1989 Legislative Session: 3rd Session, 34th Parliament

HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989

Afternoon Sitting

[ Page

5585 ]

CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Speech from the Throne

Hon. Mr. Lam –– 5585

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament (Bill 1). Hon. S.D. Smith

Introduction and first reading –– 5590

Presenting Reports –– 5592

The House met at 3:09 p.m.

This

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

Legislative Assembly of the province of British Columbia for the

dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation of the Hon. David C.

Lam, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, hon. members took their seats.

Prayers.

His

Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having entered the House and being

seated upon the throne, was pleased to deliver the following gracious

speech.

Speech from the Throne

HON. MR. LAM (Lieutenant-Governor) :

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, with great honour

I open this third session of the thirty-fourth parliament of British

Columbia. I wish to convey to you, and all citizens, greetings on

behalf of our sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen.

I extend my

personal wishes to all members of this assembly. You have the unique

privilege of representing the people of British Columbia, and in

reflecting, debating and legislating those policies and programs needed

to match their needs and aspirations.

It is with gratitude

and affection that we acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor,

the twenty-fourth Lieutenant-Governor, the Hon. Robert Gordon Rogers.

He and Mrs. Rogers represented Her Majesty and our province with great

distinction.

One of our most respected jurists, the Hon.

Nathaniel T. Nemetz, QC, has retired from the bench. Justice Nemetz was

appointed to our Supreme Court in 1963 and became Chief justice of

British Columbia in 1979, and has had a most distinguished career of

service to the province.

We mourn the passing of Dr.

Phyllis Gregory Ross. She made many contributions to the province, both

at Government House and as chancellor of the University of British

Columbia.

Since this assembly last met, we have been

saddened by the passing of two former members of the assembly. Air

Vice-Marshal Leigh Forbes Stevenson served this House as the member for

Vancouver–Point Grey from 1946 to 1952. Mr. Arthur James Richard Ash

served this House as the member for Saanich from 1948 to 1952.

the past year my government hosted a number of distinguished guests and

visitors, among them Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Netherlands,

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Prime Minister

Takeshita of Japan, and Vice-Premier Tian of the People's Republic of

China.

My government was pleased to receive many diplomatic representatives accredited to Canada.

During the year past, several Members of our Legislative

Assembly chose the opportunity of representing British Columbians in

our national parliament. We wish those members every success and

commend them for their continued contribution on behalf of our

citizens. You will welcome several new members to this assembly in this

session.

British

Columbia hosted the world's communities at Expo 86 and the Commonwealth

heads of government meeting in Vancouver in 1987. In 1988 the citizens

of greater Victoria were successful in securing the 1994 Commonwealth

Games for the province. This reflects the continuing dedication of our

citizens, this province and Canada to the Commonwealth of Nations and

to the principles on which the Commonwealth was founded.

government is committed to a stronger Canada and the promotion of

Canadian ideals in the world. Those ideals have long been recognized as

reflecting the values of international peace and cooperation and

equality for all.

With British Columbia's entry into

Confederation, Canada was forged as a great nation, extending from the

Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. British Columbia secured Canada's

presence on the Pacific, and that position will grow to be Canada's

most important. The political and economic focus of the world will be a

Pacific focus in the closing decade of the twentieth century. The

twenty-first century will belong to the Pacific nations. British

Columbia will be Canada's gateway, and we will fully realize the

potential of our promise in joining Confederation. This fundamental

belief and vision guides my government on behalf of its people.

government was recently invited to a world economic forum in

Switzerland where international leaders focused on British Columbia and

opportunities in Pacific Canada. The vision of my government was shared

with world business and political leaders who recognize the boundless

potential of British Columbia in the emerging Pacific economy.

are now witness to this global transition and its problems and

opportunities. Managing this change on behalf of British Columbians is

a fundamental challenge for my government. Recognizing this

responsibility, government has embarked on an unprecedented process of

consultation with the citizens of the province on many strategic

issues. Government has consulted on economic, transportation and

resource development issues. Dialogue has been established on

environmental matters and access to and improvement in our educational,

justice and workers' compensation systems. An open and accessible

government will remain a commitment of this administration.

is the goal of my government that the many changes we now witness and

which shape our economy, our population and our communities will not

distort our values and our quality of life, or our dedication for the

environment and our natural resources.

