British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, February 10, 2016

20160210pm-Hansard-v32n2

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fift h Session, 40th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) THE HONOURABLE LINDA REID, SPEAKER ISSN 0709- 1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Aft ernoon Sitting Volume 32, Number 2

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

Rich Coleman Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon. John Rustad Minister of Advanced Education ............................................................................................................................... Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Minister of Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................................ Hon.

Norm Letnick Minister of Children and Family Development ....................................................................................................... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink ................ Hon. Peter Fassbender Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................Hon.

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

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

Teresa Wat Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of Justice ...............................................................................................................................................................Hon. Suzanne Anton Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...................................................................................................................................Hon.

Mike Morris Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch ........................................................................................................ Hon. Coralee Oakes Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation..............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Stilwell Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services ................................................................................................ Hon.

Amrik Virk Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................Hon. Todd Stone Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness .................................................................................................................... Hon.

Naomi Y amamoto LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Offi cial Opposition ...................................................................................................................................................John Horgan Deputy Speaker .............................................................................................................................................................................. Richard T. Lee Assistant Deputy Speaker ...............................................................................................................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ....................................................Surrey-Panorama Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ..................................................................Delta South James, Carole (NDP) .........................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ........................................Esquimalt–Royal Roads Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ............................................................. Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal) ........................................................................ Shuswap Lake, Hon. Dr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston Vacant .....................................................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Vacant ...................................................................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Dr.

Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West ...................................................... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Alberni–Pacifi c Rim .......................................................................... Scott Fraser Boundary-Similkameen ................................................................ Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ...................................................................

Kathy Corrigan Burnaby-Edmonds ..........................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .............................................................Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North .............................................................................. Richard T. Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ........................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................... Hon.

Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ......................................................................................... John Martin Chilliwack-Hope ....................................................................... Laurie Th roness Columbia River–Revelstoke .................................................. Norm Macdonald Comox Valley.....................................................................................Don McRae Coquitlam–Burke Mountain ....................................................................Vacant Coquitlam-Maillardville...........................................................

Selina Robinson Cowichan Valley ................................................................................ Bill Routley Delta North .........................................................................Wm. Scott Hamilton Delta South...............................................................................Vicki Huntington Esquimalt–Royal Roads .....................................................Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...................................................Hon.

Rich Coleman Fraser-Nicola.................................................................................... Jackie Tegart Juan de Fuca .....................................................................................John Horgan Kamloops–North Th ompson ............................................ Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Kamloops–South Th ompson ..................................................Hon. Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country ..................................................... Hon. Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission .............................................................. Hon.

Steve Th omson Kootenay East .......................................................................... Hon. Bill Bennett Kootenay West ............................................................................ Katrine Conroy Langley.......................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Maple Ridge–Mission ..................................................................... Marc Dalton Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ........................................................ Dr. Doug Bing Nanaimo ...........................................................................

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

Judy Darcy North Coast......................................................................................Jennifer Rice North Island .................................................................................. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ........................................Hon. Naomi Y amamoto North Vancouver–Seymour ..................................................Jane Th ornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...................................................... Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .......................................................Hon.

Michelle Stilwell Peace River North ................................................................................ Pat Pimm Peace River South ..................................................................Hon. Mike Bernier Penticton............................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam ..........................................................................Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam ................................................................Linda Reimer Powell River–Sunshine Coast .................................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ....................................................Hon. Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ................................................... Hon. Shirley Bond Richmond Centre ......................................................................Hon. Teresa Wat Richmond East ..........................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston ..............................................................................John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands ....................................................

Gary Holman Saanich South ................................................................................ Lana Popham Shuswap ................................................................................................Greg Kyllo Skeena .............................................................................................. Robin Austin Stikine ....................................................................................... Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale ....................................................... Hon.

Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Fleetwood ........................................................... Hon. Peter Fassbender Surrey–Green Timbers .................................................................. Sue Hammell Surrey-Newton ................................................................................. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ........................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Tynehead ......................................................................Hon.

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

Suzanne Anton Vancouver-Hastings ....................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..........................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .................................................................Dr.

Moira Stilwell Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ......................................................................Vacant Vancouver–Point Grey .........................................................................David Eby Vancouver-Quilchena ................................................ Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Vancouver–West End ...............................................

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

Hon. Christy Clark Party Standings: BC Liberal 48; New Democratic 33; Independent 2; Vacant 2

CONTENTS Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Aft ernoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................... 10231 Tributes ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10231 Debra Hartung G. Holman Ollie Chickite C.

Trevena Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................... 10232 Ministerial Statements .......................................................................................................................................................... 10232 Bill Bennett Hon. C. Clark J.

Horgan Introduction and First Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................................. 10233 Bill 5 — Miscellaneous Statutes (Signed Statements) Amendment Act, 2016 Hon. S. Anton Bill 6 — Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Amendment Act, 2016 Hon. T. Lake Statements (Standing Order 25B) ....................................................................................................................................... 10234 Leonard Kooyman L. Th roness Internment of Italian Canadians during World War II K.

Conroy Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre exhibit J. Sturdy Response to UBC pride rainbow fl ag burning D. Eby Real Acts of Caring Week L. Reimer Tima Kurdi and Syrian refugees S. Robinson Oral Questions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10236 Housing aff ordability in Lower Mainland and investigation into real estate transactions J. Horgan Hon. C. Clark D. Eby G. Heyman Hon. M. de Jong Real estate transactions and collection of property transfer tax C. James Hon.

M. de Jong Education Ministry data breach R. Fleming Hon. M. Bernier D. Routley Petitions .................................................................................................................................................................................. 10241 N. Macdonald K. Conroy

Orders of the Day Th rone Speec h Debate .......................................................................................................................................................... 10241 J. Martin J. Th ornthwaite N. Macdonald D. Barnett S. Robinson L. Reimer L. Krog D. Bing D. Routley Hon. P . Fassbender G. Heyman L. Larson

WEDNESDAY , FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Th e House met at 1:34 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. [1335] Introductions by Members L. Reimer: It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome a wonderful group of students from the Tri-Cities to the Legislature this afternoon. My constituent Harriette Chang, school counsellor at Maple Creek Middle School, and 27 students and parents are visiting the Legislature to mark the tenth anniversary of their Real Acts of Caring initiative, which started in school district 43 schools and has spread across the province.

Would the House please join me in a warm welcome for Ms. Chang, her students and parents. Hon. S. Bond: I’m very pleased today to introduce two MLAs, one present and one past. We’re delighted to wel- come Karla MacFarlane here. She is the MLA for Pictou West in Nova Scotia, serving her fi rst time. I know the Speaker has made her feel very welcome this morning, and we’re delighted to have her joining us here on the fl oor of the House. So welcome. And a previous MLA in this House — someone who is a very good personal friend. He was my work partner for a very long period of time.

He now, though, is the cur- rent owner and creator of Northern Lights Estate Winery, proving there is life aft er politics. He has done a fantas- tic job of building a new winery in our community. Pat worked very hard to serve the constituents of northern British Columbia. I’m most delighted to welcome back to our House, in a diff erent seat today, Pat Bell. J. Horgan: I want to join the member for Prince George to welcome Pat back. I’ d like to be able to say: “Pat Bell, Pat Bell, Pat Bell. ” I couldn’t say that before.

Pat distinguished himself by sitting down beside me at the press gallery dinner the fi rst time I was there, making me feel at ease in his Hawaiian shirt, and we were sort of friends ever since. I also want to follow the lead of the minister by intro- ducing two new MLAs that were here yesterday, but be- cause of decorum I wasn’t allowed to introduce them. Th ey’ll be taking their seats next Wednesday — about there and there. It will be Melanie Mark and Jodie Wickens. I know the House will make them very, very welcome at that time. Hon. S.

Cadieux: It’s an honour today to introduce to the House a couple of people who work very hard in the Ministry of Children and Families. ADM of ser- vice delivery, Allison Bond, is in the gallery today, along with a brand-new executive director of service, Teresa Dobmeier. Would the House please make them welcome. S. Robinson: I, too, would like to welcome the stu- dents that are here. But in particular, I want to acknow- ledge a parent of one of the students who happens to be a vice-principal of a school in Burnaby. He had been my son’s teacher when he was a teacher at Dr. Charles Best. David Mushens is here.

I want to give a very special welcome to David because he instilled in my son a passion for politics and a passion for good process. It just so happens that my son was here visiting us. Aaron Robinson was here. Aaron and Mr. Mushens have a very special relationship, and I am very pleased to see Mr. Mushens is here today. Hon. N. Letnick: At lunches, at breakfasts, at suppers, one of the key ingredients in many, many of our meals is chicken. I’m pleased to welcome Robin Smith — and his wife, Liz — of our chicken board right here in British Columbia. Please make them feel very welcome. Hon. N.

Y amamoto: Th e Minister of Agriculture just beat me to the punch, but I would also like to welcome two special guests, Robin and Elizabeth Smith, who are in town for the Chicken Marketing Board. Robin is the chair. Anyways, they’ve been great friends and great support- ers. Would the House please make them feel welcome. Tributes DEBRA HARTUNG G. Holman: My former constituency assistant, Deb Hartung, passed away on February 3, 2016, at Lady Minto Hospital on Saltspring Island.

Debra is survived by her husband, Bill Warriner; daughter Bronte; special niece Justine; brother Rick and family; and sister Tammy and family. [1340] Debra worked as a senior policy analyst in several roles within the Saskatchewan government. She was particu- larly proud of her career as an international offi cer with the ministry of Intergovernmental Aff airs, where she met her husband, Bill. Debra had an abiding fondness for the Saskatchewan prairies and its people, but she fell in love with Saltspring on her fi rst visit in 2010.

She moved to this special place in the summer of 2013 and began working in my offi ce in the fall of that year. She was able to help many people in this role and was quietly instrumental in constituency issues, like Grace Islet, until she retired at 60 in October 2015. 10231

British Columbia Debates10232 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Debra was a long-life advocate for social justice and a consummate public servant who had worked with Premiers, yet she chose to spend the last two years of her professional life mentoring my constituency offi ce. Her colleagues — and I’m proud to count myself as one — will always be thankful to her for sharing her experience, her calm guidance and her prairie pragmatism. Th ank you, Deb. OLLIE CHICKITE C. Trevena: Ollie Chickite died in November at the age of 78.

