British Columbia Hansard — 8 May 2018, a.m., Issue 130 (41st Parliament, 3rd Session)

20180508am-Hansard-n130

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Morning Sitting Issue No. 130 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Third Session, 41st Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Darryl Plecas EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council............................................................................................................... Hon. John Horgan Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance............................................................................................................................Hon.

Carole James Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training..................................................................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Minister of Agriculture.........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General.................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development............................................................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Child Care......................................................................................................................................Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services.................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Minister of Education............................................................................................................................................................ Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources...............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Mungall Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.............................................................................................Hon.

George Heyman Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development..............................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Minister of Health.....................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon.

Scott Fraser Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology............................................................................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour...................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions............................................................................................................................ Hon. Judy Darcy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.................................................................................................................. Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General........................................................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction..............................................................................................Hon. Shane Simpson Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.....................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................ Hon.

Claire Trevena LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition................................................................................................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Leader of the Third Party ....................................................................................................................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................... Linda Reid Deputy Chair, Commi ttee of the Whole................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Commi ttees.................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Clerk Assistant — Commi ttees and Interparliamentary Relations ..........................................................................................Susan Sourial Sessional Law Clerk...............................................................................................................................................Loredana Catalli-Sonier, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal)........................................................................ Penticton Bains, Hon. Harry (NDP)...............................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal)................................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Beare, Hon. Lisa (NDP).............................................Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Garry (NDP) ..................................................................... Surrey-Guildford Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal).......................................................

Peace River South Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal)......................................... Prince George–Valemount Brar, Jagrup (NDP)..................................................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal)....................................................... Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–West End Chen, Hon. Katrina (NDP).....................................................Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ............................................................... Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon.

George (NDP)............................................... Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal)................................ Columbia River–Revelstoke Coleman, Rich (BC Liberal)...............................................................Langley East Conroy, Hon. Katrine (NDP)......................................................... Kootenay West Darcy, Hon.

Judy (NDP) ............................................................New Westminster Davies, Dan (BC Liberal)..........................................................Peace River North de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal)............................................ Abbotsford West Dean, Mitzi (NDP)...............................................................Esquimalt-Metchosin D’Eith, Bob (NDP) ...............................................................Maple Ridge–Mission Dix, Hon. Adrian (NDP)......................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Hon.

Doug (NDP).....................................................................Stikine Eby, Hon. David, QC (NDP).............................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP)....................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (NDP) ...................................................... Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (NDP) .....................................................Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal)........................................................... Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Hon.

Scott (NDP) ................................................ Mid Island–Pacific Rim Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) ........................................... Cowichan Valley Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal)................................................. Abbotsford-Mission Glumac, Rick (NDP)........................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Heyman, Hon. George (NDP).............................................. Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon. John (NDP) ...............................................

Langford–Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal).......................................................Surrey-Cloverdale Isaacs, Joan (BC Liberal).........................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain James, Hon. Carole (NDP)...................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Johal, Jas (BC Liberal)...............................................

Richmond-Queensborough Kahlon, Ravi (NDP)..............................................................................Delta North Kang, Anne (NDP)..................................................................Burnaby–Deer Lake Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ..................................................................Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal)............................................................................ Shuswap Larson, Linda (BC Liberal).............................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Michael (BC Liberal)......................................................

Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (NDP) ....................................................Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (B C Liberal)............................................Kelowna–Lake Country Ma, Bowinn (NDP)................................................... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Mark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal)...................................................................... Chilliwack Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal)....................................

Kam loops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal)..........................................Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP).................................................... Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal)...........................................................Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (B C Green Party)........................... Saanich North and the Islands Paton, Ian (BC Liberal)......................................................................... Delta South Plecas, Hon.

Darryl (Ind.) ..........................................................Abbotsford South Polak, Mary (BC Liberal)............................................................................ Langley Popham, Hon. Lana (NDP)..............................................................Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) .......................................................... Surrey-Whalley Redies, Tracy (BC Liberal)..................................................... Surrey–White Rock Reid, Linda (BC Liberal)................................................

Richmond South Centre Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ............................................................................ North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (NDP) ....................................... Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal)..................................................................................Skeena Routledge, Janet (NDP) .................................................................. Burnaby North Routley, Doug (NDP) ................................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, John (BC Liberal)..............................................................

Nechako Lakes Shypitka, Tom (B C Liberal).............................................................Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ........................................Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)................................................ Vancouver-Hastings Sims, Hon.

Jinny (NDP) .............................................................Surrey-Panorama Singh, Rachna (NDP) ........................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal)................................................................Kelowna West Stilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal)..............................................Parksville-Qualicum Stone, Todd (BC Liberal)........................................

Kam loops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal).......................................West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (B C Liberal)...............................................Vancouver–False Creek Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal)......................................... West Vancouver–Capilano Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal)................................................................ Fraser-Nicola Thomson, Steve (BC Liberal).....................................................Kelowna-Mission Thornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal).............................

North Vancouver–Seymour Throness, Laurie (BC Liberal)..................................................... Chilliwack-Kent Trevena, Hon. Claire (NDP) .............................................................. North Island Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal)................................................Richmond North Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (BC Green Party) ......................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal).............................. Vancouver-Quilchena Yap, John (BC Liberal)..........................................................

Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ..........................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Hon. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West.................................................................... Michael de Jong, QC Boundary-Similkameen.....................................................................

Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ...............................................................................Anne Kang Burnaby-Edmonds ..............................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Burnaby North................................................................................

Janet Routledge Cariboo-Chilcotin............................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................................. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack.............................................................................................. John Martin Chilliwack-Kent..............................................................................Laurie Throness Columbia River–Revelstoke........................................................

Doug Clovechok Coquitlam–Burke Mountain................................................................. Joan Isaacs Coquitlam-Maillardville..................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Courtenay-Comox ................................................................. Ronna-Rae Leonard Cowichan Valley............................................................................

Sonia Furstenau Delta North ...........................................................................................Ravi Kahlon Delta South.................................................................................................Ian Paton Esquimalt-Metchosin.............................................................................Mitzi Dean Fraser-Nicola........................................................................................

Jackie Tegart Kam loops–North Thompson............................................................Peter Milobar Kam loops–South Thompson ................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country....................................................................Norm L etnick Kelowna-Mission.............................................................................

Steve Thomson Kelowna West.........................................................................................Ben Stewart Kootenay East.....................................................................................Tom Shypitka Kootenay West...................................................................... Hon. Katrine Conroy Langford–Juan de Fuca............................................................. Hon. John Horgan Langley....................................................................................................

Mary Polak Langley East.......................................................................................Rich Coleman Maple Ridge–Mission ............................................................................ Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ..........................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim .............................................................. Hon. Scott Fraser Nanaimo...............................................................................

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

Jennifer Rice North Island............................................................................ Hon. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale................................................................. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour......................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head..........................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .....................................................................Michelle Stilwell Peace River North..................................................................................

Dan Davies Peace River South............................................................................... Mike Bernier Penticton................................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam .................................................................... Hon. Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam .....................................................................Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast.....................................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie..................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount.................................................................Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre ........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough.......................................................................Jas Johal Richmond South Centre........................................................................

Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston.................................................................................. John Yap Saanich North and the Islands............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap .................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena.........................................................................................................

Ellis Ross Stikine ..................................................................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale...............................................................................

Marvin Hunt Surrey-Fleetwood...................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers ......................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford....................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton.............................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama........................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Surrey South...............................................................................Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley........................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock............................................................................. Tracy Redies Vancouver-Fairview ............................................................ Hon. George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek.......................................................................

Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview .............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings.............................................................. Hon. Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington ..................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway ................................................................... Hon. Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara.............................................................................. Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant................................................... Hon.

Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey...........................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Vancouver-Quilchena......................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Vancouver–West End....................................................Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee...................................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill................................................................ Hon. Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake .................................................................. Hon.

Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano................................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..............................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC Liberal 42; NDP 41; BC Green Party 3; Independent 1

CONTENTS Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Morning Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 4409 Tributes..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4410 George Grills J.

Thornthwaite Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 4410 Statements (Standing Order 25B)......................................................................................................................................... 4410 Healthy aging and Fit Fellas activity program R. Sultan Youth justice system and services R. Chouhan Cycling activities and safety in Sea to Sky area J. Sturdy Elizabeth Lewis and legacy of residential schools B.

Ma Salvation Army emergency services for wildfire evacuees J. Tegart B.C. Hydro technicians B. D’Eith Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 4412 Employer health tax impacts and implementation A. Wilkinson Hon. C. James I. Paton Protection of farm land from speculation and residential development S. Furstenau Hon. L. Popham Employer health tax impacts and implementation M. Stilwell Hon. C. James S. Cadieux Impact of employer health tax on school districts S. Bond Hon. C.

James Traffic enforcement and fine revenues T. Stone Hon. C. James Hon. M. Farnworth M.

Morris Tabling Documents................................................................................................................................................................. 4417 Office of the Auditor General, An Independent Audit of Executive Expenses at School District 61, May 2018 Orders of the Day Second Reading of Bills .......................................................................................................................................................... 4417 Bill 27 — Pill Press and Related Equipment Control Act Hon. M. Farnworth M. Morris S. Furstenau J. Thornthwaite N.

Simons S. Gibson Hon. M. Farnworth Bill 17 — Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018 Hon. M. Farnworth M. Morris

Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Commi ttee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 4424 Estimates: Ministry of Children and Family Development(continued) Hon. K. Conroy S. Bond L. Throness

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018 The House met at 10:05 a.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members Hon. A. Dix: Today we are, I’m sure, alldelighted to wel- come nurses to the Legislature from across B.C. — from rur- alareas, from urban areas and from Indigenous comm unit- ies — to launch National Nurses Week. I’d like to introduce the nurses who are with us today: Sherri Kensall; Valerie St.

John; Andrea Burton; Alexandra Arndt; Michael Harrison; Sally Thorne; Lori Campbell; Agnes Black; Jessy Dame; Damen DeLeenheer; Teresa McFadyen; Joanne Maclaren; Sarah Jesshope; Tim Gauthier; Trudy Robertson; Karen Levy; Anita Dickson; JenniferGill; BrendaChilds; Kathleen Fyvie; Jacqollyne Keath; Mary Ann Machado; Tess Kroeker; Hannah Macdonald; Tania Dick; Stefanie Macleod; Christina Berlanda; Elizabeth Butler- Smythe; Michael Sandler; Sue Peck; Zachary, or even Zak, Matieschyn; Danielle Daigle; Martha Aviles-Granados; Andrea Azcona Axen; Andrea Taylor; ArielleBrown; Mary Judith Lynam; Fiona Hutchison; and Aditi Lakshmanan.

I wish everyone to wish them welcome. They know, and everyone knows, that they can drop by the Ned DeBeck Lounge today between 1:30 and fourto chatwith allof these nurses about what they mean in our comm unities. N. Letnick: I also wantto rise on the partof the official opposition to welcome allthe nurses in the House. I’d also like to name alltheirnames, butsincethe Ministerof Health did such a great job doing it in the first place, I think we can pass on that.

