British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, February 12, 2014

20140212pm-Hansard-v5n2

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session, 40th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) THE HONOURABLE LINDA REID, SPEAKER ISSN 0709- 1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Aft ernoon Sitting Volume 5, Number 2

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Second Session, 40th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Linda Reid EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council .............................................................................................................. Hon. Christy Clark Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing ......................Hon.

Rich Coleman Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon. John Rustad Minister of Advanced Education ............................................................................................................................................ Hon. Amrik Virk Minister of Agriculture ............................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Pat Pimm Minister of Children and Family Development ....................................................................................................... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development ........................................................................................... Hon. Coralee Oakes Minister of Education ..................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Peter Fassbender Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review .....................................................................Hon. Bill Bennett Minister of Environment ..........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Finance .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations......................................................................................Hon. Steve Th omson Minister of Health ............................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacifi c Strategy and Multiculturalism ..................Hon.

Teresa Wat Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business ....................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Y amamoto Minister of Justice ...............................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Suzanne Anton Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation..................................................................................................... Hon. Don McRae Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services ................................................................................... Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................Hon.

Todd Stone LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Offi cial Opposition ......................................................................................................................................................Adrian Dix Deputy Speaker .............................................................................................................................................................................Douglas Horne Assistant Deputy Speaker ...............................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ....................................................................................................................................... Marc Dalton Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ................................................................................................................................................... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees .................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...................................................................................................................................................Roderick MacArthur, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Anton, Hon. Suzanne (BC Liberal) .............................. Vancouver-Fraserview Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal).....................................................................Penticton Austin, Robin (NDP) ................................................................................ Skeena Bains, Harry (NDP) ....................................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ............................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Bennett, Hon.

Bill (BC Liberal) ...................................................Kootenay East Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal) ................................................... Peace River South Bing, Dr. Doug (BC Liberal) ................................ Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ........................... Prince George–Valemount Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ................................Surrey-Cloverdale Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) .................................Vancouver–West End Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...........................................................

Burnaby-Edmonds Clark, Hon. Christy (BC Liberal) ........................................ Westside-Kelowna Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) .......................... Fort Langley–Aldergrove Conroy, Katrine (NDP) .............................................................. Kootenay West Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ..................................................... Burnaby–Deer Lake Dalton, Marc (BC Liberal) ............................................. Maple Ridge–Mission Darcy, Judy (NDP) ..................................................................New Westminster de Jong, Hon.

Michael, QC (BC Liberal) .............................. Abbotsford West Dix, Adrian (NDP) ............................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ......................................................................... Stikine Eby, David (NDP) ..........................................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP) ................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ............................................................ Port Coquitlam Fassbender, Hon.

Peter (BC Liberal) ................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Fleming, Rob (NDP) .......................................................... Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) .......................................................Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Scott (NDP) ............................................................Alberni–Pacifi c Rim Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) .............................................

Abbotsford-Mission Hamilton, Scott (BC Liberal) ...........................................................Delta North Hammell, Sue (NDP) .................................................... Surrey–Green Timbers Heyman, George (NDP) .................................................... Vancouver-Fairview Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ............................................... Surrey–White Rock Holman, Gary (NDP) .......................................Saanich North and the Islands Horgan, John (NDP) .......................................................................

Juan de Fuca Horne, Douglas (BC Liberal) ..............................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ....................................................Surrey-Panorama Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ..................................................................Delta South James, Carole (NDP) .........................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ........................................Esquimalt–Royal Roads Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) .............................................................

Nanaimo Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP) ........................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal) ........................................................................ Shuswap Lake, Hon. Dr.

Terry (BC Liberal) ....................Kamloops–North Th ompson Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) .........................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ......................................................Burnaby North Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal) ........................................Kelowna–Lake Country Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ....................................Columbia River–Revelstoke McRae, Hon. Don (BC Liberal) ..................................................

Comox Valley Martin, John (BC Liberal) ..................................................................Chilliwack Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ..................................... Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ..........................................................Nelson-Creston Oakes, Hon. Coralee (BC Liberal) .............................................Cariboo North Pimm, Hon. Pat (BC Liberal) ...............................................Peace River North Plecas, Darryl (BC Liberal) ....................................................Abbotsford South Polak, Hon.

Mary (BC Liberal) .............................................................. Langley Popham, Lana (NDP) ...................................................................Saanich South Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ................................................................ Surrey-Whalley Reid, Hon. Linda (BC Liberal) ..................................................Richmond East Reimer, Linda (BC Liberal) ........................................

Port Moody–Coquitlam Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ........................................................................North Coast Robinson, Selina (NDP) .............................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Routley, Bill (NDP) .................................................................. Cowichan Valley Routley, Doug (NDP) ............................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, Hon. John (BC Liberal) ................................................

Nechako Lakes Shin, Jane Jae Kyung (NDP) ...............................................Burnaby-Lougheed Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Shane (NDP) ..................................................... Vancouver-Hastings Stilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal) ........................................ Parksville-Qualicum Stilwell, Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ........................................ Vancouver-Langara Stone, Hon. Todd (BC Liberal) .........................

Kamloops–South Th ompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal) ..................................West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (BC Liberal) ...........................................Vancouver–False Creek Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal) ..................................... West Vancouver–Capilano Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal) ............................................................Fraser-Nicola Th omson, Hon. Steve (BC Liberal) .......................................Kelowna-Mission Th ornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ..........................

North Vancouver–Seymour Th roness, Laurie (BC Liberal).................................................Chilliwack-Hope Trevena, Claire (NDP) .................................................................... North Island Virk, Hon. Amrik (BC Liberal) ............................................. Surrey-Tynehead Wat, Hon. Teresa (BC Liberal) .............................................. Richmond Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (Ind.) .......................................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Hon. Andrew (BC Liberal) ........................ Vancouver-Quilchena Y amamoto, Hon.

Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ............................................................................Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West ...................................................... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Alberni–Pacifi c Rim ..........................................................................

Scott Fraser Boundary-Similkameen ................................................................ Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ................................................................... Kathy Corrigan Burnaby-Edmonds ......................................................................... Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .............................................................Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North .............................................................................. Richard T.

Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ........................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................... Hon. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ......................................................................................... John Martin Chilliwack-Hope ....................................................................... Laurie Th roness Columbia River–Revelstoke .................................................. Norm Macdonald Comox Valley...........................................................................Hon.

Don McRae Coquitlam–Burke Mountain .....................................................Douglas Horne Coquitlam-Maillardville........................................................... Selina Robinson Cowichan Valley ................................................................................

Bill Routley Delta North ..................................................................................Scott Hamilton Delta South ...............................................................................Vicki Huntington Esquimalt–Royal Roads .....................................................Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...................................................Hon. Rich Coleman Fraser-Nicola....................................................................................

Jackie Tegart Juan de Fuca .....................................................................................John Horgan Kamloops–North Th ompson ............................................ Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Kamloops–South Th ompson ..................................................Hon. Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country ............................................................... Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission .............................................................. Hon. Steve Th omson Kootenay East .......................................................................... Hon.

Bill Bennett Kootenay West ............................................................................ Katrine Conroy Langley.......................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Maple Ridge–Mission ..................................................................... Marc Dalton Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ........................................................ Dr. Doug Bing Nanaimo ........................................................................... Leonard Eugene Krog Nanaimo–North Cowichan .........................................................

Doug Routley Nechako Lakes ........................................................................ Hon. John Rustad Nelson-Creston ........................................................................Michelle Mungall New Westminster ............................................................................... Judy Darcy North Coast......................................................................................Jennifer Rice North Island .................................................................................. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ........................................Hon.

Naomi Y amamoto North Vancouver–Seymour ................................................. Jane Th ornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...................................................... Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .................................................................Michelle Stilwell Peace River North ...................................................................... Hon. Pat Pimm Peace River South ............................................................................Mike Bernier Penticton............................................................................................

Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam ..........................................................................Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam ................................................................Linda Reimer Powell River–Sunshine Coast ................................................. Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ............................................................. Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ................................................... Hon. Shirley Bond Richmond Centre ......................................................................Hon.

Teresa Wat Richmond East ..........................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston ..............................................................................John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands .................................................... Gary Holman Saanich South ................................................................................

Lana Popham Shuswap ................................................................................................Greg Kyllo Skeena .............................................................................................. Robin Austin Stikine ....................................................................................... Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale ....................................................... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Fleetwood ........................................................... Hon.

Peter Fassbender Surrey–Green Timbers .................................................................. Sue Hammell Surrey-Newton ................................................................................. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ........................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Tynehead ......................................................................Hon. Amrik Virk Surrey-Whalley..............................................................................

Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ....................................................................... Gordon Hogg Vancouver-Fairview ..................................................................George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek ................................................................... Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview ......................................................Hon.

Suzanne Anton Vancouver-Hastings ....................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..........................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .................................................................Dr. Moira Stilwell Vancouver–Mount Pleasant .........................................

Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Vancouver–Point Grey .........................................................................David Eby Vancouver-Quilchena ................................................ Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Vancouver–West End ...............................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee ...............................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill .......................................................................Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake.........................................................................Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano ............................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..........................................................Jordan Sturdy Westside-Kelowna ................................................................

Hon. Christy Clark Party Standings: BC Liberal 49; New Democratic 34; Independent 2

CONTENTS Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Aft ernoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ..................................................................................................................................................... 1197 Tributes ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1197 Swarn Singh Virk Hon. C. Clark Harry De Jong Hon. M. de Jong Rick Mayor Hon. S. Th omson Gary Runka L.

Popham Statements ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1198 Message of appreciation S.

Simpson Introductions by Members ..................................................................................................................................................... 1198 Introduction and First Reading of Bills ................................................................................................................................ 1200 Bill 2 — Electoral Boundar ies Commission Amendment Act, 2014 Hon. S.

Anton Ministerial Statements ............................................................................................................................................................ 1200 Government apology for historical wrongs against Chinese Canadians Hon. C. Clark A. Dix Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 1201 Patrick Nicol E. Foster Jack Munro H. Bains Frank Wong J. Yap Chinese New Y ear celebrations B. Ralston Tim Jones and North Shore Rescue J.

Th ornthwaite B.C. athletes at 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi S. Robinson

Oral Questions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 1203 Government approach to teachers' collective bargaining and release of court documents A. Dix Hon. S. Anton R. Fleming C. James S. Hammell B. Ralston N. Macdonald Position of former Lottery Corporation CEO with PV Hospitality partnership S. Simpson Hon.

M. de Jong Tabling Documents ................................................................................................................................................................. 1208 Independent Panel on Internet Voting, Recommendations Report to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia Motions Without Notice ......................................................................................................................................................... 1208 Legislative sitting hours Hon.

