Second Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Monday, March 9, 2026

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 136

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Statements

Similkameen Sparks Basketball Team Provincial Championship

Donegal Wilson

Introductions by Members

Statements

Kalle Eriksson Achievements at Milano Cortina Paralympic Games

Scott McInnis

Introductions by Members

Introduction and First Reading of Bills

Bill 12 — Safe Access to Schools Amendment Act, 2026

Hon. Niki Sharma

Bill 13 — Safe Access to Places of Public Worship Act

Hon. Niki Sharma

Bill M236 — Health Professions and Occupations Repeal Act

Anna Kindy

Bill M237 — Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2026

Sheldon Clare

Members’ Statements

International Women’s Day and Support for Vulnerable Women

Amshen / Joan Phillip

Networks Ministries

Larry Neufeld

Public Libraries in Kootenay-Monashee

Steve Morissette

Cameryn’s Cause for Kids Society

Anna Kindy

Pacific Gateway and National Economy

Paul Choi

Process for First Reading of Bills

Bruce Banman

Oral Questions

Affordable Housing and Community Housing Fund

Trevor Halford

Hon. Christine Boyle

Management of B.C. Housing Units

Claire Rattée

Hon. Christine Boyle

Permitting Process for Local Projects

Jeremy Valeriote

Hon. Randene Neill

Provincial Sales Tax and Support for Small Business

Gavin Dew

Hon. Ravi Kahlon

Crime in Communities and Action on Community Safety

Gavin Dew

Hon. Nina Krieger

Provincial Sales Tax and Support for Small Business

Reann Gasper

Hon. Brenda Bailey

Kristina Loewen

Hon Chan

Hon. Ravi Kahlon

Bruce Banman

Budget Priorities and Expansion of Provincial Sales Tax

Peter Milobar

Hon. Brenda Bailey

Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 2 — Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2026 (continued)

Sheldon Clare

Hon. Randene Neill

Rosalyn Bird

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson

Brennan Day

Hon. Ravi Kahlon

Peter Milobar

Bill 10 — Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2026

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside

Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room

Committee of the Whole

Bill 7 — Post-Secondary International Education (Designated Institutions) Act

Korky Neufeld

Hon. Jessie Sunner

Lawrence Mok

Proceedings in the Birch Room

Committee of Supply

Estimates: Ministry of Education and Child Care (continued)

Heather Maahs

Hon. Lisa Beare

Jeremy Valeriote

Estimates: Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs

Hon. Christine Boyle

Linda Hepner

Monday, March 9, 2026

The House met at 1:33 p.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Lynne Block : Yesterday when I came into the House to get organized, I was pleased to see so many

young people being escorted and having a tour of the Legislature. It was our interns

from both sides of the aisle.

I’d like to introduce — and I’d love them to stand — all the interns from Washington

state who are here to observe how we do business.

Please stand.

Hon. Niki Sharma : It’s with great pleasure that I introduce what is called a wisdom of faith leaders

— when you have a lot of faith leaders together, it’s called a wisdom; we learned

that today — who are joining us in the House. I’m so grateful for them being here.

We have Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria Hindu temple, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Khalsa

Diwan Society of Vancouver and Victoria, Victoria multifaith council, Chabad of Vancouver

Island — if Rabbi Kaplan is somewhere up there, it’s his birthday today, so we can

all wish him a happy birthday while we’re welcoming him — the Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter Day Saints, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria masjid and B.C. Muslim Association,

and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

Thank you so much for joining us here today and all the work that you do every day.

[1:35 p.m.]

Statements

Similkameen Sparks Basketball Team

Provincial Championship

Donegal Wilson : On Saturday, the Similkameen Sparks from the Keremeos elementary secondary school

defeated the St. John’s School Eagles 75-63 at the Langley Events Centre, winning

their first provincial championship since 2001.

They defeated the top seed champion for the gold-medal game, capturing the fourth

provincial title in program history.

I’m very thankful and very proud of them. Go, Sparks!

Introductions by Members

Hon. Kelly Greene : I’d like to introduce two of my constituents today, Lisa and Patrick Fisher.

Lisa and Patrick — I met them back in 2015, when together we were parents fighting

to keep schools open in Richmond. Since then, they’ve been dedicated volunteers for

me over a number of political campaigns. The most important thing that everybody needs

to know is that they are my dear friends, and I am so honoured to have their friendship.

Will the House please honour them and welcome them today.

Statements

Kalle Eriksson Achievements

at Milano Cortina Paralympic Games

Scott McInnis : What a start to the Paralympic Games for Team Canada in Milano and Cortina.

Special shout-out. Our first medal was won by Kimberley’s Kalle Eriksson, in the visually

impaired men’s downhill, as a silver. I also just learned, messaging with Kalle, that

this morning he also won a bronze medal in the visually impaired super-G.

Kalle has been a real story of resilience. He only started to lose his vision a couple

of years ago. And on top of that, with a major knee surgery….

I’m just so proud of him — he’s a former student of mine — and so happy for his family.

Would the House please congratulate Kalle and all the Paralympic athletes.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Diana Gibson : I want to take the time today to welcome the Victoria Bengali Cultural Society.

They’re dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Bengali culture.

We have today Shaibal Datta, Tapati Datta, Rajib Das, Shobnam Sultana, Arjun Banik

and Anirban Mandal.

I can speak from personal experience about the incredible richness of the cultural

events that they host — the cultural teachings and learnings, the dance, the music

and the sharing of history that makes our region so rich and diverse. So thank you.

Claire Rattée : I don’t get the opportunity very often to introduce people — my riding is pretty

far away — but I’m really, really happy that today I have some family here in the

audience.

I’ve got my sister and my brother-in-law, Tessa and Gabriele Desantis. They’re leaving,

and they are moving to Italy very soon, so I’m really glad that they got the opportunity

to come here and see me speak before they leave.

I also have my cousins Jamie and Matthew Rattée as well as Kate, Matthew’s girlfriend,

and they’re here all the way from the U.K.

It’s really nice to have them in the audience today, and I appreciate them making

the trip out here and wanting to come and see me speak. So I promise I’ll be on somewhat

of my best behaviour today.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Will the House please join me in wishing former MLA and Cabinet Minister Jan Pullinger

a very happy birthday.

She’s the first woman ever elected provincially to represent Nanaimo. She held cabinet

positions, including small business, cooperatives and volunteers, social development

and economic something. From 1989 to 2001, she represented both in cabinet and representing

Nanaimo.

Will the House please wish her a very happy birthday.

Steve Kooner : Today we have staff members from 1200 AM Radio Swift — Jinny Sims, host, as well

as Kulwant Dhesi, the owner of the radio station — in the House.

Can you please give them a welcome.

Hon. Christine Boyle : Today in the gallery we have guests from the Canadian Home Builders Association.

CHBABC is here in Victoria to advocate on behalf of members to reduce the cost to

build more homes, reduce barriers to more housing choices and streamline approvals.

I gather there are about 25 folks in the room, so rather than reading all the names,

maybe I’ll ask folks to stand up.

[1:40 p.m.]

In particular, I want to mention the government relations chair, Tom Calne. This is

his last big advocacy event before he steps down after nearly three years serving

in the role.

Thank you, Tom.

Please will the House join me in making folks feel welcome.

Linda Hepner : I want to, as well, welcome the Canadian Home Builders Association. I had a chance

this morning to have a conversation and then a longer conversation with the fireside

chat.

I do appreciate the association coming here on their advocacy days, and I hope that

this side of the House will also give a very warm welcome.

Hon. Ravi Parmar : I want to build off of my colleague from Richmond-Queensborough’s introduction and

introduce someone who I don’t think really needs an introduction. She’s a former Member

of Parliament and, prior to that, former president of the B.C. Teachers Federation

and former MLA from Surrey and Minister of Citizens’ Services.

She was my first boss when I started in this place. It’s just so fitting the day after

International Women’s Day for me to be able to welcome to the House someone who I

hold in the highest regard, someone who has broken so many glass ceilings and now

is a famous radio host from Surrey. She’s done it all.

Please join me in welcoming Jinny Sims on the floor here.

Á’a :líya Warbus : It is a very momentous month in our household and in our family. In March, we have

my brother Lewis Point’s birthday; my daughter Starling Warbus, who turned six on

International Women’s Day; my late nephew Geoffrey Point, who we love and miss dearly;

my sister Christine Seymour; and my mom, Gwen Point.

They all decided that March was going to be their month. They’re all very special

to me. They keep me grounded and remind me every single day why I wanted to be elected.

I come here to share the voice of my community and those very important perspectives.

To all of you, thank you for everything, for always being by my side, and happy birthday.

Exciting month.

Darlene Rotchford : I have some constituents in the House today, so I would like everyone to help them

feel welcome. I have David and Judy McCoy here today as well as their grandson Liam

Waters.

Hopefully we can all make them feel welcome.

Gavin Dew : I rise to acknowledge my constituent Raghwa Gopal, his wife, Sarita, and their entire

team for another successful Bollywood Gala in Kelowna this Saturday. Through the Gopal

Foundation, they have now helped raise more than $1 million for charitable causes

across British Columbia, and this year’s gala supported the Central Okanagan Food

Bank.

Saturday’s event also helped lay the cornerstone for the $5.5 million food rescue

transformation centre, an innovative long-term solution to food insecurity in our

region.

I thank everyone involved for their generosity, leadership and service, and I hope

that, in due course, government will step up to support this worthy food security

initiative.

Hon. Christine Boyle : I understand that there are also guests in the House from the B.C. Real Estate Association.

I had notes that they were coming tomorrow, but I think we have quite a few guests

today and tomorrow. I was honoured to join them for lunch today.

Will the House join me in making them feel welcome.

Korky Neufeld : It’s always nice when your spouse comes to spend the week here in Victoria.

I’d like everybody to welcome my wife, Cynthia, to the House, please.

Also, I heard through the rumblings that it’s Fraser-Nicola’s birthday, the member

for Fraser-Nicola. We’re not sure what age he is, but he’s looking younger every day.

Wish him a happy birthday.

Mable Elmore : I have the pleasure of introducing 32 Washington state legislative interns who are

visiting from Olympia today.

They are here as part of an annual exchange between our two internship programs in

Washington state and British Columbia. And we’re so happy that this tradition continues.

This is their 21st visit to our parliament.

[1:45 p.m.]

As part of the Washington state internship program, their interns work for members

of the House of Representatives or senators while earning academic credit from colleges

and universities around the state,

whereas B.C.’s legislative interns have already

graduated from a Canadian university.

This morning they met with several Members of the Legislative Assembly to learn about

our parliamentary system and discuss issues of importance to both of our jurisdictions.

They are accompanied by Louis Lindstrom, the deputy civic education director, and

Ady Schafer, the assistant civic education coordinator for the Washington state Senate.

Would the House please make them feel very welcome.

Jeremy Valeriote : I’m going to tag along on the Canadian Home Builders Association and introduce my

friend and constituent Alex Tavuchis, who can only be properly introduced in this

accent, intended most respectfully.

George Anderson : In the gallery today, we have Dr. Daegan Sit, a radiation oncologist at B.C. Cancer.

He completed his radiation oncology fellowship at Stanford.

His research includes stereotactic body radiotherapy, immunotherapy and usage of artificial

intelligence in clinical settings. He has had 30 publications and has been cited 503

times. Wow.