The province's

economic base is maturing and diversifying. Strength is emerging in all

regions. Our population is growing, both through migration from other

provinces and immigration. Our renewed population growth will bring

with it those strengths

[ Page 5586 ]

from

which this province has always benefited. We will develop an

intellectual and cultural richness, contributing directly to the

well-being of all British Columbians.

My government will

continue to focus on three sustaining priorities for British

Columbians: continued economic growth and diversification, the

preservation of our environment and an education policy to meet our

future needs.

My government's economic policy is driven by

the twinned principles of sound government fiscal management and a

strong private sector generating economic growth. My government

recognizes that budgets must be balanced over the business cycle to

ensure the continuity and stability of social and other essential

programs. Government also recognizes the need for fiscal prudence such

that revenue can be set aside during buoyant economic times to meet

essential needs during times of economic slowdown. Vulnerability to

interest and exchange rates, as well as commodity prices, dictates such

an approach for British Columbia. Additionally, government's capital

programs must be tailored to business cycles to maintain economic and

employment stability.

In the coming weeks you will be asked

to support a provincial budget which will, in its achievement, be

matched by no other province.

Government policies must

foster a business climate that encourages private investment and which

rewards enterprise and productivity. My government's privatization

program, the most ambitious and successful in Canada, has been a key

element in our economic reform. Creating a positive investment climate

and marketing the province's goods and services are central to my

government's strategy for diversified economic and employment

development.

As a trading economy British Columbia will

continue to be dependent on international markets for business growth.

Government and business must recognize and respond to the importance of

our ties with our trading partners and establish new trading links. We

will strengthen international marketing programs through our overseas

offices in London, Tokyo, Dusseldorf, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong.

government was pleased to see the ratification of the Canada-United

States free trade agreement. To take advantage of the benefits to be

derived from that agreement the government entered into a Pacific

Northwest partnership agreement with the state of Washington. British

Columbia just recently opened an office in Irvine, southern California.

Further, commercial services will be expanded in San Francisco to

promote trade, investment and tourism interest in what is the world's

fifth largest economy.

[3:30]

British Columbia's Trade Development Corporation will commence

operations this year. This will be a vehicle with strong private sector

direction to enhance our exports to the rest of Canada and to the world.

My government will focus greater attention on trade policy issues. We will

establish programs to assist British Columbia companies to take advantage of

and meet the challenges of Canada's free trade agreement. The province will

actively assist and provide input to the current round of multilateral trade

negotiations under the GATT and develop programs to anticipate the creation

of a new European Economic Community in 1992.

government has embarked on a program of regional diversification to

attract new employment generating investments. Consultation with local

community and business groups is reshaping economic policy to achieve

diversification and realize the potential of our individual communities.

the past year, my government has provided the financial spark for a

billion dollars of job-creating investment for projects like the new

mine at Cassiar, the hydrogen peroxide plant in Prince George, modern

pulp mills at Taylor and Port Mellon, a cyclotron in Vancouver, a

ferrochromium plant in Nanaimo, and many others. Government support has

attracted private sector investments in communities eager to diversify

their economies.

The government's business information

services are becoming an increasingly important tool for our business

community and investors. The B.C. Business Network and the Enterprise

Centre experienced a 22 percent increase in requests for information in

1988, rising to 94,000 business inquiries. My government will expand

programs to assist small business. Twenty new community business

information centres will be added to the existing network of 80.

government's small business forest enterprise program will provide

additional opportunities to establish new businesses and encourage the

production of specialty, higher-value-added forest products.

the coming year, my government will introduce comprehensive business

assistance legislation consolidating and enhancing existing programs.

strong financial sector is essential to our business development.

