Fifth Session, 41st Parliament

(2020) OFFICIAL REPORT

OF DEBATES

(HANSARD)

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 303

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

CONTENTS

Speech from the Throne

Introduction and First Reading of Bills

Bill 1 —

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament

Hon. D. Eby

Motions

Appointment of Deputy Speaker

Hon. M. Farnworth

Appointment of Assistant Deputy Speaker

M. Polak

Appointment of Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole

Hon. M. Farnworth

Printing of Votes and Proceedings

Hon. D. Eby

Appointment of Select Standing Committees

Hon. J. Horgan

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

The House met at 2:04 p.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

This being the first day of the fifth session of the 41st Legislative

Assembly of the province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant

to a proclamation of the Hon. Janet Austin, Lieutenant-Governor of the province,

hon. members took their seats.

Mr. Speaker: Members, I call upon retired RCMP inspector and Sikh minister Baltej

Dhillon to lead this House in prayer and reflection.

B. Dhillon: Good afternoon, everyone. It’s wonderful to be here — an honour and a

privilege. It seems appropriate to have a police officer and a minster here

today.

I will start with a short prayer in Punjabi, Gurmukhī, the language of our

follow.

[2:05 p.m.]

Pray in your own way, because there is only one universal

Creator.

[Punjabi was spoken and

sung.]

[After first worshipping the Adi Shakti, the Primal Power, meditate on

Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, then Guru Amar Das and Ram Das. May they grant us their

protection.

Worship Guru Arjun, then Guru Hargobind and Siri Har Rai.

Meditate on Siri Har Krishan, upon seeing whom all sufferings shall

depart.

Meditate on Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the nine treasures shall run to

you.

Great, great is Guru Gobind Singh, protector of the faith, master of the

unity. May he protect us everywhere.

The light of the ten gurus, the living guru, the word of God and truth of

truths, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, by meditating on its words, all sufferings

vanish. Meditate, O pure ones and utter Wahe Guru.]

[Translation provided by B.

Dhillon.]

Hope of those who are without support, guide for those who are lost,

supporter of those who might find themselves in difficult times, dear Lord, God,

one universal Creator. In the many ways that we call upon you when we’re in need

and seek your support and guidance, we are grateful to you for this time and

space within which we stand ready to serve.

We ask that you bless this space, this chamber, those who have been

elected and selected to serve the citizens of British Columbia, and all of the

public servants who continue to fulfil their solemn duty of service to our

province and its people.

We ask that you allow us to serve without fear or favour, with courage and

integrity, with dignity and nobility and with humility and grace.

We thank you for your continued counsel and guidance in allowing the work

of this chamber to be absent of bias, prejudice, preference or hate. Rather, in

its stead, we pray that we continue to fulfil our duty and effort with

compassion, kindness and a desire to uplift, inspire and elevate all British

Columbians. When we fall short, Lord, lift us so that we are not stalled or

delayed in our efforts, because there are many that are counting on us to be our

very best selves in fulfilling our solemn oath and promise.

For those who are struggling with addictions, mental or physical health

challenges, those that are in the clutches of lawlessness, those who have

befallen hard economic times and other difficulties that life at times brings to

our doorstep, allow us to continue with our efforts to better our province and

British Columbians.

We ask that you allow us to see you in all, loving Creator, and in seeing

you in all, we shall serve you and yours. Through Nanak, may thy name forever

increase and the spirit be exalted, and may all prosper by thy grace.

[Punjabi was spoken.]

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

[Punjabi was sung.]

Sat sri akal. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Ki

Fateh.

Thank you.

Mr. Speaker: As you may know, technically, it should be Dr. Dr. Dhillon. He has two

doctorates. Thank you.

On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly, I would like to

welcome all our visitors here today. Thank you for being with us this

afternoon.

Now, Hon. Members, Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor is in the precinct.

Please remain seated while we wait for her arrival.

[2:10 p.m.]

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor requested to attend the House, was

admitted to the chamber and was pleased to deliver the following gracious Speech

from the Throne.

