British Columbia Hansard — 22 February 2018, a.m., Issue 84 (41st Parliament, 3rd Session)

20180222am-Hansard-n84

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Thursday, February 22, 2018 Morning Sitting Issue No. 84 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kamloops–South Thompson 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 Thomson, Steve (BC Liberal)..................................................... Kelowna-Mission Thornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) .............................

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackie Tegart Kamloops–North Thompson............................................................Peter Milobar Kamloops–South Thompson ................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country....................................................................Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission.............................................................................

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

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

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

Jennifer Rice North Island ............................................................................ Hon. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ................................................................. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour ......................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ..........................................................Dr.

Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .....................................................................Michelle Stilwell Peace River North.................................................................................. Dan Davies Peace River South ............................................................................... Mike Bernier Penticton................................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam .................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam .....................................................................Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast ..................................................... Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ..................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount.................................................................

Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre ........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough .......................................................................Jas Johal Richmond South Centre........................................................................ Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston..................................................................................

John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap .................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena ......................................................................................................... Ellis Ross Stikine ..................................................................................Hon.

Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale............................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Fleetwood ...................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers ......................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford ....................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton.............................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama........................................................................... Hon. Jinny Sims Surrey South............................................................................... Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley........................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ............................................................................. Tracy Redies Vancouver-Fairview ............................................................ Hon.

George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek....................................................................... Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview .............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings .............................................................. Hon. Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington ..................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway ................................................................... Hon.

Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .............................................................................. Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey...........................................................Hon.

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

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

CONTENTS Thursday, February 22, 2018 Morning Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 2799 Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 2799 Bert Kelly and health care in northern B.C. S. Bond Support for small businesses in West End S. Chandra Herbert Sheila Tutty D. Clovechok Visit to Living and Learning School in Haida Gwaii J.

Rice Jenni Capps and Safe Y outh Cowichan S. Furstenau Garibaldi Secondary School students in robotics competition B. D’Eith Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 2801 Impact of employer health tax on businesses A. Wilkinson Hon. C. James C. Oakes Housing plan priorities and housing prices A. Olsen Hon. C. James Impact of employer health tax on businesses I. Paton Hon. C. James T. Stone Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline and wine industry G. Kyllo Hon. B.

Ralston N. Letnick Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline and impact on businesses T. Shypitka Hon. B. Ralston Motions Without Notice......................................................................................................................................................... 2806 Membership change for Health Committee Hon. M. Farnworth Orders of the Day Budget Debate(continued) .................................................................................................................................................... 2806 R. Kahlon J. Johal Hon. K. Conroy L.

Throness Tabling Documents................................................................................................................................................................. 2815 Office of the Auditor General,An Independent Audit of the Recruitment and Retention of Rural and Remote Nurses in Northern B.C., February 2018

THURSDAY , FEBRUARY 22, 2018 The House met at 10:06 a.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members Hon. G. Heyman: Earlier this month I had the pleasure of visiting the environmental assessment office. It’s a small group of people, but they are dedicated. They are thorough. They do great work, and they’re preparing for the review that we’ll be announcing shortly of the environmental assessment process in B.C. I learned a lot from them. I’m impressed by their calibre. Ten of them are joining us today in the gallery.

I’ d ask the House to join me in welcoming Matt Rodgers, Mike Shepard, Kim Walters, Heather Noble, Greg Wittig, Elise Matzanke, Tanner May-Poole, Beth-Anne Salzer, Kyle Ostman and Ashley Dakin. Statements (Standing Order 25B) BERT KELLY AND HEALTH CARE IN NORTHERN B.C. S. Bond:Have you ever been out for a walk and somehow a tiny little pebble has found its way into your shoe? Y ou continue to walk, confident that it will work its way into a spot that will end that irritating feeling.

That little pebble makes you forget about everything else, and all your focus and attention is centred on the pebble and the irritation it causes. Some of you will know that I often referred to Dr. Bert Kelly as a pebble in my shoe. Y ou will also know the ref- erence was made with deep respect and a great deal of affec- tion. Not only that, I think Dr. Bert kind of liked it. Bert Kelly loved his family. If we weren’t talking about health care, we talked about his grandchildren, whom he adored. He loved his colleagues, his patients and the com- munity and region we live in.

Bert made it his mission to drive improvements in health care in northern B.C. And make no mistake about it; he did just that. It didn’t matter if he spoke to Premiers, mayors or MLAs, his message was always the same: “We deserve better, and you have a job to do. ” Bert Kelly was a catalyst for change. From a civic rally with thousands of residents, he argued for new investments, pro- grams and infrastructure. He dreamed big dreams, created bold plans and then enlisted supporters. Today, Dr. Kelly, I honour the person that you were and the difference that you made.

Our health care system, our community and our lives are better because you were a part of them. Y ou made me a better MLA, constantly reminding me that it was my responsibility to ensure our voices were heard in Victoria and not the other way around. [10:10 a.m.] As we celebrate your legacy today, I can hear your words: “I’ve seen some improvement, but there is more work to be done. ” I agree, Dr. Bert. Somehow I just know that you will continue to remind me of that with a tiny little pebble in my shoe. SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN WEST END S.

Chandra Herbert:Today it gives me pleasure to speak about supporting West End small businesses. Indeed, some of the actions I talk about would probably support small businesses in many of your communities too. Imagine seeing your property taxes go up more than 90 percent. Imagine that you don’t own the property but you still have to pay the taxes, as you have a triple-net lease. Ima- gine you can’t make the payments, even if you double your sales, and that your really successful business of many years is forced into bankruptcy or out of the community you’ve worked in for years.

Now think of all the hard work you put into making that small business a success and how much better communities are when they have diverse small busi- nesses. Empty streets are not welcoming streets.

This is a story, unfortunately, that is hitting a number of small West End businesses now because of the recent West End plan with high-density upzoning; of course, the out-of- control housing market, which has driven property prices through the roof — 300 percent in some areas of my com- munity; and a commercial real estate and leasing sector, with provincial and municipal regulations, that has privileged big commercial landlords over small businesses for too long.

I’ve spoken with business owners on Robson Street, and they just can’t pay the bills, even when they’re having some of their most successful seasons yet. I’ve spoken to commercial landlords who don’t want to pass the costs on, and they want action to support their tenants. Many tried to get this fixed with the government, but locally and provincially there were reports after reports, and unfortunately, too little got done. What are some of the possible solutions — beyond, of course, shopping local and supporting these businesses?

Well, they tell me that the commercial leasing rules need an update to better support small businesses which take the risk. Why should the landlord who has seen all the up side of the upzoning, through huge property value gains, not have any of the risk and the cost of the taxes? Why are small busi- nesses — which, in many cases, are least able to deal with the cost — the ones who bear the brunt? Land-value averaging, split assessments — the list goes on.

I want to thank the small businesses for doing what they can, thank the West End Business Improvement Association and just continue to advocate on their behalf, because they need our help. 2799

SHEILA TUTTY D. Clovechok:I rise today in memory of an amazing member from one of my communities who we lost to can- cer, Sheila Tutty. Sheila and her husband, Stuart, arrived in the Columbia Valley about 28 years ago along with their children, Rhiannon and Brendan.

Sheila had moved from working at theJasper Booster to become the production manager of theValley Echo newspaper and quickly showed everyone that she did everything at three times the speed of everyone else. “Dedicated, ” “kind, ” “strong, ” “efficient, ” “proficient, ” “lov- ing” and “fun” are but a few words that pass through my mind when I think of her. Sheila was a “get ’ er done” type of person of high ability, and it was her work ethic that pushed her quickly up the career ladder to become the pub- lisher of theValley Echo in 1996.

She was known by her bosses as the golden girl for her leadership in creating one of the top money-making community newspapers in British Columbia. In her work, she commanded excellence and expected it in return. She was a person of personal strength and convic- tion. In the world of newspapers, which at that time tended to be dominated by men, she stood strong against the men’s world and pushed back with style, grace and success. She was a gifted artisan, as well, who created the most beautiful quilts.

She had a heart as large as the Rockies she loved and lived in, and she always had time for those who were hurting, no matter what. Above all, she was a mom and a wife first and passionately and openly loved her family. She fought cancer with the strength of a military battalion and pushed it back many times but, in the end, surrendered to it with the grace that was her life. Sheila was one of these people that lit up life, and all of us whom she touched were blessed by her light. Sheila, your shadow has run across the grass and has lost itself in the sunset.

We miss you. [A foreign language was spoken.] [10:15 a.m.] VISIT TO LIVING AND LEARNING SCHOOL IN HAIDA GW AII J. Rice: “What do you do all day, and how much money do you make anyway?” I think most of us in this House have had the pleasure of addressing students in our home com- munities or a visiting class to this Legislature. It’s always stu- dents that ask the most interesting, albeit sometimes blunt, questions of their MLA. It was a real pleasure to receive an invitation from a stu- dent attending the Living and Learning School on Haida Gwaii.

Kade requested I visit the islands and answer ques- tions from his class. “My class recently did a PowerPoint presentation on the types of government — democracy, communism, anarchy, etc. — and in the process, we learned quite a bit about government. Anyway, we’ d like to invite you to teach us about government. ” Now, I’m not sure if I accomplished that high order or inspired anyone to get into politics, but I did have an enga- ging discussion about being an MLA — and life, the universe and everything.