Accordingly, you will be asked to approve a financial institutions act

and further amendments to the Securities Act. A personal property

security act will also benefit our business sector.

In the

past year, we adopted new legislation governing international financial

institutions, and businesses have already established in British

Columbia. Our International Commercial Arbitration Centre, one of seven

in the world, adds to British Columbia's broadening spectrum of

services available to firms conducting international business.

The

government will introduce an employee equity program to enable workers

to participate directly in business development in the province.

government will stimulate economic growth and regional diversification

through the development of provincial services. The Minister of

Transportation and Highways will initiate a comprehensive highways

redevelopment program in the coming year. The Minister of Finance and

Corporate Relations will provide the details in the forthcoming budget

for a major capital rebuilding program for the British Columbia Ferry

Corporation. This initiative, commencing this year, will improve access

to Vancouver

[ Page

5587 ]

Island and regenerate shipyard employment in British Columbia. My government will seek federal participation in this program.

Improved

air service to British Columbia is a priority for my government. My

earliest upgrading to the Vancouver International Airport, made urgent

through growing Pacific oriented travel.

My government will

propose an energy policy that will assure British Columbia's

communities and industry of inexpensive, stable and environmentally

sound sources of energy through the future.

My Ministry of

Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has prepared an electricity

strategy detailing a plan to further our economic growth and

development, increase regional and resource diversification and improve

environmental quality.

To enhance our energy sources and

improve our environment, my government will access cost-sharing

programs for cogeneration using waste products from industry and from

municipalities. This will reduce pollution, extend the lifetime of

waste disposal facilities and add new supplies of electrical energy.

British

Columbia enjoyed phenomenal growth in employment and labour force last

year. Many jobs were created by new small businesses, often involving

high technology and almost all requiring special skills and training.

government is committed to ensuring that new employment opportunities

are available to all citizens in all regions of British Columbia.

Notwithstanding the tremendous pace of economic development and growth

in new jobs, the province continues to be affected by an unacceptable

high level of unemployment. That level is driven by the business and

employment shifts which have occurred in our economy over this decade.

Through

the early 1980s, there was significant capital investment and

modernization of our resource and manufacturing industries. In some

instances, the resultant increases in productivity displaced workers

who have contributed for many years to the province. Workers aged 55

and older, often the most experienced, most committed and most willing,

could not find re-employment.

At the same time, economic

activity was insufficient to absorb the large number of young workers

seeking their first employment opportunities. As a consequence, youth

unemployment and unemployment among older workers is a perplexing and

complex issue facing government.

Accordingly, my government

will establish a task force comprised of representatives of the

Legislative Assembly, business and labour from throughout the province

to report to government on policy and program initiatives which can

reduce the incidence of unemployment and assist the unemployed in

British Columbia.

We are aware that knowledge-based industries will be the main generator of

new jobs in the future. Government is initiating a major restructuring of the

provincial education and job training systems. This will ensure that all British

Columbians, and particularly our younger generations, can face the opportunities

of tomorrow with ability, confidence and security.

government challenged a Royal Commission on Education to discuss new

directions for our educational system with parents, interested

citizens, business and community groups in the province. My Minister of

Education will introduce a new school act and independent school act

and appoint an education advisory committee to implement the thrust of

the royal commission.

Our new educational program will

stress curriculum changes to focus on development of thinking,

reasoning and analytical skills combined with creativity and

independent learning. It will emphasize regular assessments of student

progress, provide ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness and

address the needs and development of our teaching profession. My

government has committed to a ten-year implementation funding level of

$1.4 billion to achieve these objectives. An additional $1.5 billion

has been committed over the next six years to allow for new school

construction to meet enrolment growth and upgradings of current

facilities.

We will continue our initiatives within the

province's school system to give our students and future leaders a

better understanding of the history, culture, economics, laws and

languages of the Pacific Rim nations.

