Third Session, 41st Parliament

(2018) OFFICIAL REPORT

OF DEBATES

(HANSARD)

Monday, May 7, 2018

Morning Sitting

Issue No. 128

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

CONTENTS

Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

Facilitating the development of an LNG industry in

B.C.

E. Ross

R. Glumac

Seismic upgrades

M. Dean

M. Bernier

Flooding

J. Tegart

J. Rice

Protecting wild salmon

A. Olsen

J. Routledge

Private Members’ Motions

Motion 20 — Role of tourism industry in

economy

M. Stilwell

R. Singh

J. Sturdy

R. Kahlon

D. Barnett

A. Kang

D. Clovechok

N. Simons

S. Bond

B. Ma

J. Thornthwaite

MONDAY, MAY 7, 2018

The House met at 10:02 a.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers.

Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

FACILITATING THE DEVELOPMENT

OF AN LNG INDUSTRY IN

B.C.

E. Ross: Earlier this year Karen Ogen-Toews, CEO of the First Nations LNG

Alliance, published an editorial about creating an LNG export industry in

British Columbia. She said it’s time for activists to allow First Nations to

speak for themselves.

The editorial expressed how dismaying it is to find environmental

activists trying to control First Nations territories, just as governments and

corporations used to do in the past, by using the same old divide-and-conquer

tactics. Ms. Ogen-Toews points out that currently 32 First Nations in B.C. have

reached natural gas pipeline agreements, 16 are members of the First Nations

Pacific Trail Pipelines Limited Partnership group, and another dozen have

signed natural gas or LNG deals. So it is clear that in the pipeline debate,

individual First Nations have the right to follow their own path.

The fact is we need these pipelines in our country. Right now we all

know the Trans Mountain debate is stirring emotions from coast to coast. It’s

drawing battle lines between provinces, local governments, the federal

government and ordinary citizens. Stuck in the middle of all of this are

Canadian Aboriginal communities.

[10:05 a.m.]

Some 33 First Nations in B.C. have signed benefit agreements with Kinder

Morgan. Despite this fact, the president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and

Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of the Kanehsatà:ke recently penned an

editorial in the Globe and Mail claiming that if the federal

government uses its prerogative, “it could mean going back to one of the

darkest times in Canadian history: the Oka standoff with the Mohawk

Nation.”

This kind of rhetoric is not helpful. Keith Matthew, a former chief of

Simpcw First Nations, strongly objected to this rather dire peril. As a former

chief councillor for the Haisla Nation, I fully agree with Mr.

Matthew.

Leaders are first and foremost accountable to the people who elected

them. Most Aboriginal leaders I know are far more concerned with trying to

break a deeply entrenched cycle of poverty than fighting third-party activists.

Many elected leaders and former leaders, like myself, view inclusion in the

broader economy as a viable solution to their band members’ issues, and that

means support for the development of our resource industries, like

LNG.

Karen Ogen-Toews, CEO of the First Nations LNG, also mentioned in her

editorial how Crystal Smith, the current chief councillor of the Haisla First

Nation, had to fend off an editorial by the Sierra Club recently. On January

24, Caitlyn Vernon, campaign director for the Sierra Club, wrote an editorial

in the Times Colonist . The Sierra Club criticized the Premier’s recent

trip to Asia to promote LNG Canada, which wants to build an LNG export facility

in Kitimat.

[R. Chouhan in the chair.]

The editorial claimed that LNG development is somehow not compatible

with tourism. In response, Chief Councillor Crystal Smith had this to say:

“Your editorial neglects to address any of the issues faced by First Nations in

northern British Columbia, where unemployment is rampant, and the tourism

industry offers little promise of that changing any time soon.”

Chief Crystal Smith even went so far as to invite the Sierra Club to our

territory to spend time with First Nations who support LNG. She concluded by

saying: “We know exactly what we need: the ability to govern ourselves, take

care of our families and ensure our young people have the kind of opportunities

that allow them to remain in our community and become

self-supporting.”

I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that First Nations of B.C. are up to the

challenge of speaking for themselves. The general public is beginning to see

through what Chief Ernie Crey of the Cheam First Nation calls a determined

effort by environmental activists to use Aboriginals as pawns to advance their

own agenda. I find it reassuring that the people of British Columbia recognize

what third-party activists are trying to do to our province.

R. Glumac: The member opposite has introduced this motion today to say that we need

to facilitate the development of an LNG industry in B.C. I listened intently to

his speech, and what I heard is unconditional support for LNG without really

any consideration for anything else.

I didn’t hear anything about guaranteeing a fair return on B.C.’s

natural resources. Under the previous government, even though gas production

has gone up over the last decade by 60 percent, royalties have plummeted by 80

percent, from $1.2 billion down to $200,000 in the last year of the previous

government. Our government is taking a new approach. We will make sure that

B.C. gets a fair return on our natural resources.

I didn’t hear the member say anything about guaranteeing that the jobs

and training opportunities will be for British Columbians, but this is a

condition of approval for our government. Respecting Indigenous rights and

partnering with First Nations, of course, is another condition of approval for

our government.

I did not hear the member say anything about protecting B.C.’s air, land

and water or living up to the province’s climate targets. I don’t know if the

members know this, but their own previous government set targets for greenhouse

gas emissions to 33 percent below 2007 levels by 2020. They’ve completely

failed in moving towards this target.

[10:10 a.m.]

Since this target was set in 2008, all interim targets have been missed.

In fact, between 2012 and 2016, the greenhouse gas emissions have gone up. They

went up.

The previous government completely ignored greenhouse gas reduction

targets. They also ignored legitimate concerns around fracking. Our government

is taking a new approach. We’re conducting an independent scientific review of

fracking to make sure that it has the highest safety and environmental

standards. We’ll make sure that B.C.’s air, land and water are protected, and

we will live up to our climate commitments.

The previous government, despite casting aside all climate commitments

and virtually all other considerations, was still not able to secure an LNG

facility in B.C. They were very good at coming up with slogans but not so good

at the follow-through.

We look to a new government, a responsible government that will make

sure that B.C. gets its fair share of the economic benefit — that the jobs will

go to British Columbians, that First Nations’ rights are respected, that the

environment will be protected and that our climate targets will be met. We made

a commitment, during the election, to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 40

percent below 2007 levels by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. We take this

commitment seriously.

We can’t achieve these reductions without a significant shift across all

sectors to a low-carbon economy. But we can do it, because we have to do it for

our children and for future generations. They’re counting on us to do the right

thing, and the work is just beginning. There is a right way to do resource

development in B.C. There is a responsible way to grow the economy for all

British Columbians. That is exactly what this government will do.

E. Ross: I would like to thank the hon. member for the reply to this motion. I do

acknowledge the current government’s recent announcement regarding a new

framework for natural gas development. I am also encouraged to see all members

of this House come together on the LNG file and express their support for the

resource development and the pipelines that will carry LNG to the markets

overseas.

We will await the fine details when supporting legislation is introduced

to this House. However, I’m glad to see the government is supportive of LNG

Canada specifically, a project that would see construction of a natural gas

pipeline from northeast B.C. to Kitimat. The pipeline and new terminal in

Kitimat are expected to create up to 10,000 construction jobs and up to 950

full-time jobs in northern B.C.

Unfortunately, there does remain one major piece of the puzzle that

remains unresolved. The LNG Canada project in Kitimat, the Woodfibre LNG

project in Squamish, the Steelhead LNG project on Vancouver Island, plus many

other viable LNG proposals — all face an uphill battle with the federal

government. We are still waiting for Ottawa to rule on tariff relief in the

form of exemptions to duties on imported steel components.

In 2017, a decision by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal covered

certain fabricated industrial steel components exported from China, South Korea

and Spain. These duties are creating investment uncertainty and threatening the

potential of LNG Canada and other projects. In fact, this decision jeopardizes

the competitiveness of all LNG projects in British Columbia.

While it is laudable to protect jobs in Canada’s steel industry, the

capability does not exist in Canada to build these modules. There are only a

few countries in the world with the expertise to build these modules. We are

talking about very large components that could not be shipped overland and

would have to be shipped overseas. A tariff would drive up the total capital

cost by $40 billion in total and jeopardize the jobs of steelworkers in B.C.

and Canada that would otherwise lose the work if LNG Canada does not go

through.

We are now at the stage where a prime contractor has been named to

design and build LNG Canada. I call on all members and all parties of this

House to continue to support the LNG industry.

[10:15 a.m.]

Deputy Speaker: Members, the Chair would like to remind all members — in a very gentle

way because it’s Monday morning — that it is supposed to be very non-partisan,

the private members’ time. In the previous statement, both sides got pretty

close to crossing the line, so I will remind all members to be

careful.

SEISMIC UPGRADES

M. Dean: Today I’m going to talk about the important issue of seismic safety in

schools in B.C. We’re all at risk of the impact of an earthquake. When children

are in school, they are in the care of the B.C. school system, so we must pay

attention to the conditions of the schools they are studying in.

We can all expect that, at some point in the next years, we will face an

earthquake. The last catastrophic earthquake in B.C. happened on January 27,

1700. Experts say that it’s inevitable that another one will hit B.C., with a

12 percent probability of one occurring in the next 50 years.

When it does, we can expect damaged buildings and infrastructure,

flooding, fires and thousands of people forced to leave their homes. We will

also face a high number of injuries, casualties, and it’s the most vulnerable

that will be at risk. Parents separated from their children will want to know

that in the immediacy, they’re protected and looked after and that in the short

term, they’ll soon be able to reach them.