It was fun to spend time in their class, and I appreciated their pointed questions, including if I ever face discrimination in the Legislature. The students were very interested in #MeToo and how that pertained to B.C. politics. Whilst a career in politics is chal- lenging enough for women and we still face minority repres- entation in many jurisdictions at all levels of government, it concerns me to think that the fear of being a hashtag would be an impediment for a young person to pursue a career in government.

All that to say that while this is an uncomfortable topic for discussion, especially with young people, I really appreciated the question and the required reflection on what I can do to make a career in government a desirable and safe occupation for anyone to pursue. The Living and Learning School is a small, independent, parent-run school on Haida Gwaii with a vision that believes that children who learn in a safe, supportive and cooperative atmosphere develop self-worth, self-expression and personal power, enabling them to grow into strong, creative and caring human beings.

The school believes in fostering in their children an aware- ness and respect for the human spirit and the natural envir- onment. These values were certainly apparent on my recent visit to Mrs. Husband’s class. I want to say thanks to Kim, Lisa, Laurie, Bracken, Walker, Miles, Thea and of course Kade, who sent me the invitation. I want to just say thanks, and good luck in getting Mr. Trudeau to visit your class next. JENNI CAPPS AND SAFE YOUTH COWICHAN S. Furstenau: Y oung Jenni Capps joined Safe Y outh Cowichan after attending the first meeting.

The idea that young people could design projects and plans and lead the hands-on work in the community drew her in. This youth created the code of conduct and rules of operation in being respectful. From this, Jenny was elected mayor of the Duncan youth council, where being invited to enter the building, asked for input. Being able to meaningfully contribute to the outcomes of the city was something that she will never forget.

Safe Y outh Cowichan members, from age 14 and up, are often labelled “at risk” and are impacted by poverty, racism and discrimination and may face multiple barriers to educa- tion and employment. Over half of the group struggle with inadequate housing, live in foster care and are separated from culture. Through weekly connection with each other, with com- munity and supported by members, they are able to find their gifts, recognize their resiliency and discover their skills as leaders in their communities.

During the past four years, these young people have engaged over 500 local youth to 2800 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

find out what they need to increase their safety in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities. They’ve shared their findings with local governments, school officials, stu- dents and educators, to increase understanding and ask for support. They have given their time, ignited their passions and raised their voices to help change attitudes and beha- viours and influence positive changes.

The $34,533 of funding in 2016 from the civil forfeiture grant offered by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has helped support these youths in their work towards their goals, which provides all of us an opportunity to hear directly from the voices of these young people in our communities. In 2014, Jenni Capps ran for North Cowichan municipal council. While she wasn’t successful on that run at age 20, she captured the hearts of the electorate with her deep know- ledge of the issues and her spirit. I will not be surprised if, one day, we see her in this chamber.

GARIBALDI SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ROBOTICS COMPETITION B. D’Eith: What combines the excitement of varsity sports with the rigours of science and technology? Why, robo-sports, of course. The Garibaldi Secondary robotics club for Maple Ridge will participate in the March 13 to 16 robotics competition produced by FIRST Robotics and sponsored by GSL Group, at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria. [10:20 a.m.] Students team up with technology companies to build five-foot-tall, 140-pound robots in six weeks, from scratch. These robots compete in high intensity games.

At stake is access to the world championships and scholarships. Trevor Fox, Megan Matheson, Jacob Dusseault, Arden Baumgarten- er, Sam Trenciansky, Anna Pattie and Shannon Labbe are all part of the team led by veteran competitor Ali Hakam and supervising teacher Niko Skartvedt. Ali actually competed in the World Championships in Houston, Texas, which is like the Super Bowl of robotics with some 8,000 people. He hopes to lead his team to victory in this year’s competition. The great thing about these games is how they motivate young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Innovation is critical to the future success of B.C. ’s economy, and programs like this have been shown to inspire students to choose STEM studies in post-secondary. That means students in our schools will become the scientists, engineers, problem-solvers and lead- ers of tomorrow. These students will ensure that amazing breakthroughs that have happened in Canada and changed the world — such as insulin, Canadarm, IMAX movies and the HAART therapy treatment for HIV prevention — will continue and thrive.

So hats off to the grade 8 and 9 students of Garibaldi Sec- ondary School robotics club for stepping up and represent- ing our community and, hopefully, becoming the innovators in the future of our province and our country. T. Shypitka:I beg leave to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members T. Shypitka:It gives me great pleasure to introduce a friend of mine who is in the gallery today. Among other things, she is currently the vice-chair at the regional district of East Kootenay. She’s a mentor of mine and a true friend. Did I also mention that she is currently the president of the UBCM?

Will the House please welcome Wendy Booth. B. Ma: I, too, seek leave of the House to make an intro- duction. Leave granted. B. Ma:Thank you so much. I am pleased to let the House know that there are two grade 11 social studies classes from Bodwell High School in the Legislature today. I’m not sure if they’re behind me. There appear to also be some wonderful people ahead of me, but I don’t think they’re from Bodwell. Would the House please join me in making the Bodwell High School students’ grade 11 social studies classes feel very welcome. Oral Questions IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON BUSINESSES A.

Wilkinson:KF Aerospace in Kelowna is a major local employer — 750 skilled employees in the highly competitive business of commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. This is an international-scale business, because they compete for contracts with other companies in other countries. They’re now faced with a new tax, the employers health tax. This will cost them over $1 million annually in an unexpected tax grab. Will the Finance Minister tell this House that she under- stands that the competitive position of British Columbia companies is being adversely affected by her new employers health tax? Hon. C.

James:We are the only province left with a med- ical services premium tax — an unfair tax, a regressive tax that impacts businesses when it comes to administering the tax and impacts individuals. I am very proud to be part of a government that is not doubling MSP premiums, as the other side did, but in fact eliminating them by 2020. Businesses that have been paying the MSP will save 50 percent in 2018. That’s the year where Thursday, February 22, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2801

we’re reducing them by 50 percent. Those are savings of $1.3 billion to individuals and to businesses. In 2019 we’ll be bringing in an employers health tax that 5 percent of the businesses in this province will pay the full amount on. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. [10:25 a.m.] A. Wilkinson:It’s illuminating that our Finance Minister basically ignores the gist of the question. In an internationally competitive business line, it’s simply not possible to absorb $1 million tax grabs.

KF Aerospace has written to say: “That money has to come from some- where, which means we are forced to look at increasing our prices and potentially losing contracts or cutting costs through layoffs. ” To the Finance Minister: what option does she suggest KF Aerospace accept — to either lose business through increased prices or to accept layoffs? Which one? Hon. C. James: I say to the Leader of the Opposition that in 2018 reducing MSP premiums by 50 percent will make a big difference for employers who have been paying MSP premiums. They will make those savings. They will see those savings in the 2018 year.

They will be able to util- ize those savings in the 2018 year. They will continue to remain competitive. Employers who are paying the MSP premiums will see that shift over to the employer health tax, and then we will ensure we have the resources to continue to support our competitive economic environment and services that people count on in this province. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a second supplemental. A. Wilkinson:Well, the lack of commercial experience on this side of the House here is abundantly clear today.

The employer health tax will be imposed at the same time as MSP premiums are still being collected. The idea of paying a double tax is critical to businesses in this province. It dra- matically affects their competitiveness. To quote again from KF Aerospace, a major employer in this province: “ As a good employer, we pay the employees’ family Medical Services Plan premiums. I now get double- taxed in 2019. Frankly, that’s an unbelievable double tax grab. ” As KF Aerospace becomes uncompetitive, will this Fin- ance Minister reconsider her double tax grab in 2019? Hon. C.

James: I remind the member opposite that in 2018, a 50 percent reduction in MSP premiums is savings to that business and other businesses across this province. That’s $1.3 billion of savings that remains with businesses and remains with individuals in the 2018 year. When we take a look at competitiveness in this province, eliminating the PST on electricity in 2019 will help that business and other businesses across our province. Protect- ing small businesses, protecting those with payrolls under $1.5 million, we are investing in the economy.

We are invest- ing in people, and that’s the kind of balance that people are looking for in British Columbia. C. Oakes: The Minister of Finance is double-dipping to raise an extra $1.8 billion on the backs of family business, and that is not funny. My constituent Lloyd Inwood owns Inwood Trucking.

He was looking to fill four or five posi- tions in his company, but sent a letter to our office yesterday and said: “I’m considering walking away from everything my family has built over two generations. ” What does the minister have to say to the 30 employees and the families they represent who will lose their liveli- hoods? [10:30 a.m.] Hon. C. James:I would say to those businesses and other businesses in British Columbia that eliminating the regress- ive MSP will save those businesses when it comes to admin- istration and when it comes to dollars.

I will repeat again that there are savings in the 2018 year for businesses and indi- viduals of $1.3 billion. And I would say again that 85 per- cent of the businesses in British Columbia will not pay the employers health tax. Mr. Speaker:Cariboo North on a supplemental. C. Oakes: It is clear that this government does not understand small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia. This is not an isolated example. Another con- stituent of mine runs a very important business in my community. They’ve operated for 85 years and employ 25 people. Many of these employees are seniors and young people.