My government

believes that advanced education is an investment by society in its

future. Improved access to advanced education will be a priority for

the government in 1989. The Minister of Advanced Education and Job

Training will introduce programs to strengthen our post-secondary

system. My government will enhance access to university programs in all

parts of our province, improve coordination between institutions and

expand capacity within our existing systems.

[3:45]

The Ministry of Advanced Education and job Training has announced

new initiatives to strengthen job-oriented training. The Training and

Enterprise Centre Network, involved in both training and business

development, will be expanded.

The training and

investment program, designed to expand employer-based training, is

another initiative to improve the qualifications of British Columbia's

workforce. Government will involve itself in cost-sharing of direct

training costs to improve the skills of our workforce and increase job

opportunities. Strengthening of apprenticeship programs will also be

carried out by the Ministry.

There is a strong consensus

that an internationally competitive, more diversified British Columbia

economy will be based on high technology and information management.

The province requires highly educated workers with skills to learn new

technologies and to adjust to change. Accordingly, the educational

challenge for adult members of the workforce must be addressed. The

Ministry of Ad-

[ Page 5588 ]

vanced

Education and Job Training will develop new initiatives through 1989

and will lead the task force on unemployment to determine training and

other needs.

The United Nations has designated 1990 as the

international year of literacy. The province will expand free literacy

and upgrading programs to ensure that citizens lacking those skills

will have the opportunity to personally benefit and more fully

contribute to our society.

The Premier's Advisory Council

on Science and Technology developed a comprehensive science policy for

the province. Applied science and technological development is becoming

a business strength in British Columbia and a key to enhancing our

economic expansion.

My government believes that our

prospects as a province cannot be achieved at the expense of any group

or through sacrificing values which we have maintained for decades. One

of our most fundamental values is that which we attach to our

environment. My government's concern for the natural environment is not

limited to British Columbia. We must participate in and be a force

shaping global attitudes and urging greater world collaboration to

recover and sustain environmental quality.

My government

has established a task force on the environment and the economy. We

must foster economic growth while maintaining our environmental

integrity. My government believes responsibly managed economic growth

requires that our natural environment is protected and that we steward

our resource base conscientiously for the benefit of our future

generations. The task force will assist in focusing the key policy

elements contributing to sustainable development.

Regulation

of environmental matters is especially sensitive in British Columbia

because so much of our employment and economic well-being depends on

natural resources. The forest industry generates over one-half of the

total value of our manufacturing shipments. Mining and mineral

exploration are major contributors to our export-based economy.

Petroleum and natural gas are growing in economic importance.

Hydroelectric power has been the backbone of economic development in

the past several decades. The agricultural sector utilizes a great

share of our provincial land base and is of vital economic importance.

Government will continue its program of consultation and cooperation with citizens,

business and communities on environmental matters. The government will also

review all environmental legislation and regulations, and, where necessary,

environmental enforcement will be strengthened. You will be asked to support

amendments to the Mines Act which will provide both improved protection for

mine workers and greater environmental and reclamation standards. Regulations

and licensing programs will be introduced to assure environmentally sound development

of the aquaculture sector. You will also be asked to support legislation improving

resource management practices, including amendments to the Wildlife Act and

a new game-farming act.

We will expand our reforestation program significantly, and one billion seedlings will be planted in the next three years.

government was deeply distressed by the tragic oil spill affecting the

west coast of Vancouver Island. While clean-up activities have largely

been successful, the incident warns of the tragedy that potentially

flows from a much larger oil spill. My government will take whatever

actions are necessary to accelerate the completion of the Vancouver

Island gas pipeline, thus diminishing the transport of crude oils in

the Strait of Georgia. This pipeline is essential for environmental

considerations as well as for economic growth. My government will

ensure that the pipeline is achieved, and you will be asked to support

necessary legislation.

The Minister of Finance and

Corporate Relations will provide additional resources in the

forthcoming budget to strengthen the services available to the Minister

Responsible for the Environment and also enhance resources available to

the provincial emergency program.

