont

village, where it is filled with places to sit, have coffee, simply stroll

around and enjoy the village. For kids, you can find kids’ bookstores and shops

that specialize in the work of B.C.’s artisans — potters, candle makers and

many others.

Please, I welcome you to come and join us in the beautiful riding of

West Vancouver–Capilano. We’ll see you there.

COVID-19 AND WILDFIRE RESPONSE

BY COMMUNITIES IN INTERIOR

B.C.

H. Sandhu: We had a particularly challenging summer this year in the Interior due

to wildfires and rising COVID cases. I want to reflect and show appreciation

for the efforts of everyone in our communities coming together once

again.

While there were hundreds of wildfires across the pro­vince that

caused incredible amounts of devastation, I’d like to speak to the impacts of

the White Rock Lake fire. Many in Vernon-Monashee and the North Okanagan had

over a month of sleepless nights worrying about their homes, their livestock

and the safety of their neighbours. What brought solace and reassurance in this

challenging time was communities coming together.

Neighbours were opening their doors and offering their homes to people

who were evacuated. Restaurants were offering free meals. Communities would

gather to cheer on and show support to our incredible firefighters, equipment

operators, Canadian Armed Forces, volunteers and emergency crews every evening.

The brave firefighters on the front lines and those working behind the scenes

tried their best to keep us all safe, despite facing ongoing challenges caused

by unpredictable weather.

My amazing CAs, Josh and Emily, worked long hours trying to help as many

people as they could, regardless of their electoral boundaries. They did their

absolute best to support people and to make sure that they were connected to

the resources they needed. Times like these are when we all need to put

politics aside, forget about our electoral boundaries and work

together.

[1:50 p.m.]

At the same time, our health care heroes were faced with rising COVID

cases. Despite many being on evacuation orders and alerts, my former health

care colleagues still showed up to work.

Please join me to applaud the solidarity, unwavering dedication and

kindness shown during this catastrophic event.

WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY

S. Cadieux: As the member for Burnaby North just informed the House, today is World

Cerebral Palsy Day. So let’s learn a little bit more. Cerebral palsy is most

commonly referred to as CP, as the member noted. It’s a permanent physical

disability. It affects about 10,000 British Columbians.

There are four types of cerebral palsy: spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic and

hypotonic. Some people have more than one type. The disability affects each

individual differently, because the effects of disability are determined by

what part of the brain is damaged. The effects can include a lack of

coordination, spasticity, muscle tightness, involuntary movement, speech

impairment, difficulty with gross and fine motor function, and abnormal

perception and sensation.

World Cerebral Palsy Day helps to create awareness. This year’s theme,

campaign celebrating the unique lives and perspectives of those living with the

disability and their own personal reasons to celebrate.

I’ve known a lot of people with cerebral palsy in my life. A few have

stood out, particularly Ryan LaChance, who’s a comedian from White Rock,

British Columbia; Louise Gaudry, a co-worker of mine for many years from whom I

learned a lot; Marco Pasqua, who’s a friend, a champion for disability

inclusion, an award-winning entrepreneur, a new dad and the provincial

spokesperson for the CP Association; Paul Gauthier, founder and executive

director of the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society and a gold medal

Paralympian in bocce; author, virtual keynote speaker and advocate Glenda

Watson Hyatt; Brendan Parker, who is a university student studying business and

founder of Brendan’s Ride; and, lastly but by no means least, my constituency

assistant Ekamjit Ghuman.

Today I celebrate them, their significant accomplishments, their fight

for their dreams and for the dreams not yet dreamt by others and their

contribution to society’s understanding of the talents and abilities of people

with CP.

Check out the campaign to learn more about cerebral palsy at

bc4cp.com.

COVID-19 RESPONSE BY

FRASER HEALTH

AUTHORITY

J. Sims: Mr. Speaker, 1.9 million residents, 40,000-plus staff and volunteers, 20

diverse communities from Burnaby to Boston Bar — this is the Fraser Health

Authority.

From the onset of this pandemic, Fraser Health Authority has been front

and centre. As COVID-19 cases rose in Surrey, Fraser Health responded with

multiple testing centres in and around the city. These centres were walk-ins

and drive-throughs, well staffed and efficient. Contact tracers were hired, and

contact tracing ensued. Long-term-care homes were closely monitored. Staff and

residents were vaccinated. Hospitals adapted to continue to function as

normally as possible with COVID regulations.

When the vaccine was rolled out, Fraser Health mobilized to vaccinate

high-risk populations as quickly and as efficiently as possible. They expanded

to host the most organized, efficient vaccine clinics across the region. When

those clinics started to slow, Fraser Health began hosting pop-up and mobile

clinics, including home vaccinations for those in need.

The delta variant has brought another escalation of cases in the Fraser

Health Authority, and like other times, the staff at Fraser Health is rallying

to test, treat and vaccinate. As hospital cases surge, staff are being pushed

to their limits. I’m in awe of how Fraser Health Authority has rallied to

effectively fight this pandemic. They continue to meet every day and every

challenge with kindness, patience and professionalism.

I would like to thank all staff and volunteers within the Fraser Health

Authority for everything they have done to educate, test, treat and protect

everyone in the region during this pandemic. In the largest and most often

challenging health authority, we have led with care and respect. Thank

you.

To everyone who is not vaccinated, please go and be

vaccinated.

[1:55 p.m.]

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

AND DISCUSSION

T. Halford: For many of us, the past year has been one of the most challenging for

our mental health. Front-line workers are coping with burnout. Countless

children and youth are struggling with isolation. Many seniors are feeling

lonely, and far too many British Columbians in every corner of this province

are suffering in silence.

We must be open in naming, expressing and discussing our emotions and

mental health challenges, even the most uncomfortable ones. This Sunday,

October 12 is World Mental Health Day. Let’s all remember that no one is alone

in their feelings. This year’s theme is encouraging everyone to not only reach

out if you need help but also a call to action for governments at every level

to ensure that help is available to everyone.

Now, we all in this House have a duty to work every day to try and end

the stigma when it comes to mental health. It’s a duty that I think all 87 of

us take very seriously. There is no member of this House that has not been

touched by mental health. I know that growing up in my family, we did not

discuss this enough at our kitchen table. But I can assure this House that,

like other members, we are having those conversations at our kitchen tables

with our kids, with grandkids, with grandparents. It is so important to be

doing this every day.

Mental health has touched my family at numerous lev­els. I lost an

aunt ten years ago to mental health. It’s something that I think about every

single day — to see what I could have done more, what my family could have done

more, what we, as a society, could have done more to make sure that she was

with us today.

That is not the case. It is a burden I wear and my family wears, and I

know there are many other families in this House and outside of it that wear

that every single day. It’s one we take seriously.

On Sunday, it is World Mental Health Day, but every day we need to

continue those conversations and make sure we are checking in on each other and

keeping everybody safe and aware when it comes to mental health.

Oral Questions

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO HEATWAVE

S. Bond: Yesterday an absolutely damning new report was released from Human

Rights Watch, an international watchdog, an independent international watchdog.

They certainly didn’t mince words about the response of this Premier and his

government to the extreme heat event that our province experienced.

The report found that inadequate government support compounded risks for

people with disabilities and older people during the recent extreme and

foreseeable heatwave and contributed to unnecessary suffering and possibly

death.

British Columbians were absolutely astounded when the Premier responded

to questions about vulnerable people dying by saying that fatalities are a part

of life and there’s a level of personal responsibility. The Premier has

consistently avoided answering for his government’s failure to protect

vulnerable British Columbians that died from an extreme heat event. But today

they expect an answer.

Can the Premier explain why he chose to say that this crisis was an

issue of personal responsibility, when his government had been warned about the

risks multiple times and when the report outlines the tragic outcomes that

occurred were clearly a failure of this government?

Hon. A. Dix: I think we recognize that the events of the heat dome weekend — around

June 28, 29 and 30 — were very significant events for a lot of British

Columbians: 570 cases, in the preliminary findings of the coroner, of people

passing away related to heat.

This was a singular event in the history of our province, one that had

not occurred before in this way. As we discussed yesterday with the Leader of

the Opposition, in 2009, there was a significant heatwave, and 110 people

passed away at that time. It was principally focused on the Fraser

Valley.

This heat dome was five degrees, on average, higher than that —

unprecedented in the history of our province. That caused enormous hardship for

people.

[2:00 p.m.]

The actions that the Premier has taken and the government has taken have

increased resiliency and reduced inequality. The actions the Premier has

taken…. The Minister of Environment has taken leadership on the issue of

climate change, but we have significantly more to do.

That’s why you know and all members of the House know we have to take

actions based on this one-in-​1,000-year event that has now happened this

year. It’s a one-in-one-year event now.

To increase the resiliency of British Columbians, we’re taking those

actions, and we need everyone at every level of government to draw the correct

conclusion — that we need to take action on climate change and we need to be

more resilient against the effects of climate change.

Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental.

S. Bond: What the minister conveniently fails to mention is the fact that this

government had warnings. There were reports that made it clear that this was a

possibility, that hundreds of British Columbians would potentially lose their

lives.

Six hundred. Almost 600 British Columbians died. They were spouses. They

were parents. They were beloved friends. Not a single answer from the Premier

of British Columbia. Not a single answer. No accountability from this

government.

Let’s look at what the report said. Not my words. The government members

might find them uncomfortable. Here’s what the report of an international

watchdog said to this government: “The provincial government was slow to

respond.” The Premier said officials were “distracted by COVID-19 and did not

think the heat would be that serious.”

The public was not made aware of the emergency, and the emergency

operations centre wasn’t initiated until after the heat dome began to subside.

What an absolutely devastating report. Failure after failure by this

government. What an absolutely tragic set of outcomes.

In Fraser Health alone, 166 people died on a single day in British

Columbia, instead of the ten to 12 that would normally be experienced. Many

died at home. Many died alone. Many people called for help, and no help came.

None of us will forget — I can’t imagine the members on the opposite benches

will forget — that one family was so desperate for help they called a fire

station, and then they drove their beloved relative to the fire station.

Despite heroic efforts, that British Columbian died in the driveway of a fire

hall.

It is clear that many British Columbians did not understand the risk.

Make no mistake about it. The Premier’s comments contributed to the tragic

outcomes.

Today will the Premier take responsibility for his absolutely

unacceptable comments, and will this government take responsibility for how

they contributed to this tragic event in our province?

Hon. A. Dix: Thank you to the member for her question.

The member suggests that emergency operations and health authorities

weren’t in place in advance of the heat dome. They were in place. They were in

place the rest of the weekend, led at a provincial health officer level by Dr.