We must, of course, applaud school districts and all education providers

for having protocols for what to do in an earthquake already. You know the

drill: parents pack a bag for their kids with reassuring messages, favourite

items, a sleeping bag. Even so, we can do more to protect our children when an

earthquake hits.

The reality is that roads and infrastructure will be so damaged it will

actually be very difficult for parents to get to their children quickly. The

best protection for them will be to be in safe and secure buildings, at least

until they’re reached.

The Ministry of Education, therefore, has a seismic mitigation program

to tackle the risks of schools collapsing and to ensure that schools are

protected as far as possible in the event of an earthquake. The Ministry of

Education’s seismic mitigation program is a partnership with Engineers and

Geoscientists British Columbia and the University of B.C.

As of December 2017, 168 out of 346 SMP schools have been completed.

However, this means that there were still 178 schools in B.C. that are at high

risk of collapsing in a major earthquake, just at the end of last year. That’s

potentially tens of thousands of students and hundreds of teachers at risk of

being trapped or killed if a catastrophic earthquake were to occur during

school hours. That’s an unacceptable risk, and it shows why it is so critical

that we complete these upgrades quickly.

Since launching the seismic mitigation program, the Ministry of

Education has spent over $1.6 billion to complete projects throughout the

province. However, as of last summer, 155 schools in earthquake-prone areas

that are considered high risk had no scheduled upgrades planned. There’s a lot

of catch-up to do, and all the time, the risk of a devastating event is

increasing.

That’s why, since day one, after being sworn in as government, we’ve

been reaching out and working with school districts to fast-track seismic

approvals. We are committed to accelerating the school seismic mitigation

program to make sure all of our schools are safe for students and teachers.

We’re working with school boards to meet an ambitious timeline so we can get

schools upgraded quickly.

Since coming into government, we have announced combined funding of $216

million for seismic upgrades or replacements at 15 high-risk schools. That’s 15

seismic upgrades in schools announced in less than a year. Our government has

committed $522 million over three years for seismic upgrades across the

province of British Columbia.

We are also working with seismic mitigation program experts, including

Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, to look for ways to more

efficiently and cost-effectively meet and exceed the building code for seismic

safety. We’re also able to take opportunities of meeting other capital needs

and other building initiatives in partnership with school boards and school

districts. We use the building code and we use other seismic research to

regularly re-evaluate the seismic risk ratings of schools and look at the

overall functioning and capability of the schools.

[10:20 a.m.]

Of course, at the end of the day, what’s important is reducing the risk

to students and teachers and fast-tracking what we can do to make sure all of

our schools across the province are as safe as possible.

You know, everyone puts their trust in us to provide a safe learning

environment. In the words of the Minister of Education, we’re making these

investments “to make sure families…can send their kids to school knowing they

will be safe in the event of an earthquake. As a father with children in the

public education system in Victoria, it is extremely important to me that we

give our students a safe learning environment. We know there is more work to

do, and that is why we have 50 seismic projects that will proceed to approval

in the next 18 months.”

I’m very proud to be part of a government that is moving so fast and

giving such priority to the safety of children in our schools across the

province.

M. Bernier: I want to thank the member for bringing this forward this

morning.

Obviously, when we talk about safety in the school systems, when we talk

about making our schools seismically safe, there should be no argument in this

House about doing that. But, in fact, I appreciate that the member opposite

brought forward the seismic mitigation program because that program was

actually started under the previous government, when no seismic upgrading was

taking place prior to 2001.

We saw that it was important, in working with the geoscientists of B.C.,

the engineers, to make sure that we had safe schools, safe learning

environments and safe workplaces for our students and for our

teachers.

You know, we learn from seismic events from around the world, and that’s

why it kept on changing all the time as we learned more about how we make our

schools safe. This was not just about one-size-fits-all. There are different

parts of British Columbia that are going to maybe experience — when this might

happen — a different style of seismic event. We have to make sure the schools

are seismically safe for that style.

Since 2001, actually, when the seismic mitigation program came in, there

have been 48 new schools that have been built. There have actually been 70

schools that were older that have been replaced to new seismic and building

code standards and, on top of that, 168, as was mentioned, schools that were

seismically upgraded.

One of the things that I was proud of when I was the Minister of

Education is the fact that we put this as a top priority. Now, the member

opposite talks about how things are going. We had, within our budget, the full

plan — $2 million, again — in the three-year plan going forward to address

capital and seismic upgrades. So I’m excited to know, by looking at the budget,

that the new government is following through with the commitments that we had

and that they have the same amount of money in the budget, because that’s

important.

There has been about $1.6 billion spent on seismic upgrading. One thing

the members opposite — I think, now that they’re in government — and the

minister himself now recognize is that this is a partnership with school

districts. We have to be able to make sure that we’re working on the priorities

of the school districts themselves. This is not a top-down exercise; it is a

full partnership.

That is why we had, within our plan, everything outside of Vancouver —

not only within our plan, working with the school districts and within our

ten-year capital plan…. Every single school that needed to be seismically

upgraded outside of Vancouver would be completed by 2025.

Now, that in itself might sound ambitious. I appreciate that the members

opposite now want to accelerate that program. We’ve been unable to hear what

accelerate means because 2025 is only about six or seven years away, and it

does take a couple of years to seismically upgrade a school.

I’m really proud of the work that we’ve done. In fact, the largest

seismic upgrade in B.C.’s history was $106 million in New Westminster for the

largest school in B.C. It was noticed that instead of seismically upgrading, we

needed to do what was right for the school, for the students and the teachers,

and that was to replace that with the largest capital investment in

history.

[10:25 a.m.]

Just to end, I think we all agree that we want to make sure our schools

are safe. Our schools are great educational buildings, but it’s what takes

place inside.

I want to thank the teachers for the great work they do every day as

well. And I know we all want to make sure that the schools are safe, which is

why our government brought in the seismic mitigation program. I’m excited to

see that the new government has embraced that and is going to continue on with

that.

M. Dean: Thank you to the member for Peace River South as well. I also echo the

appreciation for the staff in the school districts, for everybody involved in

supporting our education system and students in the education system as well —

especially their families.

As I’ve said, we do take seismic risks very seriously, and we do have an

ambitious plan for accelerating seismic mitigation. There were 178 schools as

of the end of December 2017 that were at risk of collapsing. So we’re looking

to move a total of 50 capital projects to approval in an 18-month

period.

Schools are not only used for teaching our children; they’re also often

used as community hubs and meeting places. The impact of investing in them and

in ensuring that they’re safe therefore can’t be underestimated.

In my region, Keating Elementary School will soon be a seismically safer

school and have four new classrooms as well. As the Minister of Education said,

“the safety of students and staff is a key commitment of our government. All

parents need to know their kids are going to school in a safe

environment.”

This is also supported by the chair of the Saanich school district 63.

“On behalf of the Saanich board of education,” she said, “I would like to

express our appreciation for this most welcome decision. This investment will

ensure that Keating Elementary is safe and will have the capacity needed to

serve the community for years to come.”

This is just another example of how our government is addressing the

backlog of seismic projects in the province by accelerating funding approvals

and reducing the time it takes to plan and upgrade a school. This includes

collaborating with school districts and local government to meet ambitious

timelines.

Campus View Elementary School is also being upgraded. As the chair of

the greater Victoria board of education says: “When a school is seismically

upgraded, it is a win for the community, because everyone can have peace of

mind in knowing that our children, our future leaders, will be

safe.”

FLOODING

J. Tegart: I rise today as a number of B.C. communities, including some of mine in

the riding of Fraser-Nicola, cope with yet another crisis. You’d be forgiven

for thinking my speech is about a wildfire season that residents and business

owners are already bracing for as warmer weather sets in. Indeed, this is a

real concern this year again.

The B.C. Wildfire Service has warned that hot spots from the last

wildfire season could be lingering underground and could flare up as

temperatures rise in the area. As I think back to the devastation that so many

communities faced last year, this is a sobering possibility.

But today I’m here to talk about flooding, brought on by recent warm

temperatures, melting snowpacks and increased precipitation. It turns out the

two sets of circumstances are linked.

We’ve heard in media reports and from ministry officials that last

year’s wildfires are having a tremendous impact several months later in the

form of floods. They note that more than 12,000 square kilometres of land

burned across B.C. between July and September of last year. That makes it

easier for the water and snow melt to run downhill through communities into

rivers and streams, causing high stream flow and the potential for

floods.

As homeowners, First Nations, farmers, ranchers, business owners and

communities continue to rebuild after last year’s devastating flooding and

forest fires, they also now have floodwaters damaging their properties and, in

some cases, forcing them out of their homes. Those floodwaters are prompting

local states of emergency, shutting down roadways, causing drinking water and

septic tank issues and forcing people to face additional personal and financial

setbacks.

[10:30 a.m.]

During this past constituency week, I spent some time visiting and

listening to those affected by the floods. People like Ira Tom, the fire chief

at Upper Nicola Indian Band, who was working with a team to fill sandbags in

anticipation of high water when we stopped by. I visited the Lower Nicola and

Quilchena areas, witnessing firsthand how quickly and drastically rivers and

creeks and lakes have all risen.

I visited Cache Creek and happened to be in the community the night that

the trickle of Cache Creek became a raging river and overflowed the banks,

cutting off Highways 1 and 97. I would like to acknowledge that the member for

North Coast also visited Cache Creek, and it was very much appreciated that she

came in to actually see where the flooding is happening.

