2007 Legislative Session: Third Session, 38th Parliament

HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational purposes

only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Afternoon Sitting

Volume 14, Number 2

CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Page

Introductions by Members

Statements (Standing Order 25 B )

Red Cross RespectED program

C. Trevena

Land development in Delta region

V. Roddick

Child care resource and referral

program

M. Sather

Nechako white sturgeon release program

J. Rustad

Women's memorial march

J. Kwan

B.C. Special Olympics Winter Games

S. Hawkins

Oral Questions

Child care funding

C. James

Hon. G.

Campbell

C. Trevena

Hon. L. Reid

Funding for child care resource and

referral centres

R. Fleming

Hon. L. Reid

B. Simpson

C. Wyse

Child care funding

K. Conroy

Hon. L. Reid

Security budget for 2010 Olympic Winter

Games

H. Bains

Hon. C. Hansen

B. Ralston

Reports from Committees

Select Standing Committee on Health

A Strategy for Combatting

Childhood Obesity and Physical Inactivity in British Columbia

R. Sultan

D. Cubberley

Petitions

C. Trevena

B. Simpson

C. Wyse

V. Roddick

K. Conroy

L. Mayencourt

Throne Speech Debate

R. Cantelon

J. Yap

C. James

Hon. B. Penner

L. Krog

D. Jarvis

[ Page 5267 ]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2007

The House met at 2:03 p.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Prayers.

Introductions by Members

Hon. G. Abbott: I've got a couple of sets of introductions

today. One in the gallery today is my wife Lesley, and with her is a friend of

ours from the Shuswap, Karen Norgaard-Wilson. I'd like the House to make them

welcome.

Also, Mr. Speaker, in the gallery behind you today are ten new

legislative interns. As members of the House will know, we are very fortunate as

legislators to have the benefit of these ten top university graduates who join

us every year for a few months to assist with research, to get a sense of how

things work in here. I hope we don't entirely discourage them from, at some

point, entering the political process.

[1405]

The legislative interns are here, and I'd like to take a moment to

introduce them. They are Ashley Cochran, Heather Cochran, Faizel Gulamhussein,

James McAllister, Rachel Gottfried, Stefan Currie-Roberts, Erin Bett, Ross Coupé,

Sarah Wiebe and Jenny Vermilyea.

Just to note also, Mr. Speaker, that this is the 31st year that we

have benefited from having legislative interns work for us. The folks who manage

that program have done an outstanding job over those 31 years. I can tell you,

as a member of the class of 1976 of legislative interns, that there were a few

bumps in the road that year. There always are. The folks who manage that program

do an exceptional job. So if the House would join me in welcoming and thanking

the people who will give up their entire lives for the next five months in order

to serve us, and welcome them.

C. Puchmayr: Mr. Speaker, it's great to be back. I would

like to introduce two very special people that are in the gallery today — my

mother and father, Victor and Alice, from that NDP stronghold of Surrey-Whalley.

Please make them feel welcome.

J. Yap: I'd like to extend a welcome to a longtime,

lifelong, third- or fourth-generation member of my community whose forefathers

gave the name "Steves" to the Steveston that we know and love — Richmond-Steveston.

That's a Richmond city councillor, a farmer and a former member of this House.

Harold Steves is also with us today.

S. Fraser: I see a friendly face from my constituency.

Cathie Waddington is from Port Alberni. Hi, Cathie. She's here bringing some

information about the issue of developmental disabilities for families. Please

join me in welcoming her to this precinct today.

R. Sultan: I rise to pay tribute to a distinguished visitor

in the gallery this afternoon. Ten-year-old Daniel Minney of Tsawwassen is here

along with his mother Mary Minney and his father Kevin Minney as guests of the

Select Standing Committee on Health of this Legislature.

Daniel was the grand-prize winner in a poster contest the

committee held right across British Columbia as part of its youth consultation

efforts. We asked elementary school children to submit their artwork

illustrating what the government should do to encourage kids to eat healthier

and be more active. Daniel's drawing was exceptional and is featured on the

cover of our report, which will be presented later today.

Drawings by other finalists in the contest — and there were very

many excellent submissions — may be found on the committee's website,

myhealthyspace.ca, and will be displayed in the lower rotunda of the Legislature

all week as well as being in the report.

In addition to being an accomplished artist, Daniel enjoys soccer,

track and field, cross-country, and field hockey, and playing with Lego, video

games and Pokemon. Would the House join me in congratulating Daniel and

welcoming him and his parents to the Legislature.

R. Austin: It's my pleasure to introduce three visitors to

the precinct today. The first is from Kitimat. I'd like to introduce Linda

Campbell, who is a city councillor in Kitimat. She is joined by her sister Mary

Northcott, who lives here in Victoria. The third visitor is the city manager for

the district of Kitimat, Trafford Hall. I ask that the House please make them

all welcome.

[1410]

V. Roddick: In the gallery today are several excellent

examples of why Delta — which is Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta — is such a

perfect combination of three true communities. Eliza Olson, affectionately known

as "the bog lady," virtually single-handedly — no, single-mindedly — saved Burns

Bog. Construction engineer Greg Hoover, along with road engineer Olav Naas,

continues to advocate for an alternative route for the South Fraser perimeter

road and the Tsawwassen power lines. As they say, change not abandonment;

progress not destruction.

They are accompanied and supported by Cec Dunn and Bernadette

Kudzin of Tsawwassen Residents Against Higher Voltage Overhead Lines, Don Hunt

of the Sunbury Neighbourhood Association and his three sons Danny, Tyler and

Liam. Would the House please make them all very welcome.

D. Routley: It gives me great pleasure to introduce a

friend of mine and a constituent who is in the precinct. I just saw him

wandering around, following the camera people, as he is a beginning broadcaster.

Steve Sxwithul'txw is a member of the Penelakut band from Kuper Island. He has a

voice for radio and a face for TV. He has everything that it takes to be a great

broadcaster,

[ Page 5268 ]

and I'm very proud of him — proud to see him here today. Please welcome him.

G. Gentner: It is a pleasure to introduce many members here

in the gallery today. First of all, Ellen Jormain, who lives up by Canterbury

Heights, is a strong advocate for community living. Mary-Lou McNabb, from the

Annieville area, is a family caregiver. I'd also like to recognize Harold

Steves, a great mentor of mine in my days in Richmond.

Further, someone very special who has worked many years within the

film industry and in the Directors Guild of Canada. She is a former president of

North Delta Ratepayers, a former director of the Burns Bog Conservation Society

and an advocate for farmland and protection — a very good friend of mine, my

partner and my wife, my soulmate. I wish the House to give her a cordial

welcome. Truly, she is my valentine.

K. Conroy: That's a tough one to follow.

I have two constituents here from Fruitvale who have long done

many things in the community. Larry Racette is an instrument mechanic and a

longtime employee of Teck Cominco, and Donna Racette is a unit chief paramedic

for region 4 in the Kootenays and is stationed in Fruitvale. Could you please

join me in making them welcome.

B. Bennett: My constituency assistant, Courtney Kaiser, is

somewhere up behind me. Courtney is 25 years old. She graduated a while ago from

McGill University with an honours degree and came back to the Kootenays and had

her choice of jobs. I'm really grateful that she chose to work with me. I think

she's also grateful that in the Kootenays now, young people can come back after

graduating from college and university and find a good job, because not too many

years ago that wasn't possible. Please help me make Courtney welcome.

D. Cubberley: It's my pleasure to introduce Dr. Michael

Golbey today. Dr. Golbey is a family physician in Kelowna and immediate past

president of the British Columbia Medical Association. Members of the Select

Standing Committee on Health had the pleasure of Dr. Golbey's company today for

lunch, and he's in the gallery to observe the presentation of the committee's

report later this afternoon. Would members of the House please help me make him

welcome.

N. Simons: In the House today we have guests from across

the province representing families of people involved in the community-living

community. In particular, I would like to welcome a number of young folks from

Powell River who are self-advocates. They are Fergus O'Neill, Thomas White,

Darren Hodgson, Shaylene Hogan, Lauralei Reid and Mike Bourassa, and they're

accompanied by Kathleen O'Neil, Yvonne Boese and Gauri Nair.

I should just point out in the spirit of the introductions today

that never before have advocates in community living needed more of a voice. So

I'm glad they're here, and they're welcome.

[1415]

J. Rustad: In the precinct today are Candi Hewitt and Neil

Madu, both of whom are here on behalf of the B.C. Association for Community

Living and came and visited me with their issues. I just wanted to thank them

very much for bringing them forward and also for their gift of little valentine

hearts. Would the House please make them welcome.

Hon. G. Campbell: Yesterday we all had heard of the fact

that the former Premier, Mr. Dosanjh, was stricken with a heart attack. He's now

in hospital, and I think it would be great for the House to send him our best

wishes and tell him to get well soon.

Statements

(Standing Order 25

B) RED CROSS RESPECTED PROGRAM

C. Trevena: Today's the day when cupid bows are out and

romantic dinners are being prepared for some. Cinnamon hearts are being given to

others, and it's a boon for the greeting card industry. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I

think we all know it's Valentine's Day today. It's a day of romance.

Unfortunately, that romance too often turns nasty. Too often we

hear about violence, usually violence against women, when a man turns on a

woman, when a woman is physically or psychologically abused. In our society, in

the 21st century here in British Columbia, this should be completely

unacceptable. There should be zero tolerance.

That's why I'm very pleased to see that the Canadian Red Cross has

launched a program to try to prevent abuse entering relationships and entering

young people's relationships. Research shows that the mid-teens to the early 20s

is the most common time to experience violence in a romantic relationship, and a

frightening 19 percent of girls and 4 percent of boys experience sexual coercion

on dates. Unhealthy relationships in adolescence can lead to a lifelong pattern

of accepting violence.

The Canadian Red Cross wants people to become familiar with the

warning signs of abusive situations and help protect young people. It wants

parents and young people to make sure they're fully aware of the dangers and

those signs: inappropriate behaviour, intimidation, possessiveness.

The Red Cross RespectED program offers workshops for parents and

young people on the importance of love in a relationship and the importance of

respect. Volunteers take programs into schools, to parent groups and to youth

groups, and their aim is straight as Cupid's arrow. The Canadian Red Cross

RespectED program is an effort to ensure that Valentine's Day is a day of love,

not fear — a day when people can feel safe, treasured and respected.

[ Page 5269 ]

LAND DEVELOPMENT IN DELTA REGION

V. Roddick: Grow B.C. conjures up different strokes to

different folks. With my interest and background, though, it's agriculture — a

truly sustainable supply of safe, local, nutritious, delicious food.

We are blessed in this province, more than anywhere else in

Canada, with a diverse farming community and its bountiful produce, but we are

challenged by lack of overall land base and huge pressures on critical mass for

crop rotation. Nowhere is that more noticeable than in the Fraser Valley and, in

particular, Delta South where we need to have a truly balanced approach to how

we handle the much-needed development — and I repeat, much-needed development —

of the South Fraser perimeter road and the proposed Vancouver port expansion and

all that that entails.

[1420]

Our Pacific gateway is a hugely important example of grow B.C.,

grow Canada and a very necessary doorway for all of us countrywide.

Consequently, every single level of government and the public service must work

together to collaboratively manage our land, our food, our wildlife and, very

importantly, our economy to the very best of their ability. We need change, not

abandonment. We need progress, not destruction. We humans, plus our wildlife,

all have to eat to live.

CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND

REFERRAL PROGRAM

M. Sather: I rise in the Legislature today to praise the

valuable work of the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows child care resource and referral

program, or CCRR. The program operates under the auspices of the Maple Ridge

Pitt Meadows Community Services, whose executive director is Vicki Kipps.

With limited services and supports for parents and care providers,

the forerunner of the CCRR opened its doors in Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows in 1991.

Starting with only two staff, the program now employs five full-time staff —

Jo-Anne MacKenzie, the program supervisor, along with Lynn Malbeuf, Joanne

White, Lindsey Willis and Kari Jensen — who service over 600 inquiries a year.

The CCRR has grown to offer not only a referral program but

information to parents on child care–related topics and the child care subsidy

program. The staff assist parents with the daunting task of completing the

subsidy program application and provide their children with a place to play when

they do so.

Services to child care providers include networking opportunities

to enhance their small business, retreats, play groups, workshops, and seasonal

and social events. The CCRR program provides support with activity theme boxes,

a newsletter, business startup information, ministry grant information, infant

and toddler lending equipment, low-cost craft supplies, a resource library and

telephone consultation when care providers are having a tough day.

The CCRR program in Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows plays a vital role

for our community, as these programs do around the province. Through their

screening process, the CCRR brings together parents and child care providers in

a safe and credible environment that reassures parents their children will be

safe and well cared for.

For the well-being of our children, we must maintain child care

resource and referral programs in their present form across the province.

NECHAKO WHITE STURGEON

RELEASE PROGRAM

J. Rustad: I stand today to talk about a fish called Wanda.

This past fall, through the efforts of the Freshwater Fisheries Society, the

Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council, the district of Vanderhoof and many, many more,

more than 4,000 Nechako white sturgeon were released into the Nechako River.

This pilot project is part of a goal to develop a conservation fish culture

program for the Nechako white sturgeon.

The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in Canada and is

virtually unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. It can grow to be six

metres in length and up to 800 kilograms. Sadly, the Nechako white sturgeon,

which is genetically unique from its neighbours, is now officially designated as

endangered, with an estimated population of less than 600.

Yet there is hope. Through the group's efforts, funded in part by

the Ministry of Environment, Alcan and the Freshwater Fisheries Society, a plan

is being developed to bring the species back from the brink of extinction. Last

year was the first year in releasing reared fish, and the group is working

towards making this event part of an ongoing effort to help repopulate the

species. I participated, along with hundreds of students, in releasing these

reared fish, each lovingly registered and given a name so that their progress

can be tracked.

So on behalf of Wanda, a Nechako white sturgeon released last

fall, I'd ask the House to join me in thanking everyone involved in the ongoing

struggle to save the species, especially Ray Billings of the Freshwater

Fisheries Society; Cory Williamson from the Ministry of Environment; Brian Toth

of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation and the Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council; Brian

Frenkel of the district of Vanderhoof; and Carla Wainwright, who is the

coordinator of the technical working group.

WOMEN'S MEMORIAL MARCH

J. Kwan: At noon today in Vancouver–Mount Pleasant, people

took

part in the 16th Annual Women's Memorial March. This is a community-based

event held in the downtown east side to honour the lives of the women who die

every year due to violence, and to remember the women who continue to face

violence today and those who went missing.

[1425]

[ Page 5270 ]

The annual march is founded on feelings of grief and loss for

women as mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and neighbours. Such feelings are

rooted in love, so it is very appropriate to have this solemn occasion on

Valentine's Day every year. These emotions provide the energy, strength and hope

required to continue working toward the changes necessary to fight against

violence and exploitation in our communities.

I believe that we must all keep in mind every bit of the violence

done to women in our communities, and especially the attacks against poor and

vulnerable women. Much violence is experienced by women who are struggling to

survive and who deal with unemployment, poverty, inadequate housing or

homelessness, backgrounds of abuse and ill health. But we must also remember

that women from all sectors of our society may be victims of violence and even

murder.

Along with women in the community, I'll continue to seek changes

to public policy aimed at improving safety for women, including improved

economic and social conditions; a zero-tolerance policy for violence against

women; a policy of mandatory prosecution for perpetrators of violence against

women; adequate ongoing funding for women's centres; and stable victim services

programs, including crisis lines and referral centres.

I ask all members of this House to reflect on the issues raised by

this Annual Women's Memorial March, to consider how to eliminate the conditions

and violence that hurt women, and to thank the organizers and sponsors of the

annual remembrance for their commitment.

B.C. SPECIAL OLYMPICS WINTER GAMES

S. Hawkins: This weekend Kelowna and Westbank will be the

proud hosts of the 2007 Special Olympics B.C. Winter Games. Our community will

warmly welcome over 750 athletes and their coaches from around the province.

They'll be competing in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, figure

skating, speed skating, floor hockey and curling.

From Kelowna there are 28 athletes and 11 coaches. I know that all

of the athletes have worked hard and trained for their moment in the spotlight,

and we want to wish all of them the very best. I'm going to be cheering

especially hard for Carol Roberts from Dawson Creek. She will be competing in

snowshoe. I had the pleasure of sponsoring her to come down for the Winter

Games.

Behind the scenes, of course, there are scores of people —

incredible volunteers who are helping out. The volunteers have been led by Wendy

Falkowski. I'd like to take this opportunity, along with my colleagues from

Kelowna–Lake Country and Okanagan-Westside, to acknowledge our appreciation and

thanks to the dedicated volunteers as they get to work on their first event,

which is the opening ceremonies tomorrow night. That's going to be attended by

our Minister of State for ActNow B.C.

I'd like to add that this is the second time in 12 years that

Kelowna has hosted these games. I was proud to have served as director of the

athletes village in 1995 for the Special Olympics Winter Games back then. I do

look forward to this weekend as we cheer on the athletes who I know will once

again demonstrate the true meaning of sportsmanship, strength and endurance and

the pureness of the human spirit. So join me in congratulating all of them for

making it there and wishing them all the best in their events.

Oral Questions

CHILD CARE FUNDING

C. James: Yesterday the throne speech declared that one

single question was at the heart of the government's agenda. Today I want to ask

the Premier how his cuts to child care will secure the future of our children

and grandchildren.

Hon. G. Campbell: As the Leader of the Opposition will

know, the province has not reduced resources for child care. In fact, we've

expanded subsidies for people for child care. Families with incomes of $38,000

or less are supported in terms of the subsidies we're providing. We provided for

thousands of additional child care spaces in British Columbia, and I'd invite….

[Applause.]

The throne speech yesterday highlighted special initiatives we're

undertaking to expand early childhood learning in British Columbia with 80

StrongStart centres across this province.

This government is committed to children. It's committed to the

future, and I think that's one of the key elements that the throne speech showed

every British Columbian.

[1430]

Mr. Speaker: Leader of the Opposition has a supplemental.

C. James: We continue to see the Premier and this

government close their ears to the facts. The government cannot run away from

the clear fact that they are cutting child care in British Columbia. B.C. was

the only province that sat silent as the federal government slashed programs for

children. Yesterday the throne speech failed to mention the parents across this

province who are struggling to find affordable, quality child care.

At a time when this Premier wants our province to be the most

literate jurisdiction in North America, how can he put child care at the bottom

of his priority list?

Hon. G. Campbell: Again, the Leader of the Opposition is

having a lot of difficulty doing any homework. The fact of the matter is that

there are more child care spaces available for funding today than ever before;

79,000 spaces are now eligible for funding.

The fact is that in spite of the federal change in the program,

which the federal government brought in and the federal government ran on, we've

protected funds for children with special needs in British Columbia. The

supported child development fund is a critically

[ Page 5271 ]

important issue for children and their families in British Columbia. The

annual budget for subsidies is $126 million a year. We are investing millions

and millions of dollars in the children of this province simply in child care.

We're also expanding that. We are developing early childhood

learning programs, which are critical for young people, their families and their

future, because this is the government that thinks of children's future in

British Columbia.

Mr. Speaker: Leader of the Opposition has a further

supplemental.

C. James: One fact the Premier neglected to mention in his

litany that he put across to us is that they're spending $50 million less on

child care than when they took power in 2001.

Yesterday I stood with parents, children and child care providers

at this Legislature. They came because they wanted their questions addressed.

They wanted this government to act, and they were ignored. They were ignored by

this Premier. They were ignored by the minister of state, and sadly, they were

ignored by this throne speech.

When will this Premier finally act and build a quality,

affordable, accessible child care system in British Columbia?

Hon. G. Campbell: I'll tell you what this government won't

do. It won't do what the Leader of the Opposition and her colleagues did

previously, which was to make false promises to the families of British

Columbia.

What this government said they would do is….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. We listened to the question. Let's

listen to the answer.

Hon. G. Campbell: What this government said was that we

were going to create an economy that creates families jobs. We have more jobs in

this province for supporting families than ever in the history of British

Columbia.

[1435]

While every one of those members opposite sits there, they should

remember that their side of the House drove the economy to its knees and drove

families to their knees as well. This government lifts families up, provides

them with paycheques, provides them with support and, more importantly, gives

their children the support they deserve.

C. Trevena: I hope the Premier realizes that many families

are holding down two or three jobs just to afford child care, if they can find a

child care space. They're lucky to find a child care space. In 2004 only 13

percent of children who were eligible for child care were able to find a space.

In the Minister of Children and Family Development's own constituency there's a

four-year waiting list for child care. When is this government going to realize

that there is a problem in child care?

I went to the rally yesterday, and the Minister of State for

Childcare didn't come. The Premier didn't come. The minister responsible for

children and family development didn't come. The Minister of State for Childcare

told me before the rally that nobody's life is going to be dramatically affected

by changes to child care. She is wrong, and I have to say the Premier is wrong.

I would like to ask the Premier when he is going to admit that there are cuts

and that those cuts are hurting working families and the economy of this

province.

Hon. L. Reid: I welcome the question. Let's be clear. The

child care budget in British Columbia is only climbing — $203 million last year.

It will likely exceed $250 million this year because this government has been

abundantly clear that it is placing priority on vulnerable families.

I am more than prepared to walk this member through it yet again.

The income threshold for those eligible for subsidy was $21,000. It is lifted to

$38,000, so you indeed are eligible in British Columbia for a child care subsidy

if you earn less than $38,000. That is a significant lift that we are protecting

and maintaining despite the cancellation of the federal…. [Applause.]

I would welcome the member opposite getting to her feet to suggest

that maintaining a priority on special needs youngsters so they can participate

in child care is not her priority.

Mr. Speaker: Member has a supplemental?

C. Trevena: I do, Mr. Speaker. It's very important to fund

special needs, and it's very important to have subsidies. There's no point if

you don't have child care spaces that parents can send their children to.

There has been $50 million of cuts since 2002 in child care. B.C.

is the only province that passed the cuts from the federal government straight

to child care providers and parents. When the Minister of State for Childcare

was in the opposition, she was very supportive of child care. She said: "We must

create a workable action plan for the delivery of child care. Far too many

families are unable to secure quality child care, and this must be addressed."

It's 2007. The minister is in a position where she can provide a

plan for child care, where she can make sure that there is secure, quality care.

Instead, she's creating chaos. There are waiting lists in Vernon. There are

waiting lists in Cranbrook. There are waiting lists in Campbell River. There are

waiting lists right across this province.

I would like to ask the Minister of State for Childcare why she

won't help those thousands and thousands of parents across this province who do

desperately need a working child care system.