Government will seek

federal participation in establishing centres of excellence in

environmental research and engineering at British Columbia's

universities. We will be prepared to offer matched funding in support

of joint initiatives that will ensure that British Columbia and Canada

remain as world leaders in these fields.

In the coming

year, my government will develop legislation to address consumer

concerns respecting the use of chemicals in food production and ensure

environmentally sensitive food-processing methods. There are numerous

opportunities in our agriculture and food sector to lead in this

emerging market.

Much of British Columbia's flourishing

tourism industry is based on the exceptional quality of our environment

and our provincial park system. My government has added significantly

to lands dedicated to parks and will continue that process. Members

will be asked to support legislation confirming the University

Endowment Lands as a park for all British Columbians.

The

Minister Responsible for the Environment will introduce the British

Columbia environmental youth services program. This program will

provide for seasonal employment for 1,000 young British Columbians to

be trained in environmental enhancement and reclamation projects. These

young citizens will be able to apply those skills in any environmental

crisis when called upon by the ministry.

My government

recognizes the value and urgency of recycling and solid-waste

management programs. My Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Environment

will undertake consultation with the Union of British Columbia

Municipalities to ensure that recycling initiatives are available in

every municipality and regional district of our province. These

consultations will follow the tabling of the provincial task force

report on solid waste management. Additionally, legislation will be

proposed to strengthen controls

[ Page 5589 ]

and sanctions against littering throughout the province.

The

mandate for our environmental programs must be strengthened.

Accordingly, a ministry of environment will be re-established, focusing

solely on those critically important programs.

Our

environment initiatives will substantially assist in maintaining the

quality of life we cherish. That quality will further be ensured as

government continues to help those in need through well-designed and

effective social service programs.

My government believes

it is essential to continue our strong emphasis on the value of the

family. Parents have the fundamental responsibility for the care,

intellectual and emotional development, and well-being of children. The

existence of problems like child abuse and family violence must be

addressed. This requires skilled intervention, ensuring protection and

assistance for those most in need. My government will provide those

programs.

[4:00]

My government will expand Project Reconnect into urban areas

throughout the province, providing services to street children through

family, educational, medical, residential and employment program. The

Ministry of Social Services and Housing will undertake a comprehensive

review of child care policy and practice to establish the foundation

for new policies.

The Ministry of Social Services and

Housing will strengthen its family maintenance program, enhance the

GAIN program and provide additional services for handicapped British

Columbians.

My government is committed to ensuring that all

British Columbians have access to housing. Sweeping and innovative

policy changes will be announced to enhance our housing programs and to

begin to rebalance the stock of housing with the demand. A provincial

housing action plan has been formulated which addresses rental

assistance, rental supply and home ownership issues. These programs

will provide both short- and long-term solutions to the social and

general housing issues facing the province.

The Minister of

Finance and Corporate Relations will detail, in his forthcoming budget,

these innovative and far-reaching policies. These will include:

initiation of a rental housing development fund to stimulate

construction of affordable rental housing; matching startup grants for

non-profit seniors' housing projects; added resources to the current

social housing programs under the federal-provincial global agreement;

improvements to the Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters program; and

increases to the shelter portion of GAIN for income assistance

recipients.

Further, my government will introduce a renter

tax credit program and introduce new social housing initiatives

involving Crown lands and our municipalities. Changes will be proposed

for the second mortgage program. Further, you will be asked to approve

amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act to protect long-term

rooming-house residents.

You will also be requested to

approve amendments to the Workers Compensation Act, developed in

consultation with representatives of labour and management groups in

the province.

My Minister of Health, Responsible for

Seniors, will embark on a program to enhance services available to

seniors in British Columbia. A strategy entitled "Toward a Better Age:

Strategies for Improving the Lives of Senior British Columbians, " will

soon be released. A task force will be established to meet with seniors

groups throughout the province to form policy and program options. New

legislation will introduce a seniors' advisory council. The ministry

will establish an office for seniors to provide ongoing support to this

initiative.