Bonnie Henry, led by the presidents and CEOs of the health authorities and,

indeed, led by the Minister of Health, myself. This was, I have to say,

expected to be a serious weekend, and responses were put in place across the

board.

What we saw, though, were events beyond anything we have seen before — a

one-in-1,000-year event which is now, as I say, a one-in-one-year event. Our

responsibility is to do what health authorities did that weekend, which is to

take extraordinary efforts to protect people. Municipal governments did much of

the same, opening up cooling centres around B.C., actions of my colleague the

Solicitor General to announce and to declare the risk to everybody in B.C. and

actions of the federal government.

Yet what we saw was heat beyond what we’d ever seen and its impact not

on those who we were connected with in the health care system — for which there

were better outcomes, although still some severe outcomes — but actions that

affected people living in isolation in their homes.

Yes, absolutely, we have to make things better. Yes, we have to become

more resilient. Yes, this Legislature has to act to address climate

change.

[2:05 p.m.]

We need to do all of these things. Nobody in British Columbia feels

anything but grief for what happens. Our response to that grief has to be

action, and that is what we are going to do.

P. Milobar: All I remember is that when the climate change risk assessment report

was presented in this House in 2019, a report commissioned by this government,

it was similar clapping then. Sadly, all they did was clap for the report,

patted themselves on the back and then did nothing about the warnings in that

report about the potential impact of heatwaves. In fact, the potential in that

report was less than what actually played out.

The reality was that government was not ready for the heatwave.

Government did not have proper resources in place for the heatwave that

everyone knew was coming.

Ember is a 69-year-old woman from South Surrey with a physical

disability. The temperature inside Ember’s subsidized housing unit was 39

Celsius — 39 Celsius inside her house. She says in the Human Rights Watch

report: “I have never been so sick in my entire life. Money is scarce for

anything so luxurious as a proper fan or, heaven forbid, an air

conditioner.”

It’s the vulnerable seniors like Ember who couldn’t afford air

conditioning or even a proper fan that the Premier told to take personal

responsibility. The 570 families want to see some personal responsibility out

of this Premier, some personal responsibility from the Premier to acknowledge

and explain why he ignored his own commissioned report from 2019 and took no

action in the days leading up to the heatwave to make sure those 570 vulnerable

British Columbians were protected.

Why did the Premier not take proper actions, knowing this was

coming?

Hon. A. Dix: The emergency systems responded in B.C., and responded at a staff level,

with extraordinary courage around what occurred that weekend, our ambulance

paramedics, firefighters at the municipal level, staff of the government, staff

in emergency rooms, staff who support vulnerable seniors at home who require

home support, staff in long-term care and all of our families and friends who

helped one another. Everyone got on board to help one another.

We saw a heat dome and a heatwave that we have never seen before and its

impact on people, particularly people of lower income, particularly people with

other vulnerabilities, particularly people with chronic conditions such as

diabetes. Particularly those people were profoundly affected by it. We know

that.

We have to, I think, in response to a one-in-1,000-year thing that has

now happened, build and create resiliency to provide supports. That means

actions that decrease social isolation, which was in part, of course, caused by

the other public health emergencies that we’re facing.

Problems that are dealt with, with continuing inequality, which has been

reduced in the last number of years for people, and support for vulnerable

seniors…. All of these things, all of these investments have been made by this

government, supported by this Legislature and the previous Legislature, but we

need to do more. We need to be more resilient.

We will, I think, given the changing circumstances of climate change, be

judged as a Legislature, judged as a government, by how we respond on the issue

of climate change and on the issue of building the resilience of people and

reducing inequality in our society.

Mr. Speaker: The Opposition House Leader on a supplemental.

P. Milobar: It’s a little disappointing that the other side seems to keep clapping

for an answer that says nothing more than resilience, when 570 people died

because of their negligent watch of ignoring a report.

This isn’t about the first responders’ response. They were working flat

out. The first responders were doing every­thing they could do with the

resources provided to them — or should I say the lack of resources provided to

them? — in advance by the Premier, who chose to ignore his own climate risk

assessment report.

[2:10 p.m.]

The deadliest day of the heatwave was Tuesday, June 29. Three hundred

and one people died on that single day — 301. But on that very same day, this

is how the Premier described how he felt: “We were a bit jolly…a bit giddy.”

Those are the Premier’s own words about how he felt on the day his government

failed hundreds of vulnerable British Columbians.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, let’s listen to the question, please.

P. Milobar: They don’t want to hear their boss’s own words, I guess, while 300

people were dying.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members.

P. Milobar: He also said this: “Fatalities are a part of life, and British

Columbians should take personal responsibility.”

The Premier took no personal responsibility to ensure that he listened

to the report he commissioned in 2019 on a climate change risk assessment. So

instead, because no action was taken on that report about a heat dome event,

with warnings, we are now awaiting a coroner’s report. That action will be

taken based on a coroner’s report instead of a climate risk assessment report

done ahead of time.

When will this government take proper responsibility, stop trying to

pass the buck and actually acknowledge the failings of his own government when

it came to this climate risk assessment report?

Hon. A. Dix: Thank you to the member for his question.

I think one can say definitively that on key areas of emergency

response, action has been taken. With respect to the Ambulance Service, we went

from funding that had been below the rate of inflation…. More than doubled in

annual increases. So we went from $420 million to $560 million a year. And now

we’re doing more, because we are acting to become more resilient.

We’re supporting, in 24 communities in rural B.C., going to a 24-7

staffing model. In another 26 rural and remote communities, where the effects

of climate change — I don’t need to tell anybody in this House — are as

profound as they are in urban areas — increases there.

A significant increase in buying new cars, as we have, over the next

three years for the Ambulance Service, because what we saw on that weekend was

an increase in ambulance calls the likes of which we’ve ever seen — the largest

days of calls in the history of our province, well beyond anything we’d seen

before.

We are taking action to become more resilient across the board, and

we’re taking action to reduce inequality. We see this in long-term care, where

people are vulnerable and where, when I became Minister of Health, 90 percent

of care homes were below the staffing standard. Now the average across health

authorities is above that standard.

That’s action taken to become more resilient, and we have to take more.

The government is acting on climate change. It’s acting on inequality. It’s

acting on these issues. And still, these events happen. We warn people, and we

should be inspired to take more action. We should inspire to take more

action.

The idea that this did not have something to do with climate change is

wrong. It’s just wrong. We have to continue to work together as a community.

We’re not going to compare actions on these questions. But what I would say is

that we have to continue to act, to learn the lessons and to make things better

for everybody in British Columbia.

PANEL REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

AND DEFERRAL OF OLD-GROWTH

LOGGING

S. Furstenau: A year ago our province was in an election campaign. On October 15,

2020, the Premier stated that if elected, his government would implement the

old growth strategic review panel’s report in its entirety….

Interjections.

S. Furstenau: There is nothing to clap about.

Mr. Speaker: Members, let’s listen to the question, please.

Just wait. Please continue.

S. Furstenau: It included the recommendation to defer the logging of old growth while

developing a new strategy.

Where are we at a year later? As of May, this government’s approvals of

the logging of old growth increased 43 percent over the previous year. First

Nations that have requested deferrals on their territories are still waiting.

B.C. has once again seen the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian

history, with over 1,100 people arrested at Fairy Creek and, in the meantime,

no new deferrals.

[2:15 p.m.]

As I expect we will hear a whole bunch of numbers thrown around in the

response, I will remind this House that an analysis by scientists of the

200,000 hectares of deferrals announced in 2020 revealed that only 4,000 of

those hectares actually contained productive old growth needing protection as

defined by the old growth review panel’s recommendations.

My question is to the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource

Operations and Rural Development. On June 2 of this year, the minister stated

in an interview on CBC: “I expect we’ll be able to announce additional

deferrals this summer.” Will the minister be announcing these additional

deferrals now that summer is over?

Hon. K. Conroy: I want to thank the member for the question. I’m really happy to talk

about this, because I know how passionate everybody in the House is about old

growth and about our forests in general.

Just to remind the members, we have deferred the harvesting of old

growth in 11 areas across the province since the report was tabled last year,

totalling nearly 200,000 hectares. We brought in a big tree regulation to

protect over 1,500 groves of exceptionally large trees, those trees that people

look to, those fantastic big trees that people want to put their arms around

and can’t. We’ve created an independent review, and we are committed to

implementing all of those recommendations, as I have been saying. All of those

recommendations are being worked on.

We’ve protected forest habitats for caribou, spotted owl, vulnerable

species like the marbled murrelet and northern goshawk. We did work with the

Pacheedaht, with the Ditidaht and with the Huu-ay-aht to defer over 2,000

hectares of old growth in the Fairy Creek watershed and the central Walbran

area. And yes, we did strike a new independent technical advisory panel — I

think it’s made up of the very people that the member referred to — working

together to identify the most at-risk old-growth ecosystems in the province and

provide a basis for additional deferrals.

The member may roll her eyes, but these are significant issues that we

have dealt with and that we are moving forward on. We are implementing all 14

recommendations. We are moving forward, and we will be making more deferrals

soon.

Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Third Party on a supplemental.

S. Furstenau: I worry a great deal when the reality that people are experiencing is

not acknowledged or recognized by the people in here who they expect to

represent them, who they expect to recognize what is actually

happening.

The talking points are well polished. They’re great. Yet the

recommendation in that review panel’s report indicated very clearly, six months

after the review panel report was received by government: implement deferrals

on old-growth logging in this province. We are now 18 months since this

government got that report. On August 4, First Nation leaders in British

Columbia called on B.C. to take immediate action to protect old growth. It’s

not about picking and choosing. It’s about actually doing what you say you’re

doing.

The Minister of Health, yesterday and today, has been saying: “We need

to take action on climate change. We need to take action to ensure that British

Columbia becomes more resilient to climate change.” It’s astonishing — 43

percent more approvals of old-growth logging under this government than the

year before, 43 percent more according to government data. Keep applauding

that.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, let’s listen to the question.

[2:20 p.m.]

S. Furstenau: Scientists have estimated there are 1,300 tonnes of carbon per hectare

stored in the old-growth forest at Fairy Creek and in old-growth forests in

British Columbia. The reason those forests can contain that carbon is because

of their biodiversity.

We don’t need another technical panel; we don’t need another report. The

only thing that’s getting deferrals on here is actually the action this

government kept promising it would take. We need government to do what it

promised it would do.

My question to the Premier. The vast majority of British Columbians want

to see this government live up to its promise to protect the last remaining

old-growth forests in this province. When will this file be treated as a

priority by this government?