On that note, I also get to say he’s a good friend of mine. Very happy to have him

in the House today.

I hope the entire House will make Dr. Sit feel very welcome.

Ian Paton : My wife, Pam, is here today. She doesn’t make it over that often. She’s not actually

in the gallery, but she’s enjoying watching QP from my office television.

Pam’s a very motivated and busy person in the riding of Delta South. She’s the past

chair of the Delta Hospital Foundation, among other things — looking after our farm,

looking after her horses.

I actually forgot to mention, what a Christmas present…. Over Christmas, on December

17 and 21, we had two new grandbaby boys born, and that brings us to seven grandchildren.

Please make Pam welcome.

Hon. Diana Gibson : We have some young people with us today in the House. We’ve got St. Patrick’s Elementary

School grade 5s and their teacher Lauren Crisp.

Would the House give them a very warm welcome.

Jennifer Blatherwick : I would like to acknowledge the members of the Ribbon Community, who came to visit

us here on the precinct today.

They were formerly AIDS Vancouver, and for decades they have been advocating for people

living with HIV in British Columbia and continuing to fight for better access to testing

and education throughout British Columbia. Their work is incredibly difficult, and

their stories that they shared with us today were powerful.

Thank you so much for spending time with us today. And I raise, especially, in my

heart Daphne, who shared her personal journey.

Hon. Anne Kang : I’d like to welcome to the House today Sarah Chown, executive director of Ribbon

Community; and Daphne Harry, committee member; and Wayne Campbell of GIPA and MEPA,

the program coordinator with Ribbon Community.

They are here in connection with In My Day , a powerful play by Victoria playwright Rick Waines that tells the story of the first

15 years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in British Columbia. Inspired by a community-based

University of Victoria research project, it brings to life true stories of long-term

survivors living with HIV and their caregivers, highlighting the experiences of diverse

voices and honouring the resilience of communities during a time marked by loss, fear

and stigma.

Showing begins March 12 to 21, 2026, at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre here in Victoria.

Will the House please join me in welcoming Sarah, Daphne and Wayne to the Legislature.

[1:50 p.m.]

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

Bill 12 — Safe Access to Schools

Amendment Act, 2026

Hon. Niki Sharma presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor: a bill

intituled Safe Access to Schools Amendment Act, 2026.

Hon. Niki Sharma : I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce the Safe Access to Schools Amendment Act, 2026. This bill

effectively extends the act from its current repeal date of July 1, 2026, to July

1, 2028. The purpose of this legislation is to preserve safe access to education by

protecting students and staff from harmful and disruptive behaviours at or around

K-to-12 schools.

It allows the Lieutenant Governor in Council to establish access zones around K-to-12

schools through regulation. Within an access zone, certain forms of harmful and disruptive

prohibited behaviour.… These prohibitions are designed to protect students and staff

from the negative impacts of protests that regrettably became an increasing problem

at our K-to-12 schools before this act was first passed.

While the number of disruptive incidents has decreased since this legislation was

first enacted, the need for protection of schools, students and educators continues.

I’m pleased to say that the act is having a meaningful deterrent effect. By clearly

defining unacceptable behaviours and establishing consequences for engaging in them,

it discourages individuals and groups from bringing harmful disruptions to school

environments in the first place.

The presence of access zones signals that harassment, intimidation and obstruction

will not be tolerated around schools. This is helping to prevent incidents before

they arise and contributing to overall confidence in school safety.

Keeping the act in place for two more years will preserve an important deterrent that

helps prevent harmful disruptions before they occur. This extension upholds our commitment

to safe learning environments and will ensure that students, staff and families can

continue to access educational programs free from obstruction, intimidation or harm.

The Speaker : Members, the question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Hon. Niki Sharma : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill 13 — Safe Access to Places

of Public Worship Act

Hon. Niki Sharma presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor: a bill

intituled Safe Access to Places of Public Worship Act.

Hon. Niki Sharma : I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce the Safe Access to Places of Public Worship Act. The purpose

of this bill is to ensure safe and unobstructed access to places of worship by protecting

people from harmful or disruptive behaviours around those spaces.

This legislation would allow qualifying places of worship that want to take advantage

of these protections in the legislation to post required signage, ensuring the public

has clear notice of where restrictions apply. Within these zones, specific disruptive

or harmful behaviours are prohibited. These measures respond to the growing issue

of disruptions directed at places of worship and people attempting to access those

places of worship.

People in our province — whether they attend a gurdwara, church, synagogue, mosque

or temple — deserve to access their place of worship without fear. These are spaces

that offer connection, comfort and belonging. Disruptions in these places do more

than disturb activities. They erode people’s sense of safety and community.

To ensure that this legislation remains focused and proportionate, it includes a four-year

sunset clause, allowing the Legislature to reassess the need for these measures over

time.

Most British Columbians respect the importance of allowing others to access their

place of worship without fear. The increasing frequency and intensity of disruptive

behaviour makes it clear that additional measures are needed. This bill provides responsible,

balanced and time-limited responses to protect the safety and well-being of people

attending their chosen place of worship.

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

Motion approved.

Hon. Niki Sharma : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill M236 — Health Professions and

Occupations Repeal Act

Anna Kindy presented a bill intituled Health Professions and Occupations Repeal Act.

Anna Kindy : I move that a bill intituled Health Professions and Occupations Repeal Act, of which

notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first

time now.

[1:55 p.m.]

I am pleased to introduce the Health Professions and Occupations Repeal Act. Health

care is the single-biggest expense in the B.C. budget. Despite this, reports of long

wait times due to lack of health care workers and insufficient facilities lowers the

public’s confidence in health care.

The NDP government is implementing the HPOA act. Most professionals and the public

are not aware of this. This act will not bring more doctors or nurses or any of our

much-needed front-line health care providers to B.C. and will not decrease wait times.

Instead, this act will control our front line to practise more defensively and bring

greater distrust between health care providers and patients.

This act removes the self-regulation of health colleges, as the government will appoint

all college board members. More bureaucracy will be created by adding an office of

discipline and a superintendent’s office to control the colleges and their members.

This added bureaucracy is all appointed and will only increase costs.

The new regulatory framework grants power to enter a health care provider’s premises

to inspect, search or copy any personal or confidential information. This will erode

public trust and privacy. Health care providers who breach regulations face potential

fines and/or jail time. This will mean statutory immunity for regulatory colleges

but no review or appeal for health care workers.

In addition, there will be no protection from frivolous complaints, as registrants

will be considered guilty until proven innocent. Why would any doctor or nurse come

to B.C. knowing that this act does not occur anywhere else in Canada? Some will retire

early, change their practice or leave B.C.

We cannot afford to lose any more health care workers. That is why I am proposing

to repeal the Health Professions and Occupations Act as is written.

The Speaker : Members, the question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Anna Kindy : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill M237 — Insurance (Vehicle)

Amendment Act, 2026

Sheldon Clare presented a bill intituled Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2026.

Sheldon Clare : I move that a bill intituled Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2026, of which notice

has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first time

now.

On April 25, 2023, Chantelle Sutton was in a motorcycle accident which cost her a

leg at the hip. Most people would recognize this as a catastrophic injury. It occurred

on Highway 97, just south of the Quesnel River Bridge, which you’ve heard me sing

about in this House.

The bill is a simple one. It’s not complex. I would hope that this House would provide

broad support for it.

In clause 1, it would extend the time period within which an individual can make a

claim for benefits in respect of a catastrophic injury. In clause 2 — this is the

key part of the bill — it would reduce the number of amputations for an insured to

sustain a catastrophic injury, from two to one or more.

That is my bill, and I hope that it will receive broad support. It is simple. I think

it’s elegant. I thank the Clerk’s office for their assistance in composing this. That

is my bill, and that is all I have to say at this time. Thank you, and I so move.

The Speaker : Members, the question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Sheldon Clare : I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Members’ Statements

International Women’s Day and

Support for Vulnerable Women

Amshen / Joan Phillip : I rise today to celebrate International Women’s Day and the amazing women and femmes

in my constituency and beyond — women like my constituency adviser Sylvia Wu, who

is a strong advocate for our constituents and a trusted contact for many within the

Chinese community — thank you, Sylvia — and women like Alice Kendall, the executive

director of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. For over 30 years, Alice has been

a tireless champion for women’s rights and safety across Vancouver and the Downtown

Eastside.

[2:00 p.m.]

Nearly half of women in British Columbia face or will face intimate-partner violence.

The women’s centre offers vital supports for these vulnerable women. By providing

meals, safe washrooms and skills development, they are key to our community. Alice

recently organized the women’s centre Herstory fundraising gala, raising more than

$180,000 to support vulnerable women.

Housing is the number one concern that we hear about from women in the community.

That’s why we continue to push to create more quality, affordable places for families

to live. Our government created the women’s transition housing fund so that women

and their children have safe places to go when leaving abuse.

We know there’s much more to do, and we won’t stop until everyone is safely housed

and has a place to call home. Huy ch q’u siem.

Networks Ministries

Larry Neufeld : Over the Christmas break, my wife and I had the opportunity, in my beautiful riding

of Peace River South, to do some volunteer work at a very important organization,

a not-for-profit organization in Dawson Creek. That organization is named Networks

Ministries.

For more than three decades, Networks Ministries has been a place where both compassion

and community come together. What began as a small, local effort has grown into a

vital organization that provides food, clothing and essential household items to individuals

and families facing difficult circumstances.

In a community like Dawson Creek, we understand the importance of neighbours helping

neighbours. At Networks Ministries, that spirit is visible every single day. Dedicated

staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who walks through their

doors is welcomed with dignity, respect and kindness.

For someone facing financial hardship, an unexpected setback or simply a difficult

season in life, the support they provide can make a real and immediate difference.

Beyond meeting practical needs, Networks Ministries also helps restore a sense of

stability and hope for people working to get back to their feet.

Their work is made possible by the generosity of the community. Volunteers give their

time. Local businesses offer support. Residents step forward to help ensure help is

available when it is most needed.

I ask all members of this House to join me in recognizing the staff, volunteers, donors

and community partners who make the work of Networks Ministries possible, because

organizations like Networks Ministries remind us of something important: the true

strength of a community is measured not only by what we build but by how we care for

one another.

Public Libraries

in Kootenay-Monashee

Steve Morissette : I’m pleased to rise today to speak about some valuable community assets in my riding

and, indeed, in every riding.

I recently had the opportunity to visit four of our libraries in Kootenay-Monashee

as well as to visit the Cherryville Library last summer. I was struck by just how

vibrant, welcoming and well used they are. These libraries do so much more than lending

books. They’re inclusive community spaces where people of all ages can learn, connect

and feel a true sense of belonging.

For our youngest residents, these libraries spark a lifelong love of reading through

storytimes, early literacy programs and family activities that bring parents and children

together. For students and teens, they provide quiet study spaces, homework support,

digital resources and programming that encourages curiosity, creativity and confidence.

[2:05 p.m.]

Adults and seniors also benefit enormously. From author talks and book clubs to technology

training, online access to social programs, language learning and lifelong learning

opportunities, these libraries help people stay engaged and connected in a rapidly

changing world. They’re also trusted places where neighbours meet. Community information

is shared there, and people can simply enjoy a welcoming public space.