Now, because of this double-dipping minister, their jobs are on the line. Does the Minister of Finance think that this family- owned business should be laying off staff or increasing price to consumers? Hon. C. James:I would remind the member across that, in fact, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. That’s why we decrease…. They create the majority of jobs in British Columbia, which is exactly why we are supporting small businesses with a drop in the small business tax rate from 2.5 percent to 2 percent, second lowest in this country.

In addition to having the second-lowest small business tax rate in this country, we are supporting small busi- nesses. If you have a payroll that is below $500,000 in this province, you will pay nothing when it comes to the employer health tax. If you have a payroll between $500,000 and $1.5 million, you will not pay the full rate in the employer health tax. We are supporting small busi- 2802 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

nesses, and we’ll continue to do that. HOUSING PLAN PRIORITIES AND HOUSING PRICES A. Olsen:I want to acknowledge that this government has taken more substantive steps than the last government was ever willing to take on housing affordability, and they should be recognized for this. Interjections. A. Olsen: I’m working both sides of the aisle here. However, I’m hearing a serious lack of clarity about what the government is trying to achieve with the housing plan. My colleague from Oak Bay–Gordon Head tried yesterday to clear this up but didn’t get a straight answer, so I’m going to ask again.

In the budget, the government spoke of stabilizing demand and “bringing down the curb of housing costs. ” The Finance Minister spoke yesterday about “moderating the market and slowing the escalation in housing prices. ” To me, these statements suggest that the government’s goal could be to see house prices continue to rise from where they are just a little more slowly. My question is to the Finance Minister. Are you trying to slow the escalation, trying to reduce housing prices? What is this government trying to achieve on housing prices? Hon. C. James: Thank you to the member for the ques- tion.

I’m very proud of the fact that after 16 years of ignoring the affordability crisis, our government is taking on the housing crisis to be able to address it in this province. We all know that the reality is it’s going to take time. Y ou’re not going to fix 16 years of neglect by this government overnight. British Columbians know that we’re taking a balanced approach. We’re looking closely at the measures that we’re bringing in. We will monitor them to be able to make life more affordable.

We are looking at the largest investment in both supply and demand, the largest action plan that has occurred in this province and across this country to address affordability for families. We are looking at bringing in fairer prices, fairer housing prices and more affordability for fam- ilies in British Columbia. Mr. Speaker:Saanich North and the Islands on a supple- mental. [10:35 a.m.] A. Olsen:I’m still troubled by the lack of clarity we have on what we’re trying to achieve. This is a fundamental ques- tion, and British Columbians deserve to know whether gov- ernment is really serious about fixing the crisis.

The longer we were told to wait by this government for action, the high- er our expectations became and, in fact, the more urgent the need for action. The average house price in Vancouver is $1.6 million. Simply slowing the escalation from this point does not help young families and young people afford to live in our province. Stakeholders and experts agree that we need to responsibly deflate this bubble and bring down prices in our hot housing market to ensure that British Columbians can afford to live here.

We are in an emergency, and this government needs to be clear about its plan for getting us out of this mess. My question again is to the Minister of Finance. Is this government simply trying to slow the escalation, or are you actually trying to reduce prices? Hon. C. James:I would say to the member: do we want more affordable housing in every community across this province for families? Y es, we do. Do we have a comprehens- ive plan that is going to address supply and demand and make sure that people can live in the communities that they work and their children go to school in? Y es, we will.

It is going to take time, and I completely understand the frustration that families are feeling. I completely understand the frustration that individuals are feeling. When I’ve talked to seniors in my own community who are at the risk of homelessness because they can’t find an affordable place to rent, can’t find an affordable place to live…. When I talk to parents, they’re not worried about their children being able to buy a house. They’re worried about their children being able to find an affordable place to rent that is decent for them and safe to live in.

Those are the kinds of choices that famil- ies are making. Our 30-point plan is going to make a difference. It’s going to take time, but we’re acting now. We’re not waiting, and I’m looking forward to making that difference for people in our province. IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON BUSINESSES I. Paton:I know that Delta isn’t exactly a priority on the government side of this House, but I’ve had three constitu- ents contact me about tough choices for their family busi- nesses that they face in Delta. These are important employers in my community, and all three businesses have over $1 mil- lion in payroll.

One of them has told me that he feels he will need to lay off young staff as a direct result of the employer health tax. Again to the minister: should they lay people off, or should they increase prices? Hon. C. James:I encourage the members across the way to make sure that they take a look at the details in the budget that make it very clear that if you have a payroll between $500,000 and $1.5 million, as the individual raised, you will, in fact, only pay a portion of the employer health tax.

Y ou will get rid of the MSP , which will be savings for businesses that are contributing to the MSP currently, 2018, a $1.3 bil- Thursday, February 22, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2803

lion savings. Mr. Speaker:Delta South on supplemental. I. Paton:The minister’s talk of those who don’t pay the tax doesn’t help Sid Keay of Ocean Trailer in Delta, who’s going to face a $125,000 tax increase, or the family-owned Delta construction company that pays $3 million to $4 million a year in wages and will be facing a double tax next year. The question to the Minister of Finance: will she address the very real choice facing family businesses who must decide between laying off staff or increasing prices? Hon. C.

James:I will remind the member across the way that, in 2018, a $1.3 billion savings is there for businesses and individuals, when we reduced the MSP by 50 percent this January 1. I would also remind the member that the investments we are making in child care, apprenticeship and trades training, spaces at universities and colleges, in housing, are big invest- ments that are going to make a huge difference for businesses and investors in British Columbia. [10:40 a.m.] T. Stone:For 60 years, Inland Plumbing and Heating has provided plumbing and HV AC services to the people of Kamloops and the Thompson valleys.

They employ hun- dreds of people, and these are really good-paying, family- supporting jobs. Now this family-run business has learned that the NDP plans to take $185,000 from their bottom line through this new employer health tax. Can the minister name the businesses that she consulted and which ones were supportive of this new employer health tax? Hon. C. James:I’ d ask the member across the way wheth- er he has given an explanation to that business about the increase they’ll face in ICBC because of the $1.3 billion hole left in the budget, left to the people of British Columbia.

There are issues as Finance Minister that come forward that are unexpected, like wildfires, that you have to find resources in the budget for. But when it comes to something like a $1.3 billion loss to our budget — the people’s budget of British Columbia — that was understood, that was expec- ted and could have been addressed years ago, I think that’s unconscionable. Unconscionable. We have taken a balanced approach. We are eliminating a regressive tax. We are bringing in an employer’s health tax. There will be savings in the 2018 year, and businesses are aware of that. Mr.

Speaker:Kamloops–South Thompson on a supple- mental. T. Stone:What’s unconscionable is a government that has no idea of the negative impact, the consequences, of raising taxes on small business. Perhaps it’s no surprise…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Members, please. We shall hear the question. T. Stone:Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised with that reality, considering there’s almost no one on that side of the House in this NDP government that’s ever had to meet a payroll. These are businesses, small and large, which are creating jobs in communities across British Columbia.

Now they have to figure out how to manage this assault on their busi- nesses by the NDP government. To the minister, will she come to Kamloops and look the people of Inland Plumbing and Heating in the eyes and explain to them why this tax is good for them? What are they supposed to do — reduce the number of people they employ, or are they supposed to increase their prices? Hon. C. James:If I were that member, I wouldn’t stand up and talk about fiscal management when you left a $1.3 bil- lion hole.

For that member to stand up and talk about MSP when this was a government that doubled MSP premiums to people in British Columbia…. I look forward to travelling the province, to talking to businesses and individuals about the progressive budget we have brought forward, about the changes we’re making in MSP and about the benefit to businesses and British Columbians. [10:45 a.m.] DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND WINE INDUSTRY G. Kyllo: Y esterday the Alberta government ran full- page ads in newspapers across British Columbia at the cost of $62,000. The message is clear.

Alberta is not backing away from the NDP trade war created by the Environment Minister. The Premier has not made the call. Will the Minister of Jobs pick up the phone and call Edmonton? Hon. B. Ralston:I’m working with my colleague the Minister of Agriculture to deal with the issue that’s been raised by the action of the Alberta government in deciding to direct the Gaming and Liquor Commission to ban the import from British Columbia of B.C. wine products. We’ve commenced an action under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. That’s the proper forum for that agree- ment.

We are confident that, in the consultation period of 120 days, there will be a resolution. It’s important to recognize that the previous government, the old government, signed this agreement and frequently 2804 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

spoke of the importance of internal trade being unen- cumbered by actions like that taken by the Alberta gov- ernment. What is shameful, what is surprising is that the opposition, the Leader of the Opposition, is standing up for Alberta and not for British Columbia wineries, British Columbia jobs and British Columbia industry. Mr. Speaker:The member for Shuswap on a supplement- al. G. Kyllo:What is shameful is that side of the House start- ing a trade war with our neighbouring province of Alberta. The minister does not seem to understand the seriousness of this issue. The Alberta government is not relenting.

The Alberta gov- ernment has assembled a 19-member task force to devise a range of economic and trade measures to further punish B.C. workers. Will someone, anyone, on that side of the House show some leadership and end this trade war with Alberta? Hon. B. Ralston:The question for the House is whether the member opposite stands with British Columbia industry, British Columbia workers and British Columbia wineries, or does he stand with the province of Alberta. That’s the ques- tion that he should be answering.

We have initiated an action, a trade complaint, under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, which is an agreement that the opposition, in government, signed and supported pub- licly. Y et they’ve chosen to side with Alberta and not with British Columbia’s industry, British Columbia’s jobs and British Columbia’s economy. That’s the question that people are asking: do the members opposite stand for B.C. jobs, or do they stand with Alberta? N. Letnick: B.C. ’s Stella winery is a wine supplier for a major hotel located in the heart of downtown Edmonton.

As a result of this NDP trade war, hundreds of bottles of wine destined for Alberta are now stuck sitting on pallets. Will the Jobs Minister be picking up the tab for these bottles? Because Alberta isn’t. Hon. B. Ralston:Clearly, the issue here is the decision by the opposition to side with the government of Alberta in this trade war. That’s the issue. We have initiated a complaint…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, we shall hear the response. Hon. B. Ralston:In government, the now opposition signed the Canadian Free Trade Agreement that came into effect in July 2017.

There is a process that we are engaged in of consultation and dialogue. [10:50 a.m.] There is discussion at the senior officials level, and I’m optimistic that there will be a result. The position of Alberta is indefensible under the Canadian free trade agreement. I would hope that the members opposite would stand with the people of British Columbia, with businesses in British Columbia, with the wineries in Kelowna and the Okanagan, and not with Alberta. Mr. Speaker:Kelowna–Lake Country on a supplemental. N. Letnick: Well, what is clear is this government does not favour trade at all.

They voted against the TPP agree- ment, they didn’t support NAFTA, and now they’re start- ing a trade war with our best partner, the province of Alberta. In the words of Stella, wineries don’t want to and can’t afford to wait this out while you take Alberta to court. And you just said 120 days. They’ll be broke by then. We’re now 16 days into this NDP trade war, but Stella winery has been hurting since day one. The Environment Minister started the war. Will the Jobs Minister close the war? Hon. B. Ralston:Thank you for the question. The mem- ber opposite mentions trade.

Just weeks ago the Premier and other members of the cabinet were in Asia, referred to by the member for Kamloops–North Thompson as traipsing around Asia. They don’t support trade. Notwithstanding the efforts of other members of the former government to develop trade, that’s how he referred to an important trade mission to our No. 2, our No. 3 and our No. 4 best customers in Asia. We stand strongly for the development of trade, and indeed, that’s the mandate that I am pursuing at the direction of the Premier. We support trade; they don’t. DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND IMPACT ON BUSINESSES T.

Shypitka:We keep hearing from businesses across the province affected by this government’s trade war. Earlier this week I received a message from Cranbrook business owner Mike, who owns an air compression company. He just had an Alberta client’s $15,000 purchase order cancelled. The economic fallout from this trade war is spreading throughout the province. We’re hearing it here today. Will the Jobs Minister show some leadership, make the call and end the damage this NDP government has created? Hon. B. Ralston:What we have done is initiate an action under the Canadian free trade agreement.

That’s the mech- anism to begin the discussion with our colleagues in Alberta. That’s the appropriate way to do it, and we are engaged in that discussion. What is really surprising and what is really shameful is that member is not prepared to stand up and stand up for our wineries in British Columbia, for jobs in Thursday, February 22, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2805

British Columbia and for the B.C. economy. They prefer to give console to Alberta. We stand strongly in support of B.C. businesses, B.C. jobs and the B.C. economy. [End of question period.] Hon. M. Farnworth:I seek leave to move a motion regarding a change in the membership of the Select Standing Committee on Health. Leave granted. Motions Without Notice MEMBERSHIP CHANGE FOR HEALTH COMMITTEE Hon. M. Farnworth:By leave, I move: [That Donna Barnett, MLA replace Tracy Redies, MLA as a Member of the Select Standing Committee on Health.] Motion approved. Orders of the Day Hon. M.

Farnworth:I call continued debate on the budget. [10:55 a.m.] Budget Debate (continued) R. Kahlon:I am proud to resume my spot here in the House to speak in favour of this budget. [R. Chouhan in the chair.] As I was talking about yesterday, this is a critical step to make a better B.C., a commitment that we had made to the voters of this province, a commitment to make life more affordable, a commitment to improve the services that people depend on and to build a stronger, sustainable eco- nomy that supports jobs throughout this province.

I spoke yesterday about the economic impacts, the importance of child care — the largest investment in B.C. ’s history in child care that we’ve made. I’m proud of that investment. I’m proud of the minister responsible for child care. This is going to change lives for many people throughout this province. I was talking about housing. I just wanted to touch on a point on housing. The member from Kamloops is leaving. But he and the member of Penticton talked about housing. They said: “Well, how do you define a $3 million home?

A $3 million home doesn’t necessarily mean a person is rich. ” I was just shocked by that comment. I was shocked by the tweets from the member for Penticton, who was talking about how all these people with $3 million homes are going to be affected and that they’re not actually millionaires. To be honest, I’m shocked at the disgust that they face when they’re thinking about the $3 million homes. I wish that they had had that same feeling when they doubled MSP premiums for people throughout this province. Where was that concern when they doubled MSP?

Where was that concern when they took back bus passes for people with disabilities? Interjection. R. Kahlon:Y eah, where was that concern? Were you con- cerned about those people at that time? I didn’t hear a peep from anyone in the opposition. Now people with $3 million homes are having to pay their fair share, and now, oh my gosh, we have a problem. It’s clear who they’re working for. They’ve forgotten that this is about the province of B.C. It’s about the people in B.C., and people have been struggling. All I hear from the opposi- tion is: “Well, we learned a lesson. We have to be thinking about people.

We should have been doing all these things and providing services. ” Well, you know what? Clearly they haven’t learned. Y ou listen to question period. They have not learned their lesson. And you know what? I hope they spend 16 years at least in opposition until they learn this lesson. I think that I want to continue on housing for a little while. Again, I’m delighted to see the investment in social hous- ing. I’m delighted to see the 34,000 units, direct-billed, plus working with the private sector to build additional social housing units for mixed-income social housing, new beds for students.

It just makes sense to allow universities and colleges who need space to be able to borrow money to build space. I mean, it just makes sense. I know that Premier Gordon Campbell had committed to allow that to happen, but it nev- er actually happened. It was a commitment that never actu- ally ended up coming through. I’m delighted that the Minis- ter of Finance has put this piece in place. I was just chatting with the Kwantlen student union rep- resentatives who are here. Maybe they’re watching right now.

They were talking about how finally Kwantlen can build affordable rental units on campus for students so students don’t have to travel for an hour, an hour and a half to go to school and then drive back — and pay high amounts of rent. Now they can actually stay on campus. Also, it allows the universities and colleges to build a cul- ture on campus. How important building that culture on campus is. I think it’s a very exciting step. We talk about affordability.

Affordability is clearly a chal- lenge, so I’m delighted to see the additional investments in our rental assistance program to assist those who have finan- cial difficulties in paying rent. I’m very excited at the addi- tional investments in the Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters, 2806 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

known as SAFER. It’s going to increase benefits. [11:00 a.m.] A working family will see the average payment increase by approximately $800 per year. That is going to make a real dif- ference in many people’s lives. And 35,000 households will see money coming to them to make their rent more afford- able. That is a critical step. I heard from seniors in my riding, and this, directly, will affect them. The numbers are clear. Homelessness is the fast- est-rising among seniors. This is a major concern for our government. In fact, I think it’s a major concern for every- body in this House.

Seeing the support for those people, aligning with the federal government’s vision and their sup- port, I think, is a critical step. We just heard some conversation about the MSP premi- ums. The previous government doubled MSP premiums, and within two years of our government, MSP premiums will be gone. That is going to make a huge, huge difference for many people in my community. I think about that senior couple — I was knocking on doors — who invited me into their home. Never voted NDP in their lives, they said.

They were talking about how they had both retired and, now that they had fixed incomes, how MSP was hitting them hard, and they weren’t expecting it. I think of them when I see this in the budget. We phased out PST on electricity to help businesses, and we lowered the small business tax from 2.5 percent to 2 per- cent. There’s so much to talk about. I’m going to try to get through as much of this as I can. So 3,700 new teachers — it doesn’t solve the entire prob- lem, but it certainly takes a big step in the right direction — and $2 billion dedicated to maintain, replace, renovate and expand schools.

We hear from all members in this chamber about their communities. Y ou know, they want schools. They want to seismically upgrade their schools. They want to do so many things. There’s dedicated money now available. We hear, from members on the opposition, questions about it: “I hope that my schools in my community get renovation money and seismic upgrading. ” I know, certainly, the member for Richmond-Queensborough would like to see investments made in his community for schools as well. Now there’s $2 billion here to prioritize this.

I think it’s a very important step, and I know the Minister of Education is working through this list as fast as possible. So $15 million, additional dollars, for the Arts Council — a very important step. Now writers are included in the sup- ports for the Arts Council. Again, I think it’s a critical step. And $3 million, additional dollars, for Creative B.C. I think everyone, most people in this House, would agree that sup- porting our film industry is a critical thing — film, music.

I know the member from Maple Ridge is always talking about the creative industries, how we need to support the work that they do and how important they are to our economy. I think this $3 million to Creative B.C. will go a long way. B.C. Ferries. Y es, I know, B.C. Ferries. The Minister of Transportation has been a long-time advocate in speaking about folks on the island and other places who depend on our ferries. So seeing that we’re freezing all major ferry routes is a very important step. I represent Delta North, proudly, but I was born and raised on the Island.

I under- stand how important the ferry system is to people that live here. Y ou know, when we announced the budget, I went home that evening. Some of my colleagues joined me to have din- ner. My mom cooked some dinner for everyone, and we had a conversation. When I told my mom that on the ferries, now, the discount rates for seniors were coming back Monday to Thursday, she didn’t want to know anything else about the budget. That was the only thing that she cared about in the budget. Y eah, and it was done. She walked, one by one, to give everybody a hug, because that is a very, very important thing.

She was never happier to have her 65th birthday than this. [11:05 a.m.] What that means for my mom is the ability, now, to come to Vancouver to see my son, her only grandson — to spend time there. That’s just my example. There are so many other seniors that will see the benefits of this. My grandmother lives in Vancouver and is also very delighted. I know she’s not actually watching this right now, but I know she’s delighted about this, and so are so many other people. I want to touch on some of the pieces in here around First Nations.

Something that I’m very delighted about is that there’s $50 million for revitalization of languages. Dur- ing the Human Rights Commission engagement, I met with many First Nations–Indigenous leaders across the province. This came up time and time again: the importance of lan- guage, the importance of protecting culture. For example, on human rights law, a lot of the laws were passed down through stories and through language. This $50 million investment is a critical step in that direction. The other piece that I’m so proud of is the world’s first Indigenous and non-Indigenous law program.

I don’t know if anyone else will get a chance to talk about this — I hope everyone gets a chance to talk about this — but at UVic, we’ll have the world’s first Indigenous and non-Indi- genous law program. They do such good work there, and I’m delighted about it. I know the green light is on. My time is coming. Interjection. R. Kahlon:I wish I could speak more. The Minister of Health wants to hear more. I could talk about the good work of the Minister of Health for the entire 30 minutes, if this House would allow, but I don’t have that. I will say that I will be supporting this budget.

I am very proud of this budget. I look forward to hearing from my col- leagues about why this budget matters to them. I also look forward to hearing from the opposition members. I hope that a few of them will support some of the measures in this. I know that if we really wanted their support, we would have Thursday, February 22, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2807

given millionaires a 2 percent tax cut. Millionaires would have had that 2 percent back, and maybe we would have got- ten their votes. But we’re not having that in here, and I’m sad to say that I don’t think they’re going to support this budget. With that, I will let the next person speak. Thank you, everyone, for your time. J. Johal:I rise in the House today to share my thoughts on the government’s budget. Before I do, I do want to take a moment to thank my wonderful constituents in Richmond- Queensborough, who have given me the honour to represent such a vibrant constituency.

I also want to thank my con- stituency assistants, Samantha Schaap and Regina Tsui, who have done an amazing job setting up our new office in our new riding. I thank them for their hard work and commit- ment to the people of Richmond-Queensborough as well. Now, this budget certainly lays out its spending priorities for the people of British Columbia — and spend it does. I’m sad to say that while there are a number of laudable measures that benefit families and individuals, there are also plenty of false promises and tax hikes — $5.5 billion in tax hikes in this budget alone, in fact.

Since the NDP have been in office, they will plan to increase taxes by $8 billion — back to the ’90s for sure. Well, the present sure looks an awful lot like the past. The notion of $5.5 billion in tax hikes doesn’t seem to jibe with the theme of affordability that the NDP has been running with. Small businesses and the workers they employ are going to get hit hard by this. Why? It’s because the B.C. NDP prom- ised to eliminate the MSP but never spoke about replacing it with a payroll tax. They left that part out.

Iain Black, president of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, noted toProvince columnist Mike Smyth: “This is a hammer that came down that we didn’t see coming. ” Here’s some further commentary from his organization in its pro- vincial budget report card. “The government will be redu- cing the tax burden on individuals by transferring the major- ity of the $2.6 billion burden onto business.

Because many larger corporations already pay this on behalf of their employees as a benefit, the incremental impact of this payroll tax will overwhelmingly affect small to mid-size businesses the most. ” What’s really interesting is that the new payroll tax kicks in a year before the MSP is phased out.

These businesses will be hit with a double whammy, but it sure will create a nice tax windfall for the government. [11:10 a.m.] The Vancouver Board of Trade has more to say. “We also note with concern that the new small business payroll tax comes on top of a previously announced minimum wage increase of 34 percent over four years, an increase in the gen- eral corporate tax rate of 9.1 percent, a 14 percent increase to the personal income tax rate of most skilled professionals and a previously scheduled increase in the B.C. carbon tax of 16 percent, moving up a further $5 to $35 per tonne of GHGs emitted. ” On that subject of the NDP increasing the carbon tax, we also want to highlight that they’ve removed its revenue neut- rality.

That move hits the middle class, those who are strug- gling with affordability and don’t need more money taken out of their pockets. At the same time that the NDP attack the business sec- tor and the very people that create jobs in this province, we also see that this government’s budget pays very little attention to revenue generation. That’s a huge concern considering this budget has spending growing at twice the rate of government revenue growth. They flat out ignored a number of important sectors in this speech, including oil and gas, energy, forestry, mining and aquaculture. It’s pretty astounding.

Here’s another thing I’ll note. This government is actually projecting resource revenues to decrease over the next three years. That’s quite surprising given that the province has had strong growth in these sectors over the years. But we don’t find much in this budget to support those important major resource industries. Here’s another interesting point. The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Technology, for which I proudly serve as crit- ic, has seen a decline in its budget. The total ministry budget has declined from $120 million to $105 million, a decline of $15 million.

Economic development alloca- tion has declined from $16 million to $6 million, a decline of $10 million there. The funding of the B.C. Innovation Council has declined from $21.6 million to $8 million, a decline of $13.6 million. Clearly, this government’s prior- ities lie elsewhere. When you consider all these things that I’ve outlined, in their totality it’s clear that the negative impact of this budget will be far-reaching, from coffee shops to car dealerships.

We must also remind ourselves that these NDP tax increases will be implemented just as the United States intro- duces a package of tax reforms and reductions that amount to the largest tax overhaul in four decades. The federal cor- porate income tax rate will drop from 35 percent to 21 per- cent. Business will also be allowed to immediately expense 100 percent of new capital spending on machinery, equip- ment and digital property. There are also modest reductions in personal income taxes. Here’s what the Business Council of B.C. had to say about the impact.

It’s a long quote, but I think it’s a very important one for us to have on the record. “The new U.S. tax provisions applying to business instantly erase any tax advantages from investing in Canada across a swath of industry sectors. For 15 years, Canada has had significantly lower corporate income tax rates than the United States. In many industries, effective business tax rates — which account for the impact of depreciation, tax credits and other provisions in the tax code — have also been lower here.

These advantages have disappeared. “In addition, the new U.S. rules permitting immediate expensing of business investment mean many companies will soon find that it makes economic sense to deploy incremental capital to the U.S. rather than Canada. “Overall, it’s clear that any tax-related reasons for businesses to invest in Canada versus the United States have suddenly become 2808 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

much weaker. A lower individual tax burden on entrepreneurs and highly skilled personnel under the U.S. tax plan may also influence the future locational decisions of companies, managers and top professional talent. “Canada faces a changed competitive environment occasioned by the implementation of far-reaching American tax reforms. While there is no need to panic, policy-makers in Ottawa and Victoria cannot afford to stand still.

Put simply, the United States is engaged in an aggressive, multifaceted effort to repatriate corporate investment, head offices, intellectual property, employment and business generally. ” How does the NDP government respond? By raising taxes — $5.5 billion in new taxes. The implications are significant, particularly when we’re going to be competing for businesses from Washington state, Oregon and, especially, California and Texas. B.C. ’s economy is going to slow down, and that doesn’t help anybody. It doesn’t help affordability.

In fact, it probably makes things worse. [11:15 a.m.] Now let’s turn to the NDP’s false promises. Y es, this budget makes investments in child care for B.C. families, but the NDP had promised something very specific to British Columbians. They committed to something called $10-a-day child care. But it’s not referred to in the budget, and I suspect we’ll never see it come to fruition like they promised. What about affordable housing? The NDP vowed to build 114,000 new units, but there’s no evidence they will actually reach that goal.

Actually, it’ll come short by 80,000, and it will not help families buy a new home. The budget mentions assistance for renters, but those ini- tiatives already exist, and that $400 renters rebate that so many people were looking forward to is nowhere to be found. Same with the elimination of student loan interest. It’s MIA, along with any plan to grow the economy, create jobs or bring in revenue to pay for all the NDP spending plans. The only strategy they’ve got is that massive tax hike. Give with one hand and take away with another.

I’ d like to move on to some local issues impacting my con- stituency of Richmond-Queensborough. As we approached budget day, I was hopeful that the NDP budget would con- tain some of the major projects and initiatives that mean a lot to my constituents and people throughout Richmond. Sadly, that’s not the case. Richmond Hospital has been at the top of their minds. For weeks, people have been wondering whether the budget will address some of the key challenges faced by this aging structure. For more than 50 years, Richmond Hospital has served the community well.

The medical professionals that work there do a tremendous job with what they’ve got. But they need a new acute care tower that’s seismically safe. They need updated equipment and state-of-the-art tools to work with. Patients need more modern, comfortable settings to aid in their recovery. Now, the NDP did promise a new tower was coming. They put out a news release in March 2017, promising to build it “on the fastest possible timeline. ” I believe those were the words of the now Premier, in fact. We’ll see no mention of it in the budget.

The budget does contain some vague mention of upgrades to hospitals but definitely no firm commitment for the new acute care tower that our community has been rallying so hard for. There’s been a petition launched by three Richmond councillors that has gathered nearly 2,000 signatures as of last week, and it’s still going strong. The Richmond Cham- ber of Commerce also rallied the local business com- munity behind the cause, and 47 Richmond businesses employing about 8,000 people put their names to that campaign — because top-quality health care is key to attracting workers to a city and keeping them there.

But the budget did not deliver for them. Now wait and see what happens to the nearly $27 million in donations that have been pledged towards the new tower — $27 million. That says a lot about people in Richmond. Half of that is contingent on a commitment of funding by the province and a 2020 construction start date, so we may even lose that money that we’ve raised. Moving on, another of the chief concerns of my con- stituents is transportation. A lot of that has to do with the fact that my riding of Richmond-Queensborough has more bridges and tunnels than anywhere else in B.C.

We’ve got the Queensborough Bridge, of course, and Knight Street, Oak and Alex Fraser bridges, as well as the George Massey Tunnel. For too long, commuters in Richmond-Queensborough have been waiting for a solution to the troubles that plague the Massey Tunnel. We know this aging structure is seismic- ally unsafe. We know that 80,000 commuters a day travel through it, often getting stuck in traffic gridlock. My constituents tell me about the missed appointments and time spent away from their families as they sit and wait and wait.

Just yesterday a delegation from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce was visiting this House. One of their members, who owns a local pub, told me he’s looking for a new head cook because his employee of 12 years would be leaving soon. The employee was tired of being stuck in tun- nel traffic. He was commuting every day from Surrey. This is a common occurrence in Richmond, and it’s get- ting worse. We have a London Drugs distribution centre. It’s difficult for them around rush hour to get out of Richmond, around the tunnel at No. 5 Road and Steveston.

We also know that emergency responders have expressed concerns about how the congestion can get in the way of doing their job transporting patients from the scene of a vehicle crash to the hospital. And we know they’re extremely worried about how to respond to crashes inside the tunnel, where potential fire, smoke and fumes can be consuming. The George Massey Tunnel is a problem. We all know that. Our former government worked hard to come up with a solution.

After years of study and consultation, after some 14,000 pages of information were produced — including 145 technical reports, three rounds of public engagement, 35 meetings between Metro Vancouver and TransLink, 110 Thursday, February 22, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2809

meetings with Richmond and Delta — after all that informa- tion was digested and thoroughly considered, it was decided that a new bridge was the way to go. [11:20 a.m.] It was the better option from a cost perspective as well as an environmental one. But today sand and equipment sit idle by the side of the highway, and there’s not a worker in sight — all because the NDP government cancelled the project. The Minister of Transportation thinks we need even more study on a project that’s been studied to death. Last week we heard that the government will move for- ward with a new Pattullo Bridge.

I’m not against the bridge being built. I’m not going to argue against the project, because we do need a new Pattullo Bridge, although I should note that the new bridge is only going to give an increased capacity of 10 percent. But the NDP has said that the span has only five years of life left on it. In five years, it will be unsafe to travel. The George Massey Tunnel is unsafe now. Why isn’t the safety of commuters in my constituency and in neighbour- ing communities a priority for this government?

To me, this move seems to solidify my suspicion that the NDP had never intended to do anything to resolve the problem with the George Massey Tunnel. That’s not going to go over very well with my constituents in Richmond-Queensborough, of course in South Delta, as well, and many other communities in the Lower Mainland. This budget did nothing to address those very real con- cerns about congestion and safety on this important stretch of road. It’s important not only for local commuters but for commercial motorists, as well, and the emergency respon- ders I mentioned earlier.

The Surrey Board of Trade told theVancouver Sun it was “concerned by the lack of budget numbers for the Massey Tunnel. ” Board CEO Anita Huberman told theVancouver Sun: “We recognize for goods and movement throughout the Lower Mainland, the Massey Tunnel has to be replaced as well. ” I should also mention that Lower Mainland commuters are likely disappointed to learn the budget also doesn’t include the widening of Highway 1 in the Fraser Valley, Sur- rey rapid transit or the Broadway line in Vancouver. None of these issues are addressed in this budget.

What we’ve been focusing on the last ten days or so has been a wine war instead. We’ve been dragged into a wine war with Alberta. It was triggered by the Premier and his activist Environment Minister over the Trans Mountain pipeline, which has already been handed federal approv- al. Now Alberta has banned B.C. wine, and our provincial agriculture sector is suffering as a result. They feel they’re being used as political pawns in this needless spat, and they’re right. This chaotic trade war with Alberta is also doing nothing for B.C. ’s reputation as a good, stable place to do business.

In fact, a lot of the moves made by this NDP government are chipping away at that reputation. They’re cancelling huge projects, like the Massey Tunnel, that would create jobs and move people and goods faster, as I already outlined. They put a huge amount of uncertainty and unnecessary delay around the Site C project before they eventually moved forward with the project, as they should have from the start. Some workers are benefiting from this budget.

We saw the Premier’s office budget went up by $2 million — it rose from $9 million to $11 million — and staff budgets for minister’s offices have increased nearly 14 percent since the B.C. Lib- erals tabled the budget last year. That’s $2.1 million. That’s interesting to note. I’ d like to wrap up my remarks with some thoughts about trust as well. We as politicians often face comments from people who have become cynical about the political process. Now more than ever, they want to hold governments to account for their promises.

Here we have a situation where the NDP made several specific commitments to British Columbians before the last election. These folks took the NDP at their word. They were promised $10-a-day child care and didn’t get it. They were told to expect 114,000 housing units, and it’s extremely doubtful they’re going to get them. They got excited about a $400 renters rebate, but it seems to have evaporated into thin air. Students looked forward to the elimination of student loan interest, but that’s not happen- ing either.

The small business sector was promised sup- port and success, and they got surprised with an absolutely massive tax hike. What are voters in the business community to think? When you make a promise, you have to mean it. Y ou can’t just say one thing and do another. People want certainty, not confusion. Not making good on your promises erodes your credibility, and it’s clear that some of the decisions being made by this government, outlined in this budget, will also erode B.C. ’s competitiveness and hurt our economy. We need to be doing the opposite.

We need a plan that will actually attract investment and grow the economy. We need more support for our job creators, not less. The budget is one of the most important documents a govern- ment will use to outline its priorities. It should contain measures to bring in more revenue to meet the expecta- tions of British Columbians who are left wondering what on earth happened to the many NDP promises they took to heart before the last election. [11:25 a.m.] Hon. K.

Conroy:Before I begin, I’ d like to acknowledge the territories of the Lekwungen-speaking people, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, on whose land we do our work. I’m also very pleased to respond in support of Budget 2018, which can truly be described as the people’s budget. As we can see from the details outlined by the Finance Minister, Budget 2018 is about investing in people to make life better for B.C. families, to increase opportunities and to pave the way for success for all. 2810 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

Before I speak more about the budget, I want to take this opportunity to thank the constituents of Kootenay West for giving me the honour of being their MLA. It is truly an honour to not only represent such an incredibly beau- tiful area geographically but also one with such amazing people. I don’t get home as much as I used to, but when I do, it’s always such a pleasure to connect with you all. I will continue to work hard to make sure I represent your issues in the Legislature.

I also want to take a minute to thank the incredible people who work in my office in Castlegar, my constituency assist- ants Elaine Whitehead and Angelika Brunner. Y ou provide excellent service to our constituents, and I’m incredibly grateful for the work you do. I also want to acknowledge the hard-working people who support me in my ministry office — Paula Gunn, Serena Tal- bot, Edena Brown, Emily White and Kaitlin Morton. These past seven months have made me realize how multitalented you all are. Thank you to all of you amazing women who work with me here in Victoria and in Castlegar.

I also want to thank our family, who have always been so supportive of me in the work that I do — our kids, grandkids, brothers and sisters, our in-laws and nieces and nephews. We all know how everyone who works here works many long hours, often away from home. I think of our fam- ily, who not only supported my husband, Ed, in this role for ten years but have continued to support me since 2005. I also want to make a special recognition to one of my biggest supporters, my dad.

Dad will be 90 this year, still lives in the house we grew up in, curls, golfs, is incredibly act- ive and is a great role model for our entire family. His team won the seniors bonspiel last weekend, and I know he just got home from the rink to watch me speak. Love you, Dad. I feel I’m an incredibly fortunate person.

Not only am I the minister of a very dynamic ministry with incredible opportunities for the future, Children and Family Devel- opment; I’m excited to also be the minister responsible for, as we like to say, all things Columbia — the Columbia River treaty, the Columbia Basin Trust and the Columbia Power Corporation. As someone raised in the Kootenays, who raised our kids there and now gets to watch our grandkids growing up there, I know what a remarkable area we live in. I also understand the effects of the original creation of the Columbia River treaty and the construction of the dams on our river in the ’60s.

To have them watch the creation of the trust and the CPC, to see that grow to become what they are today and to now be the minister responsible is, as I said, extremely exciting. It is good to see the cooperation and collaboration between the trust and our government on a number of pro- jects. The opportunities created have benefited and will benefit all citizens in the basin and will continue to benefit generations to come. What we all know, though, with the treaty is that this time, as we enter into discussions with our U.S. neighbours, things will be different.

This time our discussions won’t just focus on power generation and flood control but will include dis- cussions about the ecosystem of the basin, the effects on tourism, trade, the environment, our economy, the people. We all agree that we don’t want to cancel the treaty, but we also agree that there need to be some changes. I also want to thank the people who work on the treaty here in Victoria, as well as the many people who work for the trust and the CPC. Y our commitment to the basin is greatly appreciated. I’ d like to start by sharing a story about a couple of chil- dren in rural B.C.

Staff at their school called the Ministry of Children and Families because they thought the children were being neglected. When the social worker arrived at their house, she realized the family’s water system had broken down and they couldn’t afford to replace it. Clearly, the family was struggling. The social worker was able to see that at the root of this family’s trouble was not neglect but poverty. Rather than separate the children from their parents, the social worker committed to helping the family.

The ministry paid for a new water system, and the family got the help that they needed to get back on their feet. This is an approach that puts people at the heart of decision-making, right at the ground level. It’s an approach that our government embraces and that I as minister want to accelerate and broaden in the work we do every day with children and families. [11:30 a.m.] As you heard in the details laid out by the Finance Min- ister, our government is making significant investments in people and in making life more affordable.

The largest investment in affordable housing, the largest investment in child care, the first cross-government poverty reduction strategy. These are the kinds of investments that show how this government is putting people first. This is a government that believes all British Columbians should share in our province’s prosperity, in progress, where everyone is doing better, not just a few. Our government’s intentions and actions were made very clear just a few months into our term. Starting January 1, 2018, we cut MSP premiums by half and put money back into the pockets of families.

By January 1, 2020, all MSP premiums will be eliminated. That means families will save $1,800 per year and individuals will save $900 per year. We removed fees for adult basic education and English language learning, giving people opportunity and removing the roadblocks to the education and skills people need to improve their lives. We reduced student loans by 2.5 percent and reduced the burden students would face soon after graduating as they build their lives and join the workforce. One of the actions that I’m particularly proud of involves youth leaving government care.

Only a few months after forming government, we announced free tuition at all 25 of B.C. ’s public post-secondary institutions for young people leaving foster care. We know this was the right thing to do, Thursday, February 22, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2811

and the proof is in the numbers. Between September last year and January this year, 229 former youth in government care signed up at B.C. colleges and universities, compared to 189 in the entire school year last year. That is a 20 percent jump in four months. These youth now have opportunities they did not have before. Some of these youths will go on to become the leaders of tomorrow. I’ve met a number of former youth in care and have been so impressed by their passion, leadership and commitment to making things better for children in care now.

This is proof that investing in people is not only sound public policy, but it is good for the economy. However, for youth who have been in government care, getting into post-sec- ondary is only one of the challenges they face. Over the past few months, we have heard from former youth in care about what other supports they need to be successful, contributing members of our province. At 19, most young people are supported and guided by their parents and families and not left to fend for themselves.

As parents to youth in care, our government feels the same responsibility to make sure these young adults have every opportunity to successfully transition to adulthood and independence. We take this responsibility seriously. Our Budget 2018 investments to expand and enhance the agreements with young adults program exemplify that com- mitment. The program gives youth the financial support and services they need to finish secondary school, learn job and life skills, get a trade, attend college or university or complete a rehabilitative program.

Over the next three years, the Ministry of Children and Family Development will invest $30 million to enhance and expand the agreements with young adults program. This will allow us to meet growing demand as more young people become eligible to participate in the program.

This year the ministry will invest $7.7 million to raise the eligibility to their 27th birthday, to align with the provin- cial tuition waiver program, and also to increase the max- imum monthly support rate from $1,000 to $1,250 and to make supports available for the full calendar year for stu- dents enrolled in a multi-year educational or vocational pro- gram. All these changes will take effect on April 1, 2018 — in just a few months. At the same time, we’ve hired more youth workers.

We’ve improved practice, and we need to continue making improvements so that young people know about and can access the supports they need to thrive. While this is good news for youth, we know we can do more. We will continue to do all we can to set the children and youth in government care on a path to success. As I travel through the province and speak to people, I am struck by just how many are struggling daily to pay the bills. Many people I speak to are understandably frustrated from years of being neglected and unheard.

Parents in particular have been facing so many challenges, be it finding a decent home to raise their children in or finding quality child care so they can get to work. They have been feeling the pain of sustained cuts in the social programs that are meant to sup- port hard-working British Columbians. A government’s job is not to ignore the people it was elec- ted to serve.

It is the job of the government to listen to the people, understand their needs and make changes that let people know they have been heard. [11:35 a.m.] As a former early childhood educator and now as the Minister of Children and Family Development, I have heard from people across the province about the daily difficulties they face getting affordable, reliable services they can count on. Parents often have to make the tough choice not to work because they can’t afford child care.

When the cost of child care is almost the same as your monthly rent — or even more, if you have more than one child in child care — you know there’s a problem. We’ve heard loud and clear from B.C. parents that there’s an urgent need for more licensed care throughout the province. We have heard from businesses and employers, including the Vancouver Board of Trade and the Surrey Board of Trade, that the lack of affordable child care in our province has been making it difficult to recruit and keep skilled work- ers.

That is why I’m especially proud of our government’s action to deliver a comprehensive child care program for B.C. families. Our government is embarking on an exciting made-in- B.C. child care plan that will reduce child care fees for thousands of families, increase the number of licensed child care spaces, train the early childhood educators B.C. needs to provide affordable quality child care for every family that needs it, help thousands of children and families get a better start and grow our economy to benefit all British Columbians.

Earlier my colleague the Minister of State for Child Care provided details of our $1 billion investment over the next three years to provide accessible, affordable and high-quality child care in B.C. This will give immediate relief for parents with children under five. By investing $630 million, we will make child care more affordable for up to 86,000 families. And $237 million will go towards creating more than 22,000 new licensed child care spaces right across the province.

We’ll commit $136 million to deliver supports for new and existing early childhood educators to ensure that child cares are not only safe places for children to spend the day but benefit from the early learning to make the most of this important time. Our government’s investment in child care is also getting a boost from the federal government. To address immediate service gaps, we have allocated $10 million per year of our early learning and child care agreement with the federal government to invest funds into supported child care and Aboriginal supported child care development to address wait-lists.

We also will enhance Aboriginal Head Start pro- grams on and off reserve. We acknowledge that this will not meet all of the early 2812 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

learning and child care needs of Indigenous children. We know that further investments will be needed, guided by our partnership with Indigenous leadership. Making life more affordable for British Columbians is a key commitment for our government. Improving the child care system is a major step in making our commitment to B.C. families a reality. There are a number of changes that make me feel con- fident our government is on the right path to making life affordable and improving services people can count on.

By increasing income and disability assistance rates, our gov- ernment is making life better for some of the most vulner- able among us. By taking action to end speculation and tax fraud in B.C. ’s real estate market, our government is giving relief to many families struggling to find safe and affordable housing. In fact, by making the largest investment in housing in B.C. history, our government is giving housing security to people, including students, seniors, Indigenous peoples and middle-income families.

By taking steps to increase minim- um wage to $15 an hour by 2021, our government is helping B.C. ’s lowest-paid workers get ahead. These are just a few examples of how our government is investing in people to make a real difference. Our govern- ment believes that people are the foundation of a healthy, robust and sustainable economy. A strong economy is one where everyone is doing better. Our government will make sure every region benefits from the jobs and opportunity our province creates. In fact, it’s great to be at the helm of a ministry where we can see the positive results of this new approach.

There may not be any area of public policy where a new approach is more desperately needed than in Indigenous child welfare. Our government is committed to moving bey- ond talk and into action when it comes to reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples on whose lands we are privileged and honoured to work, live and play. The throne speech recom- mitted that our government will work in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Indigenous people to achieve mean- ingful reconciliation. This is a cross-government priority.

Our government committed to implement the UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples and the call to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Tsilhqot’in decision. Moving beyond words, our ministerial mandate letters direct us to review our policies, programs and legislation to bring the principles of the declaration into action. [11:40 a.m.] Budget 2018 invests in housing, child care and skills train- ing, with more than $200 million dedicated to Indigenous priorities over the fiscal plan. That includes funding to expand culturally based Indigenous child care.

It includes 1,750 new units of supported housing for Indigenous people developed in partnership with Indigenous housing societies and First Nations. It includes additional funding for Abori- ginal friendship centres that do incredible outreach work and serve all Indigenous peoples, whether they are status, non-status, Métis or Inuit. Both the calls to action and the UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples emphasize the need to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages.

That’s why our government is immediately committing $50 million to support the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages in B.C. For my ministry, the importance of reconciliation means reducing the disproportionate number of Indigen- ous children in government care and working collabor- atively and respectfully with Indigenous communities to make a difference for families. We all know the system has failed Indigenous people, and we all know it needs to change.