Hon. L. Reid: Let me say I was intrigued when the Leader of

the Opposition got to her feet and had the

[ Page 5272 ]

audacity to discuss child care. When she was the director of child care in

British Columbia, I would ask her to get to her feet and tell me what indeed

transpired on her watch.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. L. Reid: Not very much. In terms of the commentary

about the positions this government has taken, we are relentlessly ensuring that

we have ongoing dialogue with the federal government. I can assure you that I

have met very recently with the federal minister in British Columbia.

[1440]

The member opposite talks about child care space creation. This

government put $14 million into the creation of child care space, and those

spaces are opening up as we go forward. Just last Thursday, I had the privilege

of attending with the member for Langley the opening of 80-plus spaces in

Langley. Those spaces will be available for British Columbia families, and I

intend to deliver on my commitment to get the best possible outcomes for the

children of this province.

FUNDING FOR CHILD CARE

RESOURCE AND REFERRAL CENTRES

R. Fleming: The minister mentions just last Thursday. Let

me take her back three Thursdays ago to Victoria's grand opening of the

Childcare Resource and Referral Centre, officially opened right here in Victoria

a few blocks from this place at 2100 block Douglas Street. The new centre was

custom-renovated for $200,000 at the encouragement and the agreement of the

minister.

The minister was even scheduled to cut the ribbon at the centre,

but she cancelled her appearance without explanation. She cancelled her

appearance because she knew this was not a grand opening and a new beginning,

but she knew this was a grand finale of an organization that has served parents,

children and child care providers in this community for 17 years.

Can the minister explain to this House why she invested taxpayers'

money in a new location in a new centre just a few months ago, only to shut it

down permanently this year?

Hon. L. Reid: I'm delighted to continue the briefing for

the members opposite. They will know that the budget for child care resource and

referral in the province is $9 million. It was enhanced last year, with the

addition of the early learning and child care agreement, by an additional $5

million. They will all know, even though the lovely critic opposite continues to

wonder why, that the federal government has cancelled the agreement. They have

withdrawn that $5 million.

We have invited child care resource and referral operators in

British Columbia to work with us. We indeed are returning that budget to its

provincial allocation of $9 million effective April 1, and we will see what the

future holds.

The two programs I mentioned earlier…. In terms of placing

emphasis on vulnerable families, we will see demand-driven programs where those

dollars go up. We may indeed make some changes as we go forward in terms of

refocusing the service, but we will continue to deliver the service in the

province.

Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental.

R. Fleming: I'm confused by the briefing, if that's what it

is, because the minister sent a letter on January 5 of this year to every child

care provider in the province suggesting that her budget for child care resource

and referral centres was going to decline from $14 million a year to $3 million

a year.

In Victoria alone over $200,000 was wasted on the renovation. The

Victoria centre isn't the only one that's going to close. Across the province

there will be outstanding leases and severance packages to pay for.

Can the minister of state tell the House how much it's going to

cost taxpayers to cover outstanding leases and severance packages if the centres

are indeed going to be closed across British Columbia if she fails to act?

Hon. L. Reid: Perhaps I'll speak just a titch slower for

the members opposite. The provincial child care resource and referral budget is

returning to $9 million effective April 1.

B. Simpson: The Premier just said that his government and

he personally would not make false promises. Less than a year ago this

government through MCFD, not the federal government, pushed the CCRRs to upgrade

their facilities, to move to storefront, more visible locations and better

access to public transportation, to upgrade all of their resources and

equipment, leases, photocopiers and vans, and to add staff.

[1445]

The PGY is adding an addition to the Y — a total project budget of

$1.2 million, 30 percent of which is predicated on the CCRR having a long-term

lease in that facility.

Will the minister tell us today what the cost is for the closure

of CCRRs — because that's what they believe you have told them? And secondly,

who bears the liability for that — the not-for-profit sector? They're waiting

for an answer from your ministry. Do they bear the liability, or do the

taxpayers?

Hon. L. Reid: Again, the budget for child care resource and

referral in British Columbia is $9 million effective April 1, and that will

carry them for a number of months — probably right through the fall. Indeed,

every single member of a child care resource and referral centre in British

Columbia has been on the call, has been in dialogue in terms of how we

transition that service. There will be no information you can provide to them

that they do not already have.

Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental?

[ Page 5273 ]

B. Simpson: I do, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The language that the minister of state uses is intriguing — that

as of April 1, for a number of months it will remain at $9 million. She's told

the CCRRs that at the end of that number of months, it will go to $3 million and

a new RFP will be put out for an alternate service delivery model which she has

yet to explain.

The CCRRs are out there in the province, and they have not heard

from the minister or her staff what their future is when that RFP comes out or

what their liability is for all of the improvements that they made under

direction of MCFD. They have not heard that.

So again to the minister: after these few months at $9 million —

when we go to $3 million, which is the ongoing budget — who bears the liability?

What are the costs? And why did this government, through MCFD, ramp up this

program only to shut it down this year?

Hon. L. Reid: The early learning and child care agreement

has been cancelled. The province will see 455 million fewer dollars. I'm not

sure why that's not understandable to the members opposite — $455 million less

coming to British Columbia. The provincial child care budget is not going down.

That dollar is rising in British Columbia and will continue to rise based on the

demand and the vulnerability issues in British Columbia. We have said very

clearly that we are placing our priority on the most vulnerable families. We

have said that very clearly.

Certainly, the issues that the member canvasses…. We are in

discussions with child care resource and referral. There has been no one who has

absented themselves from that dialogue or that discussion, and I know that for a

fact.

C. Wyse: I've heard more spoken in the last few minutes by

members opposite protesting the cutbacks that have occurred for child care than

I have heard in months. In Williams Lake the CCRR serves first nations

communities in my riding as well as including Bella Bella, Bella Coola and

Klemtu. Yesterday seven members from the Esketemc First Nation group from Alkali

came down to get the attention of the provincial government on the effects that

their cuts are having upon their children.

My question to the minister responsible for the cuts to the child

care program is simply this: why does the B.C. Liberal government think that

closing the doors to centres for first nations children will secure the future

for our children and grandchildren?

[1450]

Hon. L. Reid: Indeed, one of the aspects that we have in

place for child care resource and referral has been to support families as they

go onto the subsidy program. I can tell you that the demand for that program is

only growing, but the contact for that program, frankly, comes through a number

of different sources other than child care resource and referral today. So was

it time to reframe that service and to maintain that service delivery in British

Columbia? Absolutely, it was. No question.

CHILD CARE FUNDING

K. Conroy: This minister is obviously missing the point. An

increase to subsidies doesn't help those families that are on waiting lists —

long waiting lists for child care — and there are waiting lists across this

province in most…. In every constituency that I've talked to, they've got

waiting lists. There are no child care spaces. They need the spaces.

The decision to cut the funding has had drastic impacts on our

health care system. I was at a meeting last week where a nurse spoke publicly,

and this is a highly qualified nurse. She can't work full-time. They want her

full-time. She can get two days a week of child care — two days. She's on a

wait-list. She doesn't know when she's going to get her child care. There are

not enough spaces.

The cuts have been drastic across the entire province. When will

this minister admit that those cuts have been devastating to the economy, to our

health care system? And most importantly, they're devastating to our children —

all children — who are vulnerable, because if you can't get good child care,

they're all vulnerable.

Hon. L. Reid: There are 80,000 funded, licensed child care

spaces in British Columbia. In the last year and a half we have provided funding

to create almost 3,300 additional spaces.

The members opposite will know that the federal government has

waded into this territory. They campaigned on what they called a spaces

initiative. They will know that that advisory committee met during the course of

this past fall. They will know that the report is now in the hands of the Hon.

Monte Solberg, and he indeed will be making that report public in the next

number of weeks. How they go forward on their campaign commitment of 25,000

spaces, $250 million beginning in January '07 is something we look upon with

great interest.

SECURITY BUDGET FOR

2010 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

H. Bains: Senator Kenny, Chairman of the Senate Standing

Committee on National Security, two very high-level officials responsible for

security at the Salt Lake City Winter Games, and the president of the IOC have

all publicly said that our security budget is not sufficient. And yet this

government and this minister continue to say that our budget is sufficient.

Can the minister tell this House: if the Armed Forces are used to

provide air, water or land security, will that budget come out of the $175

million? Or will he try to bury that in some other budget, as they have done in

many other Olympic-related budgets?

Hon. C. Hansen: There is a lot of detailed work that's

being done on the security plans for the 2010 Winter Games. The RCMP are in fact

leading that, with the support of the Deputy Solicitor General for British

[ Page 5274 ]

Columbia. They are looking at the risk assessment that is appropriate for the

2010 games, and they are developing their plans accordingly. To date, none of

them have indicated to me that the $175 million that is budgeted is not

adequate.

Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental.

[1455]

H. Bains: Given the security-sensitive information

available about Vancouver International Airport to anyone who wishes to cause

harm, and given the fact that the $175 million budget was put in 2002 dollars

and has not been updated since…. Many experts, including the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security, identified Wi-Fi networks as a terrorist threat as early as

Can the minister tell us: how can he satisfy British Columbians

that the security budget for the 2010 Winter Games is sufficient to counter

these new security threats?

Hon. C. Hansen: We are seeking the advice of experts in the

RCMP and experts in security matters. I would remind the member that when the

budget was established at $175 million, it was actually done in the wake of the

September 11 tragedies in New York. So when we start looking at the budgets that

were put in place, for example, for Salt Lake City, which was the Olympic Games

that took place immediately prior to our bid being developed and finalized on

those numbers, it was a very different kind of security environment for North

America at that time.

So we are working with the experts. We're working with the RCMP,

and we're going to rely on that expert advice to make sure that not only we have

the best winter games, but we have safe and secure winter games.

B. Ralston: Last week saw the first test of the Olympic

security system at the launching of the clock, and we see how well that turned

out.

Perhaps the minister can advise. Following the advice of the

acting Auditor General, who said that the security costs haven't been updated

for five years, it does depend on the receipt of an operational plan from the

RCMP…. Has the minister advised Treasury Board of a contingency plan in the

event — and I would suggest in the likely event — of a dramatic increase in

security costs for the 2010 Olympic Games?

Hon. C. Hansen: I think the actions that we saw by some

absolutely irresponsible demonstrators in Vancouver the day before yesterday

were absolutely wrong. I challenge the member, when he stands up for a

supplemental, to condemn that kind of action, because it is not the kind of

action that British Columbians….

Within the $600 million envelope that we have to live up to our

obligations for the staging of the games, we have half of the $175 million — the

provincial share for security. We also, within that $600 million, have remaining

about $76 million of contingency.

I have no reason to expect at this point that that has to be

allocated for security, but we do have a $76 million contingency to deal with

unforeseen costs that may still arise in the remaining three years.

B. Ralston: The Olympic Games are faced with far greater

threats than a few demonstrators, misguided though they may have been. We on

this side of the House have always defended the right of peaceful protest. But

the issue here is the magnitude of international terrorist threats of which the

government has been advised by numerous independent authorities, and that has

not been factored into the cost — I would submit — of the Olympic Games.

The government continues to persist in the fiction that these

games will cost no more than $600 million;

whereas the acting Auditor General,

on February 2 this year at the Public Accounts Committee, advised the House that

the net cost of the games will be $2.5 billion.

Will the minister acknowledge that the prospect of ballooning

security costs will push that $2.5 billion figure even higher?

[1500]

Hon. C. Hansen: I must say that I am very disappointed,

because this member had an opportunity to stand up and not call these hooligans

misguided, but rather to condemn the actions that those individuals took…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. C. Hansen: …that put individuals at risk and basically

did a huge disservice to the cause they were…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. C. Hansen: …purporting to be advocating at that time.