What truly stands out is the dedication of staff and volunteers who make these libraries

such vibrant hubs. These libraries demonstrate the very best of what public libraries

can be: inclusive, innovative and deeply rooted in their communities. They strengthen

social connections, support learning at every stage of life and enrich quality of

life across Kootenay-Monashee. I thank everyone involved for the invaluable work they

do every single day.

Cameryn’s Cause for Kids Society

Anna Kindy : I am honoured to recognize an extraordinary organization in the community of Campbell

River, British Columbia — Cameryn’s Cause. Cameryn’s Cause provides financial assistance

to families facing one of life’s most unimaginable challenges: when a child is suffering

from a life-threatening illness or a serious injury, or when a family is grieving

the heartbreaking loss of a child.

The organization was founded in honour of Cameryn Harris, a bright and beloved three-year-old

who tragically passed away from a brain tumour. Since its founding in 2007, Cameryn’s

Cause has provided more than $600,000 in direct support to over 400 families in Campbell

River. The organization has also helped fund important medical equipment at the local

hospital and strengthened care for families across the region. Beyond the numbers,

what Cameryn’s Cause truly provides is dignity, relief and support at the moment when

families need it most.

One family who received support after the loss of their daughter shared these words:

“The generous gift from Cameryn’s Cause extended far beyond financial assistance.

It gave us the dignity and grace to make those heartbreaking decisions about our daughter’s

final arrangements without having to ask how much something costs.” Cameryn’s Cause

reminds us that even in the face of profound loss, communities can come together to

support families when they need it most.

I ask all members of this House to join me in recognizing the volunteers, supporters

and the Harris family for their incredible work and lasting legacy in Campbell River.

Pacific Gateway

and National Economy

Paul Choi : In today’s world, economic security is national security. Across the globe, we are

witnessing a period of profound economic change. Supply chains are shifting, geopolitical

tensions are rising, and countries are increasingly recognizing that economic resilience

is essential to long-term prosperity.

In that changing landscape, B.C. holds a unique and strategic position. Our province

sits at the gateway between North America and the Indo-Pacific, the fastest-growing

economic region in the world right now. Through our ports, our energy sector, our

agricultural producers and our innovative technology companies, B.C. helps connect

Canada to global markets.

Economic leadership is not just about geography; it’s about people, the workers, entrepreneurs,

the industries that power our economy every day. As Parliamentary Secretary for Trade,

I’ve had the opportunity to meet with businesses and industry leaders across our province.

They consistently tell me that B.C. has the talent, the resources and the entrepreneurial

spirit needed to compete and succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

Our role as legislators is to ensure that B.C. remains competitive, resilient and

forward-looking, strengthening trade partnerships, supporting key industries and ensuring

that our province continues to serve as Canada’s Pacific Gateway.

If Canada is to succeed in the Pacific century, B.C. will play a leading role. Our

province has the ports, the industries and the innovators needed to compete globally.

The task before us now is to ensure that B.C. turns those advantages into long-term

economic leadership. When B.C. leads in trade, innovation and economic strength, Canada

succeeds. With the hard work of British Columbians, I am confident that our province

will help shape Canada’s economic future.

[2:10 p.m.]

Process for First Reading of Bills

Bruce Banman : Here in the British Columbia Legislature, the first vote — as demonstrated four times

this very afternoon — on a motion or bill is normally, traditionally, a yes vote.

This reflects an important democratic principle: that ideas should be examined before

they’re judged.

At first stage of the legislative process, members are not deciding whether they fully

support the proposal. Instead, they are deciding to move the idea forward to be read,

to debate, to scrutinize — and possible amendment. A yes vote allows legislators to

read and study the proposal more carefully, hear from experts and the public and consider

improvements before making a final decision.

This approach protects the deliberative nature of parliamentary democracy. If proposals

were rejected immediately at the first stage, many ideas, some of which might become

better laws through debate and amendments, would never receive serious consideration.

In fact, some jurisdictions go even further by automatically approving bills at first

reading. For example, in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, first reading is largely

ceremonial and usually happens without debate or a vote. The purpose is to simply

introduce the bill and

schedule future debate. Similarly, in the Parliament of Canada,

first reading is mostly procedural, allowing a bill to be printed and distributed

so members and the public can review it before discussion begins.

These systems exist for a clear reason. They separate introduction from evaluation.

By ensuring every proposal can at least be presented and studied, legislatures promote

transparency, informed debate and fairness. Voting yes at the first reading does not

mean supporting the bill itself. Instead, it means supporting the democratic process,

giving ideas, good or bad, the opportunity to be read, debated, scrutinized and improved

before the final decision is made.

Oral Questions

Affordable Housing and

Community Housing Fund

Trevor Halford : We’ve recently learned that the NDP cut $1.4 billion from the community housing fund.

Now, the centre for belonging has already invested over $2 million to provide housing

for adults living with developmental disabilities. That funding is gone, leaving vulnerable

people in limbo.

Geoffrey Ewart, CEO of the Garth Homer Society, says: “We are now on the hook for

the entire project.”

How does the minister justify sticking this non-profit with the bill?

Hon. Christine Boyle : This government takes housing seriously, as I’ve been proud to stand and say numerous

times in this House.

The community housing fund is one of a number of historic investments that we have

made as a government in affordable and non-market housing. The community housing fund

is a $3.3 billion fund. There have been multiple rounds of intakes. There are thousands

of units, more than 4,600 homes actively under construction, more than 3,000 in early

stages of development.

I absolutely understand the frustration from project proponents who applied to the

round of the community housing fund last fall who were frustrated that that round

of the funding was cancelled. I hear that frustration. I know those are good community

partners trying to build important and badly needed community housing.

We are continuing with the historic investments that we have made in the past, protecting

the housing that we have built that is providing good, stable homes to people in communities

across this province. We will continue to invest in housing because we on this side

of the House know how much it matters.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Trevor Halford : I would call $1.4 billion a historic cut. That’s historic, and that’s the record

of this NDP government. We’re talking about a non-profit that raised $2 million of

their own money to house adults with developmental disabilities.

[2:15 p.m.]

Valerie Mains represents just one of the dozens of families who have been working

towards bringing Garth Homer Society’s centre for belonging to life. She said: “I

have been working for housing solutions for over 15 years, and now I’m going back

to ground zero.” She’s not alone in her frustration.

My question is a direct one to the minister. What does the minister say to Valerie

and her family who were depending, who were fundraising to get this going, and now

the government has pulled the rug out from under them?

Hon. Christine Boyle : We as a government have committed $19 billion in funding for non-profit housing.

That’s funding across the community housing fund, the women’s transition housing fund,

the Indigenous housing fund, the supportive housing fund. Those are important dollars

working in partnership with local governments and community housing providers to deliver

housing.

I find it rich to stand here in the House and defend this, standing across from a

government who has made it clear they would cut funding to housing, who have opposed

supportive and transitional housing.

Interjections.

Hon. Christine Boyle : Nine long years is right. We have delivered….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members. Members.

Hon. Christine Boyle : We have, since forming government, invested historic amounts. We have delivered 95,000

homes across this province. We are making up for the skyrocketing cost of housing

and rent that we saw when members opposite were in government.

We have more work to do, absolutely. We will continue to do that work in partnership

with…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members.

Hon. Christine Boyle : …the community housing sector, who we have worked well with in the years that we

have been making these investments and who we understand is an important player.

Management of B.C. Housing Units

Claire Rattée : This minister will do anything to get out of having to admit that this is a cut.

I don’t care if the community housing fund intake was paused. It’s a cut. That’s just

the reality here, and people are suffering because of it. This is a file that I can’t

even begin to get into in one question period.

But I’m going to tell you a story about a single mother of six. Her name is Erin.

She’s trying to raise her family in B.C. Housing. When she first moved in, she had

to deal with a bedbug infestation that was so bad that she developed sepsis from the

bites. For three years now, she has been begging this ministry to fix a leak above

her unit that has rotted the ceiling and rendered her only washroom completely unusable.

After years of neglect, the repairs are so bad now that B.C. Housing is evicting the

family from the unit. Their solution is to intimidate Erin into accepting a unit next

to the cockroach- and mice-infested unit that my colleague raised back in November,

which still hasn’t been addressed.

So why does B.C.’s top slumlord punish, rather than help, single mothers who simply

want safe, affordable housing for their families?

Hon. Christine Boyle : I appreciate the member opposite raising this question. This is a terrible situation

that this family is in, absolutely horrific for those children and the mother. That’s

why B.C. Housing has been working with the family. The repairs needed are extensive

and, as such, require that the family move out while renovations are happening.

B.C. Housing has been working with the family to find a suitable alternate location

so that those repairs can be done. It’s important work, and I’m happy to work on it

with the member opposite if she’s interested.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Claire Rattée : I appreciate that, but the reality is that for three months, she has been trying

to get this fixed, and it wasn’t. So that’s why it got so bad. There’s no way of dancing

around that.

The reality is that, just last week in this House, the minister admitted that she

“understands that single-room-occupancy housing is not a good, safe long-term solution.”

Yet every time, she tries to bully and shame anyone that opposes her government building

more of these slums that she knows are neither good nor safe.

Clearly, this minister has never had to comfort distraught children while cockroaches

are crawling on their sleeping bodies. Can you blame this woman for not wanting to

move into another unit with a bug problem?

We want more supportive housing, but what we have in this province right now isn’t

supportive. It’s degrading and inhumane.

[2:20 p.m.]

Three years ago, British Columbians were promised a solution to this nightmare, and

we still haven’t seen the report that was allegedly done.

So maybe I’ll try asking the future leader of the NDP if he can table the report today,

since he’s the one that actually allegedly had it done.

Hon. Christine Boyle : As members opposite know, I can’t get into the personal details of an individual

family situation but absolutely understand how challenging it is. B.C. Housing has

been working with the family to try to find a good solution.

I just want to be clear on the record because we as a government have been working

hard to replace old single-room-occupancy homes with new self-contained, dignified

supportive housing in the Downtown Eastside and more broadly.

I have heard in this House the opposition complain about the old housing — which,

yes, we recognize needs to be renewed — but continuing to oppose the new housing that

we are trying to build to replace that old housing. You can’t be against homelessness

and against old housing and against new housing. We on this side are working…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, shhh.

Shhh, Members. Members.

Hon. Christine Boyle : …to deliver good-quality, dignified housing in the Downtown Eastside and in communities

beyond; to replace old, aging stock; and to provide good, stable options for our neighbours

who deserve it.

Permitting Process

for Local Projects

Jeremy Valeriote : How long is a reasonable wait for a permit from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource

Stewardship? A few months, maybe a year. Despite the government’s recent and welcome

interest in investing in tourism, adventure tourism operator Squamish Enduro has been

waiting ten years.

The Sea to Sky corridor sees a huge demand, for example, for new campgrounds and film

productions, but permit delays are holding back the local economy. This government

has demonstrated it can fast-track approvals for multinational corporations, but small

businesses, community groups and homeowners wait years for simple permits.

My question to the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship: with 15,000 public

service workers about to be laid off, what is the plan to fix the permitting backlog

that is stifling local economies in the Sea to Sky and across B.C.?

Hon. Randene Neill : I thank the member opposite for the question. I can certainly meet with the member

after this to discuss this particular permit in question. I don’t have a list of all

the permits before me, but I’m happy to look into it and get you the answers and solutions

after this question period.

But I do want to mention, as part of your second question, we are working in partnership

to move forward with permitting, making it more efficient, more streamlined and maintaining

really strong environmental standards. We’ve cleared 100 percent of the provincial

permits backlog for building housing, for example. We’ve reduced the average number

of days to process a housing application by 40 percent. We’ve reduced water licence

approval times for transportation projects from 24 months to less than one month.

We’ve also recently introduced, last month, our permitting regulations based on public

input, so rebuilding homes after disasters should not take years of waiting for permits.

We’ve added flexibility for developments in low-risk riparian areas to proceed along

streamlined processes.

Those are some of the things that we’re doing to improve permitting times as part

of our Look West strategy as well, and it’s something we’ll continue to do.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Jeremy Valeriote : We know this ministry can streamline approval processes and cut red tape when it

wants to, as the minister has described. Two weeks ago the ministry announced regulatory

amendments to speed up permitting for rebuilding homes after wildfire, new home construction

and ecosystem restoration. The permit in question is merely an example of a systemic

failure. It’s only been moved because my constituency office started asking hard questions.

Elderly constituents in my riding have been waiting over three years for a permit

to replace a bridge so they can access their home safely. They were recently told

they’re still in the permit queue. After our inquiries, that moved from another one

to three years from promised to be delivered this summer. In the meantime, they have

to travel on a forestry road, forestry bridge, a CN Rail crossing and over private

property to get to the home they have lived in for 37 years.

[2:25 p.m.]

Some homeowners get routine permits fast-tracked. Others spend years in permit purgatory.

Does the recent fast-tracking announcement for some applications mean the rest will

take even longer?

Hon. Randene Neill : I am familiar with that second application that we discussed previously, and I can

confirm that it is actively being processed and is in the final stages of decision-making

now and happy to discuss this with you further. The land authorizations branch is

actively engaged with the proponent’s agent on the status of that application as well.

As you mentioned though, Member — and I appreciate it — those four amendments we put

forward with the Water Sustainability Act will speed up and streamline permitting.

We know that the waits are too long for anybody, and we know that delays the economy,

so this is our number one priority. Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is getting

funded to ensure that we have additional staff on to do the permitting we need to

do.

Another example of the success. Though we’re reducing mine permit timelines by 35

percent from exploration drilling to mine permits, the Cariboo Gold mine, for example,

was approved in just 13 months, after a rigorous technical review conducted by a team

of experts, in collaboration and in partnership with First Nations. And we’ve reduced

cutting permits in the forestry sector from 40 days to just 25 days.

It’s not perfect. We’re working on it, and we’re working hard on it. It’s a big priority

for us.

Provincial Sales Tax

and Support for Small Business

Gavin Dew : In Rutland and all over B.C., small businesses are already paying for the NDP’s public

safety failures through theft, vandalism, lost revenue and soaring insurance and private

security costs.

Business improvement associations of B.C. say that 90 percent of members report impacts

from non-violent repeat crime. Forty percent are losing more than $5,000 a year. Many

are losing far more. They’re losing hope.

Slapping 7 percent PST on security services is not a tax on growth. It’s a tax on

safety. Will the government cancel their tone-deaf PST tax grab, yes or no?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon : I appreciate finally getting a chance to answer a question in question period. I

appreciate the member raising the concern.

I understand how hard it is to have a family business have to deal with windows being

broken, have to deal with people leaving garbage in front of it. My family ran a business

not far from here, and I remember having to come to the restaurant in the mornings

with my mom and having to deal with this very same thing.

Now, that was 20 years ago, and the challenge then is just as real as it is today.

We know how important it is to address this. That’s why in this budget there’s $16

million to create a chronic property-offending intervention team to help small businesses

deal with that very issue that the member highlighted. We know how important this

is.

My colleague has been travelling the province, meeting with local governments, meeting

with small business organizations, to come up with strategies to be able to address

this. We’ve got money in the budget to do the very thing that businesses have been

asking us to do.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Gavin Dew : I wasn’t aware there was a cabinet shuffle and we had a new Minister of Finance.

Next thing, he’ll be Premier. Just wait.

The Speaker : Member.

Crime in Communities and

Action on Community Safety

Gavin Dew : On Friday, I visited Roxanne, a Rutland resident living every day with the consequences

of the NDP’s drug decriminalization experiment and under-investment in keeping streets

safe and helping people off drugs. Roxanne has administered Narcan more than 50 times.

The day I visited her, after she asked someone using drugs in her front yard at 5

a.m. to leave, she found a ten-inch knife stuck in the fence outside her front door.

That was not her first or her worst death threat.

Why has this government forced Rutland residents like Roxanne to become their own

first responders just to live in their own neighbourhood?

Hon. Nina Krieger : Thank you to the member opposite for the question. Any time we hear about somebody

like Roxanne, I know this is deeply frustrating for residents and communities.

[2:30 p.m.]

Our priority is ensuring the safety of all residents and all businesses in communities.

That’s why we have set up programs that provide tools and resources to police to tackle

repeat violent offenders and repeat property crime offenders as well.

However, an aspect of the member’s question speaks to, also, the health challenges

that we know first responders are often called to respond to — instances where there

is a mental health crisis or somebody tackling addiction issues. That is why our government

has bolstered support for addiction services and care for people that are experiencing

substance use disorders and mental health challenges as well.

We will not stop standing up those supports and ensuring that police, where appropriate,

have the tools that they need to support safe communities.

Provincial Sales Tax

and Support for Small Business

Reann Gasper : Mary Lou Newbold, owner of Mayfair Optometric Clinic, is just one business owner

in B.C. who will be impacted by the PST expansion. She said: “It’s another hit, and

they just keep coming.” She already pays $1,000 a month in security costs, and now

this government wants to add another $1,000 every year in PST on top of that.

Why does this minister think it’s acceptable to tax business owners like Mary, just

trying to keep their businesses and customers safe?

Hon. Brenda Bailey : There are a number of things in the budget that are very supportive for business.

I’ll start first by identifying the $400 million strategic investment fund that allows

us to draw investments into British Columbia and unlock those opportunities…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Brenda Bailey : …for British Columbia. We also have a manufacturing tax credit that is going to help

the manufacturing sector. We know that there are 22,000 manufacturing companies right

here in British Columbia that’ll benefit from that.

We know that expanding the PST is one way to assist us in making sure that we protect

the services that are so important to British Columbians. That benefits British Columbians.

It also benefits businesses that are looking to hire people and have people be successful

here in British Columbia. This supports them as well.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Reann Gasper : British Columbians are watching. It is dismissive. Small business is the backbone

of B.C. It is unacceptable in question period that we’re not getting answers for small

business.

Christina Clarke, chair of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, said, “All businesses

are facing death by a thousand cuts,” yet this government says their goal with this

budget is to grow the economy and stabilize provincial finances.

When will this government listen to small businesses and scrap the PST expansion,

yes or no?

Hon. Brenda Bailey : Since coming into power, this side of the House has listened to small businesses.

We’ve reduced the small business tax credit.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Brenda Bailey : We’ve reduced the small business tax credit from 2.5 percent to 2 percent. That tax

credit was possible because of the revenue that came from the carbon tax. The logical

thing to do would be to change that and go back to a higher tax for small businesses.

We absolutely did not make that decision, because small businesses are so important

to us.

Last year, as well, we were able to raise the EHT threshold — again, to support small

businesses. We all know how important small businesses are in the community, and that’s

why we’ll continue to do this work.

Kristina Loewen : Small businesses are not feeling the love.

Cheryl Brown, owner of Kelowna Yarn and Needlecrafts, is warning that this government’s

decision to apply a new 7 percent PST to yarn and fabric will hurt her business and

her customers — many of them seniors and people on fixed incomes. Knitting is not

a luxury. It’s how a mother makes a blanket for a new baby or how seniors stay connected

and fight isolation.

When British Columbians are already stretched to the breaking point, why is this government

nickel-and-diming them for the simple things that bring people together?

[2:35 p.m.]

Hon. Brenda Bailey : The member rightly says that affordability remains a challenge for many people in

British Columbia.

We understand that on this side of the House, and that’s why we continue to protect

the gains that we have made, protecting low-cost child care in Budget 2026, keeping

lower-cost auto insurance. We’ve been focusing on reducing the cost of rent for people.

We know that focusing on housing — it is the most expensive thing for most families

— assists them across the board.

We’ve continued with free prescription birth control. We’ve got zero-interest student

loans and the B.C. access grant for post-secondary and protecting the B.C. family

benefit, which provides more than 276,000 families support.

We understand that there’s more to do to support families who are dealing with affordability,

and we’ll continue that work.

Hon Chan : Well, it’s okay for the minister to stand up and not listen to us, but can they at

least listen to the small businesses? The Canadian Federation for Independent Business

says that over 70 percent of the businesses will have no choice but to pass these

new costs on to customers. I am hearing this from businesses all across Richmond.

In fact, I just talked to one who has been open for 30 years and said they are ready

to pack up and leave because it’s so expensive to do business in Richmond and across

British Columbia. I am sure the member for Richmond-Steveston is hearing the same

story as well. But the difference is she is doing nothing about this.

I would like to ask this question. Does the Minister for Emergency Management from

Richmond continue to do nothing when the small businesses in Richmond continue to

shut down permanently?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon : I appreciate the line of questioning from members, because small businesses are important

to members on this side of the House as well.

The Minister of Finance highlighted that when we formed government, one of the first

things we did was reduce the small business tax burden by 25 percent. We right now

have one of the lowest small business tax rates in the entire country.

We heard from small businesses that permitting times were taking too long. We invested

$40 million to reduce permitting backlogs.

We heard from businesses that we wanted to attract bigger businesses because they

help when small businesses can form around them — so $400 million to make investments

into attracting large investors and businesses in our communities.

We heard that skills training was the biggest challenge they’re facing. They can’t

find the people with the skills to be able to take the jobs that they have. We are

doubling the amount of money for skilled-trades training across British Columbia.

We have heard from businesses that they want us to remove interprovincial trade barriers

so they have a bigger market to access. We are chairing and leading that work across

the country, leading to our first agreement and many more to come.

Since 2017, B.C. has led the country in GDP growth. We’re going to continue that into

the future.

Bruce Banman : According to the CFIB, 80 percent of businesses oppose the PST expansion by this

government. It would be nice if we had a government that would take their concerns

around the PST expansion seriously. Instead, we have an NDP government who said: “If

the PST on the accounting bill is sufficient to move you to another province, I don’t

know what to say.” Wow, talk about being totally out of touch. Professional services

aren’t optional extras. They are crucial to the overall operation of small business.

My question to this out-of-touch NDP government: why are they dismissing the concerns

of businesses across this province instead of addressing the real cost pressures that

this government has created?

Hon. Brenda Bailey : We are not dismissing the very important concerns of small businesses. In fact, I

met with the CFIB this very morning. Since the PST’s introduction, B.C.’s economy

has shifted significantly towards services.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, do you want the answer to the question or not?

The minister has the floor.

Hon. Brenda Bailey : I’ll be frank. Updating the PST means that we can continue hiring doctors. It means

that we can continue hiring nurses and teachers.

[2:40 p.m.]

We’re not out of step with other provinces. The PST changes that we’ve brought in

have aligned us with the other PST provinces.

We continue to make important investments for small businesses and important investments

for businesses across the board in Budget 2026. But we know the other side has said

— the member for Fraser-Nicola has been clear — that for them, the priority would

be seeing cuts in education, seeing cuts in health care.