We talk a lot about rural folks being hard-working and resilient. What I

witnessed last week was a testament to that. But we also need to note that

they’re tired. Who can blame them, after watching them cope with so much

disaster and destruction last year? That’s why it’s so important that all of us

in this House offer concrete measures to not only support them in their

recovery efforts but to prevent similar emergencies from happening

again.

We know that flood response is primarily managed by local authorities,

who do an amazing job of keeping residents safe and protecting as much property

as they can in these so very difficult circumstances. We need to listen to the

local needs and understand that they know their communities and their unique

geography. We need to support them in their work.

Our former Liberal government undertook a number of flood mitigation

measures that I’m proud to highlight today: $173 million was committed with

federal and local governments for 168 flood mitigation projects in 65

communities across British Columbia over a period of ten years. What’s more, in

February 2016, the B.C. government announced $65 million in initiatives to help

keep communities safe.

That included $15 million for public safety preparedness initiatives

like Ocean Networks and the B.C. Search and Rescue Association and $50 million

for 17 community hazard mitigation projects, such as upgrades to dikes and

flood protection. That was on top of a $3 million increase over three years to

emergency management B.C. to support outreach related to emergency

preparedness, program capacity and systems support. It’s certainly my hope that

we will continue to see similar investments made.

It’s important to note that these losses are felt in many areas. We’ve

talked about the hardship faced by those who have lost homes or seen their

personal belongings and businesses damaged, but we also see industries that are

affected. Our tourism industry is particularly affected as we look at road

closures and damage done in community.

We know that these sorts of events are happening more and more often,

and certainly, in discussion with community, what we’re hearing is that if

these are the new norm, then government needs a new norm of planning. We need

to look at how we start to control and mitigate some of the flooding issues in

our regions.

I certainly hear from people in my region. This is the third year in a

row we’re seeing drastic floods. What are we doing to plan ahead? Not only do

we see floods in my area, but we see ranchers and farmers who are overwhelmed

with fields that look like lakes, and two months later, their irrigation is

shut off due to drought. We need to look at planning and how we can store water

so that we can ensure that people who grow our food have the ability to

actually have water to do that.

We go from feast or famine, it seems, in my riding. We see fire. We see

floods. What we’re looking for from all of us in this House is good planning

and recognition of where we’re at.

[10:35 a.m.]

J. Rice: Thank you to the member for Fraser-Nicola for her remarks and her

perspective. I really appreciate the comments that she’s made, especially after

returning from her community.

I’d also just like to acknowledge that it was a year ago about this time

that a local hero was lost. Fire Chief Clayton Cassidy of Cache Creek was swept

away during the floods. He was a hero to so many, in so many ways, and it’s

really unfortunate that we’ve had such tragic events. But here we are again in

flooding season, as the member mentioned.

I’ve just returned from flood-impacted communities in the South Okanagan

and Similkameen communities. I went because I wanted to see for myself what’s

happening on the ground in regards to these high-water and flooding

events.

I met with local people, local governments, local MLAs and First Nations

to see and hear directly how this year’s spring freshet and subsequent flooding

is impacting people. As the member for Fraser-Nicola mentioned, I want to

highlight that her people are indeed hard-working, committed and

resilient.

It’s a trying time, and we want British Columbians to know that we are

here to help. We’re monitoring what’s happening and reducing the risks wherever

we can. A higher-than-normal snowpack combined with hot temperatures has led to

ongoing river rises and flooding incidents throughout the province in a number

of communities.

Temperatures are expected to increase again this week, leading to more

snow melt runoff. A state of local emergency has been declared for 17

communities and eight First Nations, and 21 evacuation orders are in effect

across this province. Furthermore, 22 communities are under an evacuation

alert, and a reception centre has been opened to support those affected by

flooding.

We have more than two million sandbags issued to local governments to

protect homes and public infrastructure, and we’ve deployed 160 firefighters

from the B.C. Wildfire Service to assist with sandbagging in

communities.

We’ve also announced several major funding programs. We’ve announced

funding for flood prevention and emergency preparedness, including funding for

the national disaster mitigation program, the community emergency preparedness

fund and several flood projects throughout the province. Communities throughout

B.C. are now benefiting from $33½ million in provincial emergency preparedness

funding.

Disaster financial assistance is now available for eligible British

Columbians in the Thompson-Nicola regional district, including municipalities,

unincorporated areas and First Nations who may have been impacted from a

flooding event that began on April 26.

DFA, or disaster financial assistance, is available to homeowners,

residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations

and local government bodies who are unable to obtain insurance to cover

disaster-related losses. During this trying time, we want British Columbians to

know that we’re caring, we’re listening, and we’re here to help. We’re hoping

for the best but preparing for the worst. Disaster financial assistance is one

way we can help people and local governments get back on their feet after an

uninsurable disaster.

In response to flooding events, we’ve activated the Provincial Emergency

Coordination Centre on the Saanich Peninsula in order to coordinate flood

response throughout the province. We’ve also activated three provincial

regional emergency operations centres in Kamloops, Prince George and Nelson to

provide support to local governments.

Through the river forecast centre, we’re providing water flow expertise

as well as dam safety officers, geotechnical specialists and engineers in

affected areas. We’re working closely with local governments and First Nations,

monitoring the increased risk closely and mitigating wherever we

can.

We know people are still recovering from last year’s extraordinary flood

and fire season. Combined with this early flooding, no doubt it is really hard

on people right now. I want to thank everyone for pulling together and working

together to support each other. I want people to know, throughout B.C. and in

the member’s riding, that EMBC and all of government is here to

help.

[10:40 a.m.]

J. Tegart: Thank you to the member for North Coast for those comments. I think it’s

really important, when we talk about floods and we talk about programs and we

talk about millions of dollars, that we actually put a face, sometimes, to who

those people are.

We have recently been successful in lobbying and receiving money for a

new bridge that was wiped out in the Cache Creek flood last year. Those people,

one in particular who has a four-year-old, have been walking across 2-by-10s to

get to their house. Can you imagine, with the winter we had, what that would

look like? And think about a four-year-old and a family packing groceries and

the family not being able to take their vehicle over. Hopefully, those are the

kinds of things we think about when we talk about how we help

people.

I would also like to thank all the local authorities who were working

around the clock for the past several months to keep people safe and property

safe: our regional districts and local governments, our first responders and

many, many volunteers and neighbours who have come together and done an

outstanding job. We appreciate their tireless work.

With that said, we also remind people to take the steps necessary to

protect their homes and businesses. Check with the river forecast centre and

DriveBC for the most up-to-date information before you leave on a trip. We know

that floodwaters move fast. People should develop a household plan and connect

with their neighbours to ensure a fast and coordinated response.

Make sure you know where to meet your family. Never drive through

floodwater. Those of us who live in the country often think our 4-by-4 can do

anything, but I’ve seen water take a vehicle and flip it over. We don’t want

people in those situations.

Avoid small creeks and rivers, as their channels can fill up quickly,

and keep children and pets away from riverbanks. It may seem obvious, but it’s

always worth repeating: people should always follow the orders of the emergency

officials, and have a kit ready with important documents, medications, a

flashlight and a first aid kit.

For those people out there who question whether there is climate change,

I invite you to come to the Interior. People I talk to, old-timers, say: “There

is water running where we have never seen water before. It is coming down

gullies that have been dry for 50 years.” We need to understand this is the new

norm, and we need to work together to help our citizens.

PROTECTING WILD SALMON

A. Olsen: There was a time when the W̱SÁNEĆ

were a hungry people, but the Great Spirit changed that. This is the story, and

these are the words of my uncle STOLȻEȽ.

Those beautiful islands and bays and inlets, our clam beds, oyster beds, our

octopus beds — all of those are sacred to us because of our belief. It’s a

belief that we have about how they came to be — whether it’s clams, mussels,

oysters, fishes, all of the species of fish that travel through our territory.

It’s our belief. It’s what our elders said. It’s their words.

They were a people long ago before they became fish. They were a good

people, a hard-working people that didn’t have an enemy anywhere. They had no

enemies. They worked well with everyone, and XÁLS appeared to them and said:

“The way you are living is good. You have no enemies, and you work hard, so I’m

going to keep you that way.” He changed them into the SĆÁÁNEW̱ — all

the fishes and salmon — and he sent them out to sea. They all worked together.

He sent them out to sea as families — the spring salmon, the sockeye salmon,

the humpback salmon, all the salmon. They go out to sea as a family, and they

return back to their home as a family.

[10:45 a.m.]

Our elders respected the laws that we were given, so each year in the

late spring, the ironwood tree blossoms. I think it’s called the ocean spray

today. It blossoms a beautiful blossom and a kind of beige-coloured plume, and

there’s a beautiful scented aroma throughout Saanich. You have to be in awe of

it when you look at it, because it’s so pretty, and the smell of it means

Saanich summer.

It’s a marker on the natural calendar for our people. When that took

place, it meant that now the salmon are starting to travel within our homeland

territory. They’re within our reach. And then it means that it’s time to get

ready to go and move and be out there in our homeland and our

territory.

When we were living in our natural state of life, ŦIŦE, a spiritual

leader, was sent out to paddle to the edge of the territory, to

SMOḰEĆ, a place that’s called Point

Roberts today. By himself, he paddled as a prayer for the people at that time,

paddling on his way, and each stroke of his paddling was like a prayer for the

people.