Ollie had been a fi sherman from the age of 14, and he worked on and was the last owner of the BCP45. Th at was the seiner that used to grace the $5 bill. He took it to Expo 86, continued fi shing from it and eventually retired it, handing it over to the Vancouver Maritime Museum. It didn’t get the TLC there that he thought it deserved, so he helped move it to the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Museum and led its restoration. It now graces the centre of the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Museum, and it’s well worth a visit. In 2005, Ollie’s vessel was named a national historical site.

Ollie was a member of the Wei Wai Kai First Nation. He was a gentle man, a good storyteller with a very warm laugh, a man of defi nite opinions, a lover of boats. Ollie will be missed by many in Cape Mudge, on Quadra Island, in Campbell River and along the coast of B.C. Introductions by Members M. Farnworth: I know they have already been intro- duced by some of my colleagues from the Tri-Cities, but I’ d like to take this opportunity to welcome the students from Maple Creek Middle School, formerly known as Hastings Junior Secondary.

It is in the great city of Port Coquitlam, so I would like to welcome their teacher Ms. Chang and all of those grade 8 students here today. Would the House please make them welcome. Ministerial Statements BILL BENNETT Hon. C. Clark: Last year, we lost British Columbia’s 27th Premier. I didn’t have the honour of knowing him well personally, but I know very well the example he set for his offi ce and for this Legislature. I was 11 years old when he became a Premier, and I was on the cusp of 21 when he retired from public life.

He very much set my understanding of what a leader looks like in the time that he was the Premier of British Columbia. I became attached to him as my Premier in the way that you can only become attached to a Premier before you realize that they come and go at a pretty quick pace in British Columbia. He left us a vast legacy of cultural and econom- ic touchstones — the Alex Fraser Bridge, Coquihalla Highway, B.C. Place, Expo 86, the SkyTrain. Th ey did the initial work on Site C, which we are now in the pro- cess of completing.

But Bill Bennett’s impact on British Columbia and, I think, on British Columbians was so much more than just the physical legacies that he left for us. Th e great social reformer Jane Addams once said that when we think of great men, it is easy to think only of their great deeds and not think enough about their great spirit. Th at’s what I think about when I think about Bill Bennett and his service to our province. Th e stories of his cabinet’s loyalty…. I’ve heard it said that his cabinet ministers didn’t just feel respect for him but that they loved him.

He let them do their jobs, let them take credit for their victories, and he commanded that respect from them because he gave it. He had such a fi erce strength in his beliefs. We all saw that. He stood up to make government smaller, not big- ger. He stood up to make sure that government spent less, not more. He was attacked for it vigorously, and he never wavered from those beliefs, because he had courage. [1345] He had an apparently endless reservoir of will to do what he believed was right.

So when all of Canada was hurting, when it became clear that in British Columbia, government was just too big and the economy was just too small, Bill Bennett decided that it was time to take it on. In one day, he tabled 26 bills in this Legislature and stepped outside to confront the biggest labour disruption in this province’s history. He was asking our public ser- vants — it’s notable to say — to accept 14 percent and 8 percent increases over two years. He loved this province, and he had a tremendous de- sire to improve it. He wanted to leave it better for the next generation, and he did that.

He left us with bridg- es, and he left us highways. He left us a world fair. But more important, I think, was the example that he set of the tremendous courage that he always exuded in every- thing that he did. Th ose are the qualities of character that are the real legacies that Bill Bennett has left , I think, for British Columbians. Th ose are the things that have etched him forever into the memory of our province. We are honoured by his love for this place. He didn’t just make our province better; he made all of us better. And he proved that leaders will never be remembered for doing the easy things.

Leaders are distinguished by their willingness to do the hard things. J. Horgan: I, on behalf of the offi cial opposition, want to join with the Premier and all of her colleagues in com- memorating the passing of William Bennett, Premier of British Columbia, distinguished public servant and someone who gave much of his life to his devotion to this province and its people.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10233 Th at career paralleled another giant in our political his- tory, Dave Barrett, and despite their absolute diff erences, the two will always be joined as giant shadows cast over this jurisdiction, this institution, but also the province. My political awakening, like the Premier’s, happened on Mr. Bennett’s watch. I remember it vividly. I got an envelope in the mail, and I said: “Hey, mom, what’s this?” She said: “Th ey’re your BCRIC shares. I’ll give you 35 bucks for them. ” I pocketed that money, and I thanked Bill Bennett for it.

Y ears later, I found myself on the lawns of this Legislature, on one of my fi rst political protests, which led me taking $5 of those $35 and joining the B.C. NDP as a result of the policies — no, seriously — that the Premier references. But as a young man, as someone who did not at that time see himself in a political role, I did not under- stand the magnitude of his premiership and his time served for all of us here, regardless of our political stripe. It was later, as a member of this Legislature, that a second personal moment with Bill Bennett came forward.

I was giving a tour, as I oft en do, of the buildings, and I always take school groups to the library, which in my opinion is the most important room in this facility. One of the kids from Sooke Elementary asked me if there was a comic book in the vast collection of the library. I quickly said, “No, ” to be corrected by the reference librarian, who said there is one: “Betty and Veronica go to Expo. ” So Mr.

Bennett did not just have an impact in 1986 by bringing the world to Vancouver, but he also brought to the good citizens, the good students of Sooke Elementary and every student that’s come since, the knowledge that in the library here at the Legislature, Betty and Veronica went to Expo because of Bill Bennett. I want to also add to the great list that the Premier provided of Mr. Bennett’s great accomplishments. B.C. Hydro was certainly a component part of that. Building Revelstoke was a massive achievement — and also creat- ing the B.C. Utilities Commission to protect us from our- selves.

Great achievements, a great man. He’ll be missed. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 5 — MISCELLANEOUS STATUTES (SIGNED STATEMENTS) AMENDMENT ACT, 2016 Hon. S. Anton presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Miscellaneous Statutes (Signed Statements) Amendment Act, 2016. Hon. S. Anton: I move that Bill 5 be introduced and read a fi rst time now. Motion approved. [1350] Hon. S. Anton: I’m pleased to introduce the Miscel- laneous Statutes (Signed Statements) Amendment Act.

Th is bill amends numerous statutes from across govern- ment to reduce the unnecessary use of sworn statements in many non-court-related matters. Th e amendments will modernize and simplify the law, improve access to justice and reduce cost, delay and inconvenience to the citizens of British Columbia. Th e amendments will reduce red tape. I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today.

Bill 5, Miscellaneous Statutes (Signed Statements) Amendment Act, 2016, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second read- ing at the next sitting of the House aft er today. BILL 6 — PHARMACY OPERATIONS AND DRUG SCHEDULING AMENDMENT ACT, 2016 Hon. T. Lake presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Amendment Act, 2016. Hon. T. Lake: I move that the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Amendment Act be introduced and read for a fi rst time now. Motion approved. Hon. T.

Lake: Th is government has made protecting patients and focusing on patient-centred care a priority for the health system here in British Columbia. Th e com- munity pharmacy plays a vital role in the overall delivery of health services and meeting patient needs. Clients go to community pharmacies to fi ll prescrip- tions, to get vaccinated, to receive medication advice and to get support while recovering from opioid addictions through methadone maintenance. Community phar- macies also off er advice through pharmacists on prop- erly taking medication, drug safety and other topics.

In fact, the community pharmacy and its pharmacists are on the front line of community health care. It’s essential, therefore, that community pharmacies are held to the highest standards. Th e College of Pharmacists of British Columbia al- ready upholds those standards for pharmacists through- out B.C. and has done a commendable job. While the vast majority of people involved in community pharmacy are honest and ethical, the college remains concerned over a small number of unscrupulous pharmacy owners.

Th e Ministry of Health and the college share a commitment to protect pharmacy clients and honest, hard-working people involved in community pharmacy. Last year the college approached the ministry and said it needed better tools for regulating those involved

British Columbia Debates10234 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 in community pharmacy who are not registered phar- macists. Quite oft en the owners and people involved in running pharmacies are not pharmacists themselves and, therefore, not regulated by the college. Th at’s why we are introducing the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Amendment Act, which will give the college the tools it needs to better deal with those in- stances of unscrupulous owners and operations. Th rough these amendments, the government will continue to sup- port the important work of the College of Pharmacists to protect patients.

Th ey’ll also help the college protect the good name of the vast majority of those in community pharmacy. I move that the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Amendment Act be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. Bill 6, Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Amendment Act, 2016, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second read- ing at the next sitting of the House aft er today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) LEONARD KOOYMAN L.

Th roness: I rise today to pay tribute to Leonard Kooyman, of Chilliwack, who passed away on January 21. Leonard was born in Holland in 1938. He spent his childhood with his brothers and sisters on a dairy farm in the province of Zeeland. On February 1, 1953, the southwest of Holland suff ered the worst fl ood in its history when a storm surge from the North Sea breached the dikes in the middle of the night and took a total of 1,800 lives. One of Leen’s broth- ers was lost when the family farmhouse itself was swept away while the Kooyman family took refuge in the attic.

This traumatic event made a deep spiritual impres- sion on young Leonard and changed the course of his life. Having lost everything, the Kooyman family immigrated to Canada, where they purchased a farm on Prairie Central Road in Chilliwack. It remains their central farmsite today. Leen married Gerda in 1964, and together they brought new meaning to the term “family farm. ” With seven boys and three girls, there was no shortage of labour, and as the size of the family grew, so did the size of their herd.

Other local farms were purchased, and to- day the Kooyman children and grandchildren operate Canada’s largest dairy farm. In spite of his personal and professional success, Leen was a quiet and humble man. It was important to him to acknowledge God as the giver of all blessings and to use them responsibly. In addition to his business activ- ities, Leen served as a deacon of the Bethel Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Chilliwack for 30 years, retir- ing from that position just last year. Leonard was a leader in his family, his community and his industry, and his loss will be keenly felt.

Th e condol- ences of this House go to Gerda, their ten children, 45 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Well done, good and faithful servant. [1355] INTERNMENT OF ITALIAN CANADIANS DURING WORLD W AR II K. Conroy: On January 10, the Trail and District Library opened the exhibit Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Times: Italian Canadian internment experiences. Th is project commemorates the experience of Italian Canadians during World War II. On June 10, 1940, Mussolini joined the war.

Within minutes of this announcement, the Canadian govern- ment gave the RCMP orders to arrest Italian Canadians considered a threat to the nation’s security. Th irty-one thousand were offi cially designated as enemy aliens. Of these, about 600 were taken from their homes and sep- arated from their families. Viewed as fascist supporters and even spies, they were held in prisons and remote camps. None of them were ever formally charged in a court of law. Th ey all felt the repercussions.

In many cases, these events contributed to fear and hostilities in their communities across Canada, leading to loss of work, vandalism, verbal abuse and vio- lence. In Trail, seven men were arrested that June. Eugenio Della Lana, Ermando Cecconi, Pompilio Di Vito and Augusto Secco were all released one month later. Silvio Romano was not released till July ’42. Victor Fabri, a law- yer, whose wife and family lived in Vancouver, wasn’t re- leased until December ’41. Fioravante Tenisci, or Fred, was detained until September ’43.

Aft er his release, Fred returned to Trail and in June ’45 married a Canadian-born Italian, Emily, 15 years his junior, and they had ten kids. His son, Ray, who still lives in Trail said they fell in love in Vancouver before the war. Her mother said no, that Fred was too old, and the marriage couldn’t happen. Fred sent Emily letters during his detainment via the priest, as he knew that her mother would never let her have the letters. Th e mother, though, was too smart and told the priest that if he got letters, to hide them. It ob- viously didn’t work.

Trail is the only community outside Toronto where the exhibit is being displayed, although you can also go on line to italiancanadianww2.ca and view stories and photos and listen to interviews of Italian Canadians talking about how the internment aff ected their families. Men from Kamloops, Vancouver and Trail — a dark part of our history that is fi nally being shared.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10235 SQUAMISH LIL ’W AT CULTURAL CENTRE EXHIBIT J. Sturdy: A new exhibit has just opened in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Th e cul- tural centre is an institution whose mission is to inspire and educate visitors and community members about the depth and beauty of the distinct Skwxwú7mesh and Lil’wat cultures. Th e new exhibit from the Legacy of Hope Foundation is called Where are the Children?: Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools. It opened this past weekend and runs until October.

Th e goal of Where are the Children? is to help visitors come to understand the history of residential schools and the lasting impact that residential schools have had on generations of aboriginal peoples and on the First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, languages and com- munities. Th e exhibition also helps to inform visitors of the impact that residential schools have had on shap- ing relations between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians and on shaping the history of this country.

Th rough photographs, stories and documents, the ex- hibit encourages visitors to ask questions and understand this period, which has been such a signifi cant part of First Nations history in Canada, as well as putting context to our collective opportunities for the future. Th e Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is the ideal lo- cation to showcase Where are the Children?

Th e centre, which is an impressive collaborative project between First Nations, local and provincial governments, aims to re- vive and renew cultural traditions, to be a place to share and pass down traditional stories and to support skill development and generate sustainable business practices. And incidentally, it’s a recipient of the 2014 TripAdvisor award of excellence. Where are the Children? will be one of this year’s most important exhibits for Whistler as well as Canada, and I encourage you all to take the time to visit. RESPONSE TO UBC PRIDE RAINBOW FLAG BURNING D.

Eby: I’m very proud of the work of the students of the University of British Columbia, and again this week I was reminded of why. Students at UBC, under the leader- ship of the UBC Pride Collective, have pulled together to denounce the burning of a rainbow fl ag at the school,

an act that took place some time over the Family Day long weekend. Th e rainbow fl ag is a symbol of the long strug- gle of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people in British Columbia and the world to have the same rights and op- portunities as everyone else. [1400] It was displayed at UBC as a symbol of the UBC com- munity support for OUTweek, an annual event where students, faculty, staff and administration emphasize sup- port and outreach eff orts for students who may feel iso- lated, scared and alone because of who they are. Th e message of fl ying the pride fl ag is: “Campus is a safe place for you.

Y ou have a right to be here. ” Th e mes- sage of the thoughtless, hateful act is that a large group of people at UBC no longer feel welcome. Th ey feel that campus is not a safe place for them. Students of every background, every race and every gender and sexuality have the right to attend school in British Columbia free from harassment, racism, dis- crimination and threats. Th ey have the right to a safe learning environment and the same opportunities as everyone else — period.

Th at’s why I’m so proud that despite this act of van- dalism and hate, the UBC Pride Collective is proceeding full speed ahead with OUTweek. As Yulanda Lui told the Georgia Straight: “Th is is a really diffi cult time for a lot of us, but we see this as a big reason why we do the work we do…this is just part of the motivation we have. ” Congratulations to the Pride Collective and the UBC lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community and their allies for your courage in standing up to threats, bullying and hate. We all support you in your eff orts to educate and empower more than ever this week.

REAL ACTS OF CARING WEEK L. Reimer: British Columbians are no strangers to real acts of caring. We have some of the most active and supportive communities I’ve ever met. Th anks to school counsellor Harriette Chang and students from Maple Creek Middle, Scott Creek Middle, Panorama Heights, Harbour View, Mountain Meadows and Anmore Elementary schools, Real Acts of Caring has been offi - cially proclaimed to be the week of February 14 to 20, a week where everyone feels cared for.

Schools and communities have been participating in Real Acts of Caring for over ten years now, but this year’s goal is to reach everyone and all school districts in the province to bring positive experiences to every British Columbian. Recognizing what happens every day is a fi rst step in encouraging others to join to make our communities happier, friendlier and better places to live. Whether by carrying someone’s groceries, giving up your seat for an elderly person on public transit, buying a stranger a cup of coff ee or topping off someone’s parking, you can bring a moment of joy to a total stranger.

Th is all started with a few students wanting to make a diff erence, to show others what it feels like to be cared for by a complete stranger. Th e students from Maple Creek Middle School became leaders in their school and com- munity, and they’ve become advocates for change. I’ve had the pleasure, in my years as an elected offi cial, to see fi rsthand the reaction of people when they experi- ence a real act of caring. Y ou can’t hide a genuine smile. Sometimes in our busy lives, we forget how many op-

British Columbia Debates10236 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 portunities there are to demonstrate we care. Real Acts of Caring Week is a chance to connect with people and remember how important we are to one another and to bring positive change to our lives, all without expecting anything in return. Th ank you to Harriette Chang and to the students who have travelled here today for promoting this great cause, Real Acts of Caring Week. TIMA KURDI AND SYRIAN REFUGEES S.

Robinson: According to the Oxford Dictionary, a hero is a person who is admired for their courage, out- standing achievements or noble qualities, and Coquitlam is home to one such hero. Now, she would never agree to the title, but in my eyes, she’s a hero because she has demonstrated tremendous courage. She has been relent- less with her eff orts, and as a result of her eff orts, she’s changed the world. On September 2, 2015, the world saw and realized the full impact that the civil war in Syria was having on its people.

We all saw Alan Kurdi’s tiny body washed up on the shore, and our collective hearts broke at the sight. We had all read about what was going on in Syria, or we heard about it on the radio or saw it on the news, but there was something about that image that struck a diff erent chord for all of us. We had the picture, but we didn’t have the story. The story came from Alan’s aunt, Tima Kurdi, a suburban mom who makes her home in Coquitlam- Maillardville. Tima was the one who told us about three- year-old Alan and his fi ve-year-old brother, Ghalib.

She was the one to tell the world how the family had been trying to escape the violence in their country by mak- ing their way to Turkey. She was the one trying to get her older brother Mohammed and his family to Canada, before bringing her younger brother and his family to Canada, and at the time was having great diffi culties. Tima was the one who shared with us her younger brother’s heartache at losing his two sons and his wife to the seas as they tried to make their way to safety.

Tima was the one responding to reporters from all around the world, telling her brother’s stories, talking about her nieces and nephews and the fact that their lives were no longer lives of children who went to school or who played with their friends. Tima was the one who travelled to Europe to meet the world leaders and talk about the plight of Syrian refugees. [1405] Tima Kurdi is a suburban mom raising her family with her husband, Rocco.

She operates a small hairdressing sal- on in Port Coquitlam, and she has become a spokesperson and advocate for those desperate enough to take to the seas to escape civil war and to seek out safety for their families. In my eyes, Tima Kurdi is a hero who saw what was hap- pening and gave voice to those who have no voice. Th ank you, Tima, for helping us to see, for sharing the story and for speaking up for others. Y ou are, indeed, a hero. Oral Questions HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IN LOWER MAINLAND AND INVESTIGATION INTO REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS J.

Horgan: In neighbourhoods across the Lower Mainland, housing prices are absolutely and completely out of control. Property speculation is clearly part of the problem. A whole range of other issues — foreign invest- ment has been tagged as one of the potential problems. But throughout the past year, the Premier has sat indif- ferent to appeals for action with respect to housing prices in the Lower Mainland. Red hot would be an exaggeration of the markets to- day, and that says something in British Columbia, where the ups and downs are well known to all of us.

But she’s claimed that her government has been investigating for the past year. But it was only this week, aft er the work of the mem- ber for Vancouver–Point Grey and the media, that we dis- covered evidence of shadow fl ipping, a practice that the Premier now apparently knows quite a bit about. She said yesterday to media that she’s known about it for some time. So my question is to the Premier.

If she has been work- ing on this fi le of aff ordability in the Lower Mainland, and if she’s known about shadow fl ipping for some time, why in the world hasn’t she done something about it, not just to protect realtors but to protect consumers, to pro- tect sellers and to protect the economy? Hon. C. Clark: Gung hay fat choy. Gon gxi facai. I’m delighted to be back in this legislative chamber to do the work that we’re looking forward to doing this session as we start a new Chinese New Y ear. On the issue of aff ordability, I do want to correct the member.

I’m pretty sure that the member for Point Grey learned about it in the Globe and Mail, but I will also say that we are working on making sure that this is addressed. Now, the Finance Minister and I were both very clear yesterday that the Real Estate Council, with the assistance of a group chaired by a statutory offi cer in the govern- ment, will be looking at and investigating the issue. Really, what’s at issue here is the fact that for a buyer, it’s abso- lutely vital that they have trust in their realtor.

When that realtor may have failed to disclose that they also have an interest with another buyer while they’re trying to man- age the sale of the home…. Clearly, if that’s happened, it’s against their legal and ethical obligations. So we’ll wait for the report, the investigation, to be completed. As I said yesterday, though, I don’t have a lot of pa- tience for this. We expect that it will be done quickly, and

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10237 if it’s not done quickly by the Real Estate Council, we will fi x it for them. Madame Speaker: Th e Leader of the Offi cial Oppo- sition on a supplemental. J. Horgan: Never letting the facts get in the way of a partisan quip, the Premier missed the point that the member for Vancouver–Point Grey contacted the Real Estate Board well over a month ago about this issue. Interjection. J.

Horgan: It’s all well and good for the histrionics from Quilchena there, where housing prices are prob- ably aff ordable for his constituents, but for the rest of us, it’s completely and utterly out of control. Last year, when we raised these issues in this Legislature — not last weekend, not last month, but last year — the Premier said, “If you don’t like it, move to the north, ” which is a reasonable proposition, I suppose, if people want to move to the north, but does zero to aff ect aff ord- ability in the Lower Mainland.

Her opposite number there, the Minister Responsible for Housing, replied to questions, again, from the able member for Vancouver–Point Grey, an area that the Premier might be familiar with. He asked, specifi cally, the minister for housing what he was going to do about it, and he said: “Well, I think housing prices are quite aff ord- able. ” Again, perhaps for those on that side of the House, multi-million-dollar increases in neighbourhoods are okay, but for the rest of British Columbia, it’s startling and disconcerting.

Shadow fl ipping is aff ecting confi - dence not just in realtors, not just in this Premier, but is aff ecting how people look at the economy. [1410] Now, the Premier knows her dependence — and the Minister of Finance can correct her if she’s not up to speed on this — on the property transfer tax. If she’s been looking at this issue for some time now, can she advise the House and British Columbians how much we’ve been losing on property transfer tax revenues because of shad- ow fl ipping in British Columbia? Hon. C. Clark: Th e issue of aff ordability in the Lower Mainland is of great concern to the government.

Th e Member will be pleased, I’m sure, when he sees the budget and some of the measures that are in it that have been underway for some time. I’m sure he’s also delighted to know that the government is absolutely committed to making sure that we address this specifi c issue that has come to public attention — apparently in the last month for the NDP . I will also say this, though. As our economy continues to grow…. British Columbia is No. 1 in Canada in eco- nomic growth, doubling growth in the rest of the country. Fift y thousand new jobs created last year in B.C. — No. 1 in Canada.

Ten thousand people have in-migrated from across the country to make their homes here in British Columbia, including 5,000, or somewhere thereabouts, who’ve crossed the Rockies from Alberta to make their homes here in British Columbia. We are delighted to be able to welcome them here. However, it does present issues of aff ordability. It’s no doubt the downside of a fast-growing economy. And the Member will be delighted to know that in the budget we have measures to address some of these issues that have been raised, because clearly, these are very serious issues for young people.

But it won’t just be issues with respect to aff ordability of housing. Th ere will be a range of measures that we will be funding and addressing be- cause — guess what — when British Columbia is No. 1, we can aff ord it. Madame Speaker: Th e Leader of the Offi cial Oppo- sition on a fi nal supplemental. J. Horgan: Several numbers from the Premier but, of course, never the one that’s been asked for — that being: what was the loss in revenue as a result of these shady practices? Th e Premier now says that the real estate board….

Th e hens should be comforted by this — that the foxes now are going to take a look and see if the self-regulation that worked so well at Mount Polley can work in this case as well. I’m wanting to know if the Premier has reviewed the statistics that have been placed ably in her binder by her staff , if anywhere in there it says that perhaps a better solution to restore confi dence in this area is to not ap- point a government appointee to observe and oversee a review by the real estate board but instead to fi nd some- one completely independent.

Now, we’ve had to go through this routine several times over a vast range of issues with this government and particularly with this Premier, whether it be Health fi rings, whether it be deleted emails, whether it be chil- dren in care. It always takes a lot of cajoling to get to the fi nal point, which is: how about someone independent to protect the interest of British Columbians when the government of B.C. doesn’t do it? Will the Premier avoid months of questioning, and just do it today? Appoint someone independent to get to the bottom of this before the stench gets too bad, even for your backbench. Hon. C.

Clark: Well, we are all very familiar with the numerous and regular requests we get from the oppos- ition for an independent public inquiry on every matter that comes before the Legislature — the millions that they would spend on that and the length of time that would

British Columbia Debates10238 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 take. We intend to work more quickly than that, and we intend to make sure that we get it done. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. Hon. C. Clark: But it is a little rich to hear the Leader of the Opposition talk about aff ordability when he says he wants to raise the carbon tax on everybody in the province to pay for transit in the Lower Mainland. He wants to raise ICBC rates for everyone in the province to pay for transit in the Lower Mainland.

He wants to pay for half-empty schools in Vancouver and make everyone across British Columbia pay for that. He wants to nationalize B.C. Ferries at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to everyone all across the province. [1415] Th ese are the member’s approaches to aff ordability. It’s a little bit rich to hear him stand up and pick on issues where he thinks that there is a problem, because aff ord- ability is an issue with respect to housing; it’s an issue with respect to taxes; and it’s an issue with respect to fer- ries, B.C.

Hydro and a whole range, almost all of which the member would like to see become more expensive rather than less. D. Eby: According to sworn testimony in front of the B.C. Securities Commission just three months ago, real- tor Liang Ming Wei attended a Bank of Montreal branch at the Park Royal mall in West Vancouver with his client, a resident and citizen of China who wanted to buy a house in the Lower Mainland. When opening the bank account, Mr. Wei’s client lied about her residency, saying she was a resident of Canada. She was not. She lied about her occupation, saying she was a homemaker.

She actually works in the transpor- tation industry. Finally, she lied about where she lived, using Mr. Wei’s real estate offi ce address in Burnaby as her home address. Her home address was not in Burnaby; it was in China. Mr. Wei was there the whole time assisting his client with the process. He later came to the bank himself and deposited $520,000 into the account, including a money order that had been obtained by fraud that was the sub- ject of the B.C. Securities Commission itself.

Does the Premier agree that this is exactly the kind of transaction that should be investigated by the Real Estate Council of British Columbia, the agency tasked with being the watchdog of real estate agents in British Columbia? Hon. C. Clark: As I said, we don’t have a lot of patience to see this investigation go on a long time. Self-regulating professions in British Columbia, including lawyers and nurses and doctors and dentists and the realty industry, have the right and the obligation, the responsibility, to discharge those duties. But as I said, we expect this in- vestigation to be quick.

We expect it to be well done. If it is not, at the end of that investigation, properly fi xed, our government is going to do that for them. Madame Speaker: Vancouver–Point Grey on a sup- plemental. D.

Eby: Despite sworn testimony that a B.C. realtor brought a client to a bank where that client then commit- ted fraud, lying about where she lived and where her resi- dency was, by using the B.C. realtor’s offi ce as her address instead of her own and the realtor personally depositing a money order obtained by fraud into that account, the real estate council responsible for investigating realtor conduct never investigated. Th ree months have passed and still no investigation, even though the Real Estate Council of B.C. is well aware of this case.

Th ey’re also well aware of this practice of realtors helping clients avoid money-laundering rules by using realtors’ offi ce addresses instead of their own. How do they know? I wrote to them about it in January. If the Real Estate Council of B.C. is so incompetent that it doesn’t investigate realtors even when they’re handed sworn testimony about realtors’ direct and per- sonal involvement in fraud, in avoiding money-laun- dering rules, why is the Premier the only person left in B.C. that has confi dence in this council to do this inves- tigation? Hon. C.

Clark: Th e committee that is investigating this will be chaired by a statutory offi cer of the govern- ment who is independent and able to make those deci- sions independent of government and, of course, the realty industry. I’m sure if the member is upset that we are acting to fi x this, he’s going to be even more upset when he sees the budget and the other measures that we are bringing in that will address issues of aff ordability right across the board for all British Columbians in a growing economy that’s No. 1 in Canada.

We want to make sure that eco- nomic growth and the benefi ts of that are shared and felt by people all across this great province. G. Heyman: My constituents, many of them seniors, are telling me personal stories about a small group of realtors trying to pressure them into selling their homes. [1420] One 80-year-old woman fi nally sold to a realtor who claimed she wanted the house for herself — even that her dogs would love the backyard space — but then fl ipped the house within one week of the seller vacating her home. Th e house was torn down. Th e realtor made a cool extra $300,000.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10239 Is that how this government protects homeowners’ equity? When will the Premier take action and protect sellers and buyers from those realtors who put their own vested interests fi rst? Hon. M. de Jong: Look, there’s an issue here. Th ere’s no question that a realtor, as a professional whose conduct is guided by statutory and other professional obligations, has a duty to the person they purport to represent, to act in that person’s best interest. What we have seen is evidence that that, in some cases, is not taking place.

Th at’s why the Real Estate Council has brought in the superintendent of real estate to review and investigate that matter specifi cally — because indi- viduals who own a home, own property — probably the most valuable asset they’ll ever own — deserve to know that when they retain the services of a realtor, for whom they pay a sizeable amount of money, that that realtor is indeed acting in their best interests. Th at is what the Real Estate Council is going to investigate, and that is why the superintendent of real estate is involved. Madame Speaker: The member for Vancouver- Fairview on a supplemental. G.

Heyman: Th e Premier claims she has known about this practice for some time, yet we’ve heard about no ac- tion until public revelations. Families with two wage earners are fi nding it impos- sible to remain in the neighbourhood they and their kids love. Now we’ve learned that some realtors are engaged in what can only be described as predatory practice. Th ey’ve taken advantage of homeowners and buyers, and they’re helping drive housing prices out of most people’s reach. Y ou can’t address aff ordability by allowing the market to be manipulated. Th e government has known about this practice and done nothing.

When will the Premier put a stop to this market manipulation and protect sell- ers, buyers and the taxpayer? Hon. M. de Jong: In recognizing the importance of the issue, I have taken the opportunity to write to the Real Estate Council to make clear the seriousness with which the government views this matter and the serious- ness with which we expect the real estate sector, as a self- regulated industry, along the lines of other industries…. I noted the member for Vancouver–Point Grey, in one of his correspondences, actually referenced the Law Society, in an analogous situation, as a self-regulated industry.

We expect the Real Estate Council to fulfi l their obli- gation to protect the public interest. Th e superintendent of real estate is charged with the task and will now be directly involved. I’ve asked the Real Estate Council to complete their report in a timely way and to meet with government and with me by April 15 so that we can re- view their fi ndings. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS AND COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX C. James: Th e Premier admitted that her government was aware of shadow fl ipping, but she still won’t take immediate action.

In addition to the ethical and aff ord- ability issues, the province has not been collecting the property transfer tax on these shadowy real estate as- signments. My question is to the Premier. How much has her in- action cost taxpayers so far? Hon. M. de Jong: Look, I may have a slight diff erence of opinion than the member about the crux of the issue here.

Th e question is not around the assignment of con- tracts, which is a process that at times, depending on the condition of the market, can act to protect the interests of a vendor. [1425] Th e issue is realtors who do not disclose when basic and fundamental confl icts of interest exist. Th at is some- thing a vendor deserves to know. If a realtor is engaged in a transaction and, on the one hand, purporting to act in the best interest of the vendor but, on the other hand, seeking fi nancial advantage for themselves or other par- ties, that is a confl ict.

Th e Real Estate Council plays an important role in protecting the public interest. Th ey are engaged in that work. We’ll await their initial report and, as the Premier has said, if they don’t take this matter seriously and don’t arrive at solutions to prevent that kind of confl ict from continuing, the government will act. Madame Speaker: Victoria–Beacon Hill on a supple- mental. C. James: I’ d like to remind the Premier and the Finance Minister that, in fact, taxpayers are also im- pacted through this process through the property trans- fer tax.

Last weekend the media reported on more than a dozen cases of shadow flipping in which the prov- ince wasn’t paid the property transfer tax. Th e member for Vancouver–Point Grey reported similar cases to the Real Estate Council in January and was told that they didn’t care. My question is to the Premier. Has the Premier even made the eff ort to ask the Ministry of Finance to fi nd out how much these dozen reported cases have cost the taxpayer? Hon. M. de Jong: Two things, I think, fl ow from the hon. member’s question.

First, rightly or wrongly, our property transfer tax is a taxation instrument that is trig- gered by registration… Interjections.

British Columbia Debates10240 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Madame Speaker: Members. Hon. M. de Jong: …and that is the design of the act. Th e members will, I’m sure, be interested, in a few days when the budget is presented, in any changes that might result. Th e thresholds that have been in place since the Vander Zalm government introduced it in the 1980s have been largely unchanged. Members will be interested to see if that changes at all with the budget.

To suggest, as the member has, that the Real Estate Council has not been engaged in fulfi lment of its duty to protect the public interest by conducting investigations, by reviewing circumstances in which complaints have been fi led, is simply not true. Th ey have, in fact, done so. In this case, with the assistance of the superintendent of real estate, they will conduct that work. Th ey will re- port out, and we will determine, as government, whether they have addressed this fundamental question — which I, the Premier and the government agree is an important one — to protect the public interest.

EDUCATION MINISTRY DATA BREACH R. Fleming: In response to the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s damning report issued two weeks ago that outlined in detail the complete disregard for the security of personal information collected on 3.4 million former B.C. students, the Premier was inter- viewed. True to form, she said this: “In Alberta, there are almost no rules” and “Instagram has come and gone. ” Well, I’m not exactly sure what Instagram has to do with the data security, but I’m quite sure that what every- body in this province understands is that there are legal rules in British Columbia.

Th is government chose not to follow them, and that is, plain and simple, wrong. My question to the Minister of Education is this. When there are widely understood rules through every ministry, when there is a legal obligation by his ministry to protect personal, private information about millions of British Columbians, why weren’t the rules and statutes and the protection of privacy criteria followed by this government? [1430] Hon. M. Bernier: It’s no surprise to anybody in this House that right from the get-go we said a mistake was made. An apology was issued at that time.

Notifi cation was made to all of the people that were aff ected. We also cooperated fully when an investigation was done into this issue. What really bothers me is…. I listen to the members opposite, who actually go as far as basically insulting the staff within the ministry and the hard work that they’ve been doing. Th e Leader of the Opposition as well as the critic have publicly said that this is an issue with the staff . I want to stand here and say I take exception to that. We have amazing staff .

We have staff in the Ministry of Education that come to work every single day — devot- ed, hard-working staff , who have spent 30 and 40 years of their lives to make sure that we have the best education system in the province. It’s because of those staff members. Was a mistake made? Absolutely. We acknowledged that, which is why we’re making sure we have steps in place to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Madame Speaker: Victoria–Swan Lake on a supple- mental. R.

Fleming: We agree with the Information and Privacy Commissioner who in her fi ndings in her report said that the blame for this debacle belongs at the top — at the executive level of this government. We agree with that fi nding. Th e question, again, is about ignoring the rules, which has gone on here. Losing millions of fi les in contraven- tion of rules, of the law, is bad enough. But worse still is this government’s inability, once the breach has occurred — to fail to tell them that their information is at risk. Th is ministry says that it’s “too expensive” to notify individuals.

What this entire debacle has shown is that it’s a lot more expensive to break the rules than to follow them in the fi rst place. Th e ministry says that tracking people down is hard. Well, I’m one of the fi les that was lost. I’m not so hard to fi nd. Th e Privacy Commissioner has particular con- cern and well-placed concern that some of the data lost, some of the sub groups here, are about special needs kids, child custody cases, health conditions, police interven- tions in family matters, and over 1,000 childhood sur- vivors of cancer. My question to the minister is this.

Given that the Privacy Commissioner has said that the eff orts to date to notify individuals have been completely inadequate by this ministry, my question is: when does the minister intend to properly inform people whose data they’ve lost and is at risk in British Columbia? Hon. M. Bernier: Actually, in fact, the Privacy Commissioner complimented the ministry for the work that took place aft er this breach happened. In fact, we took a lot of eff orts to make sure that all of those aff ect- ed — even though some were hard to fi nd, I will admit…. Th e hard work was taking place within the ministry.

In fact, we sent out personal letters to 26,000 people that we knew that were high risk, that were concerned, that wanted to be notifi ed on this. Th at work did take place. Did it take a little bit of extra work? Absolutely. Th at’s why the hard-working staff within the ministry did that work to make sure that those people were notifi ed. I’m proud of the work that the staff did on this fi le. D. Routley: Let’s remember what happened here. According to the Privacy Commissioner, this government

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10241 tried to save $14,000 by breaking the rules. Th ey stored nearly 3.5 million students’ personal information on a $100 hard drive. Th ey stored that hard drive on a shelf in an unsecured warehouse. Th ey didn’t even bother to password protect it. Maybe they were afraid of losing the password. What they did lose was the hard drive itself. Shoddy, shoddy, shoddy, illegal. My question to the Minister of Education is: how much has this debacle cost taxpayers so far? Hon. M.

Bernier: Within the ministry, within govern- ment, we take the protection and the collection of per- sonal information very seriously. We did acknowledge right at the beginning when this happened that a mistake was made. Th at’s why we worked with the commissioner. Th ere are recommendations in place. We’re going to be following those recommendations. [1435] Right from the beginning, it went right as high as the deputy minister, where the good work was taking place, where we were doing the training.

We were making sure that all of our staff understood the regulations and the rules to ensure that this won’t happen again. Th ere is no evidence that this information has been released to the public. Has the data been misplaced? Absolutely. We acknowledge that. Was there a mistake made by staff ? Absolutely. We acknowledge that. Was an apology made right at the beginning? Absolutely. We agreed to that.

Th at’s why we’re making sure that we have processes in place, that we’re following the commission- er’s recommendations and that we have all of the train- ing that’s taking place with the staff to ensure this does not happen again. D. Routley: When the B.C. Lotteries breach hap- pened, they said they’ d do better. When the Wainwright breach happened, they said they’ d do better. When the breaches occurred in the Health Ministry, they said they’ d do better. At least ten significant privacy breaches. Numerous damning reports from the Privacy Commissioner.

Repeated promises to do better, to see that it never happens again. Well, it doesn’t get better. It gets worse. Now we’re cleaning up a mess that has put the information of nearly 3.5 million students at risk. Th is breach involving sensi- tive education data happened because government know- ingly ignored its own rules. Why should anyone believe that next time they will actually do better? Hon. M.

Bernier: We acknowledged, right at the be- ginning, that a mistake was made, which is why we are making sure all the staff continue to get the proper train- ing to follow all of the rules that are required within gov- ernment. [End of question period.] Petitions N. Macdonald: I rise to present a petition on behalf of my constituents in Edgewater. Th e petition is to pave Crescentwood Drive, Cordillera and Purcell avenues in Edgewater. It is signed by over 30 of the residents of those provincial roads. K.

Conroy: I have a petition, also, from over 1,177 resi- dents in the Trail area — a petition to stop the creation of an access management area in wildlife management unit 4-8, the Pend-d’Oreille River valley. Orders of the Day Hon. M. de Jong: Debate on the Speech from the Th rone. Th rone Speech Debate J. Martin: Welcome back, everybody, on both sides of the House. It’s great to be here once again.

In accordance with parliamentary tradition, I move, seconded by the hon. member for North Vancouver– Seymour, that: [We, Her Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in session assembled, beg leave to thank Y our Honour for the gracious speech which Y our Honour has addressed to us at the opening of the present session.] [R. Lee in the chair.] On behalf of my constituents in the riding of Chilliwack, it is a privilege to be the fi rst member to rise and address the Speech from the Th rone.

Y esterday the Lieutenant- Governor offi cially opened the fi ft h session of the 40th parliament, laying out the priorities of this government as we continue our hard work growing this economy. We heard that B.C. is on the right track despite a fragile global economy with oil at historic lows and the dollar falling. B.C. remains vigilant facing these economic chal- lenges. We truly are a resilient bunch here in B.C., and we are doing well in Canada. British Columbia is leading the country in economic growth and job creation with 50,000 new jobs in 2015. We have been focused.

We have been focused on growing and diversifying our economy so that we’re not depend- ent on one industry, as is the case in some other prov- inces. We have seen the benefi ts of a diversifi ed economy, with various sectors doing very, very well. [1440] Th is government has a commitment to controlling government spending, balancing budgets and focusing on building a strong, diverse and growing economy that creates jobs and prosperity for all British Columbians. We are on track for our fourth-consecutive balanced budget. Not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times —

British Columbia Debates10242 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 four times — we are balancing the budget, and we’re cre- ating a climate where businesses can thrive and create jobs for British Columbians. We recognize that economic de- velopment and environmental protection go hand in hand. With a growing economy, we can sustain and expand on the critical services for a growing and aging population. We can invest in infrastructure, schools, hospitals. B.C. is in a very good place right now, and this is be- cause we say yes to responsible economic development in B.C. I know the NDP is against that.

It’s good to look at the past every once in a while and remember how far British Columbia has come. Let’s think back to the ’90s, when there were eight budget defi cits in a row, six consecutive credit downgrades, the highest in- come taxes in Canada. British Columbia became a have- not province. The once proud and prosperous British Columbia became a beggar of Confederation and went cap in hand with our cardboard sign to Ottawa, saying: “Please help. We are governed by the NDP . We need help. ” Well, that is not going to happen under this administration. B.C. has come so far since those days.

We just do not share the negative, endless doom and gloom of the NDP . Conversely, we have a positive view of British Columbia. We have a positive view and optimism for the hard work that British Columbians put in to make this province a better place to live each and every day. B.C. is growing. We’re seeing that people who left B.C. during the ’90s are moving back here because of all the jobs that are being created. We are number one in the country right now, and that is thanks to the hard work of this government and British Columbians. We are num- ber one. Previously, the NDP took us from fi rst to worst.

Well, we’re back. We are number one. It’s a privilege to serve my constituents in Chilliwack. It’s such a beautiful place to live. Th ere are plenty of op- portunities to explore the great outdoors. We have num- erous hiking trails and are establishing even more with the Experience the Fraser trail system. We continue to in- vest to expand the trail system, with more than $320,000 in funding, while also providing the opportunity for people to gain work experience through the job creation partnerships.

Experience the Fraser is a unique vision to connect the communities, parks, natural features and historic and cultural sites along the Lower Fraser River, connecting Hope to the Salish Sea. Our search and rescue organizations venture out in extreme conditions to rescue those who have gotten lost, those who have been stuck, those are stranded. Th e vol- unteers deserve our gratitude and our thanks each and every single day. People love to enjoy the beauty of super, natural British Columbia, and I’m pleased that we are providing fur- ther support to search and rescue operations across the province.

In fact, we are providing an extra boost of $10 million to bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals for the 80 ground search and rescue groups. Th is is in addition to the $6.3 million we already provide each and every year. I would like to thank the Chilliwack Search and Rescue society for their hard work and for their diligence during the operations that they perform throughout the year. Th ey indeed do save lives. We are investing in our schools through capital improvements.

Last year we provided $1.34 million to three schools in Chilliwack to upgrade their mechanical systems and replace the rooft op heat pumps. Investments like this extend the longevity of our schools. As well, we continue to work to seismically upgrade B.C. schools. We introduced a new curriculum to help prepare our students for the jobs they will need once they graduate. And I know the NDP is against that. As well, we have pro- vided funding to expand access to high-speed Internet in our rural areas around Chilliwack.

Last year we pro- vided over $890,000 in gaming grants to support local organizations that provide valuable services to members of the community. Over the years, we have maintained a focus on the B.C. jobs plan, and we’re seeing the results. Our plan is to keep B.C. ’s economy diverse, strong, and growing, and that plan is working. [1445] Th e plan builds on the strengths of our key sectors and our educated and skilled workforce. We have cur- rently met 14 of the 19 targets, and progress continues to be made on the remaining fi ve targets.

Th ere are eight key sectors in the B.C. jobs plan, and the fastest-growing one is the tech sector. Th e technology industry in British Columbia already employs 86,000 British Columbians, at wages 60 percent higher than the industrial average. Last month we launched the new B.C. tech strategy. Th at will support growth of B.C. ’s vibrant technology sec- tor and strengthen B.C. ’s diverse knowledge-based econ- omy. Th e strategy will attract and reward investment, create jobs and provide more training.

We have the $100 million B.C. tech fund to help prom- ising tech companies get the capital funding they need to start their businesses, and I know the NDP is against that. To prepare our next generation for the changing tech- nology, coding will become part of the K-through-12 curriculum. Targeted programs include coding academ- ies, enhanced access to work experience electives, and dual-credit partnerships between secondary and post- secondary institutions. Th is provides an opportunity for students to gain the basic skills needed for careers in technology.

We are so lucky in British Columbia to be blessed with an abundance of natural resources. Forestry, mining, oil, natural gas — these are all important industries in B.C. With the expired soft wood lumber agreement, this government is committed to working with our federal counterparts to create a new agreement. We are looking out for our mining sector during tough times, very tough economic times. Supporting families

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10243 and communities during the current slowdown in the sector due to low commodity prices. We are taking ac- tion to keep thousands of B.C. mineworkers on the job. Supporting the mining industry directly helps not only the workers but also the surrounding community and the businesses that would be impacted. We all know the NDP is against that. LNG remains a major component of our plan for a growing and diverse economy. Currently there are 20 active projects at various stages of development, and $20 billion has already been invested.

We have done every- thing we set out to do to attract investment for the clean- est LNG in the world. As companies move toward fi nal investment decisions, we continue to work on bringing the opportunity of LNG to B.C. And once again, the NDP is against that. Our strategy to increase international trade has been paying off . B.C. is moving to strengthen and diversify trade in Asian markets in order to grow the economy. Total exports from B.C. are worth over $35 billion per year. We have seen an increase of 41 percent since 2009.

During that time, exports to China have increased 116 percent and exports to India have increased 660 per- cent. Th rough our new trade strategy, raising our game in Asia, we will be opening trade and investment repre- sentative offi ces in Southeast Asia to grow trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region. There will be many trade and investment oppor- tunities created by the ratifi cation of the Trans-Pacifi c Partnership agreement. B.C. is well placed to benefi t from this as Canada’s Pacifi c Gateway. I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the NDP is against that too.

B.C. is known around the world for our agricultural products, and 2015 was a great year for agricultural prod- ucts. In fact, it was a record year for our exports, as some $3.8 billion worth of B.C. agrifood and seafood products were shipped around the globe. We also saw a record $12.3 billion in sales of B.C. food and beverage products in 2014 — the highest ever. Th is positive trend will help B.C. meet its goal of see- ing revenues in agrifoods and seafoods reach $15 billion a year by 2020. Th ere are 55,000 British Columbians who are directly employed in the provincial agrifood sector.

It is a key economic driver in B.C. We recognize the importance of controlling spending, but we can also invest in our future. Th ere are current- ly $7 billion worth of infrastructure projects underway without pushing B.C. into debt. We have said yes to projects such as the South Fraser Perimeter Road, the Evergreen line and the George Massey Tunnel replace- ment, which will reduce wait times spent in traffi c and give more people time at home with their families.

We have said yes to the Site C clean energy project, which will provide clean energy for our growing econ- omy for generations to come. [1450] Th ese projects are creating 150,000 jobs over the next ten years. We say yes to these projects, while the NDP continuously, over and over again, say no to responsible economic development and the jobs that come with it. In fact, this government has a history of saying yes to infra- structure projects, while the NDP has said no each and every single time. Th ey said no to the Coquihalla Highway. Th ey said no to the Alex Fraser Bridge. Th ey said no to Expo 86.

Th ey said no to improvements on the Sea to Sky Highway. Th ey said no to the improvements on the Port Mann Bridge. Th ey said no to the Canada Line. Th ey said no to the re- vitalization of B.C. Place. Th ey said no to Site C. Th ey said no to the Pacifi c NorthWest LNG. B.C. has the potential to be a clean energy super- power and help others reduce emissions. Developing and growing economies like China and India are looking for cleaner energy to power their future. Th at clean energy can come from British Columbia through LNG, helping others reduce emissions by replacing coal-fi red plants with LNG overseas.

Another significant achievement is the Great Bear Rainforest agreement, a monumental and globally sig- nifi cant agreement that conserves a large area along the beautiful coastline of British Columbia while also estab- lishing certainty required for economic development. We continue to stand up for British Columbians with our fi ve conditions for pipeline projects. We have been clear from the beginning. Our position has not wavered. Housing aff ordability is an important issue to British Columbians. Many people are feeling the pressure of cost-of-living increases.

We will be taking steps to give British Columbians a better opportunity to enter the housing market and to encourage more housing supply. Th ere’s no single simple solution, but we will work with the municipalities to ensure hidden costs are clear and transparent to the homebuyer. We want to protect the savings and equity existing homeowners have placed in their homes. British Columbia’s dedicated social workers work hard in the most diffi cult of circumstances. Th ey touch the lives of thousands of children and families. We owe them our gratitude for helping some of our most vulner- able citizens.

Th ey deserve our support. We are commit- ted to maintaining the stability in the ministry that has been deemed critical in the Plecas report. We are hiring even more social workers than recommended. We will see further measures to support both at-risk children and our social workers. B.C. is doing so well because British Columbians have stepped up. About 80 percent of B.C. ’s unionized public sector employees are covered by agreements negotiated under the economic stability mandate. Th is is a unique position where British Columbians have given them- selves a stake in the growing economy.

So 250,000 hard- working men and women said yes to B.C. ’s economy,

British Columbia Debates10244 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 and they are seeing the benefi ts from that. Th ey said yes, while the NDP said no. Th anks to a stronger than expected growth in 2014, public sector workers will see a modest salary increase. British Columbians work hard, and our economy con- tinues to prove its resilience and outperform expecta- tions. As we welcome new British Columbians into our beautiful province, we want to make sure that they have the skills they need for the jobs that are already being cre- ated and the jobs to come.

All across our province, people have generously opened their homes to Syrian refugees coming to Canada and B.C. We continue to work with Ottawa and indi- vidual sponsors to settle more refugees and continue to welcome them to our beautiful province. As the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, we have worked together to build vibrant, thriving communities. I am proud to stand up here and speak about the pri- orities of this government and how well B.C. is doing thanks to the hard work of British Columbians.

We are creating a climate where job-creating businesses can thrive, where our growing economy means we can ex- pand services for British Columbians. We are doing all this because we know how to say yes, unlike the NDP , who continuously, time and time again, say no to British Columbia and British Columbians. J. Thornthwaite: On behalf of my constituents in North Vancouver–Seymour, it’s with great pleasure that I rise in the House today to second the Speech from the Th rone.

I’ d like to thank my colleague from Chilliwack for moving the debate, and I’ d like to welcome back my fellow MLAs on both sides of the House for this legisla- tive session. [1455] I’ d also like to take this opportunity to thank my con- stituents on the North Shore, and particularly those in North Vancouver–Seymour. I feel extremely fortunate to represent such a beautiful, vibrant and diverse com- munity, and I’m always proud to stand up in the House on its behalf.

I’ d also like to say hello to my constituency assistant Nick, my legislative assistant Brianna and, of course, my communications offi cer Marc Wang, who work very hard on my behalf. My riding of North Vancouver–Seymour contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in the province — arguably, in the world. We’ve got: Lynn Creek; Lynn Valley — we’re in the middle of a rainforest; Mount Seymour; and, of course, beautiful Deep Cove; lots of beaches, forests, bustling tourist spots; and everybody wanting to get out to the North Shore.

In the speech that offi cially opened the fi ft h session of the 40th Parliament yesterday, our Lieutenant-Governor recognized our province’s fi rst responders and search and rescue volunteers, thanking them on behalf of all British Columbians for keeping us safe and for always working tirelessly to fi nd those who are lost. Search and rescue is particularly important in my community. North Vancouver is home to some of the best skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking and hiking trails in the province.

And because of our proximity and easy access to the outdoors, we see many hikers and back- country visitors who get injured or lose their way. Over the last few decades, this need for rescue services has in- creased dramatically thanks to the rise in popularity of extreme sports and other outdoor activities. North Shore Rescue is one of B.C. ’s most well-known search and rescue teams. It’s made up of 40 highly skilled volunteers who respond to about 90 calls each year in mountain, canyon and urban settings.

Th ey lend their assistance to members of the public, police, fi re, ambu- lance and other emergency fi rst responders and handle everything from helping lost and injured hikers to locat- ing patients who wander away from facilities like Lions Gate Hospital. Th ey even help locate lost pets. Hurley, the Bernese mountain dog, was one of the more famous ones. This winter was particularly busy for North Shore Rescue. Many hikers were not prepared for the cold conditions and were either dressed inappropriately or became disoriented and lost. By November, the team had already responded to more than 125 calls.

Th is un- precedented number taxed the team’s resources and led the team leader, Mike Danks, to reach out and ask the province for fi nancial help. On January 27, our Minister for Emergency Prepared- ness announced that the provincial government will provide $10 million in one-time funding to help the 80 search and rescue teams across British Columbia, in- cluding North Shore Rescue. Th is is to pay for additional training, replace or update safety equipment and provide administrative support. Th is is great news.

I was very happy to join the minister, who is also the member for North Vancouver–Lonsdale, and our colleague from West Vancouver–Capilano and all of the North Shore Rescue members for this an- nouncement, along with other members from other search and rescues. Th e team North Shore Rescue is an invaluable asset to our community, and all of our residents recognize the vital role they play in keeping people safe. Much of the team’s community outreach was done by former leader Tim Jones, who passed away suddenly on January 19, 2014. We still miss him.

Tim volunteered with North Shore Rescue for nearly three decades, saving thousands of lives and leading even more rescues. He was a relentless advocate for the com- munity gaming grant program and lobbied all levels of government on behalf of the North Shore Rescue. He had me and our MP on speed dial. Tim’s legacy lives on with the men and women who volunteer with North Shore Rescue, many of whom were

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10245 trained by Tim. I know he would have loved to be there for that announcement, but he would also be the fi rst to say that our work is not fi nished. In the Speech from the Throne, the Lieutenant- Governor reiterated our province’s envied economic pos- ition. Th is year we lead the nation in economic growth, and we will be introducing a fourth consecutive balanced budget next week. Our economy is founded on the prin- ciple of fi scal discipline and diversifi cation.

It’s crucial to its continued growth. [1500] Of the eight key sectors in the B.C. jobs plan, the fast- est growing is tech. Our province has become a hub for start-ups like Hootsuite, Cognilab, QuickMobile and Fitplan. Th ese are ambitious companies that are pushing the limits of innovation and are attracting and encour- aging B.C. ’s creative talent. More importantly, they are keeping B.C. talent in British Columbia. Our tech-friendly environment is the result of the suc- cess of establishing industries such as fi lm and digital media. For decades, our province has been Hollywood North.

We have helped local talent create a wide var- iety of screen-based entertainment. Th e fi lm and tele- vision industry alone supports more than 20,000 direct, plus indirect, jobs. Th at’s a conservative estimate that increases when the business is booming. And yes, busi- ness is booming. B.C. film just finished one of its most successful years. In fact, many in the industry said this past sum- mer was their busiest ever, thanks, of course, to the low dollar, competitive tax rebates and the extension of the digital animation or visual eff ects tax credit to the post- production sector of the industry.

Extending this tax credit was one of the commitments our government made to support this sector during the last election. By following through, we have ensured that local companies can remain competitive. As Paul Sharpe, president of Sharpe Studios, told me, his company, like many in the industry, was going through a rough time way back in 2013, but the day aft er the extension was an- nounced, the phone started ringing. Th e fi lm industry also supports local companies by opening up new markets for them.

Cool Air Rentals opened in 1995, renting heating and cooling equipment to special events and commercial, industrial and IT cus- tomers. Soon aft er they opened, they started supplying fi lm and television productions with heating and cool- ing equipment. By honing its trade on productions like Th e X-Files and Jumanji, the company has been able to expand into other sectors. Th e fi lm industry has been integral to the company’s growth and now accounts for between 40 and 60 percent of its annual business.

Th is is signifi cant, because that business would not be included in StatsCan’s fi gures for the fi lm industry, but the fi lm industry certainly contrib- utes to their success. Cool Air now has the largest fl eet of portable air-con- ditioning units in western Canada and expanded into Alberta in 2013 with the opening of an Edmonton-based warehouse. To give back to the industry that has been instrumental to its development, Cool Air became a corporate member of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association in 2009 and now contributes to charity fundraising ef- forts like the Stephen J.

Cannell Classic Golf Tournament. If the late Mr. Cannell’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he created classics as Th e A-Team, Th e Rockford Files and the locally shot 21 Jump Street and Th e Commish. Cool Air isn’t the only company to give back to the community. Th e fi lm industry routinely supports events like the Reel Th anksgiving Challenge, an annual com- petition that encourages productions fi lming in British Columbia to try to outdo each other with raising money for the food bank. In the fall of 2015 alone, local produc- tions raised $87,000 in just three weeks.

Th e Motion Picture Production Industry Association also supports emerging talent and youth at risk with an annual fundraiser. Over the past ten years, ten emerging young B.C. fi lm-makers have been endowed with men- torship funding and up to $100,000 in in-kind to sup- port emerging talent and help them get their vision to the screen. The association’s annual fundraiser also supports youth sports groups and community initiatives and pro- vides funding to a wide range of organizations.

Over the past decades, more than $100,000 has gone to support organizations such as A Loving Spoonful, Habitat for Humanity, the Paralympic Foundation and groups help- ing at-risk youth. For three decades, the industry has also hosted Oppenheimer Park Christmas dinner, an annual event that, to date, has served more than 80,000 meals in the Downtown Eastside. This industry isn’t just a big economic driver. Its members have a huge commitment and community engagement.

Th ey have had a great deal of success in encouraging partners to come here to shoot their pro- ductions and to give back and help create better, more livable communities. Last month, the member for Maple Ridge–Mission and I joined the B.C. Creates community, a Motion Picture Production Industry Association special event to celebrate B.C. ’s creative industries’ contribution to the community and philanthropy. We also honoured their special guest, industry veteran Danny Virtue. [1505] When we support industries like fi lm and tech, we’re helping to diversify our economy.

But investing in the fu- ture also means upgrading and renewing our province’s infrastructure. Th ere are currently more than $7 billion worth of infrastructure projects on the go, which are ex- pected to create 150,000 jobs over the next decade. Th e infrastructure project that I’ d mostly like to talk

British Columbia Debates10246 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 about, at least related to the North Shore, is the lower Lynn corridor improvement project. Transportation is the number one top priority for my community, and al- leviating congestion and improving traffi c fl ow is of par- ticular importance to our residents, my neighbours. As part of B.C. on the Move, the government’s ten-year transportation plan will include the construction of new interchanges at Fern Street and Dollarton, which will greatly enhance safety and improve east-west traffi c fl ow along the biggest and busiest bottlenecks in the region.