That is not the decision that we are making. We are protecting these services and

taking care of businesses at the same time.

Budget Priorities and

Expansion of Provincial Sales Tax

Peter Milobar : I think we’ve discovered why this government has problems with their budget. We’ve

heard that they care about seniors and affordability and the overall affordability

for working families. So their solution is to slap hundreds of millions of dollars

of extra taxation on those very people in this budget.

They hear from small businesses that they need help with all of the mounting cost

pressures and the death by a thousand cuts. And their solution…. The minister said

it earlier today. They actually put the extra PST costs on for the businesses’ own

good this year. That’s why they’re getting all these extra taxes layered on them.

Here’s the reality in this budget. We see cuts on social spending in terms of social

housing projects. We see six long-term-care facilities cut. We see the Burnaby Hospital

cut. We see UVic student housing cut. We see fees and charges and taxes increased

to seniors on fixed incomes as well as hard-working families. And we see PST added

to services on small businesses, like security and accounting services — all crucial

to their operations right now.

Instead of cutting all those other things, will this government finally show a little

bit of leadership, actually listen to the small business community and actually make

a cut to those PST changes that are in this budget, yes or no?

Hon. Brenda Bailey : I hear from my colleague across the way. My nickname for him is the minister of misinformation.

Here we go again, saying things that aren’t accurate.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, shhh.

Shhh, Members. Members.

The minister will be careful in her comments, please. Also, withdraw the “concerted”

word. Withdraw what you said. “Concerted effort.” Did I hear that?

Hon. Brenda Bailey : On your advice, I withdraw, hon. Speaker.

I think it’s important to understand that this budget does a number of things at the

same time.

Speaking specifically about the business community, we hear from the business community

that they need to remain competitive. The choices that we’ve made in this budget are

very careful. They’re very gradual. We hear from the business community that their

workers need to rely on the services that we all rely upon. That is part of Budget

2026. It takes action on both.

The choices that we are making mean that we can continue to ensure that we can provide

health services for British Columbians and ensure that we can continue to provide

services for the business sector, like the manufacturing credit, like the $400 million

fund.

These are important investments that need to be made, like the decrease that we’re

doing — 35 percent decrease in timing for a mining permit. These things are very important.

In Budget 2026, we do two things at the same time. We protect our business sector

and drive forward…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Brenda Bailey : …on economic growth. And we protect the services that everyone, including the business

community, relies on.

[End of question period.]

Orders of the Day

Hon. Mike Farnworth : In this chamber, I call second reading on Bill 2, Budget Measures Implementation

Act.

In

Section A, the Douglas Fir Room, I call committee stage on Bill 7.

And in

Section C, the Birch Room, I call Committee of Supply, estimates, the Ministry

of Education and Child Care.

[2:45 p.m.]

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Second Reading of Bills

Bill 2 — Budget Measures

Implementation Act, 2026

(continued)

Deputy Speaker : Members, we are going to continue our debate in this chamber on Bill 2.

Sheldon Clare : I rise today to speak against the implementation of Bill 2, the Budget Measures Implementation

Act.

In starting my remarks, I would like to relate a story. I am a historian. Stories

are part of my nature. Many years ago when my sister was an emergency nurse working

at Vancouver General Hospital, management decided that since there were no significant

incidents happening in the emergency department, they would get rid of the security

guard. Clearly, the security guard was not needed because there were no incidents.

Now, when I was hearing this story for the first time, it occurred to me right away

that the reason there were no incidents was because there was a security guard. And

sure enough, as was related to me, as soon as they got rid of the security guard,

they started to have many incidents. They started to have all kinds of problems. They

started to have violence. They had difficulty. It was pandemonium. They were ultimately

forced to return the security guard because there were so many problems.

Well, when I heard that this NDP government wanted to get rid of the Office of the

Merit Commissioner, that story popped into my mind right away. According to the 2010-11

report of the Merit Commissioner: “Merit has been the foundation of staffing in the

B.C. Public Service for 100 years.”

The Merit Commissioner was established in

Section 8 of the Public Service Act

requires all appointments to the public service to be based on merit and as the result

of a process “designed to appraise the knowledge, skills and abilities of eligible

applicants.”

The act also provides for appointments reflecting education, skills, knowledge, experience,

past work performance and seniority, as well as external recruitment and internal

advancement. In addition, the act provides for employment equity, career development

and focus on particular groups, position levels or organizational unit or geographical

areas.

The Office of the Merit Commissioner became independent in 2005. Before that, it was

a deputy minister. In 2018, the responsibility for dismissal reviews was added to

the Merit Commissioner’s portfolio.

Decisions for merit transcend decisions made for other reasons. So what, then, is

merit? Well, there are many words related to merit. A key feature is that it is earned.

Virtue, excellence, quality, skill, ability, integrity, value, worth, talent, stature,

capability, credibility and so on are all words that describe the essence of what

makes merit. These are all characteristics that are commendable.

Merit is intended to prevent dominance of social class, wealth or other unfair considerations

in hiring practices. In short, it avoids entitlement. It avoids favouritism.

[2:50 p.m.]

Merit and advantage are not the same thing. Merit is about the qualities of a particular

individual. Advantage is usually used in the context of comparison with a particular

condition, circumstance — a hand up, if you like — or other characteristic that aids

in one’s success, regardless of whether or not that success was, in fact, earned.

Advantages are given. Merit is earned. Merit is achievement, while advantage is more

related to favourable circumstances unrelated to having been earned. For example,

skills and experience would be merit. A personal relationship with the human resources

manager might be an advantage.

With an emphasis on identifying the most qualified and capable person, the danger

is lessened of favouritism based on a range of factors unrelated to observable skills

and qualifications.

A well-crafted, merit-based hiring process is objective, with emphasis on job-related

characteristics. Merit hiring removes the effect of personal bias, favouritism or

other characteristics unrelated to the specific role. Merit emphasizes fairness, and

it emphasizes equality of opportunity. All candidates are measured on their potential

and the position requirements rather than irrelevant criteria or connections.

When merit is the criteria, it avoids stigmatizing people and creating impressions

that anyone was hired because of their friends, relations or to fill a quota. Morale

can be damaged if hiring is not based on merit and performance. A fair and clear emphasis

on excellence is clear and well understood by everyone.

The danger of not relying on merit is that one hires the wrong person, who is thus

set up to fail. It mustn’t be the case that the government believes that members of

prescribed or identifiable groups are not capable of being hired on their merits.

It simply can’t be the case. I’d be shocked if that was true.

Why, then, would the government eliminate the Office of the Merit Commissioner, an

office intended to ensure that those appointed to government jobs are duly qualified

for the work that they aspire to do for the public service?

The Merit Commissioner is an essential independent officer of the Legislature. This

office is one that ensures that hiring practices for taxpayer-funded positions are

based on skills, competence and qualification rather than favouritism, patronage or

identity politics.

The Merit Commissioner has several important roles which protect the interests of

the taxpayer and the integrity of a non-partisan public service. For example, the

Merit Commissioner conducts audits of hiring appointments to ensure that recruitment

and selection procedures were fairly applied and that those selected were actually

qualified for the work they aspire to do.

The role provides the opportunity for unsuccessful applicants to request a final and

binding review if they believe that the hiring process wasn’t fair — that is, that

it was not, in fact, based upon merit.

The Merit Commissioner reports directly to the Legislative Assembly and, in so doing,

holds government ministries and organizations accountable for their hiring practices.

The Merit Commissioner provides a significant check that ensures fairness and transparency

in evaluating process vis-à-vis principles of fairness when examining hiring practices.

Another important role of the Merit Commissioner is to provide oversight of the process

for just cause dismissals to ensure that they meet established standards and policies.

Thus, the Merit Commissioner is all about preventing hiring abuses.

This role is an important one that helps to maintain public confidence — a public

confidence that has been sorely, sorely tested for a very long time. It ensures that

those who serve the public are the most qualified and capable. The position is a clear

check against political patronage and other interference.

Again, why would this government be opposed to keeping such an important position

with such critical roles? That is a most vexing and important question indeed.

[2:55 p.m.]

This is of concern for many on this side of the House, as to why the Merit Commissioner

position would be eliminated. This cannot, clearly, simply be a cost-saving measure.

There must be more to it than that.

Is this something about making sure that merit is not measured? Is it about making

sure that people are able to conduct these abuses which I have enumerated? Is that

what this is about? I would certainly hope not. Is this, in fact, about making sure

that patronage can be exploited and used in the hiring of the public service? I certainly

hope that that’s not the case as well.

But the fact that this particular independent office has been targeted for elimination

just a few months after the commissioner found that more and more appointments did

not have merit for the positions for which they were appointed is indeed somewhat

concerning. Even the head of the B.C. Public Service is opposed to this change, and

stakeholders have characterized this as rolling out the trough for the swine to devour.

British Columbia needs quality, hard-working public sector workers, not friends and

insiders soaking taxpayers for every last dollar.

The Merit Commissioner service plan of October 2025 said: “It is notable that since

2022-2023, there has been an increase in ‘merit not applied’ findings and a decrease

in their ‘merit’ findings.” That’s shocking. It’s really a demonstration of why this

particular role is so important.

There is a real need to make sure that the Office of the Merit Commissioner is maintained,

that it is kept in place and that it is allowed to continue to do the valuable work

that does, in fact, protect the interests of the public at large.

But Bill 2 does much more than just target the Merit Commissioner — a significant

problem on its own. This particular bill is what puts in place everything around all

of the tax hikes and all of the expansions that the NDP has given us. This is what

they talked about in the budget, which we’ve been looking at.

Why is it that we are seeing a budget that targets so many people? We heard in question

period how this goes after small businesses — 7 percent PST on so many new things.

When you’re supposed to be helping people, why would you go after them in such a fashion?

Why would you not take different measures that would actually make a difference, look

at the waste and any kinds of areas where there are inefficiencies and deal with those

rather than looking at taxing an already overtaxed public?

British Columbians are in dire straits. People are wondering about whether or not

they can pay their electric bills, pay their rent, pay for their utilities, yet here

we are having people given extra taxes.

Most direly affected by all of this are seniors. Our seniors, particularly rural seniors,

who do not have the supports available to many in larger centres, are very much under

attack by this budget. It shocks me. I couldn’t believe this budget when I read it.

To see these measures being implemented, as cold and as hard as they are, I don’t

think that they’re going to help. I think they’re going to cause harm.

Just like the story that I related to you at the start about the unintended consequence

of getting rid of a security guard, there are many unintended consequences — like

what would happen if we get rid of a merit commissioner, for example, and the extra

costs that we’re going to be seeing in the public service because of that mistake.

This Budget Implementation Act is full of potential unintended consequences. This

application of the PST and getting rid of the exemptions that keep goods and services

affordable is a mistake.

[3:00 p.m.]

I think of my own cousin, who himself is a cobbler running a successful business,

and the cobbler that I encountered in my riding in Quesnel, who repaired my well-worn

boots after a year and a half of heavy campaigning and door-knocking — in which I

learned a great deal about what is costing people money.

I thought to myself: “How is it that this cobbler, who is working hard to make a decent

living in his very small business, is going to be subjected to having to raise all

of his prices on not only his work but all of the products he’s selling in his store

related to his business?” This is not okay.

The other side of this, not just limited to the 7 percent, is what’s happening with

income tax. In effect, the amount of income tax that people will pay has been increased

for the first time since, I think, 2008. This, effectively, is a 10 percent increase

in income tax. This is one of the largest in British Columbia’s history.

Yes, British Columbia has a massive debt, and yes, it needs to be dealt with in a

very dire and effective way, with drastic measures. But this little snipping at things,

which are hurting real people in a substantive way, is not how you get this done.

Exemptions on cable, land lines. In the North, we use land lines. I have a land line

in my house. You know why I have this land line? Well, I’ll tell you. I have this

land line because when the power is out, the phone works. When the power is out, you

can’t charge your cell phone. When it’s dark at night because of the way the time

change is going to be, you won’t be able to use anything solar to get power to charge

your phone if it’s out. You’re going to rely on a land line.

Many seniors in rural areas where they don’t have cell phone coverage still rely on

those land lines, yet those are going to be more expensive. This hurts a particular

demographic. It hurts those older folks who know and trust the technology they’re

familiar with.

Fixing your clothes and fixing your shoes. You can’t afford new clothes, so what do

you do? You fix the old one. You get your old sweater and you get your knitting needles

out. You have to go to the store and buy some yarn. Oh, what? You’re busy looking

in your pin box to see if you have enough pennies. Oh, you can’t take pennies anywhere

because dollars aren’t worth anything.

You’re looking for enough coins to see if you can actually buy the yarn, and then

you find out when you get to the store that yarn is 7 percent more expensive too.

So you can’t even knit something or fix something that’s broken, and you can’t afford

the new thing in the first place. This is crazy.

Then if you’re a small business, you’re having to look at your boarded-up business

with its windows and doors shuttered because, once again, someone started a fire that’s

caused your business a problem or they put a rock through a window.

I come from a family of small business. My dad owned a hardware store. We used to

get those calls in the middle of the night where somebody had kicked in a door or

smashed a window. We’d go down and we’d slap up the plywood, maybe after doing a quick

screening of the store to make sure there was nobody inside.

You can do that once in a while, but after a while, insurance says no. So what do

you do? You hire a security guard. You get that security guard, and that security

guard is there with their job. They’re there to make sure they have presence so that

someone sees that if they break a window, someone’s going to be able to take a picture

of them or they’re going to identify them or they have an increased likelihood of

being caught. And now security guards are going to be more expensive? What’s going

on here?

It’s like every aspect of everything that one needs to do to fix things is being stymied.

It doesn’t make any sense.

If you’re a landlord and you’re trying to look after housing for people and provide

rental housing that works, that becomes more expensive too. Why would anyone be involved

in renting houses or apartments or condos or anything like that? It doesn’t make sense.

All of a sudden, you’re getting more and more of this tax. Strata fees — they’ve even

increased.

[3:05 p.m.]

How is it that we can expect small business and our business community to be able

to continue this way? This was described earlier by one of my colleagues as death

by a thousand cuts. It’s insidious. It’s painful. And it does cause people to bleed

out. It’s causing business to bleed out, and that’s hurting.

I’ll give you an example. I have some friends, and the mother in the family operated

a used-woollen store. This is in Prince George. It’s a small business. She would buy

used clothing; recondition, refurbish and sell this clothing. Her business kept getting

the doors kicked in. People would try to bring a rope or a string and they’d put it

through the mailbox and try to pull things through the mailbox to steal them.

After having the windows broken, after having the door kicked in, after having products

stolen so many times, she couldn’t get insurance anymore. Why would you even make

a claim? It’s not worth it. Your insurance premiums go up. The cost of insurance isn’t

returned by the sales in your business, and that business had to close.

Now those folks are looking at being evicted from their home because they can’t keep

their home anymore. The son who has been funding things got an injury. Disability

has run out. He can’t return to his job driving truck. So what are they going to do?

It’s all government policy that has driven this particular agenda, and this Budget

Measures Implementation Act is just continuing the whole process and making it worse

for average people.

This really is an attack on working families. It really is an attack on seniors. When

we see $400 million, what’s been characterized as a slush fund going to the Premier’s

office, to maybe put who knows where, it’s just crazy to me. All of this in the backdrop

of getting rid of the Merit Commissioner.

We’re going to make it less likely that we find problems in public service sector

hiring. We’re going to make it more expensive for working families. We’re going to

make it more expensive for small businesses. This is not where this province needs

to be heading in order to solve the debt and deficit problem with which we are faced.

These problems are solvable, but this Budget Measures Implementation Act will not

solve those problems. I would argue that it makes them worse. It drives us down and

is not even a delay of the inevitable collapse that this is going to provide.

When we consider Bill 2, I think we must consider it in the light not of the good

that it pretends that it will do but in the harm that it will actually present to

the people of British Columbia.

Those are my remarks, and I hope that this House will vote down Bill 2 and cause it

to die the death that it rightly deserves.

Hon. Randene Neill : I’m so thrilled and honoured to be able to speak to Budget 2026: Securing B.C.’s Future and Bill 2.

As we’ve heard the Finance Minister say many times, this is a tough budget for tough

times. I just want to start with a tiny little anecdote in my 20-plus years working

as a journalist through different news organizations. We knew we had done a good job

on a story when all of the interviews and the interviewees we had spoken to were equally

dissatisfied with the outcome of the story. This is certainly the case, I think, with

this budget in many cases.

It’s a tough budget. These are tough times that we’re in, and we have to make really

tough decisions. We’ve made the right decisions in this case.

I want to go through a little bit about what Bill 2 is talking about and a little

bit about what this budget is going to bring to all of us.

[3:10 p.m.]

First of all, though, I do want to just acknowledge that I’m incredibly grateful to

be on lək̓ʷəŋən territory, otherwise known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations as well.

Talking a little bit about Budget 2026, it still protects what matters most to people,

while securing B.C.’s future. I know we’ve been focusing on building a strong foundation

for the province, and we’re delivering those things that are incredibly important

to every single British Columbian. When you talk to them in the grocery store, at

their front door, at church, at the community centre or in the middle of nature on

a hike, they are worried about health care, housing and affordability.

We’re tackling all those things. We’re delivering hospitals, schools, roads, transit,

housing and clean energy. We’ve made these investments while experiencing extraordinary

challenges, including a global pandemic, major floods, devastating wildfires — not

even just in the summer but now year-round — and attacks on our economy and our sovereignty.

Our investments are delivering real results for real people.

We’re creating major projects that are moving forward.

We’re bringing in more family doctors and nurses in communities than ever before.

I was a recent recipient of one.

For the first time ever, I have a family doctor, as of about six months ago. I’m actually

going to meet him for the first time next week, when we’re on break week. He’s an

American doctor who came up as part of several thousand fleeing what’s happening in

the United States right now. I’m incredibly grateful for the work that our Health

Ministry has done here, and I’m incredibly grateful to meet my new Dr. Williams next

week, for the first time.

Rents are coming down.

We are initiating free HRT, hormone replacement therapy, and diabetes medication and

free birth control for so many folks here in B.C., which is critically, critically

important.

Everyday costs are being eased through the B.C. family benefit, affordable child care

and lower car insurance rates.

Budget 2026 defends all of those gains as well, also recognizing that we face a tough

reality right now. Global uncertainty is slowing growth everywhere. Recent, unexpected

wars are increasing costs in some areas, creating volatile commodity prices and putting

unexpected pressures on finances. Budget 2026 makes choices to protect what matters

most to every single British Columbian. That includes supporting core services like

health care and education and reducing the deficit responsibly over time.

We’re taking three key steps, as well, in this budget. We’re making the public sector

more efficient. We’re pacing infrastructure projects to control costs. And we’re generating

new revenue while growing the economy and advancing major projects.

We’re doubling trades training. We’re supporting major projects. We’re speeding up

permitting and making it more efficient. We’re protecting services. We’re keeping

taxes low. And we’re strengthening B.C. for the long term.

Part of my role here is as Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and I

want to talk about a couple of specific highlights that WLRS, as we’re affectionately

known, is doing in terms of Bill 2, in the budget.

We are playing a critical role in supporting people, in strengthening communities

and in helping to make B.C. a better place to live. Budget 2026 is investing $238

million in this ministry over three years to accelerate economic growth. A strong

economy means more jobs, better wages and greater capacity to meet today’s challenges.

My ministry is leading work to reduce permitting times and move projects forward.

We are removing barriers and duplications. We are simplifying processes across the

government. In fact, it’s such a priority for this government to reduce permitting

wait times that we are increasing our budget by $7.5 million for WLRS to support permitting

improvements. These changes will get shovels in the ground faster, and we’re improving

certainty for businesses while maintaining high environmental standards.

[3:15 p.m.]

Permitting improvements are already delivering results. Over the past two years, we’ve

applied a one-window approach in housing and connectivity, and housing permitting

backlogs have been absolutely eliminated. Connectivity application turnaround times

have been reduced by more than 60 percent since 2023. We’re expanding delegated decision-making

to improve efficiency and stewardship.

For example, a specialized team within the Ministry of Transportation and Transit

is approving water licences for transportation projects. By delegating that responsibility,

approval times have dropped, from 12 to 24 months, to just one month.

In land use planning…. We all know and understand that this is an incredibly key tool

to support economic growth and reconciliation as well. It is transparent. It is inclusive.

And it is partnership-based.

For example, the Gwa’ni land use planning project, which we just announced earlier

in January — myself and the Minister of Forests — will protect biodiversity. It will

support cultural values and provide operational certainty for the forest industry.

It will also unlock areas of forests for timber and timber companies that have not

been able to be unlocked before because of conflicts over the land base. That land

use plan has brought clarity to that.

Land use planning also provides certainty for industry, protection for cultural and

ecological values and reduces legal risk and delays. We’re also able to unlock major

resource opportunities across northern B.C., support reconciliation and conserve wildlife

and ecosystems.

In terms of wildlife, we need to work hard to combat threats that we can’t control

— threats like invasive species that are coming into our province. Chronic wasting

disease is a deadly disease that attacks cervids in B.C. — our deer, our elk, our

moose populations. Since its detection in 2024, we have responded quickly with enhanced

surveillance, mandatory testing and targeted management.

Right now these costs aren’t extraordinarily high, but if we don’t continue to keep

the number of cases really incredibly low, we’re going to look at reactive pricing,

which is always going to be much, much higher.

Part of the proactivity that we’re doing…. We allowed a recent deer hunt in January,

a general open hunt where we asked hunters to go out and tag a deer. We received 226

samples from deer that were harvested from hunters during that one-month period within

the chronic-wasting-disease test area.

What we discovered was not a single sample came back positive. That means what we’re

doing is working. We’re containing the spread. We’re protecting our wildlife populations.

We’re supporting communities for the long term, and we’re doing that in a proactive

way, and that is something we have not stopped doing in Budget 2026.

We also want to thank, critically, all the hunters and trappers that participated

in that January hunt. Their partnership in all of this is absolutely critical.

I just have a couple of minutes left, so I also want to talk about my constituency.

I am the MLA for Powell River–Sunshine Coast, an absolutely magical slice of geography

in British Columbia, and I want to talk about some of the investments that this budget

has made in my riding in the past several years.

Most recently, a couple of Saturdays ago, I believe, I joined a group of school kids

and their moms and dads at a new pedestrian crossing at a popular trailer park, called

Poplars trailer park, and a traffic signal at another nearby park called Woodcreek

Park.

I would talk to moms who would have to run their elementary-age children across the

highway, the 80-kilometre-an-hour highway, in the mornings to get to school and do

the same thing in the afternoon because there was no crosswalk. So this new pedestrian

traffic signal was widely applauded. People are incredibly happy, and this, absolutely,

will prevent tragic accidents in the future.

I also want to talk about our coastal hazard preparedness. This is a big one for the

Sunshine Coast, where we’re pretty much surrounded by water everywhere you look. In

the last year, the shíshálh Nation received $150,000 for coastal erosion hazard mitigation,

and the ɬəʔamɛn Nation up in qathet received coastal flood protection and seawall extension planning

as well.

[3:20 p.m.]

Community emergency preparedness fund investments include qathet regional district

volunteer fire department — yay, our volunteer fire departments everywhere — Sechelt

fire protection district, Pender Harbour fire protection district and the ɬəʔamɛn Nation fire equipment funding. Together they received close to $400,000 in funding

for all of our incredibly important volunteer fire departments, who, just five years

ago, actually saved my husband from an almost fatal allergic reaction. I literally

owe these volunteer firefighters my husband’s life.

In education and child care, a $16 million investment for a five-classroom addition

at Edgehill Elementary. In Madeira Park, very close to the community where I live,

we converted 13 child care spaces at Serendipity Child Development to $10-a-day spaces.

This is going to be an absolute game-changer for 13 families in my already tiny community.

This means that their moms or their dads who are looking after their kids full-time

are going to be able to return back into the workforce for the first time. As we know,

that brings, overall, billions of dollars back into our economy when parents can go

back to work.

The manufacturing jobs fund, supporting our local forestry and manufacturing. I’m

so pleased that Tla’amin Timber Products received almost $40,000 and HomeD modular

building technologies received up to $50,000. These are just a taste of the things

that our budget is doing every day for the people not only in my community but all

across British Columbia.

Again, this is a difficult budget for a difficult time, but I am so proud of this

budget and the work we are going to do to bring down costs, increase affordability

and continue to work on improving our health care and our child care spaces for our

kids.

I want to thank you so much for the opportunity to speak to Budget 2026 and Bill 2.

Rosalyn Bird : I rise today to speak to Bill 2, the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2026, the

legislation that gives legal effect to the tax changes, structural changes and policy

decisions contained in this year’s provincial budget.

As members know, second reading debate is not simply about the technical clauses of

legislation. It is about the principle of the bill. It is about what direction the

government is choosing for the province, what priorities it is setting and what the

consequences of those decisions will be for British Columbians.

When we look carefully at Bill 2, what we see is deeply troubling. This legislation

does three things at once.

First, it implements significant tax increases on British Columbians, including increases

to personal income tax and the expansion of provincial sales tax to new goods and

services.

Second, it quietly makes structural changes to transparency and accountability laws

that weaken oversight.

Third, perhaps the most concerning, it eliminates the independent office of the Merit

Commissioner, a watchdog responsible for ensuring that hiring in the B.C. Public Service

is based on merit rather than political favour.

Taken together, this bill reflects a government that is asking British Columbians

to pay more while, at the same time, reducing the transparency and oversight that

taxpayers deserve.

Let me begin with the tax changes embedded in this legislation. Bill 2 implements

an increase to the lowest provincial income tax bracket, raising the rate from 5.06

percent to 5.6 percent. That means the very first dollars British Columbians earn

will now be taxed at a higher rate. This is significant for two reasons.

First, this affects every taxpayer in British Columbia, not just those at higher incomes.

Second, this is the first increase to the lowest provincial income tax rate since

At a time when families are already facing rising costs for housing, groceries and

energy, this government has chosen to increase the taxes people pay on the very first

dollars they earn, and the impact does not stop there.

The government is also freezing income tax bracket adjustments, which means that inflation

pushes wages upward. British Columbians will gradually be pushed into higher effective

tax burdens. In other words, even if someone’s pay increase simply reflects inflation,

they will still end up paying more tax. That is what economists often refer to as

bracket creep, and it quietly increases the tax burden year after year.

[3:25 p.m.]

The government may present this as a small change, but over time, it becomes a significant

and growing tax increase on the working people.

Bill 2 also enables the expansion of the provincial sales tax into new sectors of

the economy.

Professional services such as accounting, engineering, architecture and bookkeeping

will now face additional taxation. Businesses that rely on these services will see

their costs increase, and those costs will not simply disappear. They will be passed

on to customers; homeowners; small businesses; and, ultimately, working families.

For example, businesses that hire private security services will now have to pay 7

percent more. That matters in communities like Prince George where businesses are

already struggling with rising crime and street disorder in the downtown core.

Shop owners are already paying thousands of dollars each month just to keep their

doors open safely. Many have had to hire private security guards, install surveillance

systems or shorten their hours simply to deal with theft, vandalism and safety concerns.

Now this government is telling those businesses that the very security services that

they rely on to protect their employees and their customers will cost 7 percent more.

Condominium owners may see higher strata fees as management services become more expensive.

Again, this is not theoretical. In Prince George, there are many seniors living in

strata housing or modest condominium units, often on fixed incomes. Their budgets

are already stretched by rising grocery costs, higher heating bills during the long

northern winters and increasing property taxes. When strata management costs go up,

those increases are passed directly on to seniors who are already struggling to make

ends meet.

In northern communities like Prince George, those costs land at a particularly difficult

moment. Many families are already facing economic uncertainty as a result of forestry

curtailments and mill closures across northern British Columbia.

We have seen mills shut down, shifts reduced and forestry workers forced to travel

farther and farther from home to find work. These are families who have built their

lives around the forestry sector for generations. When those jobs disappear, it affects

entire communities. It affects local contractors, truck drivers, restaurants, equipment

suppliers and small businesses that depend on forestry workers spending money in the

local economy.

So when this government increases costs on professional services that those businesses

rely on, it is adding pressure at exactly the moment when northern communities are

already under strain.

As costs rise across these sectors, we should expect those costs to ripple across

the entire economy. The reality is that when government raises costs on those businesses

that provide services, those costs inevitably show up in the bills that ordinary people

must pay every single month. That is how tax increases spread through the economy.

They rarely remain where they are first applied.

The bill also makes changes to the homeowner grant, the structure of removing distinctions

that previously recognized the realities of northern and rural communities. Those

distinctions existed for a reason. Families living in places like Prince George, McBride

and Valemount face higher costs simply because of where they live. They drive longer

distances to work, travel farther to access services, and they face higher heating

costs during long northern winters.

[3:30 p.m.]

For many seniors, including my father-in-law, in Prince George and other areas of

our region, their home is the one piece of stability they have after decades of hard

work. Reducing supports that help them stay in those homes sends the wrong message

to the communities that help drive the provincial economy.

Northern British Columbia produces the natural resources, forestry products and energy

that help sustain prosperity across this province. The people who live and work in

those communities deserve policies that recognize their realities, not policies that

make life more expensive. That matters deeply for communities across northern British

Columbia — Prince George, Valemount, McBride and Blue River — where residents already

face higher costs simply because of geography and distance. These communities are

not asking for special treatment, but they do expect government policy to recognize

the realities that they face.

Bill 2 also makes changes to the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act, including

changes to reporting thresholds and financial disclosure requirements. For example,

the threshold at which government must present detailed cost information to the Legislature

for capital projects has been increased from $50 million to $125 million. That is

not a small adjustment. It is a 2½-times increase. The practical effect is simple.

Fewer projects will require detailed disclosure in the Legislature.

The question is: what information may or may not be given to the Legislature in regards

to those projects? Do they still have to give disclosure on cost overruns, labour

challenges, project delays? We’re not sure.

At a time when major infrastructure projects across Canada are experiencing escalating

costs, one would think that the government would be strengthening oversight. Instead,

this legislation moves in the opposite direction. Transparency should not be viewed

as a burden. It should be viewed as a fundamental responsibility.

However, perhaps the most concerning part of Bill 2 is the elimination of the independent

Office of the Merit Commissioner. This office was created in 2001 to ensure that appointments

in the B.C. Public Service are based on merit, qualifications and fairness. It serves

as an independent watchdog that audits hiring practices and ensures that political

considerations do not influence who is hired for public service positions.

Under Bill 2, that office is dissolved, and its responsibilities are transferred into

the government itself. The legislation repeals multiple sections of the Public Service

Act that established the independent commissioner and allowed for oversight in hiring

practices. Instead of an independent officer of the Legislature, the role will effectively

be carried out internally within the government. That fundamentally changes the nature

of oversight. Instead of independent oversight, we now have government overseeing

itself.

The importance of independent oversight becomes even clearer when we look at recent

findings from the Merit Commissioner. Recent reports have shown an increase in hiring

processes where merit was not properly applied. In fact, in the most recent audit,

approximately 10 percent of all appointments reviewed found that merit had not been

applied properly. That is precisely why this office exists. When problems are identified,

the response should be to strengthen oversight, not eliminate it.

The Merit Commissioner himself recently warned that the cost of losing independent

oversight may, ultimately, far exceed the savings from eliminating a small oversight

body. The office operates with a budget of roughly $1.7 million. In the context of

a provincial budget measured in tens of billions of dollars, that is a very small

cost to ensure integrity in the public service. Yet the government has decided that

even this modest level of independent oversight is too much.

It is not only members of the opposition who have raised concerns. Stakeholders have

also spoken out. The president of the BCGEU has publicly stated that the union was

not consulted and opposes the decision to eliminate the office. He warned that the

change effectively removes the audit function over public service hiring.

[3:35 p.m.]

Others have expressed concern that removing the independent oversight opens the door

to political influence over hiring decisions. Public trust in the public service depends

on one key principle: that positions are awarded based on competence and qualifications,

not political connections. When oversight disappears, the trust begins to erode.

The public service is one of the most important institutions in our province. The

people who work within it manage essential programs. They deliver services to citizens.

They ensure that government policies are implemented effectively. They deserve a hiring

system that is transparent, fair and beyond political influence.

Taxpayers deserve confidence that the public service is staffed by the best and most

qualified individuals available. Independent oversight is essential to maintaining

that confidence. Without it, the system becomes vulnerable to perceptions of favouritism

and political patronage. Even if those perceptions are not always accurate, the loss

of public trust can be damaging in itself.

Hiring within the public service must be based on qualifications, fairness and transparency,

not political relationships. That principle matters even more when we look at some

of the recent controversies surrounding government appointments and contracts. For

example, last year the government faced significant criticism after awarding a six-month

consulting contract worth approximately $150,000 to a former executive to advise on

policy related to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

What raised eyebrows was not simply the value of the contract; it was the circumstances

surrounding it. The individual had recently left another publicly funded organization

under unclear circumstances, and the terms of the new contract, including the scope

of work and reporting requirements, were not immediately clear to the public. The

controversy grew to the point that the government ultimately cancelled the contract

after significant public backlash.

That episode illustrates why transparency and oversight matter. When large public

contracts are issued without clear explanations, British Columbians begin to ask reasonable

questions. Who was considered for the work? Was there a competitive process? Were

other qualified candidates evaluated, or was the contract just simply handed to someone

with connections? Those are precisely the kinds of questions an independent oversight

framework is designed to protect against.

There are also growing concerns about a number of political advisers and consultant

contracts being issued by the government now. Media reports have noted that the government

has faced scrutiny over multiple advisory contracts awarded to individuals connected

to government or political networks.

In one case, questions were raised after a communications contract reportedly worth

$140,000 annually was awarded to a political insider. In another instance, a former

NDP cabinet minister was hired as a special adviser on public sector bargaining, again

raising questions about how these appointments were made and whether other qualified

candidates were considered.

Now, I want to be very clear. The issue here is not about the individuals themselves.

Many of these individuals have experience and public service credentials. The issue

is about process and accountability. When governments appoint advisers, consultants

or public officials without clear and transparent processes, public confidence erodes.

This is exactly why the Merit Commissioner matters. When an independent officer reviews

hiring practices, audits appointment processes and reports publicly on whether merit

was applied, British Columbians can have the confidence that the system is working

as intended. But when that oversight disappears, the system begins to rely entirely

on the government’s own assurances.

As one political analyst recently noted in response to the government’s decision to

eliminate the Merit Commissioner, the move comes at the very moment when questions

the government is removing the referee at the same time the game is becoming more

controversial.

[3:40 p.m.]

Independent oversight exists not because we assume wrongdoing. It exists because public

confidence requires transparency. British Columbians should never have to wonder whether

government jobs or contracts are being awarded based on merit or political proximity.

And when the government chooses to eliminate the very office responsible for ensuring

that merit principle is upheld, those questions will inevitably grow louder. That

is why this provision of Bill 2 raises significant concerns.

When we look at Bill 2 as a whole, a pattern begins to emerge. Taxes are increasing.

Transparency thresholds are being raised. Independent oversight is being eliminated.

Each of these decisions on its own raises questions, but taken together, they tell

a much broader story. They suggest a government that is increasingly comfortable asking

British Columbians to pay more while providing less accountability in return.

Second reading is about the principle of a bill, and the principle at stake here is

straightforward. Should government be more accountable or less accountable? Should

taxpayers expect greater transparency or less transparency? Should oversight of public

service hiring be independent or controlled by the government itself? Bill 2 answers

those questions in a way many British Columbians will find deeply concerning.

British Columbians work hard. They expect their government to spend their tax dollars

responsibly. They expect hiring of the public service to be fair and based on merit.

And they expect transparency and oversight when billions of public dollars are being

spent.

Bill 2 moves the province in the wrong direction on each of these fronts. It increases

the tax burden on working families. It reduces transparency around major government

spending. And it eliminates an independent watchdog that helps ensure fairness and

integrity in public service hiring. For those reasons, members of this House have

serious concerns about the principle of this legislation, and I will not be supporting

this legislation at second reading.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : I’m honoured to rise here in the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking People, the Songhees and xʷsepsəm Peoples to speak to Bill 2.

I also raise my hands to Chief Wyse and the Snuneymuxw People where I’m elected and

live — Snuneymuxw territory. I’m grateful for the grounding of that territory and

the wisdom of chief and council. I’m grateful for all of you.

We are in such a time. British Columbia is a great place to live, but global market

uncertainty and the impact of tariffs are slowing down domestic economic growth. They’re

putting huge pressure on families.

More than ever, this is a time for our government to protect core services — social

supports, health care, child care, education — strengthening that skilled workforce

that we need to meet the economic opportunities now, the demand of tomorrow and to

generate that wealth so that we are able, then, to spend on those vital public services;

making careful choices to strengthen B.C.’s long-term finances; building a stronger

economy through trades training and major projects; delivering hospitals, schools,

housing through a sustainable capital plan; and supporting safer, more resilient communities

where people feel safe and do well.

Respectfully, the opposition can’t have it both ways. They say at the same time: “Spend

more” and “Cut more.” They say at the same time, “We’re spending too much,” and that

we’re also not spending enough.

I’m going to speak to some of the ways that I am encouraged and why I support Bill

2, about the ways that we are supporting people — core services like mental health

and addictions. This budget commits another $131 million for mental health and addictions

treatment.

People at home will remember when we formed government in 2017, there were zero addiction

treatment beds in Nanaimo that you could access with your health card. Now there are

more than 50.

[3:45 p.m.]

Hi to Lucy and Kirstin. Thank you for your amazing work.

Right across the road from my constituency office, the supervised consumption site

is being deeply renovated by Island Health to build the first wellness centre that

we’ll have, where people have better connections to primary health care and addiction

treatment. It’s really just such an encouraging expansion.

But what I’m really going to focus on is the $2.3 billion in this year’s budget to

increase health system capacity. In particular, the Nanaimo hospital tower long needed

this. Our hospital, NRGH, is consistently over census.

My girlfriend Adrienne, my best friend since grade 10, is a social worker in the emergency

room. She tells me every time we get together how much more space is needed and how

the demands for the whole region just put on so much pressure.

I’m so grateful for the incredibly talented and patient staff that make that hospital

work, but I know the working conditions are hard.

We all want expansion of acute care and cardiac services in the central Island region.

And I’m so pleased that this budget indicates we’re moving forward with a concept

plan for a new patient tower at Nanaimo Regional Hospital.

There was a plan in place. We’ve built out many parts of it though. We went from eight

bad acute care beds….

You’ll remember in 2017 it was revealed, when we formed government, that the B.C.

Liberals had been sitting on a 2013 report saying that Nanaimo’s intensive care unit

was the most dangerous in the country, but they hadn’t done anything about it. It

became an election issue, a commitment when I was elected in a by-election in 2019.

Those eight amazing intensive care beds are now built, and while we were at it, we

added another eight high-acuity beds. In fact, actually, the total count is now 24

acute care beds, and they are state of the art. We want the whole hospital to look

like that.

We are also now building a cancer centre in Nanaimo. Because some of the pieces of

the old concept plan have moved ahead, we have now committed to a new concept plan

that will accommodate, also, the question about where cardiac care sits.

We are very grateful for the very constructive partnership of the Nanaimo Regional

Hospital District board for their very forward-looking vision and partnership. Because

of their leadership and their early commitment of funds, we’re going to be able to

move forward now, and I’m just so grateful we’re able to do that.

More broadly on health care, throughout this budget and across every corner of the

province, we’re expanding health care services. We’re building 30 new and expanded

hospitals, including a second Surrey hospital, and we’re opening urgent primary care

centres and community health clinics across B.C. We already have two in Nanaimo —

again, under our government.

Members in the B.C. Liberal and Conservative parties did not prioritize the health

care needs of people when they sold off land for hospitals and refused to replace

aging hospitals. We are still digging the province out of that hole, and we’re going

to continue to do that work.

Also, more broadly on the health care side, this budget plan secures $447 million

in federal funding for seniors health services and $653 million to expand public coverage

for diabetes medications and menopausal hormone therapy.

A shout-out to my amazing group of women friends on Gabriola Island who spent three

hours yesterday talking about exactly this free access. This is the first place in

the country that that is available.

Child care is another deep investment in this budget — another $330 million over three

years to maintain lower fees and support spaces and operators while the system is

modernized.

Also, in the education field, K to 12 is receiving $634 million over three years,

including $167 million for the classroom enhancement fund to add teachers and supports

for inclusive learning.

Altogether this budget is protecting these core services. In contrast, B.C. Conservative

members who were former Liberal government reps froze the school capital budget for

eight straight years. They closed 267 schools.

Our government, though, on the other hand, is ensuring that more school construction

would be built with this year’s budget to make up for those lost years.

[3:50 p.m.]

The B.C. Liberals slashed social housing by 75 percent in just one year alone. In

contrast, just in my community alone, we’ve already opened 134 completed affordable

housing projects. We have another 419 proceeding.

The mayor of Nanaimo will say those numbers don’t quite add up. He’s quite right because

the MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville represents the north part of Nanaimo. I’m just the

south part and Gabriola Island. But the Nanaimo complex care centre is proceeding.

Parkedge Manor, which is next to Sunfield Manor….

So it’s really neat, actually. There was one apartment building of old housing. B.C.

Housing, together with the Woodgrove Senior Citizens Society, built a new unit, 62

units, next door. People from the original unit were able to move in. Then the old

unit was torn down, and it’s now being built up. Another great example of our government

investing in community organizations. Hand raised to the amazing seniors committee

that just managed this whole construction under really challenging circumstances.

We’re building formerly homelessness housing on Nicol Street with the partnership

of Snuneymuxw First Nation. Te’tuxwtun redevelopment — 199 units — is going ahead.

Terminal supportive housing, going ahead.

On Gabriola Island, where I live, for the very first time we are building affordable

housing. Paisley Place, 24 units. The Gabriola affordable housing society has led

this, working together with M’akola Housing, who are helping with some of the management.

I’m just so proud and impressed by them.

Again, this has been a very long road. People can apply right now through the housing

society for tenancy there. All of these things…. We just need to continue to invest

more deeply in our communities, and we’re doing this work in partnership.

In another category…. I’m speaking now about the ministry that I lead, Social Development

and Poverty Reduction.

First, just the hugest thanks to the good BCGEU workers, everybody that works on the

front line. This is challenging, committed, vital work. When I visit offices, I expect

people to be tired or exhausted by the real intensity of the work, but you just consistently

say how much you are committed to serving, but also how much you support each other

as workers.

These folks really deserve our government’s appreciation.

We are committed to a strong front line, and so much of the work in this budget is

protecting that. I really want to credit also…. With growing caseload…. More people

because of the cost of living are turning to income assistance.

Call volumes and everything are up, but our public service has really innovated in

a lot of ways, including a callback feature so that nobody needs to get stuck on the

phone. Seventy percent of all clients are using this callback feature so that they

get a phone call back within an hour. It’s kind of amazing.

During the postal strike, our folks just pulled out the stops. All ministry service

and service channels remained available. There was no interruption in welfare cheque

delivery, against all odds, even though the federal government’s commitment to still

deliver income assistance cheques to people, even in a postal strike, could not be

honoured. They couldn’t do it, but our folks just made sure it worked. When the Ombudsperson

investigated whether we had done our job right, he issued a report that was titled

Stamp of Approval and really credited the teams for doing the work well.

In this year’s budget, we have a $121 million lift for income assistance and disability

assistance to respond to caseload pressures and the fact that people need more help.

We also eliminated the spousal clawback for support allowance, so couples on disability

assistance can each keep their full support allowance. This has been long called for

by self-advocates in the sector. Now your support allowance won’t be reduced just

because you are in a relationship.

Also, couples where one person is receiving disability assistance will also benefit

from an increased annual earnings exemption. If you’re on disability assistance or

income assistance, you’re also allowed to earn additional income to create a fuller

income. You were protected if both couples were on disability assistance around the

earnings exemption. But we had also been told by self-advocates that it was unfair

where you had one couple on income assistance and one not….

[3:55 p.m.]

Those changes were made in November and December. They were automatic. People do not

need to apply for it, but they’re costed in this budget. People are receiving at least

$110 more every month — significantly more, again, depending on their income assistance

level.

I loved when we announced this at the office of Nanaimo Association for Community

Living. Julie and James came to speak at our media advisory, and they really described

in such a compelling way, Julie especially, how they had delayed marriage because

their disability benefits would have been reduced. Julie says she can now live like

a normal person. It was really wonderful.

So that’s 6,500 families that are benefiting from that change, and that’s a $52 million

investment in this year’s budget.

In the Ministry of Childre