Speech from the Throne

Hon. J. Austin (Lieutenant-Governor): Please be seated.

I begin by acknowledging the

Lək̓ʷəŋin̓əŋ peoples — the Songhees

and Esquimalt First Nations — upon whose traditional territories we gather

today.

ÍY SȻÁĆEL NE

SĆÁLEĆE.

As we open the fifth session of the 41st parliament, we pause to

remember the British Columbians we have lost in the past year.

At least 57 Canadians perished on Ukrainian International Airlines

flight 752 in Iran on January 8. Fifteen of them called B.C. home. Our

thoughts are with their families and the Iranian-Canadian community, who are

coping with tremendous loss.

We recognize appointed and elected officials who served British

Columbians and this Legislature: Conflict of Interest Commissioner Paul

Fraser, QC; the Hon. Ted Hughes; former MLAs Gillian Trumper and Norman

Jacobsen.

We thank those who stepped forward to serve at the local level: Oak

Bay mayor Nils Jensen and Vancouver councillors May Brown and B.C.

Lee.

We honour the public servants who passed away this year, including

forester Peter Fuglem, B.C. Parks employee Micha Messent, B.C. Mail employee

Martin Payne and conservationist Al Martin.

We are grateful to the people who shaped B.C. arts and culture: writer

Wayson Choy, actor Godfrey Gao, singer John Mann, Coast Salish artist Gus

Modeste and painter Gordon Smith.

We recognize leaders in sport: soccer player Brandon Bassi, mountain

biker Jordie Lunn and basketball player and Olympian Eli

Pasquale.

And Indigenous leaders and Elders: former shíshálh Chief Stan Dixon,

Dr. Frank William Maloway, Oscar Mercer and George Saddleman.

These British Columbians inspired us with their achievements and

honoured us with their friendship. We are grateful to have known

them.

British Columbia is a province with limitless potential, but for a

long time, many people have been feeling stuck. The benefits of B.C.’s

economy have not been fairly shared. Tax breaks went to the people at the

top while life became more expensive for everyone else. At the same time,

improvements to health care were delayed. Schools were closed or

overcrowded. Wages didn’t grow, and opportunity seemed increasingly out of

reach.

[2:15 p.m.]

For many British Columbians, their future in this province was in

question. Young people weren’t sure they could stay in the communities where

they grew up. Families wondered how long they could hang on, and too many

people felt that no matter how hard they worked, they were falling

behind.

Two and a half years ago government set out to change this. Supported

by the confidence and supply agreement with the B.C. Green Party caucus,

this government started making different choices. It started putting people

first again.

In its first 100 days, government took big money out of politics,

toughened lobbying rules and set the terms for a referendum on electoral

reform. In the first 100 days, government raised taxes on the top 2 percent

and used the revenues to fund the schools, hospitals and public services

that people needed.

In the first 100 days, government raised the minimum wage, removed

unfair bridge tolls, lifted income assistance and disability rates and

reduced interest on student loans. And in the first 100 days, government

made post-secondary education for former kids in care

tuition-free.

In its first year, government rolled up its sleeves and took on the

bigger problems, problems that were years in the making. This government

brought forward a housing plan to increase supply, curb demand and crack

down on speculation and fraud, and a universal child care plan to provide

affordable quality care to every family that needs it.

In its first year, government got to work on a climate action plan to

reduce emissions and create jobs and opportunities for people. And in its

first year, government took the first steps towards meaningful

reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Government did all of these things because British Columbians deserve

security, stability and opportunity. They deserve to be confident in their

future. To get there, people deserve a government that works as hard as they

do, a government that shares their priorities and is working to make life

better.

After 2½ years, your government’s choices are leading to progress for

people. As British Columbians greet this new day and a new decade, they are

starting to move forward.

Today more British Columbians are waking up with a safe and secure

roof over their heads. Thousands of people who were homeless now have

supportive housing and the chance to get a fresh start. Renters have more

rights and protections, and annual rent increases have been held to the rate

of inflation. Empty homes are turning into housing for people.