He never had anything to eat. He gave up food and gave up water until he

reached a place which is called SḴŦOḴEȽ,

Mayne Island, where there’s beautiful spring water. He would stop and have a

drink and a rest. That was his first full day. Early in the morning, he’d drink

water and travel on, continuing his effort to finish his prayer work for the

people, to begin their fishing season.

He paddled until he reached SMOḰEĆ.

At the edge of the territory, he stood in his canoe and faced all the islands

there, and he spoke to them as people. “Your relatives will be here soon,” he

would say. “You should look after them like you were told. You look after them

like you were told, and they will look after you the way they were told by the

Great Spirit.”

That’s a belief. That’s a way of life for our people, what an island is,

where food is gathered, where families are gathered, where history is told,

where education takes place, how to live in this country in the way it was

meant to be. He would pray to the salmon, SĆÁÁNEW̱ , that spirit of all

the fishes, and he would say: “Take pity on us and feed us once more, and we

will respect you like we always have.” That was a prayer for the

people.

When he was done that, he paddled back home, two more days. He stopped

at the drinking place, SḴŦOḴEȽ, to get water

and then paddled back home, back to the village where he would gather the

people around him and say: “I’ve done my best for you. I’ve opened your fishing

season. You can go and get ready to go. I’ve opened the way for

you.”

Look after our homeland. Look after it. Take care of it. That’s a belief

for us. It’s a law.

When it’s taken away from us, it’s no different than throwing away your

crucifix or the pages of your Bible and throwing it in the bush or a ditch.

It’s the same thing for us. That Bible that you swear on in your courts — it’s

like taking that and throwing it away.

Our right, our religious belief, connects us to the land, to the salmon.

Our prayer words for all those fish were given to us to look after that

resource so that there will always be some for the future.

Those are the powerful words of my uncle

STOLȻEȽ. So you might wonder why it is

that I stand in this place and often speak of my relatives, the

SĆÁÁNEW̱ , the hard-working people that my uncle

STOLȻEȽ spoke about in his testimony to

the National Energy Board hearing for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion

project, the project that W̱JOȽEȽP has

outright rejected.

We rejected the cash offerings dangled in front of our noses to support

their project. We rejected that project. In Saanich, the heart of which is

covered by the riding I now represent, there is a law. It is the law that, even

as I stand in this old stone building, is much, much older.

It is a law to always be reminded of our responsibility for our

homeland, for our territory, for my riding. Reminded by our ŦIŦE that we have

been told by the Great Spirit to look after our relatives the islands and our

relatives the SĆÁÁNEW̱ .

When we followed that law, when everything we did was in accordance with

that belief, with that law, then things looked after themselves. This law has

never gone away. It has only been replaced. This law is not just for the

W̱ILṈEW̱ in

W̱SÁNEĆ; it’s for all of us that live

there today. It’s time for us to renew our commitment to this law. It is time

once again for our ŦIŦE to paddle his solemn prayer and swear his solemn oath.

It’s time that we were reminded of our duty and our responsibility to the

SĆÁÁNEW̱ , the wild Pacific salmon.

[10:50 a.m.]

J. Routledge: I thank the member for Saanich North and the Islands for his eloquent

words. I know I’ve gained new insight into what wild salmon mean to his culture

and traditions, to his beliefs and values and to his sense of his place in the

world. I’m truly moved. Thank you.

In preparing to speak about wild salmon today, I, too, reflected on

history. I reminded myself about the role that salmon fishing has played in my

culture, in the well-being of my family.

I grew up in central Canada, far from the ocean, far from any salmon

streams, but canned salmon was a staple in my home as a child. I went to school

with salmon sandwiches for lunch a couple of times a week and so did all my

friends. At least one salmon casserole was brought to union picnics or church

potlucks. Salmon was vital to our household income and to the families in my

neighbourhood. But it wasn’t until I moved to this coast that I came to

understand that the B.C. salmon fishing industry not only fed my family; it fed

the world.

I recently learned that during the Second World War millions of cans of

salmon, every single can of B.C. salmon, were shipped overseas to feed the

troops. The first canneries opened in 1870, and by 1900, there were 60

canneries up and down the coast. It was the second-largest industry in B.C.,

outpaced only by forestry. As I’ve learned, most of our coastal communities

started as fishing villages. Familiar place names like Ladner and Deas bear the

names of the earliest cannery owners.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston is today a national historical

site. Just recently I attended an exhibit at the Scandinavian Community Centre

in Burnaby that commemorates the contributions made by Nordic Canadians to the

B.C. fishing industry, and those contributions were significant — the building

of fishing boats, innovations in gillnets.

I don’t need to remind this House that fishing was one of the

foundational industries upon which B.C. was built and prospered. Every day

we’re here we can look up and see salmon fishing immortalized in one of the

beautiful murals in the rotunda. But, of course, not everyone prospered as much

as did others.

I remember years ago a United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union

organizer showed me some of the old pay books from the early days. In those

days, fishermen and cannery workers were mostly Indigenous, Chinese and

Japanese. But they weren’t identified in the pay book by their given names. The

owners gave them racialized nicknames, and their pay rates were determined by

ethnicity and gender.

Now, I’ve been talking about salmon fishing in the past tense because,

of course, as we all know, this once mighty industry is in decline, if not in

demise. We usually, and rightly, attribute the misfortunes of the B.C. salmon

industry to the dangerous decline in salmon stock, but I would also remind us

that it was free trade, NAFTA, that triggered the beginning of the end when it

allowed raw salmon to be shipped across the border to be processed in U.S. fish

plants. Sound familiar?

Let me point out that what were once two of the most important and

renewable industries in B.C. have both been undermined by the practice of

shipping raw product to be processed and sold back to us.

Now I’d like to talk more about the relationship between declining fish

stocks and international trade agreements, and I’d like to explore other

features of globalization, like factory ships, overfishing, fish farms, climate

change and the impact they have on wild salmon stock. But I see I’m running out

of time, and I will leave it to my colleague to elaborate, if he so

wishes.

Let me conclude. Our government is deeply committed to protecting B.C.’s

wild salmon and the 10,000 jobs that depend on it. We know it’s essential to

the economy, the province and B.C. First Nations, and we’re committed to

implementing the UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples and forging

new relationships with B.C. First Nations.

[10:55 a.m.]

A. Olsen: Thank you to the member for Burnaby North. As she said, it’s not just

Indigenous people of British Columbia that have a special relationship with

wild salmon. Whether you’re from an ancient line of reef-netters, as I am, or

you’re recently moved here, British Columbians have a special connection to our

fish.

I received in the mail a copy of Ms. Cicely Lyons’s tome, Salmon:

Our Heritage , a 700-page gift from a friend and a dear friend of wild

salmon. This book was written by Ms. Lyons as a history of the salmon fishery

on the west coast. Ms. Lyons worked her entire career in one of those fish

packing plants, the B.C. Packers corporation. Her work is in homage to the

salmon.

Admittedly, I’ve yet to read the book in its entirety, but I want to

official guardian and executor of this priceless food trust, in the final

analysis the ultimate responsibility for its survival rests with the individual

British Columbian. It is he who must be ever on alert to oppose any course that

might lead to its impairment, as well as to lend assistance to any measure

aimed at its enrichment, because salmon is B.C.’s heritage.”

I have prepared a report from a very powerful round table I hosted in

Vancouver with First Nations, fish and wildlife organizations, conservation,

sport and commercial fishing groups. There was unanimous support for the

proposal to establish a wild salmon secretariat or a wild salmon commissioner

to serve as that unifying force to streamline all fisheries work being done in

British Columbia by the B.C. government, to be a strong defender of wild salmon

in negotiations with the federal government.

There is no question that the federal government has responsibility for

wild salmon and that we must hold them accountable, but as we are currently

organized, that’s not happening. There is also no question that our provincial

government has a responsibility for wild salmon and that we must also be

accountable, but as we are currently organized — or disorganized, as it is seen

on the ground — we are losing.

We must honour the powerful words of

STOLȻEȽ, Ms. Lyons and those incredible

people working on the ground every day in our province to honour the sacred

relationship we have with SĆÁÁNEW̱ , the wild pacific salmon. I stand

in this place and implore our government to take action with great urgency.

Neither ŦIŦE nor Ms. Lyons just spoke easy words in defence of our relatives

the SĆÁÁNEW̱ . They worked. They spent a lifetime building a

relationship, nurturing the relationship and honouring the relationship. It is

time that we once again do the same. HÍSW̱ḴE

SIÁM .

Hon. B. Ralston: Mr. Speaker, I call debate on Motion 20.

Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, unanimous consent of the House is required to proceed with

Motion 20 without disturbing the priorities of the motions preceding it on the

order paper.

Leave granted.

Private Members’ Motions

MOTION 20 — ROLE OF

TOURISM INDUSTRY IN

ECONOMY

M. Stilwell: It gives me great pleasure to rise and move in the House today to

recognize the importance that British Columbia’s tourism industry plays in the

province’s economy and the challenges proposed by recent decisions.

Deputy Speaker: Would you move the motion first, please?

M. Stilwell: I move the motion:

[Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance British

Columbia’s tourism industry plays in our province’s economy and the challenges

posed by recent decisions.]

We’ll start again. How about that? It does bring me great pleasure to

rise and recognize the importance that British Columbia’s tourism industry

plays in the provincial economy and the challenges posed by recent

decisions.