It is in the area of health care where our

seniors are often most in need. In this session you will be asked to

approve a continuing care act to enhance these services. To assist

seniors, the user fee charged in short-stay assessment and treatment

centres will be eliminated.

My government will introduce a

new medical services act, the most progressive medical legislation in

North America. It will ensure that our health care system remains

fiscally responsible while providing quality care and access throughout

the province.

British Columbia has an exemplary health care

system, built in large measure on the dedication and abilities of many

health care professionals and related workers. I wish to acknowledge

the commitment made by these individuals to all British Columbians.

government will introduce legislation incorporating many of the

recommendations contained in the report of the justice reform committee.

Solicitor-General will introduce a wide range of traffic safety and

driver training initiatives intended to improve safety and reduce loss

of life on our provincial highways. In support of this new initiative,

you will be asked to approve amendments to legislation to establish

fines for moving traffic violations.

My Minister of Labour

and Consumer Services will continue our alcohol and substance abuse

program. These initiatives are all part of a concerted three-year

effort to reduce the social and economic costs associated with

substance abuse through community awareness and action plans.

government recognizes that it must have policies and programs which

ensure equal access and opportunity for all our citizens. Accordingly,

my government will establish a minister of state responsible for

women's issues during this session. This ministerial responsibility

will ensure women's access to decision-making, assess government's

programs in assisting workers with family responsibility, review access

to skills and training programs and guide the province in developing

day care policies.

My government wishes to strengthen its

relations with our native community. The government will establish a

Premier's council on native affairs and host a series of round table

meetings with native leaders and elders. The council, with the

assistance of the

[ Page 5590 ]

Cabinet

Committee on Native Affairs, will assess government economic and social

policies necessary to support and assist in the further development of

our proud native peoples. Additionally, specific ministries such as

Education and Advanced Education and Job Training will form advisory

committees with native representatives.

government looks forward to engaging in productive constitutional

reform discussions in September in Charlottetown. We will also focus on

the concerns raised for many years by British Columbia and other

western provinces regarding the need to improve our voice in key

central institutions. Members of this assembly will be asked to provide

their views with respect to the reform of the Senate of Canada.

the past year. We have successfully concluded a number of agreements of

great importance to British Columbia. These include the agreement on

the Vancouver Island natural gas pipeline, the kaon factory engineering

design and impact study, the Moresby national park agreement, the grape

and wine adjustment assistance agreement and our joint commitment to

the Commonwealth Games.

My government will strengthen our

resources in Ottawa and continue direct and more frequent

representation on issues of concern to the province, including current

federal fiscal and monetary policies. My government looks forward to

completing negotiation for renewal and expansion of federal-provincial

economic and regional development agreements.

My government

believes strongly that participation in sport and recreation enhances

the independence of our youth and the health and quality of life for

all British Columbians. On behalf of this Legislature I extend warm

congratulations to the people of Nelson and the 2,300 athletes of the

B.C. Winter Games. All British Columbians can look forward to an

equally successful Summer Games this August when Surrey will play host

to over 4,000 athletes. The B.C. Games have enjoyed increasing success

because of thousands of volunteers in the host communities. My

government wishes to pay tribute to their efforts.

behalf of all members of this assembly I wish to extend appreciation

and admiration to all provincial employees. They are dedicated and

skilled and deserve recognition for their efforts on behalf of this

assembly and the people of the province.

Members of the

Legislative Assembly, you are now beginning the final session of this

decade. British Columbia is currently experiencing strong economic

growth and has a quality of life that ranks with the best in the world.

The next decade will bring many opportunities and the pressures and

difficulties associated with ongoing change.

I pray that in

carrying out your duties you will adhere to the highest standards of

this assembly and that with a spirit of cooperation you will all work

together for a better British Columbia.

May wisdom and fairness attend and guide you in your deliberations.

In our Sovereign's name, I thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

[4:15]

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

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

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO ENSURE THE

SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT

Hon. S.D. Smith presented a bill intituled

An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament.