Today when British Columbians check their mail, they are relieved to

no longer receive an MSP bill, because government has eliminated this tax.

Starting in October, they can expect a new piece of mail with a child

opportunity benefit for families that need it most. And when they review

their bank statements, many families have more money left at the end of the

month than they did three years ago.

As British Columbians open their front doors, they can see progress

taking root. New child care spaces are opening in their neighbourhoods. This

government has funded more than 10,000 new spaces throughout the

province.

As the morning school bells ring, thousands of B.C. parents are

dropping off their children at new and safe schools. Students are learning

in the smallest average class sizes in a generation, and they are succeeding

at an unprecedented rate. With the support of B.C.’s dedicated and

professional teachers and support staff, nearly 90 percent of B.C. students

are completing secondary school, including almost 70 percent of Indigenous

students, the highest rate in B.C. history.

As they commute to school and work, British Columbians have more ways

to get around. There are more buses, SkyTrain cars, rapid transit and active

transportation options than ever before. More drivers are choosing electric

vehicles and taking advantage of government rebates that make clean options

more affordable.

On their commutes, British Columbians pass by building sites for new

and upgraded hospitals. In less than three years, this government has moved

forward on 13 hospital projects. In these facilities, there are more

surgeries and diagnostic tests for waiting patients. And thanks to the Feed

B.C. program, more people in our hospitals are eating healthy, nutritious,

local B.C. food.

[2:20 p.m.]

As they move through their communities, British Columbians will notice

infrastructure projects underway, like the Pattullo Bridge replacement, the

Highway 1 expansion and the final phase of the Kicking Horse Canyon project.

These projects are being built with community benefit agreements which

provide good jobs for local people and apprenticeship opportunities for

women, Indigenous Peoples and groups underrepresented in the

trades.

Today British Columbians live in a province that provides better

support for the most vulnerable. B.C. has a homelessness action plan and a

strategy to lift people and families out of poverty. There is a pathway to

hope for mental health, with more supports for children, youth and families

that set them up for a lifetime of health and wellness.

With changes to child welfare rules, government is helping more

families stay together. B.C. has the lowest number of children and youth in

care in 30 years, and more youth from care than ever before are getting

educational, cost-of-living and other supports through agreements with young

adults.

Today British Columbians have more opportunities to participate in

recreation, sport, arts and culture. With more funding for the B.C. Arts

Council, artists and creators have more support to inspire others. In the

future, people will be able to visit renewed cultural institutions like the

Royal B.C. Museum and the Vancouver Art Gallery, as well as a new

Chinese-Canadian museum.

Today British Columbians are more connected to their communities and

to each other. Coastal communities have had ferry service restored, and

fares have been frozen or reduced. Thousands more families in remote, rural

and Indigenous communities have high-speed Internet, creating opportunities

for business and economic growth. B.C. Bus North is giving people a safe,

affordable option to get around northern regions of the province.

Despite global headwinds, British Columbians are enjoying the benefits

of a strong and resilient economy. Wages have gone up, unemployment is the

lowest in Canada and has been for two years running, and B.C. leads the

country in economic growth. All the while, this government has delivered

balanced budgets and maintained B.C.’s triple-A credit rating.

At home in our communities and throughout our prov­ince, people

are starting to make progress. They are more able to face the challenges

ahead because they know they aren’t alone. They have a government that is a

partner in their future. It’s been 2½ years, but the hard work has only just

begun. Years of rising costs and no relief left many people falling behind.

This government has done a lot to help families save money, but costs are

still too high, and British Columbians deserve the chance to get

ahead.

This government is working hard to make everyday life a little easier.

Government has been working hard to fix the housing crisis. For too long,

speculators treated B.C. real estate like a stock market, and criminals used

it as a place to store dirty money. This government’s speculation and

vacancy tax is turning empty homes into housing, and a public inquiry into

money laundering will make sure B.C.’s economy is working for people, not

organized crime.