M. de Jong Orders of the Day Th rone Speec h Debate ............................................................................................................................................................ 1208 S. Gibson M. Bernier A. Dix N. Letnick N. Macdonald Hon. P . Fassbender D. Routley L. Reimer C. Trevena Hon. M. Polak

WEDNESDAY , FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Th e House met at 1:33 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members Madame Speaker: We'll start with introductions. Today I have the absolute pleasure….

Present in the gal- lery this aft ernoon are members of the independent panel on Internet voting, formed to consider the best practices of other jurisdictions around the possible implementa- tion of Internet-based voting for provincial and local elections in British Columbia. [1335] Please welcome Keith Archer, chair and Chief Electoral Offi cer; Lee-Ann Crane, chief administrative offi cer, East Kootenay regional district; Dr. Valerie King, professor of computer science, University of Victoria; and George Morfi tt, former Auditor General of British Columbia. And not present today but a member of the panel, Dr.

Konstantin Beznosov, associate professor of electric- al and computer engineering, University of British Columbia. Tributes SW ARN SINGH VIRK Hon. C. Clark: It is my sad duty to inform the House that the Minister of Advanced Education suff ered a very personal loss last night. His father Swarn Singh Virk passed away at the age of 86. Mr. Virk arrived in Canada in 1969. Like so many im- migrants, he made tremendous contributions to this, his adoptive home, not least of which were his two sons, both of whom have done their family very, very proud.

Canada and British Columbia are better places be- cause of people like Swarn Singh Virk, and he will be sorely missed not just by his family but by all those of us he touched in so many ways. I'm sure that all members of the House will join me in extending our sympathies to the Minister of Advanced Education and his family, in particular, his grieving mother. HARRY DE JONG Hon. M. de Jong: When I arrived here all those many years ago, I took my place on the other side of the aisle beside another fellow named De Jong — Harry.

Th ere are a few still here who served with Harry De Jong, who remember him: dignifi ed, quiet, soft -spoken — all qual- ities I was not familiar with at the time. Harry served in this chamber for nine years, but that was a fraction of the time he served his community — as a councillor, as the mayor of Matsqui. But his service didn't end on the political front. Long aft er he had left this chamber, he continued quietly and in a dignifi ed way to serve on the Fraser Valley Exhibition board and in other areas of agriculture that were so dear to his heart. He passed away, as I think members know, a few days ago.

Tomorrow the celebration of his life will take place. He was, amongst other things, a neighbour of mine, though we're not directly related. For those of us who had a chance to work with him, to know him, his pass- ing represents a loss. I know all members of the chamber, and particularly those who can trace their roots here back to a day when Harry De Jong sat as an MLA, will want to — as I do now — convey our condolences to his family and our thanks to them for sharing Harry De Jong, a great British Columbian, with the entire province and country. RICK MAYOR Hon. S.

Th omson: I rise today to pay tribute to the life and the contribution of Mr. Rick Mayor of Dawson Creek. As the current vice-president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, Rick has been a friend and a colleague for many years. Whether in his capacity as vice-president of the federation or president of the Dawson Creek Sportsman's Club or president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation in region 7B, he has been a persistent advo- cate of science-based wildlife management. He has been diligent in researching wildlife issues aff ecting both his region and the province and holding governments ac- countable to his policies.

Rick's passion and exemplary commitment to con- servation of B.C.'s fi sh and wildlife habitat through his many years of service to the wildlife federation is a legacy to be commended. He was instrumental in setting up the Peace agricultural zone wildlife management committee. He was instrumental in setting up the wildlife advisory committee to the treaty 8 negotiation. [1340] Rick strongly believed in collaboration and has prov- en in all facets of his life and work that collectively we can accomplish so much more than we can do on an in- dividual basis.

One of Rick's favourite sayings was "To be seen to be doing good," and Rick lives this mantra in all aspects of his life. Whether through his community or conservation, his legacy of leadership, dedication and collaboration sets a direction for all of us. Our job is to ensure that his legacy continues. On behalf of the House — members on this side of the House and, I'm sure, members on the other side of the 1197

British Columbia Debates1198 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 House — we want to thank Rick and his family for his ex- tensive contribution to the province of British Columbia. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you today. GARY RUNKA L. Popham: I rise today to ask the House to acknow- ledge the passing of Gary Runka, a dedicated British Columbian who made signifi cant contributions to land use planning and natural resource management over sev- eral decades. Gary was the husband of our friend Joan Sawicki, former MLA for Burnaby-Willingdon, Speaker, and Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks.

Gary died suddenly and unexpectedly last July near their home in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Gary is perhaps best known as the fi rst general manager and, later, chair of the Agricultural Land Commission. As a professional agrologist, Gary guided the drawing of the original agricultural land reserve boundaries and re- mained a passionate defender of both agriculture and the ALR for the remainder of his life. Aft er leaving the ALC, Gary established G.G. Runka Land Sense Ltd., with over 680 clients, including all levels of government, corporations, NGOs, educational institu- tions and individuals.

Gary was well known and greatly respected across a broad fi eld. He was highly successful as a facilitator of land use planning round tables throughout the 1990s, which resulted in the doubling of parks and protected areas in B.C. He was trusted for his incredible knowledge, sense of fairness, good humour and devotion to the public inter- est. At the time of his death, Gary was facilitating the cen- tral coast marine area planning partnership involving the province, First Nations and various other stakeholders.

With Gary's passing, British Columbia has lost a true leader, who approached everything he did with passion, commitment and integrity. In addition to his wife, Joan, Gary leaves behind two daughters, Shaundehl Runka and Cayla Runka, and grandson Marek Maji. I ask the Speaker to send condolences to the family on behalf of this House. Madame Speaker: It shall be done. Statements MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION S.

Simpson: I wanted to take this, my fi rst opportun- ity since the House has come back, to say a thank-you to the surgeons and VGH and the Cancer Agency for all of the support that I received when I went through my chal- lenge with colon cancer this summer. It was obviously a bit of a life-changing event, and I have nothing but the greatest admiration for our health system and for the remarkable care that I got. I'm very pleased at how it's turned out.

I feel very fortunate when my oncologist says: "Y es, you can say you're cancer-free." [Applause.] I feel very appreciative to the hundreds of people from across the province who sent me prayers and well wishes. We know that at this time when you're facing this kind of challenge — and many members in this House have at diff erent times — the need to be positive and to con- tinue to have a positive spirit is really critical to winning the battle. I felt that across the province.

Today I especially wanted to say a thank-you to all the members of this House, not just my caucus here but the government side, who were very gracious in their pray- ers and their comments, and the fruit basket was great. Th ank you very much — and to the Speaker as well. It made a huge, huge diff erence to me and to my recovery. I know our colleague the Minister of Agriculture is facing that same challenge today around colon cancer. I understand he's had his surgery and he's in recovery now.

I'm sure that we would all say that there are 84 people sit- ting in this place who are all cheering for him to have a full recovery and to be back here healthy and hearty, as soon as possible. So thank you, everybody. [1345] Introductions by Members Hon. C. Oakes: Good afternoon. I have the intro- duction today of three fabulous gentlemen.

I'd like to introduce to the House today: Anthony Everett, who is the chair of the 2015 Canada Winter Games board; Stu Ballantyne, the CEO of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Society; and also in the gallery today is Mike Davis, the director of marketing and communications for the Canada Winter Games. Th ese three gentlemen are part of a team that will be hosting the largest sporting event held in northern British Columbia. Th ey've travelled to Victoria today to celebrate that we're almost exactly one year away from the start of the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

It was my very great pleasure today to announce that when the Canada Winter Games fl ame comes to British Columbia for the fi rst time, it will happen here in Victoria in front of the Legislature. So please mark your calendars for October 17. It's going to be a big day, and when it ar- rives in Prince George on February 13, 2015, the north will be rolling out our welcome mat. Media, athletes, coaches, families, fans, volunteers and supporters will be fl ocking to British Columbia for the games, which are expected to have an economic impact of $70 million to $90 million.

We'll be ready, thanks to this fabulous team. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to the House to Anthony, Stu and Mike. G. Holman: I'd like to introduce a constituent living on my home base, Saltspring Island, Chris Abbott, who

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1199 is president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union. I suspect ferries might be an issue that this House might be discussing later in this session. Please give a warm welcome to Mr. Abbott. Hon. T. Stone: It gives me great pleasure to introduce to this House my beautiful wife, Chantal, who is down here from Kamloops. Chantal and I have been married for almost 14 years. We have three beautiful little girls. We are partners in growing a successful business, and she is right there by my side as we embark on this new political journey.

I'm not sure if she was so excited yesterday because of the throne speech or if it's that the three kids are with grandma and grandpa up in Kamloops, but I'd ask the House to please make Chantal welcome. M. Bernier: I would really like the House to help me welcome two people who have never had the opportun- ity to come here to the House. It's their fi rst time and, actually, I would honestly say, the reason why I'm here today. My mom and dad have travelled here.

I've spoken with them quite at length about what happens here in the House, and I said: "What better way than to come and watch with your own eyes what happens here?" I know the members will not disappoint them today. Please welcome Roger and Veronica Bernier. J. Horgan: It's a pleasure to follow the member for Peace River South. I saw Blair Lekstrom here yesterday. I thought, "Dude, you don't work here anymore." Th e member was buying him lunch.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce in the gallery today Dana Larsen, who is known to most people in this House, certainly known to many, many British Columbians. He is here today to meet with legis- lators and watch our proceedings. Would the House make him very, very welcome. J. Th ornthwaite: I'd like to recognize and welcome my very, very hard-working constituency assistant, Alysia MacGrotty, who is there waving. I appreciate all the work that she does for me here as well as in my constitu- ency offi ce. Welcome back to Victoria, and good travels back home. C.

James: I see a constituent from my riding up in the gallery, an individual who is an activist, a great supporter in the community of individuals who are in need, some- one who has been involved in politics at one time or an- other in the past. Who knows? He may come back again someday. Would the House please welcome Richard Fahl. [1350] Hon. S. Bond: In the spirit of the other comments that have been made today, I'm very pleased today to have my husband in the gallery.

I know that just over a year ago he was very ill, had open-heart surgery, and I, too, was the benefactor of very kind wishes from both sides of the House. We're delighted to say that he's doing very well. We couldn't be more thrilled with the progress, and I would ask that you would welcome Bill to the House today. R. Fleming: It's a pleasure to introduce a couple of constituents of mine who are joining us today in the gallery, perhaps for their fi rst time. I'll have to ask them when we get together aft er this part of the session this aft ernoon. With us here today are Catherine and John Culley.