Just to say that when we are in need of healthcare, we can alwaysrely on ournurses.They are some- timesthe firstperson thatwe see when we getto ourdoctors’ offices or our hospitals. I think everyone in this House can join the Minister of Health and myself and all the members here to say thank you to allthe nurses and congratulations on Nursing Week. Enjoy the Ned DeBeck Lounge. We plan to come and see you between 1:30 and four o’clock. Please make the nurses very welcome. A.

Weaver: I’d like to welcome severalleaders of the Sal- vation Army of British Columbia.In lightof this week being Emergency Preparedness Week, I’d like to acknowledge the significant response and support of the Salvation Army to B.C. residents, first responders and government. If needed duringthe 2018 fire-flood season orany otherdisasteremer- gency in the province, the Salvation Army is ready to provide emergency social services. Please help me welcome Lt.Col. Jamie Braund, divisional comm ander of the Salvation Army, B.C. division; Lt. Col. Ann Braund, divisionaldirector of women’s ministries; Mr.

Mike Leland, divisional secretary of publicrelations and development, B.C. division; and Mrs. Patricia Mamic, the public and government affairs director, B.C. division. M. Stilwell:I’d like to welcome to the House today three constituentswho are in town and who came down for the MLA Prayer Breakfast this morning, hosted by Leading Influence. I’d like the House to welcome TylerCody, Zoe Martens and Susan Wakefield. Wouldthe House please make them feel welcome. Hon. J. Horgan: Joining us in the members’ gallery today are two constituentsof mine from Langford–Juan de Fuca. Giuseppe and Diane Scaletta are here.

They run the Queen MotherVeronica project,which the memberforEsquimalt- Metchosinwillbe talking aboutin amoment.They are from the greatstate of Langford–Juan de Fuca. I’m very happy to have them here. [10:10 a.m.] Giuseppe hadavery good careerin the health care sector, particularly focusing on vulnerableseniors. It’s greatto see him here today to observe how we conductourselves here in the Legislature. Wouldthe House please make him very, very welcome. S. Bond:Today was the 12th annualprayerbreakfasthere in Victoria.

I wanted to welcome to the gallery — although they’re not strangers here — and specially recognize today Rev. Tim Schindeland Rev. Jason Goertzen,who have made such wonderful friends and supporters. The breakfast was attended by yourself, Mr. Speaker, and members from all sides of the House. We want to say thank you and express our gratitude for yourservice, foryourfriendship. I urge you to check outthe 100-kilometre bike raceof epic proportions where Schindel takeson Goertzen.They’re doingitto supportLeadingInflu- ence. I know some of us may wantto supportthem in that endeavour.

Thank you on behalfof allmembers forhostingthe prayer breakfast for the 12th year. M. Dean: Having lived in Ghana 25 years ago, it has a really specialplacein my heart.So I am really honoured to introducehere today, with the Scalettas from Langford–Juan de Fuca, Veronica Abugrago, who is the ParamountQueen Motherof the Bawku traditionalareain the northeastcorner of Ghana. Since becoming Queen Mother, she has worked tirelessly to empowerwomen and girls in northern Ghana. Please make them very welcome. 4409

Tributes GEORGE GRILLS J. Thornthwaite: I’d like to recognize avery good friend, volunteer and respected comm unity m ember in North Vancouver who succumbed to cancer recently. George Grills was a remarkablem an, loved by allwho knew him, especially m e and my team during paradeseason, when he drove his ’57 T-Bird, but especially his beloved wife, Lee, and daughter Karen. May this House give them the support and love to help them through this difficult time. Introductions by Members Hon. D.

Donaldson: I wouldlike to have the assembly welcome the visitto the precincttoday of the board of dir- ectors forthe Councilof ForestIndustries,who’llbe meeting with government caucus. I also would like to acknowledge that the Coast Forest ProductsAssociation has now become part of the Council of ForestIndustries,headed up by Susan Yurkovich, the new organization. A. Weaver: I’d like to welcome Jackson Vesey, a political science student going into his third year at UBC. He has relocated here this summ erto learn allaboutpoliticsin the provinceof British Columbia.Wouldthe House please make him feel very welcome.

J. Rustad:It’s notoften I geta chanceto introducea con- stituent or, as we know them, a Hoofian. Jessie MacIntosh is here from Vanderhoof. She’s down visiting hersisterHay- ley MacIntosh. She’s also attending UBC, where she willbe graduating atthe end of May from the pharmacy program. Would the House please make her welcome. Hon. B. Ralston: We are joined today in the gallery by the first cohort of MitacsScience Policy Fellows.

This pro- gram, pioneered in British Columbia, matches a group of highly skilled PhD graduates with ministriesacross the gov- ernmentin orderto utilizetheirsubjectmatterexpertise and help craft evidence-based policy, with the goal of improv- ing policy outcomes and making betterservicesfor British Columbians. I have a short list of names here, and since they’re in the gallery, I’d like to acknowledge them personally: Kathy Philps, who’s the leadfor internships and fellowships atthe B.C.

PublicService Agency; Simona Tajoire, B.C. lead for science policy fellowships at Mitacs;and the fellows them- selves — Anna Maria Giamm arco, Caelan Marrville, Duncan Low, Emily Gray, Gillman Payette, Jessica Carriere, Jyoti Upadhyaya, Kathryn Jastremski, Natalie Linklater, Noemie Boulanger-Lapointe and Sara Elder. Would the House please make all of these fellows welcome. Hon. M. Mungall:Well, my husband, Zak Matieschyn, is here with the nurses.

Notonly is he here to inform us of all the good work thatnurses do in the province, buthe has a secondary mission, and that is to polish up his dad jokes. [10:15 a.m.] It’s at this time that I ask all members of the House to please notencourage him in this — Premier?Butplease do make him welcome. Statements (Standing Order 25B) HEALTHY AGING AND FIT FELLAS ACTIVITY PROGRAM R. Sultan: I have uncomfortablenews. I’ve noticed you’re all getting older. Encouraging news. You need not become relianton the Ministerof Health.

Expertsprescribe exercise, socialconnectivity, healthy eating and cutting outthe booze and cigarettes. Fit Fellas of West Vancouver do the exercise and con- nectivity part, led by Barrie Chapman, recipient of a West Van comm unity serviceaward. If you visitourSeniors Activ- ity Centre, twice a week you will find about 200 men of a certain age in black T-shirtsjumping and bending to arapid beat,sometimes inspired by an attractive fitness instructor. They’ve been doing this forabout45 years.

It’s justforguys, except for the occasional trainer, and emphasizes aerobics, strength, coordination, balance and lots of laughs. CIHI, the Canadian Institute forHealth Information, with VancouverYMCA, funded a two-year UBC study of the Fit Fellas model. Itdemonstrated the linkage between physical activity, functional capacity and reduced chronic disease. Unfortunately, only 13 percent of Canadians over 65 do the recomm ended 150 minutes a week of moderate to vig- orous physicalactivity. Therefore, I have aserious life-saving suggestion. Hon.

Speakerwillleadan exercise routine atthe beginning of every question period. Mr. Speaker: I’m thinking no. YOUTH JUSTICE SYSTEM AND SERVICES R. Chouhan: This week is Youth Justice Week. This providesan opportunity forus allto recognizethe important work being done to assistsome of ourprovince’s mostvul- nerable youth. Youth justice services’ primary focus is on both public safety and the rehabilitation of youthwho are in conflictwith the law. They provide comm unity-based servicesacross the provinceas wellas youth custody servicesand forensicpsy- chiatric services.

Itis critically importantto rememberthatwhatevercom- bination of despair, poor decisions or tragic life circum- stanceshave led someone down a path to criminaloryouth justice involvement, they still have the capacity to change. 4410 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

They deserve the opportunity to be treated fairly. My riding of Burnaby-Edmonds is home to one of two of the province’s youth custody centres. Last November I hadan opportunity to visitBurnaby Youth Custody Services. Atthis centre, youth receive allof the criticalprogrammin g necessary forasuccessfulreintegration back into theircom- munity. Whetheritis through education and skills training, counsellingand psychiatricservices,orrecreationaland leis- ure sports,the team atBurnaby Youth Custody Servicesdo an exemplary job of supporting youth to develop more pos- itive behaviour.

British Columbia is widely recognized as having one of the most progressive and effective systems of youth justice servicesin Canada, with the lowestpercapita rate of youth in custody for the pastseveralyears. This House shouldbe incredibly proud of alleffortsto help shape and strengthen our youth justice system. Let us take time this week to express ourgratitude to those working to supportyouth in our comm unities. [10:20 a.m.] CYCLING ACTIVITIES AND SAFETY IN SEA TO SKY AREA J.

Sturdy: From the Upper Levels Highway to the Pem- berton Meadows to the Duffey Lake Road, the popularity of cycling is increasing on roadways in WestVancouver–Sea to Sky. Eventslike the GranFondo, where cyclistsride from Vancouverto Whistlerin adesignated lane on the Seato Sky Highway, or WhistlerIronman, now in itssixth year in the region, have allhelped promote the sportfor residentsand visitors alike. There is no question thatcyclinghas become an important economic contributor to tourism in the province. With longer daylight hours and spring weather, we’re all seeing more cyclistson ourroads.

In the Seato Sky and around the province, progress has been madeon share-the-roadsignage and cyclistson-the-road signalling devices, like at Porteau Bluffson Highway 99. Shoulderwideningand roadsweeping are also contributingto abettercyclingexperience. Butmore can be done. One approach thathas been successfulin otherjurisdic- tions has been the implementation of minimum passing-dis- tance laws. Such laws require that a motor vehicle pass a vulnerableroaduserata designated minimum passing dis- tance. Over27 jurisdictions in North America have imple- mented safer passing distances, as have several in Europe.

In the WestMidlands in the U.K., the enactmentof a safer passinglaw led to significantsafety improvements.The num- berof serious incidentswith cyclistsdecreased by 20 percent in the year sincethe operation targeting unsafe passing was launched. Cycling is good forourhealth, it’s good forthe environ- m ent,and it’s good for the tourism economy. A minim um passing-distance law is one potentialtoolto m ake cycling m ore attractive to peoplein British Columbia. I know that I, for one, wouldwelcom e this consideration as I ride the Sea to Sky. ELIZABETH LEWIS AND LEGACY OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS B.

Ma:I rise to share with the House today thatElizabeth Lewis was lostto a fentanyloverdose lastMonday, April30. She was kind. She was 51 years old, and she hadlived ahard life on the Downtown Eastside. An intergenerational survivor of the residential school system and a victim of abuse, Elizabeth lost her parents when she was very young, and she spent most of her life missing them whilestruggling with mentalhealth, disability and addiction. She leaves behind three children, including Autumn George, 32; Willard Lewis, 25; and Crystal Lewis, 24. They were all taken from her as babies.