This government is building housing for people of all incomes, from

people experiencing homelessness to middle-income families. Every week new

projects are being funded, builders are breaking ground, and people are

moving into safe and secure homes. Non-profit partnerships,

government-funded and private sector projects are creating tens of thousands

of new, affordable homes for people of all ages and stages of life. All

told, this government’s plan will see 114,000 new homes built over ten

years.

As this work continues, government is taking additional steps to make

sure every British Columbian has a safe, affordable home. This government is

working with municipalities to speed up approvals and encourage them to make

full use of rental zoning. And this year government will act on the

recommendations of the Rental Housing Task Force to provide more security

for renters and relieve them of the burden of fighting unfair or illegal

renovictions on their own.

While housing is every family’s first affordability challenge, car

insurance is a close second. B.C. drivers are simply paying too much.

Premiums soared after years of mismanagement and neglect that saw hundreds

of millions taken out of ICBC. By 2017, the corporation was nearly insolvent

and racking up billion-dollar deficits.

Last year this government introduced major reforms to get ICBC out of

the red. These first steps have been effective. The corporation is on a more

stable fiscal footing, and there will be no increase to basic rates this

year. But insurance rates are still far too expensive. That is why this

government is transforming ICBC. It’s taking costly legal fees out of the

system and giving people enhanced coverage for medical care.

[2:25 p.m.]

Next year when drivers renew, they can expect insurance rates to go

down by an average of 20 percent. Lower rates, the care you need and more

fairness and accountability — that’s what a better ICBC is all

about.

This government is taking steps to stop big companies from gouging

consumers. Legislation passed last year will give B.C. drivers more

information about how companies set gasoline prices. This spring new rules

for live event ticket sales will come into force, stopping ticket bots in

their tracks and making costs more transparent.

Later this month B.C. government representatives will travel to Ottawa

to fight for more affordable cell phone plan options and transparency in

billing.

A life that’s more affordable is one where people earn a fair wage. In

June 2020, B.C.’s minimum wage will go up to $14.60 an hour. By 2021, it

will reach $15.20 an hour, fulfilling this government’s commitment to B.C.’s

lowest-paid workers.

This year government will once again lift earnings exemptions for

people on disability and income assistance, allowing people to earn more

money and supporting them in re-entering the workforce.

Last year this government passed legislation giving workers fleeing

domestic violence up to ten days of unpaid job protection leave. This year

B.C. is taking the next step and providing these workers with paid leave for

up to five days.

This spring government will take steps to provide more support to

workers who have suffered job-related sickness or injury.

Two years ago this government put B.C. on the path to universal child

care. Tens of thousands of families are already feeling the benefits. Fee

reductions and the affordable child care benefit have put more money back in

families’ pockets. And parents are bringing their skills back into the

workforce, benefitting local business and the economy.

There is more work to do to help British Columbians find the quality

child care they can afford. Government continues to train more early

childhood educators to make sure B.C. has the professional, caring and

skilled child care workers it needs. Those early childhood educators are now

earning higher wages, with an additional $1 per hour increase coming April 1

for those working in licensed care.

As work on universal child care continues, this government will work

to increase the number of spaces for school-aged children and partner with

school districts to create more before- and after-school care.

Years of minimal increases to public services left communities

frustrated and people without the supports they need. Those years represent

a lost opportunity for people, businesses and economic growth. This

government is working hard to restore public services and make opportunities

available to everyone.

This government is speeding up investments in quality public

education. Since July 2017, this government has funded more than 80 school

capital projects, each one representing a newer, better or safer school for

B.C. students.

In the coming year, British Columbians will see even more seismic

upgrades, school replacements and land purchases for future schools. Instead

of falling behind, school districts are now looking ahead and planning for

new schools in growing communities.

Inside these new schools, students have more learning support, with

4,200 new teachers, almost 2,000 new education assistants, 700 new special

education teachers and nearly 200 teacher-psychologists and counsellors.

Their professional, skilled and caring support is crucial to student

success.

Teachers, parents and school trustees have long advocated for better

supports for B.C. students that need it most. This year, for the first time,

children and youth in care will be recognized with a new funding supplement,

and government will expand priority funding to children with mental health

challenges and children from low-income families. This means that schools

can provide more supports, like trauma counselling, school breakfast or

lunch programs, tutoring and mentoring. And government will continue to

provide dedicated funding supports for Indigenous learners.