Th ey're very active in my community. I would ask the House to make them welcome this aft ernoon. J. Sturdy: Today I have the pleasure of introducing representatives of Innergex power, a renewable power and energy company with 13 clean energy projects oper- ating throughout British Columbia but concentrated in the Sea to Sky.

West Vancouver–Sea to Sky is very much an agglomer- ation of run-of-river operations, and I know that we will look to the area in the future to be a centre of excellence in order that we can share our knowledge, experience and lessons on how run of river can best contribute to renewable energy supply in British Columbia. Innergex has certainly committed to British Columbia. By 2016, generally in partnerships with First Nations, they will have deployed over $1 billion in capital investment in this province.

It is my pleasure to introduce Michel Letellier, Richard Blanchet, Bas Brusche, Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Amrit Dhatt and Patrick Michell. Please join me in making them welcome to the precincts. Hon. M. Polak: In the gallery today I would like to make welcome two grade 5 classes visiting from Langley Christian School, who are touring the Legislature and are going to be watching us in question period. Would the House please make them feel welcome. K. Conroy: As we have established a custom of doing in this chamber, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce the newest member of our family.

My grand- son Kaelin Ian Batchelor was born on January 2, weigh- ing a healthy 8 pounds 15.5 ounces — almost 9 pounds. He is the fourth child to our daughter Sasha and her hus- band Kirk, a little brother to big sisters Daira and Aydenn and to big brother Ryen. I know I have a ways to go to catch up to the former member from Chilliwack, but Kaylen is our sixth grand- child, and our seventh is due in June, as our son Wylie and Jamie are expecting. Would the House please join me in welcoming Kaylen.

British Columbia Debates1200 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 2 — ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES COMMISSION AMENDMENT ACT, 2014 Hon. S. Anton presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, 2014. Hon. S. Anton: I move that the bill be introduced and read a fi rst time now. Motion approved. Hon. S. Anton: I'm pleased to introduce the Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act.

Th e aim of this bill is to preserve representation in the Legislative Assembly for northern and rural regions of the province that are most at risk of losing seats in the next electoral boundary revision process. Th e contents of the amendments contained in this bill were released publicly by government in a white paper on November 14 of last year. Th e amendments provide additions to the existing instructions that guide the in- dependent Electoral Boundaries Commission in its work.

Specifically, the commission would be required to preserve the existing number of electoral districts in the north, the Cariboo-Th ompson and Columbia-Kootenay regions of the province. Th e bill would not make any other changes to the boundary commission process. Th e bill also includes a provision which would keep the existing number of electoral districts in the province, which is 85. It is challenging to balance urban and rural rep- resentation in a province as large and diverse as British Columbia.

Th e previous Boundaries Commission urged the Legislature to address this issue, and we're bringing forward these amendments in order to provide for eff ect- ive representation for all British Columbians. I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. [1355] Bill 2, Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, 2014, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today.

Ministerial Statements GOVERNMENT APOLOGY FOR HISTORICAL WRONGS AGAINST CHINESE CANADIANS Hon. C. Clark: For the past few months, as members know, the Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism has been meeting with members of the Chinese community from all across this great province. She has heard many, many very power- ful stories from those who were impacted by historical wrongs infl icted on Chinese Canadians. Th is has been an exercise in reaching out and in con- fronting a painful time in our collective history.

It's been an opportunity to educate ourselves and all British Columbians about a time that we cannot and should not forget. But it is also a chance for forgiveness, with Chinese Canadians displaying the remarkable resilience and spirit that have made the Chinese community such a vibrant part of our province today. I'd like to commend the minister and her staff and all members of this Legislature who have participated in the process. It wasn't an easy one. Th ere are two members, at least, of this Legislature that have a direct personal con- nection to this.

However, all members showed a spirit of openness and understanding, and it is only by working together that we can move forward. Th e hearings attracted large numbers of people, and the work of compiling those compelling stories continues. Th e minister, along with the opposition, will now work together on a formal motion that will be introduced in this Legislature as an apology for historical wrongs. But, Madame Speaker, there is one consistent thread throughout all the hearings, and that was the need for education.

Th at's why today I can tell this House that I've asked the Minister of Education to work with the Minister for International Trade and Multiculturalism and with members of the opposition to ensure that our school curriculum refl ects our true history. British Columbia has a long history with many things of which we can be justifi ably proud. But our history also has to be accurate. We don't serve anyone if we choose to ignore the parts of the past we would rather not remem- ber.

Th e changes to the curriculum will ensure that every child in British Columbia grows up knowing our history, including those mistakes that impacted so many people. If society does not learn from its mistakes, then we are doomed to repeat them. Curriculum changes take time, and we want to make sure we get it right. Teachers will guide the process as they always do in changes to curriculum and design. But it will also include voices from the communities that were aff ected. Th is is a great province, one that is made strong by all those who have come here over the years to con- tribute.

We have a unique opportunity as a generation to create an even more successful society, one that embraces its diversity, one that welcomes people from across the globe to British Columbia. Diversity is our strength, and working together united, we can make it even stronger. A. Dix: Members of the House will know that the op- position, from the beginning, has worked on these issues

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1201 to ensure that British Columbians understand not just the need for apologies and the need for reconciliation but what we're apologizing for. It's why we held events like the one we held last Friday, which weren't just with the Chinese-Canadian community — although that's very important — but with a broad cross-section of young people who today are in public schools refl ective of the province, because virtually all our public schools refl ect that diversity.

In my constituency of Vancouver-Kingsway, where some of the students were from, we have public schools with people whose parents and grandparents and great- grandparents come from 60 countries, and others who are First Nations. Th ey are, I think, setting an example and leading for us. [1400] What they said to us — to pick up what the Premier said — is that before you apologize, you have to know what you're apologizing for.

Th at's why we prepared a document to talk about the history of this place, a place we're all very proud to sit in, where legislators, between 1872 and 1927, passed — get this — 89 pieces of legis- lation that were racist — against Chinese Canadians, against Japanese Canadians, against South Asian Canadians, against First Nations, against others. Most of those bills passed unanimously in this Legislature. We passed a further 49 motions.

So deter- mined were we as a province to engage in these sorts of actions, we even passed 24 bills that were eff ectively un- constitutional and disallowed by the federal government. It is important that we understand this history and that British Columbians broadly understand this history, not just in our schools but broadly in our communities. What we've been calling for from the beginning, the reason that we've involved young people in our process, the reason why we participated in the government's pro- cess as well, is because of our genuine commitment not just to apology but to reconciliation.

Th at requires, as the Premier suggested, excellent ideas, such as changes to curriculum, so that we can refl ect on our true his- tory, especially in this year, the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru; especially in this time, when our prov- ince has to some degree reached beyond these past issues. Our past is part of us, and to achieve our best selves, we have to understand it, want to understand it and want to speak to ourselves about it.

What we will be doing in this time is of course sup- porting eff orts to have an apology, participating in that process as fully as we can but also insisting that there be a continuing process of dialogue and reconciliation, that we do better than even we've done in recent years. I was so moved — I think everyone in this House was moved — when the member for North Vancouver– Lonsdale moved a motion of apology for the internment of Japanese Canadians in May of 2011. But I think we have to acknowledge that we, all of us, did not do enough on that occasion. It happened one day in the House. It was very moving.

I was very proud to be associated with it. I'm very proud of the work that the member for North Vancouver–Lonsdale did. But let's face it: aft er that day happened, we didn't do enough to follow up on that ac- tion, and we need to, as well, correct that now. We have to do it better this time. Hon. Speaker, as we begin this session, let me agree with the Premier. Th ere should be an apology. Th ere must be a reconciliation. We must have a continuing process. Th e curriculum, of course, should be part of that.

And we'll work together to really give value to that, to have a unanimous vote in this Legislature that we can be proud of and a continuing process of learning and understand- ing that will help all of us and help our province be its best self. Statements (Standing Order 25B) PATRICK NICOL E. Foster: Th is week is Winter Carnival in Vernon, and this year's carnival theme is "Superheroes." Madame Speaker, today I'd like to tell this House about one of my personal heroes. My good friend Patrick Nicol passed away on January 15 aft er a ten-year battle with leukemia.

Patrick was an innovative radio broadcaster, a dedicated public servant, a community volunteer and a passionate humanitarian. Aft er many job application rejections from radio sta- tions across western Canada, he landed his fi rst job, the graveyard shift at CJAT in Trail, in February of 1969. Subsequent brief radio stops included Powell River, Regina and Calgary. From 1972 to '76, Patrick hosted the morning show at CFGP in Grande Prairie and acted as music director under the mentorship of Wally Everitt. And 1977 marked a watershed in Patrick's life and radio career as he moved with Wally to CJIB in Vernon.

Patrick loved Vernon and the North Okanagan and diligently promoted and supported arts, culture, sports and other civic activities. First elected to Vernon coun- cil in 1986, Patrick served 22 years and at the time of his death was chair of the North Okanagan regional district. [1405] He delighted in responding to the needs of all citizens, building a better community through such initiatives as the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, the multiplex sports arena, libraries, museums, local parks and sports facilities. Patrick was referred to by many children in Vernon as Mr.

Canada Day, as he organized Canada Day cele- brations at Polson Park for many years and served as president of the B.C. Canada Day Committee for 12 years. We have all heard the expression: "If you don't have something good to say about someone, don't say any-

British Columbia Debates1202 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 thing at all." Patrick lived this every single day of his life. Th irty years I've known him; I never heard him say a harsh word about anybody. Canada, British Columbia and especially Vernon have lost a great citizen. I wish the House to send condolences to Patrick's family. JACK MUNRO H. Bains: I rise today to honour a great British Columbian, both in size and accomplishments, who we lost November 15. Jack Munro was the president of B.C.'s largest union, the IW A, for 19 years.

He will be remem- bered for being one of B.C.'s most prominent, powerful and larger-than-life personalities during the '70s and '80s and right up until his passing. Jack will be remembered not just for his negotiating skills that, quite frankly, were watched by every indus- try and every worker in this province. Union Jack can be remembered for leading some of the toughest strikes in B.C.'s history. Jack will be remembered for heading the B.C. Forest Alliance and his commitment to forest communities.

A deserving recipient of the Order of Canada, Jack founded the Labour Heritage Centre, based on his de- sire to ensure working people were rightfully recognized for their role in building our province. Jack Munro was a true British Columbian and a man whose life was guided by his desire to make life better for all working people in this province. Th at desire also drove him to stay active in B.C. politics. Jack understood that working people needed a voice not only at the bargaining table but at the ballot box and ul- timately in the halls of parliaments and legislatures like this one.

