British Columbia Hansard — 20170216pm Hansard v41n8

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British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Sixth 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) Th ursday, February 16, 2017 Aft ernoon Sitting Volume 41, Number 8

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Sixth 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 State for Rural Economic Development ..................................................................................................................Hon. Donna Barnett 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, QC 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 .................................................................................................................................... Simon Gibson Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ................................................................................................................................................... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees .................................................................................................................................

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

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

Vancouver–Mount Pleasant 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 (Ind.) .....................................................................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, Dr.

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 Wickens, Jodie (NDP) ..........................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Wilkinson, Hon.

Andrew (BC Liberal) ........................ Vancouver-Quilchena Y amamoto, Hon. Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... 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 ...................................................... Dr. Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North ..............................................................................

Richard T. Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ..............................................................Hon. 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 .......................................................Jodie Wickens 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, QC Vancouver-Hastings ....................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..........................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .................................................................Dr. Moira Stilwell Vancouver–Mount Pleasant .........................................................

Melanie Mark 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 47; New Democratic 35; Independent 3

CONTENTS Th ursday, February 16, 2017 Aft ernoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................... 13595 Tributes ................................................................................................................................................................................... 13596 Donald Brothers L.

Larson Introduction and First Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................................. 13597 Bill M207 — Banning Publicly-Funded Campaign Advertisements Act, 2017 Bill M208 — Election (Spending Limit) Amendment Act, 2017 Bill M209 — Fixed Fall Election Amendment Act Bill M210 — Members’ Confl ict of Interest Amendment Act, 2017 Bill M211 — Fixed Legislative Calendar Act, 2017 Bill M212 — Empowering Legislative Committees Act, 2017 Bill M213 — Modernizing Public Participation in Democracy Act, 2017 G.

Holman Bill M214 — Public Records Accountability Act, 2017 D. Routley Bill M215 — Fairness in Financing Local Government Elections Act, 2017 S. Robinson Bill M216 — Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2017 S. Simpson Statements (Standing Order 25B) ....................................................................................................................................... 13600 Women’s Memorial March J. Rice Moose Hide Campaign Day M. Dalton Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities S. Robinson Chinese New Y ear celebration and immigrants to Chilliwack L.

Th roness Bill McGovern and Cape Horn Elementary School J. Wickens Post-truth and democracy G. Hogg Oral Questions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13602 Reporting of assaults in youth death case M. Mark Hon. S. Cadieux N. Simons Foster home standards C. James Hon. S. Cadieux Student housing and rental vacancy rate A. Weaver Hon. A. Wilkinson PharmaNet system privacy breach D. Routley Hon. T. Lake S. Robinson S. Simpson

Reports from Committees .................................................................................................................................................... 13607 Report of the Special Committee to Appoint a Representative for Children and Y outh, November 2016 D. McRae C. James Motions Without Notice ....................................................................................................................................................... 13608 Appointment of Representative for Children and Y outh D.

McRae Standing Order 35 ................................................................................................................................................................. 13609 Request to debate a matter of urgent public importance — Islamophobia and systemic racism M. Farnworth Hon. M. de Jong Standing Order 35 ................................................................................................................................................................. 13609 Islamophobia and systemic racism B. Ralston Hon. S. Bond H. Bains Hon. S. Anton J. Darcy J. Th ornthwaite S. Robinson Hon.

T. Wat R. Fleming J. Yap M. Farnworth S. Hamilton G. Heyman Orders of the Day Th rone Speech Debate (continued) ..................................................................................................................................... 13617 D. Routley Hon. R. Coleman A. Weaver Point of Privilege (Reservation of Right) ........................................................................................................................... 13631 G.

Holman Th rone Speech Debate (continued) ..................................................................................................................................... 13631 Hon. A. Virk

THURSDAY , FEBRUARY 16, 2017 Th e House met at 1:32 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Introductions by Members E. Foster: It gives me great pleasure today to intro- duce two constituents of mine, longtime friends. Well, the dad is a longtime friend. Th e son is only seven years old, so he’s a seven-year friend. He’s a very active young man. He’s very politically astute, and he’s here to visit us in the precinct for the fi rst time. Please make Wilf and Alex Mulder very welcome to the House. Hon. J. Rustad: It’s a great honour today to intro- duce four guests.

In particular, I want to start off recog- nizing two who, through the important work they have done, have truly advanced the work of ending violence against indigenous women and children. Paul Lacerte and Raven Lacerte founded this campaign aft er a hunt- ing trip. Th ey’ve been working tirelessly through the aboriginal friendship centres and now have taken this campaign nationally. Today I’m also very pleased that we have taken the campaign, as well, to the point where we’re now pro- claiming our day today as the Moose Hide Campaign Day in British Columbia.

Th ey’re doing great work on behalf of all of us in terms of ending violence, and I’ d like the House to please make Paul and Raven welcome. With them are two additional guests that I’ d like to introduce. Marilyn Lacerte and Marguerite Lipton are also down and are part of this. Th ey are here today in the gallery. Would the House please make them welcome. N. Simons: I just want to echo the words of my col- league across the fl oor, welcoming three generations of the Lacerte family. Paul and Raven; and Marilyn Lacerte is here as well; Auntie Marg, I think — Marguerite Lipton — an elder in the House today.

I should put it that way. A wonderful campaign that began with thoughts about how we can address the issue of violence and violence against women and children. [1335] I think Paul and Raven should be quite proud of the ef- forts that they’ve made and the fact that their message is spreading to all corners, not just the province but across the country. Th ere are people across the country today who are fasting, and there are others in the House who are part of that campaign as well. My colleagues on both sides of the House are wearing a moose patch.

So I echo the words of the hon. minister and welcome everyone who is part of the Moose Hide Campaign today. Hon. S. Anton: I’m very pleased to introduce today to the House a longtime notable resident of Haida Gwaii, Mr. George Westwood, whom I was very pleased to meet this past fall when in Haida Gwaii for the visit of the duke and duchess. For a number of years, George has helped residents in Haida Gwaii in their time of bereavement. In fact, he was referred to by myself in this House, and I misspoke at the time in describing him. What I would like to say now is that Mr.

Westwood is an esteemed and admired citizen of Haida Gwaii, and I am very happy to have met him. George will be meeting with the staff of Public Safety and Solicitor General later today to explore ways to bet- ter service small and remote communities and ensure that there are resources available to families in their time of bereavement. Would the House make Mr. Westwood very welcome. Hon. T. Lake: It gives me great pleasure today to intro- duce the most patient woman in British Columbia, my wife, Lisa, who is here, I think, for the third time in eight years and probably the fi nal time.

As many members are aware, families put up with a lot when they have spouses in the positions serving British Columbians. In honour of Lisa, I know that the member for New Westminster will be very gentle during question period today. I would ask that the House please make Lisa very welcome. J. Rice: Th ank you to the Attorney General for her kind introduction of a very special constituent of mine, George Westwood, the Haida Gwaii undertaker. He is gracing us with his presence in the people’s House today. George has been volunteering his undertaking ser- vices in Haida Gwaii for over 25 years now.

He’s such a kind man. He has a great sense of humour, and he has an ability to put people at ease, particularly when a loved one has passed. George has been a tireless advocate for the creation of funeral commissioners, much like marriage commis- sioners, in order to allow rural and remote communities to properly bury their dead, this without the burden of the extravagant costs of sending loved ones on a ferry or an airplane to a commercial funeral home in a larger city.

George reminds me that the basic obligations in life are to feed; to give drink; to clothe and to shoe; to visit; to console the sick, poor and affl icted; and to bury the dead. Th at is all that is required of humanity. Anything beyond that is either trim or greed. George embodies these principles in his compassionate personality and in the services he provides to the residents of Haida Gwaii. George, we thank you for your service. J. Y ap: I have two constituents who are visiting Victoria today, Charles and Janet Barstow. Th ey’re here with their good friends Ron and Norma Gatto from Langley.

Would the House please give them a warm welcome. 13595

British Columbia Debates13596 Thursday, February 16, 2017 K. Conroy: I’m really pleased to introduce another member of our ever-growing family. On August 5, our son Wyllie and daughter-in-law Jayme welcomed a daughter, Sayge Anne Grace, sister to Moss and cousin to Daira, Alexia, Eric, Ryen, Aydenn, Kaelin and Sarah, making our wonderful total of grandchildren now num- ber nine. I promised them I’ d get all their names in. I also want to introduce another special arrival to our family. My brother Th omas and his wife, Sandy, had their fi rst grandchild.

Th eir daughter Samantha gave birth to Maverick Th omas on January13 — Friday the 13th — weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces. I have to tell the House that Maverick was three weeks premature. For the women in the room who’ve had babies, they all went: “Ooh. ” Y eah, he probably would have weighed 11 pounds. Th ey are very happy and very healthy, as are Granny Kat and Great-Auntie Kat. [1340] Hon. S. Bond: Today I’m very pleased to welcome to the Legislature and to the B.C. public service six young people who are working as co-op students in the labour market and information division of my ministry.

We’re very pleased to welcome Siddharth Jain, who is studying for his master of business administration at the University of Victoria; Leah Martin from the University of Victoria, who’s working toward her master of public admin; Kristen Bassett, who is studying at Camosun; Amy Phipps from UVic, who’s also working toward her master of public administration; Elayne Ma, who is working toward a bachelor of arts degree at UVic; and Charlotte Safnuk, who is also working toward her bach- elor of arts degree at UVic.