The eldest was adopted, and her younger two children lived theirlives as youth in care. Intergenerationaltrauma stemming from Canada’s resid- entialschoolsystem continuesto impactmany, many mem- bers in many comm unities across B.C. The North Shore comm unity is no exception. I recently had the privilege of joining school district 44 educators and members of the Squamish Nation ata special viewing of Indian Horse, which weaves togethericehockey and the residentialschoolsystem into whatmay be the most painfully Canadian film I have ever watched.

Squamish Nation speakers — including district principal for school district 44 Brad Baker, Adina Williams and Sempúlyan Gonzales— made clear, in sharing their personal stories, thatthe traumacaused by the residentialschoolsystem con- tinues to follow them, their families, their comm unities through generations each and every day.

The late Elizabeth Lewis’s youngest child, Crystal Lewis, a memberof the North Vancouvercomm unity, leaves these words for her mother: “Although our time together was short,I wantyou to know thatI thank you every day forgiv- ingme apurpose in life by inspiringme to be aleaderto help to break the cycleof intergenerational trauma and inspire ouryouth to reach theirfullpotential. Thank you, Mom, for inspiring me to be the change I wantto see. May we allwork togetherto help those who are hurting and liftup those who have lost their way.” SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR WILDFIRE EVACUEES J.

Tegart:I rise in the House today to recognizeone of the many organizations thatstep up wheneverthey are needed, whereverthey are needed and foras long as they are needed. Thatgroup is the Salvation Army. During lastyear’s summ er fire season, the Salvation Army was there from day one onward. They deployed the emergency disaster service mobilekitchens and personnel. They activated theiremer- gency operations centre to coordinate logistics across the Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4411

province, and they launched a fundraising appealacross the country, which broughtin close to $1.7 million to help vic- tims of the fire. [10:25 a.m.] Whilecrews continued to fight the flames, the Salvation Army personnelwere there to welcome evacuees, feed them, shelterthem and help to meettheirimm ediate needs in 12 designated arrival locations across the province. In Kam- loops alone, 12,766 meals, 55,000 drinks and 38,874 snacks were served. Fifty-six emotional and spiritual care workers were available, and 433 volunteer workers put in 4,154 volunteerhours.

The Salvation Army also served in Kelow- na,Williams Lake, PrinceGeorge, Vernon, Surrey and other locations. The Salvation Army m otto is “Giving hope today.” But I want everyone to know that they’ve given hope for the future. I’d like to ask the House to join m e in saying thank you. B.C. HYDRO TECHNICIANS B. D’Eith:In December 2017, there were two major ice storms that leftover 100,000 Hydro customers without powerin the FraserValley, many of whom live in Abbotsford and Mission.

Whilemost of us went inside to stay warm, over 450 power line technicians from all over British Columbia worked around the clock to fix dozens of broken poles, damaged transformers, ice-encased equipment and wire spans in very dangerous conditions. Lastweek I was very pleased, with the Ministerof Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, to present certificates of appreciation to both the Abbotsford and MapleRidge tech- nicians for theirheroic effortsin December 2017.

I’m sure that everyone in the House will join me in expressing our gratitudeto the technicians, who often go into disasters first, whether they be ice storms, floods or wildfires. On the same day, the minister and I, along with B.C. Hydro president Chris O’Riley, were very pleased to tourthe now fully operationalRuskin dam retrofit.Allthree new turbines and generators are running, powering over 33,000 Metro Vancouver homes. This visit was especially special for me, because Boyd Mason, the senior project manager, has been one of my closestfriends for over40 years.

Boyd explained thatbuild- ing this $748 million Ruskin dam renovation is kind of like giving yourcar’s motoran overhauland replacing the brakes and tires whileyou’re driving down the highway. That’s what they did. The project presented many challenges. For example, while digging, the crew discovered a 9,000-year-old First Nations cultural site. Construction plans were altered, and the site was leftin placeaccordingto the wishesof the Kwan- tlen First Nation. We live in an electrified worldand often take access to electricity for granted.

I think it’s importantfor us to take a m om entto recognize the importance of ourhydro facil- ities and the m any peoplewho work very hard to keep our lights on. Oral Questions EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX IMPACTS AND IMPLEMENTATION A. Wilkinson: It’s an important day for nursing in the Legislature, and of course, it’s importantto pointoutthatthe Premier’s new payroll tax will be taking literally hundreds of millions of dollars outof the health care system, because it’s applicableto health authorities,universities,colleges and care homes — all of the employers of nurses.

I’ve received a copy of a February 22 Ministry of Fin- ance note. It says that health authorities, school districts and local governments should be paying the employer health tax. The quote is: “It would be unfair to give the publicsector an advantage by exempting them from pay- ing this tax.” So taxes are paid to the governmentand not given back to the public sector. One week laterthe Premiersaid thatthe FinanceMinister would“ensure thatnon-profitsand governmentagenciesare kept whole.” The Premier, yetagain, has broken his word. Can the Premierclarify this forthe 50 nurses in the gallery?

Do you intend to continue taking hundreds of millions of dollars outof the health budgetand putting itinto a payroll tax rather than to front-line care? Hon. C. James: I think, really, question period this week, from the Leaderof the Opposition, is a listof allthe failures of the othersidewhen itcame to supportingthe government in British Columbia, including health care. [10:30 a.m.] In fact,itwas the othersidethatdoubled MSP premiums thatare collected from everyone in British Columbia.Unlike the other side, we are having conversations with health authorities, not-for-profits and charities.

I had some very good meetingslastweek, whilethe Legislature was out— to be ableto talk to them aboutthe 50 percentsavingsthatthey have, so we’re makingsure we’re trackingthat;the 50 percent savings they willhave nextyear, so to be ableto accountfor that. Decisions will be coming very shortly. Mr. Speaker: The Leaderof the OfficialOpposition on a supplemental. A. Wilkinson: I’m glad to see that the Finance Minister is prepared to answer a question when the Premier is not, because apparently, he doesn’t have his facts straight.

We see this 2 percent payroll tax being applied to the entire publicsector, to charities, to local government. As the Finance Ministry m emo says: “Any employer with a payrollover$1.5 million willpay the fullrate.” So clearly, there’s no intent to exempt charities. There’s no intent to exempt non-profits. 4412 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Atthe same time, we have thousands of charitiesoutthere saying they simply cannotafford to pay a 2 percentpayroll tax. Of course, the health authorities, with tens of billions of dollars in budget,willpay hundreds of millions of dollars in payroll tax back to the government after receiving the cheque in the first place. This is at the point of absurdity. The Finance Minister proudly stands up and says their tax is being cut in half. Nonsense. It’s being tripled to municipalities.

When are you going to acceptthe factthatthis payrolltax representsan increase in taxation on the publicsector and that it makes no sense whatsoever? Hon. C. James: Unlike the member across the way, I’ve been having conversations with school districts. I’ve been having conversations with charitiesand not-for-profits,with health authorities and with others about the impact of the employers health tax — about the savings they have with MSP in this year of 50 percent,the 50 percentsavings they have next year with MSP, how they apply those savings towards the employers health tax.

We are working through the implementation. That’s why we’re implementing this tax in 2019 and 2020 — so we have time to work through this implementation. You willsee the responses very shortly. Mr. Speaker: The Leaderof the OfficialOpposition on a second supplemental. A. Wilkinson: This is government in action under the NDP: “Let’s introduce a speculation tax. But then we’ll change ourmind and whittleit back and then say, ‘Oh no, it’llstillraise the same amountof money.’ Let’s introducea payrolltax. We’llapply itto the wholepublicsector, accord- ing to our memo from the finance department.

But then maybe we’llchange ourmind. Maybe we’llfind some favour- ites and cutthem back and save them the tax, butthe restof you are going to pay.” So what is tax policy underthis Finance Minister? Is it who makes the squeakiest noise after the budget is announced, and then she decides to roll back the taxes? When is this Premiergoingto show some integrity in the tax process and stop picking friends and enemies? Hon. C. James: I guess thatthe Leaderof the Opposition, now, is saying that charities should have to pay full, and we shouldn’tlook atthe implementation.

That’s exactly what I heard from the member across the way. You will see an implementation plan. I’m also presuming thatthe otherside wantsMSP premiums to stay in placeand notsave families $900 and $1,800 as individuals. I know thatthe othersidehas troubleunderstandingwhat itmeans to take time to listen to British Columbians. That’s exactly whatwe are doing. As I said when I broughtin the taxes, we are giving time fortheirimplementation so we can work through the implementation with groups and organiz- ations. That’s exactly whatwe’re doing. We’re listening.

We’re working through the implementation, and the answers will be shortly. I. Paton: The Premier said on April 5 that the Minister of Finance “is consulting widely to hear from peopleabout what the consequences of the employerhealth tax will be.” The Delta Gymnastics Society, the Delta Hospital Founda- tion, the DeltaHospiceSociety and the B.C. GuideDogSer- viceshave allwritten to the minister, tellingherthatthe con- sequences of her tax blunder are disastrous. Will the Finance Minister tell non-profits and charities today if they will be exempt from her new tax grab? [10:35 a.m.] Hon. C.

James: I’ll say again to the member that I’ve been having some very good conversations with many of the organizations around the province, including, in fact, this pastFriday with some organizations from Delta, to talk about the issues that they are facing in the implementation. That’s why we gave a year for the implementation — so we couldm ake sure we gathered all that inform ation, so we could take into account the 50 percent that organiz- ations are saving on MSP, to be able to account for that. That’s the inform ation we’re gathering, and those decisions are coming shortly. Mr.

Speaker: The member for Delta South on a supple- mental. I. Paton: I’d like to readfrom the letterthese groups have written to the minister: “Ratherthan raising ourtaxes, gov- ernmentsshouldbe trying to make life easierforlocalnon- profits.” This is a tax blunderthatis causing fearand confu- sion, and it has gone on far long enough. Again, to the minister — a simple yes-or-no response, please — will front-line non-profit organizations be kept whole like the Premier promised? Hon. C. James: Happy to, once again, tell the member thatthe answers willbe comingshortly.

We are workingwith not-for-profits.We are working with charities.We are taking a look atthe savingsthatthey accountforthis yearand next in the MSP, how we can make sure thatthat’s tracked. We’re looking at that, and answers will be coming shortly. PROTECTION OF FARMLAND FROM SPECULATION AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT S. Furstenau: Ouragriculturalland has been leftunpro- tected from the forces of speculation and foreign capital. Monsterhomes are being builton prime farm land, and farm pricesare soaringwellbeyond the reach of ourlocalfarmers.

We need imm ediate action from this governmentto protect ourfood security and to protectthe ability of young farmers Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4413

to get on the land. There are a number of tools this government coulduse imm ediately to puta stop to thatspeculation on ALR land and protect the future for young farmers in B.C. Govern- ment can protect our farm land from the impact of foreign capitalby restricting foreign ownership of ALR land, a step that our caucus has been calling for, for over a year. Gov- ernmentcan apply the speculation taxand the foreign buyer tax to ALR land, and governmentcan create legally binding house sizelimitsto stop mega-mansions from being builton prime farm land. My question is to the Ministerof Finance.