He inspired, guided and directed people like me and others to seek public offi ce. And of course he will be remembered for his colourful language. Jack Munro was a real leader. He said what he meant, whether it was popular or not, but always with the best interests of working people at heart. We are all sad to lose him but are so proud to have been part of his life, of the lasting legacy that he has left behind. Please join with me in honouring and celebrating the life of a great British Columbian, a great labour leader and a great man who did so much for so many British Columbians.

And he would say to me today: "Goddamn it, Harry. Shut up." FRANK WONG J. Y ap: British Columbia recently said farewell to a hero. Frank Wong was born in Vancouver on May 16, 1919. Th is was a period in our history, as the Premier noted, when being of Chinese heritage in this country meant you were not a Canadian citizen but had status only as a resident alien and you would be subject to dis- crimination by mainstream Canadians. Th is did not diminish Frank's love of Canada. When war broke out, in 1941, he volunteered to serve and fi ght for Canada.

Frank was one of several hundred Chinese resident aliens who so volunteered. In June 1944 Frank was among the tens of thousands of brave soldiers who landed at Juno Beach in Normandy under enemy fi re. He dug trenches, witnessed the horrors of combat and helped to liberate Europe. When the war ended, Frank returned to Canada as a decorated war hero but was still not a citizen. Th is honour would not arrive until 1947.

Frank was extremely proud to have served his country during its time of need, and over the years aft er the war he volunteered his time to speak with Canadian youth, especially those of Chinese heritage, about the contributions of those that served. [1410] Frank was one of the founding members of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society, which is dedicated to preserving this phase of our collective his- tory. He served for many years as the museum's treasurer. Members may recall my past references in this House to the museum and its great work.

Frank Wong — a proud British Columbian, Canadian, hero — passed away September 12, 2013, at age 94. I had the honour of attending a dinner in Vancouver celebrat- ing his life. Frank will be missed by his family and friends, and he'll be remembered by those who knew him for his cour- age, humanity, service to community and being part of the unique history of Chinese-Canadian veterans among the great generation of World War II veterans. We re- member them. We remember Frank Wong. CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS B.

Ralston: Th e celebration of lunar new year among Canadians tracing their cultural origins to China is wide- spread and continues to grow in popularity every year in our province. Increasingly, Chinese New Y ear is a community- wide celebration attracting the enthusiastic participation of a wide cross-section of British Columbians. In Vancouver the recent Y ear of the Horse spring fes- tival parade saw the attendance of many members of the Legislature, including the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition.

Federal members of parliament, mayors and councillors from a number of cities in the regions also joined the celebration, and the number of business spon- sors continues to grow. I wish to recognize the leadership of those groups who jointly organized the festival — the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver; the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver; the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association; SUCCESS; the Chinese Freemasons, Vancouver branch; and Shon Y ee Benevolent Association of Canada — and, also, the many

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1203 other volunteers who helped make the events of that weekend a success. According to the Chinese zodiac, we are now entering the Y ear of the Horse. Some Chinese astrologers say this year is considered a good year that augurs luck and good fortune. I'm sure all members of the Legislature join me in expressing wishes for prosperity and health in the Y ear of the Horse. Gung hay fat choy. Gong xi, gong xi. TIM JONES AND NORTH SHORE RESCUE J. Th ornthwaite: "Do not stand at my grave and weep. I'm not there.

I do not sleep." On January 19 the world learned of the loss of Tim Jones. He was the prominent face and voice of North Shore Rescue. Tim saved thou- sands of lives and led even more rescues across the North Shore and beyond. Tim is survived by his wife, Lindsay; son, Curtis; daughter, Taylor; husky Abbi; and by his extended family at North Shore Rescue and North Vancouver paramedics. He is sorely missed, but his legacy lives on. Tim was the paramedic in charge of the B.C. Ambulance Service of North Vancouver for 32 years. But that was his day job. His time with North Shore Rescue was all volunteer work.

I met Tim almost immediately aft er being elected in 2009. He was my constituent and a relentless advocate for the community gaming grant program. As current and past ministers responsible for that portfolio can at- test, he prompted me to chase them down the hall of the Legislature, ensuring North Shore Rescue was properly taken care of. He had my cell phone on speed-dial, and I will miss his regular texts, always ending in "Roger." Tim was a walking fundraiser for North Shore Rescue, and the media loved him. He never took no for an an- swer.

He worked tirelessly for people on the mountain and lobbied all levels of government on behalf of North Shore Rescue off the mountain. He received the Order of B.C. and the Queen's Jubilee, and the Justice Institute is collecting a memorial endow- ment fund in his honour. Th ere is an initiative to name the second peak of Mount Seymour, a place he fre- quented and rescued people from, Tim Jones peak. It was Tim's dream to fund a legacy fund to ensure the long-term stability of North Shore Rescue. Please help keep his legacy alive by donating to North Shore Rescue. "Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die." Roger. B.C. ATHLETES AT 2014 OLYMPIC GAMES IN SOCHI S. Robinson: I thought I would rise in the House to- day to appreciate, acknowledge and celebrate our British Columbian athletes over in Sochi, Russia, for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. So many of us are focused on the tally of medals, and our Canadian athletes are cer- tainly making us all proud.

As someone who has the competitive spirit of an athlete but the body of a ten- year-old child, I can appreciate the dedication and focus these individuals demonstrate to us as they compete at this highest level. [1415] We need to remember that while their performance on the international stage garners medals, their eff orts and sacrifi ces speak to so much more. Th ey are role models for us all. Th ey demonstrate good sportsmanship, hard work, patience and perseverance. Th ey teach us what it means to be a team player and to make sacrifi ces.

As the offi cial opposition critic for Sport, I want to acknowledge all 30 of our British Columbian athletes competing in Russia. Th eir mere presence at these games makes us proud of their eff orts.

Jamie Benn, Victoria; Justin Dorey, Vernon; Rob Fagan, Cranbrook; Liam Firus, North Van; Dan Hamhuis, Smithers; Tandy Heinicke, Prince George; Jessica Hewitt, Langley; Kevin Hill, Chilliwack; Michael Janyk, North Van; Duncan Keith, Penticton; Justin Kripps, Summerland; Crispin Lipscomb, Whistler; Matt Margetts, Victoria; Kimberley McRae, Victoria; Denny Morrison, Chetwynd; Eric Neilson, Kelowna; Mercedes Nicoll, North Van; Spencer O'Brien, Alert Bay; Manuel Osborne-Paradis, North Vancouver; Carey Price, Vancouver; Morgan Pridy, Vancouver; Maëlle Ricker, North Vancouver; Kelsey Serwa, Kelowna; Georgia Simmerling, Vancouver; Elli Terwiel, New West; Marielle Th ompson, North Van; Ben Th omsen, Invermere; Yuki Tsubota, Vancouver; Shea Weber, Salmon Arm.

A special mention for Kevin Reynolds. I know that North Van likes to claim him as one of their own be- cause he was born there, but I want to be really clear: he was raised in Coquitlam-Maillardville. It's where he lives right now. He's coming home with a silver medal in team fi gure skating and has another chance at a medal in the men's individual skate. I ask the House to please join me in wishing all of these fi ne athletes all the very best as they perform their little hearts out on our behalf. Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, if I might draw your attention to the new timing lights located on the Clerk's table.

I will look forward to your compliance to- morrow. Oral Questions GOVERNMENT APPROACH TO TEACHERS' COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND RELEASE OF COURT DOCUMENTS A. Dix: It looks like Studio 54 in here.

British Columbia Debates1204 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Interjection. A. Dix: Y ou bet. Th e Minister of Finance is already dancing, and it's just day one. On January 27 the B.C. Supreme Court, Madam Justice Griffi n, ruled in an important case that concluded that the government did not negotiate in good faith aft er the Bill 28 decision. One of the problems — I'm quoting the court — was that the government representatives were "preoccupied by another strategy. Th eir strategy was to put such pres- sure on the union that it would provoke a strike by the union.

The government representatives thought this would give the government the opportunity to gain pol- itical support for imposing legislation." A simple question to the Premier. Why did the Premier and her government attempt to provoke a full-scale school strike, all in order to impose unconstitutional legislation a second time around? Will she make pub- lic the documents submitted to the court that detail that strategy? Hon. S. Anton: As the Leader of the Opposition knows, this is a matter before the courts. Th at's where this matter will be heard, and that's where we should leave it. A.

Dix: Well, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice, lives in a world where it's not before the courts for the Premier to say on CHNL that Madam Justice Griffi n's ruling does not represent the facts in the case. It's fi ne to answer questions from Pamela Martin in an infomercial. It's fi ne for the Minister of Education to send 40,000 letters out commenting on the ruling. Th at's not before the courts. [1420] Th e Premier and her government conspired to provoke a full-scale school strike, and they should answer ques- tions about it in here, in the Legislature…. Interjections. A.

Dix: The Premier has said that Madam Justice Griffi n didn't get her facts right in the case. Let's see what the facts are. Just quoting from the court record, Paul Straszak, the government's point man in implementing the cabinet's school strike strategy, was asked in court: "So your ob- jective as government was to increase the pressure on teachers to have them go out on a full-scale strike?" Mr.

Straszak's answer — and this is on September 17, 2013, at 10:51 a.m. — is: "Y es, I'll say that's correct." In other words, the Premier is going around the prov- ince on CHNL saying that Madam Justice Griffi n doesn't have her facts right. Madam Justice Griffi n has her facts right. Th at's exactly what the government has already ad- mitted to have done. What I think the people of B.C. would like to see are the very documents that Madam Justice Griffi n made her decision on. Can the Premier tell this House why…?

If she can say it to CHNL, if the minister can talk about it all over the province, why can't she answer those ques- tions in this House? Why did she act to provoke a school strike in British Columbia? Hon. S. Anton: As this House will know, the appeal has been fi led. Th e matter will be heard by the courts, and we will leave it to the courts to decide these matters and to draw their conclusions accordingly. A. Dix: In the court transcripts — given that the Premier has stated publicly that the B.C. Supreme Court got its facts wrong — let's look at other parts of Mr. Straszak's sworn testimony.

He testified under oath how he shared with the Premier's deputy minister, John Dyble, that: "Y ou need a social licence to legislate. It could be harder to obtain if there is a targeted strike versus a full-scale strike." Th is was part of documents fi led with the court. Another — exhibit 14 in the court, cabinet working group on col- lective bargaining — talks about tools to increase the pressure on the TF to escalate the strike.