As I said earlier, we have experts in security, including the

RCMP, who are looking at the threats that we should anticipate and be ready for

when the Winter Games come to British Columbia in 2010.

We will actually listen to the experts, and we will make sure that

we develop the programs and the security plans that reflect the appropriate

security levels. We will make sure that they are not compromised, because we

need to make sure we have the best games ever and the most safe and secure games

ever.

[End of question period.]

Reports from Committees

R. Sultan: I have the honour to present the report of the

Select Standing Committee on Health for the second session of the 38th

parliament respecting the committee's

[ Page 5275 ]

investigation into childhood obesity and physical inactivity in British

Columbia.

I move that the report be taken as read and received.

Motion approved.

R. Sultan: I ask leave of the House to suspend the rules to

permit the moving of a motion to adopt the report.

Leave granted.

R. Sultan: I move that the report be adopted, and in doing

so, I would like to make some brief comments.

In November 2005 this Legislative Assembly charged the Select

Standing Committee on Health to investigate effective strategies to encourage

B.C.'s children to adopt both regular physical activity and healthier eating

habits in their daily lives. The Health Committee was empowered to hold public

consultations, conduct research into successful childhood health and wellness

programs, investigate the use of incentives and disincentives to help influence

behaviour, and to undertake discussions with the experts on the factors

contributing to unhealthy eating and inactivity. Our investigation provided a

sober reminder of the lifestyle challenges facing British Columbia's children

today, but also an inspiring confirmation that B.C.'s youth are prepared to meet

these challenges head-on.

The statistics are frightening. More than 20 percent of B.C.'s

children between the ages of two and 17 are overweight, and a further 7 percent

are obese. Recent data published by the American Center for Disease Control

indicate that overweight children have an 80-percent higher probability of

becoming overweight adults. The experts further advise that this upcoming

generation of youth will in all likelihood be the first generation in recent

history to have a shorter life expectancy than the life expectancy of the

persons in this Legislature — a calamitous forecast.

We aimed our consultations specifically at youth as, presumably,

the experts on the behaviour of this cohort. We received, for example, in

response to our poster contest — and you've already been introduced to Daniel

Minney — over 400 poster entries. The lucidity, directness and persuasion

embodied in those pieces of art, to me at least, were far more compelling and

convincing than any legislative petition.

We hosted public hearings at high schools in East Vancouver,

Campbell River, Fort St. John and Williams Lake. Many courageous and very

articulate students provided the committee with tremendous insight into what was

happening in their world these days and into what is likely to work and what is

not likely to work. Many of us were struck by their quickness and insight. They

get it.

[1505]

Our youth-oriented website continues to meet with a great deal of

public interest not just from British Columbians but from people around the

world. In total, the committee made 36 recommendations on a wide variety of

topics ranging from ActNow to vending machine and food sale policies in public

buildings, healthy eating programs, infrastructure investments in communities

and physical activity in our schools.

In particular, I would like to highlight three of the committee's

recommendations. First, the committee believes strongly that the tax-free ride

provided in the statute specifically, curiously enough, for candy bars,

confections and soft drinks — a social service tax exemption — should come to an

end. While we're not calling at this time for a tax on junk food, we find it

curious that the same taxation standards continue to be applied to foods very

high in sugar, salt and fats as apply to fruits and vegetables.

Second, we heard a clear message from both youth and adults that

we must do more to encourage students to become more physically active. We heard

great things about the ministry's Action Schools B.C. program, and we encourage

the Ministry of Education to continue to provide to all B.C. students, from

kindergarten through grade 12, even more ambitious and comprehensive options for

non-competitive physical activity.

Third, the committee actively endorses the government's efforts to

remove junk foods from B.C. schools, but the committee believes the removal of

junk foods should be extended to all public buildings including schools,

hospitals, universities and cafeterias. We must send a clear message to our

youth and their parents that junk foods are not ready substitutes for healthy

foods.

In closing, I appreciate this opportunity to move the adoption of

this committee's report, and I would like to thank all British Columbians who

took the serious time to provide us with their thoughts. This is a topic which

obviously struck a chord with British Columbians of all age levels, all

socioeconomic strata and all geographic areas of the province, including many

prominent ethnic groups and first nations participants.

I would like particularly to thank the students who participated

in our art contest; the students and teachers of General Brock School in East

Vancouver, Sir Charles Tupper, Carihi Secondary, North Peace Secondary and

Williams Lake Secondary; and all the people who made a written submission to the

committee as well.

I would also like to thank Carla Shore for her tremendous support

of the committee's work, and a particular thank-you to the extraordinarily

competent, vigorous and helpful work of the Office of the Clerk of Committees.

We should be truly proud of that organization.

Of course, I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to

all members of the committee, all the MLAs who gave their diligence and

commitment to this important project. Their unanimous — and I underline

unanimous — adoption of this report reflects the unanimity of committee members

from both sides of this House on strategies required to combat childhood obesity

and physical inactivity.

D. Cubberley: It's an honour to rise today to speak in

support of the motion to adopt the Select Standing

[ Page 5276 ]

Committee on Health's report. I believe that the Health Committee's report,

A Strategy for Combatting Childhood Obesity and Physical Inactivity in

British Columbia , accurately portrays the challenges posed by childhood

obesity and physical inactivity, and provides a viable strategy for addressing

these serious problems within our society.

Members on this side believe that government plays a vital role in

assisting parents, schools and communities to make healthy living choices the

easy choices, and for this reason I would simply like to draw attention to

several key recommendations. The committee believes that B.C. schools must be at

the forefront in the battle against sugary, salty and fatty foods and physical

inactivity, and for this reason we endorse the recommendation for government to

redouble its efforts to remove all junk foods from B.C. schools.

[1510]

We heard a clear message that the way to encourage greater levels

of physical activity was to ensure that kids of all ages are provided safe

walking and cycling routes to and from schools and in their neighbourhoods.

That's why we support the committee's recommendation that all schools should

have in place a safe routes program and, working with municipalities and the

province, have access to infrastructure grants to support the construction of

safe pedestrian and cycling facilities.

We heard that both schools and their supporting communities

require significant investments to support both independent and competitive

physical activity infrastructure. An investment in infrastructure for active

transportation is a key part of the solution.

We also endorse the committee's recommendation to expand joint-use

agreements between school boards and municipalities to support maximum

utilization of existing infrastructure.

We strongly believe that every child needs a healthy and filling

breakfast in order to succeed at school. Kids who are hungry at school don't

learn well. That's why we strongly encourage government to fully adopt and

implement the committee's recommendations on food security, in particular,

funding to expand community kitchen and school hot meal programs, agriculture

and classroom studies and additional programs to enforce healthy eating habits

among B.C.'s students.

A key recommendation of the committee was the creation of a

nutrition and exercise council. We envision this council bringing together key

stakeholders, including the federal government, representatives from the food

and beverage sector and advocates across British Columbia, to begin developing

proposals to reduce the level of sugar, salt and fats in prepackaged foods.

We'd also like the food and exercise council to re-examine the

current food labelling standards to make it easier for consumers to make the

healthy choice when purchasing snack foods, to investigate the feasibility of

new junk food taxes on non-nutritive foods and beverages, and to develop ongoing

public marketing campaigns to raise awareness of diet and exercise issues.

What comes to mind is the example of Finland, which over a period

of 30 years reduced the incidence of death from stroke and heart disease by 80

percent just by reducing salt consumption by one-third — a simple population

health measure which was led by the media.

Like the Chair, I want to recognize the contributions made by

students and concerned parents and all stakeholders across the province.

I want to say, as well, that we need to act as a society on this

pressing problem because the health of our population is at increasing risk. We

have only to look at the incidence of type 2 diabetes — 20,000 new cases a year,

every year, an additional $80 million in health spending for one disease alone.

The cost of this preventable lifestyle-related disease and its

complications was over a billion dollars to the B.C. health care system in

'03-04. That's just under 10 percent of total health care spending on a single

disease, the primary risk factors for which are being overweight, being

physically inactive and smoking tobacco.

If we want to sustain our health care system, we simply have to

act now. The report sets out actions that are doable and that can make a

difference.

To conclude, I want to support the motion to adopt this

comprehensive report on childhood obesity and physical inactivity in British

Columbia. This report has support from both sides of the House, and that, I

understand, is an unusual occurrence. It provides a clear and comprehensive

strategy for government and stakeholder action.

Thank you very much, and in closing, let me say how much I enjoyed

working on this project.

Motion approved.

Petitions

C. Trevena: I have a petition with 4,500 signatures

protesting cuts in child care.

B. Simpson: I have a 362-signature petition from Williams

Lake asking for the continuation of funding to child care resource and referral

centres.

[1515]

C. Wyse: I have a petition of 156 names from 100 Mile House

asking for the continuation of the valuable services provided by child care

resource and referral programs in B.C. and to the Child Care Operating Funding

program for child care providers and parents.

V. Roddick: I rise to present an important petition on

behalf of over 2,000 engaged citizens of Delta regarding the South Fraser

perimeter road and the Tsawwassen power lines. This petition acknowledges and

advocates for change, not abandonment; progress, not destruction. Delta wishes

to be a doorway to B.C. and Canada, not a doormat.

Mr. Speaker: I want to remind members that when you're

presenting a petition, it's simply the title, please.

[ Page 5277 ]

K. Conroy: I, too, have a petition on the child care cuts

with 145 signatures from my communities.

L. Mayencourt: I rise to present a petition regarding the

availability of a speech and language pathologist at Three Bridges Community

Health Centre in Vancouver-Burrard.

Orders of the Day

Hon. M. de Jong: I call reply to the throne speech debate.

Throne Speech Debate

R. Cantelon: I move, seconded by the member for

Richmond-Steveston, that:

[We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative

Assembly of British Columbia in session assembled, beg leave to thank Your

Honour for the gracious speech which Your Honour has addressed to us at the

opening of the present session.]

And so we begin on Valentine's Day, and if I may, a very

quick indulgence. At home, my daughter is 12 today. Happy birthday, Abigail.

[S. Hawkins in the chair.]

Very sadly, we must all remember that many brave men and women of

the Canadian Armed Forces left their loved ones and will never return. They went

to a land far away to help that country establish a democracy, to establish the

freedoms and the rights and the privileges that we are here today to exercise.

We should recognize and be mindful that it's a rare privilege in this world

today that we can act and speak so freely here in this assembly and govern our

own affairs.

The cares and concerns of our loved ones and indeed all the people

of British Columbia are bound up in their hopes and expectations. We are here

today to lay forth plans to fulfil the opportunities that will give them a

foundation from which they can achieve their goals and hopes. That begins with

the programs we initiated some time ago to lay a sound financial foundation with

balanced budgets so that we may begin to earn the trust of our citizens and our

businessmen so that they will have confidence to continue the investments and

the advancements of our economy and that they will have, most importantly,

certainty in their affairs so they can move forward knowing that the investments

and the risks they take will not be betrayed by backsliding in financial

affairs.

We have in the area of certainty — certainly unprecedented in the

area of certainty — labour peace. No one would have thought, no one would have

dreamed, years ago that we would achieve the certainty we have in labour affairs

with the unique and outstanding achievement of labour peace in the public sector

and teachers till 2010, with the hope of bonuses to carry that on further. Why

shouldn't there be? I would certainly say our public service is loyal,

hard-working, and has every expectation to enjoy all of the rich benefits that

this strong economy has provided.