HON. S.D. SMITH :

Mr. Speaker, this Bill re-establishes, as it has for some 400 years,

the notion that the business of the people as conducted through those

elected here shall take precedence over the business of the Sovereign.

Bill

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

the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

HON. MR. REID :

Mr. Speaker, I move that the Votes and Proceedings of this House be

printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the

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

presume to print the same.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. VANDER ZALM :

Mr. Speaker, before I make my motion, I would like to read a message

that I have received from the hon. first member for Cariboo (Mr. A.

Fraser).

All Members:

Due

to my health, I will not be able to attend the opening of the

Legislature. I am sorry my health will not permit my attendance,

because this is the first opening I have missed in 20 years. I wish the

Speaker and all Members of the Legislature the very best in the

forthcoming session.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of us in

the legislature, I wish to extend our heartfelt support to the first

member for Cariboo and his family. The first member for Cariboo is now

in his fortieth year of distinguished and honourable public service.

His record of achievement and service not only to his constituents but

to all British Columbians is truly exemplary.

MR. ROSE :

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the opposition I would like to say that we on

this side share the regret of the hon. first member for Cariboo that he

[ Page 5591 ]

unable

to be with us today. We are saddened, also, because the member is a

distinguished parliamentarian and we know how much Alex loves and

respects this place. In closing, I would like him to know that we miss

him here today.

[Applause.]

HON. MR. VANDER ZALM :

Mr. Speaker, I move that the select standing committees of this House

for the present session be appointed for the following purposes:

Economic Development, Transportation and Municipal Affairs;

Labour, Justice and Intergovernmental Relations;

Tourism and Environment;

Forests and Lands;

Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources;

Agriculture and Fisheries;

Health, Education and Social Services;

Finance, Crown Corporations and Government Services;

Public Accounts;

Standing

Orders, Private Bills and Members' Services, which said committees

shall severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such

matters and things as shall be referred to them by this House, and to

report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with

power to send for persons, papers and records; and that a special

committee be appointed to prepare and report, with all convenient

speed, lists of members to compose the above select standing committees

of this House under standing order 68 (1), the committee to be composed

of Hon. C.H. Richmond, convener, Hon. W.B. Strachan, Hon. H. Dirks,

Hon. J. Weisgerber, Messrs. Bruce, Messmer and Rabbitt, and Messrs.

Gabelmann, Rose and Williams.

MR. G. HANSON : Mr.

Speaker, I rise to make an amendment to the motion: namely, to add

after the words "members' services" to the following: "Aboriginal

Affairs."

This amendment would establish a select standing

committee of this House on aboriginal affairs. The adoption of this

amendment would allow this House a vehicle to inform itself on matters

of interest and importance to the indigenous people of this province.

The provincial government is a major player in the daily lives of

native people, the delivery of education, health care, social services

and the justice system, to name only a few. The provincial impact is

significant, yet no committee of this House exists to explore in depth

matters which relate to native circumstances and concerns.

British

Columbia, through this House, has a special responsibility in this

country, as one-third of all the Indian bands of Canada reside within

our provincial boundaries. The urban native population in Vancouver

alone, including status, non-status and Metis, is estimated at 40,000

persons.

The culture of poverty which exists is obvious to

all members. The need for this House to understand and address complex

problems as a result is great. A select standing committee would

signify the responsibility that all members of this House feel towards

addressing concerns of native citizens.

Mr. Speaker, this

motion is presented in good faith, with the intent that constructive

and useful benefit can accrue if such a vehicle of communication is

established between this House and the native people of this province.

I urge all members to support this addition and to envision the

possibilities which could exist as a result. This could be an important

and historic first step.

HON. MR. WEISGERBER : I rise

to speak against this amendment. Let me hasten, first of all, to say

that I think the intention of the members opposite is honourable and

very sincere. I think also they must recognize that in the past several

years and, indeed, several months this government has taken several

initiatives to improve relations with native people in British

Columbia. The Cabinet Committee on Native Affairs meets here to discuss

native issues, to meet with native groups and to travel around the

province to meet with native groups.