Hon. K. Conroy: Again, I thank the member for her questions.

It’s interesting that she referenced Fairy Creek. It was actually…. The

message that was coming from her, from her colleague, from colleagues outside,

was that that was the last remaining ecosystem, the last remaining old growth,

and we did protect that. We protected that.

Our government is also committed to reconciliation and to environmental

protection, which we believe must go together, must work hand in hand. The days

of making unilateral decisions on behalf of Indigenous peoples are over. I

believe I’ve been very clear. Our government has been very clear that in order

to protect old-growth forests, we have to put Indigenous peoples at the front

of the discussion, and that’s what we’re doing.

We are having those discussions with Indigenous na­tions. We are

looking at areas across the province, but we are also respecting the wants,

wishes and needs of Indigenous nations.

I want to quote Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis who said to

people: “It is our responsibility to take care of our land for future

generations. We are the decision-makers. We follow the guidance of our Elders

and citizens to make the decisions we think are right. We are asking others to

respect that process and follow our direction on our territory. Our citizens

have a constitutionally protected right to manage and benefit from our lands,

waters and resources.”

I think that we should all respect those words from Chief Councillor

Robert Dennis. I think there are many other nations that have reached out and

have said the same thing. I think it’s incredibly important that we respect the

rights, needs and wishes of Indigenous nations in this very important

decision-making.

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING

AND ICBC ROAD

TESTS

T. Shypitka: After the horrific crash involving the Humboldt Broncos, the provincial

government moved to improve driving training — a move supported by the industry

and, quite frankly, everybody on this side of the House. Drivers would have the

opportunity to pass a test proving their skills before the new regulations came

into effect. Again, all good.

Then the pandemic hit, and ICBC has not offered the spaces for road

tests. Darrin Hudson applied June 1 for his test and won’t get one until after

the rule change comes into effect on October 18. That decision could cost him

up to $15,000.

One company in my riding faces hard costs of about $55,000 and a total

loss of $115,000 because ICBC has failed to deliver the road tests on time.

Today the province doubled down on penalizing these drivers who are ready to do

the right thing.

To the Premier, a very simple question: will you do the right thing and

grandfather those who, because of ICBC backlogs, can’t do the road tests,

instead of driving them into debt and out of business?

Hon. M. Farnworth: We are aware of the issue with ICBC and the road tests, and we are

working to ensure that people who need to get the tests are able to get those

tests.

COVID-19 VACCINE POLICIES FOR

TEACHERS AND SCHOOL

STAFF

J. Tegart: For months, parents and the official opposition have been asking the

Premier and the Education Minister for a clear back-to-school plan that keeps

students, staff and teachers safe. When it comes to the vaccination of teachers

and staff, the Premier is choosing to sidestep the issue and put it on to

individual school boards, creating a potential patchwork of programs across the

province.

Parents across B.C. are frantic and worried about the explosion of

COVID-19 exposures in their schools, and the Premier wants to make it worse,

instead of providing the leadership that our parents are looking

for.

[2:25 p.m.]

In my riding, we have four different school districts. Does the Premier

really think there should be four different approaches in one

riding?

Hon. J. Whiteside: Thank you very much to the member for the question.

I want to say that I am extraordinarily grateful for the work that

educators, school staff, our district and school leadership, trustees and

parents have done over the course of this pandemic. We’re now in our third

school year where everyone is grappling with the pandemic.

We have worked hard with the BCCDC, with all of our partners, over the

course of this pandemic to ensure that we have robust, strong safety plans in

place. That’s what allowed us to keep our schools open and to keep school kids

in class for all of last year.

I understand. I talked to a lot of parents and teachers and people in

the school community, certainly over the last several weeks, and I understand

the concerns that folks have with respect to exposures in schools and with

respect to the question about mandatory vaccinations. We do not have a public

health order that would allow a provincial approach.

We have a situation where, as the member well knows, having served as a

school trustee, school boards are the employers of school staff. So I convened

a meeting of all of our education partners yesterday to support the development

of guidelines that will inform the decisions that boards will make when they

are considering mandatory vaccination policies for their staff.

We expect that, as we have done since the beginning of this pandemic,

the extraordinary collaboration and cooperation across all of our sector and

all of our partners will continue as we deal with this next issue.

EDUCATION SYSTEM REOPENING

AND USE OF RAPID

TESTING

D. Davies: The lack of a back-to-school plan by the Premier has meant a scary

return to the classroom for students, staff and teachers. The number of cases

in our schools is on the rise. We’ve seen the Education Minister already have

to backtrack on notifications and masks, and British Columbia, sadly, is behind

when it comes to using rapid tests for school exposures.

Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia have all announced rapid testing plans.

But here in B.C., parents are faced with long lines, delays and panic when it

comes to getting their kids tested. Even the Premier’s former senior adviser,

Mira Oreck, agrees. She says: “It took 2½ hours to get my kids tested for

COVID-19 this morning at B.C. Children’s Hospital. Given the lack of protection

sites and more staff are seriously needed.”

I can attest that the wait is longer in some rural areas. We know that

this government is sitting on hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of rapid

tests that have come from the federal government. We’ve seen the continued

stubbornness, resistance by this government to use rapid tests.

Will the Premier protect school-aged children and use rapid tests in

schools today?

Hon. A. Dix: Thank you to the member for his question. I know he’s expressing the

concern of many people in his community.

In September, the gold-standard test, the PCR test…. There were more PCR

tests in September than at any other time in the pandemic. Indeed, four times

as many in the Northern Health Authority, as I’ve discussed with the minister,

than had taken place during the height of the third wave of

COVID-19.

We are increasing PCR testing. Never more than in the month of September

have rapid tests been used in B.C. The technology, as well, is improving. The

capacity to have at-home tests is improving. Those things will be explored by

the people who are directing our testing policy, the people who are qualified

to do it, the people who have been leading it from the beginning, our leaders

at the BCCDC and the provincial health office.

Our government will continue to support them as they make every effort

to ensure that children, adults — everybody — are protected as much as

absolutely possible from COVID-19.

[2:30 p.m.]

[End of question period.]

Petitions

S. Furstenau: I rise to table a petition signed by 52,504 British Columbians who are

asking this government to act now and ban logging for the most at-risk old-growth

forests. I will be electronically transmitting the petition to the Clerk’s

office.

Reports from Committees

ELECTION ACT PROVISIONS

REVIEW

COMMITTEE

J. Brar: I have the honour to present the report of the Special Committee to

Review Provisions of the Election Act, which was deposited with the Office of

the Clerk on August 9.

I move that the report be taken as read and received.

Motion approved.

Mr. Speaker: Member, are you seeking leave?

J. Brar: I am seeking leave.

Leave granted.

J. Brar: I move adoption of the report, and in doing so, I would like to make

some brief comments.

Section 215.03 of the Election Act requires that the special committee

be appointed to review the annual allowance paid to political parties. In

particular, the special committee was to determine whether the annual allowance

to political parties should continue after 2022 and, if continued, the amount

of the annual allowance and the number of years the annual allowance is to be

paid.

The committee was appointed in April 2021 and conducted public

consultation in May, hearing from academic experts, stakeholders and British

Columbians. The committee’s report makes three recommendations: first, that the

annual allowance to political parties continue after 2022; second, that it be

set at a rate of $1.75 in 2023 and adjusted to reflect changes in the consumer

price index for subsequent years; and third, that this allowance be made

permanent.

On behalf of all committee members, I would like to thank everyone who

participated in the public consultation. I would also like to express my

appreciation to the Deputy Chair, the member for Kamloops–North Thompson, and

all committee members for their work on this committee, as well as to staff

members of the Parliamentary Committees Office — in particular, Ron Wall,

manager of committee research services; Jesse Gordon, committee researcher; and

Susan Sourial, the Clerk to the committee.

P. Milobar: Thank you to the Chair of the committee for the work put into this, on

behalf of the member for Shuswap and myself sitting on this committee. We’d

just like to thank all the staff as well. It was certainly a lot of work to

collate and pull together all the presentations.

Thank you to the public and all the organizations that made their voices

heard. There were certainly very differing views on what should be done or not.

That is for certain. I don’t think that’s a big surprise for anybody out there.

But it was always good to see that there was a large base of commentary to be

able to draw upon as we pulled together the report.

Motion approved.

Orders of the Day

Hon. M. Farnworth: I call second reading, Bill 17.

[2:35 p.m.]

[S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.]

Second Reading of Bills

BILL 17 — PROTECTED AREAS OF

BRITISH COLUMBIA AMENDMENT ACT,

Deputy Speaker: All right. Members, I’d like us to get this House back into business. If

you have conversations you need to have with others, please move out into the

distant hallways to have those conversations. The minister is here and ready to

start the debate of second reading.

Hon. G. Heyman: I move that this bill be read a second time now.

Amendments….

Interjections.

Deputy Speaker: Excuse me. Sorry, Minister.

Members, if you could please…. I’m going to stand now, and maybe you’ll

acknowledge me then.

[The Deputy Speaker rose.]

Deputy Speaker: If you could please take your conversations outside, I would appreciate

it. When you’re in the hallways, please be quiet. Thank you.

Minister, apologies.

[The Deputy Speaker resumed his seat.]

Hon. G. Heyman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In case anyone didn’t hear me, I move that this bill be read a second

time now.

Amendments are being proposed to the Protected Areas of British Columbia

Act. First, this bill proposes amendments to rename two class A parks to

include Indigenous place names. Acknowledging the Indigenous place names allows

British Columbians to connect with the history and cultures of our province and

supports ongoing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples throughout B.C., as

well as the implementation of the United Nations declaration on the rights of

Indigenous peoples.

Article 13 of UNDRIP specifically refers to Indigenous

place names.

Chilliwack Lake Park will be renamed to S x ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake

Park. The proposed name includes the Halq’eméylem place name, which means

sacred lake. This area is the ancestral homeland of the Ts’elxwéyeqw

Nation.

Newcastle Island Marine Park will be renamed Say­sutshun

(Newcastle Island Marine) Park. Saysutshun is the Snuneymuxw First Nations name

for the island. The island is a significant and sacred place for the Snuneymuxw

people.

Secondly, the bill continues our routine practice of add­ing to

B.C.’s protected areas network, modifying protected area boundaries, improving

protected area boundary descriptions and, of course, correcting some

administrative errors.