This change needs to happen at a systemic level within my ministry, across different levels of governments, with our partners who deliver services to families and within communities. This is another area where our government is changing its approach to focus on prevention. We are actively imple- menting the recommendations from Grand Chief Ed John’s report. We are shifting the focus to keeping Indi- genous children at home, in communities and out of care wherever possible. Many Indigenous communities are served by delegated Aboriginal agencies. We have increased funding to those agencies.

This will allow them to hire experienced and qual- ified staff, carry smaller caseloads and provide culturally appropriate services to the children and families they serve. In September, we launched a new $6.4 million program to support 203 First Nations communities and seven Métis- serving agencies to keep Indigenous families together. So far, nearly 160 have successfully applied for the $30,000 grant for programs that keep the family unit strong. In November, we took a big step forward on reconciliation with a new deleg- ated Métis agency, the Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services.

Lii Michif now has our government support to take over full responsibility for 50 Métis children currently in government care in the Kamloops area. Our government believes that Indigenous people know best what their communities need, so they should be the ones helping us plan any strategy on reducing the number of Indigenous children in care and connecting them with permanent homes. Our government is doing just that. For example, this spring we are reaching out to Indigenous com- munities to better understand and support custom adoption practices.

Custom adoption is a cultural practice that Indigenous people have been practising for centuries. Children who can- not be with their birth parents are raised by extended family or a member of the child’s Indigenous community according to their traditions and values. It truly embodies the spirit of a village raising a child. With custom adoption, we look for- ward to being able to better support communities. Famil- ies and children find permanent homes connecting to their families and their culture.

We recognize that for meaningful change to happen, gov- ernment policies, programs and services across the board Thursday, February 22, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2813

must change to better reflect Indigenous beliefs and prac- tices. A fundamental shift like this will take time and require ongoing, intentional effort on our part. The Aboriginal policy and practice framework helps our ministry make sure our policies and programs are culturally safe and trauma-informed, and support and honour Indi- genous peoples’ cultural systems of sharing and caring for their children and families.

We are hiring more Indigenous employees and training all ministry staff to improve their cultural awareness and sensitivity to help them provide cul- turally safe services to Indigenous children, their families and communities. We are on the right track. This was confirmed for me when I joined Indigenous leaders and my colleague the Min- ister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation at the emer- gency meeting on Indigenous child welfare hosted by the federal minister in Ottawa.

We were all encouraged by the overreaching desire to honour and respect Indigenous peoples’ rights to care for their children, and we are hopeful, knowing that B.C. is making significant progress in a num- ber of areas. Last year the Wet’suwet’ en Nation and the province of B.C. signed a landmark agreement for the nation to reclaim jurisdiction for child welfare services according to its tradi- tional laws and governance systems.

Our province is only one of three in Canada to have taken this step, Ontario and Quebec being the other two. [11:45 a.m.] I was honoured to attend a potlatch organized by the Wet’suwet’ en here in Victoria in December to celebrate this commitment. We were also active in discussions with the Wet’suwet’ en, Splatsin and Lake Babine Nations and the Métis Nation of B.C. to explore jurisdiction and different models of child welfare led by Indigenous communities.

Through the tripartite First Nations children and families working group, we have been working with the federal gov- ernment and First Nations leaders to explore fundamental and systemic changes to B.C. ’s child welfare system, includ- ing Indigenous jurisdiction. With the recent federal govern- ment commitment to action and their decision to address the historic underfunding of delegated Aboriginal agencies, we can now move faster on making the changes to improve Indigenous child welfare. There is much work to do, but our ministry has the added benefit of dedicated staff working throughout the entire province.

I’m inspired by the women and men I have met, by their longtime service to the ministry, their excitement about the changes we are implementing together, and their com- mitment to make things better for the children and families that they provide services to. The Minister of State and I visited the child care branch the day after the budget to thank them for all the work they have done on our new child care program and the work they will be doing to ensure it is implemented. The big ban- ner saying “Welcome to universal child care, ” the many staff gathered and the excitement in the room was contagious.

We left knowing our government is heading in the right direc- tion, and we have an amazing team to work with. I know we are fortunate to live in a beautiful province that is rich in people, resources and wealth. However, for many years, only a select few have enjoyed those riches, while many have gone without. It is no surprise that we are facing some of the worst crises in areas of affordability, equality and poverty. While we inherited some of them — the problems at ICBC and B.C. Hydro, to name a few — our government is doing its best to reverse some of that damage done.

With the largest investments in housing and child care in B.C., we’re taking steps to make life more affordable. By making different choices that put people first, our govern- ment hopes to transform lives and create a better future for everyone. L. Throness:I will ask you, Mr. Speaker, to let me know when it’s time to break for lunch, as I see we’re arriving close to that time. But I want to stand, first of all, to speak to Budget 2018. It’s always a pleasure to do that. I’ d like to thank, first of all, my constituents for allowing me to continue to serve them.

As I drive around my riding, it’s such a beautiful place. I always think that I’m very priv- ileged to serve 52,000 wonderful people in a beautiful part of the world. I’m a blessed person. I also want to thank my family for all of their love and support. I think of my brother Leon and his wife, Carol; my brother Lyndon and his wife, Heather; my brother Trevor and his wife, Jennifer; and my sister, Kathy, and her husband, Rob Jonker. They all live nearby. We enjoy great relation- ships. I love them all dearly, including their 13 children, who are my nieces and nephews. They’re all beloved.

Here I want to take note of a new addition to my family, our extended family. On Dec. 20, my nephew Chris Throness and his wife, Krista, had their third child, a beautiful girl named Mattea Belle, a wonderful name for a beautiful baby. We in our family are rejoicing together with them, and I promise to be a great, great-uncle to her. I also want to thank my constituency assistants, Dagmar Lucak, Sheila Denis and Kathy Miki, who provide great service to all of my constituents. I couldn’t do my job without them.

I want to thank my local party executive, including Susan Mathies, my longtime president; Bill Raddatz, my vice-pres- ident; and so many others who sit on my board and who offer their time and energy to the democratic process. Democracy would not exist without people like this. Now on to the big picture, on to the budget, the business of this House today. I must say that I was dismayed but not surprised to see a classic, stereotypical NDP budget that will constrict economic growth in B.C. by raising taxes and increasing spending and hobbling business.

I guess I should have expected it, but the scale of damage is sort of spectacular — sort of like watching a volcano 2814 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 22, 2018

explode from a long way away or an avalanche of snow com- ing down a mountain. It’s a big deal. Benefiting from the years of fiscal discipline under the former government, this classic, big tax-and-spend NDP budget is balanced on the backs of employers and stands on the assumption that the economy will continue to grow. [11:50 a.m.] Now, given this assumption, it’s too bad that there are no significant initiatives in the budget to actually grow the economy. There are no mentions, for example, of backbone industries like forestry or mining, oil and gas development, aquaculture or energy generation in this budget.

The NDP assume that the economy just happens. Well, they set the stage for taxing and spending last September, when they raised taxes by $1 billion and whittled a $2.7 billion surplus down to about $100 million in just six months. That was quite a feat, but I must say they’ve topped it with this budget, the first full-year budget of the term. Let me lay out for you the big numbers. The budget shows spending of $54 billion. Last year it was $52 billion. That represents an increase of spending of 4 percent.

Over the three-year term of the budget, new spending will amount to $6.6 billion, and tax increases will total $5.5 billion. In their first calendar year — a total of $8 billion in increased taxes. The gap of $1 billion is expected to be made up with better revenue due to economic growth, and the government had better hope so. Taxes are going up in many ways. There’s $1 billion more in income taxes; more at the gas pump, with a carbon tax; a payroll tax on employers, worth $1.9 billion in the first year; and other things that the public will find out before long.

I want to point out increased capital spending as well. Our debt will rise significantly. Here, I want to remark about how the NDP castigated us for years, severely, as a government, about the debt we incurred while we were in government. And now they’re boasting about how much they’re going to spend. In fact, a quote from the budget speech said this: “Budget 2018 invests $26 billion over three years in capital spending…the highest level in B.C. ’s history. ” [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Really, the hypocrisy of the other side never ceases to astound me.

How quickly the working proletariat becomes the bourgeoisie on the other side. I suppose the only good thing I can say about the budget — and perhaps I’ll close with this before lunch — is that it’s balanced, and it has a cushion in terms of contingency funding and a forecast allowance. So we’ll have some room to move in the case of a recession, which is not unexpected, given the recent jitters in the stock market, the growing debt and deficit in the American economy and the fact that it has been nine years since the last recession. I will take up my remarks — if that’s all right, Mr.

Speaker — on the budget after lunch. I would move that we now adjourn the House for lunch, and I will reserve my right to speak again. Mr. Speaker:The member has moved adjournment of the debate. L. Throness moved adjournment of debate. Motion approved. Tabling Documents Mr. Speaker:Hon. Members, I have the honour to present a report intituledAn Independent Audit of the Recruitment and Retention of Rural and Remote Nurses in Northern B.C. from the Office of the Auditor General. Hon. A. Dix: I’m looking forward to the rest of the member’s speech after lunch. I move that the House do now adjourn. Hon. A.

Dix moved adjournment of the House. Motion approved. Mr. Speaker:This House stands adjourned un

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20180222am-Hansard-n84
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20180222am Hansard n84
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	6c968d68e0f863e245e4790e531740d8952711f5

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