[L. Reid in the chair.]

There is no doubt that tourism is an important economic driver in this

province. There are nearly 19,000 tourism-related businesses in British

Columbia, which provide $4.5 billion in wages and salaries to hard-working

British Columbians each and every year. We invest $110 million annually to the

sector in regions across the province. The return on that investment, along

with over 127,000 jobs, is around $15.7 billion in revenue per year. In 2016,

over 5.5 million international visitors came to B.C., an increase of 12.3

percent over the previous year.

[11:00 a.m.]

Tourism builds communities. It promotes culture. It creates year-round

jobs in every region of our province.

Unfortunately, recent government decisions are putting those things in

serious jeopardy. By implementing this controversial speculation tax….

Honestly, it is an asset tax. It will harm the local economies of regions

reliant on seasonal residents and tourism. They are proposing changes to the

municipal and regional district tax, which will unnecessarily pit

municipalities against the tourism industry. On top of that, they have changed

the date of Family Day, against the wishes of many B.C. tourism operators and

businesses.

These reckless policies may have been embarked on with what might seem

as the best of intentions, but the fact of the matter is simple. Decisions by

this NDP government are having serious impacts on a major industry. As the

opposition critic for Tourism, Culture and the Arts, it’s my responsibility to

highlight those concerns and urge the government to reconsider those decisions

that have been made that are harming the tourism industry.

Let me tell you, Madame Speaker, that curbing the sale of a vacation

home to people from Ontario and Alberta with the speculation tax is not going

to help the local economies of towns across this province that rely on those

seasonal residents and the tourism they bring. Not only that; it will do

nothing — nothing — to seriously address the housing affordability issue that

they claim it will resolve. This is only going to drive people away, and we are

not an island.

In 2015, Albertans accounted for nearly $1.4 billion in the $9.9 billion

total tourism spending in B.C. They represented one in four Canadian tourism

dollars spent in the province and more than 13 percent of all tourism spending

in B.C. that year. Instead of appreciating those investments and those

contributions to our provincial economy, this NDP government labels Albertans

as foreigners and wants to pull the ladder up behind them.

If only this government had been ideologically consistent with their

“B.C.’s first” position, we wouldn’t have had all of the problems associated

with changing Family Day. According to the Tourism Industry Association, the

B.C. Family Day weekend became one of the top performing business periods of

the year for many B.C. ski destinations, generating $7 million to $10 million

in incremental visitor spending per winter.

Seasonal tourism operators, like ski areas, have a limited time frame to

generate that revenue. An additional long weekend to B.C. residents to take

those extended trips in that time frame…. Many encouraged this by offering

discounts and exclusive deals to B.C. residents. Despite a petition being

signed by 23 destination marketing organizations, 24 businesses and 13 sectors

associations, this government proceeded to change the date of Family Day to a

long weekend where businesses compete.

R. Singh: Thank you to the member for Parksville-Qualicum for her

motion.

I would just like to say that for over 30 years, British Columbia’s

tourism destination brand — using the tag line “Super, natural British

Columbia” — has inspired millions of people to visit our province. For many

travellers to B.C., nature is the magnet. They are drawn to the sheer beauty

and the vastness of B.C.’s nature.

I would like to say that B.C. welcomed 5.7 million international

visitors in 2017, and that was an increase of 3.3 percent compared to the year

before. These visitors supported an industry that generated $17 billion in

revenues and contributed $7.9 billion towards B.C.’s GDP in 2017.

[11:05 a.m.]

The tourism industry also supports more than 19,000 tourism-related

businesses and employs roughly one in 16 people employed in B.C. Tourism

accommodation facilities in B.C. coastal communities collect the MRDT. In 2017,

revenues totalled $1.48 billion.

As has been mentioned, tourism is essential to British Columbia’s

economy, communities and social fabric, and it definitely contributes to our

economy. We have over 19,000 tourism businesses employing 133,000 people here

in B.C. Tourism generates $17 billion each year.

This year, 895,000 people are expected to pass through Vancouver on

cruise ships. That’s up 7 percent and the highest since 2010. The

Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority estimates that these visits will directly

contribute $814 million to our economy. Our seafood sector accounts for $1.2

billion in sales in B.C. and $1.3 billion in exports. Our government considers

these figures very, very seriously, and they are taking steps to improve our

tourism industry even more. There are some steps they have taken to support the

tourism industry, and I would like to highlight that.

The tourism event grants supported the World Ski and Snowboard Festival

in Whistler, as well as recent snow sports events in Sun Peaks and Rossland,

the World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver and the 2018 Winter Games in

Kamloops. All of these events attract attention and tourists to British

Columbia.

The 23rd Annual World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, held from

April 10 to 15, drew more than 100 athletes and an estimated 40,000 visitors

from around the world. It was supported with an $80,000 grant through the

tourism events program to help to promote the event around the globe.

Additionally, the resort municipality of Whistler provided $100,000 from the

provincial resort municipality initiative program.

The Sun Peaks Resort held their second annual Snowbombing Canada

Festival from April 5 to April 9. The event happened thanks in part to $205,000

in provincial government funding, which supported marketing, advertising and

promotion.

The 2018 Sport Chek Canadian national technical ski championship was

held in Rossland between March 21 and 24. The province contributed $50,000 to

help the championships be broadcast internationally, attracting people to

Rossland and B.C.’s other great winter sport destinations.

The Canada Rugby Sevens Series was held in B.C. Place Stadium over the

weekend of March 9 to 11 with the help of $150,000 in funding from the

province. We are also supporting the bid for the 2020 North American Indigenous

Games and….

Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Member.

J. Sturdy: Thank you to the members opposite there.

I’m pleased to rise to speak to the importance of tourism in British

Columbia, certainly an issue with which the Sea to Sky is obsessed. I’m glad to

hear the members opposite speak so passionately about it. I only wish it was

reflected in government policy.

Ancient trees and deep-green forests, mountain ranges leaning over the

Pacific, glacier-fed streams and lakes and ocean, with perhaps the most

dramatic coastline in the world…

Interjection.

J. Sturdy: Thank you, Member.

…wildlife that call these magnificent places home. “Super, natural

British Columbia.” It’s no overstatement. B.C. truly is spectacular.

Interjections.

Deputy Speaker: Members.

J. Sturdy: In the words of Destination B.C., it’s a kingdom of abundance. People

come from all around the globe to enjoy our mountains, our ocean, the wildlife,

the endless array of activities that bring people closer to these special

places. You can hike, sail, golf, fish, ski, cycle, photograph, paraglide,

watch wildlife and kayak into the sunset. That’s the short list, and you can do

it all in a day if you have the time or the energy in West Vancouver–Sea to

Sky.

[11:10 a.m.]

Howe Sound is an incredible place in the Sea to Sky. It’s the entrance

to Sea to Sky. It takes your breath away. The Squamish Chief, the largest piece

of granite in the world, is basically a big granite boulder. It’s an amazing

place to climb and a vibrant adventure-focused town.

Of course, the Whistler Resort is number one in the world, hosts guests

from around the world. The Pemberton Valley, of course, is where I’m from —

farms, food, adventure and splendour. Of course, the whole region was an

Olympic venue. So you know, I think — I hope — where you’re going for your next

staycation.

I’m going to shift to some numbers here. Hopefully, many of the members

are already aware of the significance of these figures that I’m about to talk

about, and for those of you who aren’t, please take note. In 2016, 5.5 million

visits. I heard from the member opposite 5.7 million last year, which was

great. Maybe we’ll hit six million this year. Revenues of $15.7 billion in

2015, up 5½ percent. GDP $7.4 billion, supporting 19,000 businesses and 127,000

employees in the tourism sector.

In Whistler, specifically, despite having global appeal, the key markets

truly remain regional — Washington state, British Columbia and, to some degree,

Alberta. Other core markets are the United Kingdom and Australia.

Some numbers everyone in the House should remember: Whistler accounts

for 25 percent of all of the new tourism money that comes into this province

from outside of the province, and it’s grown at almost 4 percent a year over

the last six years. In 2015, Whistler generated half a billion dollars in tax

revenue — $1.3 million a day — most of which the federal government takes, but

the province certainly benefits, as does the municipality.

Consumer spending in Whistler is $1.53 billion towards GDP, 5.6 percent

growth year over year. Total consumer spending in Whistler is $1.44 billion

annually. That was a 2015 number — again, growing significantly.

The Whistler region supports 15,000 jobs, an increase of 10 percent

since 2012. These are family-supporting jobs, not just in Whistler but in

Squamish and Pemberton, where a survey a short time ago suggested that 80

percent of the Pemberton households send a member to Whistler to work every

day. So it’s truly very regionally important.

It’s a key sector. Tourism is a key sector. It’s renewable and

sustainable, albeit with a footprint, because everything we do has an impact.

It’s a sector we need to continue to support as global tourism growth

continues. We want profitable access to those markets.

Unfortunately, I don’t get the sense that this government understands or

supports this industry. Tourism can’t be automated, because it’s about a

personal experience. It’s about people.

These companies that have big payrolls don’t necessarily have big

profits. The employer’s health tax is a kick to the shins of this tourism

industry, and it came out of the blue without the government even listening to

the government’s own task force recommendations. It recommended against doing

exactly what the government did.