This certainly has also increased job creation and investments.

British Columbia leads all Canada in new jobs — 315,000 new jobs since 2001 and

65,000 last year alone. That's a 3.1-percent increase, second only to our

neighbouring province, Alberta, with whom we of course now have achieved an

economic union at no cost to the taxpayers, which gives us a powerful economic

engine to move forward into the next decade.

[1520]

The unemployment stands at a record low 4.9 percent. In my area,

Nanaimo-Parksville, the riding that I have the privilege and honour to

represent, the unemployment rate dropped to as low as 4.8 percent. I must

acknowledge and report that currently it stands at 6.7 percent. This, however,

is nearly a 50-percent improvement from where it was at 12.7 percent in 2001, so

we've moved forward.

Now, I'm sure some will say that this is an unacceptable level.

I'd be astounded if some don't say that. I think they may take the approach that

this is a glass half empty. However, I would submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that

we're on the way — that we've moved from 12.7 to 6.7 percent, and the glass is

half full. In fact, I'm confident, with the optimism and the investment

happening in the constituency I represent, that within a few years it will be

full to the brim indeed, perhaps overflowing.

We see many indications of that optimism and forward movement in

our economy. The Downtown Nanaimo Partnership, which is a very unique

organization — it's an amalgam partnership between city council and business

people in the downtown core — set about with ambitious programs and plans to

turn around what was basically a desolate, empty downtown into a thriving hub

and core of the city that welcomes people. In the last few years they have

achieved 91 net new businesses in the downtown core. It's a wonderful place to

be, and it's an exciting place to be.

These new businesses, these new entrepreneurs, have created over a

thousand jobs in the downtown centre. Also, city council committed $72 million

for a new Nanaimo centre, which is being built as we speak — on time, I hasten

to add happily, and on budget. This $72 million development will have a

50,000-seat conference centre to accommodate conferences from all over the

world.

Some would say, and certainly it is true, that one of the partners

building the hotel has had some considerations of developing the hotel through

financial concerns. However, what we found, having taken this bold step, is that

city council has created a great opportunity for hoteliers, and indeed, several

have come forward. The list of people who wish to take

part in this development

is now at seven.

Downtown Nanaimo's face is changing too. The old, derelict

Malaspina Hotel, which many people may know and which stood for a long time as a

real symbol of the deterioration of the downtown core, has now been

reconstructed. Cape Development has come in and built a new highrise

condominium development,

[ Page 5278 ]

which greatly adds needed residents into the downtown core. It has also

expanded the waterfront parkway with a great new open public space that's to be

enjoyed by all the citizens of Nanaimo.

Businesses are thriving too. Coastland Wood Industries, a veneer

plant in Nanaimo, is doing extremely well, running full shifts supplying

veneers. In fact, they're looking at expanding their operations to meet a

growing demand for their products. I recently met with the executives of Pope

and Talbot, the pulp mill in Nanaimo, and they've enjoyed not a record year but

a year that certainly exceeded their expectations, and they look forward to

another good year.

The softwood lumber agreement offers new opportunities and new

hope. Some may say that our Minister of Forests and Range is perhaps gruff on

the exterior but soft inside, but I think we will shortly learn that we will

press forward many advantages that are open to us by the softwood lumber

agreement, and you will see new investment and new jobs created on the Island.

So many things are moving forward.

Parksville is often regarded as a holiday spot. It's famous for

its beaches and beach celebrations. Little is known about the industries there,

and some of them are very unique. I'd like to mention a couple of them that are

doing exceptionally well.

One group called Detailed Design actually does advance CAD/CAM

design for all steel-structure buildings in North America, including the

Superdome and other major dome structures that you may know. They have clients

right across North America and Europe, and they're employing as many people as

they can as fast as they can. This thriving business offers high-paying jobs to

highly skilled workers, generally in the 20 to 25 age range. It's a great

business.

[1525]

Another unknown success story is Camtech. This industry, owned by

Charles and Jean Robinson in Parksville, reconstructs models of the cabins of

747s. In this small town — this small but very thriving city of Parksville —

they do instruction for aeronautical safety and procedures and build these

cabins so that people can be taught how to behave in emergencies and be trained

in aeronautical safety.

The Island Hall, a familiar landmark to everyone, is also being

redeveloped, as residential and construction jobs and the industry thrives and

booms in Nanaimo.

So business is good. Opportunities are good in my riding, and it's

because of the solid financial foundation that has been put forward. People are

optimistic, people are investing, and things are moving forward.

One of the concerns in our riding, of course, with the large

population of seniors in the Nanaimo-Parksville constituency, is health care —

health care as it relates to seniors. We certainly have — and it was

acknowledged that we have — the best-ranked health care system in Canada. In

Nanaimo, certainly, and in Parksville, the concerns about seniors are being met

by this very forward-thinking health care system. The seniors assisted-living

facilities are greatly expanding. VIHA has committed to 215 units in Nanaimo,

and 135 residential and 80 assisted-living have been announced. In Parksville I

was able to announce another 220 units — being 160 residential-living and 60

assisted-living — that were just recently opened.

Many other things are happening, of course, in the health care

system. A review is being undertaken of the emergency facilities with an aim to

improve the emergency care in the regional district hospital in Nanaimo. That

will involve, particularly, a new psychiatric emergency care unit so that people

with mental health issues can be separated from those that have other emergent

care needs.

The operating theatres have been completed. This was left. It was

really an empty shell that was left for ten years, and the Ministry of Health

has finished them off. We have now 12 state-of-the-art operating theatres in

Nanaimo.

There's generally a very optimistic attitude, I have to say, in

Nanaimo. People are happy with the way things are progressing, and people are

happy with what is happening. Nanaimo was the first community to endorse the

Winter Olympics in 2010, and just recently, we had many celebrations to build

the enthusiasm towards the happy Olympic event.

Many of you, of course, know and remember Allison Forsyth, who was

injured. I recently had a meeting with Allison. She's still on crutches, but

she's determined to be on the podium in the Olympics. As determined and touching

was her mother Marion, who is battling cancer. She intends to be there to watch

her daughter succeed, and I'm sure she will.

But there are other Olympic hopefuls. At the recent Spirit of 2010

events last weekend I was fortunate enough to watch Kelsey Ross, a very talented

16-year-old, who at the age of nine was able to do double flip — whatever they

are — loops, and she has an amazing talent. She skates with grace and smoothness

and power. I'm sure there's another citizen from this area that we'll see on the

podium in 2010.

Parksville, of course, moves forward. It won the Communities in

Bloom in 2006, competing across Canada for that honour. It's really no surprise

that they should win it, being such a wonderful place. They've also hosted the

Seniors Lawn Bowling Pairs, where B.C. won first and second. That was also done

in 2006.

Nanaimo looks forward to hosting, this year, the B.C. Seniors

Games, and I'm sure there will be many participants, if not within this

chamber….

B. Lekstrom: There are lots of seniors up there.

[1530]

R. Cantelon: Lots of seniors up there, and it will be a

wonderful event. Nanaimo's famous for its volunteerism and its ability to host

these events.

This year we celebrated the championship team, the Vancouver

Island Raiders, who won the Canadian Junior Football League championships — the

first time it ever happened — in what was certainly a heart-stopping fourth

quarter achievement.

[ Page 5279 ]

The Nanaimo Clippers are well on their way to another very, very

successful season, and we expect them to do well in the playoffs forthcoming.

We recently — again, as part of ActNow — celebrated the Vancouver

Island Raiders championship but also the Grey Cup championship. It was wonderful

to see the reaction of people who had never seen the Grey Cup, who had listened

to and cheered the B.C. Lions from their inception in '54 when they promised to

roar in '54, as some may remember. They had never seen the Grey Cup and were

quite thrilled to see it and were happy to have their picture taken with it.

I think we should note that Wally Buono, quite correctly, was

named coach of the year for his outstanding achievements. I'm sure we all share

in congratulating Wally for his contribution.

Another great thing that is moving forward in our province, and I

think a very special one, is the new relationship we are having with first

nations. I've had the opportunity to take part and travel where the effects and

the hopes and the inspiration that the first nations are now developing and to

see that first hand.

I was here in Victoria not long ago at the Empress Hotel and

talked with Robert Dennis, chief of the west coast bands, and the joy and the

energy in that room was really something to behold. It was really, truly a

celebration. You could get the sense that these first nations people felt that

something had been lifted from their shoulders, that they were now able to move

forward and participate with all British Columbians on an equal footing. But the

treaty just lays the foundation, and it's recognized that it is not the complete

or full answer to any of the concerns, but it now affords the opportunity for

them to move forward. We hope and expect to see many more of these agreements in

the future.

I also had the privilege recently to participate in the second

aboriginal education enhancement agreement with school district 69. This is the

second of the agreements — one of 30 that have been signed with aboriginal

peoples across the province — and it's a great partnership between the school

district and the first nations. It has achieved some remarkable results.

Since 2001 the completion rate in grade 12 has risen from 31

percent — which I'm sure everyone would acknowledge is terribly low, in fact,

dismally low — to 58 percent. Now 58 percent is still not as high as it is for

other citizens, other young people, at 79 percent, but that is a significant

27-percent improvement in achievement level. Other achievement levels were

equally as impressive.

But the numbers don't tell the whole story, and it's really not

about numbers for first nations. It's really about having a sense of hope and

opportunity that at last, and I really do mean at last, they can move forward

and take

part in the opportunities that this thriving economy presents to them,

that they can have the hope that they will see their dreams fulfilled in this

economy and that the barriers that used to be there for first nations entering

the workforce will be removed.

Gordon Bob, who is the brother of the Chief, spoke very eloquently

about the sense that this is really a new thing. Right through all my

discussions with the various first nations people I had, there's new hope,

there's new optimism that they see themselves as partners moving forward with

us, and it was a great thing to see.

Ellen White, who is one of the elders of the Snuneymuxw First

Nation, spoke. Every time Ellen speaks and gives prayers to whatever group she's

speaking to, you feel better afterwards. She lifts everyone up with her words

and the depth of her spirituality.

[1535]

She used a phrase that I thought was quite unique and interesting.

She said that these new, young first nations people were going to be raised with

a foot in each culture. I think she means to say to us that they're now part of

our society in British Columbia in the broadest sense, but they'll always

remember their first nations culture and that the two should not be a

contradiction in moving forward. They can proudly move forward as aboriginal

people but confidently take

part in the economy of British Columbia. And that's

the way it should be.

I had a recent meeting with Ralph Nilson, the new president of

Malaspina College, and he's very rightly proud and enthusiastic about carrying

on the tradition of partnerships they have with first nations in a wide variety

of educational opportunities that are presented by Malaspina University College.

Also this month I had the privilege of presenting cheques, first

to the Inter Tribal Health Authority in Nanaimo — $31,500. This is to the Inter

Tribal Health Authority which administers public health to all the coastal bands

up and down the coast.

There are two important things about it. Firstly, it is very

important, if you think about this, that the people who are providing nursing

services to these remote communities are aboriginal. This program and this

funding are to support and encourage nurses to become involved first in training

and development to supply these public health services. If you're in a remote

village and the public health nurse comes to you and she's white or he's white,

what that says to them is: they're different. "We're here, and the experts must

come and must be white to tell us how to look after our health."

It is one of the key contacts that happens to some of these remote

tribal communities. I have to tell you that with my travels on aquaculture, I

had no idea how remote some of these villages are. They certainly are. But to

have a recognizable first nations face to provide these services sends an

entirely different message. It says to these first nations people in these

villages, to the young people particularly who are being ministered to, that:

"You are part of British Columbia," that "You are welcome," and that "You, too,

can move forward, and you, too, can have a career beyond the village and yet

still remember and minister to the village."

The other cheque that I was able to present was for $22,000 to

Snuneymuxw to support the other side of nursing training. This is to provide

tutoring, mentorship and direction so that young first nations, aboriginal women

and men, can be encouraged to pursue a career

[ Page 5280 ]

at Malaspina University College, to develop a career in nursing. Certainly we

know that throughout our economy we are very short of trained labour, trained

specialists in a wide variety of concerns, and we need every first nation that

we can encourage and that we can help break the barriers down so that they can

participate in our economy.

Another meeting recently. I met with Minister de Jong and with

David Bob of the Nanoose First Nation in my constituency. He spoke at some

length of the rich history of how all the villages and communities are

intertwined. Everybody has someone in another village that is related, and

they're all connected in a very unique and cultural way.

But they, too, are moving forward. They, too, have dreams. They

expect their dreams will be fulfilled, and I have every indication that they

will be. They have moved forward now. They have an extensive shellfish industry

which provides employment and income directly to members of the band, and

they've done very well with that.

They also have some very ambitious economic development plans

which involve what I think is a very unique facility that they want to build.

They want to build a seniors residence and care facility that will basically be

oriented primarily to first nations — but not exclusively, they hasten to add —

so that first nations seniors, as they reach retirement and old age and

eventually pass on, can do so in an environment that's sympathetic to their

culture, where their traditions are respected and where they're ministered to in

the context of the culture that they know. They hope that such a facility will

be one that will be used by all first nations on the coastal area. I think it's

certainly a very worthwhile project, I encourage them, and I think they'll see

their dreams fulfilled.

[1540]

We also, with the minister, met with Shawn Atleo and Judith

Sayers. Again, the mood was positive. The mood was upbeat. Throughout all of

these meetings and all of these encounters I've had with first nations groups

throughout the province, and some of the aquaculture tours, there really is a

mood of hopefulness, of working together, of partnerships — that yes, we need to

move through with the treaties, and yet we can step aside with the treaties and

move the economic, cultural, personal and social agendas forward at the same

time. It needn't be just the legalistic treaty negotiations, which sometimes

seem to preoccupy and in some cases might be viewed as a hindrance as much as a

help. We can move forward with an agenda through the reconciliation that moves

their hopes forward, and that's exactly what's happening.

Finally, I was very fortunate to take

part in the hiring program

of the new Representative for Children and Youth, who happens to be of direct

aboriginal ancestry, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. Unfortunately, it's true the

large portion of children at risk in our society are first nations, and I want

to assure this House that we will have an outstanding individual who will

champion these causes — a woman of great intelligence, energy and experience,

who will move forward the agenda of people and children with concerns, at risk.

All of these things are good. All of these things lay a good

foundation as we move forward in the economy, as we move forward with our new

relationship with first nations. But all of these will be hollow if we don't

preserve the environment in which this economy thrives.

We all love this beautiful country. We all love its lakes and

streams. That's our richest heritage that we have. I think that it's incumbent

on us to preserve this richest legacy for them. Yes, there must be jobs, but the

jobs…. Unless we can manage in an environmentally sustainable way, we will have

failed. I want to say that that is not happening. I think the throne speech lays

out not only an ambitious but an achievable plan to ensure that our environment

will be protected as we move forward.

I was quite astounded when we heard what some of the concerned

people have said. One of the authors of the UN report on climate change,

University of Victoria professor Andrew Weaver, said that he was taken aback and

stunned by the scope and ambition of the program that was laid forward.

His words were: "It's the most progressive plan that I've seen

anywhere in North America and one of the best in the world." "This is the way to

go," he said: "It's great leadership. It's really super." He even said: "I'm

sounding like a party hack." I would say that perhaps someone should approach

him about a membership; I don't know. But when you see this…. "If you put my

dreams on paper," he said, "everything I wanted was in here. It's amazing." He

also pointed out that none of these goals are out of reach.

So we have the best place on earth to live, and it's absolutely

important that we preserve it and enhance it for our children and their

children. This builds on the progress that we've already made. The targets are

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2020. These are achievable

goals. We have a $25 million innovation fund to prepare and develop new methods

of energy production, and 90 percent of all B.C.'s energy will come from clean

renewable resources.

[1545]

This is an approach that is very much in sympathy with the

constituents that live in my area. The regional district of Nanaimo has always

been very, very concerned about recycling and waste. They've achieved their

target — tops in Canada — of 50-percent diversion of material from landfills.

It's an outstanding achievement.

They have also added that the organic material from commercial

places, restaurants and so forth, now has to be recycled. They're now developing

a household organic recycling program that they feel will remove 70 percent of

the material from landfills. So we're ahead of the curve, and we plan to stay

there in our constituency.

Methane gas from landfill sites is one of the issues addressed in

the throne speech. Madam Speaker, I want to tell you again that the regional

district of Nanaimo is already capturing it and is about to embark on a pilot

program to put that methane gas to productive use.

[ Page 5281 ]

Water sustainability, of course. Water is a key element in the

sustainability of our communities, and the city of Parksville has moved forward

and plans to take advantage of the infrastructure grants to improve and make

secure their water supply. I certainly will be assisting them heartily to do

just that.

It might be seen by some to be restrictive, but to the contrary,

new technologies and new industries that direct their attention to the

environment open up new opportunities. We have one business in Nanaimo, ICC,

that develops an elaborate composting system where it takes all organic material

— trees, roots, stumps — and out the other end comes organic untreated topsoil —

very good material.

This facility was visited recently when the secretary of state for

Asia-Pacific brought a group of investors from China. We'd hoped that they would

be interested in investing money in capital projects in the city. They were more

interested in the technology that they could export. So I think the new

opportunities that are concerned with and are projects for the environment offer

new economic opportunities as well.

Moving on to the education field, again I would say and

congratulate that our community is moving forward. In school district 69 we just

recognized one of our teachers for winning the Prime Minister's teacher's

achievement of excellence. I think in recognizing teachers, we're already moving

forward to anticipate what was laid out in the throne speech to give more

recognition to those teachers that excel.

They also have a new program called Ready, Set, Learn oriented

towards young children to bring them into the schools and to read with them. I

think they're recognizing that the parents are the first teachers that children

have and that they must be encouraged to read with their children to give them a

good start in education.

Also, 68 is one of the leaders with their Building Learning

Together program. This is a program that involves a community — some 200

volunteers, drivers, seniors. That takes learning right out into the community

with their bus — and Munchkin Land and many other exciting and innovative

programs to give children a new start. In both school districts from 68 and 69

in Nanaimo there's extensive use of the buildings for community facilities.

Another aspect that the budget turned to was homelessness. Again,

I would salute and congratulate the city of Nanaimo for the active approach they

take to homeless people, particularly those on the street. We're using some of

the tools that this Legislature has put in their hands — the Safe Streets Act,

the Trespass Act. But their focus is more on compliance. They're not out to fine

anybody. They're there to take them off the street and connect them with

resources. They're working with the downtown Nanaimo partnership, with

neighbourhood groups, with police, with VIHA.

[1550]

They've made great use of the new funding that's been put in place

by this government, the $139,000 supplied through VIHA to basically connect

people on the streets with services. Many of these people have no fixed address,

no place to live and many other barriers to obtaining services. Also, many of

them are affected with drug abuse, mental issues and basically self-medication.

They've moved forward using these tools to remove what they refer to as drug

squats, where people basically camp out in a yard or in a campground and use it

as a place to gather and distribute drugs. They use the Trespass Act to displace

and move these along.

We recognize that these are only short-term solutions. They know

it too, but they keep at it, and they keep moving people along. Randy Churchill

says it's like pushing the ocean back in some cases, but they are achieving

success. Every time they move a drug house or a crack house or close it down —

and they've closed some 30 of them down in Nanaimo — they find that when it

comes back in another neighbourhood, it comes back with less of a vengeance.

Once they've moved a crack house, the neighbourhood comes in and takes the

community back. The house is rebuilt and becomes a functioning part of the

community again.

It's still a fragile success, but it's moving forward. We

certainly look forward to the initiatives that will be presented and fleshed out

in the budget as we move forward to implement the plans laid out in the budget.

The city of Nanaimo, too, has taken a great initiative with

homelessness with a project they've set on Meredith Road. Never mind DCCs; the

city's donating the land, putting up the land, to build the facility on Meredith

Road. A group of people that is sometimes maligned, the development community,

has said: "Well, we'll build it. You put up the land, and we'll build it."

Here's an affordable housing facility that will be at no cost to taxpayers or

anyone else. They've now approached B.C. Housing to see if they can expand the

concept with their participation.

I had the opportunity to make the minister for forest, lands and

housing aware of this. He was an enthusiastic supporter, and we hope to see his

announcement in the near future for the participation of the provincial

government in this very worthy project.

The communities are ready. They're moving forward. They're working

in a spirit and an atmosphere of optimism. They're moving forward to build their

economies, to build better places. Certainly, the new emphasis and the great

emphasis on the environment is one that's going to be one welcomed by all people

in British Columbia.

I want to close with a favourite saying of a dear friend of mine

who just recently turned 90, who served long terms on city council and on boards

with me, Margaret Strongitharm. She used to say that there are three kinds of

people: those who watch it happen, those who wonder what happened and those who

make it happen. I'm proud to be part of a government led by a leader who is in

the last category, because this government intends to make it happen for the

province and for all the people in British Columbia.

J. Yap: It is an honour and a privilege to rise as the

member for Richmond-Steveston to speak on the throne speech delivered by Her

Honour the Lieutenant-

[ Page 5282 ]

Governor. I'm honoured to be the seconder of the throne speech, moved by my

colleague from Nanaimo-Parksville, a throne speech which is a blueprint of great

vision for our province.

British Columbia has come a long way since 2001, and I am proud to

be part of a government caucus which has led the change, led the transformation

and the progress which has lifted our province from stagnation to success. As

outlined within the throne speech, we on the government side intend to continue

with this agenda of change, transformation and progress to make B.C. an even

better place to live, to work and to raise a family.

We all, members of this House, come to be here by the support of

the many and the few in the communities which we represent. I am grateful to the

British Columbians who call Richmond-Steveston home for their support and

encouragement, for having me here as their representative in this Legislature.

I'm especially honoured to have the support of a dedicated group

of constituents, including Brian Petersen, Michael Chiu, Debbie McBride,

Magdalen Leung and Paul Dufour, to name a few. I'm thankful for the yeoman

support of my constituency office assistants Paige Robertson and PoWah Ng, who

help me serve the constituents of my riding. They are the vital links for me in

ensuring that I am meeting the needs of my constituents as an MLA.

I am, of course, grateful to my family for allowing me to pursue

public service as a member of this Legislative Assembly.

[1555]

Richmond, like every other part of B.C., has seen its share of

change. From the increased traffic of inbound cargo ships passing through the

south arm of the Fraser River carrying goods from overseas to the continued

growth of new residential communities along the riverfront of Steveston, we see

change. Richmond is one of the most multicultural cities of the province, with a

vibrant blend of Canadians, new and not so new, from different cultures coming

together to live in harmony, building the community we all love. We see

continued in-migration of people into Richmond because, like B.C., it is the

best place on earth.

Richmond is renowned for its great community spirit and for its

strong business base, with not just a riverfront and harbour, not just the

largest airport in the province, but it is also home to innovative, leading-edge

companies — companies like MDA, Herbon Naturals, Sierra Wireless, Boston Pizza,

London Drugs and CHC Helicopter, to name a few.

Richmond is a caring community with an excellent network of

support for those who need help, such as children with special needs, people

with disabilities or seniors. I think of community groups such as Richmond

Addiction Services, Volunteer Richmond, Richmond Chinese Community Society and

Touchstone Family Services association, to name a few.

As I meet and talk with the citizens of my riding, I sense a great

deal of hope and optimism at the change which we are seeing in our province.

Change is one of those things which philosophers wax eloquent about. It is

inevitable, and we must be open to change — positive change — for us to be able

continue to progress, to continue to succeed.

In the last six years we have seen tremendous change in B.C. We

have seen a great transformation. We have seen great progress. When the B.C.

Liberals formed government in 2001, our province was about as low as it could

be. Our economy was in the doldrums, one of the slowest-growing in the nation.

We were at the end of a decade — yes, a dismal decade — which was marked by

government deficits…

Interjections.

Deputy Speaker: Members.

J. Yap: …was marked by the loss of our best….

Interjections.

Deputy Speaker: Members, please listen to the speaker.

Thank you.

Interjection.

Deputy Speaker: Member, the member for Richmond-Steveston

has the floor.

J. Yap: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

We were at the end of a decade — yes, a dismal decade — which was

marked by government deficits. It was marked by the loss of our best and

brightest. It was marked by jobs and investment leaving our province, and worst

of all, it was marked by a loss of hope. There was in B.C. a sense of drift and

a lack of confidence in our future.

Thanks to the leadership of our Premier and the B.C. Liberal

government, and the hard work of British Columbians these past six years, today

we have a very different B.C. British Columbia today has one of the strongest

economies in Canada. We have essentially full employment, with a 4-percent

unemployment rate — the lowest it has been in over 30 years.

Investment is once again flowing into B.C. Today, in fact, there

is over $100 billion in major capital and infrastructure projects underway in

our province — a historic high. We have restored prudent fiscal management,

achieving surplus budgets for the past three years, and B.C.'s international

credit rating has now recovered from all the declines of the 1990s and has been

restored to the best level available: triple-A.

At the very beginning of its first mandate our government

introduced income tax cuts, which helped to spur our economy and helped to

attract investment and increased job growth. Today we have one of the most

competitive tax regimes in the country.

We also reduced the regulatory burden, with our government

receiving praise from that most unique watchdog of government, the CFIB,

Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the voice of small and medium-

[ Page 5283 ]

sized business in Canada. The CFIB honoured our government last year with a

special award for its regulatory reforms, which are leading the way in the

nation.

All along, as our government worked to transform and grow the

economy, we continued to make significant investments in the key areas of health

care and public education. Indeed, contrary to the rhetoric of the opposition,

we have increased spending in each of these areas in the past six years.

[1600]

British Columbia has made great progress, and with this new year

before us, we have the opportunity to continue to make strides to do even better

as a province. The throne speech lays out a great plan for us to continue to

move forward.

[S. Hammell in the chair.]

The throne speech has a strong environmental focus, which is good

for Richmond, for our province and for Canada. For many years the city of

Richmond's slogan has been, fittingly, "Island City, by Nature." Richmond people

have a keen appreciation for the environment. They want to be good stewards of

the environment, want practical and effective solutions to ensuring that we

protect our environment, preserving it for our children and their children.

For example, my constituents enjoy the natural environment and

beauty of the south arm of the Fraser River, which includes ecologically

sensitive areas such as Steveston Island, also known as Shady Island, a small

island in Steveston harbour. A dedicated group of Richmond citizens are working

to preserve the natural state of this island, with the support of the city of

Richmond. I support these efforts and look forward to working with stakeholders,

including the city, federal and provincial governments, towards this goal.

Today it is said that environmental concerns are foremost in the

minds of Canadians, but this is nothing new. British Columbians have always been

concerned about the environment. Our government has been clear about this,

setting it out as one of the five great goals which call us to lead the world in

sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality and

the best fisheries management, bar none.

The throne speech sets out clear, measurable goals for British

Columbians to strive for in order to achieve this great goal. These goals will

not be easy to achieve, but the time for easy is over. British Columbians want

action, solutions and goals which will lead us forward in managing our economy

in an environmentally sustainable manner, and I am proud that our government

will deliver on this great goal with the initiatives enunciated in the throne

speech. B.C. will lead the way in reducing carbon emissions. B.C. will lead the

way in dealing with global warning. B.C. will lead the nation into the Pacific

century.

British Columbians want government to lead with a strong

environmental agenda, but they also want to keep our economy strong. The throne

speech spells out a plan for us to have both here in B.C. Unlike the NDP, we on

the government side believe that a strong economy is key to achieving our goals

as a province.

Our economy has never been stronger. Whether it's in the

construction, high technology, tourism, natural resources, manufacturing or

services sector, our economy is firing on all cylinders. Yet as we look into the

future with the dramatic changes happening in the world, with the emerging

economies of the Asia-Pacific taking their place in reshaping the world economy,

B.C. as an open economy has to continue to diversify and focus on the potential

that trade and investment with the economies of China, India and other

Asia-Pacific economies represent.

B.C. needs to continue to capitalize on its position as Canada's

only Pacific province and on the advantage provided by our diverse population,

with many British Columbians having cultural, linguistic, familial and business

ties to the Asia-Pacific economies. B.C. is truly the gateway to North America

for the Asia-Pacific economies.

I am very proud and pleased that the throne speech emphasizes this

strategic advantage as part of B.C.'s Pacific leadership agenda. Certainly, in

my community we see this gateway in action, with the many dynamic and successful

businesses which are led by entrepreneurs who have linkages to the Asia-Pacific

acting as bridges between economies and emphasizing Richmond's and B.C.'s place

as the gateway to Canada and North America.

Speaking of gateway, the transportation infrastructure program by

the same name is a crucial part of ensuring our continued economic growth and

success. I am proud of the government's investments in this area, some $3

billion over the coming years. The addition of the Canada line finally linking

Richmond, the Vancouver International Airport and Vancouver will not only

provide a needed boost to the regional economy, but it is environmentally the

right thing to do. I look forward to the day in the not too distant future when

this transit service is completed and in operation.

[1605]

A strong economy requires that its greatest resource — its people

— work effectively and productively and are fairly compensated. I am proud of

the great example set by this B.C. Liberal government with the labour peace

achieved last year: 139 labour agreements, covering 94 percent of public sector

employees, without strikes or disruptions — a significant, indeed historic,

accomplishment that eluded even the NDP when they were in government.

A strong and growing economy also requires innovation, lateral

thinking and great vision from government in laying the groundwork for future

prosperity. This we saw in spades when our government entered into the trade,

investment and labour mobility accord with Alberta. B.C. and Alberta's economies

combined are 30 percent larger than Quebec's. This accord will eventually add

almost $5 billion to our province's GDP and create 78,000 new jobs in B.C.

alone.

The throne speech also emphasizes the need for us as a province to

recognize and honour our diversity as

[ Page 5284 ]

a people. As we head towards the 150th anniversary of British Columbia's

founding as a colony and province, it is fitting that we have a historic chance

to make good on recognizing and honouring the first peoples of our great

province.

I am proud that our government has made great strides towards

reconciliation with first nations peoples. Last year we saw a creation of the

new relationship fund — $100 million set up to help first nations achieve

capacity and improve the future potential of their people.

We should all be proud of the results of the treaty negotiation

process, which has now produced three final agreements that are in the process

of being ratified — the Lheidli T'enneh, Maa-nulth and Tsawwassen First Nations

final agreements represent hope for these communities to satisfy their land

claims and open economic possibilities for these first nations. The treaties

will bring reconciliation between them and all British Columbians and help bring

certainty as to the future economic direction of our province.

We are a province blessed with many great resources, a strong

economy, a people with renewed optimism and even greater potential for progress.

Yet there are some in our society who need help. I am proud that the throne

speech makes clear that our government will continue to help those who are the

most in need.

Whether it is housing for the most disadvantaged, low-income

seniors, services for those with physical disabilities or support for families

dealing with the effects of addictions or mental illness, our government will

direct resources to these areas so that every British Columbian can benefit from

the progress we have achieved and will continue to achieve under the leadership

of our government.

The throne speech makes clear that B.C. will remain committed to

the principles of the Canada Health Act. B.C.'s health care system has been

rated the best among the provincial jurisdictions by the Conference Board of

Canada, something we can all be proud of.

I am pleased that the government has continued to invest in health

care with funding at historic high levels. In Richmond these investments include

the construction of the Austin Harris assisted seniors residence, the Rosewood

Manor seniors care facility expansion, and at Richmond Hospital, the new

state-of-the-art intensive care unit, new pediatric surgery program and

successful joint-and-hip-replacement projects.

As our population grows and ages, as new technologies continue to

emerge in health care, it is clear that we need to take steps to transform our

health care system so that it can be sustainable for the future. Today we spend

43 percent of our provincial budget on health care. At the current rate of

growth of health care spending, that will rise to 71 percent in ten years if we

do nothing.

British Columbians already enjoy the best health care system in

Canada. Our children and our children's children deserve nothing less going

forward. But the health care system needs to be sustainable.

My constituents tell me that we have a duty to make changes to

make our health care system sustainable. My constituents have told me that they

are tired of the rhetoric and ideology put forward by special interest groups.

My constituents want changes to make our health care system even better and

sustainable.

[1610]

I am pleased that our government has launched the Conversation on

Health to canvass the views of British Columbians in order to get the best ideas

to achieve a sustainable, publicly funded health care system. I look forward to

the recommendations from these conversations and the dialogue which will ensue

as we move forward with our responsibility to strengthen and sustain our public

health care system.

A key part of this reform of our health care system will be in the

paradigm shift that is needed where each of us, each British Columbian, takes

responsibility for our health and wellness. The ActNow B.C. initiative promotes

healthy choices in nutrition and lifestyle. It will help us all focus and move

us forward to achieving great goal number 2, and that is to lead the way in

North America in healthy living and physical fitness.

What a wonderful opportunity we will have to focus British

Columbians on fitness with the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games coming

to our province. In less than three years the attention of the world will be on

Vancouver, Whistler and also Richmond. Richmond's speed skating oval will

provide a wonderful sports, economic and community-building legacy for not just

the people of Richmond but all British Columbians.

As a parent of two school-age children, I am well aware of the

need for us to continue to invest in our public school system. Our public

schools already produce great outcomes for our students compared to other

jurisdictions. We have among the highest graduation rates at 80 percent. I note

that for the Richmond school district, the graduation rate is 92 percent, among

the highest in the province.

I have visited the schools in my riding and know firsthand the

dedication of the teachers as they help to develop the skills and knowledge of

our students. The throne speech calls for further innovation in public education

and encourages excellence in teaching with the proposed Premier's award for

teachers.

I am proud of the continued strong commitment of the government to

public education with the increasing investments made in our K-to-12 public

schools, even with declining student enrolment. Since 2001 the province has

increased funding to public schools by almost $1 billion. During this same

period enrolment declined by almost 43,000 students, and this decline is

projected to further continue, to the order of 30,000 over the next five years.

For the Richmond school district this increased funding has

included such things as the $101,000 recently announced to support innovative

literacy programs; $48,000 for Hugh Boyd Secondary School's hairdressing trades

program; $25,000 in funding for

[ Page 5285 ]

summer student camps; and $14 million for the Steveston-London secondary

school expansion project.

Again, as the world changes, we must change, and public education

is no different. The introduction of further innovations such as distance

learning and on-line tutoring will help improve the outcomes for our students.

The throne speech emphasizes the continued priority of skills and

knowledge training as key for the continued progress we all desire for our

province. Already the government has begun to dig us out of the NDP's legacy

where no new doctor or nursing spaces were added during the 1990s. We have

increased the number of doctors and nurses being trained. We have earmarked

2,500 new graduate spaces in our post-secondary institutions as part of the

commitment underway to add 25,000 additional post-secondary spaces.

We have invested and will continue to invest in skills training to

meet the needs of our growing economy. I am proud of the government's record in

advanced education and look forward to continued progress in the coming year.

The throne speech is a call to British Columbians to work for

progress in improving our environment while keeping our economy competitive and

strong, while looking after those citizens who are most in need. It calls us to

strive for more, to build on the great progress we have achieved these past six

years towards an even brighter future.

It calls us to be open to creativity and innovation. It calls us

to not fear but rather to embrace change as we work to build an even better

British Columbia. It calls us to reach higher.

[1615]

C. James: I am pleased to rise in response to the Speech

from the Throne. In the past B.C. Liberal throne speeches and budgets have

provided insight into what the Premier fears are his political vulnerabilities.

But they have been always a terrible barometer of the government's true

intentions.

Last year the throne speech promised transformational change in

health care, but that transformation only resulted in more chaos. By the year's

end many of the people the B.C. Liberals handpicked to deliver patient care lost

confidence in their Premier. In the words of Dr. Dana Devine, a Vancouver

Coastal Health Authority board member who resigned just a few weeks ago: "I have

come to the conclusion that there is no willingness on the part of the Ministry

of Health or the Minister of Finance to face the reality of our situation."

The reality for British Columbians is simple: longer wait-lists,

gridlocked emergency rooms, hallway medicine and a long-term care bed shortage

that the Liberals simply refuse to address. The throne speech promising

transformational change in health care was followed by a budget that the Premier

dubbed "the children's budget." Well, this is small comfort for at-risk children

and families who have paid the heaviest price for the Premier's one-sided tax

cuts.

Now, one year later, B.C. parents are facing an uncertain future,

struggling to balance work and home, and with many fewer child care spaces

because of the Premier's announced child care cuts. Many of those parents came

to the Legislature yesterday to register their dismay and to remind the Premier

that our economy will not continue to grow if parents are struggling to choose

between work and family.

The throne speech offered those B.C. parents no comfort. Child

care wasn't even mentioned in that throne speech. At a time when more and more

parents are struggling to make ends meet and to find safe, affordable child care

for children, the throne speech's silence on this issue speaks volumes about the

B.C. Liberals' priorities.

Last year's children's budget was preceded the year before by a

seniors' budget. That year, you will recall, senior citizens still didn't get

the 5,000 long-term care beds they were promised by the B.C. Liberals in 2001.

Married couples living in long-term care like the Albos were split up and sent

to different parts of the province. The acute care bed shortage brought

emergency rooms throughout B.C. to a standstill.

But I have to say that for sheer rhetorical insincerity, nothing,

absolutely nothing, matches the throne speech in which the Premier renamed the

interior of British Columbia the heartlands. It's not surprising that name

didn't stick. What did stick was the unnecessary pain that was brought about by

an agenda of mean-spirited and shortsighted cuts that tore the heart out of

communities.

Given this pattern, British Columbians can be forgiven if the

Premier's sudden concern for the environment is met with some skepticism, if not

outright worry, about what this might mean for our planet. Children, seniors and

interior residents all know what it's like to be the target of this Premier's PR

machine. They know that their 15 minutes of throne speech fame goes by very,

very quickly. They also know that actions are much more powerful than words.

[1620]

Let me take a few minutes to measure the Premier's rhetoric in

yesterday's throne speech with the reality of the Premier's actions over the

last six years. As one respected pundit pointed out, the words "climate change"

made their first appearance in yesterday's throne speech. Incidentally, the same

was true in George Bush's State of the Union Address just a couple of weeks ago.

Clearly, the public's concern about a warming planet has not escaped politicians

for whom the issue has only been an irritant in the past.

Not that long ago, in remarks to a small gathering of supporters,

the Premier defended burning dirty coal by arguing that it didn't actually

matter what B.C. did because our impact on the world stage was so very small. Of

course, it was not that long ago that the Premier fired the commissioner for

environment and sustainability; not that long ago that the Premier scrapped the

climate change plan that actually established targets and goals; not that long

ago that he gutted the Environmental Assessment Act; not that long ago that

[ Page 5286 ]

he cut over 1,000 environmental protection officers; and not that long ago

that he eliminated over 800 Forest Service jobs, axed the climate change working

group and spoke out publicly against Kyoto.

It was not that long ago that the Premier eliminated the Ministry

of Environment altogether, and now he's asking British Columbians to believe

that he cares about climate change.

The question remains: has the Premier really changed, or has he

just changed his story to suit his political ends? If he's just changed his

story, then yesterday's promises on climate change will join the promises of

past throne speeches. But if he's really changed, then yesterday's throne speech

needs to be followed by actions, by targets, by measurable benchmarks to address

climate change and to make up for the years of lost ground under the B.C.

Liberals.

Two weeks ago I put forward a plan that proposed a cap on B.C.'s

greenhouse gas emissions and a process to target reductions in future years. My

plan aggressively expands tax incentives, it toughens regulations, it proposes

incentives to actually reduce emissions for oil and gas drilling, and it matches

federal public transit tax cuts. My plan says very clearly: no to dirty coal.

I reached out to the Premier, and I said: let's actually work

together on setting tough, new emission targets. Let's agree that climate change

threatens our future, that B.C. should be a leader, and that we can actually

achieve more united than we can divided.

I'll take this throne speech as the Premier's response to my

challenge and that of British Columbians everywhere who have demanded attention

on global warming. Clearly, the Premier read our plan to tackle climate change,

and parts of it are reflected in the throne speech. But the big question for all

of us is: can British Columbians trust this Premier to deliver?

It's a fair question. The first and only firm greenhouse gas

reduction target is not until 2020 — 13 years from now. The interim targets are

actually sectoral, not provincewide, and it's nine years before we see a real

commitment on emission reductions in the oil and gas sector or vehicles.

[1625]

The Premier wants to stand in the shadow of the California

Governor, but his plan falls short of even that state's climate change targets.

By 2010 California will have reduced greenhouse gases to 2000 levels. By 2010

here in B.C. we'll still be ten years away from getting anywhere near that

target.

So British Columbians have every reason to be skeptical about the

Premier's sudden climate change conversion. They want action, not words. But the

deep skepticism on climate change can only be matched by the anger and

frustration that British Columbians are feeling about the other key priorities

that this Premier has abandoned.

Last year the Premier promised action on health care. The throne

speech was in fact dominated by that issue, and this year health care was hardly

mentioned. Six throne speeches, six budgets, countless promises, millions and

millions of dollars in advertising, a conversation, and now the Premier's plan

for health care can be reduced to three simple words: don't get sick.

The Premier's attention span wasn't even long enough to follow

through, and he created a terrible mess for British Columbians — hallway

medicine, code purples, failed privatization schemes, administrative chaos. Now

he and his government are walking away.

We'll also remember that last fall the Premier promised action on

poverty and homelessness. A few months later, in the throne speech, this crisis

only gets a passing mention. It's a crisis that has reached alarming proportions

under this government's leadership, a crisis that is tearing at the hearts of

our communities, that is overwhelming our capacity to cope with too few

resources and no support from this government.

It's a crisis that is getting international attention. A recent

article in The Economist warned that the crisis is disfiguring

Vancouver's international reputation. It told the world about statistics that

have become depressingly familiar to people here at home. In the past three

years the number of homeless has doubled. On any given night 1,800 citizens are

living on Vancouver streets. More than 40,000 people are at risk of being

homeless, and there are more than 10,000 people on B.C.'s housing wait-list.

The Economist could have mentioned, but didn't, the fact

that B.C. now has, once again, the highest child poverty rate in this country.

We also have the fastest-growing gap between the rich and the poor of any

province.

There's only one way to describe this record. It is shameful, in a

province like British Columbia, to see these statistics. In a province as rich

as ours it's inexcusable, and the responsibility lies at the Premier's feet. The

Premier deliberately chose to make the most vulnerable among us bear the

heaviest price for his agenda.

Today every British Columbian is living with the consequences.

Sadly, homelessness, child poverty and the growing income gap were yesterday's

problem for the Premier — a political flavour of the week that captured the

government's attention for one brief, fleeting moment and now takes a back seat.

Let me say that I appreciate that throne speeches are by their

very nature longer on rhetoric than they are on specifics and that the Premier's

rhetoric about change, shaping the future and what kind of society we are

becoming is very well-crafted and very high-minded. I agree that in a world

buffeted by change, governments need to act now to secure our future. But to

meet the challenges the throne speech sets out requires a new approach, a

different attitude and a renewed agenda.

[1630]

This Premier and this government blow with the political wind.

Their agenda is not driven by the needs of tomorrow but by the headlines of

today. The history of their throne speech promises is a testament to that. One

wonders if climate change and the environment will get any mention in next

year's throne speech.

[ Page 5287 ]

Perhaps by then the child care crisis brought on by this government's cuts

will become so acute that lightning will strike, and the Premier will actually

announce that child care is his next priority.

Maybe, just maybe, it will be student debts and the skills

shortage. Possibly the Premier will wake up to the pine beetle crisis. Perhaps

homelessness and poverty will have tripled by then, and the Premier will

announce that he's going to tackle poverty. Perhaps public safety will top the

agenda, or maybe he might just go back to making health care promises that he

has no intention of keeping.

Whatever issue catches the Premier's attention next year is really

beside the point because the throne speech guessing game does nothing to meet

the challenges that we all face. What British Columbians need to succeed is a

sustained agenda that actually invests in the most important commodity we

possess: our people, our communities and our families.

We need to work in partnership with other governments — municipal

and first nations — to achieve those goals. We need to address two sides of the

same coin: social inclusion and economic growth. In our province every family,

every child and every citizen deserves opportunities — opportunities to pursue

their dreams, opportunities to share in the wealth of our province.

That means making life more affordable for average families. It

means reducing financial barriers to post-secondary education. It means

providing school districts with more than a new name but the resources to

actually do their job. It means actually standing up and fighting for universal

child care that this Premier helped the Prime Minister scrap in our country. And

yes, it means an honest accounting of what families are being asked to pay for

the Olympics. It means an end to failed health care privatization schemes that

force patients to pay cash for care.

A renewed agenda for British Columbia must focus on those families

who struggle every day to balance life and work, to educate their children, to

care for their parents and to save for their future. Their need must always

guide our work in every throne speech and in every budget, not as a short-term

political strategy but as a sustained social and economic plan for B.C.'s

future. Under my leadership, New Democrats will provide that alternative to

British Columbians.

We provided a climate change plan with established and achievable

targets. We provided a plan to tackle homelessness with new investments in

affordable housing. We provided a plan to renew public health care, to invest in

our children and to keep the economy going.

[1635]

Over the last six years B.C. has become a more divided society —

between the rich and the struggling middle class, old and young, rural and

urban. The fundamental question is how we're going to bridge these divides and

bring our province together in commo