Th ese six young people are a tremendous asset to our ministry, and they certainly represent the future of the B.C. public service. I know the House will want to join me in making them most welcome today. G. Kyllo: I’ d like the House to please welcome…. We have Kelvin Campbell, the business representative for District Council 38 — that’s the Union of Painters and Allied Trades, representing 2,000 members; as well as Don White, the executive director of the Hazardous Materials Association of B.C. They hosted us for a great lunch today. It was a bit of a networking session.

Would the House please make them feel very welcome. Madame Speaker: Opposition House Leader. Hon. M. de Jong: Not yet. [Laughter.] Madame Speaker: I actually enjoyed that. Government House Leader. Hon. M. de Jong: Y esterday we were introduced to the talented group of young people who are working with our colleagues in the opposition as part of the legislative internship program, and I’ d like to take a moment today to introduce the balance of those talented young people who are engaged with the government caucus. Th ey are Anthony Bramwell, Cameron Fish, Brynne Langford, Kristen Littler and Tyler Norman.

They joined the government caucus as part of that program in January. Anthony, Cameron, Brynne, Kristin and Tyler recently completed their undergraduate bachelor of arts degrees at Simon Fraser, University of Victoria, Mount Allison University, University of Victoria and UBC respectively. Just as we heard yesterday, by virtue of their selec- tion to that program, they have already demonstrated their talents and abilities. Th ey will put those to work for us, as legislators, over the next number of weeks and months.

As we have commented in the past, we would not be surprised if, one day, one of those tal- ented young people found a seat in this chamber in another capacity. I hope the House will make these interns very welcome. Hon. S. Anton: Madame Speaker, thank you for let- ting me rise a second time, because it is important to acknowledge my predecessor, Brian Smith, QC, who is in the House today. Mr. Smith is oft en a visitor to this House. I, personally, always enjoy seeing him, hearing his advice, hearing his stories. He is very welcome, I know, in this House, and would the House show him that right now.

Tributes DONALD BROTHERS L. Larson: I’ d like to inform the House of the recent passing of Don Brothers. He was born November 8, 1923, in Grand Forks, B.C., and passed away on February 9 in Grand Forks, at the age of 93. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Betty, his daugh- ters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He repre- sented Rossland-Trail in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1958 to 1972 with the B.C. Social Credit Party, becoming the Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources in 1964 and the Minister of Education in 1972.

He was appointed to the Provincial Assessment Appeal Board of B.C., and aft er that he was appointed to a number of Indian bands to chair the as- sessment review board. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, February 18, in Grand Forks. I would ask Madame Speaker, on behalf of the Legislature, to send condol- ences to his family. Madame Speaker: It shall be done. [1345]

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13597 Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL M207 — BANNING PUBLICLY-FUNDED CAMPAIGN ADVERTISEMENTS ACT, 2017 G. Holman presented a bill intituled Banning Publicly- Funded Campaign Advertisements Act, 2017. G. Holman: I’m very proud to introduce a number of private member’s bills as part of an overall package of proposed democratic reforms from the offi cial oppos- ition that will make elections fairer, make the Legislature more transparent and accountable and, last but not least, protect citizens’ rights of free speech.

I move that a bill intituled Banning Publicly Funded Campaign Advertisements, 2017, be introduced and read for the fi rst time. Motion approved. G. Holman: As we approach the election this May, we’re already seeing an increase in government adver- tising, the main purpose of which appears to be the pro- motion of the governing party. As in 2013, we can expect that this taxpayer-funded advertising will be ramped up as the election nears. British Columbia has already been described as the Wild West with respect to the lack of rules around cam- paign fundraising.

Th e continued refusal of the Premier to ban corporate and union political donations and the elimination of pre-election spending limits for political parties add to the concerns that partisan-tainted govern- ment advertising — in other words, taxpayer-funded par- tisan advertising — reinforces the inordinate infl uence of big money on our political process. Th e purpose of reintroducing the government adver- tising act is to prevent any provincial government from using public dollars to promote its own political inter- ests.

Under this bill, all government advertising must be reviewed and approved by the Auditor General based on clearly defi ned criteria preventing advertising that promotes the partisan interests of the governing party or creates a negative impression of government crit- ics. Th e bill requires government advertising to present information factually and objectively and also bans all government advertising four months before the fi xed election date. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today.

Bill M207, Banning Publicly-Funded Campaign Advertisements Act, 2017, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. BILL M208 — ELECTION (SPENDING LIMIT) AMENDMENT ACT, 2017 G. Holman presented a bill intituled Election (Spend- ing Limit) Amendment Act, 2017. G. Holman: I move that a bill intituled the Election (Spending Limit) Amendment Act be introduced and now read a fi rst time. Motion approved. G. Holman: Th e government has refused to take big money out of politics.

In fact, while other provinces and the federal government have made changes to restrict the infl uence of donations from large organizations such as corporations and unions on the political process, this government has made the problem worse. In 2015, government removed long-standing political spending limits in the 60 days prior to the campaign per- iod. As a result of this change, despite the eff orts of the offi cial opposition, political spending leading up to the formal election campaign is now unlimited, exacerbat- ing the problem of big money in politics.

Th is bill would reinstate a limit on spending by political parties for the 60 days prior to the beginning of the campaign period. To be clear, this legislation does not apply to third- party advertising, only to political parties and candidates. Th e reinstatement of pre-election spending limits would help restore a more level playing fi eld in which smaller parties and independent candidates in the province can compete more eff ectively in election campaigns.

Th e re- instatement of pre-election spending limits will also help restore confi dence in the B.C. electoral system, which has been badly damaged in recent years. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today. Bill M208, Election (Spending Limit) Amendment Act, 2017, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. BILL M209 — FIXED FALL ELECTION AMENDMENT ACT G. Holman presented a bill intituled Fixed Fall Election Amendment Act. G.

Holman: I appreciate the indulgence of the House here today. I also move that the bill intituled Fixed Fall Election Amendment Act be read for the fi rst time. Motion approved. G. Holman: By moving the fixed election date to

British Columbia Debates13598 Thursday, February 16, 2017 the beginning of October following the presentation of fi rst-quarter public accounts, this will allow for more thorough assessment of the province’s fi nances. More im- portantly, it will better ensure that the people of British Columbia have an opportunity to critically evaluate the budget before they vote. I do want to point out and thank the work of the mem- ber from Delta on this particular legislation as well. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today.

Bill M209, Fixed Fall Election Amendment Act, intro- duced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on or- ders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. [1350] BILL M210 — MEMBERS’ CONFLICT OF INTEREST AMENDMENT ACT, 2017 G. Holman presented a bill intituled Members’ Confl ict of Interest Amendment Act, 2017. G. Holman: I now move introduction of the Members’ Confl ict of Interest Amendment Act for fi rst reading. Motion approved. G.

Holman: Th is bill will ensure that public offi ce holders leaving offi ce, their ministerial staff and their ad- visers do not improperly benefi t from their former pos- itions or exercise any undue infl uence. Th is legislation will help address the growing cynicism of citizens about the conduct of public offi cials. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today.

Bill M210, Members’ Confl ict of Interest Amendment Act, 2017, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. BILL M211 — FIXED LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR ACT, 2017 G. Holman presented a bill intituled Fixed Legislative Calendar Act, 2017. G. Holman: I move introduction of the parliamentary calendar act for fi rst reading. Motion approved. G. Holman: I’m pleased to introduce this bill, which will make fall parliamentary sessions mandatory in British Columbia.

Over the past six years, there have been only two fall sessions called by government, despite apparent commit- ments to a fi xed legislative calendar with fall sessions for Legislative debate. Th e continued denial of the fall session greatly reduces the days of active sitting in this chamber, which limits the ability of the opposition to hold government to ac- count and to participate in the development of import- ant public policies. It also means that the broader public is denied opportunities to observe and participate in the democratic process.

Th is bill will legislate an additional six weeks of mo- tions, debates, statements, question periods and bills, all of which are essential elements needed for an account- able government. In closing, I move that this bill be placed on the or- ders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today. Bill M211, Fixed Legislative Calendar Act, 2017, intro- duced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on or- ders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. BILL M212 — EMPOWERING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES ACT, 2017 G.

Holman presented a bill intituled Empowering Legislative Committees Act, 2017. G. Holman: I move introduction of the Empowering Legislative Committees Act for fi rst reading. Motion approved. G. Holman: I’m pleased to introduce this bill that would increase the number of standing committees of the Legislature and increase the power of these standing committees by allowing them more discretion to exer- cise their mandate. I’ve been fortunate to have been a member of two standing committees.

Th ey are less partisan, they are more constructive by nature, and they can play an essential role in the development of public policy and legislation. Currently the standing committees of the Legislature have limited powers and can only examine issues specif- ically referred to them by government. Committees are also hindered by the infrequency of meetings. Some do not meet at all. Th is limits the abil- ity of MLAs and, through them, their constituents and the broader public to meaningfully participate in policy and legislation.

Th is bill would expand the power of the legislative standing committees to carry out their intended function. As members of this assembly know, there are some important issues that are not represented by standing

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13599 committees at all. Th is situation compelled our offi cial opposition spokesperson for agriculture to form a bipar- tisan committee to tour the province, seeking input re- garding policy for this sector that is so important to our economy and our communities. Th is bill will expand the policy areas that standing committees cover to include critical industries of agri- culture, as well as forestry, and arts and culture. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today.

Bill M212, Empowering Legislative Committees Act, 2017, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. BILL M213 — MODERNIZING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN DEMOCRACY ACT, 2017 G. Holman presented a bill intituled Modernizing Public Participation in Democracy Act, 2017. G. Holman: I thank everyone for their indulgence. I move the introduction of the electronic petitions act for its fi rst reading. Motion approved. G.

Holman: I’m very happy to reintroduce this bill to ensure that electronically submitted petitions would be recognized and accepted by this assembly. And I do want to acknowledge the work on this particular legislation by my colleague from Burnaby-Lougheed, who fi rst intro- duced the bill last year. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today.

Bill M213, Modernizing Public Participation in Demo- cracy Act, 2017, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. [1355] A. Weaver: While I appreciate the intention of the former bill, I do note it seems to be absent on the or- der paper, so I seek clarifi cation as to whether or not we can receive this bill, in light that it hasn’t been given two days’ notice. It’s not to say I disagree with it. I do agree with it, but I think it should have been on the order paper. Madame Speaker: Hon.

Member, we understand it was No. 3 on the order paper. Th e one dealing with peti- tions is No. 3 on the order paper. BILL M214 — PUBLIC RECORDS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 2017 D. Routley presented a bill intituled Public Records Accountability Act, 2017. D. Routley: I move that a bill intituled Public Records Accountability Act be introduced and read for the fi rst time. Motion approved. D. Routley: I move the introduction of the Public Records Accountability Act. I am pleased to introduce a records accountability act.

Th is is the third time I have brought forward a bill to improve British Columbia’s ac- cess to information. Th is all is against the backdrop of continued scandals regarding information management in this province — this against the backdrop of repeat- ed condemning reports from successive Information and Privacy Commissioners. This bill acts on many recommendations made by the Information and Privacy Commissioner as well as several select standing com- mittees to review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Th is bill does three key things.

First, it creates a posi- tive duty to document, which will require that the gov- ernment maintain full and accurate records pertaining to any action that the government makes, which includes business done with contracted companies. Recent years’ triple-delete scandal and a plethora of “no records” re- sponses to freedom-of-information requests require that the people of B.C. have more confi dence in the manage- ment of the records of government.

Second, this bill requires that this information be maintained in an accessible form so that all may refer- ence this information and ensures that no government document is destroyed without authorization. Finally, this bill creates the duty to investigate instan- ces of unauthorized destruction of government informa- tion and compels public bodies to release records as to how they process freedom-of-information requests. It also removes legal immunity from offi cials who fail to disclose documents. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today.

Bill M214, Public Records Accountability Act, 2017, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. Interjection. Madame Speaker: Again, the Chair is seeking clari- fi cation from Saanich North and the Islands that your

British Columbia Debates13600 Thursday, February 16, 2017 bill that the other member queried, Modernizing Public Participation in Democracy Act, 2017, as on the order paper — that is the one? Interjection. Madame Speaker: Th ank you. BILL M215 — FAIRNESS IN FINANCING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ACT, 2017 S. Robinson presented a bill intituled Fairness in Financing Local Government Elections Act, 2017. S. Robinson: I move introduction of the Fairness in Financing Local Government Elections Act for fi rst reading. Motion approved. S.

Robinson: I would like to introduce, for the third time, the Fairness in Financing Local Government Elections Act. Th is will amend the local government fi nan- cing act to restrict campaign donations, in local govern- ment elections, solely to individuals, eff ectively banning political donations by organizations. Th is bill would elim- inate some of the challenges and the perceived infl uence of big money in local elections throughout British Columbia. Full access to the democratic process requires there is a level playing fi eld for all who choose to put their name forward to run for offi ce.

We believe that removing the perceived confl icts that come with large donations from unions and corporations would do much to enhance the fairness and accessibility of local elections. [1400] We know that British Columbians want good demo- cracy, free of real potential or perceived infl uence of these organizations. With that, I move that this bill be placed on the or- ders of the day for the second reading at the next sitting aft er today.

Bill M215, Fairness in Financing Local Government Elections Act, 2017, introduced, read a fi rst time and or- dered to be placed on orders of the day for second read- ing at the next sitting of the House aft er today. BILL M216 — WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT, 2017 S. Simpson presented a bill intituled Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2017. S. Simpson: I move that a bill intituled the Whistleblowers Protection Act be introduced and read for the fi rst time. Motion approved. S. Simpson: I’m pleased to introduce for the third time the Whistleblowers Protection Act. Th is bill has two purposes.

Th e fi rst is to facilitate the investigation and inquiry into matters that are potentially damaging to the public. Th e bill would establish a process for annual disclosures and empower the ombudsperson to oversee the administration of the law. It would require all reports to be public to ensure transparency and accountability. Th e second critical purpose of this legislation is to pro- tect individuals who make such disclosures. It takes cour- age to see something that is wrong and step up and talk about it.

Legitimate disclosures of this nature are in the public interest, and people who make such disclosures need to know that they will not be punished for doing the right thing. Th e Whistleblowers Protection Act would provide them that assurance and guarantee. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today. Bill M216, Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2017, intro- duced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on or- ders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) WOMEN’S MEMORIAL MARCH J.

Rice: Just under the McBride Street bridge on the Highway of Tears in Prince Rupert, people gathered to honour the missing and murdered, in concert with women’s marches held all over the province this past Valentine’s Day. Now in the 27th year, the February 14 an- nual women’s march is held on Valentine’s Day to honour the memory of all women who have died due to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual violence. The 1991 murder of a woman on Powell Street in Vancouver led to the fi rst Women’s Memorial March.

An annual march has resulted to express compassion, community and caring for all women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Th e annual march has illuminated the unjust violence endured by women, especi ally indigenous women. As an MLA representing many First Nations commun- ities, I know personally that families of the murdered and missing feel frustrated at the slow process to ad- dress these tragedies. Th ey feel discouraged at the re- sistance to deal with the systematic nature of gendered violence, poverty, racism and colonialism, which can fuel these tragedies.

The memorial march reminds us that missing and murdered women — as well as their families, commun- ities and loved ones — deserve answers, concrete action

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13601 and meaningful justice. My colleague from Vancouver– Mount Pleasant, who attended this year’s march, tells me it provides the space to come together, to heal together, to remember the women who are still missing and to dedi- cate ourselves to justice. Th e growing number of these Valentine’s Day marches held not just in Vancouver but across our province re- minds us that gendered violence is a much broader prob- lem not exclusive to one postal code. It is everywhere.

While thousands gathered in the streets of Vancouver two days ago to honour the women of the Downtown Eastside, three indigenous mothers organized a simul- taneous vigil in Prince Rupert, reminding us that even though it is 2017, violence against women is still occur- ring everywhere. MOOSE HIDE CAMPAIGN DAY M. Dalton: Today is Moose Hide Campaign Day in British Columbia.

From its inception in 2011 by aborig- inal co-founders Paul Lacerte and his daughter Raven, the mission of the Moose Hide Campaign is to engage aboriginal and non-aboriginal men to stand up and speak out about the violence committed against women and children in our communities. Members on both sides of this House and staff throughout the Legislature are showing their support, either by fasting or wearing moose hide pins or both. I want to recognize over 500 male public servants who are fasting today, as I am doing also. Th is fasting is to show commitment to women and children in our lives.

I was honoured to attend this morning’s opening ceremonies and also to be in attendance at the legisla- tive steps for the fi rst offi cial proclamation of Moose Hide Campaign Day in British Columbia. This is a movement for healing, transformation and taking a stand against violent behaviour against women, against children. Domestic violence aff ects entire communities.

Th e shock waves from the trauma reverberate through chil- dren and families, workplaces and schools, and so easily become generational. [1405] Th e simple square of moose hide is an acknowledg- ment that the vision of individuals can change hearts and minds and lives. Wearing the moose hide signifi es our commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in our lives. Over 500,000 moose hide pins have been distributed. Th is compares with 14,000 in 2014, a small indication of how this campaign has grown and is spreading from B.C. across Canada.

The Moose Hide Campaign is an example of how people can make a diff erence. For every wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece or grandmother — whoever has been subjected to violence — we say that we see you, we support you, and we respect you. SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE TRI-CITIES S. Robinson: Th e word “soroptimist” was coined from the Latin soror, meaning “sister, ” and optima, meaning “best. ” Soroptimists are women at their best helping other women to be their best.

In the Tri-Cities, the Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities has been around for over 17 years, and they have been committed to improving the lives of women and girls both locally and internationally. Th e Tri-Cities Soroptimists make a diff erence in the lives of women and girls every day. Th ey host a range of programs, includ- ing Bea’s Kloset, a free store for women and young girls at risk who are transitioning to a life of their own. Gently used household items are donated, and recipients are in- vited to shop for free for the household items they need.

Th ey have a warm place for women, a monthly social evening for women in need, providing hot meals, friendly faces, clothes, shoes and resource referrals. Th ey have the Enchantment Project, providing high school graduates whose families have limited incomes with formal attire so that these young women can attend their graduation ceremonies with pride. Th ey also have the Dream It, Be It project for girls in secondary schools who face obstacles for a future of suc- cess.

Th e project hosts an annual two-day conference for girls 14 to 18 where the girls discover their personal values, explore careers, learn to set achievable goals and learn to overcome obstacles. Th is coming weekend the Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities is hosting their annual fundraising gala, where they will be raising funds to run these programs. Th ey will also be giving awards to women and girls who have made a diff erence in the lives of other women.

Th ere will be awards for women who have faced adversity and are persisting with their educational goals and awards for young women who are still in high school and are making the world a better place through their volunteer eff orts. As one of the award judges, I have to say that every sin- gle one of the applications that we reviewed was a story of hope and possibility. I read about the adversity some of these women have faced. In spite of these challenges, they persist in caring for their children, making their way in the world and persist in their dreams.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AND IMMIGRANTS TO CHILLIW ACK L. Th roness: Recently I had occasion to visit a Chinese New Y ear celebration in Chilliwack at the Chinese Alliance Church there, which is pastored by Paul and Michelle Yua. Aft er meeting a number of new people, we gathered for a delicious communal meal of authentic Chinese food. Th en we all went upstairs to sing, listen to speeches and watch a video of Céline Dion singing in

British Columbia Debates13602 Thursday, February 16, 2017 Mandarin, which I can tell you was a unique cultural ex- perience in itself. It was exciting for me to off er greetings in English while Michelle translated into Mandarin, something I’ve never done before. I was speaking to an enthusiastic group of young people, and this is what I said to them. “We’ve all been immigrants to Canada at one time or another, and we’re all welcome here.

New Canadians need a friend, and I want to be a friend to newcomers to my riding. ” Chilliwack has always been a traditional area, a region populated by German, Dutch and other European im- migrants. Th ey are good people, solid people. Th ey have built this province. Even today when I visit schools in my constituency, classrooms remind me of those that I grew up in, in northern B.C. But our city is growing fast. Even in this area of rela- tive ethnic uniformity, new people are moving in. Our community is changing, and we welcome that change.

I look forward to developing closer relationships with new Canadians in my riding. I especially want to wish my new Chinese Canadian friends a hearty Xin nian kuai le, which I think means something like Happy Y ear of the Rooster, and welcome to Chilliwack. BILL McGOVERN AND CAPE HORN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL J. Wickens: When I was a child, I was never sent to the principal’s offi ce.

In fact, at that time, what I remember is that the principal’s offi ce was the last place you want- ed to be, and you certainly did not want the principal to talk to your parents. [1410] But when my children entered public education, things were much diff erent. Everybody wanted to be in the principal’s offi ce. I’ll never forget the day that I walked into Bill McGovern’s offi ce, the principal at Cape Horn Elementary in Coquitlam. I was tired, scared and won- dered if the public school system would meet the needs of my child.

He was caring and attentive, and took out a pad of paper and a pen and said to me: “Tell me about your son and what we can do to make him successful. ” He had all the time in the world for our family, and I left that meeting feeling like things would be okay. Bill McGovern was at Cape Horn Elementary for eight years, and we recently had to say goodbye. I can tell you that all of the staff , students and parents were incred- ibly sad to say goodbye to Bill. My little boy even shed a few tears.

Many of the people I talk to in the education sys- tem tell me that one of the key ingredients to an amaz- ing school is having a great principal. In the time that Bill McGovern was at Cape Horn Elementary, he was not only a principal. He was the school counsellor. He worked with gift ed students. He did pull-out math pro- grams and much, much more. When my daughter entered kindergarten, she couldn’t pronounce “McGovern, ” so she called him Mr. Government. Mr. Government, thank you for being a fantastic edu- cator and principal.

Th ere are no words to express the impact that you have had on the lives of students, par- ents and teachers. POST-TRUTH AND DEMOCRACY G. Hogg: Each year the Oxford Dictionary selects a word or phrase of the year, one that has attracted a great deal of interest. Last November they selected as the 2016 word of the year “post-truth, ” an adjective defi ned as relating to or denoting circumstances in which object- ive facts are less infl uential in shaping public opinion or policy than appeals to emotion or personal beliefs.

Canadian professor Mark Kingwell has written that it can seem as if “we are living in a world where fact, truth and evidence no longer exert the rational pull they once did” and that “fake news sites, junk science, politicians blithely dismissive of fact-checks and Google searches that appear to make us dumber render truth redundant. ” Of course, members of this Legislature would be the sin- gular exception to Professor Kingwell’s observation. Th e World Values Survey, a global study by social sci- entists, covers over 100 countries, including Canada, and has found some disturbing trends.

Far fewer mil- lennials object to autocratic governments than do their elders. Only 19 percent of Americans and 36 percent of Europeans say that a military takeover would not be legitimate. Just one-third see civil rights as absolutely es- sential, and in 1995, only 16 percent of American young- sters thought democracy was a bad system. By 2011, the percentage that thought it was a bad system increased to 25 percent. I wonder what that percentage would be in America today. Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman says that we can be blind to the obvious and also blind to our blindness.

May we strive to overcome that blindness and ensure that facts, truth and evidence, not appeals to emotion and personal beliefs, are the foundation of our opinions and our actions. Rational thought really means an ongoing agreement to take each other seriously. I know that that’s true, be- cause I looked it up and found it on Facebook. Oral Questions REPORTING OF ASSAULTS IN YOUTH DEATH CASE M. Mark: Y esterday we did not get many answers about the tragic death of Alex Gervais, but perhaps we’ll do better today.

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13603 We know that Alex would have thrived if he had been placed with his family, but government rejected that. We know that Alex was in desperate need of mental health services, but government rejected that too. We know that Alex pleaded for help ten days before his death, but gov- ernment ignored him. Th is government has a moral, a legal and a parental obligation to act — and, instead, did nothing. In April 2014, Alex told his caregiver and his social worker that he had been sexually assaulted by two older children in his foster home placement.

In response, gov- ernment took no action. Th ey off ered no counselling, no mental health supports — nothing. [1415] My question is for the Solicitor General. A child in government’s care was sexually assaulted. Why didn’t anyone bother to report it to the RCMP? Hon. S. Cadieux: Th e tragic death of Alex Gervais and the report which we have now received from the repre- sentative paint a very unfortunate picture, a very sad pic- ture of how the system failed that young man. I have spoken at length about this. I have issued a statement about this.

I have accepted all of the recom- mendations made by the representative’s offi ce in terms of how we learn from this, how we move forward, what we do diff erently. I’ve committed to all of those things. I’ve laid out how we will do that, and I am committed to doing that and more to ensure that the 7,000 children and youth in our care have a system that works to pro- tect and care for them. Madame Speaker: Th e member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant on a supplemental. M. Mark: With all due respect, I’ve heard that line one too many times.

Kids in this province, especially vulner- able kids, deserve some accountability. It gets worse. According to the representative, in August 2015, Alex told his social worker that he had been sexually assaulted by an adult respite caregiver. According to Alex, his caregiver, a private contractor with this government, plied him with cocaine and then sexual- ly assaulted him. Government’s response was to provide Alex with literature, with information about the Offi ce of the Representative for Children and Y outh. My question again is for the Solicitor General.

A child in government’s care reported that he was provided a restricted narcotic and sexually assaulted by an adult in a position of trust. Can he tell the House who was sup- posed to report this incident to the RCMP , and can he tell this House if he even bothered? Hon. S. Cadieux: No one is arguing the duty to report. It is clear. We stand by that duty. It is absolute. It is all of our responsibility, if we are the fi rst person to understand that there is a risk to the child, to report. Let me just re- iterate again for the member.

Th ey will continue to use an extremely tragic circumstance and a really diffi cult situa- tion in the death of a child, a youth — for lack of a bet- ter term — to slime me. Th ey can do that, and that’s okay. But I want them to take a moment to remember that when they paint the entire system this way, it does not refl ect well on the thousands of caregivers in residential circumstances, in foster circumstances, the social workers on the front line who devote their lives to protecting chil- dren. Each and every one of those people who does a fan- tastic job is hurt by the commentary.

Most of all, it doesn’t do anything to support the children and youth in our care, those who are thriving, those who are in circumstances where they are succeeding and who deserve our respect. Madame Speaker: Th e member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant on a fi nal supplemental. M. Mark: Shame. Shame on making those remarks that somehow this is about the minister instead of Alex. Th e government has elected to make good decisions, best-interest decisions and protect the most vulner- able.

I would remind everyone in this House that this is about Alex and other vulnerable children that the Representative for Children and Y outh reported on — not Plecas, but an independent offi ce that exposed the truth in what happened for a vulnerable kid named Alex in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family. [1420] Let’s recap. Alex was sexually assaulted by two older children in foster care, and no one told the police.

Alex was given narcotics by a caregiver and sexually assaulted, and no one told the police — not the caregiver, not the social worker and not anyone at the Ministry of Children and Family Development. According to the representa- tive, Alex was reportedly stabbed in the neck and ser- iously injured, and no one told the police. My question is for the Solicitor General. Surely he knows that people in a position of trust who care for vulnerable children are required, have a duty, to inform the police when a child is harmed.

Can he provide an ex- planation to this House as to why no one ever bothered to inform the police when Alex was assaulted, not once but three times? Hon. S. Cadieux: Again, the death of Alex Gervais is tragic, and the circumstances leading up to his death are tragic and inexcusable. When something like this hap- pens, it is our duty to investigate, for the representative to investigate, and for us to act to make changes to en- sure that it doesn’t happen again. We are committed to that, and that’s what we will do. N.

Simons: Y esterday the Minister of Children and Family Development said it was not her practice to

British Columbia Debates13604 Thursday, February 16, 2017 second-guess the decisions of her staff . For better or for worse, the minister responsible for the safety of 7,100 children, vulnerable children, in this province…. When one of them was sexually assaulted, no one bothered to call the police. Can the minister tell this House whose job it was to report Alex’s assault to the authorities? Hon. S. Cadieux: Again, to the member, we all have a duty to report. Whoever is the fi rst receiver of the infor- mation that a child is at risk has a duty to report.

Madame Speaker: Powell River–Sunshine Coast on a supplemental. N. Simons: Th at’s a good message for the public to hear. However, it’s not one that’s obviously understood by everyone in this House. Th e minister has demon- strated a remarkable ability to be responsible without being accountable. Alex is denied placement with his family, and that’s someone else’s decision. Alex’s repeated assaults are never reported to the authorities. Th at’s someone else’s decision.

Th e obvious question to the minister is: if one of the children currently in the care of the province is as- saulted, ultimately, whose job is it to make sure that the police are informed? Hon. S. Cadieux: For those watching and for this House, let me remind the member that there are laws in this province. Th e CFCSA has guiding principles that outline the safety and well-being of children. Under that legislation, I, as minister, designate the authority to act on that law to designated directors. Th ey are the statutory guardians of children in care, and they must act in the best interests of children in care.

Similarly, there is a duty to report for those people who may be aware of a situation where a child is at risk. Th ey have a duty to report. But let’s just also remember that our front-line pro- fessionals go into homes where there may be domestic violence. Th ere may be substance abuse. Th ere may be child abuse. Th ere may be a whole range of horrifi c cir- cumstances. Th en they have to make decisions, based on their professional judgment, whether or not to remove a child from their family.

Th e members opposite seem to think that it would be better for the elected offi cials — me, as the minister — to make those decisions, and I don’t. I don’t agree. In fact, I think that would be absurd and, frankly, dangerous, be- cause I am not trained to make those decisions. [1425] FOSTER HOME STANDARDS C. James: If the minister or this government actually cared about the most vulnerable children in this prov- ince, the minister would have made sure that the re- sources were there. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Member, please take your seat. Members, this House will come to order. Please continue. C.

James: Th is government would have put the re- sources that were requested by the Representative for Children and Y outh and the hard-working social work- ers in this province, who need the resources in the fi eld. That’s what the government would have done if they took this issue seriously. Th ey would have put those re- sources in place. Y esterday we raised the fact that this minister has achieved a zero compliance rate for monitoring the safe- ty and well-being of kids’ foster homes in the northwest, in the Kootenays and in the east Fraser Valley.

So in three regions of this province, the minister could not or would not ensure that there were enough social workers to make contact with children in care at least once every three months. My question is to the minister. Can she explain why she is apparently unable to enforce a law that she is dir- ectly responsible for? Hon. S. Cadieux: Th e member opposite would have you believe that she and the NDP are the only people in this province that care about children. She couldn’t be more wrong. Th e system is not perfect, not by a long shot. Th ere is plenty to do.

Quality assurance is one of those areas that we have acknowledged needs more resources, and more have been put in. Th ere is no question that it’s unaccept- able when we do an audit and our compliance is not in line. It’s not okay. Th en our directors go in and they put in place an action plan with supports to fi x those problems. We report publicly because we’re not ashamed of the fact that there is more work to do. Th ere will always be more work to do. But on my watch, the number of kids in care is down because we’re doing a better job of keep- ing kids with their families.

Th e budget has been lift ed signifi cantly to support our front-line workers and to add front-line workers so that their caseloads are lower, so that they have more time to spend directly with the families and youth that they serve, because we do under- stand how important this work is and how much more there is to do. Madame Speaker: Victoria–Beacon Hill on a supple- mental. C. James: Zero compliance. Th ree regions of this prov- ince have zero compliance with a very basic requirement

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13605 to see children in care at least once every three months. Th e minister herself just said we need more resources. Since 2014, the minister has been unable to document that social workers are checking in on children in care at least once every three months. In the case of contracted homes, homes like Alex was in, here’s how the minister’s own staff described their over- sight responsibilities: “We had, like, a hands-off approach to contractors. Th ey’re a business. We buy the service.

We need to ensure they’re providing the service, but we don’t handhold them. We don’t provide support to their staff .” If the minister isn’t monitoring kids in foster homes and she’s not monitoring kids in private care, where is she monitoring vulnerable children in this province? Hon. S. Cadieux: Th ere is monitoring. Th ere is quality assurance. We need more of it. We need to do a better job of it. I am not arguing with that, and we’re committed to getting that done.

We’ve laid out a plan for that, and more is continuing to be done because we value the foster and residential placements that we have for kids. [1430] In most cases, they are good. Th ey are extraordinary, in most cases. In fact — the member will know this, having been a foster parent herself — there are thousands upon thousands of amazing families who give wonderful, lov- ing, stable homes to foster children. Many of those have fostered upwards of 30 children over their many years of service. Most of our adoptive families start out as fos- ter families. Th ere are tremendous caring people out there.

Th ere are also some bad actors, and we’re going to make sure we get to them. STUDENT HOUSING AND RENTAL V ACANCY RATE A. Weaver: Students at British Columbia’s post- secondary institutions are struggling to fi nd aff ordable rental accommodation. Y et at the same time, colleges and universities across B.C. are desperate to build more on- campus housing. Th e barrier to building such housing is access to capital and government concern about increased public debt and how it will aff ect our triple-A credit rating and, hence, the cost of servicing existing debt.

But if an external organization were to own the debt, there would be no risk to B.C. ’s credit rating. Colleges and universities could service it through operating rev- enues generated from on-campus residence fees, a very captive audience that exists there. Housing more students on campus frees up off -campus rental units, thereby eas- ing upward pressure on rents. Will the government commit to exploring the creation of an external non-government organization that would own the debt, thereby allowing colleges and universities to build more on-campus housing? Hon. A.

Wilkinson: I thank the member from Oak Bay for his thoughtful and productive question, which distinguishes it from many in this room. Now, the member is known to be a very clever man, but the ministry staff are at least a year ahead of him on this question. It’s actually interesting that yesterday I met with the president of the University of Victoria to discuss this very issue. Th e prospects there are very strong for this exact opportunity to build student housing which will not form part of government debt. Th e details of this arrangement need to be worked out.

Th ere are arrangements that need to be set up for the deal structure, for the fi nancing vehicles. But I think the key point here is to congratulate the member for Oak Bay– Gordon Head for his insight, for his dedication to good public policy. I’m sure he’ll be so persuaded by his own genius that he won’t need to ask a follow-up question. Madame Speaker: Oak Bay–Gordon Head on a sup- plemental. A. Weaver: Well, I must say that was a somewhat pa- tronizing response to a serious question. I would point out, in fact, that this lone B.C. Green MLA was several years ahead of the B.C.

Liberals in identifying an aff ord- ability crisis in this province that they refuse to deal with. Th ere’s an ongoing aff ordability crisis not only in Metro Vancouver but here in the capital regional district. For many living in our two largest cities, home ownership is simply not an option for the foreseeable future. Y et at the same time, the private apartment rental vacancy rate in Victoria is 0.5 percent, and in Vancouver, it’s 0.7 percent. My previous question off ered one possible way for the government to reduce pressures on the existing rental stock, and I’m glad to see that they’re taking it up.

But the question that I have is this: what other steps is this government taking to address the vacancy rates in Metro Vancouver and the CRD? An answer that’s saying “build more stock” is simply not going to deal with the issue in the time required to deal with it. What is the govern- ment doing? Hon. A.

Wilkinson: Th e question actually refl ects well into the member’s fi rst question in that the novel housing arrangements for fi nancing that we have come up with in this government, courtesy of the Minister Responsible for Natural Gas Development and Housing, have provided this fi nancing vehicle that’s provided 800 non-profi t housing providers in more than 280 commun- ities across British Columbia with support for more than 104,000 households. [1435] Th e plans that the member calls upon are already be- ing implemented.

Since 2001, we have completed close to 24,000 new units of aff ordable housing, with more than 5,000 more units in development or under construction.

British Columbia Debates13606 Thursday, February 16, 2017 Th ank you for the question. If you have any further, we’ d be glad to answer them. PHARMANET SYSTEM PRIV ACY BREACH D. Routley: Last week the B.C. Liberals said they were victims of a privacy breach. Th e Premier said the breach made her really angry and that she was going to call the police. Th en we learned that the Premier was just mak- ing stuff up. As it turns out, last week thousands of British Columbians were victims of a real and serious pri- vacy breach.

Their personal information — includ- ing their names, addresses, dates of birth and personal health numbers — were illegally accessed through the PharmaNet website. What did the Premier say when thousands of taxpayers, thousands of citizens of British Columbia, were the victims of a serious privacy breach? Nothing. Can the Minister of Citizens’ Services explain how he could allow the most sensitive personal information of 7,500 citizens of British Columbia to be illegally accessed from a site that he is responsible for protecting? Hon. T.

Lake: Firstly, I believe the Premier did com- ment on this and expressed her concern that patient in- formation should be confi dential. Th is is a matter that we take very seriously. PharmaNet is an internationally recognized network, and it protects patient safety by preventing potentially dangerous medi- cation errors. Unfortunately, we were made aware, through one of the providers, that there was unusual activity. It was re- ported, and we have followed up. An investigation is ongoing to determine how that occurred and the mo- tivation behind trying to get this information.

We also are doing a separate privacy security review through a private company to ensure that we are putting those pri- vacy mechanisms in place. We do take this very seriously, and all British Columbians that have been aff ected have been notifi ed. Madame Speaker: Nanaimo–North Cowichan on a supplemental. D. Routley: Well, it’s a pattern with this government. We could just roll the tape of the last privacy breach and roll the tape of the response. “Never again” is what they said the time before. When it comes to protecting the personal information of British Columbians, they just don’t seem to care.

Y esterday we spoke to a woman who was frustrated and angry aft er she and her mother received letters from the Ministry of Health. Th ey were told that their personal health profi les had been viewed by an unauthorized in- dividual. Th ey are concerned about the impact of this breach, and all they get from the minister is a letter say- ing that they should hire a credit-monitoring service or contact the police. Can the minister explain why it is that when his gov- ernment fails to protect British Columbians’ private in- formation, it’s not his problem; it’s their problem? Hon. T.

Lake: We do our utmost to protect the pri- vacy of patient information, but we know that in the age of data and cyber technology today, this is a risk of the 21st century. Th is happens to governments. It happens to organizations, as we saw south of the border during a general election. Unfortunately, it is a huge challenge when we manage so much data in an electronic world. Th at means that we must meet that challenge by putting security in place to protect people’s information. In this circumstance, investigations to date have not revealed that any financial information was received during this breach.

But we will continue our investiga- tion and make sure that we do the utmost to protect pa- tient privacy. S. Robinson: The Ministry of Health had privacy breaches in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and now in 2017. So 7,500 more people have had their private data accessed. It’s clearly a pattern for this government. Th e last time that PharmaNet had a privacy breach, the ministry issued a press release and told everyone that they would get to the bottom of things. [1440] But this time we only found out about this breach because the people affected by this latest breach…. Well, they contacted the opposition and the media.

Government seems more interested in covering up than in actually answering people’s questions. My question is for the minister. Is the reason that he didn’t inform the public about this latest breach because he didn’t know about it himself, or is it because he just didn’t care? Hon. T. Lake: Well, fi rstly, I think that is a ridiculous question because I care very much about patient privacy.

Th ere is a duty to report, as we heard earlier, in many circumstances, and when people’s private information is made available, our fi rst duty, the duty of anyone that comes across a situation like that, is to report it to the Offi ce of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Th at is what people should do when they discover that people’s personal information is not being held confi - dential. Th at’s what we did, followed by an investigation that is ongoing. It’s complex. The PharmaNet system serves all the pharmacies in British Columbia.

Over 3,000 physicians use this system, and we are determined to make sure that it is held secure.

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13607 S. Robinson: It would be helpful if we actually got an answer that, in fact, this ministry did care. But clearly they don’t because the last time that the ministry failed to protect PharmaNet data the ministry actually off ered every affected person free credit protection services. Government messed up, government got caught and gov- ernment had to take responsibility. Th is time, what did they tell people whose privacy was aff ected? Th ey told them that they are on their own.

People have been calling the ministry, and they’ve been getting no answers and no help from this government. Has this government’s lax attitude to privacy breaches become so engrained and so standard that they now ex- pect people that they impact to just go out on their own and take care of business that they need to take care of? Hon. T. Lake: Well, fi rstly, it appears that user names and passwords that are supposed to be held confi dential by physicians were accessed somehow. It wasn’t the gov- ernment giving out this information, as much the oppos- ition members would have you believe.

To our knowledge, at this point, no fi nancial informa- tion has been accessed. But we are working with individ- uals on a case-by-case basis. If there is any evidence that fi nancial information was obtained or that people are at risk in terms of their credit, we will work with those British Columbians to safeguard their private, personal fi nancial information and keep them from being at risk. S. Simpson: In 2014, the last time PharmaNet had a data breach on the Health Minister’s watch, he promised to do better.

Th e minister said: “British Columbians ex- pect the Ministry of Health to safeguard their personal medical information, and as Minister of Health, I take that responsibility very seriously. ” Th e result of that serious concern is another breach that aff ects four times as many people. Th at’s fi ve breach- es in fi ve years for the Minister of Health, a litany of pri- vacy breaches under this government and this minister. While the minister may shrug and say, “We’re going to do better, ” the thousands of people who have had their information breached are concerned about identity theft .

Th ey’re concerned about a whole range of issues. What we heard today was nothing in response to a simple question. Th e question is: how come the govern- ment is telling these thousands of people to pick up the bill for credit protection services for themselves instead of paying the bill for your mistake? Madame Speaker: Members know they’re directed through the Chair. [1445] Hon. T.

Lake: Firstly, as I mentioned, if there are people who we determine, working with individuals, that their fi nancial information is at risk, of course we will work to help protect their fi nancial information and keep their credit from being at risk. Th ere are literally thousands and thousands and thou- sands of electronic transactions on PharmaNet each and every day, and as hard as I work and as hard as the people in our ministry work, as hard as physicians and pharma- cists all across this province work, I can’t stand here and promise this House that we will never have this kind of thing happen again.

Th is is the kind of thing, in the 21st century, where we have to be ever vigilant. If anyone is going to stand up and pretend to promise that we will never run into these challenges, it would be disingenuous. But I do give my commitment to this House that we will work as hard as possible to keep patient information confi dential and secure. [End of question period.] Reports from Committees D. McRae: I have the honour to present the report of the Special Committee to Appoint a Representative for Children and Y outh. I move that the report to be taken as read and received. Motion approved. D.

McRae: I ask leave of the House to move a motion to adopt the report. Leave granted. D. McRae: In moving adoption of this report, I’ d like to make some brief comments. Th is report was deposited with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly on November 15, 2016, and publicly released on that day. It presents the special committee’s unanimous recommendation to ap- point Bernard Richard as the Representative for Children and Y outh for the province of British Columbia. Mr.

Richard impressed the special committee with his experience serving children and youth, working with in- digenous communities and managing independent non- partisan organizations. He also brings a record of high ethical standards and a principled and a collaborative leadership style. Mr. Richard is in the gallery with us today — above you, Madame Speaker — along with his wife, Annie Richard; the Deputy Representative for Children and Y outh, Dawn Th omas-Wightman; and the executive co- ordinator, Carissa Matheson. I would like to welcome Mr. Richard and his wife to British Columbia.

If I may, as he’s new to our province…. I know that his friends and colleagues back in New Brunswick perhaps are under a metre of snow right now in a second snow- storm. Th ey always appreciate when we send pictures of cherry blossoms from Victoria, which will start ap-

British Columbia Debates13608 Thursday, February 16, 2017 pearing in the next week or so. I think you’ll fi nd that’s well received, Mr. Richard. I also wish to express our appreciation to Ms. Th omas- Wightman and her colleagues for their professionalism and dedication during this transition period. On November 15, 2016, the Select Standing Committee on Children and Y outh also considered Mr. Richard’s ex- tensive experience and qualifi cations and unanimously appointed him as acting Representative for Children and Y outh, commencing on November 27, 2016.

I commend the standing committee for this acting appointment. It has ensured a smooth transition for the Offi ce of the Representative for Children and Y outh and has enabled the offi ce to continue its important work on behalf of children and youth and their families. On behalf of the special committee and all members of the legislative committee, I would also like to express my gratitude to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond for her many contributions to B.C. ’s children and youth during her ten years as our province’s fi rst representative.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Deputy Chair, the member for Nelson-Creston, and all special committee members for their hard work and dedication on this important appointment process. C. James: On behalf of the member for Nelson- Creston and myself, I would like to thank the Chair and thank the members of the committee. This certainly started off a very challenging task. I think, as you’ve have heard from the Chair, that replacing an extraordinary woman — Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond — was no small feat for us to take on as a committee.

We had a very strong voice and a very strong advocate in our province and a woman who leaves a lasting legacy for all of British Columbia. But we did take on this responsibility. We took it on and worked very hard over a number of months, and I am thrilled and proud to stand up and support this direction and to appoint Bernard Richard as our Representative for Children and Y outh in this province. Y ou’ve heard from the Chair about the extensive skills and the experience that Bernard brings to the role: his experience as an independent offi cer, his experience with children and families.

But I want to mention a couple of other pieces that really stood out in the interview process. Th e fi rst one is Bernard’s passion for improving the lives of the most vulnerable. Th at was very clear in any discus- sion that we had and was fi rst and foremost in his mind. He also has had extensive work with First Nations, which certainly, from all of our perspectives, was an im- portant piece in this role and was something that we felt was very important. [1450] Th e last piece I just want to mention was his respect for the voice of children and youth in the process of serving them.

Th at was, again, another extensive discussion we had with Bernard Richard, and it was something that he felt very strongly about. I think we are incredibly fortunate in British Columbia to have Bernard Richard come in as our representative — no longer acting, but Representative for Children and Yo u t h . Motion approved. D. McRae: I ask leave of the House to permit the mov- ing of a motion to appoint Mr. Richard as Representative for Children and Y outh. Leave granted. Motions Without Notice APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH D.

McRae: I move that: [Bernard Richard be appointed Representative for Children and Y outh and an offi cer of the Legislature for a fi ve year term commencing on February 16, 2017, pursuant to

section 2 of the Representative for Children and Youth Act [S.B.C. 2006] c. 29.] Motion approved. Madame Speaker: Vancouver-Kensington seeks leave to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members M. Elmore: I’ d like to welcome a class of 20 students from the Take a Hike program at John Oliver. Th ey’re here with us today in the Legislature. Th ey’re accompanied by teacher and founding member Tim Gale, therapist Brian O’Neill and youth and family worker Adrian Connor. Th e Take a Hike program is a unique program.

It’s an experiential, adventure-based program that uses therapy to change students’ lives, and it uses a holistic approach to education, including the spirit, body and mind approach. It’s really a groundbreaking program and a leading program, not only in British Columbia but across our country. Really, I think it’s the future, not only of ensur- ing that we’re bringing together experiential, therapeutic and educational aspects but as a model for all students to be successful. Th ey’re looking to expand the program.

Th ey’re cur- rently at John Oliver, in Vancouver-Kensington, as well as in Burnaby and West Kootenay, and they are looking to expand the program to another district across the prov- ince. So if anyone’s interested in just a terrifi c program, you can approach me. I can pass on the information. I highly recommend it.

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13609 When I asked the students, I said: “How would you characterize the program? What would you like me to tell everybody here what you think about the program?” Th ey said: “Tell everybody that it kills. ” Translation: it means that it’s really good. Th at’s from the students — just a great dynamic. Th ey’ve got a fundraiser snowshoeing next week. Just a shout-out for that for anyone who wants to join.

One of the students said to me that being in the program is developing leadership for the future, and this young man told me that he plans to become the Prime Minister of our country. Please ask everybody to give them a warm welcome. Standing Order 35 REQUEST TO DEBATE A MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE — ISLAMOPHOBIA AND SYSTEMIC RACISM M. Farnworth: I rise pursuant to Standing Order 35 to discuss a matter of urgent public importance.

If you approve the request under Standing Order 35, it is my intention that the House would debate a resolution that would condemn Islamophobia and all other forms of sys- temic racism and religious discrimination. Furthermore, it would condemn the recent terrorist murders of six people at the Islamic mosque in Quebec City and the rise of incidents of hate speech in communities in British Columbia. Hon. M. de Jong: Thanks to my colleague the Opposition House Leader.

I am obliged to him for hav- ing come to see me a couple days ago to indicate his and his colleagues’ interest in this matter and, also, the op- portunity to consider the form of the motion that he has just related to the House. I’m happy to inform the House that it is the government’s view that this matter should proceed. We have agreed that the matter should be de- liberated upon for one hour this aft ernoon. Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, it appears that there is agreement that the matter raised by the member for Port Coquitlam shall proceed. Shall leave be granted for a debate on the motion presented?

Leave granted. Madame Speaker: Debate may proceed. By agreement, the debate shall not exceed one hour. As the mover of the motion, the member for Port Coquitlam may speak for up to seven minutes and other members for up to fi ve minutes each. [1455] Standing Order 35 ISLAMOPHOBIA AND SYSTEMIC RACISM B. Ralston: On the evening of January 29, 2017, six Canadians were murdered and others were seriously in- jured…. I have to move the motion.

Pardon me. [Be it resolved that this House condemns Islamophobia and all other forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination and, furthermore, condemns the recent terrorist murders of six people at the Islamic Mosque of Quebec City and the rise of incidents of hate speech in communities in British Columbia.] Madame Speaker: Please proceed. B. Ralston: On the evening of January 29, 2017, six Canadians were murdered and others were seriously in- jured at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec, the Islamic mosque of Quebec City. Canadians were shocked by the news of this horrifi c and despicable attack.

It is an assault on every one of us in Canada. It strikes at the heart of the very tenets of our civil society, our shared values and our commitment to multiculturalism, diversity and religious freedom. One of the most gruesome aspects of these acts of ter- rorism was that these six people and others were injured while at prayer. Prayer is an intimate spiritual moment, whether at a church, a synagogue, a gurdwara, a mandir or a masjid. Th e violation of a sacred space makes this crime, this attack, particularly outrageous and despicable.

Many British Columbians and, indeed, many members of this House have gathered in vigils and demonstrations to express rejection of racism and hate. Most recently, last Sunday, a lively demonstration took place at the Peace Arch border crossing. No Ban, No Wall was organized by Jean-Michel Oblette, himself a new Canadian citizen only since January 10, 2017. Th e hatred and racism that motivated the murder in Quebec has shown itself here in British Columbia, so we ought not to be complacent. In recent incidents, racist fl y- ers were distributed in Richmond, attacking Canadians of Chinese origin.

Material was distributed by hate-pro- moting groups in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and pro- Nazi posters appeared in New Westminster.

When I heard of the terrorist attack of those at prayer in Quebec City in the midst of an intimate spiritual mo- ment, I thought how it could easily be men or women at prayer in mosques and Islamic centres in my home riding of Surrey-Whalley at Masjid al-Noor on 98A Avenue, Masjid al-Huda on Grosvenor Road or Masjid Anwar-e-Madina on 105A; or children at prayer at Iqra Islamic School — and others in Surrey, whether at the Fiji Islamic Centre; the Fleetwood Islamic Centre on 162nd; the Masjid ur-Rahmah on 62nd, where the Imam Abdul Rehman held an open house just last week; or at the Surrey Jamea Masjid on 72nd Avenue; the Guildford

British Columbia Debates13610 Thursday, February 16, 2017 Islamic Cultural Centre; the Cloverdale Masjid; or, in- deed, the White Rock Masjid. To give a sense of the diversity of places of worship throughout the province of British Columbia, there are Muslims among us in many, many communities. Members will know that, because I’m sure they’ve vis- ited or off ered condolences to those at those institutions very recently, whether Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, Langley, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Prince George, Richmond, Vancouver or Vernon.

Th is community is feeling very vulnerable and fragile and I know will welcome the wholehearted support of the B.C. Legislature. As some south of the border in the United States seek to build walls, to divide us, to ban people from their country, and others, based solely on their religion, we in Canada and British Columbia must reaffi rm our commitment to tolerance, to diversity and multiculturalism and speak out against hate and against discrimination in all its forms. Hon. S.

Bond: The entire world was horrified on January 29 when we learned that six people were killed and 19 others were injured while they prayed in the sanc- tity of their mosque. Our hearts broke when we saw the images of grieving families, but we also felt heartsick that this could occur in our beloved country. [1500] As someone who, like the member opposite before me, has visited a mosque, it was incomprehensible to think that the incredible silence and peace of prayer in the mosque was shattered. It’s more than many Canadians could bear. As many other MLAs in this House, I was humbled by my community’s response.

In my hometown of Prince George, a crowd of over 300 people came out on a very cold Monday night to the steps of city hall to hold a candlelight vigil to honour the victims and their fam- ilies. Together we shared our love and our support for our Muslim friends and our neighbours. On the steps of the city hall, the imam expressed gratitude for the visible demonstration of care and compassion. His words were powerful and personal, as they were yesterday when the imam of Victoria prayed here in the Legislature.

Ironically, I received an email from the imam this morning, noting his honour and how he felt to have led prayers in this House yesterday. And in his words: “Even though the loss of life was and always will be tragic, it is our responsibility to bring out something positive from such negative circumstances. ” He said: “We must stand united against Islamophobia and against all other injus- tices. We must stand up for what is right, always. We are one people. ” I know fi rsthand that British Columbians have been working hard to ensure that we support those who choose to make British Columbia their home.

Every year we welcome refugees — and most recently from Syria — people who in their country face persecution and threats against their lives. In Canada, we pride ourselves on be- ing inclusive, accepting and accommodating to everyone, regardless of their religion, their ethnicity or their sexual orientation. With the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C. welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year. Th ere is a poignant example of the character of the people of British Columbia. British Columbia has re- ceived over 3,300 Syrian refugees between November 2015 and December 31 of 2016.

Syrian refugees have settled in 58 communities around our province, includ- ing hundreds of them who have settled in communities outside of the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley. I have been privileged to meet and welcome many refu- gees, including some of the fi rst Syrian refugees to arrive in British Columbia.

While their English skills might be limited right now, there were two words that I heard con- stantly: “Th ank you. ” With the great privilege of living in Canada comes the responsibility for all of us as Canadians to make sure that those who come to our country seeking safety and help are welcomed as members of our communities and sup- ported as such. While I know that the majority of Canadians and British Columbians are tolerant, accepting and inclusive, it would be wrong to not address the fact that racism still exists in our society.

Over time, many tools have been created to support and to partner with communities as we work together to combat racism. Th ere have been community-led programs such as Organizing Against Racism and Hate, providing public education programs to help school students understand and challenge racism. We delivered in this very house the Chinese historical wrongs apology. We’ve provided funding for community groups to address racism in their communities. As I said previously, British Columbians have come together as a community to support those who have come to us in need.

While we know that we cannot say that tragedies like that that occurred in Quebec City will not happen again or that racism and hate crimes will stop, I know that all of us can say confi dently that the people of British Columbia will continue to be inclusive, toler- ant and accepting. To repeat the words of the imam of Victoria: “We must stand up for what is right, always. We are one people. ” I hope that today this debate will dem- onstrate that very belief here in the Legislature. [1505] H.

Bains: Th e motion before us is that “this House condemns Islamophobia and all other forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination and, furthermore, condemns the recent terrorist murders of six people at the Islamic Mosque of Quebec City and the rise of inci- dents of hate speech in communities in British Columbia. ”

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13611 It is my privilege, it is my honour, to rise in support of this motion. Th is motion is very timely and fi tting to discuss the issues in this motion. Recently, we have seen a rise in racist incidents in the Lower Mainland and other places, largely coinciding, I would say, with the rise of a person with his divisive ap- proach to politics down south.

I think it is a display of demagoguery of the highest form — blaming Mexicans for crime in United States cities and building walls to keep people out, blaming Muslims for terrorist attacks in the United States. Dividing communities must be re- jected, and that’s what we are doing right now. Issuing an executive order to ban travellers from seven countries, mostly are Muslim citizens, then to say: “It is not a ban on Muslims. ” Really? Please, do not insult the people’s intelligence.

By the way, in all terrorist attack in- cidents in America or any incident of harm to Americans, none of the people involved were from these seven coun- tries that are banned. Since that time, we have seen the racist fl yers in dif- ferent Lower Mainland communities — Abbotsford, Richmond, New Westminster. I want to thank all those communities who came together to stand together and reject this racist approach by a few. Th e weekend of January 28, for me, I think, will be a weekend of remembering.

It started with me standing with 34 community leaders of diff erent faiths, of diff er- ent groups, denouncing the United States’ ban on travel- lers from seven countries. On January 29, I, along with my many colleagues from the Lower Mainland and our leader, were with our Muslim brothers and sisters cele- brating the B.C. Muslim Association’s 50th anniversary in Canada. Believe me, there’s a lot to celebrate there. But then the news of the terrorist attack in Quebec City start- ed to pour in, and the celebration turned into mourning.

As a result, six people were killed — Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufi ane, Mamadou Tanou Barry and Ibrahima Barry — and dozens of others were injured. Th is attack was not only on our Muslim brothers and sisters; it was an attack on all of us Canadians. It was an attack on humanity. It is hard to comprehend that some- one can think about attacking another person who was probably in the most peaceful position that one can be: kneeling to pray.

We also want to send, with this motion, at this time, our deepest condolences and our sympathies and pray- ers to those families of the victims. Today, through this motion, we in this House are sending a message also, again to the families of the victims: “Y ou’re not alone in this. Th e whole nation is standing with you in support. ” We also want to send a message to our Muslim broth- ers and sisters in Canada that we are united to quell the forces of division and those who are trying to divide us. We are one people. Th at’s the message that is coming out of this House.

We’re also reaffi rming our commitment to the very basic Canadian human values of inclusiveness and multiculturalism, and recommitting to continue to build Canada on those values of love and caring. [1510] Send a message to the world that no one will be al- lowed to divide us as Canadians and as human beings, for whatever their personal purpose in life is, on the basis of religion, race and place of origin. At the same time, we must stay vigilant and not be complacent, because we in Canada are not immune to these kinds of racist incidents.

We also send a reminder to each one of us that togeth- er, we can build a better Canada, a Canada that is more equal, more peaceful and more inclusive. Hon. S. Anton: I thank the mover for bringing this motion forward. Along with the other members of this House, we grieve. I grieve. We grieve with the families of the victims. We grieve with Quebec. Our thoughts, our hearts, our pray- ers are with them. Th is was a terrible moment, and it was particularly grievous that the victims were shot as they prayed in their mosque.

We have fundamental freedoms in Canada, and free- dom to worship is one of those key fundamental free- doms. Whether you’re a Christian, a Jew, a Sikh, a Buddhist, a Muslim or any of the other myriad religions which make up our Canadian fabric, we all understand the importance of being able to practise our religion in safety and in peace. And that is not, of course, what hap- pened in the mosque in Quebec. In British Columbia and in Canada, we celebrate di- versity. We celebrate the right of all persons to live with- out fear of harassment or harm.

Now, I represent the riding of Vancouver-Fraserview, which is an extraordinarily diverse riding. Like many members in this House, I go to the high school gradu- ations. When I watch those young men and women crossing the stage, I see young men and women of every religion, every colour, every nationality, everything that you can imagine. It is a happy moment. I’m sure my col- leagues share that sentiment when they see that, when you see those young men and women in their diversity. We celebrate that as being part of our British Columbia fabric, as being part of our Canadian fabric.

My colleague the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Development talked about racism. Let me talk for a mo- ment on the issue of violence because the two, of course, are linked. Now, we in government have a violence-free British Columbia initiative. We have a provincial offi ce of domestic violence. But let me address, for a moment, our partners in anti-violence initiatives who make the diff er- ence every single day in their work in British Columbia. In particular, let me talk about the Moose Hide Campaign, which many of us saw at lunchtime today. Like many of us, I’m wearing the moose hide, which is

British Columbia Debates13612 Thursday, February 16, 2017 a symbol of the campaign. Th is is a campaign by men, mainly indigenous, against violence against women and children. What an admirable campaign it is. Th e senti- ments and the expressions of the importance of the campaign were expressed today on the front steps of the Legislature. Those are the kinds of things that make us safe in Canada and that help all of us. It’s those such programs against violence and against racism which keep us on guard and keep us remembering that we have to be on guard. We have to always be paying attention.

Such pro- grams can keep us on guard against such things as the violence, the hate, the Islamophobia which was served upon the victims in the mosque in Quebec. J. Darcy: I rise to speak in support of this motion. Eight days before the horrifi c shootings in a Quebec City mosque, people in New Westminster woke up to learn that a local United Church had been defaced overnight by pro-Nazi posters that targeted Muslims and Jews.

Th e reaction in my community was shock and dis- belief and outrage that this could happen in our city, a diverse community that includes people from all corners of the globe, a community that came together to welcome Syrian refugees with open arms. Speaking personally, it also aff ected me profoundly because my father lost family members in the Holocaust.

Aft er the war, he brought his young family to Canada but kept his Jewishness a secret from everyone — in- cluding his children — until a few years before he died at the age of 93. [1515] It was clear to everyone in our community, immedi- ately, that we had to act, to say no to Islamophobia, no to anti-Semitism, no to hatred and bigotry in whatever form. So we put out a call to leaders of all faiths and com- munity organizations and residents to come together as something we called #NewWestUnited for equality, di- versity and community.

In only four short days, we gathered 250 people on the steps of city hall, an imam, a rabbi, the New West gurdwara, Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt First Nation, an Anglican minister, New West Pride, a Member of Parliament, our mayor and a community choir. Th e words of the imam at that time were incredibly powerful, when he said we must build bridges, not walls. In our words and in our songs that night, we sent a loud and clear message that we were resolved that we would stand together and support anyone who felt tar- geted and unsafe. It was a message of love, not hate.

Th e next day the President of the United States intro- duced a ban on Muslims entering the United States. Two days aft er that, six Muslim men were killed and many others were injured as they prayed in a mosque in Sainte- Foy, Quebec. Canadians and British Columbians came together as one to express their horror and their outrage and to express their solidarity in many diff erent ways with our Muslim neighbours and friends. In my community, this solidarity runs very, very deep.

Th e New West United buttons that we produced and the New West United posters are in wide use throughout the city, but there is also a profound level of fear that is in the hearts and minds of so many people in my com- munity — fi rst and foremost in the Muslim community in New Westminster. But the fear extends beyond them.

I spoke with a young woman of South Asian origin the next day who shared with me the weight of fear that she carries, because her family members are routinely sin- gled out and detained at airports because “they look like they’re Muslims. ” I visited the Th ornebridge independent living to cele- brate their tenth anniversary with them.

Staff told me that elderly residents, some of them who served or lost family members who had fought fascism in World War II, were afraid to turn on the television sets in their residence be- cause of the horror that was unfolding and because they thought that they had fought to protect the world from this kind of thing.

Th is motion says that it is incumbent on all of us to stand as one in the face of Islamophobia, in the face of ra- cism and in the face of racists who have been emboldened in recent weeks and months; to stand together in our schools, in our workplaces, in our communities, in public places and in public debates and in this House; to speak with one strong voice and with millions of voices; to say no to Islamophobia and all forms of racism, intolerance and discrimination — not here, not now, not ever. J.

Th ornthwaite: I’m pleased to stand today to support the motion: “Be it resolved that this House condemns Islamophobia and all other forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination and, furthermore, condemns the recent terrorist murders of six people at the Islamic Mosque of Quebec City and the rise of incidents of hate speech in communities in British Columbia. ” I believe that we need to send a strong message against the discrimination of the Muslim community, against hatred, against Islamophobia, against xenophobia and against racism.

Violence against any group for any reason, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, is not acceptable in Canada and having members in this House standing up to condemn the violence in Quebec will send a strong message that it is not okay. Bullying is not okay. Exclusion is not okay. I’ve heard some critics say they worry that this sin- gles out a particular religion or somehow gives special privileges. I disagree. If we can’t call out Islamophobia for what it is now, then when? Words matter. We need to speak out to stop what appears to be an increased cli- mate of hate and fear. [1520]

British Columbia DebatesThursday, February 16, 2017 13613 Th e increase of racist posts on social media and the in- creased frenzy of extremists who see or hear this some- how justifi es their own thoughts and behaviour. We need to recognize that what has occurred south of the border is fermenting here too, that certain words do incite racism and violence that target a specifi c group, race or religion. Th is is wrong. Th is needs to be talked about. It needs to be condemned. And it needs to stop. In relation to the argument that this motion only pri

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20170216pm-Hansard-v41n8
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20170216pm Hansard v41n8
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	74c895fd686a2843dc75931f01365191b630f7e8

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