When people have the opportunity to learn a new skill or trade, it

benefits them, their families and our province as a whole. More than 1,100

former youth in care are getting post-secondary education tuition-free, and

more than 20,000 people have upgraded their skills in tuition-free adult

[2:30 p.m.]

Hundreds of new training spaces in computer science, technology,

engineering and the skilled trades are helping people hone their skills and

find a job that fits. More funding for employment programs, co-ops and

work-inte­grated learning opportunities are helping young people get a

better start.

This government’s work to open the doors of opportunity to students

and people continuing their learning isn’t done. Budget 2019 eliminated

interest on all B.C. student loans, and Budget 2020 will help people

starting post-secondary skills-training and certificate programs.

This government is making big investments in public health care and

with it, the health of every British Columbian. Since July 2017, this

government has moved forward on 13 hospital projects and opened 12 urgent

and primary care centres. Five hip-and-knee replacement programs are up and

running, with 14 more on the way.

In the first year of its diagnostic strategy, government exceeded its

target for MRI exams, with nearly 44,000 more performed throughout B.C.

compared to 2017-18. By purchasing more MRI machines and running existing

ones longer, B.C. has improved wait times in all regions. This year B.C.

will complete even more, giving people the diagnostic care they have been

waiting for.

This government is also making sure our elderly get the dignified care

they deserve. Last year B.C. added funding for more than one million hours

of direct care for seniors in long-term-care homes. As a result, B.C. has

now doubled the number of facilities that meet or exceed the target of 3.36

hours of direct care per resident day. And the number of long-term-care

homes that provided fewer than 2.9 hours per resident day has dropped from

75 to four.

None of this would be possible without the skilled and dedicated

health care professionals that care for people every day. This government is

doing everything it can to recruit more doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners

and other health care professionals. Government is opening up training seats

for health care assistants, specialty nurses and health care specialist

positions. And government is treating workers fairly by honouring collective

agreements and protecting successorship rights.

Your government will keep working hard to deliver faster, better

health care for people closer to home.

People in B.C. expect an urgent and comprehensive response to the

overdose crisis, one that includes prevention, enforcement, harm reduction,

and treatment and recovery. This government’s efforts are making a

difference. Since the crisis began, at least 4,700 deaths have been averted,

thanks to expanded harm reduction and treatment options.

Your government is working hard to create a seamless system of mental

health and addictions care where no one gets left behind. The Pathway to

Hope mental health road map includes early intervention and prevention for

children and youth in schools, homes and communities. Youth and their

families can access wraparound care at community Foundry centres, with eight

already open and 11 on the way.

More people in B.C. can access low- or no-cost programs for mental

health and addictions challenges. And more Indigenous communities are

planning, designing and delivering services based on their own mental health

priorities.

British Columbians deserve to feel safe in the communi­ties they

call home. This government is acting to fight crime and gangs. Government

has expanded education and pre­vention programs to help stop kids from

entering gang life. This spring new legislation will give police more tools

to block the use of illegal firearms and ban guns from schools, colleges,

universities and hospitals.

For years, policing resources have not kept up with growth in rural

B.C. This year government will increase support to police services and First

Nations policing for rural communities.

Feeling safe in your community is also about having a place in your

community. At a time when hate and intolerance are on the rise, this

government is working to keep people safe and protect the diversity that

makes B.C. strong. The lived experience of women, people of colour,

gender-diverse people and people with disabilities tells us we have more

work to do to build a more inclusive province. That’s why this government

renewed the human rights commission and created a provincewide anti-racism

network to combat hate and prejudice.

[2:35 p.m.]

It’s why this government pursues gender equity and increased funding

to organizations that help women and children leaving violence. It’s why

this government is working with partners to make communities more accessible

to people of all abilities. It’s why this government supports SOGI

initiatives in B.C. schools and the United Way Period Promise for free

menstrual products in school washrooms.