Then the politically motivated and arbitrary move of Family Day, which

is a direct assault on the tourism sector’s profitability, sacrificing jobs for

politics. Now, putting municipal councils in an untenable situation, forcing

them to choose between the tourism sector and housing, with MRDT

funds….

Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Member.

J. Sturdy: Thank you, Madame Speaker. All to say….

R. Kahlon: I’d like to thank the member for Parksville-Qualicum for bringing

forward this motion today: “Be it resolved that this House recognize the

importance British Columbia’s tourist industry plays in our province’s economy

and the challenges posed by” — as she claims — “recent decisions.”

I think I first want to just address the comments of the previous

speaker. He spoke for about four minutes about all the great things happening

in tourism — all the great stats that he’s seeing in his riding — and then he

follows it up with: “The sky is falling.”

I respect the member’s opinion. He lives in a tourism town. But I

appreciated the first four minutes of his response because that was the

reality, and whatever followed after is just political jargon.

[11:15 a.m.]

As mentioned earlier by one of my colleagues, B.C. has welcomed 5.7

million international visitors in 2017. That’s an increase of 3.3 percent over

the year.

Just recently I had some friends visit. I’d like to let the member know

that they came to his riding. They came to Whistler. First time visiting ever,

and that’s where they wanted to go.

Tourism is booming. There are people here today that are visiting from

other parts of the world, and they’re getting an opportunity to enjoy this

beautiful province of ours. But I want to speak, particularly, as I’m the

Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, about sport tourism.

In this province, we recognize the significant contribution that sport

tourism makes to our provincial economy. Traditionally, we know that the

benefits of sport are in community building, in giving our young people

opportunities to learn teamwork and keeping them out of trouble and all of

those things. But sport also has a significant impact on our tourism

industry.

In the motion, it said “challenges posed by recent decisions.” I’ve got

some recent decisions. I’m not sure if they pose any challenges. We gave

$30,000 in October 2017 for the GoodLife Fitness marathon, which happened here

in Victoria. Tourists came from all over North America, certainly — and I’m

sure some people came from all over the world — to participate in this. It was

a beautiful run, and it was a hugely successful event.

In 2018, just this year, we gave $100,000 for the national skating

championships, and I was fortunate enough to be able to go. It was my first

time to attend that event. There were people from everywhere, and the event was

a huge success.

We gave $125,000 for the HSBC Canada men’s rugby sevens series. I’m sure

some members of this House attended. I had the honour to attend that event. It

was phenomenal. People travelled from everywhere to be here, contributing

hugely to our local economy.

We ended up giving another decision. In this motion, it says another

decision…. It’s $50,000 in funding for the Sport Chek Canadian national

technical alpine ski championships at the Red Mountain Resort in Rossland —

again, a decision. I don’t know if anyone wants to dispute that decision. It

was good for tourism in this province.

Snowbombing Canada in April 2018. Sun Peaks will get $105,000 in

funding, bringing people from all over the world to appreciate some of the

beautiful mountains that we have in this province.

Another one. In 2018, we gave $25,000 for the Canada Cup International

Wheelchair Rugby Tournament — the first time for me to watch wheelchair rugby.

I was supposed to be there half an hour. I ended up spending three hours,

meeting families from Seattle, from Portland, taking the opportunity to come up

to support their loved ones in the competition but also getting an opportunity

to visit our beautiful city. They were talking about how wonderful this place

was and how they looked forward to coming back.

Hon. Speaker, the light is going green. I could go on all day long about

this.

Interjection.

R. Kahlon: Two minutes, the member across the way says. So I will continue to give

him good news.

We gave half a million dollars — $35,000 just recently to RBC national

hockey championships in Chilliwack, which is going to be fantastic. I’m looking

forward to going. We gave money to para-snowboarding, the world cup, in

Kelowna, which is happening, which is going to be phenomenal.

Just the impacts of some of the investments in tourism…. An example. In

2017, we gave $250,000 for the HSBC world sevens series, both men’s and

women’s. Last year the series generated $17.7 million in economic

benefits.

D. Barnett: As I stand here today to discuss the tourism industry, I am very proud

of the past history of this government. I listened to my colleagues over here

talk about what a great job they’ve done. They are so fortunate that they had a

government before them that took this industry to the highest standard and made

tourism what it is today in British Columbia.

As I stand here before you, and we talk about MRTD, it shocks me to

think that on one hand, we’re going to take the money, and on the other hand,

we’re going to do something that was never supposed to have been done with

it.

[11:20 a.m.]

In my riding alone, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association has

worked for years and years and years to convince the operators what a benefit

this tax would be. Finally, after years, they have accomplished getting the

tourism operators to buy in. Cabinet only approved this two months ago, and now

these operators have already come back and said: “What did you sell me? That is

not what I signed up for.”

Tourism operators in my region — it’s $1 million. When you live in rural

British Columbia, where you don’t have big-money events, where you work every

day of your life to promote and bring tourism…. We have the most beautiful

scenery. We have ecotourism. We have bear watching. We have snowmobiling. We

have cross-country skiing. But we work hard to get our people there.

Now we’ve got this situation with the pipeline, so we increase the price

of gas. In many of our areas, the only way you can get there is to drive. So

now we have another serious issue.

For my colleagues over there to think of the big regions with only big

events and to always forget the little rural and remote communities shocks me.

It shocks me immensely. This is going to be a big burden on our communities.

It’s time that government stopped and looked and listened to those who are not

quite as fortunate.

In many regions in this province last year, we had fires. We are still

recovering. We had highways that were closed for 78 days, where there was no

traffic, with tourism operators that are going broke. Where is the help? Once

again, higher gasoline taxes, stop a pipeline — stop this, and take taxation

that does not belong in some place and put it somewhere else.

Interjection.

D. Barnett: I’m not making it up, Madame Chair.

Deputy Speaker: Members, through the Chair.

D. Barnett: The one good thing that is happening in my region is the Great Bear

Rainforest — the great job that was done by this side of the House to put the

Great Bear Rainforest in place, a tourism attraction second to none. And a new

ferry that this side of the House implemented, which hopefully will become a

reality this year, if plans haven’t changed from the other side.

I worked hard with my First Nations communities, my tourism operators. I

am so proud of that accomplishment from this side of the House.

Interjection.

D. Barnett: There is nothing to fix. We are proud. They should be proud of what they

were left, instead of being negative on every single thing that was done by

this side of the House to encourage investment, to encourage people to come

forward to visit this province. I am proud, and we should be proud.

What we are planning to do over here with the MRDT is totally wrong,

totally against the philosophy, totally against the legislation, and it must

stop.

A. Kang: I rise today to speak to the motion: “Be it resolved that this House

recognize the importance British Columbia’s tourism industry plays in our

province’s economy and the challenges posed by recent decisions.”

Prior to immigrating here, I vividly remember the way my family proudly

talked about Canada. We talked about the beauty of Vancouver, how sweet the

water tastes, how fresh the air smells and how beautiful the mountains are. The

unparalleled natural environment in B.C. has put us on the world map as a top

vacation destination.

When we talk about the importance of tourism in the provincial economy,

we often focus on attracting visitors from around the world, and this strategy

has worked well so far. Every year millions of people from around the world

travel thousands of miles to enjoy the natural beauty of this province. But if

people come from all over the world, making plans to travel here and see what

B.C. has to offer, shouldn’t we, as British Columbians, take the opportunity to

make plans of our own to explore this beautiful province?

I recognize the importance B.C.’s tourism industry plays in our

province’s economy. Tourism is a tool we can use not only to boost our economy

but also to promote cultural exchange. We can also see tourism within the

province as a way to build communities and bring communities from across B.C.

together.

[11:25 a.m.]

For many travellers, it is B.C.’s pristine natural environment that

draws them here. Our “Beautiful British Columbia” brand has contributed to the

growth of our economy in all regions in our province. Our super, natural

environment provides amazing vacation opportunities for all those visiting and

exploring B.C. This is as true for those of us who are lucky enough to call

this place our home as it is for out-of-town province visitors.

We as government often encourage British Columbians to buy B.C. and eat

B.C., and today I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage all British

Columbians to vacation B.C. We can all enjoy activities, big or small, from

festivals to events, adventures to outdoor activities, food and beverage

experiences, cultural and heritage exploration, urban or rural vacation spots

and different accommodation choices. Whether it is kayaking in Deep Cove,

enjoying the B.C. Winter Games in Kamloops, exploring the hidden jewels of

B.C.’s Gulf Islands, or hopping on the wine tourism wagon as we explore our

beautiful vineyards in the Okanagan, the options are endless.

Our cruise ports also have been a major economic contributor to the

tourism economy in B.C. We have four principal cruise ports: Vancouver,

Victoria, Prince Rupert and Nanaimo. They represent 70 percent of the

international cruise industry’s national investments in Canada. Cruise-related

spending totalled $982 million in B.C. from three primary sources, which are

the cruise lines, passengers and the crews.

We have beautiful resort communities such as Ucluelet, where visitors

can enjoy local marine mammals, including whales and sea lions, as well as a

wide variety of seabirds. In 2015, tourism revenue, spending, was over $52

million and generated an $18.7 million addition to the provincial

GDP.

Another notable resort community is Tofino, where ecotourism and

recreational activities such as whale-watching and surfing are popular. They

have become an important sector in the region’s economy. In 2015, tourism

revenue was over $161 million in Tofino, generating a $62 million impact on the

province’s GDP.