On July 6 the Premier

upgraded Native Affairs from a secretariat to a full ministry, and I

spend a good part of my time looking at issues and working with native

people to help them accomplish some of their objectives. Indeed, today

we heard that the Premier was forming a council on native affairs, one

that will involve native leaders and elders in ongoing discussions with

the Premier and with cabinet on issues and ways that we can work with

native people to help them reach their goals in life.

Native

involvement on major boards of Crown corporations has increased many

times over in the last few months. We now have members on the board of

directors of B.C. Rail, B.C. Ferries, the Open Learning Agency and many

others. This government has been particularly active in areas of

economic development, education — both K-to-12 and postsecondary — and we heard today that additional advisory native boards will be established in the upcoming year.

Our

record in the area of social services is good. The Attorney-General

(Hon. S.D. Smith) has also indicated that he will improve access for

native people to the justice system. I think we have demonstrated

clearly our intention to improve, and particularly to help native

people improve, their lot in life. While I appreciate the motive for

the motion, I don't think another group is the answer to the problem.

In closing, let me say that I speak against this amendment.

Amendment negatived on the following division:

[ Page 5592 ]

YEAS - 22

Hanson, G.

Barnes

Marzari

Rose

Harcourt

Gabelmann

Boone

D'Arcy

Clark

Blencoe

Edwards

Kempf

Barlee

Guno

Smallwood

Lovick

Williams

Miller

Hagen, A.

Jones

Janssen, G.

Cashore

NAYS - 40

Brummet

Savage

Strachan

Vant

Michael

Dueck

Parker

Weisgerber

Hanson, L.

Huberts

Dirks

Mercier

Fraser, R.

Crandall

Rogers

DeJong

Chalmers

Veitch

Reid

Richmond

Vander Zalm

Smith, S.D.

Couvelier

Ree

Jansen

Johnston

Pelton

Smith, B.R.D.

Loenen

Gran

McCarthy

Mowat

Peterson

Bruce

Serwa

Messmer

Rabbitt

Long

Jacobsen

Davidson

Motion approved.

HON. MR. RICHMOND :

It is indeed a pleasure for me to rise and move, seconded by the

opposition House Leader that F.C.A. Pelton, Esquire, first member for

Dewdney electoral district be appointed Deputy Speaker for this session

of the Legislative Assembly.

Further, Mr. Speaker, it is

also my pleasure, seconded by the opposition House Leader, that James

Rabbitt, Esquire, member for Yale-Lillooet electoral district be

appointed Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Whole for this

session of the Legislative Assembly.

Motions approved.

Presenting Reports

Hon.

S.D. Smith tabled the 1988 report of the compensation advisory

committee established pursuant to

section 7.1 of the Provincial Court

Act.

Hon. Mr. Vant tabled the 1986-87 annual report of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.

HON. MR. BRUMMET : I have the honour to table the 117th annual report

of the Ministry of Education. Although it has been public for some time, I think

it would be appropriate for the records of this House to table the Sullivan

royal commission report on education and the supplementary

summary of findings.

Hon. Mr. Michael tabled the following reports: the fifty-third annual report

under the Pension (Public Service) Act; forty-ninth annual report, Pension (Municipal)

Act; forty-seventh annual report, Pension (Teachers) Act; twelfth annual report,

Public Service Benefit Plan Act; and finally, the thirty-third annual report,

Legislative Assembly Allowances and Pension Act,

Part 2.

Hon.

L. Hanson tabled the sixteenth annual report of the Insurance

Corporation of British Columbia for the year ending December 31, 1988;

and the annual report of the Industrial Relations Council for the year

ending December 31, 1988.

Hon. Mr. Richmond moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

MR. SPEAKER : Hon. members, I will remind you that you are invited to the library rotunda with your guests for a reception afterwards.

The House adjourned at 4:34 p.m.

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