Willyou com- mittoday to using atleastone of the measures atyourdis- posal to put an end to mega-houses on the ALR? Hon. L. Popham: Thank you to the member for raising this issue. The memberraises validconcerns forsure. Many comm unitiesaround the provinceare very concerned about large homes being built on the ALR and the uses that are happening on the ALR. The one thing that building a m onster hom e on the agricultural land reserve will almost guarantee is that a new farm er will not be able to afford that land to farm on.

We’re very concerned aboutthat,and that’s why, when we’ve taken on the agriculturalland reserve revitalization project, we are getting feedback from peopleright across the province. Richmond has been in the news around this issue, butwe’re hearing itfrom othercomm unities. In fact, it was one of the top three issues that cam e to us within this consultation process. We’re looking atthe data that’s come in, and we’re using thatto allow us to move forward on changesthatwilladdress this issue and also to make sure that the agricultural land reserve is stronger than it’s ever been. Mr.

Speaker: The House Leader, Third Party, on asupple- mental. S. Furstenau: I appreciate that there is a review of ALR land, buttime is of the essenceon this issue, and we cannot afford to waitanotheryear before taking action to stop the building of these mega-houses on ALR land. As the Minister of Agriculture points out, it removes yet another farmer’s possibility from m oving into food growing. We need imm ediate measures to protect the dwindling stock of farm land and to protectourfood security and pro- tectthe future of young farmers.

Indeed, Richmond Farm- Watch estimates thatlastyearRichmond alone lost50 farms due to the construction of mega-mansions on farm land. The governmentcan take imm ediate interim measuresto protect agriculturalland whilethey waitforthe resultsof the review. My question is, again, to the Ministerof Finance. Willshe take imm ediate steps today to end speculation on ALR land and to protect our agricultural land for future generations? Hon. L. Popham: Again, very validconcerns, and we are working as fast as we can.

The revitalization commi ttee wrapped up itsconsultation lastweek, and we are receiving the data that they received. [10:40 a.m.] One of the things I think is very importantis we’re doing things differently than the previous government did. What they didwiththe agriculturalland reserve is they madelegis- lative changes without consulting with British Columbia. We’ve gone out. We’ve consulted with the wholeprovince. And we will make changes as we see fit. I appreciate very much the member’s commi tmentto the agricultural land reserve and the commi tment to farming.

It’s incredibly important to our province as an economic driver. We need the agricultural land reserve in place in order to make sure that we have those opportunities. We are workingas quickly as possible. I know thatwe have a meeting booked with the Third Party in orderto letthem know whatwe heard duringthatconsultation. I look forward to the discussions. EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX IMPACTS AND IMPLEMENTATION M. Stilwell:The Society of Organized Serviceshas oper- ated in Parksville-Qualicum for over50 years.

On February 21, theirexecutive director, Susanna Newton, wrote to the Ministerof Finance: “The new payrolltax wouldcostus in excess of $43,000 over and above our current costs.Could you please confirm if this new payroll tax includes an exemption for B.C. non-profits and registered charities? If there is no exemption, this payroll tax will have a huge impacton ourability to maintain ourexisting programs and services.” The question to the minister, on Susanna’s behalf, is: will charities be exempt? Hon. C.

James: Again to the member, I’ve been taking the opportunity to be ableto work with not-for-profits,to work with charities, to have those discussions around the impact and the implementation. That’s why we’ve given a yearto be ableto look atthe implementation, and those responses will be coming shortly. Mr. Speaker: The memberfor Parksville-Qualicum on a supplemental. M. Stilwell:Well, I think it’s fantastic thatthe ministeris taking the time to consult.She’s nottaking time to respond to the email that Susanna wrote on February 21 and again on April10.

So she doesn’thave enough time to respond to a simple question. Will the minister respond today and tell whether non- profits will be exempt from the tax? Hon. C. James: I recognize the important work that’s being done. We’re having those conversations with individu- 4414 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

alnot-for-profitsand charities. We’re talking to groups and organizations across this province. That’s why we gave a year’s implementation. As I saidwhenI delivered the budget, we were taking the time to make sure that we accounted for the savings for groups and organizations that pay MSP, because they are having savings this year and next. The answer will be coming shortly. S. Cadieux: Well, it’s notjustnon-profits,of course, that have a limited ability to pay the NDP’s unexpected tax increase. It’s universities and colleges too.

George Davidson, the presidentof the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, says: “We should look at an exemption.” To the Ministerof Advanced Education, she mustbe hear- ing the same things that I am from these institutions and organizations. Has she conveyed these concerns to the Fin- ance Minister? Hon. C. James: In fact,I’ve been meetingdirectly with the universitiesand colleges,havingthose conversations, talking to them aboutthe savingsthatthey are having in ’18-19 and in ’19-20, how that getsapplied and how we take that into accountwhen itcomes to the employers health tax.Answers will be shortly. Mr.

Speaker: The memberfor Surrey South on a supple- mental. S. Cadieux: Post-secondary institutions are facing asig- nificantly largertax billwith the minister’s replacementof the MSP with the new higher tax. The additional cost for the University of Victoria alone is estimated to be atleast $2½ mi llion. Willthe ministerexemptuniversitiesand colleges, orwill they be forced to increase studentfees and cutprogrammin g to accomm odate? Hon. C. James: Once again, we see from the other side a long litany, a long list,of the kinds of travesties thatthey brought on to British Columbians.

Tuition doubled under the oldgovernment.That’s whatthey gave to post-secondary institutions, a doubling of tuition. [10:45 a.m.] Whatelse didthe othersidedo?The othersidedecided to cutand insistthatthere are tuition costsforadultbasicedu- cation, forEnglish language learning. We eliminated tuition forEnglish language learning and adultbasiceducation. Not only that, we are actually providing free tuition for former children in care so they can have success like every other child in this province.

A lecture from the other side about the kinds of things thatthey didis notsomething thatwe’re going to listen to on this side. Instead, we are going to make sure thatwe provide support for British Columbians and savings on MSP. We’re having conversations with universities and colleges, and the answers will be coming shortly. IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS S. Bond:Hardly a lecture; simply another question. Yesterday the FinanceMinisterfinally provided some clar- ity for municipalities. No relief for them from the MSP replacement tax. Let’s try for some additionalclarity today.

On September 24, the Minister of Education was asked if school districts should stay tuned for a potential exemption from the employer health tax. His response was yes. Well, now the B.C. SchoolTrusteesAssociation has passed amotion calling for new funding to fully cover the cost of the NDP’s new higher MSP replacement tax. To the Education Minister, school districts continue to wait.Willhe stand by his comm entthatschoolboards will soon receive an exemption? Hon. C.

James: Itwas studentsin British Columbiawho hadto wait16 years forthis governmentto end theirfight thatthey picked with teachers in British Columbia instead of funding education, 16 years where children didn’t get the supportsthey needed, where they were in largerclasses because of this government picking a fight with teachers. We are providing record levels of funding for education because we know how importantitis. We are having those conversations with school districts, and the answers will be coming shortly. Mr. Speaker: The memberforPrinceGeorge–Valemount on a supplemental. S.

Bond: As a former school trustee, as is the Minister of Finance, she knows full well that students in British Columbia have the mostexceptionaloutcomes in the world in terms of the work that’s done. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the question. S. Bond: The opposition has asked dozens of questions aboutthe NDP’s employerhealth taxon behalfof schooldis- tricts,municipalities, non-profits,smallbusinesses. The list goes on. The government, just like we see today, has been dismissive every singletime.

In fact,yesterday this Finance Ministerlooked municipalitiesin the eye and said theircon- cerns didn’t matter. No relief in sight for them. Today it’s notjustschooltrustees. The B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils has also passed a resolution calling on the ministerto ensure thatschooldistrictswillbe kept whole. Again to the Ministerof Education, willhe finally address the concerns of trustees and, now, parentsand fully fund the additional cost of the NDP’s surprise tax grab? Or will he continue to dismiss the concerns of parents and trustees? Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4415

Hon. C. James: If I were the otherside, I wouldn’tbe talk- ing about education funding, because we know the record. Everyone in British Columbia knows the record. Itwas des- pite this government, which is why students succeeded because of the quality teachers and administrators and sup- port staff in the province — because of their hard work. [10:50 a.m.] We are continuing to work with groups and organiza- tions. It’s why the payrolltax does notcom e into play until January 1, 2019. Justto give an example, the Sooke school districtofficials aren’tworried aboutcovering the costsof the new payrolltax.

They believe the elimination of m ed- icalservicepremiums willleave asmallam ountunderfun- ded, and I don’t think our district will have a hard time coming up with it. We recognize there are implementation issues.That’s why we’re taking the time to have those conversations. Decisions will be coming soon. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND FINE REVENUES T. Stone:To this point,we’ve yetto hearfrom the Minister of Municipal Affairs about the critical report on her gov- ernment’s employerhealth tax from herlargeststakeholder, the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Butyesterday the Finance Minister’s message to comm unities was very, very clear: she doesn’tcare. She doesn’tcare aboutthe impactsof the down- loading of millions of dollars onto the backs of local gov- ernmentsand localtaxpayers. She doesn’tcare thatproperty taxes are going to go up across this province. She doesn’t care that local services are going to be cut across British Columbia. Now the NDP has also advised British Columbians that they’re bringing back photo radar 2.0 to a comm unity near you. And the Finance Minister has already advised…. She has already advised…. Interjections. Mr.

Speaker: Members, thank you. We shall hear the question. T. Stone:Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Ministerof Financehas already advised the Union of B.C. Municipalitiesthatshe intends to claw back thatreven- ue from local comm unities too. My question to the Ministerof MunicipalAffairs is this: will she ensure that traffic violation revenue stays where it belongs — with municipalities? Hon. C. James: The member talks about municipalities and the challenge thatthey face.

We are continuing, as I said, to have conversations with charities and not-for-profits.As I said yesterday, it’s up to the municipalities how they deter- mine theirbudgets.Butif we take a look atthe netcostsin 2020, afterthe elimination of MSP premiums and the imple- mentation of the payroll tax…. If municipalitieswere to putthatentire burdenon house- holds, on residentialproperties…. Justa few examples.For example, in Duncan, thatwouldcostan average household, per year, 46 cents.In Kelowna, that wouldcost an average household $4.84 a year. In Lake Country, that would cost $1.43 peryear.

In MapleRidge, $10.50 ayear— that’s if they made the choice to put all of those costs onto municipal properties. When you are saving $900 a year as individuals and $1,800 a year as a family, you are better off in British Columbia. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. The member for Kam loops–South Thompson on a sup- plemental. T. Stone: Well, the ministerwouldvery likely geta ticket forspeeding. She drove rightpastthe question. The question was about photo radar. Interjections. T. Stone: Clearly, we’ve touched a nerve here. Photo radar2.0, coming to a comm unity nearyou — only under the NDP.

When the Attorney General recently introduced their photo radar program, he said…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, thank you. T. Stone:The Attorney Generalsaid that“itwas notarev- enue generation piece” and that“revenues from ticketswill go to local government.” [10:55 a.m.] In fact, traffic violation revenue has gone exclusively to municipalities for the past 13 years. But the Minister of Finance has m adeitvery clearthatshe’s going to grab this revenue.

Again to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the person who’s actually responsible for local government in this province: will she stop this needless NDP cash grab and ensure thattrafficviolation revenuesstay where they belong? And that’s with the municipalities. Hon. M. Farnworth:I thank the memberforthis oppor- tunity. I’d like to m ake two points. The first is that with local governments….They wellknow thatthere are changes in term s of how the red-light cam eras are going to operate. Whatwe have said is thatwe wantto talk to them because 4416 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

of the new changes, which require no additional coststo municipalities. We want to discuss with them where that additional revenue goes. We have indicated to them that there will be no change in the amountof revenue thatthey willcontinue to receive. There willbe no change. ButwhatI find really ironic,whatI find particularly interesting, is thatmemberoverthere using the term “cash grab” when they, when he was on this sideof the House, plundered ICBC for almost $1.3million. While we’re on the topic of cash grab, how about at B.C.

Hydro, where they took deferral accounts to a new level?They racked up, by plunderingHydro through deferral accounts, more than all of the other provinces combined. In terms of cash grabs, who can forget the doubling of MSP premiums under that government when they sat on this sideof the House? Who can forgetthe downloadingthat they placed on local government when they wouldn’t fund salary increases for teachers? Again, anothercash grab put onto the backs of hard-working British Columbians. Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Hon. M. Farnworth:Finally, thatmembershouldnottalk about speeding tickets. Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members. M. Morris:The ministerdoes as good a job in deflecting the question as aradardetectordoesin detectingradargoing down the road there. The NDP won’t say how much money they will rake in from the new photo radarprogram, butthey’ve already told municipalities they intend to claw back the revenue. The new employerhealth tax will already put the muni- cipality of Prince George on the hook for an additional $1.3 million nextyear, and now trafficviolation revenue of over$1.1 million willbe clawed back.

This putsprograms in Prince George, like the radar speed cameradisplay screens that we have in the high-traffic areas, at risk. To the Ministerof MunicipalAffairs, willshe admitshe’s made a mistake and stop her needless cash grab? Hon. M. Farnworth:I am a littlesurprised atthatques- tion coming from thatmember, because we’ve madeitreally clear that there will be no clawback of the revenue. More importantly, let’s look atwhatthe purpose of these red-light cameraactivations is all about. Frankly, I hope there’s no increase in revenue.

I hope thatthere’s no increase, because whatwe wantis peopleto startto pay attention, to startdriv- ing safely. [11:00 a.m.] I am sure thatthatm ember, when he was apoliceofficer, m ore than once had to go knock on the door of som e- body’s house and tellthem tragic news because som ebody had driven drunk, had sped through a red light or sped over a bridge at a very high speed and caused a tragic accident.That’s why those changes are taking place. That’s why it’s being done.

And if we don’t see a single cent of increased revenue butwe save lives because of that,I’llbe an extremely happy minister. [End of question period.] Tabling Documents Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, I have the honourto pres- ent a report intituled An Independent Audit of Executive Expenses at School District 61, from the Officeof the Aud- itor General. Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:In this chamber, I callsecond read- ing, Bill27, PillPress and Related EquipmentControlAct.In Commi ttee A, I callcontinued debate on the estimates of the Ministry of Children and Family. [L.

Reid in the chair.] Second Reading of Bills BILL 27 — PILL PRESS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT CONTROL ACT Hon. M. Farnworth:I callsecond reading of Bill27, intit- uled the Pill Press and Related Equipment Control Act. I move that the bill now be read a second time. It’s my pleasure to rise today to speak aboutBill27, the Pill Press and Related EquipmentControlAct.The proposed Pill Press and Related EquipmentControlActis partof a suite of publicsafety initiatives we are working on to address the opioid crisis.

This legislation is intended to help policeinter- dictthe illicitsupply of counterfeitpills by limiting who can lawfully own a pillpress or otherequipment used to make illicit pills. Beginning in 2012, British Columbia began to experience a significant increase in the numberof deaths due to illicit drugoverdose. The increased presenceof fentanylin the illi- citdrugsupply is correlated with the driving up of the num- berof overdose-related deaths to 1,446 for 2017, more than five times the number of overdose-related deaths in 2012.

Pillpressesare used in the production of pharmaceuticals, as wellas a numberof othergoods. In the wrong hands, pill presses can be used to make low-costfentanylinto counter- feitpills, such as fake oxycodone and Xanax,butquality con- trol is poor, leading to overdose and death. [11:05 a.m.] Not only are pill presses used to make counterfeit pills from fentanyl; they can also be used to make other dan- gerous, illicit pills, such as MDMA. In the case of fentanyl, Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4417

there’s a large profit motive for dealers to make counterfeit pills. Prior to this legislation, there had been no limits on who could own this equipment in B.C. Restricting access to pill presses is seen as a key tool to help interdict the supply of illicit drugs. The Pill Press and Related EquipmentControlActwilllimitwho can lawfully own a pillpress orotherlike equipmentsuch as encapsulat- ors or pharmaceutical mixers. This equipment is known as controlled equipment under the act. Those with a legitimate business or professionalpurpose for having controlled equipmentwillbe amongstthe group of authorized owners.

Authorized owners include those authorized under an enactment to manufacture drugs or naturalhealth food products,health professionals named in regulation or a licensed pharmacy. Those who are outsideof this group butwho have a legit- imate business requirementforthe equipmentcan apply for and be granted awaiverto be included amongstthe group of authorized owners. There is no intention to impedeaccess to this equipmentfor those with a legitimate business or pro- fessional need for it. There is no requirement to seek permission to acquire new equipmentfrom withinthe provinceorfrom outsideit.

Instead, the legislation permitsbuilding a registry of equip- ment through notifications to the registrar regarding own- ership of equipment as well as itsacquisition, sale, loss or destruction. Anotherfeature of this legislation is the requirementfor pillpress sellers to be registered underthe act.Registration willinvolve makingan application to the registrarand agree- ing to submit to a criminal record check. A registrarwillbe appointed underthe actto administer it.The registrar willbe given a numberof powers, includ- ing the ability to appoint inspectors and collect personal inform ation.

The registrar can register those who apply to be pill press sellers and will be able to grant waivers to those who need equipm ent for a business purpose not contemplated in the act. The legislation also creates authorities for information- sharingwith policeforthe purpose of administeringthis act, as well as with other jurisdictions with a like statute. Given thatwe are one of the firstjurisdictions in Canada to create this type of legislation, a key feature of the actwill be its flexibility.

The registrar will have authority to waive ormodify requirementsunderthe act,and there are regula- tion-making powers to addormodify equipmentorsetnew classes of persons who can be among the group of author- ized owners of the equipment. The actprovidesfora comprehensive listof offenceswith significantpenalties.A key exampleof an offenceis the pro- hibition regarding unlawfulownership, possession oruse of controlled equipment. The penalties are high, as they are intended to have a significantdeterrentvalue.

They include a maximum of a $200,000 fine fora firstoffence, a $350,000 fine for a second offence and a $500,000 fine for a third offence or six months’ jail time or both.

The key benefitsof the legislation include limiting own- ership of pillpresses and related equipm entto those who need it for lawful business or professional purposes; cre- ating a minim al administrative burden on lawful owners; authorizing policeto seize equipm entfrom those who are not authorized to have it, without waiting for it to be used by organized crime or drug dealers to m ake illegal pills; and setting high penalties intended to have signific- ant deterrent value.

The PillPress and Related EquipmentControlActshould be seen as one of many of the tools needed to be putin place for the publicsafety sector to address the opioid crisis. I’m pleased to open debate on this importantpieceof legislation. M. Morris:Looking atthe legislation, I dounderstand the impetus behind the introduction of this particularbill, butI do have some questions. I’llleave a lotof the questions for the commi ttee stage.

The frustrating thing for policeofficers and those that are investigating these kinds of offencesrightacross Canada is oftentimes we see duplications of various statutes, which leads to a littlebit of confusion when it comes to prosecu- tion, when it comes to search and seizure. You couldbe conducting an investigation undera federal statute, and allof asudden,there are some provincialimplic- ations involved here. So as we move forward through that,I willbe looking atthe possibilities of thatconfusion when it comes to the investigative level. [11:10 a.m.] WhatI referto….

The Controlled Drugs and Substances Actis the statute thatthe policeuse rightacross the country when they’re dealing with fentanyl, the importation of any kinds of illegalsubstancesordrugsthatwe have in the coun- try, including cannabis. We’llbe doing lotsof discussion on that in the days ahead, coming down the road here.

Section 7 of the federallegislation pretty much outlines a lotof the things thatthis legislation speaks aboutas well. It says:“No person shallpossess, produce, sell, importortrans- portanything intending thatitwillbe used (

a) to producea controlled substance, unless the production of the controlled substance is lawfully authorized; or (

b) to traffic in a con- trolled substance.” It’s a very broad

section that covers the possession of pillpresses or any otherdevicethatmightbe used in the production of those types of things. The act further goes on to describe the importation of those types of designated devices,and the pillpresses are a designated device underthe CDSA, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It says: “No person shall import into Canada a designated deviceunless they registerthe import- ation with the Minister.” One of the concerns I have with the legislation the way it’s written rightnow is the creation of asecond bureaucracy.

The lawfulimportation of the devicesby pharmacies,by any- body thatlegally uses those kinds of devicesto producepills or vitamins or whateverthe case mightbe…. There’s a fed- eralbureaucracy thatthey need to adhere to. They need to 4418 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

registerthe importation with the minister, and there’s alotof information that’s collected as a result of that. Now we’re creating a provincialbureaucracy as well. So the lawfulimportation…. You know, the pharm acy down the road brings this device in, registers itwith the federal governmentand now has to do ita second time to register underthe provinciallegislation here — increased bureau- cracy. I’m wondering whetherornotwe’llgetthe bang for our buck out of that.

The information they need to obtain, looking atthe sub- stance of the bill that’s before the House here right now, is much the same as the substance that’s in the federal legis- lation: the name of the person importing the device; the corporation name that’s registered within the province; the person’s address; the description of the designated device, including the modelnumberand serialnumber; the address where the devicewillbe located as wellas the streetaddress where it’s going to be delivered to; the name and address of the customs officewhere the importation is anticipated; and the anticipated date of the importation.

Once all that is gathered and collected, the minister receives the information, and he shall register the product and “provideproof of the registration to the person import- ing the…device.” Itgoes on furtherto talk aboutthe disclos- ure of information, the federal legislation. The federal legislation allows the minister to disclose to the Canada BorderServicesAgency allthe information that they collect, but

section 7 also authorizes the disclosure to policeservices across the province, so across the country. “The Ministeris authorized to disclose any information sub- mitted undersubsection (2) to a Canadian policeforceor a memberof a Canadian policeforce who requeststhe infor- mation in the course of an investigation under this Act.” Again, there are provisions to share thatinformation that’s collected in the registry by allthe various policedepartments in the country here.

So bureaucracy, added workload for legitimate users of this — and atthe end of the day, are we going to see asubstantialbenefitfrom the black market?The black marketis nevergoingto registerthese kinds of devices. They’re goingto try to smugglethese devicesinto Canada,as they have foryears and years already, as they do with allthe other types of illegal devices and drugs into Canada. There are already provisions underthis federallegislation to seizethose kinds of devicesduringthe course of an invest- igation. So again, a littlebitof duplication here.

It’s perhaps overkill, but we’ll see how it works out at the end of the day. [11:15 a.m.] The otherconcern thatI have withthis added bureaucracy and this second layeris the costof administering this partic- ularstatute, in this legislation now. I understand thatthere is already an entity in placethatwilllook afterthe registration of these products,butthey willrequire additionalresources for enforcement or follow-up, so there will be a cost to that. I’m also curious as to…. The federallegislation is relatively new. It was just passed in the House of Comm ons about a year ago, I believe.

There is relatively new legislation in Alberta that I don’t think has been tested yet, and we’re implementing this duplication of the federal legislation. I’m justwondering. There are goingto be challengesmade against the federal legislation, I’m sure. There will be chal- lenges madeagainst the Alberta legislation. And no doubt there willbe challenges madeagainstthe provinciallegisla- tion thatwe have in British Columbiahere, and thatis going to be added coststo ourcourtservicesand administration, as well as the enforcement of these kinds of things. Overall, we’re going to supportthe bill. Itcovers allthe bases.

There’s no question aboutit,Minister. Itdoes cover the bases, butI think it’s an added bureaucracy. I think it’s som ething thatis probably a littlebitpremature, pending the outcom e of the federal legislation and the challenges that it m ay see down the road. If there are weaknesses in the federal legislation, perhaps a request to the fed- eral government to am end the legislation — to address those weaknesses thathave been identified in this particu- lar legislation — is a good thing.

One of the weaknesses thatI see with the provinciallegis- lation — and I spoke aboutitbefore when we were in gov- ernment,whenI was in the chair— is the factthatit’s restric- ted to British Columbia, and we have no authority to dictate whathappens outsideof the boundariesof BritishColumbia.

I think thatby having thatblanket,effective federallegis- lation provides a greater tool, a greater opportunity, for policeofficers in British Columbia and rightacross Canada to curtail those kinds of activities, to seize those types of devices and hopefully reduce the amount of fentanyl and carfentaniland the othertypes of drugsthatare entering our system at ease through the production of all these pills. Atthe end of the day, it’s good legislation, it’s comprehens- ive legislation, butit’s aduplication of alotof the thingsthat are going on provincially and federally.

There are a lotof othertechnicaldetails withinthatlegis- lation thatI’llreserve for the commi ttee stage, butoverall, I think the minister’s staff have done a pretty good job of put- ting this together. We’lljustsee how itshakes outatthe end of the day, and what it’s going to cost taxpayers at the end of the day, and how much confusion it may present to law enforcementagenciestrying to separate the provincialfrom the federal types of legislation. S.

Furstenau: Bill 27, the Pill Press and Related Equip- ment Control Act, serves to restrict and regulate the own- ership, possession and use of equipment that can be used to mass-produceillicitdrugs.This equipmentincludesauto- mated pill presses, gelcap machines and pharmaceutical mixers. It does not, however, include manual hand presses and manual encapsulators, which do not have the capacity for mass production.

This legislation was one of the top priorities requested of the Solicitor General by law enforcement, and it stipulates that legitimate users of pill press equipment must register theirmachines and undergo a criminal record check. Sim- ilarly, those wishing to buy or sell a machine must be Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4419

registered. Illegitimate use of pill press equipment is thus criminalized with steep penalties invoked for offences and increased search and seizure power for police. This acthopes thatthese provisions willaddress the scale of British Columbia’s drug crisis. There were nearly 1,500 overdose deaths in B.C. lastyear, and fentanylwas detected in 81 percentof those deaths. The intentof this legislation is to providea means of interrupting drug circulation priorto its consumption.

Although this legislation offers a useful tool for law enforcement,itis essentialthatwe ask how we are going to create a massive suite of solutions to the opioid crisis that we facein our province. Crackdowns on certain aspectsof the manufacturing process willnotensure thatdrugsare no longermanufactured. Similarly, itwillnotdeterthe amount of drugs being imported into our province. [11:20 a.m.] Itis usefuland importantto address the drug crisis atits root.

This tabled legislation provides a top-down approach thatgives more strength to law enforcementand hopes that steep penaltiesforoffenceswillactas adeterrent,and this is agood step. More importantly, we shouldbe focused on why peopleare driven to participate in the illicit drug industry, and address the social and economic factors that influence their involvement in drug distribution and manufacture. Focusingon the equipmentalone overlooks the systemicand complex nature of the issue.

Whilewe are going to supportthis bill, and we see itas a step, let’s continue, as legislators, to focus where ouratten- tion is most needed. We need to recognize that the opioid crisis, the overdose crisis in this province, is linked to a far greatersocialproblemthatwe have and thatwe need to look atsolutions to address the rootof thatproblem,notjustthe symptoms. J.

Thornthwaite: I’m happy to be able to respond on second reading to Bill27, entitled the PillPress and Related EquipmentControlAct,which restrictsthe ownership, pos- session, use and saleof equipmentthatmay be used to make unlawfuldrugs.This is an attemptfrom British Columbiato crack down on pillpressesin abidto ease the ongoingopioid overdose crisis gripping our province. The memberfrom PrinceGeorge has already talked about what he’s going to bring up in the commi ttee stage, with regards to the technical issues that need to be addressed.

I thoughtthatI wouldmention things,similarto the member for Cowichan Valley…. I’m referring to the coroner’s report. There were 102 suspected drugoverdose deaths in Febru- ary 2018, this year. Itcomes to about3.6 deaths perday of the month. This has been an ongoing trend for a while— fourpeoplea day in this province. In total, there were just about1,500 deaths in the yearof 2017. This issueis notgoing away any time soon. As the memberfrom Cowichan hadmentioned, this does notgetto the rootof the problem — why peopleare using drugsto begin with and the pain they may be goingthrough.

Peoplewho cannotfind orreceive love in theirfamiliesorin theircomm unities need to find substitutes, and that’s where addictions come in. I read this book. It’s called In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Dr. Gabor Maté. I would recomm end for any- body to pick this up if they have any interestatallin m en- talhealth, addictions and recovery. He says thataddictions actually start in the wom b and that injection drug use, m ore often than not,arises in peoplewho were abused and neglected as young children. The addict, in other words, is not born but made.

His addiction is the resultof a situation he had no influence in creating. The prevention of substanceabuse needs to begin, actually, in the crib, and even before then, in the social recognition thatnothing is more importantforthe future of ourculture than the way children develop. And there has to be much more support for pregnant women. Butthere is hope. Peopleare resilient,and with the right help and treatment, recovery is possible, sustainable and attainable. We know, allof us know, many peoplethathave been and are going through recovery. Going on to whatthe Dr.

Gabor Maté has said, the only way they can escape drugaddictions is if theirpain is allevi- ated and theiremotions are broughtback to healthy balance so thatthey have time to think aboutit.Itrequires a com- plex, supportive social environment. [11:25 a.m.] Yes, we willbe supporting this bill. ButI implore this gov- ernmentto putabetterpriority on the prevention, the treat- ment and the continuum of care that leads to recovery so thatallpeoplewillbe ableto be treated with,and feel, respect in this province, and we won’t need this bill eventually. N.

Simons: I just rise to express my support for Bill 27, the PillPress and Related EquipmentControlAct.I acknow- ledge and respectthe words of my colleagues,who spoke to the issue of prevention and treatmentand allthe important ancillary acts that we take as legislators to address this. I would say that it is absolutely true: we need to be addressing the root causes. Those include poverty and abuse and exposure to circumstancesin life thathave cre- ated problems that are resulting in a person self-medic- ating.

But I would just say that while we address those issues, we also need to address som e of the other factors. Pillpresses are justone of the m any things thatwe can try to have som e control over. It’s like saying we know peoplespeed. It’s the behaviour thatneeds to change, butthatdoesn’tmean we focus only on the behaviourand stop doing the enforcement.We stillneed to take fulladvantage of the authority thatwe have to control the use of pill press manufacturing. I wouldsay thatitcouldbe characterized — this legisla- tion has been characterized — as duplication.

But I would say it’s redoubling an effortthatneeds to be done. We need to take all measures within our authority to address this extremely troubling trend in our comm unities. Knowing 4420 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

familieswho’ve lost loved ones, knowing peoplewho have been affected by overdose, knowing peoplewho have died from drug overdoses, I think, is the wind in the sails of the legislators to push them towards findingarange of solutions. I believe this to be one of those tools. We don’t have a lot of evidence to say what works com- pletely. We have examplesof thingsthatdowork. I’m pleased to say that our government has been at the forefront of addressing those by the establishment of a Mental Health and Addictions Ministry.

I think itreconfirms ourgovern- ment’s position when itcomes to mentalhealth and addic- tion, and itshows we are interested in afullrange of services for people who find themselves in a situation where their health is impacted by theirmentalhealth condition ortheir addictions. The Pill Press and Related Equipment Control Act is an important and necessary item, an ingredient in the list of ingredientsthatwe need to putinto the mix to address the opioid crisis in British Columbia. I wholeheartedly support this legislation. S. Gibson: I appreciate the opportunity to speak to this legislation.

I think we realizeit’s propitious thatthis legisla- tion comes before this House. Tragically, we wish itwere not necessary, but it is the case. As a matterof fact,if we look atthe numberof tragedies, fentanyltragedies,overthis yearand last,we see an ominous trend. As amatterof fact,VancouverCoastalHealth reports, in the lastfew weeks of April, streetdrugsathigherlevels of fentanylthan before.

We can see it’s 74 percenthigherthan the weekly average of the previous year. [11:30 a.m.] One of the tragedies, I feel, when I look at the need for this legislation, is thata huge number— 90 percent,tragic- ally — of folks die athome, suffering an overdose. Fourout of five were men, and halfthe victims were between the ages of 30 and 49. And 911 calls routed through the system report thatparamedicsresponded to 250 overdose calls in a week in comparing itto aprevious week. You can see thatthe total calls for service are dramatically rising.

So yes, we will be supporting this bill, butthere are some queriesthatprobably should be addressed. The federal government has a role in this enterprise as well. They’re watching over these machines, regulating the machines — tableting machines and encapsulators — since May of last year. They’ve been doing this for about a year. When I look at this, I wonder: is there going to be som e redundancy, a duplication of the regulations? It is som ething to bring to the government’s attention. I also wonderhow legitimate operators and policewillnavigate a new layerof the provincialbureaucracy.

If there are loop- holes that the provincial government wishes to address, that’s laudable indeed. A few technicalquestions. We see a trend, I think, a little bit,if I may make a note of concern. As we look atthe bill, you can see there’s a reliance on cabinetmaking decisions, makingsome changes,which perhaps is understandable. But the concern, of course, is thatwith anything like this, you’re going to get legislation being moderated or adjusted privately and less in the publicdomain, which may cause some concern.

This may also be explained by the relationship with the Third Party, butI don’tknow that.I’m justspeculating. Try- ing to have transparency and openness, I think, is desirable. My understanding is that this legislation is quite a bit more extensive and has more detail than a similar one in Alberta brought forward. I’ll be interested in knowing whether the minister had any kind of expectation that the Alberta experience would benefit us. What are the costs of administering the act? Has there been some plan to look atconvictions, arrestsand how those wouldbe budgeted for, in terms of the legalprocess?

Those lawful operators of the pill presses — how will they be affected? I know they have to registertheirequipment,but apparently, there’s no on-line procedure to register. So it looks like there’s going to be mail involved, which is a bit anachronistic.Willthey have to travelto comm unity centres such as Vancouver and Victoria? I don’t know about that. Thatseems notto be identified. Itmay be usefulforthe min- ister to investigate that. Records have to be kept.I think we understand the reason for that. But how long will they be required? Five years? Indefinitely? We don’treally know.

And verifications, the val- id permit — what constitutes that? There’s a black m arket here worth millions, probably tens of millions, and a lot of issues with identification, registries, permits. So with the criminality involved, this legislation, indeed, is timely. Butwhatkind of regulations will have to be developed? I guess the other question is: how will we deal with violators? It seems to be still som ething that needs to be honed. My summ ary is that I think government is on the right track with this. It’s understandable, unfortunate.

I mightadd thatin my own comm unitiesof Abbotsford and Mission, the two comm unitiesI representhere in the Legislature…. There is concern, as well, outsideMetro — indeed, provincewide. Yes, I think that we’ll feel comfortablewith this, notwith- standing some of the remarks I’ve made. I’ll close my remarks here. Deputy Speaker: Seeing no furtherspeakers, the minister closes debate. [11:35 a.m.] Hon. M. Farnworth:I want to thank the members for theircomm entsand the questions thatthe members across the way have posed. A numberof them we’llobviously deal with duringcommi ttee stage.

ButI justwantto make closing comm ents on some of the broader, general issues. The reason thatthis legislation has been broughtforward is because we do have a crisis here in British Columbia. There is a requirementfor additionaltools. The memberis Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4421

correct that the federal government did bring in legislation. One of the things we’ve done since becoming minister in this portfoliois…. In m eeting with the policeand m eet- ing with the RCMP, they identified som e significantloop- holesthatthey said really do need to be plugged, and that’s partof the genesis of this legislation. We didwork with the policeon this to identify whatthose loopholesare and how they can be plugged. That’s why I’m confident that they willbe ableto dealwith the issue on the federalsideof the provincial legislation, because they’ve had input in term s of where the issues are.

The otherissue thatgoes to some comm entsthe member justmadeis around…. The penalty system in this is adminis- trative as opposed to a criminalconviction. So the adminis- trative penalty is easierto do, and itcomes with asignificant financial deterrent. The comm entsfrom the memberfrom the NorthShore…. Absolutely, this is notintended to solve the crisis.

Thatis a very complexissue that requires significant investmentsin prevention and in treatmentand looking atdoing thingsdif- ferently than we have done in the past.That’s why the gov- ernmentcreated the Ministry of MentalHealth and Addic- tions to spearhead that fight and to lead that charge. Along with prevention, along with treatm ent, there is also that need to deal with the criminal element, the enforcement side of things, and that’s what this piece of legislation is intended to do. There are people in this province right now who are selling these things. They know what they are being used for.

They are preying on those with addictions. They are dealing in death, and they know it. All they care about is a profit. There have beenstories— we have seenthem in the media — where they advertise. They go on social media, because they know they weren’t able to be touched. They weren’t doing anything illegal. Even with the federal legislation, they’re stillableto do it,and that’s why this pieceof legisla- tion is intended to plug some of those loopholes.

I want to thank all members for theircomm entsin the second reading debate, and I look forward to being ableto dealwith the questions, legitimate questions thathave been asked by the opposition, at commi ttee stage. With that, hon. Speaker, I move second reading. Motion approved. Hon. M. Farnworth:I move thatthe billbe referred to a Commi ttee of the WholeHouse to be considered atthe next sitting after today. Bill 27, Pill Press and Related Equipment Control Act, read a second time and referred to a Commi ttee of the Whole House for consideration at the next sitting of the House after today. Hon. M.

Farnworth:I callsecond reading of Bill17, intit- uled the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018. BILL 17 — MOTOR VEHICLE AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 Hon. M. Farnworth:I move that the bill now be read a second time. Itis my pleasure to rise today to speak aboutBill17, the Motor Vehicle Am endment Act, 2018. This bill proposes am endmentsto the MotorVehicleActto address concerns that the legalization of non-m edical cannabis will negat- ively impactroadsafety in this province.

The changes pro- posed in this bill will establish foundational pieces of an administrative regime to deter, detectand sanction drivers in this province whose driving is affected by cannabis or other drugs. A key proposed change introducesa zero-tolerancerule with respect to the presence of THC, the psychoactive ingredientin cannabis, fordrivers in the graduated licens- ing program.

This m eans that new drivers who operate a m otor vehiclewith any presence of THC in theirsystem, as detected by way of federally authorized and approved drug-screening equipm ent,wouldbe subjectto an imm e- diate roadsidelicencesuspension, afine and driverpenalty points.The sam e is in placenow for any presence of alco- hol in these drivers.

These sanctions for new drivers would also trigger an automatic review of theirdriving record, resulting in a pos- sibledriving prohibition of up to six months fora firstcon- travention and requiring a driverto remain in a graduated licensing program for a much longer period of time. [11:40 a.m.] This change was a key finding from the province’s public and stakeholderengagement on cannabis regulation, and with itcomes a clear message. New drivers in this province mustcompletely separate alcoholand cannabis consumption from their driving or be prepared to face serious con- sequences.

A further key change in this bill wouldestablish a new 90-day administrative driving prohibition for drug-affected driving.

This change wouldauthorize a prohibition where a peaceofficerhas reasonablegrounds to believe thata driver operating a motor vehiclewhilehaving a blood drug con- centration thatwas equalto orexceeded a prescribed blood drug concentration, or a driver operating a motor vehicle whilehaving a concentration of alcoholand a drugthatwas equal to or exceeded both a prescribed blood alcohol and blood drug concentration, or a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicleis impaired by a drug or a combination of a drugand alcohol, as determined through an evaluation by a policedrug recognition expert,or a driverfailed or refused to comply with a demand madeby a peaceofficerunderthe Criminal Code.

This new 90-day prohibition is a key tool for police. It removes drivers from B.C. roads beyond the 24-hourperi- od currently permitted under the act. Moreover, police will be authorized to serve the prohibition concurrent with pursuing any charges for impaired driving underthe 4422 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Criminal Code. The final component of these proposed amendments seeks to modernize the Motor VehicleAct to harmonize it with the changesin federalBillC-46, which proposesacom- plete rewrite of the impaired driving and other transport- ation-related sections of the Criminal Code. The amend- mentsto harmonizewith BillC-46 includeupdating

section references to the Criminal Code contained throughout the MotorVehicleAct,creating an authority to prescribe motor vehicle–related Criminal Code offences by regulation, and otherconsequentialand housekeeping changes necessary to ensure consistency between federal and provincial law. I wantto m ake a few closing remarks aboutsom e chal- lenges related to the issue of drugsand driving. Itis som e- what rare to be standing before this House and speaking to proposed changes to provinciallaw thatare dependent on federallegislation thathas notyetpassed.

ButBillC-46, which proposes new impaired driving offences, as wellas new investigative tools and authorities for police, is still before the Senate of Canada. A further issue is the fed- eralcommi tm ent in respect of policetraining and equip- m ent. Discussions continue, and the details have not yet been finalized. With the legalization of non-medical cannabis looming, this is notan idealsituation. Itis also nota situation unique to British Columbia. Jurisdictions across this country are all rushing to address the monumental changes that are flow- ing from this legislation.

They are significant,and the time frame underwhich we are operating is extremely tightand has caused frustration not only for provinces but for law enforcement right across the country. Whilethis billrepresentsan importantfirststep in B.C. to address concerns about drugs and driving, the work must notstop here. Whatwe know aboutdrugsand theirimpair- ing effectson driving is going to evolve as new tools, techno- logy, researchand databecome available. There willsurely be case law thatwillimpactthe changes to the CriminalCode, as well as changes to provincial administrative regimes.

Withouta doubt,wheneverthere’s legislation of this nature, with the changes contemplated both federally and then that flow from the provincehavingto synchronizewiththe feder- al, you can betyourbottom dollarthere are goingto be many billable hours. I also know that support for policetraining and equip- mentwillcontinue to be a pressing topic with ourcounter- partsatthe federallevel. We view itas crucial. Itis an issue thatwe have raised in discussions with the federalgovern- mentand with ourfederaland provincialand territorialcol- leagues right across the country.

Accordingly, I know we can expectfurtherchanges in the near future that will buildoff of the foundational amend- mentsproposed in this bill. Drug-impaired driving is a seri- ous publicsafety concern. We believe thatthis firstphase of amendmentsstrikes the rightbalancebetween publicsafety and administrative fairness. And as we’ve learned from the decades-longstruggleto address alcohol-impaired driving, it is critical that we send a strong message right from the start.

We mustwork togetherwith ourfederalcounterpartsto ensure thatpolicehave the tools and resourcesthey need to keep roads safe and thatwe continue to educate the public aboutthe dangers of impaired driving, whetherby alcoholor by drugs. [11:45 a.m.] To thatend, the changesproposed in this billunderscore a simplebutimportantmessage thatallof us have aresponsib- ility to continue to deliver. When you choose to mix alcohol or drugswith driving, you’re putting yourlife and the lives of others at risk, and it is not going to be tolerated. M. Morris:I’ll be supporting this bill as well.

I know the ministerand his staff have done a lotof work on this. The IRP, or imm ediate roadside prohibition, program in British Columbia has been noted right across the coun- try forthe effectiveness. Sincethe time thatwe implemen- ted the legislation, when we were in governmentyears ago, there has been overa 50 percentreduction in the fatalities caused by impaired driving because of the effectiveness of this legislation. Itonly stands to reason thatitbe amended to reflectthe changes that are coming from the federal government.

I know the legislation is tied up in the Senate rightnow, and we’ve been waiting with bated breath for a long time. Ithas caused some consternation. So by amending the legislation now and preparing for the future…. Drug impairment is nothing new. Drug impairment has been around long before I retired from the RCMP and has caused fatalities and has caused complications. This recog- nizes that,and this gives ita littlebitmore teeth for police officers to address when they’re conducting theiractivities out on the road. The level of impairment.

There are a lot of technical things.As the ministerreferred to, there are stillalotof tech- nicaldetails thathave to be worked outas to whatconstitutes impairmentwithTHC. ButI go back to some basicskills that police officers have right across the country. When you’re driving down the road on patrol, you’re looking forthose vehiclesthatare weaving ordriving incon- sistently, thatare exhibiting some driving behaviourthatis warranting a second look. The policeofficers willnote that, and they willpullthe vehicleover, and there willbe astrong smellof alcoholemanating from the interior of the vehicle.

So they conductsome sobriety tests.They mighthave aroad- side screening device for alcohol, and they will determine thatthe person is impaired and subsequently carry on for- ward with their impaired driving charge. The same applied foryears with drugs.You pullsomebody over, and as soon as the door opens, the blue smoke comes wafting out of the interior of the vehicle, and the driver is obviously stoned. There is a series of sobriety teststhatthe policeofficerwillconducton thatindividual, butin addition to that, there is also….

Years ago the policeforcesacross Canada implemented a Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4423

drug recognition expert training program. I tell you from experience…. I was nevertrained to that level, but I know from experiencethatthese are very highly trained individu- als thatcan look atan individual, and aftermonitoring afew factors and conducting a series of tests,they can determine whetherthe person is high on THC oropiates orsome other type of drug. That’s on the impaired driving part. Go back to the office, getablood test,doademand under the Criminal Code, and you prosecute the person through thatprocess.

Whatwe’re talking abouthere is the imm ediate roadside prohibition and the 90-day suspension, which I think is definitely going to getthe attention of alotof drivers out there that take theirchances. So that’s where the drug recognition experts are going to be earning their keep. Right now I know there have been a number of devices thatare being tested for bodily fluids to determine the level of THC or the presence of THC in the system, as are other drugs.We justhave to determine whatthatlevelis.

Butthe drug recognition expertwillbe partand parcelto thatIRP decision so thatwe can say with certainty thatthatindividu- al is driving under the impairment of THC. The problem thatthe ministerwillbe facing, has already addressed and is already concerned aboutis the factthatwe don’thave near enough drug recognition expertstrained in BritishColumbiaoracross Canada.It’s goingto be an impact on our municipalities. It’s going to be an impact on the policeforces across Canada to ensure that these resources are trained.

Of course, as we take these peopleaway and train them, there are going to be vacancies.There willbe overtime costs.There will be an exponential increase in the costsof doing business as a police officer in British Columbia. [11:50 a.m.] I dolike the factthatthe ministerhas alluded to azero tol- eranceforTHC fornew drivers, much the same as the alco- holsideof that.I know there were some jurisdictions, I think perhaps New Zealand and Australia, thathadlooked atzero tolerance — period — for THC in the blood for driving.

I don’t know how that has settled at the end of the day and whetherthere have been some challengesthere thatwillpro- hibit them from going forward on that. The zero tolerance for new drivers is important. The otheraspectthatpoliceofficers are going to be wrest- ling with and the ministry willbe wrestling with is second- hand smoke. We might have a driver that says: “I’ve never touched the stuff. I don’tsmoke itmyself, buteverybody else in the carwas smoking itthatday.

I’m the designated driver.” It’s a littlebit different than alcohol, where if somebody in the back seatis drinking a beer, itdoesn’treally affectthe driver. Butnow we’ve gotsomebody in the back seatpuffing on amarijuanacigarette, and the driveris getting the benefit of thatas well. That’s anothertechnicality thatis going to be wrestled with as we move forward with the legislation. There will be some changes there. I recognize…. When we were still in government and I had the file, I was looking at that file, and I couldsee the problems associated with this file.

Probably it was a little bit….I appreciate the workloadthatthe ministerhas taken on afterI’d seen allof the early problems thatwere starting to surfacefrom that.Having said that,we willbe supporting the bill. There are acoupleof technicalthingsthatwe’llprob- ably talk about as we go through. I know we’d like to continue speaking on this, butnoting the hour, I move that we adjourn debate and reserve our right to speak again on this. M. Morris moved adjournment of debate. Motion approved. Commi ttee of Supply (Section A), having reported resolution, was granted leave to sit again. Hon. M.

Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. Motion approved. Deputy Speaker: This House, at its rising, stands adjourned until 1:30 this afternoon. The House adjourned at 11:52 a.m. Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Commi ttee of Supply ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT (continued) The House in Commi ttee of Supply (Section A); S. Chandra Herbert in the chair. The commi ttee met at 11:07 a.m. On Vote 18: ministry operations, $1,792,612,000 (continued). Hon. K. Conroy: Justbefore I start,we have some answers to some questions from yesterday thatI wantto give to the member.

A follow-up from yesterday is in response to the question abouthow many Indigenous children were placed in Indigenous homes. Of the 243 children thatwere placed for adoption last year, 114 children were Indigenous. As I mentioned, this is a preliminary numberas we finalizelast year’s adoption placementsinformation. Of that 114 num- ber, 28 percent, 32 of them, were adopted into Indigenous homes. Again, this is preliminary information. Then, on the number of children availablefor adoption, we’ve got updated numbers as of April. Yesterday we had them justuntilthe end of December.

As I noted yesterday, there were 1,260 children eligiblefor adoption during the 4424 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 8, 2018

fiscal year. As of April 9, 2018, there are 985 children who are availableforadoption. Of these children, 38 children are on proposalstatus, which means afamily has been identified and a plan is in place to have the child placed in their home. Then 242 children are in foster-to-adopt situations, and for 705 children, we are seeking homes. In some circum- stances,assessmentsare being completed as to the needs of the children so thatthey’re fully understood before a poten- tial home is identified. [11:10 a.m.] I also wanted to make sure I introduced staff today. I neglected to yesterday.

So Philip Twyford, ourEFO; Teresa Dobmeier, our ADM for service delivery; Cory Heavener, our ADM and provincial director of childwelfare; Denise Devenny, executive leadforIndigenous engagement;Cheryl May, ADM forpolicy and legislation; Catherine Talbott,our ED for strategic initiatives; Christine Massey, ourADM for early years and inclusion; and ourdeputy minister, Allison Bond. All are here to answer the members’ questions. L. Throness:Thank you to the minister for that update. I’m going to surrenderthe floor to the member for Prince George–Valemount for a question. S.

Bond: Thank you to my colleague for allowing me a few minutes to ask some questions. I want to speak with the minister about an issue that is incredibly important to peopleacross British Columbia, butcertainly in my partof the province as well. I’m hopeful the minister is aware of this file. There is a group of very dedicated people in Prince George, service providers and others, brought together with the leadership of someone I have enormous admiration for.

Sharon Hurd, who works with the Phoenix Transition Society, is a tireless workeron behalf of women, supporting them in our com- munity through Phoenix and many other ways. There is an opportunity for the Ministry of Children and Familiesto be apartnerin aprogram thatwouldhelp to sup- port women who have mental illness and addictions. Cur- rently there is a pilot project in Prince George called Har- mony House. Itbegan in 2017. It’s funded by the Vancouver Foundation. Itdoes offerservicesto pregnantand addicted women. However, there is significant need.

The reason that I’m here in front of this minister is because, apparently, the Ministry of Children and Families owns several buildings that this particular group of people wouldvery much like to see repurposed. In fact, the letter was sent to the minister in April. I’m going to quote from that letter: “There is a placein Prince George that couldopen the doors almost imm edi- ately if the Ministry of Children and Familiesand the gov- ernment are willing to work with this comm unity group. It is the youth containment centre and Bowron House on the property. A group of us have requested a tour.

Bowron House sitsnextto the youth containmentcentre.” I won’tgo into those specific details. First, is the minister aware of the request and the fact thatthe m essage being conveyed back to these individuals is thatthe ministry is notinterested in repurposing those buildings? [11:15 a.m.] Hon. K. Conroy: I thank the member for the question. The ministry is very interested in repurposing. In fact,we’ve hada numberof requestsfrom a numberof differentagen- ciesin the comm unity, as wellas from differentgovernment ministries, that have expressed interest in using, especially, Bowron House.

I’d be happy to discuss this furtherwith the memberwhen we can plan a time. S. Bond:I appreciate the minister’s response, and I appre- ciate her willingness to look at this. There is an absolute demand for additionalservicefor women in northern Brit- ish Columbia. As I’m sure the minister is aware, we are the home of Baldy Hughes, which provides a therapeutic environment and treatmentformen. I have visited there many times, and I am an incredible supporter of that program. I’m encouraged that the minister wouldmeetwith us.

I would only reflect on, first of all, the incredible group of peoplewho are interested in this proposal. I wouldask that the ministerlook atthe letter. Itwas laid outvery clearly in terms of a potential use for the facility. I guess I wouldlike to justlook ata potentialexampleof that.In View Royal, there is currently a repurposing under- way. It was a youth detention centre there — looking at exactly a similar type of program for youth, in this circum- stance. So I think itisn’tunprecedented, and I think there are role models that exist. I know the group is feeling somewhat frustrated.

They have written to the Premier, to everyone they couldthink of, to actually talk about meaningful service, an expansion of programs where there are very, very exceptionalprofession- als who could help provide support. I wantto be very cognizantof my colleague’s time and the need he has to finish the questions. So with that,I’llthank the minister.

I wouldhope that there wouldbe an effort to reach out to the organization, particularly through Sharon Hurd, to have meaningfulconversation abouta building that’s sitting empty and that with relatively little renovation, could provide enormous supportto women who are struggling in northern B.C. I appreciate the minister’s time and herinterestin this file. L. Throness:I want to continue talking about adoption and foster care in the last half-hour I have, because that really liesat the heart of what the ministerdoes. I want to bring back something that she said yesterday.

I’m happy that the backlogis not larger than it was last year, although I’d point out that April 9 is a week afterthe Tuesday, May 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4425

end of the fiscalyear, which is the usualway of countingstat- istics,so probably itwas in herinterestto doso. I’llbe inter- ested to see whatitwas as of March 31, when the perform- ance report comes around. The ministersuggested yesterday thatFirstNations really don’twantadoption as much as we thought,which implies thatshe can relax on adoption, and thatmightexplain why adoptions are down 20 percentthis year. I don’tthink that’s really acceptable.

I wantto quote to hera recomm endation of the Ed John report,which said this: “MCFD develop, in partnership with Indigenous comm unities, a provincial adoption awareness and recruitment strategy that includes a specificfocus on recruiting more Indigenous adoptive parentsfrom the com- munities of origin of the Indigenous children in care.” How is the ministerdoingon this recomm endation? What is she doing about that? [11:20 a.m.] Hon. K. Conroy: In October 2017, a recruitment cam- paign was launched to gain more Indigenous adoption homes.

Itwas directly in response to Grand ChiefEd John’s report — specifically, recomm endation 46, which says: “MCFD to develop, in partnership with Indigenous com- munities, a provincialadoption awareness and recruitment strategy that incl

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20180508am-Hansard-n130
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20180508am Hansard n130
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	6041e012ec0d6aef5cc29d0476ef1f673a387787

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