Our government has established a tourism strategy that builds on past

successes. We’re committed to increasing the number of visitors in B.C.,

improving access for international travellers and sustaining a profitable

tourism sector. The strategy is doing well so far, and the tourism industry in

B.C. is still going strong.

Last year, 2017, we welcomed 5.7 million international visitors, which

is an increase of 3.3 percent from the year before. In addition to the tourism

strategy, the Minister of Tourism is happy to announce that they are developing

a new provincial tourism strategy through the appointment of a tourism

engagement council. This council will be more representative than ever before

in B.C.’s regions, with many different types of tourism operators.

For the next few years, I am making it my vacation mission to travel

B.C. — not just as part of my work but as part of my pride for super, natural

B.C. I’ve already begun my adventures in exploring the Gulf Islands, hiking in

B.C.’s beautiful mountains and exploring the breathtaking coast that we have

here. Where will your next B.C. vacation destination be?

D. Clovechok: It’s always a pleasure and an absolute honour to rise here in this

House, representing the people of Columbia River–Revelstoke, and I’m also very

pleased today to rise in this House to speak to this motion supporting our

province’s outstanding and extremely valuable tourism industry.

Most people do not realize that tourism is actually a critical part of

our resource industry and generates billions and billions of dollars in

revenue. It’s no secret that British Columbia is a wonderful place to visit,

especially Columbia River–Revelstoke. But then again I’m a little biased. The

millions of people that visit B.C. are proof that British Columbia is a

destination of choice for people all over the world and all across Canada

itself.

I also want to recognize the First Nations communities — not only in my

riding, which are the Shuswap and the Akisqnuk First Nations people, but

throughout B.C. — who are working hard to grow the First Nation experience with

tourism. Aboriginal tourism in this province is definitely on the upswing, and

that’s very exciting.

In my home, the Kootenays, tourism is our bread and butter. It’s what

feeds our folks. We’ve got lots of people visiting from Alberta and

Saskatchewan and the United States — but mostly Alberta and Saskatchewan. The

population of just the Columbia Valley, in my riding, from May to October,

increases between 30,000 and 40,000 people during that time frame. So it’s a

huge economic driver for my constituents.

[11:30 a.m.]

A combination of recent developments gives me extreme cause for concern

about the future of our tourism industry, locally and provincially. For

starters, the speculation tax, which so many now refer to as the inheritance

tax, has created chaos and confusion for many. It’s having incredible negative

impacts on the people where I live. Between the speculation tax and the ongoing

trade disputes between our provinces, I’m not only concerned about the damage

that has already been done to this important industry in our province but, in

fact, that this minority government has brought tourism under their direct

attack.

I know my offices have been receiving hundreds of phone calls, not only

from Albertans but from British Columbians who are concerned about this — and

from Albertans and tourists who are saying: “We’re not coming to British

Columbia because of the nonsense that this government has put

forward.”

Just as an example, a major golf tournament in St. Eugene’s Resort that

has been there for over a decade, literally bringing thousands and thousands of

dollars into the local community and to that resort. I got a phone call from

the organizers who said: “You know what? Because of the nonsense that’s going

on in British Columbia right now, we’re taking our tournament to Montana.”

That’s the reality of the behaviour that we’re seeing.

On top of the speculation tax, the employer health tax is having an

impact on the livelihoods of tourism operators and workers. Steve Paccagnan is

the president and CEO of our amazing Panorama ski resort. That tax is going to

hit him $160,000, and he’s not alone. He’s not alone.

So what do you do? You look at your bottom line, and you say: “Well, I

can’t increase my prices, so I’m going to have to start laying off people.”

That doesn’t sound what they’re promising over there.

Meanwhile, this minority government has proposed changes to the

municipal regional district tax, or the MRDT, which collects about $50 million.

Its intent was to market it. The government over there wants to use that money

for social housing. That’s not their money to commit. It’s not theirs to

choose. It’s the people who are collecting the tax who sign the contract. It’s

not their right to tell anybody what to do with that money, other than the fact

that it was raised to do marketing.

I’ll give you an example from the Revelstoke Accommodation Association:

“While we agree that this is an important issue in our province” — meaning

social housing — “this was not what the money was intended for, and affordable

housing should not fall on the back of tourism.”

I should also note that this industry was surprised by this proposed

change. These fine folks over on the other side like to consult. Well, they

didn’t do that. They didn’t do that, and there’s incredible anger about this. I

can guarantee you that if this continues, it will not end well for the tourism

business.

Not only that, Family Day was changed without consultation. Millions and

millions of dollars, $7 million to $10 million, are generated by that day. It’s

going to hurt the people where I live. But they don’t seem to understand

that.

Then there’s gas prices — a buck-69 in Vancouver. Highest in North

America. You think that this is not going to have an impact on tourism? You

think that this is not going to hurt the people of British Columbia?

I would say to these members: stop playing games with the tourism

industry and support them.

N. Simons: Well, I have to start with: “Wow.” I mean, I’ve never heard such a bunch

of unmitigated garbage coming from…. Okay. I’ll rephrase. I mean that in a

gentle way, of course.

Madame Speaker, I withdraw, and I apologize. But come on — seriously.

These are friends. These are colleagues of mine who have opinions.

Deputy Speaker: Through the Chair.

N. Simons: That’s fine. They have opinions. They have opinions, and then they have

opinions based on fact, and then they have opinions that they pull out of thin

air.

I would like to say that what I’ve heard this morning, since the motion

was moved, is essentially just fearmongering. I’ve never heard…. I don’t

understand why this opposition, after spending 16 years of doing absolutely

nothing, takes this opportunity…

Interjections.

Deputy Speaker: Members.

N. Simons: …to start making complaints about the fact that we have a government

that actually cares about affordability and cares about the people who work in

the tourism business. My friends across….

Deputy Speaker: Through the Chair, Member.

N. Simons: Through the Chair, absolutely, Madame Speaker.

My colleagues across the way should know that many of the actions that

we’ve taken to address the affordability issues in this province came out of

the fact that for 16 years, we had a government that never crossed their

mind.

We have affordability issues that have faced people who work in the

tourism sector. The tourism sector’s biggest challenge in many parts of this

province is hiring people who need to find a place to live.

[11:35 a.m.]

Now, if, in fact, they think that everything’s fine, they would have

left the minimum wage low. These are the people who work in the tourism sector,

in large proportion. The average sector wage is about $35,000 a year. We’ve

done a lot to increase the spending capacity of people who work in the tourism

sector. We’ve done a lot to do that.

We know that we rely on the beauty of this province to attract people

and the people of this province to be welcoming hosts. But we also have people

coming to this province who have never seen so much homelessness, who have

never seen so much street homelessness.

We can say that this was a government, this is an opposition, who spent

16 years essentially turning a blind eye to the issues that affect the quality

of life in British Columbia. And then ferry fares…. What did they do to

increase tourism in our communities by doubling ferry fares in many

situations?

I do not think that anybody in this government has to take any of the

things that this opposition says with any degree of importance. They have no

lessons to teach us about making life better for people in this province. For

16 years, they had an opportunity to try to address the issues around

affordability. Did they do that? I don’t think they did. I don’t think that my

colleagues and most people in British Columbia think they did.

They’re bringing up stuff about gas prices. They’re not mentioning the

fact that we’re dealing with affordability issues that families are concerned

about.

Interjections.

N. Simons: They can howl, and they can do all that they want. I know that I bring

it out in them. I don’t mean to, but I do say, sometimes, things that they take

offence to, and I understand that. But we’re debating a motion that is

fundamentally not based on facts. We have a tourism industry that is strong and

thriving. For members opposite to take credit for the successes, for them to

actually take credit for the success of the tourism industry, is a little bit

rich.

I think that the people who should take credit are the tourism operators

in this province who highlight the greatness of this province, and I thank them

for what they do. I thank them for the sacrifices they made. I thank them for

looking after their employees well and for being concerned about their

employees having a place to live and having a wage they can live on.

These were not the priorities of the opposition when they were in

government, but they’re the priorities of this government now, and I’m proud of

that.

S. Bond: We live in a beautiful province, and I represent a spectacular part of

it. After all, who can boast about being home to the highest peak in the

Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson? With a riding that’s roughly the size of

Belgium, there is a long list of incredible places to visit, whether you are a

domestic or international visitor.

In fact, during our constituency week, I travelled throughout the riding

and stopped at some of our favourite spots, including the Cranberry Marsh in

Valemount and the Ancient Forest between Prince George and McBride, which, by

the way, still had parking lot full of snow. Although the peak of Mount Robson

was covered by cloud, one can’t help but be impressed by how spectacular it

is.

I could spend my entire allocation of time today describing must-visit

places in my riding and region, but there is a serious issue with the impacts

of current government actions related to the tourism and hospitality sector.

You see, in many rural and northern communities, tourism is a critical

component of their economic development strategy. When looking for ways to grow

and strengthen the economy and add new jobs, tourism is at the top of the

list.

In fact, in Valemount, we have worked tirelessly to support a new

world-class resort, Valemount Glacier destination resort. It has the potential

to be a game-changer for the Robson Valley. That is why there needs to be

policy that supports the thousands of tourism businesses and incents

investment.

What have we seen to date? Little consultation or discussion with the

industry stakeholders and decisions made without any thought about the

long-term impact; a surprise employers health tax, where no modelling was done;

an increased minimum wage; the elimination of the servers wage; not to mention

an increased carbon tax and changing Family Day.

Then the decision to move away from the fundamental principles of the

municipal and regional district tax. No matter how vigorously the Finance

Minister or any of the members on the other side stand here and defend that

revision, it has the potential of causing major damage to tourism marketing in

British Columbia.

[11:40 a.m.]

It is simply unbelievable that the government just dismisses the

concerns of the tourism sector while insisting it is simply another tool for

municipalities to consider when looking to building affordable housing. Yes,

you heard that right: “Let’s build affordable housing with money that was

approved by hoteliers on the basis it would be spent on tourism marketing.” The

last time I checked, they didn’t agree to add MRDT to their hotel bills as part

of a government housing strategy. The decision to open this door was made

despite the express concerns of the very tourism leaders that the member

opposite claims to support.

Tourism marketing dollars are essential if communities and regions and

our province want to be successful in motivating travellers to choose British

Columbia. In order to collect the tax, there is a rigorous process and a high

bar to get over. Some communities struggle to convince hotels that charging the

additional tax will not hinder their profitability. In fact, some communities

never meet the required threshold. The approval that is gained is based on how

the money will be spent — how additional marketing dollars will generate growth

in tourism, not build affordable housing, as important and necessary as that

is.

If the members opposite don’t want to take our concerns seriously, then

how about major stakeholders in the tourism sector? Let’s look at what they

have to say.

“Tourism Vancouver aligns with the position of the Tourism Industry

Association of B.C. that the integrity of the MRDT program needs to be

preserved, as per its original intent, to fund tourism, an integral industry

for the British Columbia economy. As you are no doubt aware, since its

inception, the purpose of the MRDT program has been to assist designated

recipients to invest in tourism marketing, tourism programs and tourism

projects to help…B.C. tourism revenues, visitation and jobs. Any allocation of

MRDT funds to other initiatives will be ‘destructive’ to a vital industry in

terms of job losses, revenues and overall visitation.”

Those aren’t our words. They’re the words of Tourism Vancouver and the

Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia.

And how did they end that letter? They ended it this way. “Tourism

Vancouver, and on behalf of our 1,000 member businesses, respectfully requests

that the government not proceed with any proposed changes to the MRDT as

outlined in February’s budget.”

Not our words. It’s time the government listened to tourism leaders in

British Columbia.

B. Ma: I’m pleased to be able to rise and speak to the motion today: “Be it

resolved that this House recognize the importance British Columbia’s tourism

industry plays in our province’s economy and the challenges posed by recent

decisions.”

As many other members have already noted before, B.C.’s tourism industry

is absolutely critical to our economy. The industry generated $17 billion in

revenues and contributed $7.9 billion towards B.C.’s GDP in 2016 alone. This

industry supports more than 19,000 businesses and employs thousands and

thousands of people across the province — in fact, one in 16 people across this

province.

Why is it that B.C. has such a draw for people around the world? We have

the Cloverdale Rodeo and the PNE. Those are pretty popular.

Interjection.

B. Ma: That’s right. The Cloverdale Rodeo is coming out in two weeks. But that

might not quite be it on its own.

I’ve heard the high-end shopping here is pretty good too — I mean, if

you can drop a paycheque on a T-shirt. We also have a pretty rad Chinatown.

That’s for sure. I know that that draws a lot of tourists as well. In fact,

there are a lot of really good reasons for travellers to be drawn to B.C. But I

dare say that one of the most important draws we have here is our “Super,

natural British Columbia.”

It’s been mentioned before. For over 30 years, that well-known brand has

drawn millions of people to come experience our pristine natural environment

every year, bringing billions of dollars with them into the province. Cruise

ship tours, camping, hiking, helicopter tours, whale-watching, kayaking,

boating, wildlife viewing, diving, surfing, storm-watching and recreational

sport fishing — people come from all over the world to interact with our

environment in all sorts of ways.

[11:45 a.m.]

The recent decision I’d like to talk about today is the decision the

members opposite have made to not only fail to stand with us but actively

oppose our government’s commitment to defending B.C.’s coast. The Trans

Mountain pipeline expansion is a controversial project, to say the least.

Unfortunately, it is also a project whose approval or denial does not rest with

the B.C. government. It’s in federal hands. I know this. The opposition know

this. Our government knows this.

The federal Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has

made it clear that the pipeline…

Interjections.

Deputy Speaker: Members.

B. Ma: …will be built. So as a province that respects and abides by the rule of

law and Canada’s constitution, we have been processing Kinder Morgan’s permits,

as is legally required for us to do. They have applied for just under 600

permits and have received at least 200 of those permits so far, while another

400 or so are under review and moving along.

While we are doing that, we are also looking for ways to fulfil our

other duty and obligation, and that is the one that we have to protect the

coast and all of the communities and the industries that rely on a clean and

healthy coast — industries such as tourism and resort communities like

Ucluelet, which welcomes thousands of visitors every year, and Tofino, which

welcomes nearly a million visitors every year.

According to the Canada-B.C. oceans committee, the total economic impact

of ocean recreation in B.C. in 2005 was $3.8 billion, and no doubt it has been

climbing ever since. These activities include saltwater angling,

whale-watching, ocean boating and sailing, scuba diving, guided kayak trips,

beach activities, marine park visitation and the like.

The impact of a diluted bitumen spill on our tourism economy could be

devastating. People don’t come to B.C. to surf off of contaminated beaches.

People don’t travel across the world to watch wildlife dying from an oil spill.

People don’t travel through oceans on cruise ships to take in the smell of

petroleum in the air. A catastrophic oil spill would devastate our tourism

industry and would put far too many British Columbians in jeopardy of losing

their livelihoods.

It’s no wonder, when faced with the looming threat of a sevenfold

increase in diluted bitumen oil tankers travelling through and along B.C.’s

coast, that B.C.’s new government is committed to defending B.C.’s coasts by

exploring all of the legal tools available to us within our province’s

jurisdiction.

This includes ensuring regulations are in place to ensure that we have

not only strong environmental protections but also the capacity to clean up a

spill if one should happen. Such regulations are fully within a province’s

jurisdiction to want to protect their provincial environment and economy from

hazards that can and should be managed.

I find it difficult to listen to the members opposite stand up one by

one to talk about how important B.C.’s tourism economy is while actively

opposing this government’s efforts to protect it.

J. Thornthwaite: I’m privileged to be able to speak to the motion: “Be it resolved that

this House recognize the importance British Columbia’s tourism industry plays

in our province’s economy and the challenges posed by recent

decisions.”

Tourism is a major industry in our province. The past two years saw

record numbers of visitors to our province, many of them right here in

Victoria. From January to October 2017, our province saw over five million

international visitors. That is more than our entire province’s population. We

saw an even larger number of visitors from the United States. That’s over ten

million visitors from outside Canada in our province last year.

From 2001 to 2017, our government support for the province’s arts and

culture community exceeded half a billion dollars — $658 million, more than any

other government in B.C.’s history. My own riding sees a great deal of tourism.

Just this past week the district of North Van enacted more stringent parking

regulations and temporary closures of Quarry Rock in Deep Cove to control

overcrowding. In a sense, it’s the victim of its own success.

A recent report in the North Shore News said: “Situated between

forest and fjord on the eastern end of the district, Deep Cove has been taxed

by the ‘record-setting tourism’ of 2017, according to a district staff

report.”

This prompted Doug McKay-Dunn, who is a councillor in the district of

North Van, to ask, “What support will our park ranger have when he’s standing

there like Horatius at the drawbridge, trying to prevent an onslaught of these

individuals going up to Quarry Rock?” — the tale of the Roman officer who

defended his republic against invading Etruscan forces.

[11:50 a.m.]

We do have a booming — booming — tourism industry on the North Shore.

And then there’s Mount Seymour, a family-owned and -operated ski hill since

1984, located in Mount Seymour Provincial Park. The ski and snowboard areas’

proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the eastern aspect and the high base elevation

provide an average annual snowfall of over 1,000 centimetres and cover the ski

areas’ 80 hectares of terrain.

But there’s trouble coming. Tourism Vancouver, which includes 1,000

member businesses, has recently written to the Minister of Finance expressing

deep concerns over recent tax changes. The tourism industry in Metro Vancouver

supports over 70,000 full-time jobs, and generated $4.8 billion and hosted more

than 10.3 million visitors in 2017.

These visitor expenditures generate nearly $2.4 billion in taxes for the

province. But with the changes that this government is making to the municipal

and regional district tax, our tourism industry is under direct threat. Our

cities will be unable to advertise themselves to the world. Organizations will

be unable to support their visitors and employees. At a time when our tourism

industry needs to expand and meet demand, we will see a lessening of support

and resources.

As Ty Speer, the CEO of Tourism Vancouver, said, any allocation of the

municipal and district regional tax funds to other initiatives “will be

destructive to a vital industry in terms of job losses, revenues and overall

visitation.” That is a discouraging statement to hear about a vital industry in

our province at risk because of this new government.

Tourism is very important to our provincial economy, and this government

has squeezed and squeezed and implemented new taxes upon new taxes to get more

and more revenue, with a particular hit to the tourism industry.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Of course, many tourism businesses are already facing a new employer

health tax, an increased corporate tax, a carbon tax that is going up every

year without its award-winning carbon neutrality.

This government must think about how all of the extra taxes are piling

on each other and are hurting jobs, businesses and people in this province,

including the tourism industry.

J. Thornthwaite moved adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

Hon. B. Ralston moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 1:30 this afternoon.

The House adjourned at 11:52 a.m.

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