I think that it's reasonable to conclude from the evi- dence provided — not by teachers or by parents or by anyone else, but by evidence presented by government people in the court — that the Premier and her govern- ment set out to provoke a strike to stop kids from going to school to further Liberal political interests. And they have been found to have done so based on voluminous testimony and documents by their own offi cials in court. Th ey have admitted to have done so through their nego- tiator, Mr. Straszak, in court.

Th e people have a right to know what their Premier and their government were doing when they were try- ing to stop children from attending public school in B.C. Th is is how far the Premier will go. Will the Premier tell us today what she knew and when she knew it and re- lease the documents? Hon. S. Anton: Th e Court of Appeal will consider the evidence which was led in the Supreme Court. It will consider the judgment that was made in the Supreme Court. It will hear the arguments of counsel, and the Court of Appeal will come to its conclusion. We must leave them to it. [1425] R.

Fleming: I can't help but notice the diff erence in the silence of the Premier and the Education Minister in this House and that which goes on outside of this House. Since fi ling the appeal, the minister and the Premier haven't missed one opportunity to go on open-line talk radio, TV every night and print opportunities. Th ey even

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1205 sent a letter to 40,000 teachers last week giving their view on why they think the court is wrong, and now they have nothing to say in this House. We have sworn testimony in open court — this is not sealed — evidence given by government witnesses, and it deserves answers here in the House today. Aft er Mr. Straszak, B.C.'s chief negotiator, talked to the Premier's deputy minister in June, he then went on to ad- vise cabinet about the need for a full-scale strike.

He said in court, under oath: "Cabinet would be in an awkward situation in the context of a low-scale strike, meaning it's going to want to put an end to it, but the public won't ne- cessarily see the need for the legislation because the kids are still in school." In September of that year the strike the government wanted didn't materialize. Parents have a right to know how far this government was willing to go for their own political gain.

If she insists that she has nothing to hide — the Premier of British Columbia — why won't she table the document from court here in the House this aft ernoon so British Columbians can see it and judge it for themselves? Hon. S. Anton: A number of documents were fi led at trial. Th ose will be considered by the Court of Appeal. Th e evidence at trial will be considered by the Court of Appeal. Th e judgment at trial will be considered by the Court of Appeal. Arguments of counsel will be heard by the Court of Appeal. Let us let the Court of Appeal prop- erly come to its conclusion. R.

Fleming: Since the Premier won't release the docu- ments, apparently, this aft ernoon, let's talk about the evidence that was included in sworn testimony from gov- ernment witnesses in an open session of court. Passages that were sworn into the record reveal that this govern- ment saw negotiations with the teachers not as a means to help students but as a means to get a full-blown school strike for political purposes. I quote from this sworn record: "Managing negotia- tions, however, is more challenging.

Th ere's no indica- tion that the BCTF is interested in escalating to a full strike this calendar year." Th e document then goes on to say this: "We have some tools to increase the pressure on the TF to escalate the strike." Th is testimony is a bombshell to British Columbian parents and kids around this province. It's up to the Premier of British Columbia to tell this House today which tools the B.C. Liberals planned to deploy to pro- voke a full-scale shutdown to disrupt the lives of parents and kids in British Columbia. Hon. S.

Anton: Th e testimony which was before the court and the evidence which was before the court will be in front of the Court of Appeal. Th e judgment of the court will be in front of the Court of Appeal. Th e argu- ments of counsel will be in front of the Court of Appeal. Th e Court of Appeal will make its judgment accordingly. C. James: Children, families and the public deserve answers in this case. Th e minister had no qualms in talk- ing about this issue outside the House.

In fact, the letter he sent to teachers was titled "Why the government is ap- pealing the teachers ruling." No worries about talking to teachers and talking to the public then. [1430] The Premier as recently as last night was talking through the media about reasons for appealing the teach- ers ruling." No worries about talking to teachers and talk- ing to the public then. Th e Premier, as recently as last night, was talking, through the media, about reasons for appealing. It appears that it's in this House, on the record, that the government just won't say anything to the public.

Th ey deserve better than they're getting. I also want to speak about testimony in court. Under oath it was said that some of the tools this government planned to use to provoke a strike included applying to the labour board to dock teachers' pay, to cancel pro- fessional development days. But there was a concern in government that school districts wouldn't support those measures. My question is to the Premier. What was her involve- ment in a plan that included putting pressure on school districts to ensure compliance with her plan to ensure that a school strike would happen? Hon. S.

Anton: Th e testimony in its entirety will be in front of the Court of Appeal. All of the evidence will be in front of the Court of Appeal. Th e judgment of the Supreme Court will be in front of the Court of Appeal, as will the arguments of counsel. Th e Court of Appeal will make its judgment accordingly, and we must leave them to it. C. James: Th e facts are the facts. Th ey aren't up for ap- peal. Th e public will judge this government on those facts. In court it was stated that the government considered cutting funding to school districts to ensure compli- ance with the Premier's hopes for a full-scale strike.

On September 17 the government's representative was asked under oath if it was suggested that this government "short payments to school districts to encourage them." His an- swer was: "Y eah." Again to the Premier: what was her involvement in this plan to withhold money from school districts to force a full-scale strike and shutdown of B.C.'s schools? Hon. S. Anton: Th e testimony of the witnesses in its entirety will be part of the record which the Court of Appeal will be considering — the evidence of the wit- nesses, the arguments of counsel, the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Th e Court of Appeal will make its deci-

British Columbia Debates1206 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 sion, and we should leave them to it. S. Hammell: We know that the only reason this B.C. Liberal government did not withhold funding from school districts was because the labour board did not go along with that part of their plan to create chaos for stu- dents and parents. If the Premier is confi dent that her government has done nothing wrong, will she stop blocking the evidence that the court relied on to make their fi ndings? Hon. S. Anton: Th e evidence in its entirety will be be- fore the court.

Th e arguments of counsel will be before the Court of Appeal. Th e Court of Appeal will be con- sidering the judgment of the honourable justice of the Supreme Court. Th e Court of Appeal will come to its de- cision, and this House should not be interfering with that. S. Hammell: Th e B.C.

Supreme Court made it clear that releasing these documents, the evidence the minis- ter speaks of, represents "the public interest in an open court process." If this government is going to tell the Supreme Court it is wrong, will the Premier at least release these docu- ments so that British Columbians can judge for them- selves whether the B.C. Liberal government was serving the public or themselves in their dealings with the chil- dren and schools in our province? [1435] Hon. S. Anton: Th e documents which were before the court form part of the record. Th e evidence forms part of the record.

Th e judgment, of course, is part of the rec- ord. Arguments of counsel will be made in the Court of Appeal. We must leave the Court of Appeal to come to their proper conclusion. B. Ralston: In her judgment Madam Justice Griffi n in fact ordered the disclosure of cabinet documents.

Th e principle on which she based that was — and I'm quot- ing from the judgment: "One of the reasons for the open court principle is to allow the public access to the same evidence that the court relied on, so as to allow the public the opportunity to critique the court's judgment." Th e Premier felt free, apparently, at a Liberal fundraiser last night to say that the judge got the facts wrong, but she won't order the release of the very documents that would either support or not support the opinion that she expresses so bravely before her Liberal fundraising colleagues. Hon. S.

Anton: Th e member for Surrey-Whalley, as a lawyer himself, will know that when things are before the court, that is the place to leave them. Th e evidence is before the court, the arguments will be before the court, the documents are before the court, the judgment will be before the court, and the Court of Appeal will be mak- ing its decision upon considering all of the record, all of the arguments and all of the documents. We should leave them to it. B.

Ralston: Madam Justice Griffin, in her reasons, also advanced other reasons why the cabinet docu- ments, which form the basis of the judgment that she made, should be released to the public. She said in the case: "Th is is a unique case where the government relied on assertions of fact regarding its conduct, alleging it had consulted in good faith. It was the testing of that asser- tion that made the documents highly relevant." In other words, the Premier is criticizing the judge, the court, saying the facts are wrong, yet refuses to release the very documents that the judge relied on to make that decision.

Will the Premier admit that the time to release those documents is now? Hon. S. Anton: Th e documents are part of the court record. Th ey will be considered by the Court of Appeal along with the record of the trial and along with the judgments from the trial. Let us let the Court of Appeal make its decision. N. Macdonald: For 200 days this government has avoided accountability here in this Legislature. Let's agree that it's 201 today. Th ere is a Premier and a minister that can talk on CKNW . Th ey can go on NL. Th ey can talk about it in a letter to 40,000 teachers. Th ey can talk about it in a fundraiser.

But when it comes to the one place where they should have an obligation to speak about it and to answer to the people of British Columbia, they choose to sit and do nothing. We have court documents that show that the govern- ment's own representative testifi ed under oath in the court of law. He said as follows.

He was asked fi rst: "So your objective as government was to increase the pres- sure on teachers to have them go out on a full-scale strike." His answer: "Y es, I'll say that's correct." Th at is the fact, and yet the government wrote a letter to every teacher in B.C. saying that that government disagrees with the Supreme Court fi nding that the government tried to provoke a strike. [1440] My question is to the Premier. Are you suggesting that the lead negotiator for your government perjured himself? Hon. S.

Anton: Th e evidence which was tendered in the Supreme Court forms part of the record which will be before the Court of Appeal — the entire evidence of each witness. Th e documents which are before the Supreme Court will be in front of the Court of Appeal — the entire documents. Th e judgment, of course, will be considered

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1207 by the Court of Appeal. Th e Court of Appeal will come to its conclusion in a proper manner. We will not be inter- fering with its decision-making. N. Macdonald: I think British Columbians would be interested to know the facts. I mean, we know that in court, under oath, the chief negotiator for this govern- ment, under instructions from this government, said that they were intending to provoke a strike. Th at is what was said under oath.

Th is minister, this government, sends out a letter to 40,000 teachers, misrepresenting the truth, basically say- ing that that wasn't the case. Th ey are free to comment on it here in letters, but they will not comment on it where they should, which is here in this House. Everything about this is reprehensible. Everything about it is wrong — to use the public education system as a plaything for political opportunity. Why does the Premier feel that she has the right to hurt students, to hurt parents and to hurt teachers for her own political gain? Hon. S.