Everyone has a place in this province — she, he and they. It is not

enough to believe in these values. Governments must act on them. This

government will continue the work to advance equality, diversity, human

rights and mutual respect, because a better B.C. is one where everyone is

included and free to be who they are.

Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a matter of rights, respect

and justice. It is a journey we are on together. And it must last for

generations.

For 2½ years, this government has worked in partnership with

Indigenous peoples to make progress on reconciliation. It has made major

investments in Indigenous priorities like language revitalization, funding

for Aboriginal friendship centres, culturally appropriate health care and

mental health supports and Indigenous housing on and off reserve.

Last year B.C. transferred the first two years of funding as part of a

commitment that will see $3 billion in provincial gaming revenues shared

with First Nations over 25 years. This means First Nations can invest in

self-government, cultural revitalization and services that make life better

for families.

Reconciliation is rooted in the recognition of Indigenous rights as

human rights. This government is committed to implementing the United

Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Many said it could not be done, but this government challenged the

status quo. It partnered with the First Nations Leadership Council to write

a new law, and B.C. made history when this Legislature unanimously endorsed

the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. It was a proud

moment in this province’s history.

But the work has only just begun. The next step is an action plan,

which government will develop in collaboration with Indigenous

peoples.

A strong economy cannot be built on a foundation of rampant real

estate speculation. It cannot be won in a race to the bottom, with minimum

standards and fewer workplace protections. And it cannot be gained through

windfall profits earned on the backs of low-wage workers.

Instead, a strong economy comes from good-paying jobs that raise

family incomes and everyone’s standard of living. It is built with quality

public services as a cornerstone, services that help B.C. grow, attract and

keep its skilled workforce.

A strong economy is rooted in competitiveness, a necessary ingredient

for success in today’s global marketplace. And it is in harmony with

government’s commitments to fight climate change and achieve meaningful

reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

These are the values that guide this government’s actions to build a

sustainable economy that puts people first. The challenges we face — from

worsening weather to global economic headwinds — make this work more urgent

than ever.

As this government charts a new course to a low-carbon economy,

powered by CleanBC, British Columbians can rest assured that not only will

we weather these storms; we will create the conditions for people and

industry to thrive.

CleanBC is a critical part of this government’s strategy to grow a

sustainable economy with good jobs and opportunities for people. It’s been

one year since CleanBC was launched, and British Columbians are starting to

see that the way to a cleaner, better future is by innovating and working

together.

People have cleaner options for getting around, heating our homes and

fuelling industry. And more communities are investing in clean energy and

green building projects. B.C.’s world-leading clean-tech and renewable

energy industries will help our province reduce emissions and protect our

clean air, water and land.

Thanks to the confidence and supply agreement, B.C.’s first innovation

commissioner has helped advance tech and innovation by building

relationships and helping companies access talent and capital. And the

emerging economy task force will help B.C. stay at the forefront of emerging

economic developments and address the challenges and opportunities

ahead.

Your government is looking at ways to build on the successes of both

of these initiatives. As CleanBC enters its second year, government will

bring people together to fight pollution, reduce emissions and build a

sustainable, innovative and prosperous economy. This year government will

release a plastics action plan to reduce plastic pollution and keep it out

of B.C.’s landfills and waterways.

[2:40 p.m.]

Also this year a climate adaptation strategy will make sure B.C.

communities are ready for changes in weather and other climate impacts. This

government will work with business to promote B.C. industries as competitive

suppliers of low-carbon products. By positioning B.C. as a supplier of

choice, this government will grow markets for B.C. products while reducing

global emissions.

In export markets where global players have not adopted carbon

pricing, B.C.’s energy-intensive industries need to stay competitive.

Government and business are partnering to support these industries so that

we can grow B.C. jobs while meeting our emission targets across all

sectors.

As the only G7 nation with free trade access to the United States,

Europe and the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and especially British Columbia, has

unique trade and investment opportunities around the world. This

government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions can be a competitive

advantage throughout B.C.’s trade and investment network.