Th e plan also includes a new pedestrian, cyclist and emergency vehicle structure at the Crown Street over- pass and a new rail overpass at Phillips Road that will enhance rail capacity and provide better access to the Seaspan shipbuilding facility. Th is $150 million project in the lower Lynn area will greatly improve safety and access and promote alterna- tive forms of transportation. It’s a great example of what can happen when all levels of government work togeth- er — the municipality, the province and the federal gov- ernment.

Th is project is part of our government’s commitment to work alongside communities to invest in infrastruc- ture, enhance the movement of goods and bring some relief to the daily commute for thousands of British Columbians. It has been in the works for a long time, and I’m very happy to see it moving forward. I understand there will be a groundbreaking coming up soon. Another top priority for my community and every- body on the North Shore is affordable housing. Last month, our government announced an increase to the homeowner’s grant threshold.

Th e threshold for 2016 is now $1.2 million, an increase of $100,000 over last year. Th is program is designed to help alleviate some of the fi nancial pressures of home ownership, particularly for low-income British Columbians, families, seniors, people with disabilities and fi rst-time buyers. Many residents in the community have been aff ected by the dramatic rise in home prices, particularly seniors, some of whom bought their homes decades ago for a fraction of today’s costs. Th ey’re now struggling to pay the property tax on properties that are now worth well over $1 million, sometimes $2 million.

Th at’s why I was pleased to hear an investigation will look into allegations of fraud and insider trading by some real estate agents in Metro Vancouver. Th e Real Estate Council of British Columbia has al- ready advised us that it intends to appoint an independ- ent advisory group to look into these allegations and to develop recommendations to increase council’s enforce- ment and oversight. Th is practice of shadow fl ipping is defi nitely concerning, and I look forward to seeing what the results of the investigation will be.

I was also very happy to hear the Lieutenant-Governor talk about helping First Nations share in the benefi ts of a modern economy, about working with our partners in Ottawa on the inquiry into the missing and murdered indigenous women and about moving forward with the fi ve-point action plan for safe transportation along Highway 16. Recently, our government announced a landmark agreement over land use in the Great Bear Rainforest, including ceasing the commercial grizzly bear hunt on coastal nations’ traditional territories. I have visited the Great Bear Rainforest, and it truly is a global treasure.

Th is agreement, which was a success- ful collaboration between government, forest compan- ies, environmental groups and 26 First Nations will help preserve the unique ecology of what is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. Th is is a great example of what can be achieved when government, First Nations and stakeholders come together respectfully to produce a plan that is to everyone’s mutual benefi t. First Nations will also, I believe, play an integral role in helping us develop and deliver a new plan to com- bat climate change.

Last year, we launched the climate leadership plan, which is currently being assembled by the climate leadership team and through public consul- tation. We are inviting all British Columbians to tell us what they want to see in the new climate leadership plan. In fact, last weekend I attended Climate Change and Its Impact on Our North Shore Fish and Habitat, in Lynn Valley, and look forward to their

summary and report and their recommendations. [1510] We are already a global leader in climate action, thanks in large part to the revenue-neutral carbon tax that we launched in 2008. Th is new plan will help us develop long-term goals to shape how our province deals with this issue for decades to come. On the North Shore, the Squamish Nation has been embracing a balance of environmental protection and economic opportunity.

In 2013, the band used a $30,000 grant from the province to assess and identify renewable energy opportunities on its territories, and it has taken an active role in the environmental assessment of the pro- posed Woodfi bre LNG project at Howe Sound. In October of last year, the Squamish Nation council granted conditional approval of the project, saying that environmental risk can be managed if proper technology and controls are in place.

Th e company backing the pro- posed facility has said that they are committed to work- ing with First Nations on the project and that with their help they can build a better project. Currently, $20 billion has been invested in LNG prod- ucts provincewide to date, and government continues to work towards bringing the projects forward despite low commodity prices that have slowed things down. Not only are we very adamant that industry continue to work with First Nations to fi nd solutions; we are also committed to economic development that is balanced with environmental protection, as set out in our heavy

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, February 10, 2016 10247 oil policy. In order for the province to consider support for heavy oil pipelines, the following fi ve conditions must be established:

(1) Successful completion of the environmental re- view process.

(2) World-leading marine oil spill response, preven- tion and recovery systems for our coastline. In fact, Mr. Speaker, as you know, I attended with you last week the Western Canada Marine Response Corp. in Burnaby to get a fi rsthand view of their eff orts on marine spill responses in Burrard Inlet. I encourage all members in this House to take them up on their off er to have a tour, and I appreciate joining you as well.

(3) World-leading practices for land spill prevention response and recovery.

(4) Legal requirements regarding aboriginal and treaty rights are addressed, and First Nations are provided with opportunities to participate in and benefi t from projects.

(5) British Columbians receive a fair share of the fi scal and economic benefi ts of heavy oil projects that refl ects the degree of risk borne by the province, the environ- ment and taxpayers. Not only do proponents have to clearly identify the measures that will protect against environmental im- pacts; they must also ensure that benefi ts to First Nations are evident. I’ d also like to talk about the Tsleil-Waututh, another First Nation in my riding. I’ d like to talk specifi cally about their Child and Family Development Centre.

Th e cen- tre works to promote healthy development in children and families by using a strength-based approach that is community-based and culturally inclusive. In 2014, the facility was recognized with a Child Care Award of Excellence in the innovation category. Th is award recog- nized the exceptional contributions of the centre and its staff , who continue to use community supports in in- novative ways to bring families closer together and help them reach their goals. Th e Lieutenant-Governor also touched on child wel- fare in the throne speech.

She said, “For communities to truly thrive, we must care for those among us who need it, ” and to support the many social workers in our prov- ince who do admirable work to help the most vulnerable. I understand our budget will be having some good news for them as well. In the fall of 2013, the all-party Select Standing Committee on Children and Y outh, for which I serve as Chair, undertook a special project to examine child and youth mental health in British Columbia. Th e interim report was published in November 2014 and presented to the House at that time.

Th e second phase of the pro- ject was launched last February and focused on identi- fying concrete and practical initiatives that can enhance mental health services and outcomes across the province. After extensive public consultations and work by the committee members as well as staff, the commit- tee was able to release its fi nal report a couple of weeks ago, which I have the honour of offi cially presenting to the House tomorrow. It is called Concrete Actions for Systemic Change. Th e committee’s 23 recommendations are based on two years of work investigating ways to improve mental health services.

While there are many services and very good work going on in several ministries, as well as by the professionals involved, we found that sometimes they are not easily accessible or well integrated into a system of care. I encourage all members of the House to check out the report on the parliamentary committee website. [1515] I’m very proud of the work the committee has done over the past two years, and I hope that the recommen- dations we’ve put forward will be considered by the new cabinet committee for mental health, which the Lieutenant-Governor mentioned in the throne speech.

Mental health services are particularly important in schools, which is why I’m very pleased to see the changes to B.C. ’s K-to-12 curriculum which will not only include more non-instructional time for teachers but will also include a bigger emphasis on mental health, social col- laboration, hands-on learning, environmental sciences and aboriginal perspectives. Y outh are at increased risk for anxiety, stress and de- pression.

Th e Canadian Mental Health Association esti- mates that more than three million Canadians between the ages of 12 and 19 are at risk and may experience daily symptoms such as panic, nausea and diffi culty sleeping. Th is can aff ect academic performance and cause them to avoid places, activities and important social experiences. Helping school-age children develop tools that strength- en resiliency and reduce the risk of anxiety is key to re- ducing their suff ering and improving their ability to cope with school and all that life has to off er.

One of my priorities as parliamentary secretary is to promote the program called FRIENDS. FRIENDS is a school-based anxiety prevention and resilience initiative and provides programming from kindergarten to grade 7, with activities and lessons ranging from healthy eat- ing and sleeping habits to empathy-building and mind- fulness exercises. Th ese programs also off er training for teachers, counsellors and parents on how to help children learn to be confi dent and brave. FRIENDS is available right now to all schools in British Columbia — public, independent and First Nations schools — and is funded by MCFD.

Initiatives like this help us create a more welcoming, tolerant and under- standing school environment and reduce the hold anx- iety and other forms of mental illness have on so many British Columbians. I’m very pleased with the plan put forward by the throne speech. Our economy is a bright spot in a time of global uncertainty. We are capitalizing on our suc- cess, diversifying and investing in front-line workers and

British Columbia Debates10248 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 infrastructure renewal, all while maintaining our fi scal discipline. We are the envy of all of Canada. We are continuing to care for those who need it and are actively searching for ways to enhance how we can provide them with service. We are continuing to move towards a stronger, healthier and more secure tomorrow for British Columbians. N. Macdonald: As always, thanks for the opportunity. I just want to start…. Actually, there’s a number of cor- rections that I’ll make, but I’ll just start with the mover of the throne speech, the member for Chilliwack.

He cited $7 billion in spending for infrastructure, and he asserted that it wasn’t borrowed money. But it is. It is borrowed money. It’s debt. And members should know these things. Th is is not something that just magically appears. Th is is borrowed money and adds to debt, as this government has done at record levels — repeatedly — and will continue to do. Both members talked about $7 billion. There are promises that total $30 billion going forward, and it’s all borrowed money.

Now, I came to this session, as most members do, with a list of local issues to highlight, but I cannot let what the government repeatedly asserts stand unchallenged. I wasn’t going to come here and launch on the LNG failures, but in the throne speech, government had to roll out the tired, fantastical, B.C. Liberal promises on the prosperity fund and getting B.C. debt-free, all from LNG revenues. And it’s fantasy. Th ere is nothing true.

Th ere’s no way that we should be here as politicians, as MLAs, and have as the basis of the discussion something that is not in any way based on fact or truth or likelihood to ever be true. Where i

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20160210pm-Hansard-v32n2
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20160210pm Hansard v32n2
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	722bdf33adbf598ca803a66a3722bf6223299741

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