Anton: As the member opposite knows, the appeal has been fi led. Th e record in its entirety will be heard and read by the Court of Appeal. Th e evidence will be considered by the Court of Appeal. Th e arguments of counsel will be considered by the Court of Appeal, as will the judgment of the Supreme Court. Let us leave it to the Court of Appeal to come to its decision. POSITION OF FORMER LOTTERY CORPORATION CEO WITH PV HOSPITALITY PARTNERSHIP S. Simpson: Two weeks ago Michael Graydon an- nounced that he was leaving his position as chief executive offi cer of the B.C. Lottery Corporation.

We dis- covered days later that he had jumped to PV Hospitality as the chief executive offi cer for the new proposed casino resort in Vancouver. Th is is a company that is owned by Paragon Gaming and 360 Vox. Th e chair of the B.C. Lottery Corporation, Bud Smith, released a statement saying that he fi rst learned of this on the 29th of January. It's not believable that Mr. Graydon negotiated his agreement somewhere between the 29th of January and yesterday when he started his new job. It appears, for all intent, that Mr.

Graydon must have been having some form of discussions with this new company about the terms and conditions of his new employment. Th at would be a confl ict of interest, in my mind. My question to the minister is: has he investigated this? Has he determined if Mr. Graydon in fact was negotiat- ing without telling his board that he was involved in this process? Does he believe that would constitute a confl ict? [1445] Hon. M. de Jong: Welcome back, to the member. A couple of questions there. I'll try to answer them as best I can. First of all, I don’t think the issue is that Mr. Graydon left his position.

I don't think the hon. member has said that's the issue. People are allowed to leave. He leaves bound by certain conditions, some of them relative to the common law and his fi duciary responsibility to his pre- vious employer, the B.C. Lottery Corporation, and some of them pursuant to the terms of his leaving. The issue that the member has raised is a fair one, which is why I wrote to and directed the internal aud- it

section of the ministry to examine that very issue — whether or not, during the lead-up to his departure from the corporation, any decisions by the corporation or Mr. Graydon or any actions by the corporation or Mr. Graydon could have been reasonably construed as having been infl uenced or advantaged the agency that he subse- quently went to work for. I have also sent a similar direction to the chair of the B.C. Lottery Corporation. I'm happy to provide the hon. member with copies of that correspondence and will await their fi ndings. S.

Simpson: As the minister says, the key issue here is: was he, in fact, conducting business as president and CEO of this corporation without telling his board that he was in active negotiations for a new job? So people will know, the Lottery Corporation guide- lines are clear: "An apparent confl ict of interest exists where there is a reasonable apprehension, which reason- ably well-informed persons could properly have, that a confl ict of interest exists…. Th is applies even where no confl ict is found to actually exist." So it is an apparent confl ict.

I will look forward to the results of this investi- gation, because it clearly seems to be there. Th ere's a second issue here. Th e second issue is that, as the minister will know, the previous Deputy Minister to the Premier, Mr. Dobell, who was the deputy to Mr. Campbell at the time, put in place a policy.

Th at policy was to enforce a one-year cooling-off period for senior public service staff , the intention being, of course, that the policy stipulated that a person must not accept an off er of employment or contract to provide services to an outside entity for a year aft er the end of employment if they had been actively engaged, as with a gaming cor- poration. Th at policy was introduced in order to protect the integrity of confi dential information. Th e minister will know that Mr.

Graydon may have signed a confi dential- ity agreement, but he knows what he knows today, and it will infl uence his ability to make decisions, presumably, since he knows it. My question is this. Why was this policy not adhered to? Th e policy can only be waived in one way, and it would need to be waived by the Deputy Minister to the

British Columbia Debates1208 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Premier — in this case, Mr. Dyble. My question is this. Was this policy enforced? And did Mr. Dyble and the Premier's offi ce waive the position so Mr. Graydon could move forward into this job? Hon. M. de Jong: A lengthy question. Look, I do want to be cautious about and urge the member to be cau- tious about jumping to conclusions, and I want to say to the House that I am not aware of any circumstances that would suggest there was improper conduct here.

Having said that, the transition period covering the time when, apparently, discussions were taking place with a new employer while Mr. Graydon remained with the B.C. Lottery Corporation is a period of time where it is fundamentally important that there not have been any actual or appearance of confl ict. We are looking into that. I have undertaken to provide the hon. member with a copy of the correspondence directing that. There are additional guidelines that govern Mr. Graydon's conduct and his duty of confi dentiality to the B.C. Lottery Corporation.

We will utilize and the cor- poration will utilize the measures at its disposal to ensure that those guidelines are upheld as well. I'll provide the member with the documentation I've referred to, but again, I urge him against jumping to con- clusions prematurely. [1450] [End of question period.] Tabling Documents Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, I have the hon- our to present the report of the Independent Panel on Internet Voting in British Columbia: Recommendations Report to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Motions Without Notice LEGISLATIVE SITTING HOURS Hon.

M. de Jong: With leave, I move the motion that verifi es the hours of sitting for the House. For the infor- mation of members, further to my conversation with the hon. Opposition House Leader, this enshrines in the standing orders this change, where the House will sit until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 6 p.m. on Th ursdays — the practice that the House has followed through the past number of sessions. By leave, I would move that motion. [That effective immediately, the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia be amended as follows: 1.

Th at Standing Order 2 (1) is deleted and the following substituted: Sittings Daily sittings. 2.

(1) Th e time for the ordinary meeting of the House shall, unless otherwise ordered, be as follows: Monday: Two distinct sittings: 10 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Two distinct sittings 10 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Th ursday: Two distinct sittings: 10 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 2. Th at Standing Order 3 be deleted and the following substituted: Hour of interruption. 3.

If at the hour of 6:30 p.m. on any Monday and Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and 6:00 p.m. on Th ursday, the business of the day is not concluded and no other hour has been agreed on for the next sitting, the Speaker shall leave the Chair: On Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday On Tuesday until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday On Wednesday until 10 a.m. on Th ursday On Th ursday until 10 a.m. on Monday subject to the provisions of Standing Order 2 (2) (b).] Leave granted. Motion approved. Orders of the Day Hon. M. de Jong: I call reply to the throne speech. Th rone Speech Debate S.

Gibson: In accordance with parliamentary trad- ition, I move, seconded by the hon. member for Peace River South, that: [We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in session here assembled, beg leave to thank Y our Honour for her gracious speech which Y our Honour has addressed to us in the beginning of this session.] On behalf of my constituents of the beautiful riding of Abbotsford-Mission, it's a privilege to be the fi rst member to rise here today and address the Speech from the Th rone. [D.

Horne in the chair.] Given my place here, I will refrain from using that fam- iliar expression "our side of the House." In the Lieutenant-Governor's speech she reminded us that the global economy is fragile. We know that; we read the business press. We know that the economy is still com- ing back, and we sometimes worry about that when we look in the business press. But our government, our en- terprising government, is taking the steps needed to pos- ition itself for future growth. I think we're all excited about that in this place.

One of the three main priorities that we have heard and we're addressing as government is job creation.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1209 When people are working, they're contributing. Families are more successful, more contented when there are jobs created. Economic growth. Th ere's a vibrancy, and people can feel that as the economy starts to turn around. It's exciting. Controlling government spending is No. 3. Th is gov- ernment is committed to controlling government spend- ing. I think we're all very enthusiastic about that. Seeking out new markets worldwide. I'll be discussing that in a moment in some detail. Expanding the customer base for B.C. products abroad. Agriculturally….

We'll discuss that in a moment — hun- dreds of opportunities to get out into new markets around the global picture. Promote economic growth by investing in transportation infrastructure. [1455] As a former chair of the Abbotsford-Mission Transit Committee, even in our communities we know how im- portant transportation infrastructure is. We're excited about that, and I'm excited to speak to that today. Ensuring tax dollars will be well spent by conducting a core review of government operations. Basic, very basic. Most companies do this. From time to time they review the services and products they're off ering.

It's great tim- ing. It's very propitious that we're doing that. When gov- ernments do that, who benefits? The citizens benefit. Th ey get better value. Finally, strengthening our economy for families. Our families are the hallmark, the foundation, of our coun- try and of our province. When families are secure, the province is secure. Exciting news. Probably many of you have seen that the Conference Board of Canada predicts that B.C. will lead the country in economic growth in 2015, and that was affi rmed by the Lieutenant-Governor's very eloquent speech.

Th e Conference Board recognizes that B.C. is get- ting the basics right. Th ey're affi rming what we're doing. Th ey're saying: "Y ou know what? Y ou guys are dong a great job. Keep going, and the economy is going to rock." We're excited about that. Government does not directly create jobs. We some- times say: "Well, why doesn't government do this?" But government creates the environment, the atmosphere, for jobs, and then the private sector follows. Th at's very encouraging. As far as taxes, one thing we've been very proud of is keeping taxes down.

B.C. gains a competitive advantage by adopting a low-tax regime, leaving money in the pock- ets of people to make their own decisions. We've reduced small business tax by 40 percent — that's the plan for 2018 — and are reducing corporate income tax by 10 percent by 2018. Who benefi ts? Th e small business sector. As well, we're driving small business by encouraging them. In fact, you'll notice, if you look at the statistics, that small business drives 55 percent of B.C. export — 55 percent. As a former owner of a manufacturing company, I know how important it is to affi rm small business.

My company had 13 employees, but we worked hard, and we contributed to the economy. Th ere are thousands of small businesses just like that all across every constitu- ency represented in this chamber. We're cutting red tape, cutting out the bureaucracy that's the obstacle for small business and larger business, which say: "Y ou're holding back the opportunity for me to do business." Excessive red tape is a drag on the econ- omy, and it costs jobs as well. Our goal is to become the most business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada. Many of us are very excited….

I come out of a muni- cipal background in the city of Abbotsford, where I was a councillor for three decades. Some of you have heard about the mobile business licence program. Th at's a very exciting initiative. Th is program has expanded with two pilot projects in 12 Lower Mainland communities. Th e Fraser Valley intermunicipal business licence program involves nine municipalities — including the cities of Abbotsford and Mission, which I represent here in the Legislature. Th ere are 58 communities around B.C. that now have these mobile licences. It's a great thing. Y ou don't have to apply individually.

It all applies to an area — so very, very important. Th e Canadian Federation of Independent Business. We got a prize. Now, I give letter grades as a university instructor. I give out a few Cs, and I do give out some Bs, but I don't give out very many As. We got an A. We got an A for cutting red tape, and it's for the third year in a row. Th at's very affi rming. It makes me feel good, as a government MLA, to say: "An outside party like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said, 'Y ou know what? Y ou're help- ing us.

Y ou're not hindering us; you're helping us.' Good news." We're the only province in Canada to have that designation this year. Th e kinds of things we're doing with the B.C. jobs plan also really excite me. As someone who teaches university students, I know how important it is to give students the skills so that they'll have the confi dence they'll need to succeed, and that's exactly what the B.C. jobs plan does. It parallels beautifully what post-secondary institutions are trying to do today to get people out into the workforce. Entrepreneurship.

Th at's one of the keys to our society, for our success, and it was my privilege to teach entre- preneurship at the University of the Fraser Valley in the school of business. [1500] So many of my students were passionate about getting into business. Th at's exactly what we want to affi rm here in the Legislature. Th e goal of the B.C. jobs plan is to get young people excited about their career so that they can go out and raise their families, accomplish a lot and con-

British Columbia Debates1210 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 tribute to the economy. Forty-three percent of future job openings are going to require trades or some technical training here in the province of British Columbia, and training programs have got to anticipate what companies are going to be looking for in the future. Th at's the tough part. We've discussed that here a little bit. Trade missions to Asia. We've read that in the media. Very exciting, the results from that. Labour and First Nations were involved — it's very useful that we can get together — and 120 company representatives.

Our gov- ernment is out there around the world — in China, and the Premier in Korea and Japan — looking for new mar- kets, working hard at it. Th e results will benefi t business here in the province of British Columbia. Investors want economic certainty, and that's what I believe our government brings. Th at was affi rmed by that speech that we heard yesterday, that presentation by the Lieutenant-Governor, which was very affi rming. Cooperation between business and government is the hallmark of what we're trying to do. Th e Pacifi c Gateway.

One of the interesting things that I really learned only recently is that the Port of Prince Rupert is two days closer to Asia than any other port in the U.S. Well, time is money, and if we can reduce that time to get our products across to the emerging Asian markets, it's very exciting for all of us and for all of our sectors. Since 2001 Pacifi c Gateway partners have spent $17 billion, including infrastructure on roads, railways, bridges and ports — again, a real asset to the province. A little bit about agriculture. I come from a community, Abbotsford-Mission, which is just fantastic for agricul- ture.

In fact, Abbotsford is the number one community in British Columbia for farm revenue for agriculture. And our productivity level is three times what it is in parts of Ontario — tremendous productivity. Blueberries, rasp- berries. Come out to Abbotsford — luscious, luscious raspberries out there. I want to encourage you to think in terms of the excite- ment, the passion, that people have to get their products to the marketplace. We as a government want to make that possible. Th ere is a real pent-up demand for a lot of our agricultural products.

I was reminded by a previous Minister of Agriculture that we have over 200 agricultural commodities that can be sold around the world. Our B.C. trade relations are going well, but the formula is changing a little. We used to depend on the U.S. exclu- sively in the old days. Th e paradigm is changing. In 2007, 60 percent of our exports went to the U.S., 13 percent to Japan and 5 percent to China. Today 12 percent went to Japan, 19 percent to China and 48 percent to the U.S. So it's dropping. Th e formula is changing, but it gives us di- versity, which is very encouraging. The Pacific Northwest Economic Region.

Some of you know about that. Th at was alluded to as well. Th at's a partnership of the western provinces and territories: British Columbia plus the western States, which include Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho. I have the privilege of serving on that committee and was just down in Olympia a few weeks ago hearing the governor's State of the State speech. I really appreciated the fact that we were introduced there, got to know the governor and actually met with him.

Very exciting in- itiatives there, because it gives the opportunity, kind of a Cascadia model, of working together with other juris- dictions in the U.S. We hear so much about balancing the budget. Sometimes we say: "Oh well, we just kind of hear too much about that." We underestimate sometimes, I think, the importance of balancing the budget. Th e example that I sometimes give to people is if a family is paying for their groceries with Visa, that's not a healthy family situ- ation.

It's a small kind of paradigm or metaphor which can happen in most provinces in Canada, and if we look around the world, we see governments that just don't bal- ance their budgets. It's exciting because our Premier and the Minister of Finance are committed to balance the budget, to make it a top priority, and I'm very pleased, as one member of this House on the government side, to be very enthusi- astic about that. Balancing the budget is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't come easily. It requires a lot of work. I had the privilege of serving on Treasury Board and seeing the challenges there.

A very, very important initiative. [1505] Th e balanced budget is committed to for the next four years as well. Each of the next four years the commit- ment is the balanced budget, and 50 percent of future sur- pluses will be dedicated directly to paying down the debt. So there's a plan here; there's a strategy. As the Premier has mentioned, we're focused. We're on task and on tar- get. We're committed again to the balanced-budget law, which will entrench tougher penalties for ministers who miss their budget targets. We still have — and it's tough — a triple-A credit rat- ing.

Th at gives us tremendous prestige in international markets, when our Minister of Finance can say we have a triple-A credit rating, and we're all very proud of that. Investing in families. A little bit of technical information to kind of read to you here. Th e B.C. early childhood tax benefi t will provide $146 million to about 180,000 fam- ilies with children under six years old. Th e B.C. training and education savings grant, which has been very well re- ceived by British Columbians, is a one-time $1,200 grant contribution towards a child's RESP following their sixth birthday — an important initiative.

Th e B.C. early-years strategy will invest $76 million over three years to support the creation of new child care spaces — very critical for the security of families today. A commitment, again, to freezing personal income tax and the carbon tax for the next fi ve years. Lower in-

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1211 come tax leaves more money in the pockets of families, so they can make a decision on what they do with their own money. I think we would be enthusiastic about that. Th e world is looking to B.C. right now with three let- ters — LNG, liquefi ed natural gas. It's exciting what's go- ing on, the amount of money that's being spent just to get ready for LNG. We're committed to that. Th e global demand for liquefi ed natural gas has doubled in the last ten years, and it's predicted by experts to increase by an- other 50 percent in the next seven years.

Demand is bur- geoning. We're all, I think, looking forward to the growth there and the tremendous opportunities in the north, tremendous opportunities in the Peace River country — very exciting opportunities there. B.C. is serious about becoming a stable and reliable source of energy on the global stage. Th is is one of our classic commitments and, I think, a defi ning moment for the government in many ways.

LNG will diversify our economy and provide a signifi cant source of pub- lic revenue for decades to come, and the B.C. prosperity fund will be established and used to eliminate, to pay off , B.C.'s provincial debt. Th ese are exciting times. Th ere's a real passion that I feel our government has, and that energy is translat- ing into an optimism that we fi nd in all sectors of the province. In Abbotsford-Mission, I'm very pleased to say, there's a real ebullient mood. I'm really honoured to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, to begin the discussion today and to move the motion.

Now I'm going to turn things over, hon. Speaker, and turn over the fl oor to my esteemed colleague, the hon. member for Peace River South. M. Bernier: It's an amazing opportunity and a priv- ilege, obviously, to rise today and second the motion from my friend the member for Abbotsford-Mission. It's an honour to have a few moments, also, to speak to the amazing opportunities that we have here in front of us, as were mentioned in the positive and forward-thinking Speech from the Th rone. Before I get started, please indulge me.

I want to have a few moments just to welcome a few guests again that I have in the House, a few people who have helped get me here today. To start, I want to acknowledge my parents, Roger and Veronica Bernier, who are with us today. Y ou know, they travelled here to Victoria. I was explaining to them how Hansard works and how what you say in the House is re- corded in perpetuity and forever. I know that they would have wanted to go on the record to say I'm their favourite child. Unfortunately, they're not able to do that, so I just did that on their behalf. So thank you.

I also want to take a few moments and thank my con- stituency assistant, Cindy Fisher, who's back working hard in the constituency offi ce, holding down the fort while we're in session. One comment that I've constantly heard from people is that governments, just like people, have to have goals and we have to work towards them. We have to be giving people hope. We have to be leading. [1510] We have to also sometimes make the tough decisions. With that, I just want to mention that I am proud of the group that I am working with and all the hon. members that are here in government who I say are doing just that.

Since being elected to this seat, I have quickly grown re- spect for every single person in this House. I have wit- nessed fi rsthand the dedication that you all have for the people of British Columbia, and I want to say thank you. Th e transition for members like myself who are also new and in our fi rst term has been made a lot easier be- cause of the amazing and dedicated staff that we have here in Victoria. So I want to take this opportunity to go on the record and say thank you to everybody here for all the help that they've given myself and all the new members.

Less than a year ago, on May 14, British Columbians and the people of Peace River South chose to vote for a strong economy and a secure tomorrow. Th e agenda of this government was widely supported by my constitu- ents, and I was incredibly proud to stand for election and to support these values. Our government, under the leadership of our Premier, is committed to serve British Columbians every single day with a clear, direct and forward-thinking agenda that was outlined in our throne speech. We're speaking of growth. We're speaking of change.

We're speaking of opportunities, and we're showing British Columbians that we are moving in a positive dir- ection, making sure that we actually have plans not only for this generation but for generations into the future. British Columbia is the land of opportunity, and the people of British Columbia want vision. They want leadership. Th ey want stability, and they want passion. Th ey want to know that there is an opportunity for them and their families, and that is exactly what this govern- ment has not only promised but is delivering.

Our gov- ernment is putting forward an ambitious plan to help all British Columbians, and the busy legislative agenda this session, I believe, refl ects this. As mentioned, our commitment to balanced budgets and controlling spending will ensure that our economy will remain the strongest in Canada. Our future as an economic leader in the nation is based upon our ability to keep our fi scal house in order, which will guarantee that our children will not be burdened with debt.

Investing in infrastructure to further develop our natural resource is essential for the growth in British Columbia, for our economy and everybody in the prov- ince of B.C. As was mentioned, we've been taking time to build our relationships overseas with the fastest-growing econ-

British Columbia Debates1212 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 omies in Asia through our trade missions, which are bringing together government and private sector lead- ers to showcase B.C. around the world. We're creating those relationships, which will increase the demand for our forestry, our manufactured goods and our natural re- source sectors, and we're making sure that we have buy- ers in place for our B.C. products. In my riding of Peace River South I'm seeing fi rsthand all of the opportunities that are available to us and how diverse that resource sector is in British Columbia.

More importantly, I can actually attest to the fact that we are seeing unprecedented growth and further opportunity in so many areas. We have a lot of mining in Tumbler Ridge. We have the forestry sector in Chetwynd. We have the oil and nat- ural gas development that's taking place around Dawson Creek. People are moving to my region at a healthy rate, but it's not just for the better wages. It's because their skills, whether in the trades or in post-secondary ac- creditations, are in high demand in the energy sector which is happening in my region.