As work gets underway on the LNG Canada project, the largest private

sector investment in Canadian history, this government is seeking ways to

reduce emissions overall. Work continues on electrification initiatives to

reduce emissions from B.C.’s gas fields in partnership with the federal

government.

B.C. and Washington state are partnering on a clean grid initiative to

use clean, affordable energy to power the region’s economy, and government

is supporting development of LNG bunkering in B.C. ports, reducing

greenhouse gas emissions here and everywhere LNG-powered vessels

operate.

The promise of new economic opportunities extends to B.C.’s natural

resources. Mining, forestry, agriculture and energy continue to generate

good jobs for people and financial returns to government. These industries

can play a leading role in supporting innovation that helps B.C. achieve its

economic, climate and reconciliation goals.

This government’s food security task force has proposed new ways to

use technology to maximize B.C.’s rich agricultural land, wisely preserved

nearly 50 years ago, so we can produce more food and grow new business

opportunities.

From the copper needed for electric cars to the metallurgical coal

that makes wind turbines, the world needs B.C. minerals and metals. This

government is working to keep mining competitive and create good jobs by

making mineral exploration tax credits permanent and permitting more

efficient.

As a generator of clean hydroelectricity, B.C. Hydro is helping us

switch to renewable energy in B.C. and in global markets.

To fuel the transformation underway in forestry, this government has

directed that all future public infrastructure projects be built with B.C.

engineered wood wherever possible. The transition from high volume to high

value has been difficult for forest workers and their communities. A wave of

mill closures and curtailments — driven by changes in global markets,

reduced supply, wildfire losses and the mountain pine beetle — has left many

people hurting.

It could be argued that the previous government did not take adequate

steps to address the changes it well knew were coming. This has made the

current situation even more difficult for people today.

This government’s first priority is helping communities that are

struggling. There are job placement and skills training opportunities for

workers, bridge loans for logging contractors on the coast and grants for

hard hit communities.

As government addresses the needs of workers and communities, it is

also taking the first steps in fixing systemic issues the previous

government ignored. In the Interior, government is bringing together forest

companies, workers, local governments and First Nations to find local

solutions that help the industry stay competitive and maximize available

resources. On the coast, a revitalization strategy will see fewer logs

shipped offshore and better use of waste wood.

There is no overnight fix for problems created by years of neglect.

These solutions will help forestry, a foundational B.C. industry, get back

on the right track.

The good jobs and opportunities of a sustainable economy should be

available to everyone, in every community. This government is promoting

quality economic growth that increases wages, generates revenues to fund

public services and shares the benefits of growth broadly throughout the

province.

[2:45 p.m.]

By promoting a strong, sustainable tourism sector, this government is

offering visitors authentic and unforgettable experiences that drive

economic growth in all regions.

By expanding high-speed Internet in nearly 500 rural, remote and

Indigenous communities since July 2017, this government is closing the

digital divide and creating opportunities for growth.

By supporting the innovation corridor in the Fraser Valley and

creating a new quantum computing institute at SFU Surrey, this government is

helping distribute the benefits of a sustainable economy throughout the

Lower Mainland. For people in the valley, that means more opportunities for

a good-paying job, more options for housing, a shorter commute and more time

with family.

B.C. will add one million people to its population over the next ten

years, putting pressure on B.C.’s transportation and trade corridors.

British Columbians are already spending too much time in gridlock. This

government is getting people moving.

Government’s partnerships with local governments mean that work is

already underway on a long-term vision for transit and transportation in the

Lower Mainland. British Columbians can look forward to more options like

rapid transit, HOV lanes and commuter rail out to the Fraser Valley, and

high-speed rail connections with our neighbours to the south.

Not all of this growth is happening in the Lower Mainland. This

government is taking an all-of-B.C. approach, with an integrated

transportation plan to reduce congestion and build for trade and business

growth.

To keep people and goods moving, government is extending the

transportation capital plan from three years to five years. This change will

allow for better planning of major projects like the George Massey

crossing.

British Columbians are proud of this province, our people and our way

of life. They love where they live, and they want to stay.