These amendments to the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act

establish a new 143-hectare class A park called Hwsalu-utsum near the Koksilah

River on southern Vancouver Island. This area, known locally by some as Eagle

Heights, was purchased by the province with the support of partners including

the Cowichan Tribes, the Cowichan Valley regional district, the Cowichan Valley

Naturalists Society, the B.C. Wildlife Federation, Habitat Conservation Trust

Fund and Cowichan Community Land Trust.

This new park protects a rare pocket grassland, a remnant old-growth

Douglas fir forest and important limestone karst features. The biodiverse

property is culturally significant to local Indigenous peoples, and the

Cowichan Tribes have provided us with the name of this new park. Hwsalu-utsum

is their place name for the broader ridge of which the new park is a part. This

is the first new class A park in British Columbia since 2016, when Chun T’oh

Whudujut ancient forest park was established near Prince George, and it’s the

first on Vancouver Island in over 20 years since Hesquiat Lake Park was

established in Clayoquot Sound.

The amendments also add to nine class A parks and one conservancy. In

detail, these are that Beatton Park in the Peace region will have an addition

of 22 hectares of land that the ministry purchased in March 2007. This addition

protects important wetland and lakeshore habitat at Girl Guide Bay on the shore

of Charlie Lake. Eleven hectares of lake foreshore will also be added to this

park.

Echo Lake Park near Lumby will have 65 hectares of lake foreshore added.

This lake foreshore addition, in combination with the Beatton Park addition,

increased the protection of adjacent lake values.

[2:40 p.m.]

Chasm Park near Clinton will have 101 hectares of land added that the

ministry acquired in July 2019 through a donation under the federal ecological

gifts program. The addition secures two inholdings that were completely

encompassed within the park boundaries.

Bonaparte Park near Kamloops will have an addition of 1,708 hectares of

Crown land. This addition implements a recommendation of the Kamloops land and

resource management plan to protect an area around Elbow Lake. The Elbow Lake

area includes unroaded areas, remote recreation and tourism opportunities and

lakes that provide a variety of fishing experiences.

Mount Robson Park will have one hectare added as a result of the

transfer of the visitor centre parking lot to B.C. Parks from the Ministry of

Transportation and Infrastructure. This will allow B.C. Parks to administer and

manage this popular parking lot area, which is intrinsically and essentially

part of the park.

Granby Park in the Kootenay-Okanagan-Boundary area will have 147

hectares of Crown land added as mitigation for past timber harvesting that

occurred in the park due to an administrative mapping error.

Dragon Mountain Park near Quesnel will have 0.3 hectares added. This

land was excluded at the time of park establishment because it was subject to a

commercial land use permit. The commercial tenure has now expired and been

cancelled, so the area, which is used as a parking lot and meeting place for

park visitors, can now be added to the park.

Lucy Islands Conservancy will have three hectares of land and 129

hectares of marine foreshore added. This adds two islets and surrounding marine

waters that were left out in error at the time the conservancy was first

established. This conservancy protects globally significant breeding and

nesting habitat for sea birds, important Coast Tsimshian cultural values and

diverse local recreational opportunities.

Skaha Bluffs Park will have 65 hectares of land from a 2019 private land

donation added to the park. This donation contains habitat for species at risk,

including bighorn sheep and western rattlesnake, along with cliff terrain that

supports peregrine falcon and endangered bats. The parcel also contains

numerous rock-climbing routes and popular trails.

Garibaldi Park will have 5.6 hectares of private land that the ministry

purchased in 2019 added. The property is currently an undeveloped inholding

that is entirely surrounded by the park. The addition of the area to the park

will provide the ministry the flexibility to address parking and road safety

issues at this popular park access point.

The amendments also modify the boundaries of five parks and cancel one

protected area. One hectare will be deleted from Purcell Wilderness Conservancy

Park to allow for an access corridor for private land that was erroneously

included in the park. One hectare will be deleted from Goat Range Park to

remove a small portion of the right-of-way for Highway 31 that was erroneously

in­cluded in the park when it was established.

Enabling amendments will allow 42 hectares to be deleted from the Peace

River Corridor Park and established as a protected area under the Environment

and Land Use Act in order to enable the ministry to authorize a water line and

associated infrastructure for the South Peace Hutterian Brethren colony. This

amendment re­solves issues associated with access to a safe and adequate

supply of water for the colony. The colony has in turn also proposed to

transfer 62 hectares of private land to the ministry, which will be added to

the park.

Three hectares will be deleted from Moberly Lake Park to resolve a past

administrative error to enable ongoing legal access for owners of adjacent

private lands whose access roads existed prior to park

establishment.

Amendments to the boundary of Elk Falls Park and the cancellation of Elk

Falls Protected Area will complete the implementation of a land exchange

agreement between B.C. Hydro and B.C. Parks that is related to the John Hart

generating station replacement project. Overall, three hectares of land will be

added to the protected area system as a result of these changes.

[2:45 p.m.]

The amendments also include several administrative corrections and

improvements to legal descriptions. This continues ongoing work of the ministry

of moving from so-called metes and bounds and lot and parcel descriptions to

mapped boundaries that are called official plans. Official plans are more

accurate, more understandable and more practical for field surveying than the

written metes and bounds descriptions.

The administrative amendments in this bill are as follows. Three parks —

Echo Lake, Lakelse Lake and Moberly Lake — will have their existing boundary

descriptions replaced with official plans. Ellison Park will have a new

boundary description as the result of a minor administrative update to a survey

plan reference.

Over 14 percent of our province is contained within our provincial

protected area system, and these amendments continue our government’s and our

ministry’s commitment to improving this system. This includes not only looking

for opportunities to add ecologically significant lands but also improving

recreational opportunities and experiences within our diverse parks

system.

We all know, and we have seen, the increasing demand for access to B.C.

Parks by British Columbians during the pandemic. This means that many new

British Columbians, as well as many British Columbians who hadn’t gone to parks

for quite some time, are discovering or rediscovering the benefits of being in

nature and the beauty of our park system. We know and expect that this demand

will continue, and we will continue to work hard to meet that

demand.

Finally, our ministry is also working closely with Indigenous peoples to

find meaningful ways to recognize their culture and connection to these

protected lands and to share this rich history with all British Columbians. The

proposed new park names are an important, although not the only, part of this

commitment.

In closing, I look forward to the debate. More importantly, I welcome

the opportunity to add to our magnificent park system.

P. Milobar: It gives me pleasure to rise to Bill 17, the bill to deal with the

Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act.

Certainly, this is a process and a procedure that has spanned

governments. I think everyone in this House and everyone in British Columbia

can appreciate the need to make sure we have modern and effective mapping,

which a lot of these clauses in this bill are doing to update to make sure that

our parks are properly represented.

More broadly, I think the general population is very supportive of

making sure we do have properly located and accessible and a well-located park

system. Certainly, you think back to the previous government — and we heard it

earlier, when Steve Thomson was recognized here — the Great Bear Rainforest and

other parks like that.

We have very large parks. Sometimes it can take quite some time, and

then you have parks like we see in this bill at 143 hectares, which maybe

aren’t as large in actual mass but still very important nonetheless and can

still take many, many years to move forward with and get everything put into

place to make sure it becomes a park protected and enjoyed for generations to

come.

Certainly, no great issue with this bill in terms of what we see in it,

even the renaming of parks to recognize Indigenous history in the area. It’s

something, again, that spans governments and something that has been supported,

I believe, by both sides of this House, regardless of who happens to be in

government.

That said, this bill is now being introduced under a different backdrop

than we’ve seen previously, and that is with this House’s unanimous

consideration and support of UNDRIP and now referred to as DRIPA. There will

certainly be a lot of questions as we enter into committee stage on this bill

around that impact, because this is 100 percent dealing with things to do with

addition and subtraction of Crown lands.

At a fundamental core under UNDRIP, making sure that consultations are

properly engaged with, making sure accommodations are properly made and making

sure the right area of Indigenous communities have been consulted with is a big

part of that bill. One would assume and one would hope that this bill would

have followed that process to the letter, because as we’ve asked bill after

bill after bill that has been introduced in this chamber post-UNDRIP and

post-DRIPA adoption, we’ve seen very few bills where there’s actually been

consultation by the government as they bring forward bills.

[2:50 p.m.]

That seems to fly in the face of what we all agreed we would strive to

do as a collective government entity. Those are the questions that I will

certainly have as we get into committee stage on this bill. They’re serious

questions. I know the minister will do his best, in conjunction with staff, to

answer those questions and see them for what they are.

They’re not to be combative questions but to make sure that the public

and, indeed, Indigenous communities fully understand what to expect from this

government, especially on things revolving around how the government intends to

move boundaries around Crown land holdings, the impacts that it would have on

the use of those areas, or the lack of use of those areas, especially as it

relates to traditional practices and the ability to access for traditional

practices, and those types of questions.

I do look forward to the committee stage of this bill, as we move

forward. I look forward to hearing any other comments from other people willing

to speak to this bill before we get to that stage. As I say, it’s one, I think,

that year over year we always see come forward. But this is the first year

where we will have seen this bill come forward with that backdrop of

UNDRIP.

That certainly does change the tone and tenor, I think, of this bill

and, most importantly, the questions that we, as an opposition, have a duty to

make sure that we address and get asked and answered for the public and for

Indigenous communities across this province.

S. Furstenau: I’m happy to speak to this legislation, Bill 17.

Protected areas absolutely are a useful mechanism for safeguarding the

ecological and cultural values of ecosystems in our province. In particular, of

course, today the establishment of the Hwsalu-utsum Park, an area of spiritual

and cultural importance to the Quw’utsun’ people, is something to be

celebrated. This area is home to important ecosystems, vulnerable species,

including certain grasses used in spiritual practices by the Quw’utsun’

people.

There are also other parks where the Indigenous place names are being

adopted — S x ótsaqel Park, also known as Chilliwack Lake Park, and

Saysutshun Park, also known as Newcastle. Acknowledging and using Indigenous

place names really is

an act of respect and is an indication of where we need

to be going further and further in this province. I’m pleased to see this part

just being taken by this government. This legislation adds 2,258 hectares of

land and foreshore to provincial parks, and one conservancy.

That’s a good thing. But I stress that in light of where we are as a

province globally, what we’re looking at with the climate emergency and the

impacts we’re seeing in very real time, this feels like a bare minimum from the

Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

We are seeing a loss of biodiversity and a loss of forests in both

wildfires and ongoing logging practices in this province. We are seeing the

impacts that climate change is having in the real lives of people in this

province, particularly — as has been discussed a lot in this House in the last

few days — the heat dome which cost the lives of hundreds and hundreds of

people.

For the first piece of legislation tabled during this legislative

sitting, it feels incommensurate with the enormity of the challenge and the

seriousness of the climate emergency. I would have hoped to see a response from

this minister and this government that matches that urgency, that recognizes

that we can’t continue with status quo in how lands are managed in this

province and how we look at the very serious implications of the biodiversity

collapse. We’ve now had a year of this government with its full mandate that it

had wanted so badly to implement its vision, yet what we see is a doubling down

on the status quo, tinkering around the edges.

[2:55 p.m.]

This is not to diminish the importance of these parks, these protected

areas and these name changes. But I think that British Columbians would very

much like to know that what they are experiencing…. I would point to the

gathering of youth just a week ago on yet another school strike for Friday

expressing — certainly, what I heard when I was in Cowichan — a sense that

their voices aren’t being heard and their futures aren’t being

considered.

There’s so much that could be done. We could be leaning into

Indigenous-led conservation in protected areas. We could be putting

biodiversity, ecosystem health, at the centre of decision-making. We could be

looking at the extraordinary leadership that’s happening in cities around the

world that are reorienting and rearranging themselves to be resilient to

climate change.

I hope in the coming days and weeks that we will see some indication

from this government that the urgency of the situation we’re facing globally,

but here in British Columbia, is going to be met with the kinds of legislative

and policy changes that we need to see.

Hon. S. Malcolmson: Being elected in Snuneymuxw First Nation’s territory, I’m honoured to

take my place in the House and speak to Bill 17 and its many additions, in many

parts of the province, to British Columbia’s beautiful park system. This is

something that is recognized across the country — the beauty from beach to

glacier, from coast to mountaintop — how fortunate we are and how much the

physical landscape defines the people and the place in which we are fortunate

to serve.

That today this legislation adds 2,258 hectares of land to British

Columbia’s protected park system is an accomplishment and a credit to the many

volunteers and people in every corner of the province that have fundraised,

have advocated, the many public servants that have worked to bring this park

system together. That the minister today is taking another step forward to add

to it is something that I am encouraged and proud to be part of.

On Vancouver Island, this legislation establishes a new provincial park,

one of 143 hectares. The last time a provincial park was established on

Vancouver Island was Hesquiat Lake Park in Clayoquot Sound in 2001. So 20 years

later our second new park establishment in the beautiful Cowichan Valley — very

encouraged to see that. Altogether now over 14 million hectares, or 14.5

percent of the land mass of British Columbia, is protected as park.

What I particularly want to focus on, though, given this Legislature’s

commitment to the United Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous

peoples and one of its calls to action around the world, is to rename place

names with their original Indigenous names. I’m very encouraged that right in

the place that I am honoured to serve, in keeping with the commitment made by

the province of British Columbia one year ago, what we have known as Newcastle

Island provincial park is in this legislation now being returned to its

original Snuneymuxw place name, which is Saysutshun.

I’m going to read a quote from Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse. A year ago,

at the time of the reconciliation agreement between the province of B.C. and

Snuney­muxw, he said:

“These agreements…mark a major step forward in a journey that goes back to

the important promises and understandings that formed the basis of our treaty

relationship with the Crown when Sir James Douglas entered into a treaty with

our people in 1854. Today we are working with British Columbia in a

relationship based on recognition and respect for our treaty of 1854 and a

renewed government-to-government relationship.

“This is an improved relationship that opens the door to meaningful

cooperation and collaboration based on the United Nations declaration on the

rights of Indigenous peoples, including steps for land reconciliation in

relation to the return of our traditional territory.

[3:00 p.m.]

“Our shared commitment to stewardship and protection of the lands and

waters of British Columbia and protection of endangered species and habitat is

an essential element of our values to protect our land and resources for this

and future generations. Like we have always done, Snuneymuxw people welcome new

relationships, support prosperity and business development in the mid-Island

area and will work with all of our partners to bring new

opportunities.

“This step today was made possible by the leadership of our people for

many generations and will serve to support our children and grandchildren to

know our identity, nation and lands are recognized and supported by

all.”

This land transfer agreement one year ago included a package of more

than 3,000 hectares of Crown land, now being returned to Snuneymuxw on Mount

Benson and Mount McKay. There are elk habitat and deer populations

there.

This is not part of park creation, but it’s a sample of some of the

commitments that were made by the province and agreed with by Snuneymuxw on

that agreement signed September 20, the year of 2020. I want to recognize my

friend, at the time Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Scott

Fraser, who pushed very hard, along with the Premier, to make sure that that

agreement was brought to its completion.

There was also a commitment at that time on the part of the government

of British Columbia to rename Newcastle Island Saysutshun, so here we are

today, following through on that commitment.

I’m very honoured to hold now in my hands the words of a Snuneymuxw

young man, Eliot White-Hill, who wrote this history of Saysutshun. To have this

on the record in the Legislature I think speaks to the values of the place and

why it’s so important for us to call this beautiful island in the harbour of

Nanaimo by its real name.

Eliot White-Hill says, in his

preamble:

“In our tradition, before any work is done, we recognize where the

knowledge comes from, where our roots lie. I want to acknowledge our Elders and

their efforts to preserve Coast Salish oral tradition and history. The stories

that I refer to come from them, both living and gone, who have taken it upon

themselves to do the work that is imperative to continuing our traditional ways

of life, preserving what we have so that it can be handed down to future

generations.”

These Elders are Albert Wesley; Xalanamut, also known as Mary Rice;

Tsa’tass’aya, also known as Jenny Wyse; Kwulasulwut, the late Dr. Ellen White;

Xulsimalt, also known as Gary Manson; C’tasi:a, also known as Geraldine

Manson.

Eliot says: “ Huy ch q’u siem .” He describes Saysutshun

as:

“A sacred place that is highly significant to us as Snuneymuxw people.

When we think of it, we think of a place of healing, a place of preparation, a

place of transformation. We think of home. It is a place of safety. It has

borne a wealth of legends and teachings in our oral tradition, ranging from

creation stories to familial lore, some still existing within living memory. It

is a place where Xeel’s, the transformer, walked and left his mark. It is a

place where we can connect with our ancestors.

“The name ‘Saysutshun’ refers specifically to the island’s use as a place

of preparation, how our ancestors used it to train, bathe and prepare

themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. They ran the trails on the

island and bathed in the water.

“Bathing is a sacred act for us. There is a strict process, and it can

only be done in certain locations. Those places carry great spiritual

significance. It cleanses us, our bodies, our minds and our spirits. It is a

way for us to tap into the natural energies of the world. It is

an act of

prayer. We beg the water and the air and the ground beneath our feet to help

us, to help those who stand and walk with us and those who are important to us

elsewhere in the world.

“A person would be required to bathe daily for extended periods of time

before ceremonial events or going on a hunt or other such undertakings. To

prepare oneself properly as such is crucial to the success of the work being

done, and Saysutshun is one of the unique places where that can be

achieved.

“There are many stories from the days when Xeel’s walked the land and

spread teachings, helping those who needed help, changing things into the way

they are today. One story tells of a sea monster at Thlap’qwum which looked

like a giant skate fish. It lived in the channel between Saysutshun and where

Stewart Avenue is today.

[3:05 p.m.]

“In a case of forbidden romance, a young couple lived across the channel

from each other but were not allowed to be together. One day the young man

finally decided to swim across the channel to be with his loved one, but the

water began to bubble and churn as though it was boiling, and the monster

surfaced, swallowing him whole. Through the collective work of the community,

they managed to spear the monster using a trap of clams to free the person, who

was unharmed.

“In one version, this is the origin story for the species of clams and our

clam beds in the area. In another version, Xeel’s pulls the monster out of the

water and throws it through the air, out into the Salish Sea. Another example

talks about Hamatsa Rock, which is past Kanaka Bay. This rock was once a

person. Xeel’s turned many people into stone, people who misbehaved. It is

closely connected to a similar rock on Tle:ltxw,” which we call Gabriola

Island, “called Xuw’t’luqs, who was also turned into stone.”

I will just finish with Eliot’s final words:

“Whether you are a new visitor to our territory or an old, we hope that

you will come to experience Saysutshun. Walk the paths of our ancestors with

us.”

That is the end of Eliot’s words.

I’ll say that if you are coming into the ferry from Horseshoe Bay into

Nanaimo, you will pass Saysutshun. If you are going to the Dinghy Dock Pub on

Protection Island in the little harbour water taxi, you will see Saysutshun on

your left. If you take the little foot passenger ferry, which is now run by

Snuneymuxw First Nation, from Swy-a-Lana Lagoon Park, also known as Maffeo

Sutton Park, directly to Saysutshun, they have a fantastic service and

traditional dances and food, because they’ve been working in cooperation with

B.C. Parks for some time.

If you take that ferry, you will go right to Saysutshun. If you’re

taking the ferry to Gabriola Island, you will see Saysutshun on your left. It’s

a real gem in the heart of our harbour. Many people sea kayak around

it.

I hope now, with this action of returning it to its original name, in

keeping with our province’s commitments to the Snuneymuxw First Nation, that

the visitors who Snuneymuxw have so generously welcomed to our region around

Nanaimo will have a new connection with and appreciation for both the original

peoples of the land and some of those origin stories that now make Saysutshun

the proper and restored name of this beautiful gem in our B.C. park

system.

With thanks to the minister and thanks to the Speaker for the

indulgence, that concludes my comments.

E. Ross: It’s a pleasure to get up to talk to Bill 17, Protected Areas of B.C.

Amendment Act, 2021. It is quite timely, because, really, what we’re talking

about is land. That’s what we’re talking about.

In terms of land, especially in light of the United Na­tions

declaration on the rights of Indigenous people that was just passed in this

Legislature a couple of years ago, this means everything to B.C., because when

you are talking about resource development prior to UNDRIP being legislated in

this House, consultation was fully defined, but it was only in relation to

activities of the Crown that affected rights or title of First Nations people

in B.C. That’s no longer the case.

Now, anything — whether it’s connected to the land or not, whether it’s

connected to the rights or not — has a duty of consultation owed to First

Nations people because of the new legislation, Bill 41, the Declaration on the

Rights of Indigenous Peoples. So the old rules on just sticking to rights and

entitlement infringements don’t exist anymore.

But the issues of the First Nations haven’t changed. The recognition

that we’ve been talking about in this chamber for the last year or so now —

that’s all it is. It’s recognition. And I think that I’ve talked about this

before. First Nations have had enough of recognition.

[3:10 p.m.]

First Nations’ issues were first recognized by the constitution in 1982.

It didn’t change anything. We have been in treaty negotiations for the last 40

years. It hasn’t changed anything. We’ve talked and complained about the Indian

Act for the last 50 years. Nothing has changed, because all we do is

recognize.

We don’t talk about the realities of First Nations in Canada, let alone

B.C., the real issues that affect people — issues like poverty, like suicide,

issues of children going into government care, of Aboriginal males and females

going into prison. Per capita, it’s the highest population in prisons in

Canada. We don’t talk about that. All we talk about is recognizing them. Yet

there are many leaders across B.C. proactively trying to change it — and quite

successfully, I might add. At the end of the day — if you had read your case

law that was determined in the courts of B.C. and Canada — First Nations are

not frozen in time.

These are great stories, talking about how we rename places around B.C.

or how we observe the culture or customs of First Nations that, by the way,

have changed dramatically over the last hundred years, but this does nothing

for the quality of life for that person that doesn’t know there’s an

alternative to prison.

Now, when we’re talking about the First Nations recognition across B.C.,

you’re quite right. There are many that are still connected closely to their

culture and to the land — many, especially in remote communities. But there are

many First Nations in B.C. that have been disconnected from that and now are

starting to try and figure out a way not only how to survive in the 21st

century but how to thrive, how to stay out of prison, how to stay away from the

violence and poverty. They get completely ignored by this

government.

Not once have I ever heard a minister or a member from that side of the

House get up and talk about how economic development in terms of LNG or

forestry or mining has succeeded in uplifting a generation of people — not

once.

The largest investment in Canadian history, the LNG Canada project — $40

billion, quite historic — should have been a nation builder, should have been a

province builder. Nobody talks about how not only did they uplift an entire

generation of Aboriginals out of poverty from all over B.C., mind you, but also

uplifted a region that had been economically depressed since the ‘80s.

Everybody benefited.

Not one mention of that, and not one mention of the Chevron project, the

$30 billion project that packed up and left. That was going to bring more

progress to First Nations people and non–First Nations people across B.C. Not

one mention of the Cedar project, Cedar LNG by Haisla, a First Nations project,

the first one of its kind, that’s a spinoff of the LNG Canada project that

would benefit B.C. No mention.

That’s the true progress of First Nations, because an entire generation

of people are not going to understand the issues behind the Indian Act, behind

rights and title, behind treaty negotiation. That is perfect. That is what we

should be striving for. Those are the issues of our day. If the next generation

is not complaining about that because they are building their lives, we have

accomplished something for one of the most disadvantaged populations in

Canada.

There’s a phrase that has been developed in the courts of Canada and

B.C. that I think everybody should understand when you’re talking about

Aboriginal people in this chamber. First Nations people are not frozen in time.

I hear the talk in here that talks about natives almost like we’re still stuck

in 100 years ago or 200 years ago. That does nothing for a First Nations person

that’s living down on Hastings Street on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver or

on the streets of Prince George.

[3:15 p.m.]

If you want to talk reconciliation with First Nations peo­ple, you

have to include economic reconciliation. There’s a component of rights and

title that speaks directly to the economics of rights and title. That is why

there are a number of First Nations people that are engaging in the resource

activities around them.

In terms of this bill, when we’re talking about land…. And I take this

government back to their own bill that they actually passed in this House. “In

consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia, the

government must take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of British

Columbia are consistent with the Declaration.”

We asked questions in debate about this when we we’re actually debating

this bill before it got passed, and we talked about the consultation of 203

bands in B.C. It was made clear to us that this government intended to consult

with 203 bands in B.C. in terms of aligning the laws of B.C. with First Nations

interests.

To date, this government has not consulted with one band on any piece of

legislation either proposed or existing. Instead, this government has actually

gone to advo­cacy groups like the leadership council. That’s not

consultation. The leadership council does not hold rights and title on behalf

of First Nations people. They’re not even a governing body.

I just heard in the speech before me that they were so proud of

government-to-government negotiations. The leadership council is not a

to that First Nation community to decide for themselves who represents them to

be their government, to be their spokesperson.

Deputy Speaker: If I might, Member, just to draw you back to Bill 17, Protected Areas of

British Columbia Amendment Act, just to make sure you can show the

rele­vance of your remarks.

E. Ross: Thank you, Speaker. I will show the relevance. I’m getting to that.

Thank you for that correction.

We talk about how this government talks about the consultation with

First Nations to bills, especially to Bill 17, yet we find out there was no

consultation. There will be no consultation. What this bill is talking about is

the dispossession of lands. That’s what this bill is talking about.

Now, there are a number of First Nations communities that have had parks

or protected areas in their territories that we determined without their

consent or consultation, long before 2004. According to the UNDRIP bill, the

government is going to correct that by making sure that all laws of B.C. are in

alignment with First Nations interests.

There are a number of protected areas and parks in my territory. I’d be

curious to see how much consultation, meaningful consultation, was done with

the Haisla Nation. There must be a record. There must be a binder. First

Nations people, by the way, have gone beyond the idea of protecting land.

They’ve gone to look at the land, to look at all the components of what that

value can bring to the First Nations people in general. There’s an economic

component to rights and title that this government refuses to

acknowledge.

I’m sure if you went to talk to the Haisla leadership of my community —

who are elected chief and council, by the way — they would have some interest

in determining which lands would be expanded upon and which ones could be

amended. I’ll give you an example. There was a protected area in my territory

that had an incredible opportunity to be developed into an independent power

project, run of the river. But because it was within the boundaries of a

protected area, we couldn’t change it. We couldn’t actually pursue that goal.

We couldn’t get it changed.

Here’s a chance for this government not only to fix the mistakes they’ve

made in terms of not consulting with First Nations on their own UNDRIP bill, in

terms of consultation, but you could fix some of the interests of the First

Nations people in relation to existing parks where they had no say in the first

place — some within the heart of the First Nations territories, some of these

parks that they actually use for hunting and fishing and ceremonial

purposes.

[3:20 p.m.]

There was mention of the relationship and the consultation of this bill,

Bill 17, in relation to First Nations people. Really, you’re talking about the

leadership council. You’re not talking about communities. But you’re not even

talking about the leadership themselves.

In fact, in picking who you’re negotiating with, it seems clear to me

it’s either Hereditary Chiefs of selected bands that this government is willing

to negotiate with — in terms of Bill 17, for example — or the leadership

council. No respect given to elected Chiefs and councils — only if it serves

your purpose. Undermining elected Chiefs and councils is destabilizing First

Nations communities. This goes back to the consultation that this government is

failing to do under Bill 17. Does that work?

Interjection.

E. Ross: Why would I save it for committee?

Hon. G. Heyman: So I could answer your questions.

E. Ross: There are no questions here. I haven’t asked one question of the

minister.

Interjection.

Deputy Speaker: If I might ask, can we just let the speaker have his space. Thank

you.

E. Ross: Well, if he wants to ask questions, I’m more than willing to answer

questions from the Minister of Environment. This is your bill.

Deputy Speaker: Through the Speaker, Member.

E. Ross: Through the Speaker.

Sorry about that, Speaker.

This is brought up repeatedly, not only in terms of Bill 17. Every

single bill that has come to this House has not had the consultation with First

Nations leaders as promised by the government’s own bill, Bill 41. Yet you’re

talking about something so central right now to First Nations people —

land.

I haven’t even heard the term “overlap” brought up in this discussion.

When you’re talking about parks and protected areas and First Nations

communities, you’re talking about overlap that hasn’t been resolved. If the

consultation was done before this bill was brought to this House, I would love

to see the

section on overlap and how this government has resolved that. If the

binder exists on this consultation that was done, will this House get a chance

to look at it?

These are age-old issues, not only in terms of parks but also every

decision made by the Crown on First Nations lands, especially since 2004.

That’s not a question; that’s a request.

I don’t understand the discomfort that this conversation is actually

creating for that side of the House, for this NDP government. I don’t

understand the discomfort. Why the complaints? This is the bill, Bill 41,

United Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples. This is the

bill that was implemented by this government. These are your

promises.

Deputy Speaker: Please, no use of props, Member. Thank you.

E. Ross: Thank you, Speaker. Is “your” okay too? I said “your.” Is that

okay?

Deputy Speaker: If you’re speaking to me, you can use “you.” But if you’re speaking

government as opposed to “you, you and you.” Thank you.

E. Ross: Okay. Thanks for that.

This is the NDP government’s bill, Bill 41. I’m just pointing out the

facts in terms of what this government promised. That’s all I’m doing. I’m

trying to get beyond the recognition. I’m trying to get beyond the politics of

this. I’m trying to get into the issues of First Nations people in general.

It’s a complicated question. I understand that.

We were on a good path. We had a good set of rules in terms of the case

law that was established by the courts in B.C. and Canada. Everybody understood

their role. The Crown, the First Nations and the third parties understood their

roles. That’s all gone. Now we don’t know what the rules are. The only rule I

see as being broken is the commitment to consult Indigenous governing bodies.

Number one, that’s the only rule I see being broken here, by the government

that actually brought in Bill 41 in the first place.

[3:25 p.m.]

When we’re talking about the land question, in terms of Bill 17, times

have changed so much. Yes, First Nations are actually looking to be included in

land decisions, not only for economic development, not only for the

recreational purposes — which are actually pretty amazing in today’s day and

age — but they’re also looking for opportunities to remediate past

impacts.

If there are any more impacts to save parklands, they want to be a part

of it. If you want to build a new trail, they want to be a part of it. If you

want to put in a new bridge, they want to be part of it. This does relate to

what British Columbians are not thinking about, by the way, because when we’re

talking about land, the next question will be: is it private land? If we don’t

fix this right now, that’s where the conversation will go next.

I think I’ll leave the rest for third reading. Thank you for your

corrections and your guidance. I’ll leave my comments there.

F. Donnelly: I’m pleased to speak today in support of Bill 17, amendments to the

Protected Areas of British Columbia Act.

It will create a new class A provincial park in the Cowichan Valley on

southern Vancouver Island to honour the Indigenous history of a local ecosystem

and assist in the preservation of threatened species. In addition, the bill

renames two provincial parks to include Indigenous place names, adds 2,200

hectares of land to nine existing parks and one conservancy, continuing B.C.’s

proud record of supporting one of the largest park systems in North

America.

This bill advances our government’s environmental goals by establishing

new parks in protected areas as well as adding land to existing parks,

conservancies and ecological reserves. It also aids in the conservation of

threatened species such as Roosevelt elk, western screech owl and northern

goshawk.

Renaming parks to include Indigenous place names is an important step

forward in our ongoing reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples across

B.C. It also encourages all of us to connect with the rich history and culture

of our province.

I congratulate our government for this farsighted leg­islation and

also for the recent announcement that B.C. Parks will invest $21.5 million of

funding over the next three years to expand and enhance opportunities for

outdoor recreation, including new campsites, trails and upgrades to

facilities.

During the past four years, more than 1,500 campsites have been added to

B.C.’s provincial parks and recreation sites in high-demand areas. Of those

sites, 500 were in the Lower Mainland, including Cultus Lake, Golden Ears,

Chilliwack Lake, Stawamus Chief and Garibaldi.

New campsite developments incorporate accessible design standards where

possible so people living with disabilities can enjoy outdoor activities with

fewer barriers. As you know, I am the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and

Aquaculture. There are many amazing watersheds and river basins in this

province.

Protected areas play an important role not only for people but for

salmon. Salmon need cold, abundant flows of water, and cold water comes from

protected areas, whether it’s forested headwaters or tree-covered riparian

areas or critical grasslands, wetlands and estuaries. The more these important

features of a watershed are protected, the better chance salmon have of

surviving.

[3:30 p.m.]

One of the greatest salmon watersheds on the planet is the Fraser

watershed. The Fraser River is the longest river in British Columbia. With its

headwaters high in the Rocky Mountains, it flows 1,376 kilometres and spills

into the Salish Sea or Strait of Georgia by Vancouver and Richmond or Musqueam

territory.

The Fraser watershed can be broken into six distinct subregions. Many of

these regions already have protected areas and parks, and with this

legislation, a number more have protected areas that will be added or names of

areas that will be changed. For instance, in the Lower Fraser region, which

stretches from Hope to Vancouver, this bill adds the name S x ótsaqel to

Chilliwack Lake Park, which means “sacred lake.”

[N. Letnick in the chair.]

There are seven main river tributaries, or riversheds, within the Lower

Fraser providing critical habitat for all species of wild Pacific salmon. This

is a highly urbanized region of the Fraser watershed, but it’s also home to

some of the best agricultural land in the province and to much of B.C.’s

industrial and economic activity.

There is currently a push to add more protection to this region of the

Fraser — the Heart of the Fraser — a stretch of river between Mission and Hope

that has some of the most valuable salmon and sturgeon habitat in the world,

but it’s under constant threat from industrial activity and urban development.

This area is an excellent candidate for protection. Hopefully in the near

future, the Heart of the Fraser will be protected and will give salmon and

sturgeon a fighting chance for survival in this important region of the

Fraser.

The Fraser estuary is another critically important area in need of

protection. While much important restoration work is being done by

organizations like the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, B.C. Wildlife

Federation, Ducks Unlimited, the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, BCIT,

Watershed Watch Salmon Society and the Rivershed Society of B.C., more needs to

be done to protect this critical zone of the watershed. The estuary is rich

with life, but it is also under constant threat from urban and industrial

projects that impact critical habitat and the quality of water in the

river.

One important function that was lost in 2013 and needs to be reinstated

is the Fraser River estuary management program, or FREMP 2.0, as it’s being

called. Metro Vancouver regional district, many Lower Fraser municipalities and

a number of Lower Fraser River First Nations are calling for better planning

and coordination of urban development activities and projects in the Fraser

estuary. FREMP 2.0, along with Bill 17, would be welcome legislation to reduce

impacts to important Fraser estuary habitat and to improve coordination and

planning. It would also assist industrial projects by knowing where to and not

to plan and build in this sensitive area of the river.

There are five other regions within the Fraser watershed in addition to

the Lower Fraser. Moving up the river, the next region is the Fraser Canyon,

which is home to the world-famous Hells Gate and the Stein Valley world

heritage site. It includes some of the narrowest sections along the Fraser

River, where the tremendous force of water flows deep and races through canyon

walls.

This area is dramatic in both weather and scenery and has seen multiple

landslides over the years, with devastating impacts on wild salmon.

Historically the Hells Gate Slide and recently the Big Bar Slide have caused

concern for passage of wild salmon.

Of course, this region is home to Lytton, which experienced a

devastating wildfire this past summer. I know all members in this House join me

in wanting to see those impacted families return to their homes and their

community as soon as possible.

Bill 17 improves Chasm Park, which is situated in Lillooet district. I

look to the future for greater protection to areas like the Stein and the

Nahatlatch watersheds, important salmon and wildlife areas within the Fraser

Canyon.

[3:35 p.m.]

Bill 17 also addresses Dragon Mountain Park, an im­portant park

within the Cariboo district and the Cariboo-Chilcotin subregion of the Fraser

watershed. Again looking to the future, the Tŝilhqot’in Tribal Park is an

important area for protection and restoration, which considers wild Fraser

River salmon and other important wildlife values.

Moving to another region of the Fraser watershed, the Thompson-Shuswap

region contains critical salmon habitat, including the world-famous Adams River

sockeye run. This incredibly important area is in need of protection if we are

to ensure the survival of wild salmon. Bill 17 adds 1,008 hectares to Bonaparte

Park, another very important protected area in this region and in British

Columbia.

Mr. Speaker, the fifth region in the Fraser watershed is the Nechako

region, which includes one of the longest and largest tributaries of the Fraser

River and is home to a genetically distinct population of ancient and

endangered white sturgeon. They are the largest, long-lived freshwater species

in North America.

I’d like to give a shout-out to one of the hardest-working volunteers I

know, Wayne Salewski. Wayne is the chair of the Nechako Environment and Water

Stewardship Society and a member of the Nechako white sturgeon community

working group. He, like so many volunteers in the Nechako region, loves the

area and wants to see it protected. Wayne is working hard to ensure that there

is enough water in the river for salmon and sturgeon. He also wants to ensure

that the watershed is protected, whether it’s the riparian area or other

important areas of the watershed.

The final subregion of the Fraser watershed is the Fraser headwaters.

Bill 17 makes an important amendment to Mount Robson Provincial Park. The

Fraser headwaters, which includes 13 river tributaries, or riversheds, starts

as a trickle, high on Mount Robson and winds its way through the Robson Valley

or Rocky Mountain Trench. It has many intact watersheds and ancient old-growth

forests, important habitat for grizzly bears and wild Pacific

salmon.

Two important watersheds in the headwaters region, the Goat and the

Raush, are in critical need of protection. I know these watersheds very well,

as I have hiked many summers in the Goat watershed, and I’ve actually swum the

length of the lower half of the Raush River, back in 1999. These two

watersheds, along with the Walker watershed, are great candidates for

protection and would go a long way to advance overall protection of wild salmon

and bull trout populations in British Columbia.

B.C. has 629 class A provincial parks dedicated for preservation of

their natural environment and for public use and enjoyment. Two of these class

A parks are partially located in my constituency of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain,

so I’m well aware of the increased importance of the recreational and

conservation values that these and other parks bring to British Columbians and

the important role they can play in Indigenous reconciliation and

co-management.

For those who are not familiar with it, Pinecone Burke Provincial Park

extends from the southwest corner of Garibaldi Provincial Park, west of Pitt

Lake and Pitt River, to include Burke Mountain in the city of Coquitlam.

Although it was created in 1995, most of this park is still undeveloped

wilderness, with very rough trails. There is canoe access to Widgeon Slough

and, from there, hiking trails that lead to Widgeon Lake on a network of old

logging roads, hiking and mountain-biking trails on Burke Mountain. The highest

mountain in the park is Pinecone Peak at 2,027 metres. The park is huge: 38,000

hectares, nearly 100 times the size of Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

[3:40 p.m.]

Like Stanley Park, it is close to a number of current and planned major

population centres, and it has been predicted that in 20 or 30 years it will be

a jewel of green in the midst of a sea of development. Pinecone Burke protects

the western shore of Pitt Lake, the largest freshwater tidal lake in North

America, while Widgeon Slough is the largest freshwater marsh in southwestern

British Columbia.

The city of Coquitlam has described Pinecone Burke as “having huge, huge

potential for the city.” Demand for outdoor recreation is high, especially

since the pandemic lockdown last year. It was identified in 2014 as a potential

tourism draw for nature lovers and even international visitors.

Its unique location close to new neighbourhoods and the city centre has

inspired the city to look at developing a tourism-based vision for the park.

Its alpine lakes, remnant ice fields and old-growth forest could enable longer

term opportunities, such as guided tours and package multiday expeditions.

These are being looked at by the city as a way to support Coquitlam businesses

and to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

A management plan is finally being formulated for Pinecone Burke. It

will need additional operational funds to ensure the increased demands for day

use, camping and recreational activities are developed in a timely

manner.

B.C. Parks and the Katzie First Nation recently signed a memorandum of

understanding to collaborate on the plan. The park includes part of the

traditional territory of the nation and borders on the Katzie Indian reserve.

The First Nations’ members use the park extensively for its plant, fish and

wildlife resources.

Backcountry advocates stress it’s more important now than ever for

people to get outside safely while maintaining a safe social distance from one

another. Pinecone Burke Park is a great place to do just that, and it’s filled

with lush, forested trails and alpine terrain.

Outdoor enthusiasts are looking forward to the creation of a management

plan in the near future, and they are hoping Pinecone Burke’s share of the $5

million recently announced for parks infrastructure will go toward projects

that will allow residents to enjoy the spectacular views on properly marked and

developed trails.

At the end of August, I, along with the Minister of Indigenous Relations

and Reconciliation, the MLAs for North Vancouver–Seymour and Port

Moody–Coquitlam and the Lieutenant-Governor were honored to take a boat trip

around Indian Arm. This trip was hosted by the Elders Council for Parks in B.C.

and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Indian Arm provincial park was also established

in 1995 and has been renamed Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park in recognition

of the Tsleil-Waututh people who have inhabited this area since time

immemorial.

The park contains a number of significant archeological sites. A portion

of this park is also contained in my constituency of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain.

The park is over 6,000 hectares of mountainous terrain surrounding Indian Arm,

an 18-kilometre-long fjord that extends north from Burrard Inlet. The park’s

close proximity to the greater Vancouver metropolitan area makes it a popular

destination for recreation, including hiking, camping, kayaking and scuba

diving. The southwestern corner of the park features a well-developed trail

system, most of which is rated as moderately difficult.

During the boat trip, we were given a copy of the Say Nuth Khaw

Yum/Indian Arm Provincial Park management plan, which was signed in 2010.

Unfortunately, a lack of commitment by the previous government to implement the

plan has resulted in the park not achieving its potential as a showcase for

co-management and reconciliation as set out by the Declaration on the Rights of

Indigenous Peoples Act, DRIPA.

[3:45 p.m.]

At the end of the trip, we were all asked to share something about the

trip. I spoke about the potential of the Tsleil-Waututh’s vision of a longhouse

in the Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park. Tsleil-Waututh Coun. Carleen Thomas

spoke after me, and she said the hair on the back of her neck stood up when I

spoke about the vision of having that longhouse built in her territory. She

spoke with emotion about her grandfather’s vision of that longhouse in that

park, in that territory.

The planned park outlines many opportunities to adopt a strong,

nature-based strategy that can contribute to promoting solutions for issues

such as climate change and the general well-being of park visitors. Increased

operational funding could also result in more representation of Indigenous

culture in the park, increased visitor education and engagement, and support

for local Indigenous tourism ventures.

The United Nations has estimated that nature-based sol­utions

could deliver more than one-third of the emissions reduction targets needed

globally by 2030 to address climate change. Many believe that no matter how

aggressively we pursue technological and behavioural methods of reducing carbon

use, we cannot successfully address climate change without relying on

nature-based solutions.

Only recently has science been able to identify and quantify the

importance of our parks and ecosystems to our very survival and well-being.

This is why I’m proud to support this legislation and other initiatives by our

government to invest in healthy and sustainable parks. Parks bring families and

communities together, improve overall health and well-being, provide new

cultural experiences and protect species and ecosystems found nowhere else in

the world.

Xatśūll First Nation Elder and former Chief Bev Sellars once told me:

“Heal the land, and you’ll heal the people.” Those are wise words. I know Ms.

Sellars not only wants to heal the land, but she wants to see salmon return to

her territory in much larger numbers. She wants her people to be part of that

healing. We not only have an opportunity but a duty to work with Ms. Sellars to

connect, protect and restore the rivers and watersheds, not only in her

territory, but indeed, all of British Columbia.

Bill 17 is a good bill, a needed bill, which will take us one step

closer towards a restoration economy which can heal the land and its

people.

I’d like to finish on a personal note about Indigenous place names and

the importance of Indigenous place names. The Minister of Mental Health and

Addictions mentioned how important Indigenous place names are to her and the

people in her community.

I also recognize how important Indigenous names are. In 1997, I was

given an Indigenous name, Iyim Yewyews — which means strong swimmer in the

animal world, or orca. The Squamish Nation bestowed me with this honour. The

Elders gave me that name, and I was welcomed to the Squamish family.

I wear that name proudly and with honour. I know personally how

important and significant it is to have an Indigenous name. I’m glad to see

Bill 17 embrace the importance of Indigenous names and Indigenous culture in

its act.

K. Paddon: I am going to try to follow my friend.

Parks bring families closer together. I have the pleasure in

Chilliwack-Kent of living just steps away from one of our B.C. parks, and it’s

a very, very big privilege to live so close to a protected area.

We know that it improves our health. It improves our mental health. They

can provide new cultural experiences. They protect species, ecosystems — these

things that are found nowhere else in the world. We have visitors that come,

when times are safe, to experience these things in these parks that we

protect.

[3:50 p.m.]

I am happy to rise to speak in favour of this bill, especially because

these amendments will establish a new class A park in the Cowichan Valley, as

was just mentioned.

It will rename two provincial parks. One of them is in Chilliwack-Kent,

and I’ll talk at length about that, I believe. It will add over 2,200 hectares

of land to nine of our existing parks and one conservancy. It will modify the

boundaries of five parks. This bill will provide three parks with official

plans, which are mapped boundaries that are more accurate and understandable

and practical than written descriptions.

We are expanding our parks and our protected areas and systems by

establishing a new provincial park on southern Vancouver Island, the first in

over 20 years, and one of my friends has already discussed this in a beautiful

way. I’ll be rewatching later for pronunciation. This new park will protect a

vital ecosystem important to the Cowichan Tribes, and aid in the conservation

of threatened species such as Roosevelt elk, western screech owl and northern

goshawk.

Through these changes, we are expanding our parks system and recognizing

the cultural and historical significance of these places through a renaming

process. Renaming these parks is important. We hear that it’s important

directly from the people who are providing these names. We are hearing this is

important through consultation, and when I speak with the chiefs in my area —

the councils in my area — I hear that it’s important. It’s a good step. It is

not the final solution. Acknowledging Indigenous place names allows park

visitors to connect with the history and culture of our province, and it allows

us to learn.

One of the benefits that I have…. I live and serve on traditional Stó:lō

territory. I have the privilege of meeting with several different bands —

several different tribes, several different groups — which are all connected

under that Stó:lō tradition. What I get to learn is unending, and I haven’t

even scratched the surface. I am very lucky that there are multiple Chiefs who

are willing to share with me, and who are willing to teach me and give me

pieces of information that will help inform my work and my perspective, and the

lens I use to do my work and to serve.

This supports the ongoing reconciliation, because it allows other people

to see and recognize and hear the names and the language. To the Stó:lō people,

and definitely where I serve in Chilliwack-Kent, the language is Halq’eméylem,

which is very important, because so are the names. The new name for Chilliwack

Lake Park is S x ótsaqel. This is not a name that most people have heard.

When people ask: “What is this? What does this mean?” They hear that what it

means is “sacred lake.” They hear that this is the Halq’eméylem

language.

They hear this Halq’eméylem language and the Stó:lō people and the

traditions in Chilliwack-Kent and Chilliwack as well as the surrounding areas,

talk about important places — important places to visit, important places to

see, important places to understand about the ancestors and about the people

who have been turned to stone, and the stories that are there.

There are available resources from Stó:lō people. There is a resource

centre where people can take tours. They can explore the rivers, they can

explore the lakes, and they can see these important places and hopefully learn

more with these important names — with the names that have been used,

hopefully, before they were changed to Chilliwack Lake Park.

We’ve seen how important parks are to our physical and mental health as

we’ve moved through COVID. I know, as I mentioned, living close to a provincial

park, that it was accessed often and by many in order to get out. These are our

kids. But these are also…. This is everyone. Everyone around. My friend did

mention that Cultus Lake Park, also in Chilliwack-Kent, has an accessible

campground, really allowing everybody to be able to access.

Protecting and expanding parks is important to the people who live there

locally so that they can continue accessing…. It’s important to the small

businesses, the tourist-related businesses and the services around.

[3:55 p.m.]

It’s important to the economy, because we know that we live in a place

that people want to come to, that they want to experience. We also know that we

have to protect those areas.

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, for some context, in case you haven’t

visited yet — open invitation — is a pristine escape from the city. It’s

characterized by a valley-bottom lake surrounded by old-growth forest and

bountiful subalpine and alpine ridges.

The clear and sparkling Chilliwack Lake, which there are several

pictures of, where you can see the bottom, is ideal for motorboating, canoeing,

kayaking, swimming or fishing. There is a wide, sandy beach, and it has

stunning views on all sides as the fir forest rises into mountain peaks and

icefields that surround. The park is great for families to explore and play,

and there are 40 kilometres of trails that provide opportunities for hiking,

bird and wildlife viewing and nature appreciation.

I’m going to say that it’s always farther than it seems, whether you’re

on the road driving up or whether you’re on a trail and you think you’re almost

back at the car. It’s always farther, but it is so beautiful. The park also has

a playground and 146 front-country campsites. Those seeking a wilderness

camping experience can access the back-country camps located at Greendrop Lake,

Lindeman Lake, Flora Lake and Radium Lake.

Renaming this park, as I mentioned, is an important step forward in our

ongoing reconciliation efforts with Indigenous people in Chilliwack-Kent and

across British Columbia. The renaming of this park to S x ótsaqel is only

one example. If you leave the lake and follow the river, we’re building an

elementary and middle school. The name of that elementary and middle school is

going to be Stitó:s Lá:lém totí:lt. This is a house of learning, and Coast

Salish, Stó:lō people, the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe — this is all a coming together,

bringing the language and bringing the names of these places that are

important.

The renaming of parks to include Indigenous names will also, as my

friends have mentioned, aid in the implementation of the UN declaration on the

rights of Indigenous peoples, specifically

article 13. The name changing from

Chilliwack Lake Park to S x ótsaqel…. I’m going to keep saying it so that

people get used to hearing it, so that people use it.

The new name, as I mentioned, reflects the Halq’em­éylem place,

which has meant “sacred lake,” and this is the ancestral homeland of the

Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe. It’s not spelt that way, but it sounds like Ts’elxwéyeqw.

The lake is an important water body in the cultural landscape of the

Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, and that’s an understatement, because the water, in

general, we know is important culturally.

For context, and in case anyone’s interest is now piqued to coming and

visiting the new S x ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Park. It’s located about 150

kilometres east of Vancouver, in the upper Chilliwack River Valley. As I

mentioned, it’s a beautiful, beautiful setting. Some of my friends also

mentioned partners that help us take care of these protected areas. But I would

be remiss if I didn’t mention two groups specifically that are the

Chilliwack-Kent and Chilliwack area.

The first that I’d like to mention is the Chilliwack Vedder River

Cleanup Society. I’ve mentioned them in this House before, but recently, on

B.C. Rivers Day, on September 26, they organized a cleanup, and this is the

area that they were in. If you don’t know, Chilliwack Lake is connected to the

systems of the rivers, and the Chilliwack/Vedder River, depending on what point

you’re at, is attached to that, is part of that.

They organized a COVID-safe event. There were over 60 volunteers there,

and they even offered prizes for the volunteers, provided by PickEco Refills

and Mount Waddington’s Outdoors. This was an excellent local event, a

grassroots initiative to take care of the waters that we love so much, the

areas that are protected and that we need to sustain so much.

The second group is Kindness Chain Chilliwack. I’ve mentioned them, as

well, in the House. When people do good work, they tend to do it repeatedly. On

August 1, they organized a cleanup of Lindeman Lake, which is part of that

park.

[4:00 p.m.]

What happened was that all the volunteers — the pictures showed about

two dozen, I believe — were led through a hike by Courtney and Mike from Vedder

Mountain Adventure Co. They hiked up and enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and as

they hiked down, they cleaned up. So really a fantastic initiative there by

Kindness Chain Chilliwack as well.

I don’t have many more comments, because my friends have been so

thorough. I am very excited about S x ótsaqel — everyone got that? — and

I’m excited that the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe was part of protecting this space,

renaming this space and taking back the name of this space with the

Halq’eméylem language.

If you go onto the Stó:lō webpage and take a look at what leads their

work, they have this at the top of their page. I think it’s very obvious in the

work that’s done across the region individually, by different tribes or

nations, as well as collectively. It says: “This is our land. We have to look

after everything that belongs to us.” It was explained to me that they take

that as core. That’s cen