My riding is witnessing what can happen when gov- ernment promotes a free enterprise system. We have al- most zero unemployment. We have hundreds of millions of dollars of private investment taking place. We have op- portunities for businesses to grow and be rewarded for their initiatives, and we have communities growing and taking advantage of the opportunities that are happening because of the resource sector. Even with all of this development that's taking place, we're still leaders in sustainability, and we're leaders in environmental initiatives and in regulations. Why do I mention this?

I strongly believe, and the reason why I mention this is, it's not about one or the other. [1515] Y es, it's about seizing opportunities, but it's about bal- ancing industry growth and environmental concerns. It's about government having policies and regulations in place to promote environmental, sustainable develop- ment. It's about working with our businesses and our communities to make sure that we have best practices and that those are achieved.

Th e success of the natural resource development in my region is key in helping British Columbia become not only an energy leader in Canada but securing the bene- fi ts from these developments so that the future is brighter for all British Columbia and that it'll be full of promise for the next generation. Saving our fi scal surpluses and using oil and gas roy- alties towards paying off our debt: we know that this will be one of the largest challenges that our province has ever had in our lifetime. But that being said, we know that the rewards down the road are well worth it.

By eliminating this burden to our children, we will provide more room for the next generation of British Columbians to invest in the much-needed programs in the future. Also, our First Nations communities will never be left behind from benefi tting from the gains made from resource development. Th e future should be bright for every single British Columbian, and First Nations need to be included in job-training programs and all future job opportunities.

We're trying to show — and I believe we're being very successful in showing — British Columbians that our government is listening, that consultations are taking place. Our government has a priority, for us, of imple- menting and proposing changes. And with policy and legislation, as we do that, we will make sure that we're continuing on with that consultation. As you know, with the B.C. liquor review, we are up- dating the provincial code to better refl ect the needs of British Columbians.

Our disability white paper that we're working on is bringing together advocates, experts and the general pub- lic to create a white paper document for disability sum- mit this spring, which will make British Columbia more accessible for everyone. We have a vision. We are committed to making sure that the people of British Columbia receive the very best that we can deliver. We talk about jobs. For me, this all begins with giving people the opportunity of a positive future, the oppor- tunity of a good-paying job to be able to raise their family, to be a constructive and contributing part of our society.

Job creation is one of the main priorities of this gov- ernment. We're working hard to ensure that the B.C. jobs plan fulfi ls its role, ensuring that British Columbians are the fi rst in line for these new jobs. We know that this is our duty — representing British Columbians fi rst. We are committed to the benefi ts of growing our econ- omy and creating opportunities for British Columbians in every single region of this province.

We'll be investing almost $500 million in skills training, organizing trade missions around the world to attract new foreign invest- ment to British Columbia, removing unnecessary red tape for small and medium-size businesses and standing up and supporting the incredible people and companies in the natural resource sector. Our government has shown commitment to my region and to the people of British Columbia, and we are all go- ing to realize this benefi t going forward. One of the most important industries, as usually is mentioned, from my riding is the natural gas industry.

Th e rich assets found in the Montney and the Horn plays are playing a key

part in the economic prosperity and well-being of our wonderful province, and we know that that's going to happen for years to come. I'm proud to say that my riding is in the heart of British Columbia's natural gas industry. We have over 30 large companies operating in my region that are employing thousands of hard-working men and women who ex- plore, drill, extract and process the natural gas to our

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 12, 2014 1213 North American markets. And soon this high-quality gas will be going to international markets around the world with LNG terminals, when they're built. [1520] Our plan is that the royalties from the natural gas are going to be the foundation for a secure tomorrow, where royalties and other taxation revenues from natural re- source production will be saved and deposited into our prosperity fund. Th ese funds will be invested and with- drawn from only to be used to pay down our debt, and we are going to get to zero.

Th e well-being of our province is tremendously im- portant to myself and my constituents and, I'd say, to all British Columbians. Our province has some of the tough- est and most thorough environmental standards in re- gards to the natural resource industry — something we can all be proud of. Northern B.C., and Peace River South, is the most beautiful part of our province. Ensuring that our land- scapes and our environments are taken care of is some- thing I take to heart. I have to say that. I know we'll all argue on our regions, but I have to throw that in anyway.

B.C. has been a leader for more than 50 years in safe natural gas development. As the growth continues and we work towards meeting our goals around LNG, we will continue to be world leaders, promoting stringent safety regulations. And we will continue to evolve those regu- lations as technology advances. Our abundance of natural gas and our proximity to the Asian ports have rewarded us in British Columbia with the competitive advantage of LNG and that sector, and we must act upon it now. Because of our commitment to the industry, we are working during our trade missions.

We are recognizing how fast-growing this industry is, and we're working with our Asian trading partners to make sure that we are ready for their investments in the indus- try. But we have to make sure that we're getting it right. Th e economic benefi ts in British Columbia are im- mense, and we will reward all British Columbians in every region with new jobs, with procurement oppor- tunities and with increased government revenues to in- vest in hospitals and in schools and in transportation infrastructure. Stewardship and environment responsibilities will make B.C. global leaders in the energy market.

By be- ing responsible suppliers, through strict emission re- quirements and First Nations involvements, our buyers will realize that purchasing B.C. LNG is truly a sensible choice. We are seeing those opportunities in our com- munities already because of the LNG industry, with hundreds of millions of dollars already being spent. Our government is working on revenue-sharing opportun- ities so that local governments and First Nations can share in the benefi ts that will come with the growing re- source sector. We have to remember that in B.C. it's not just natural gas.

We have 29,000 mining jobs in B.C., with 33 more applications in place, going through the environmental assessment. We have 56,000 people working in the for- estry industry, with over $1 billion invested in the last three years. Here in British Columbia we are seeing responsible de- velopment that meets the best environmental standards, and we're promoting world-class practices while helping build family-friendly communities. Th at is what this gov- ernment is promoting, and that is what we are delivering.

Our government is committed to sending a strong, positive message that B.C. is the best province to invest in. We are sending a consistent message to industry that we want to make sure, though, that we have the best environ- mental practices in place as we continue to move forward. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the opportunity to speak to the throne speech. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the House as we bring forward many new ideas and par- ticipate in debates throughout this session.

I will also make the commitment to represent and in- form this House of all the interests and concerns of my constituents who elected me to be here as we go forward. I just want to end by thanking the Peace River South constituents; my wife, Valerie; and my family, who have given me the opportunity to fi ll this role, to be an MLA. It's a role that I take to heart, and it's one that I look for- ward to doing to the best of my ability as we go forward. [1525] A. Dix: I have had the honour to represent the people of Vancouver-Kingsway since 2005.

As a result of that, I've had the opportunity to see nine Liberal government throne speeches. Th ere'll be better throne speeches in future. Th is, I have to say, is the thinnest gruel we've ever been served up — a throne speech without ideas, a throne speech that doesn't address key problems facing our economy and jobs, a throne speech that at its very core is pessimistic. One is, I guess, tempted almost to make light of this eff ort — an eff ort that says plaintively at the end that in previous generations they could aff ord to go to the moon.

Th at's from a government that doesn't think a ferry should go from Port Hardy to Bella Bella, a govern- ment that says that it's number one priority is controlling defi cit and debt and a Premier who at the same time has overseen the largest increase in debt in history. It's a government that talks about a balanced budget but only does it by making B.C. Hydro borrow money and give it to the government. If only we all had those situations. If only all of us could fi nd such situations, such benefactors, except of course that the people pay- ing for it are the taxpayers and the ratepayers of British Columbia.

It's a government that when it says it has a bal- anced budget, frankly, is not telling the truth. It's a government that spent $10 million, $15 million —

British Columbia Debates1214 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 oh — $20 million to promote its jobs plan and now barely mentions it in the throne speech. What happened? In the 200 days we were away, we lost 21,600 private sector jobs. Y ou would think that in the throne speech somewhere the government would say: "We're going to do some- thing about that." But no. No acknowledgement. Th eir only solution is to mention the jobs plan a little less and maybe to wait until just before the next election to run some more ads.

At its core, this approach to things, this approach to our time, I don't think is worthy of us as a province or as a legislature. At its core, what the government is, is pes- simistic. It's not: "Y es, we can." It's not a government that views issues such as the highest child poverty in Canada, the highest levels of inequality in Canada, job losses and second-tier productivity or that sees Metro Vancouver 27th out of 32 metropolitan areas in household income, with more pressure on people everywhere and less op- portunity for people.

A government that says, "We're going to, as a commun- ity, do something about that"…. Y ou could not have more of a contrast between the State of the Union Address by President Obama and this pathetic excuse for a throne speech that we've got here in British Columbia. We on the opposition side, we're not pessimistic. We're optimistic about what this province can bring, and we're going to put that optimism on display every day in this Legislature. Th ere's good reason for that.

I was refl ecting this past week with a friend of mine about a young woman I came to know in the midst of un- believable tragedy — a tragedy beyond, I think, what we would generally understand as possible to respond to as human beings. She's a young woman who some members of the Legislature have met named Tracey Phan. In September of 2008 her father, Michael, in Langley was organizing a birthday party for her younger sister. He was called to the scene of what became known as the Langley mushroom farmworkers tragedy and asked to go in and help his fellow workers. Michael's story itself is extraordinary.

Aft er this incident, when he was in hos- pital, his biological father, who is a U.S. Marine and a war hero, met him for the fi rst time. [1530] His story of coming to Canada and who he was and what he achieved in Canada is, I think, something to be admired. He was a hero. He saw danger, and he went to- wards the danger to help his fellow workers. He paid a horrible price. He's brain-damaged. He is not going to recover. He's at George Pearson. I met Tracey for the fi rst time a couple of days aft er that. My constituency assistant, Quetran Hoang, is Vietnamese Canadian.

We met some of the families in- volved to try and help them. Consider this situation on top of it. Th e family had been fundamentally let down by their employer. Th eir employer had created this unsafe workplace, for which they were eventually convicted in the courts. Th ey were living on the farm. Father permanently disabled and they have to leave home, have to leave their school. Th at's where Tracey was when I fi rst met her. A lot of people helped. A former MLA in this Legislature, Chuck Puchmayr, who people will know, did a lot to help, and we tried to do some things to help.

Eventually she got a new school, David Th ompson, and then another new school, Wins

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20140212pm-Hansard-v5n2
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20140212pm Hansard v5n2
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	64eed582ff63a5e6c1a804265bfa69adfed1b30f

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