As you begin a new legislative session, this government calls on you

to keep the people of B.C. at the centre of your work. Their future, our

future, depends on the choices we make.

This government will continue the work it started 2½ years ago to make

life better for people with more child care, more housing and good jobs with

high wages; with affordable, livable communities, resilient in the face of

climate change; where all Indigenous peoples are full partners in shaping

our province’s future — a province full of people who are skilled, confident

and ready for the road ahead; a place of hope and opportunity; a stronger

province for everyone.

I will end with my personal thanks to all of you for your public

service and your really truly splendid work on behalf of all British

Columbians. I mean that most sincerely.

ENÁN U HE’LEȻ NE SĆÁ LE ȻENS Á

TSĆÁ .

I feel very proud of the work that you do all together.

Thank you, dear friends.

HÍSW̱ḴE .

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

[2:50 p.m.]

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, in order to prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy of

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor’s speech.

I should also remind people that the event that was planned for later

this afternoon is not happening now. It has been postponed.

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

BILL 1 —

AN ACT TO ENSURE

THE SUPREMACY OF

PARLIAMENT

Hon. D. Eby presented a bill intituled

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy

of Parliament.

Hon. D. Eby: I move that Bill 1, intituled

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of

Parliament, be introduced and read a first time now.

The introduction of this bill prior to consideration of the throne

speech expresses the established right of parliament, through its

elected members, to deliberate independently of the Sovereign. As such,

it is an important part of our parliamentary democratic process. It is a

right that was first asserted by the Parliament at Westminster in the

year 1603, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Mr. Speaker: The question is introduction and first reading of Bill 1,

intituled

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament.

Motion approved.

Hon. D. Eby: Hon. Speaker, 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 1,

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament, 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.

Motions

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY SPEAKER

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move, seconded by the member for Langley electoral

district:

[That Raj Chouhan , Member for Burnaby-Edmonds Electoral

District, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the

Legislative Assembly.]

Motion approved.

APPOINTMENT OF

ASSISTANT DEPUTY

SPEAKER

M. Polak: I move, seconded by the member for Port Coquitlam electoral

district:

[That Simon Gibson , Member for Abbotsford-Mission Electoral

District, be appointed Assistant Deputy Speaker for this session of the

Legislative Assembly.]

Motion approved.

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHAIR,

COMMITTEE OF THE

WHOLE

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move, seconded by the member for Langley electoral

district:

[That Spencer Chandra Herbert , Member for Vancouver–West

End Electoral District, be appointed Deputy Chair of the Committee of

the Whole for this session of the Legislative Assembly.]

Motion approved.

PRINTING OF Votes and

Proceedings

Hon. D. Eby: I move:

[That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed,

being first perused by the Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing

thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to

print the same.]

Motion approved.

APPOINTMENT OF SELECT STANDING

COMMITTEES

Hon. J. Horgan: Hon. Speaker, I move:

[That the Select Standing Committees of this House for the present

session, be appointed for the following purposes:

1. Aboriginal Affairs;

2. Education;

3. Finance and Government Services;

4. Health;

5. Public Accounts;

6. Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders

and Private Bills;

7. Crown Corporations;

8. Children and Youth;

9. Agriculture, Fish and Food;

which said Committees shall severally be empowered to examine and

inquire into all such matters and things as shall be referred to them by

this House, and to report from time to time their observations and

opinions thereon, with power to send for persons, papers, and records,

and that a Special Committee be appointed to prepare and report with all

convenient speed lists of members to compose the above Select Standing

Committees of this House under Standing Order 68 (1), the Committee to

be composed of the Hon. M. Farnworth (Convener), Garry

Begg, Janet Routledge, Jagrup Brar, Ronna-Rae Leo­nard, Mary

Polak, Eric Foster, Jackie Tegart, Greg Kyllo and Sonia

Furstenau .]

Motion approved.

Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow

afternoon.

The House adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

The Official Report of Debates ( Hansard ) and webcasts of

proceedings

are available on the Internet. Chamber debates are broadcast on

television.

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Hansard Services, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada