British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, July 3, 2013

20130703pm-Hansard-v1n6

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

First Session, 40th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) THE HONOURABLE LINDA REID, SPEAKER ISSN 0709- 1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Aft ernoon Sitting Volume 1, Number 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...................................................................................................................................................Roderick MacArthur, QC Clerk Consultant ..............................................................................................................................................E. George MacMinn, OBC, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston Vacant ...................................................................................... Westside-Kelowna LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ............................................................................Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West ...................................................... Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Alberni–Pacifi c Rim .......................................................................... Scott Fraser Boundary-Similkameen ................................................................ Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ................................................................... Kathy Corrigan Burnaby-Edmonds .........................................................................

Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .............................................................Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North .............................................................................. Richard T. Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ........................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................... Hon. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack .........................................................................................

John Martin Chilliwack-Hope ....................................................................... Laurie Th roness Columbia River–Revelstoke .................................................. Norm Macdonald Comox Valley...........................................................................Hon. Don McRae Coquitlam–Burke Mountain .....................................................Douglas Horne Coquitlam-Maillardville........................................................... Selina Robinson Cowichan Valley ................................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee ...............................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill .......................................................................Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake.........................................................................Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano .............................................................

Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..........................................................Jordan Sturdy Westside-Kelowna ......................................................................................Vacant Party Standings: BC Liberal 48; New Democratic 34; Independent 2; Vacant 1

CONTENTS Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Aft ernoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ..........................................................................................................................................................83 Tributes ..........................................................................................................................................................................................83 Svein Tuft D.

Routley Introductions by Members ..........................................................................................................................................................83 Introduction and First Reading of Bills .....................................................................................................................................83 Bill M201 — Fall Fixed Election Amendment Act, 2013 V .

Huntington Statements (Standing Order 25B) ..............................................................................................................................................84 Summit for Tuskegee Airmen and Chinese-Canadian veterans J. Yap Centre of the Universe astronomy interpretive centre L. Popham Th e Bridge Studios and fi lm industry in B.C. J. Th ornthwaite Roller derby team in Creston M. Mungall Community living advocacy by Klaus Linemayr E. Foster Arts and culture events in Vancouver–Point Grey area and future of Jericho lands D.

Eby Oral Questions ..............................................................................................................................................................................86 Hosting of Indian fi lm awards event and spending priorities A. Dix Hon. S. Bond H. Bains Port Mann Bridge tolls and temporary closing of Pattullo Bridge G. Heyman Hon. T. Stone S. Hammell Riverview Hospital lands and sale of government assets S. Robinson Hon. R. Coleman Community volunteer supplement program M. Mungall Hon. D. McRae Northwest transmission line project and local workers R. Austin Hon. B.

Bennett Reports from Committees ...........................................................................................................................................................91 Special Committee of Selection, fi rst report Hon. M. de Jong Points of Order (Speaker's Ruling) .............................................................................................................................................91

Orders of the Day Budget Debate (continued) ..........................................................................................................................................................91 S. Simpson Hon. A. Virk A. Weaver Hon. S. Cadieux C. James Hon. S. Anton J. Shin Hon. S. Th omson M. Karagianis D. Barnett B. Ralston L. Reimer J. Rice Hon. P . Fassbender S. Robinson Hon. T. Stone N. Macdonald

WEDNESDAY , JULY 3, 2013 Th e House met at 1:33 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. [1335] Introductions by Members Michelle Stilwell: I'd like the House to acknowledge today my two special guests: my husband, Mark Stilwell, who supports and encourages me in everything that I do; and straight off a plane from Sydney, Australia, our dear friend Alycia Cantrill, whose fi rst stop is right here in the Legislature. What better way to start a trip to Canada? Please welcome them. Tributes SVEIN TUFT D.

Routley: I'd like to celebrate with the House the achievements of another great Canadian and great British Columbian cyclist. Svein Tuft of the Orica GreenEDGE Australian cycling team yesterday won the team time trial of the Tour de France. Svein is a six-time Canadian national time trial champion from '04 to '06, from '08 to '10. He is succeeded in that role by Ryder Hesjedal. He was a road race champion in 2011. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics he was seventh in the individual time trial.

Th is year he's had a fi rst in the stage 4 individual time trial of the Tour de San Luis, a fi rst in the stage 1 time trial of Tour of Slovenia and just the day before yesterday fi rst in stage 4 of the Tour de France. It hasn't always been a life of glory for Svein as a cyc- list. When he raced for the Symmetrics team in North America, he and Christian Meier, another cyclist, lived in trailers behind the team owner's house and were dubbed the trailer park boys by the cycling world. Can the House help me congratulate an exceptional British Columbian cyclist, Svein Tuft of Langley. Introductions by Members Hon.

P . Fassbender: I would like to introduce two special guests of mine in the House today — Brittany Comrie, who is my new constituency assistant, and her brand-new husband of a month, Mark. I want to ask the members to join me in celebrating their marriage and her new role in my constituency. A. Weaver: I'd like to welcome a number of campaign volunteers, supporters and constituents from Oak Bay– Gordon Head who are here in the audience today, includ- ing Diane MacMillan, Maureen Burgess, Evelyn Callan, Terry Dance and Stefan Jonsson. J.

Th ornthwaite: I'd like to welcome some visitors from my riding, North Vancouver–Seymour, today: Alyson, Nicole and Spencer Martel; and also the mother and grandmother from Arizona, Donene Potyok. Very, very welcome to the Legislature, and glad that you could join us. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL M201 — FALL FIXED ELECTION AMENDMENT ACT, 2013 V . Huntington presented a bill intituled Fall Fixed Election Amendment Act, 2013. V . Huntington: I move that a bill intituled Fall Fixed Election Amendment Act be introduced and read for a fi rst time now. Motion approved. V .

Huntington: Every four years British Columbia goes into an election without passing the budget for the coming fi scal year. Opposition members are unable to properly scrutinize the budget before heading into an election. Th ere is a temptation on both sides to use the budget for partisan campaign purposes. There can also be significant changes between the pre-election and post-election budgets, either because the initial numbers weren't credible or because the fi scal climate has changed.

Th e result, and what should be key for this House, is that B.C. voters must go to the polls having an incomplete picture of the state of the provin- cial fi nances. I would like to quote Bob Simpson, the former mem- ber for Cariboo North, when he originally introduced this bill as part of our democratic reform agenda. "Spring fi xed election dates also mean that every four years gov- ernment ministries and dependent agencies do not get spending authority until halfway through the fiscal year….

Th is adds a high and unnecessary degree of un- certainty to the functioning of government…." Th e legislation I am reintroducing this session moves B.C.'s fi xed election date to October, starting with the 2017 election. Moving the election date will also allow the public accounts to come out in the summer and the fi rst quarterly update to be released in September, a far more constructive approach to dealing with the prov- ince's business. I do understand that this summer sitting, perhaps in- 83

British Columbia Debates84 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 evitably, is focused on passing the budget, but it is my sincere hope that both the government and the oppos- ition will support this necessary reform during the com- ing fall session. [1340] Restoring confi dence in the provincial budgeting pro- cess is work this assembly should undertake with pro- fessional enthusiasm. Indeed, it falls among the most important work we can accomplish. I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today.

Bill M201, Fall Fixed Election Amendment Act, 2013, introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) SUMMIT FOR TUSKEGEE AIRMEN AND CHINESE-CANADIAN VETERANS J. Y ap: Last weekend I had the opportunity, along with the member for Burnaby North, to attend events as part of a historic summit of two groups of World War II veter- ans that faced discrimination, the Tuskegee Airmen and Chinese-Canadian soldiers.

Th ese veterans met to share their stories with the public on how they overcame ra- cial prejudice to serve their countries with courage and distinction. During World War II the Tuskegee Airmen were the fi rst group of African-American aviators to fl y in com- bat for the U.S. armed forces. Th is was during the time when the American military was racially segregated. Meanwhile, here in Canada, men and women of Chinese descent who were born in Canada were not allowed to vote, were not allowed to enter professions such as en- gineering, law and medicine.

Th e 1923 exclusion act that essentially banned Chinese immigration to Canada was still in eff ect. These American and Canadian veterans experi- enced discrimination during the war, even though they performed exceptionally well as fighting units. This meaningful summit was made possible by the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society. Th e society works to preserve, document and celebrate the role of Chinese-Canadian veterans in the service of Canada's military.

In conjunction with operating a mu- seum in Vancouver's Chinatown, the society is involved in several projects capturing the stories of veterans and educating new generations of Canadians about the sac- rifi ces of these patriotic men and women. I'd like to acknowledge some of the people and or- ganizations that made this summit possible: the consul general of the United States, the city of Vancouver, sum- mit organizers Don Chapman and Alfred Woo, museum president King Wan, museum president emeritus Howe Lee and Col. George Ing. I encourage all members of this House to learn more about this

chapter of our nation's history and also to sup- port and visit the Chinese Canadian Military Museum in Vancouver. CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE ASTRONOMY INTERPRETIVE CENTRE L. Popham: Many MLAs believe their constituency is the centre of the universe — fair enough; that's how I feel about Saanich South — but we can't all be right. In fact, the Centre of the Universe is in Saanich South. Th is is the name of a very popular and valuable education centre on West Saanich Road.

It's located next to the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a national historical site, and the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, a world-class re- search centre. Last year the centre attracted approximately 10,000 people, including many tourists. Th ere are guided tours, multimedia shows, interpretive exhibits and the rare op- portunity to see the galaxy with a powerful telescope. But the centre is more than an economic asset in our tourist infrastructure. Th ousands of school children have visited on fi eld trips, participated in youth programming or summer camps.

Th is centre is very important to many parents like myself, because we've seen how it inspires young people to think about big questions. It generates interest in astronomy and inspires them to pursue educa- tion and work in all types of science-related fi elds. It is my duty to inform this House that the Centre of the Universe is going dark. Th e federal Conservative government has stated that in eight weeks the centre will be shut down and the observatory will be closed to the public. Are eff orts being made to persuade the fed- eral government to reconsider this decision? What is our province planning to do?

Will we let the Centre of the Universe go dark without even a whimper? I call on this House to do two things: one, advocate strongly and publicly for continued federal funding of the centre, and two, engage the public and interested parties to develop creative solutions to keep the centre open. For my part, I will be holding a public rally this summer so the message from Saanich South is heard loud and clear. THE BRIDGE STUDIOS AND FILM INDUSTRY IN B.C. J.

Th ornthwaite: Last week I was privileged to attend the opening of the seventh sound stage of the Bridge Studios in Burnaby, an extra 18,000-square-foot sound stage and production offi ce — wow. Th e Bridge Studios was the fi rst dedicated studio facility in Vancouver and

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 85 opened for business in 1987 with the TV series MacGyver and the feature fi lm Stakeout. It now houses Once Upon a Time, Motive and, coming soon, Wonderland. [1345] A couple of weeks ago I attended an advanced screen- ing of Man of Steel, which was partially fi lmed on Mount Seymour. As my constituents know, I'm a strong sup- porter of the fi lm industry, and I've worked very hard to bring their concerns and issues forward to the minister and my colleagues.

Th ere are many direct and indirect benefi ts that the fi lm industry brings to our local and provincial economy. In fact, one of my campaign helpers has a family print- ing business, and their bottom line is defi nitely improved when Lions Gate Studios has projects in production. I know the fi lm industry's benefi t to the city and the district of North Vancouver. Last session I was fortun- ate to attend a fi lming date of Bates Motel at Seycove Secondary in my riding.

Both the school district and the school received thousands of dollars from this produc- tion and utilized that money for continuing education for their teachers. I also know that my community has the third-largest number of constituents employed by the fi lm industry in the province. Th e fi lm industry is a major jobs cre- ator and economic booster here in British Columbia and North Vancouver–Seymour. I look forward to continuing to support this valuable sector in the future. ROLLER DERBY TEAM IN CRESTON M.

Mungall: It would be a full-on blow to Creston's all-new, fi rst-ever, fl at-track women's roller derby team if I did not rise in this House to celebrate their inaugural season as members of the East Kootenay Women's Roller Derby League. That's right. Roller derby's expansion across B.C. has landed in Creston, sporting a name be- fi tting the valley's top fruit crop, the Black Eyed Cherries. Having started in 2012, the team has fi nished its year of fresh meat training and is going skate to skate with other teams in the league.

On the track you will find team captain, No. 79, Kerrazy; the team's assistant captain, No. 33, Meter Maid; No. 454, Jake Brake; No. 9, Jetta; No. 13, WheeKyd Whim; No. 24/7, Whiplash Wayling; No. 666, Kytn; No. 57, KarMel Kazi; No. 21, Madhatter; No. 8, Betty Rage; and, currently off due to injury, No. 22, Pamela Slamerson. I was at their first home bout at the Creston and District Community Complex on May 18 during blossom festival weekend. Th ey blocked, jammed and smashed their way to a good showing for the home crowd. Th ey'll be back on home cement August 10, and it is not a bout to be missed.

We can never forget that the most important thing in roller derby is to always whip it and whip it good. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. COMMUNITY LIVING ADVOCACY BY KLAUS LINEMAYR E. Foster: Th irty years ago Klaus Linemayr and his wife, Doris, met with a doctor the day aft er their son was born to hear the news that he had Down syndrome. Klaus at the time didn't even know what Down syndrome was. He had to go fi nd out, and he spent the next 30 years as an advocate for people with disabilities.

He joined the board of the Community Living Vernon in 1991 and was a very important board member for over 20 years. For ten years he chaired the board. Klaus's dedication, his time, his talent and his know- ledge went to building Venture Training. Th rough his leadership, vision and eff ort, he provided the manage- ment and staff with the tools and inspiration to provide a wide variety of residential, employment, social, recrea- tional and educational opportunities for adults with de- velopmental disabilities.

He encouraged many local companies to donate time and eff ort to renovating buildings for the association. Th rough his involvement with the school system and Venture Training, Klaus became involved in the prov- incial fi ght to make services and programs available to everyone who needed them. Klaus was dedicated to helping individuals with dis- abilities to have the best lives that they could have. He supported individualized funding as a choice for fam- ilies.

He was a great advocate for individuals and fought for the individualized funding to be available as a choice for all those who wished that option. [1350] He built, at his own cost, a model for supportive family care. Th is model could be the way of the future, allowing more persons with disabilities to live in family care semi- independently. Th is model is presently working very well. In these times, when costs are a big factor, this model could save thousands of dollars and still provide the ad- vantages of family care.

Th e years have gone by so fast, and Klaus saw many changes in the services provided to adults with disabil- ities. His remarkable contribution to Venture, his tireless enthusiasm and vision have impacted everyone associ- ated with the development for special needs through the province. Sadly, last week Klaus lost his battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Th e fi eld of community living has lost a dedicated and committed advocate.

British Columbia Debates86 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS IN V ANCOUVER–POINT GREY AREA AND FUTURE OF JERICHO LANDS D. Eby: Vancouver–Point Grey is a riding made up of enthusiastic community members who build our neigh- bourhood spirit and culture and make life more fun every day. For example, Greek Day, hosted by the Hellenic Canadian Congress of B.C., welcomed tens of thou- sands of people to West Broadway last week. Th is event happens because of our riding's strong Greek commun- ity and their commitments to a neighbourhood and the promotion of Greek culture.

Th e Khatsahlano Music and Arts Festival on July 13 will welcome tens of thousands to West 4th Avenue be- cause local businesses and volunteers have put in count- less hours to build this new and exciting tradition from scratch. Finally, for the residents of Point Grey, summer does not start until the Point Grey Fiesta starts, featuring music, face painting and carnival rides. Th is year's fi esta was a great success, thanks to the hard work of volunteers based out of the West Point Grey Community Centre and our local Point Grey village businesses.

Trimble Park, where the fi esta takes place every year, appears small on the map beside the much larger neigh- bouring Jericho lands. But on the ground, for our com- munity, Trimble Park is a seamless extension of the Jericho lands, a park-like setting with mature trees that extends over an approximately 18-block area. Half of this land is federal, half provincial. My com- munity is deeply concerned that both governments are secretly negotiating to sell this property.

My constituents want to contribute to shape the future of the Jericho lands, just like they contribute year aft er year to build the cul- ture of our community through events and celebrations. Th is government can harness that community energy in developing what can be a cornerstone of Point Grey's future by consulting with our community and by pla- cing covenants on the development of this property ac- cordingly.

It is our community's hope that celebrants of the next 30 years of Point Grey Fiestas will look out from Trimble Park at the Jericho lands legacy, a legacy achieved by neighbours, governments and businesses working together to make our community better, just as they do every day in our riding. Oral Questions HOSTING OF INDIAN FILM AW ARDS EVENT AND SPENDING PRIORITIES A. Dix: My question is to the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. On April 8 the Premier said, with respect to the TOIFA Awards: "It will air in two weeks.

Th ere are going to be 400 million people who watch that show." Today we learned that the reality doesn't quite live up to the Premier's words, and 29.7 million people watched the awards show in India. Th at's a 93 percent drop from the Premier's vastly infl ated estimates. How does the minister explain the diff erence between reality and what the Premier said about this show? Hon. S. Bond: Certainly, to the Leader of the Opposition, this government has been very clear about its intent to build the economy. Th at includes working internationally — working with China, Japan and India.

We received some numbers this morning directly from the Times of India. In the fi rst showing, in fact, there were 32 million households. In addition to that, there was a simulcast that was done on the Internet, and it's anticipated that about eight million households saw the production. [1355] Th e other aspect was that there was an international production, as well, which reached out to South Asians who didn't live in India. Th e total viewership there was about 20 million households. So in the fi rst showing of the event we have 60 million households that actually saw British Columbia.

Madame Speaker: Member for Vancouver-Kingsway on a supplemental. A. Dix: Unbelievably, inexplicably, the Premier spent $11 million of public funds, based on an estimate that 400 million people were going to watch the show. Y ou know, she wasn't the only one that was wrong.

In fairness, the Minister of Finance, always more conserva- tive than the Premier, said — and I'm going to quote him accurately here from the House — that the presence "is conservatively estimated at 200 million to 250 million viewers." If the Premier was dramatically wrong or extra- ordinarily wrong, the Minister of Finance, his conserva- tive view, was only really, really, really wrong.

We asked in freedom of information if there was any analysis of the economic benefi ts of the awards show, be- cause Premier Christy Clark also said this could mean billions and billions of dollars and thousands of jobs in British Columbia. What did we get back from our freedom-of-information request? Well, we got a couple of e-mails, a press release and a short backgrounder with four bullet points about the Times of India — oh, and a poster with the Premier's picture on it. Oh good. Will the government come out and admit now that the basis on which they spent $11 million in public funds was totally inaccurate?

Hon. S. Bond: As I said to the Leader of the Opposition in the fi rst question, this government is not going to be

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 87 apologetic about recognizing that one of the fastest- growing economies in the world is a target of this prov- ince. We are going to work as aggressively as we can to attract investment to make sure that people in India and people around the world recognize the benefi ts of British Columbia. Th e numbers that the Leader of the Opposition shared today are aft er the initial showing of this fi lm in India and around the world. Th e contract that we agreed to will see that the production actually airs up to another 11 times. So the number is not a fi nal number.

In fact, we will con- tinue to see that number grow. As we stand in this House, this is not a dissimilar reac- tion from the Leader of the Opposition when this govern- ment said it was going to be aggressive about the work it was going to do in China. I am fairly confi dent that the Leader of the Opposition isn't laughing today about the fact that, when we look at what's happened in China as a result of a strategic plan by this government, we have seen overall exports to China increase by over 500 per- cent. I don't think that's a laughing matter. Madame Speaker: Vancouver-Kingsway on a supple- mental. A.

Dix: Well, now we know what the government means by "aggressive." Th ey mean acting without any business plan, any plan at all. Th ey mean using public funds to fund the Liberal Party's election campaign. Th ey mean putting out totally fi ctitious numbers about pos- sible viewers, before an election, that have been proven to be false and then not acknowledging in this House that they did so. No wonder they don't blush at the $342 mil- lion overrun on the northwest transmission line. If there is a business plan for this initiative, can we see it?

Th e government is cutting mental health programs that could be funded for 30 years with the amount they spent on this partisan extravaganza. Interjections. A. Dix: Oh, hon. Speaker…. [1400] Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. A. Dix: Hon. Speaker, I say to the Minister of Finance that Moe Sihota comes to a lot of my events, too, but I'm not asking for 11 million bucks. I mean, here's their de- fence: "Th e bad news is we were totally wrong. We wasted 11 million bucks. But the Minister of Finance says Moe Sihota was there." I am so impressed, hon. Speaker. I'm so impressed.

Th is would have paid for a lot of services. We know — everybody in this, everyone…. Also with the conven- tion centre…. So would the northwest transmission line. Th e real question is: isn't there a better way to spend $11 million than this? Don't the people who are losing their funding at Lookout at New Westminster, people who are suff ering from mental illness in Vancouver, de- serve a better answer than that? "With this expenditure of $11 million, then, we were trying to be aggressive, and we were completely wrong. Just accept it." Isn't there a better way to spend $11 mil- lion of public funds? Hon. S.

Bond: Well, as I explained to the Leader of the Opposition the fi rst two times, in fact, what we believe on this side of the House is that British Columbians do deserve improved services, where we have a long list of things that British Columbians want to us do. But what we understand and believe in is that you don't do that by raising taxes and expecting taxpayers to pay for every- thing that's important in British Columbia. What we need to do is reach out to countries around this world. Look at British Columbia's competitive ad- vantage, low taxes, jobs. We have a skilled labour force.

And reaching out to India is a critical component of eco- nomic development. We're going to look for investment to come to British Columbia. In fact, if you look at the exposure that the awards provided, if you look at what it would have cost to pur- chase the kinds of exposure that we received in India — front-page newspaper articles, millions of households learning about British Columbia — that would have far exceeded the amount that was invested by the province of British Columbia. H.

Bains: It's quite clear from everything that we have seen that this government misled the people of British Columbia when it comes to its made-to-order Bollywood awards show, with $11 million spent and very little to show for it. Meanwhile, in Surrey 7,000 students are still in portables — 7,000. Th e $11 million could have gone a long way to help alleviate the pressing need for more schools in Surrey. Now, can the minister explain to the parents in Surrey why their children must wait in portables and not have the real classrooms because your government spent $11 million on this made-to-order show for two days?

Hon. S. Bond: I can assure the member opposite that the last group of people we're going to take fi scal advice from is a group that, the last time they were in govern- ment in British Columbia, drove this province from have status to have-not status. And that is shameful. Th is is a government that currently has a triple-A cred- it rating. We've kept taxes low. In fact, we've managed to provide the highest level of funding to the education sys- tem that this province has ever seen.

British Columbia Debates88 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Y ou see, we have a fundamental diff erence. We actually believe you've got to build a strong economy so that you can provide for those services, instead of simply rely- ing on raising taxes and penalizing British Columbians, which is the policy of the other side of the House. [1405] Madame Speaker: Th e member for Surrey-Newton on a supplemental. H. Bains: Talk about being a have-not province. Four times in the last ten years, under your watch, a have-not province, the province of British Columbia. Four times. Four times, have-not.

If they looked at Statistics Canada, they'll know what the reality is in the diff erence between the 1990s and the last ten years. Th ey'll fi nd out the real- ity and the truth about it. Th e Premier claimed 400 million people would watch it when only less than 30 million people watched it. Th ey said billions and billions of benefi t, yet there is no analy- sis on economic benefi ts, just like the myth of debt-free B.C. versus debt-spree B.C. that we have seen here right now aft er the election. Now British Columbians are paying as a result of this.

Madame Speaker, 7,000 kids are still in portables in Surrey, and vulnerable seniors are forced to pay a $300 wheelchair tax for Christy Clark's tax, with massive cuts to vital services to come. The question to the minister again: when will the minister admit that it misled British Columbians on the Bollywood awards show , just as it misled British Columbians on the budget, on debt and on jobs? Hon. S. Bond: Th e member opposite might want to ignore the fact that when the awards were hosted in British Columbia, there were 6,000 direct and indirect employees hired in British Columbia to actually stage those events.

In addition to that, 3,000 hotel room nights booked by the Times Group ensured that we saw an eco- nomic benefi t. We have said this more than once. Th e numbers for the fi rst showing are in. Th ere will continue to be exposure from these awards. We are going to diff erentiate ourselves day aft er day from the members opposite, because we say yes to eco- nomic development. We say yes to looking at markets around the world. Y ou simply have to look at our suc- cess in China to see that we've had a plan. We have a strategy, and reaching out to India is a key part of that economic strategy.

PORT MANN BRIDGE TOLLS AND TEMPORARY CLOSING OF PATTULLO BRIDGE G. Heyman: When the Liberals announced a new tolled Port Mann Bridge, the government's pitch to users was the promise that there would always be a toll-free al- ternative, specifi cally the Pattullo Bridge. Y esterday TransLink made an announcement that the Pattullo is scheduled to be closed for maintenance for three weekends this summer: July 20 and 21, August 10 and 11, and August 24 and 25. People needing to cross the Fraser River are really left with only one option, and that's paying to cross the Port Mann.

My question for the Minister of Transportation is quite simple, quite straightforward. Will the Transportation Minister live up to his government's promise of a free option by suspending tolls on the Port Mann during the period of time the Pattullo is closed for maintenance? Hon. T. Stone: I thank the member opposite for the question. Perhaps the member opposite could advise this House what he actually believes the Alex Fraser Bridge is. Th e Alex Fraser Bridge is an alternative. Th e Massey Tunnel is an alternative.

When it comes to the Pattullo Bridge, Members, this ministry will support TransLink, we will support Surrey, and we will support New Westminster in consulting with the public on options to replace or rehabilitate the Pattullo Bridge. [1410] Madame Speaker: Vancouver-Fairview on a supple- mental. G. Heyman: I'd like to thank the minister for show- ing British Columbians, yet once again, exactly what a Liberal promise is worth: absolutely nothing. Let me remind the minister and the members oppos- ite exactly what the Liberal policy laid out: "Th e public has a right to a basic level of toll-free access.

Th erefore, tolls will be implemented only if a reasonable untolled alternative is available." No referendum, just that one clear promise. Th e real- ity is that if people need to cross the river for those three weekends, they either have to pay tolls or drive many miles out of their way. Or, I suppose, they could swim. Th is is the result of a government that does one-off s on transportation instead of doing any long-term, integrated regional planning. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Excuse me, Member. Members, I need to hear the question. G. Heyman: My question, once again, is….

I would like to give the Transportation Minister one more chance to do the right thing to keep the government's promise to British Columbians by suspending tolls on the Port Mann for the period of Pattullo closures.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 89 Hon. T. Stone: Th anks to the member opposite for the question. Let's talk for a moment about the Pacifi c gate- way program, shall we? Let's talk about that for a mo- ment. Th ese projects…. Every facet of the Pacifi c gateway program is about opening up our markets. It's about opening up the mar- kets. It's about how we compete. It's about how we grow the economy. It's about how we create jobs. What the members opposite clearly don't understand is that you have to make investments in critical transportation and infrastructure in order to power the economy.

We have been doing that on this side of the House, and we will continue to do that on this side of the House. Let's talk about the Port Mann Bridge. Let's talk about the fact that we are saving commuters 50 percent of their commute. Let's talk about the 8,000 construction jobs that the Port Mann project has created. Let's talk about the fact that we now have transit across the Port Mann Bridge for the fi rst time in 25 years. Now, I come from the Interior. I come from Kamloops, and this is where most of the wealth of this province comes from — the Interior. We need roads. We need bridges.

We need critical infrastructure. Th is government is going to continue to build that infrastructure. S. Hammell: Let's talk about broken promises. Th e Liberal government, before the election, promised the people of Surrey a free option to the tolled Port Mann Bridge. Unequivocally, they said that, again and again. Closing the Pattullo Bridge without suspending the tolls on the Port Mann Bridge breaks that promise. Why is a promise made before an election not worth keeping aft er an election? Hon. T. Stone: Well, now we're having some fun. Th e members opposite voted against the Canada Line.

Th e members opposite were opposed to the Port Mann project. Th e members opposite voted against the Cariboo connector. They voted against improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway. Th ey voted against the improve- ments on the Malahat. [1415] I think British Columbians would like to know what exactly you do stand for. Y ou're against transmission lines. Y ou're against the hydro projects. Y ou're against roads. Y ou're against bridges. What exactly do the mem- bers opposite stand for? RIVERVIEW HOSPITAL LANDS AND SALE OF GOVERNMENT ASSETS S.

Robinson: When the Liberals announced their plans to sell off public assets to continue the fantasy that their budget is balanced, many people in Coquitlam wor- ried that the Riverview lands would be part of that. Now months later and with the Liberals still refusing to list all the assets that are part of the fi re sale, there's still no more clarity on the Riverview lands. Th ese lands have a long history of providing needed health services to the region and to the province, and they include valuable green space and heritage trees.

Can the Finance Minister give some assurance that these import- ant lands aren't being parcelled off and sold to maintain the Liberal illusion of a balanced budget? Hon. R. Coleman: We're well aware of the value and the concerns in Coquitlam relative to the Riverview lands. Th at's why we're involved in consultation with re- gard to the future of those properties. It is not on the list, if you look at the list of assets for disposal. Just take a look, hon. Member. Y ou'll see it's not there. It's not part of the budget process, and it's not part of an asset disposal.

But it is an important piece for looking at future health care issues. Th ere are things that are relative to mental health and addictions with this government, and with homelessness, it's been more successful than any government in history in North America. Madame Speaker: Member for Coquitlam- Maillardville on a supplemental. S. Robinson: This is a unique facility — one that people in Coquitlam are proud of — but the Liberals really are refusing to look at it. Buildings on Canada's most endangered heritage buildings list are falling into disrepair on this site.

The government committed to maintaining the grounds, but basic landscaping hasn't even been done. Even the grass isn't being mowed. What the Liberal government is doing is demolition by neglect. It's as if they're making it look abandoned so Coquitlam residents won't mind if it gets sold off . Will the minister commit to looking aft er this import- ant site, and will this government commit to keeping this valuable public asset in public hands? Hon. R.

Coleman: Anybody that has been around this fi le will know there've been discussions with Coquitlam and the First Nations and other groups in and around the Riverview lands. Th ey will also know that there has been a transition of particular uses of the land off the site, as we take people with mental health and addictions issues and move them back closer to their communities so they could have better outcomes and success.

We see this as a long-term asset for British Columbia — for health care, mental health, addictions and other opportunities to help people in B.C. — just like we do with Housing Matters B.C., which today has actually seen 6,000 people in the last fi ve years no longer homeless in the province of British Columbia, because of the invest- ments we made. We will continue to make sure the assets of British Columbia are there for our citizens in need, and the

British Columbia Debates90 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Riverview lands are part of that long-term process. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM M. Mungall: Th e community volunteer supplement provides people with disabilities who volunteer with $100 a month to help cover associated costs such as food, clothing and transit. Th ousands of people have partici- pated in this successful program, and hundreds more want to. But in August 2011 the government quietly denied any new applications, saying that a new program was on its way. Almost two years later they have not delivered on a new program.

Can the minister responsible explain why they are punishing people with disabilities who want to be involved with their community? Hon. D. McRae: The people we serve in this min- istry…. We strive to do so with respect, with dignity and with fairness. [1420] Th e individuals in October of 2011 who were put on the wait-list are being served. Th is province and this gov- ernment make sure we provide supplements to people who are disadvantaged in our society to make sure they have a great quality of life. One issue, just an example, because I think it's really important that we talk about this one.

Th e B.C. bus pass — 80,000 people get an annual bus pass for $45 a year. Th is allows individuals to have access to a great range of opportunities. Why? We create programs to help those who need it. It's an issue that this province wants to deal with and this government deals with, and we are proud of our record. Madame Speaker: Member for Nelson-Creston on a supplemental. M. Mungall: It's unfortunate that the minister has completely and utterly missed the point here. An awards show received $11 million. Th e Premier's deputy chief of staff gets a $30,000 pay hike.

But the important thing here is that while the government seems to have endless pots of money out of nowhere for their pet projects, they don't have $100 a month for people with disabilities who only want to contribute to their community. A program like the community volunteer supplement should be ex- panded, not frozen. So why is this government continu- ing to treat people with disabilities with such callousness? Hon. D. McRae: Y ou know, Madame Speaker, as everybody in this House knows, we just had an election.

Like all of us, we knocked on doors, and the one thing I heard in regards to this government and some of the things we've done to make their lives better is to allow persons with disabilities to earn up to $800 a month. Th is is an opportunity. I heard that at the doorstep multiple times. I heard it, because they want to work. One of the things I'm really proud of as a member of this government…. And it was brought forward by the Minister of Jobs earlier. We believe, in this government, about growing the economy of British Columbia. We're not growing it just for one sector of our society.

We're growing it for all individuals in British Columbia. Persons with disabilities…. I look forward to working with employers, the sector, to make sure that they can basically engage in the workforce better than ever go- ing forward. Why? Th ey can bring some great job skills to employers in British Columbia. I've seen it as a high school teacher. Th ey are incredibly passionate people. I'm looking forward to watching those individuals enter the workforce and be great citizens for the province of British Columbia. NORTHWEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT AND LOCAL WORKERS R.

Austin: People in the communities that I represent were looking forward to getting good-paying jobs work- ing on the northwest transmission line, which is why it's so disappointing that the minister didn't even attempt to explain the excuse from B.C. Hydro for the $342 million overrun. Th ey said: "We've had to bring in people and equipment from all over." Given the fact that the north- west Nechako region has had the highest unemployment in the province for the last decade, why were workers im- ported to the region for this project?

And just in case the minister is about to rise and sug- gest that I haven't been supporting this project, I would point this out to him: Maybe his Google button is broken. If he wants to google my name and northwest transmis- sion line, he'll fi nd a B.C. Hydro presentation that specif- ically lists me under their northwest community support. Hon. B. Bennett: Th anks to the member for the ques- tion. I'd say back to the member: welcome aboard. I'm really glad that you support the project. Clearly, there is some diff erence of opinion on the other side of the House as to whether they…. Interjections. Hon. B.

Bennett: I have quotes from the Energy critic where he clearly states he doesn't support the project, but I am, nonetheless, happy to hear that the member does support the project. Interesting — the mining association has just said a while ago that the northwest transmission line has the potential to attract more than $15 billion in mining in- vestment alone, just on the mining side, creating up to 10,000 jobs and generating $300 million in annual tax

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 91 revenues. Th at's the Mining Association of B.C. which said that. But perhaps more germane… [1425] Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. Hon. B. Bennett: …to the member who asked the question, yesterday in the Vancouver Sun the mayor of the member's home town, Dave Pernarowski, said that there was bustle back into the communities in the north- west. He said that — this is a quote by this member's mayor — "there's an air of optimism again." More cars on the road, more optimism.

People are looking forward to the northwest transmission line creating thousands of jobs in the northwest. [End of question period.] Reports from Committees Hon. M. de Jong: I have the honour to present the fi rst report of the Special Committee of Selection for the fi rst session of the 40th parliament. I move that the report be taken as read and received. Motion approved. Hon. M. de Jong: I ask leave of the House to move a motion to adopt the report. Leave granted. Hon. M. de Jong: I move that this report, which as- signs committee responsibilities for members of the as- sembly, be adopted. Motion approved.

Points of Order (Speaker's Ruling) Madame Speaker: Hon. Members, on Th ursday last, June 27, 2013, the Opposition House Leader rose on two points of order respecting the activities of guests seated within the chamber during the aft ernoon sitting of the House. The Chair briefly addressed the initial concern of the Opposition House Leader as to whether or not such guests could pass notes to a member of the execu- tive council.

Th e Chair's response was to the eff ect that guests could not participate in or disrupt proceedings in any way but could communicate with members in ver- bal or written form, although the practice was to be dis- couraged. Th is response was brief, due to the circumstances of the time. A more fulsome response is warranted. Th e Chair is of the view that the House as a whole and the members thereof individually have the right to carry out their duties unimpeded and without interference and distraction.

Both verbal or written communication could very well have the eff ect of interfering with the business of the House and its members. I would point out, however, that written communi- cations, by way of notes, have been long accepted as a normal practice in this place. Notes are oft en provided to members of the executive council by other members, including members of cabinet, staff of the various depart- ments of government, House staff , guests and, yes, even the Chair. Th is method of communication is certainly less intrusive and distracting than verbal communication.

Th e view of the Chair is that verbal communication by guests ought not to be engaged in at all while the House is actively conducting its business. Th e second point of order as raised by the Opposition House Leader was to the eff ect that guests ought not par- ticipate in any way in supporting members of the House through applause or otherwise. Guests are not entitled to display approval or disapproval with respect to anything that transpires during the sitting of the House. Th ank you, Members, for your attention. Orders of the Day Hon.

M. de Jong: I call continued debate on the budget. [1430] Budget Debate (continued) S. Simpson: It's a pleasure to join the debate on the budget. I've had the opportunity to do this a number of times since fi rst being elected in 2005, and it's always an interesting debate around budget matters. I'd like to start, really, with a few thank-yous. I think all the members here all owe some debt of gratitude to the people that helped get us here in the recent election.

I certainly want to thank the people who worked on my campaign — the members of my constituency associa- tion; the many, many volunteers who came and partici- pated; and people from my community — to help me to return for my third term here in this place. Obviously, it's a huge honour to be back here and to have received the confi dence on three occasions of the people of Vancouver-Hastings.

It's a huge honour to have the opportunity to be back and to represent those many people in my constituency who really do need the sup- port and who have many, many issues that are in front of them, where they're looking for this government to

British Columbia Debates92 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 take action that will make their lives just a little bit easier, to deal with just a few of those challenges that they face every day. It is a privilege for me to be here and be able to be part of that process of making that case on their behalf. I want to, obviously, thank my family for being sup- portive over all these years of my time here. As we all know, it's challenging for families, for members.

We all owe gratitude to the members of our family and our loved ones who tolerate what we put them through by being members of this place and by carrying out our re- sponsibilities and our duties. [D. Horne in the chair.] In regard to the budget itself, I have some clear object- ives, sort of, for what I would like to see happen as we move forward here. Th ey're objectives that I've embraced for a signifi cant period of time in terms of what I think we need to achieve here. We need a dynamic economy, an economy that's built on the creation of jobs, an economy that really is driven by jobs.

Th at's an important consideration. Th at's some- thing that we need to attempt to achieve. We need to pursue increased equality in our province. We have dramatic levels of inequality in this province. We have dramatic challenges in this province that we need to overcome. We have poverty levels that are unacceptably high — poverty levels that have continued, year aft er year aft er year of this government, to be unacceptably high, particularly as it relates to children. We need a poverty reduction strategy that addresses that. We have not seen that strategy here.

We also need to be able to address just those challenges of equality for working families, who see increasing pres- sures on them to be able to make things work, to be able to make their own fi nancial situation work. We simply aren't seeing that here, but that has to be an objective. Th e third piece that clearly has to be an objective for us is the sustainability of all of the initiatives here. We know, of course, that as we move forward this economy, the re- ality is that we are going to be continuing, as a resource- based economy, to be exploiting those resources, sending those resources out, doing that work.

But we need, clearly, to have a plan that is sustainable and a plan that takes us down the road over the next years and maybe decades and leads us towards a diff er- ent kind of economy — a green economy, an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels, more dependent on renewables. We need to get there. We need to be able to show that we're making real progress in that direction to satisfy the expectations of the people in this province. We, at this point, don't have that strategy from the gov- ernment. For all the buzz, for all the rhetoric, we don't see that strategy in the government.

We need to do that. [1435] Th e other thing that is a reality here is that we do need to manage costs. We know the fi scal pressures that are on governments. We know what the fallout is of 2008 and the international situation that occurred then. We know the situation that provinces face now. We know that we need to address those matters of managing costs. So in response to that and this government…. Th e government, to its credit, ran an election around jobs and around debt management and a number of things — all things that are good issues.

Th e question is: how well have they really done on accomplishing those things? What we have as a refl ection of that is we have the current budget, this budget which is essentially, I think — as was pointed out by the Finance Minister — the re- introduction of the February budget. It has been put for- ward. So let's look at how well the government has done in dealing with some of the real challenges that we have faced in this economy. First of all, we've seen the economy tighten up. Th e economy has continued to slow. We continue to have challenges.

We've seen GDP growth go down from 1.6 to 1.4 percent over the period from February to June. We've seen employment growth drop from about 1.1 to 0.7 percent over the same time. Retail sales have been cut in half, from about a 3½ percent growth rate to about 1.8 percent, and we've seen a drop in housing starts as well. All of those pressures, of course, have led to the Finance Minister making some adjustments to this budget, ad- justments that will lay out a claim for the core review to fi nd $130 million of cuts over the next period of time. We don't know what that really means, but that's the claim.

We'll talk about that a little bit in a minute. We've also seen a tightening in terms of what the sur- plus claimed by the government is — that it's going to be smaller. We'll talk about that in a minute and as to whether that surplus is real. But what we have here in this budget…. Th e founda- tion of the budget, the foundation of many of the claims the government has made to deal with the budget, is that there is a plan here on the part of the government. Th e government has based this on a couple of key initiatives. One is on a jobs plan.

Th at's been a foundation of the Premier and a foundation of this government as they've tried to move forward. Y et we know, when you look at Statistics Canada, that the government of British Columbia has failed, probably more miserably than any other government in the country, on private sector job creation — failed more miserably. Here in British Columbia we have seen the loss, be- tween September 2011 and May of 2013 — the period of time, generally, that the Premier has been in offi ce — of 31,000 jobs in the private sector in this province.

When we compare that to the provinces that we tend to com- pare ourselves to the most — Alberta and Ontario tend to be the provinces that we compare ourselves to — in that same period of time we saw an increase of almost 54,000 jobs in Alberta in the private sector and 106,000

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 93 jobs in Ontario — private sector jobs. So we've seen a dramatic diff erence in how the prov- inces have responded around job creation. Th is is very troubling, especially for a government that claims a jobs plan, claims that that plan has some modicum of success when we're seeing tens of thousands of jobs disappearing in our economy. As a result of that, it probably should come as no sur- prise to British Columbians that, in fact, we're seeing an out-migration of people in British Columbia.

Since 2011, since the Premier took offi ce, over 10,000 more people have left British Columbia than have come to this prov- ince, and they've left British Columbia because they have lost hope. Th at's a reality. Th ey have lost hope. Y ou can probably follow that back and track that back to tens of thousands of jobs disappearing.

Many of those people, their families, were hoping that they would, in fact, be able to stay here and work. [1440] So we have this issue around the jobs plan — serious questions — since we have, it appears, the only jobs plan in the country that bleeds jobs more quickly than it cre- ates them. Th e other claim, of course, that the Premier has made, in particular, is the debt-free claim. I'll give credit to the governing side. Th is was a pretty eff ective argument — not based on any facts or evidence or reality, but a pretty eff ective argument during the recent election campaign.

However, the problem we have is that when the Premier took offi ce we had provincial debt of just over $45 billion. By 2016, based on the B.C. budget numbers, we will have a provincial debt of about $70 billion. Th at's a $25 billion increase in our debt in fi ve years. Now, however you might want to square that circle, it is simply unbelievable that a government and a Premier, who day in and day out espoused some notion of respon- sibility on debt, are increasing this debt at record levels that we have never seen in the history of this province.

We have the most fi scally irresponsible conduct, based on this budget, that we have ever seen in this province and a Premier who clearly is out of control in terms of control- ling our debt. Th at's a reality. We have a debt problem. We have jobs disappearing. We have debt escalating. So what are we getting right here? Well, we have a government that claims a balanced budget. Now, we know, of course, that over the period of time that the government has been in power, 2001 to 2012 — 11, 12 years, whatever that period of time is there — seven defi cit budgets.

More than half the budgets that the Liberals have introduced have been in defi cit. Th at's a reality: defi cit budgets. We have a government here that…. In fact, since Premier Clark has been in offi ce, defi cit targets have been missed by an accumulative amount of about $1 billion dollars. Th at's what the Premier has missed her targets by. We have a balanced-budget law. It gets broken pretty much on a regular occurrence, so much so that the pun- dits and others kind of make fun of and jest about the balanced-budget law — that it gets broken so oft en. Now we have Budget 2013.

Budget 2013 is apparently about a balance. But what's the reality of that balance? Th e reality is you have a sale of assets that is the foun- dation of this balanced budget — a sale of assets that is going to be critical to be able to make this happen, the government claiming that they will sell, if all is said and done, somewhere in excess of $600 million of assets. Now, the thing to understand is that governments buy and sell assets all the time. Th ere's nothing new, nothing special about that.

But in the ten-year period, the fi rst ten years of this government, just under $400 million of assets were moved by this government. Fair enough. Now, somewhere in between 2013 and 2015, in order to make the budgets work, the government has to move in excess of $600 million of assets. So over a decade, less than $400 million; in a couple of years we've got to move over $600 million of assets. First of all, it makes you wonder whether it actually makes any sense in terms of responsible governance to be unloading assets in that way.

Second is whether you can really get value for money if, in fact, your objective is to have a fi re sale to try to deal with these shortfalls in the budget to get to a balanced budget, because the Premier has told us she's going to balance four budgets in a row. We'll see. We also know that there have been significant re- ductions in terms of spending projections. Before the February budget, in the previous budget to that, what we saw….

And for people who are watching, of course, gov- ernments project out three years of spending in a budget. [1445] In the budget prior to February, the projections were for growth of over 3 percent in health care, as an example. We were going to have growth of over 3 percent, and that was growth that refl ected population, demographics and infl ation — basically covering costs. We now see a growth projection that is signifi cantly less than that, projected to be….

Th e value of the diff eren- tial is almost a quarter billion dollars, about $230 million less in terms of projected spending in health care because of this reduced growth. Y et the government tells us this can all be done without an impact on services. Th e question clearly becomes — and maybe we'll fi nd this out in estimates; I guess we'll see — where does the $230 million come from? What was going to be spent a year ago in projections — that we're going to absorb that $230 million from — that won't be spent now? What are those items? What is that going to be? Are there revenue streams to make that up?

Is that what the wheelchair tax is all about? I don't know, but I guess we're going to get a chance to fi nd that out. We also know that in some areas…. We've heard about forest health. We've heard about reductions in spending

British Columbia Debates94 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 in forest health. It's a signifi cant issue. Th e forest industry continues to be a critical part of our resource base, but we need to deal with forest health. We're not seeing it. We're seeing a reduction in spending there. We're seeing a cut in post-secondary — a real cut in post-secondary — at a time when everybody is acknow- ledging skills and skills training as one of the critical com- petitive edges that we need to embrace and that we need to advance.

It just makes no sense to reduce that spend- ing in that area when you know that's a place where you need to invest. But that's the reality that we see in terms of this investment. So we have funding for services going down over what was projected just a year ago — funding for services be- ing reduced. What we require now is an explanation of how that will impact those services, but there has been no explanation at all. Maybe we'll get that in estimates. I guess we'll see. We have an asset fi re sale that is unprecedented.

I guess the fi rst question is: could you even sell all those assets for a reasonable price? Th e second issue is: is it really respon- sible fi nancial management to use asset sales to try to balance your budget? Is that really responsible fi nancial management? Y ou know, do you sell your furniture to pay your mortgage? Maybe in this case you do. But we'll see. Th en we have a government that claims it is going to be debt-free sometime in the future that is going to have set record levels of increases in debt by the time we get to 2016 — record levels.

So $25 billion is going to be this Premier's claim to fame for her fi rst fi ve years in offi ce, that she drove up debt by $25 billion in fi ve years. Th at will be her biggest claim to fame. Now, the other thing that the government has said it will deal with here is fi nding this $130 million through the core review. There's a minister who has been ap- pointed to deal with the core review, yet we have no com- mitment on transparency as to what this review is going to look like. Th e minister has yet to tell us that he, in fact, will release the information about what the plan is.

It's supposed to go to priorities and planning of cabinet, I believe, by the end of August. What's that plan going to look like? How are those decisions going to be made? What is the role that this review is going to play? We've asked: is this going to review services?

We can know that the Minister Responsible for Core Review has previously been critical of the fact that reductions in support in the resource industries have meant that permitting hasn't happened fast enough to be able to meet the needs of the industry when they're moving forward on resource business. [1450] We know that the Representative for Children and Y outh has expressed serious concerns about the current levels of support for children and families.

But there's no reason to believe this review will look and say: "We in fact can't meet our objectives, and new resources are required there to deal with that." Of course, we know that there are other initiatives that are moving forward where we should be looking at whether they receive the levels of support to deliver the levels of desired programs or desired services that we have. But we see none of that. We are simply going to see cuts. Th e core review isn't about quality of services. It's just about cuts.

We'll have to talk to the minister over the next period of time, in estimates, to see what those plans are and to see, in fact, how broad this review will be. Will it review all of the communications staff that work for gov- ernment? Th ere are hundreds — about 350 if you tally everybody in. Are they going to be looked at? I guess we'll fi nd out. Th e problem, though, is this. Y ou have a budget that is simply unbelievable. Th is budget is not balanced. It will not be balanced next year when we come to the end of the year. Th ere's no doubt in my mind about that.

Th is budget will not be balanced, but a lot of people will be hurt along the way in the eff ort to fi nd that balance. A lot of people are going to be hurt. I can't think of anything more irresponsible than a gov- ernment that's attempting to balance a budget that they simply don't have the capacity to do, but they're willing to let a lot of people fall by the wayside in the meantime in this eff ort. It's unfortunate that the government has done this. It's unfortunate that this is a government that seems to be prepared to govern on ideology and to have ideol- ogy be the foundation of decisions.

Certainly, ideology is the foundation of this Premier's decision-making, and she, presumably, will be calling the shots. If there's one thing we know, ideological decisions are never the best decisions. Sadly, the people of this province are facing four years of a pretty ideological government. We'll obviously be voting against the budget. We'll be looking to get more information in the estimates pro- cess. We'll see how successful that is. At the end of the day, come next year when public accounts….

When there's a settling of the accounts of this budget, I am sure the people of British Columbia are still going to see a defi - cit, and they're going to see a lot of people who got hurt along the way in the delivery of that defi cit. With that, I'll take my place. Hon. A. Virk: I rise today to respond to Budget 2013. Th is is my maiden speech, but before I get started, there are a couple of acknowledgements I must make. First of all, congratulations to all of my colleagues on both sides of the House for being in the House. It's a great honour to serve with all of you.

I would not be here today without the dedication of many, many volunteers and many other individuals. First of all, I'm a son of soldiers and farmers. I owe a lot to my family, my parents Swarn and Tej Virk, who had that

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 95 courage to cross an ocean to bring a better life for their children. My gratitude goes out to them. My gratitude goes out to my wife, Jatinder, my three daughters — Anisha, Jusleen and Maansi — who have supported me in this endeavour and continue to support me in this endeavour. As I said, service is very important to me. I'm the third generation in my family to have served their country, whether in uniform or in an assembly such as this. Th at's aft er 25 years of my service in uniform with the RCMP that I now serve British Columbians in a diff erent way.

Duty to community is very important, and that's how I've come here. I'm representing the riding of Surrey-Tynehead. Surrey-Tynehead is in the incredible city of Surrey. It's a city of fusion. I will tell you what I mean by fusion. It's a city where east meets west. It's a community where pi- oneers walk alongside the refugee. It's a community that speaks many languages.

It's a city that refl ects the world, and that's the community I represent and the commun- ity I will continue to represent. [1455] I spent the last six years in Surrey, serving on the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, which raised millions of dollars to enhance health care for Surrey. I'm so proud of that city — the volunteers, the donors, the young children, the elders that came and emptied their pockets to donate to those causes.

Th e largest health care investment in British Columbia's history, more than half a billion dollars, is the Surrey Memorial Hospital critical care tower, which is going to be open soon and indeed is a testament to this govern- ment. Two great universities, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and SFU Surrey campus, so more young people in Surrey can stay in Surrey and receive the fi nest in post-secondary education in their community. World- class trades training centres at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

We talk much about the million jobs that are going to be here by 2020 — 43 percent of them requiring trades or technical training. I take it as a compliment that we have a government and a province where we feel there are going to be a million jobs — a province where there are going to be a million jobs because the world believes in the relationships and the strong economy that we built. Th e future of our province depends on our government ensuring that B.C.'s economy is strong. Th at means seiz- ing upon a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a B.C. li- quefi ed natural gas industry.

It means investing in small business by cutting red tape and keeping taxes low. It means investing in the modernization of education and skills training to ensure we're preparing young people for the jobs of the future — those we can foresee and those we can't foresee. It means creating a road map to a debt-free B.C. Th at's what Budget 2013 means. Th is budget is bal- anced, and our government is working hard to ensure a secure and prosperous future for our children. We don't live in a vacuum. We live in a world that's very much global. Th ese are exciting times in British Columbia.

We're working hard to strengthen our trade with the Asia-Pacifi c, with India, with China, with Korea and the emerging economies of the world. I'm very proud that my own community of Surrey is playing a key role in that development. We have these incredible ties to these countries, and that's how we're going to focus on build- ing a local infrastructure that’s going to get our needs to these overseas markets.

For the past number of years we've invested in a num- ber of opportunities that are going to bring our goods to market — the widening of Highway 1, the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge, the construction of the south per- imeter road. Th is year we've committed to the replace- ment of Massey Tunnel as well. Th at's going to happen sometime in the near future. These projects directly affect my community. They have reduced travel times, eased congestion and helped to ensure our goods are getting to overseas markets as quickly, effi ciently and cost-eff ectively as possible.

Take the South Fraser perimeter road — one example — a $1.3 billion investment expected to create 4,000 con- struction jobs and 7,000 long-term jobs in manufactur- ing, light industrial and small business operations right in my own backyard in Surrey. Our government is focused on making British Columbia the headquarters for Asian business in North America. I think we're on the right track to do that. Since 2007, when the government launched the Asia-Pacifi c initiative, our exports to Asia have increased by more than $5 billion. Our work is starting to pay off , but this is only the beginning.

We must work together to ensure that we can do so. I mentioned earlier that I'm a proud father of three. Th at's why I want to build a debt-free British Columbia, not only for my children but for all of your children — all the children of British Columbia, all the grandchildren, the future generations of British Columbia. Th e prosper- ity fund will allow us to pay off our debt within 15 years and pay for health care, education and social services in my backyard in Surrey.

Every community in British Columbia, including Surrey, will benefi t from this op- portunity and the prosperity fund that will ensure pros- perity for the next generation. Now a bit on my own ministry. First of all, I do want to thank the some 36,000 educators in the post-secondary system — incredibly dedicated individuals who have the interests of their students at heart — and the dedicated leaders of these post-secondary institutions who have the interests of the province at heart. World-class post-secondary education, skills training and other public services are only available with a strong

British Columbia Debates96 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 economy. Th at's why high-quality, aff ordable and access- ible post-secondary education continues to be a priority for this government and will continue to be a priority for this government. A little-known fact is that the pub- lic invests $5 million a day in post-secondary education. Th at's a record for the amount of expenditure on post- secondary education. [1500] We have a responsibility as well — a very heavy respon- sibility — that we invest that money wisely for taxpayers and for students.

We have a responsibility to ensure that our money, our investment, works for us. Th e Ministry of Advanced Education — as I said, we don't operate in a vacuum. It's teamwork. It's going to be working with the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the Ministry of Education. We want seam- less education from K to 12, from high school right to the workforce. It's not all about the new student. It's about retooling that returning leader, that returning learner.

At the same time, a priority over the coming years will be to control spending and to make the most eff ective use of existing and scarce resources. We want to continue to minimize overhead within publicly funded universities and, where possible, con- solidate functions across various post-secondary institu- tions. We must capitalize on economies of scale. We will continue to work in collaboration with post-secondary institutions and set targets for graduates so that the skills that we need are the skills that we're graduating.

I want to make sure — and that's a personal commit- ment — that our students get a paycheque in their back pocket with a well-paying job when they graduate from that university. We're also going to review student loan programs and look for ways to improve them, to make them more effi cient and more adaptable to student needs. All post-secondary boards across British Columbia will also be required to undertake a core review of all the programming to make sure all the seats allotted are fi lled. Th ere are a number of other goals that I've committed to that I'm going to fulfi l during my mandate.

Increasing the number of international students. We have some 100,000 international students that are coming from all corners of the globe to come to this post-secondary system, because they believe in our post- secondary system. Th e establishment of a school of traditional Chinese medicine at a public post-secondary university. Th at's another commitment. Establishing a centre of excellence of agriculture in the Fraser Valley, to capitalize on the strength of our agricul- tural industry. Open textbooks. What a novel concept to save stu- dents hundreds of dollars.

It's a world leader in off ering open textbooks to students in British Columbia. Th at's a saving of several hundred, if not at times several thou- sands, of dollars to students. I think we're going to lead the industry across the world, and many others will come to our doorstep to learn from our experience. Some accomplishments. I think it's more than appro- priate that the public understands our accomplishments. At least 400,000 students are going to enrol in at least one course in our post-secondary public institutions.

In addi- tion to that, with the private career-training institutes and a number of other institutes, we're looking at over half a million students in this province — 130 campuses, satel- lites, learning centres throughout the province. A little recap. Since 2001 some 32,000 student seats have been added, along with seven new public universi- ties. In addition to high student demand, some institu- tions are able to exceed their student intake as well, and they're doing this because of effi cient use of resources and partnerships. I need to remind once again that there's a commit- ment to student spaces.

Last year this ministry targeted for 201,000 full-time positions, yet more than 206,000 were delivered. Th e diff erence is actual in the targeted spaces. We expect the same again this year. Let me be clear. I have heard numbers bantered around about re- duction in university spaces. Th ere is no reduction to student spaces — none, zero. Planned additional spaces also include 160 new spaces in student nursing, medical technicians, pharmacy, mid- wifery and physician programs. Th ere are all sorts of re- mote communities in this province that need more of these kinds of occupations.

While we've expanded the capacity of the education system, we've also capped tuition — I think that's import- ant to note — annually at 2 percent. Th e national aver- age is 5 percent, and British Columbia, since 2006, has been capped at 2 percent. For the last four years running, tuition rates in British Columbia have been the fourth- lowest in Canada. [1505] Th ere are more than 33,000 apprentices in the trades- training system. Right now in this beautiful province 33,000 young men and women are training to be appren- tices in more than 100 diff erent trades that are available.

Th at's more than double the number since 2004. Th e number of aboriginal students enrolled — public post-secondary students — increased by some 18 per- cent. Th at's another commitment. We need to work on that, but an 18 percent increase is phenomenal. Taxpayers have invested, as I said before, about $5 million a day — that works out to about $1.9 billion a year — in post-secondary education. Th e other fact that I think is most important to know, as well, is that there's some $2.3 billion in infrastructure spent on 1,200 pro- jects across campuses throughout this province — 1,200 capital projects.

Over the next three years we're going to spend an- other $460 million in capital projects in post-secondary education. Some of these projects are going to be all over

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 97 the province — Emily Carr University, right here in the Lower Mainland, just across the water; investment in Camosun College, in the trades program; a similar in- vestment in the Okanagan. We have a world-class post-secondary education sys- tem. My vision for that system is to be nimble, to be fl exible, not only for today's realities but for future chal- lenges; to be fl exible and nimble to tackle the emerging economy — a system that meets the ever-changing needs of government, students and industry.

Th e centres of ex- cellence that I spoke about before will leverage the exper- tise in shipbuilding, in agriculture, in mining and in oil and gas development. I want to see governments, universities, colleges, in- stitutions and industry working together, engaging in a dialogue and collaborating to maintain our world-class post-secondary education system. Whether it's by ad- ministrative savings, developing new programs to align skills with jobs or investing in new facilities, collabora- tion is critical and essential.

In closing, I'm indeed humbled and honoured to have served my fellow Canadians for the last quarter century and humbled and honoured to be able to have the op- portunity to serve British Columbians as the Minister of Advanced Education. I have a commitment to high-quality, accessible, post- secondary education. It continues to be a priority for this government. Frankly, a student satisfaction rate of over 95 percent…. Th at's what this province has. We have a world-class educational system. It's the envy of the world. British Columbia should be very, very proud of its accom- plishments, as I am.

Deputy Speaker: I wish to thank the member and recognize the member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head. Introductions by Members A. Weaver: With your leave, I have one more introduc- tion I would like to make. Joining us in the gallery today is the Member of Parliament for Saanich–Gulf Islands, Elizabeth May. I'm hoping you could join me in welcoming her. Debate Continued A. Weaver: Members, I'm honoured to rise today to give my response to the budget that was reintroduced last week. Before I begin my response, I want to make a few quick acknowledgments.

First and foremost, I would like to recognize the dedi- cated work of my predecessor in Oak Bay–Gordon Head, Ida Chong, for her representation of our community. She made it her job to attend every community event that she could, and she worked very hard for her constituents through her various ministerial positions. This Friday, for example, a project that she spent many years working on will come to fruition. Th at is the groundbreaking for the new Oak Bay high school. One of my goals is to strive to meet the standard she set for all those who wish to represent our riding.

Secondly, of course, I'd like to thank my family for their tireless support of me over the past few months. Campaigns are easy on no one, least of all our families, as many of you will attest. Th ank you. I would also like to acknowledge the countless volun- teers who assisted during the campaign. It was truly a team eff ort that led to our success. Finally, I'd like to acknowledge the staff of the Legislature.

Transitioning into this historic building and into the role as an MLA could have been far more chal- lenging were it not for the supportive people who have assisted me and my staff in preparing ourselves for the duties that we face. [1510] To my constituents, I thank you for putting your faith in me to be your voice in this Legislature. As I noted dur- ing the campaign, I will support good policy while not hiding from my role to constructively criticize policy that doesn't serve you, my constituents.

I look forward to working with members on both sides of these aisles, both those familiar to me and those who I have not yet had the chance to meet. Now to the budget. On February 19, 2008, I sat on the other side of this chamber as a guest of Premier Gordon Campbell while the hon. Carole Taylor presented her budget. Th at day I watched as the Liberal government laid out a vision for B.C. that redefi ned the legacy we would leave to our children.

Th at budget stood as a turn- ing point for British Columbia, not simply because it put us on a path to lead the continent in climate policy but because it signalled an end to either-or thinking that pits the environment against the economy. To quote the former Finance Minister: "It is a budget that confronts and completely overturns the outdated notion that you have to choose either a healthy environ- ment or a strong economy. Th at's simply not the case. Th at either-or thinking belongs to the past." February 19, 2008, was an historic moment in B.C.

Together, and under Liberal leadership, we recognized the importance of addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. And we did so in the context of strong economic policy. But here we are in 2013, and once again we have the opportunity to forge a future for British Columbia that we can all be proud of. Y et doing so demands of us the continued recognition that a strong economy and a healthy environment must go hand in hand. Th e government has proposed a budget for 2013 that is designed to defi ne a legacy — not only their legacy but that of all British Columbians.

In doing so, it off ers a vi- sion for our province's future. It's a vision that meets the

British Columbia Debates98 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 needs of the present while off ering our children the op- portunity to be unburdened by the choices of past gen- erations so that they, too, may be free to make their own choices to build their own future. The question I pose to this room today: does this budget achieve this vision?

Th e 2013 budget undoubtedly contains elements that British Columbians will applaud — a focus on taking steps to ensure fi scal management in these uncertain economic times, investment in skills training, commitments to work with First Nations on economic development, plans to enhance end-of-life care and ultimately reduce the provincial debt for future generations. Despite these strengths, the budget rests on a founda- tion that will undercut the very vision the Liberals have proposed.

I believe that, ultimately, we all want the same thing: a future that ensures that the needs of both present and future generations are met, a future that provides our children with opportunities for innovation and prosper- ity. But we must be cautious of striding forward, heedless of the obstacles before us. We must not lose sight of our vision when the going gets tough, and we must not rest our future on one desired outcome. In the scientifi c profession, we are always cautious of allowing our assumptions to exceed the evidence. So too must we be wary of this in government.

Starting from the assumption that the prosperity of future generations lies solely in the development and export of liquefi ed natural gas will ensure that the only evidence we use is evidence that supports this conclusion. To base our economy on LNG is to risk subjecting B.C.'s economy to the boom-and-bust roller coaster of global fossil fuel pricing, with all its twists and turns and drops. Meanwhile, investors are increasingly highlighting the possibility of a global carbon bubble and the real eco- nomic risks that surround it.

To attempt to lay all our eggs in this one basket on the hope, the desperate hope, that we will be the one excep- tion, the one jurisdiction that will defy history and eco- nomics, is to base our very future on unstable ground. Y et even if we defy the odds, coast through the boom- and-bust cycles and breeze through the carbon bubble, we cannot achieve our provincial carbon targets while we double down on LNG. We'll have no choice but to abandon our continent- leading climate commitments. And that's not politics. Th at's science. Th e numbers just don't add up.

Th e carbon emissions associated with LNG development are simply too high to allow us to meet those targets that are a mat- ter of law under the 2007 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act. [1515] So we once again fi nd ourselves facing the same choice that the Liberal government so aptly framed in 2008.

We can off er future generations a path that pits the economy against the environment for narrow-sighted economic gain, or we can be the generation that leaves a legacy that rejects this outdated thinking, one that invests in a strong and enduring economy that is founded on a culture of unwavering environmental responsibility. Now is no time to turn back on our convictions, no matter how challenging they may be to uphold. To quote Minister Taylor again: "How many times have we heard people talk about the importance of the environment, only to change their tune as soon as the economy faced challenges?

Our children, our young people, are asking better of us. Th ey're asking us to face directly the chal- lenges of the future — not when it's convenient, but right now." I believe we need to continue to meet those challenges, to strive for a grander goal that sees us forge ahead not only in developing a strong, sustainable, diversifi ed econ- omy but to do so in a matter that ensures we continue to lead North America in our commitments to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Together, we can achieve this goal.

British Columbia is endowed with clean energy potential like few other places on earth — not just hydro but wind, solar, geo- thermal and tidal, to name but a few. According to the 2011 report written by KPMG, B.C.'s clean tech sector, although young, shows tremendous opportunities for growth. It's a sector that provides lo- cal, secure and high-paying jobs. In the U.S., for example, federal reports show that green jobs have grown at a rate four times faster than the national average.

Th ere's an incredible untapped potential in the clean tech sector, and the fact is that we have the industry, the expertise and the environmental resources to lead the world in this area. What we need is clear government leadership and policy to help develop this clean tech sec- tor. Th e world is moving in this direction, and we need to as well if we are to keep ahead. Just last week President Obama gave a speech outlining his vision for a transition to a low-carbon economy. His speech made it clear that the current and future eff ects of climate change cannot be ignored. Th ere's just too much at stake.

To quote from his speech: "We do not have time for a meeting of the fl at earth society. Sticking your head in the sand might make you feel safer, but it's not going to protect you from the coming storm." Th e tragic fl ooding that devastated Calgary and the Uttarakhand region of India, the wildfires engulfing Arizona, the heat wave in Las Vegas and the storm surge that wreaked havoc on New Y ork late last fall pale in com- parison to the extreme weather events we have in store as a consequence of unchecked global warming.

What we are about to see are clear and signifi cant shift s in economic policy, subsidies, innovation and engineer- ing from the United States. Th e question is: what will B.C. do? President Obama has recognized the economic opportunity that dealing with climate change off ers the U.S. and the world. To quote from him again: "Countries

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 3, 2013 99 like China and Germany are going all in for the race for clean energy…. I want America to win that race, but we can't win it if we're not in it." Th is focus on a shift from an economy currently dom- inated by fossil fuels to one built on renewable energy and the clean tech sector should be a wake-up call for British Columbia. Th e U.S. is set to become a leader in this area, placing our province as a distant second cousin to our southern neighbours. But it doesn't have to be this way.

B.C. was, could and should continue to be at the fore- front of promoting innovation and economic prosperity through our clean tech and clean energy sectors. As we move forward, let's be clear about what clean energy is. Clean energy is energy that does not emit car- bon into the atmosphere. Hydro, solar and wind — these are clean energies. Natural gas is not clean energy. Sure, it's cleaner energy, cleaner than coal and oil, but that still does not make it clean energy.

Permitting the use of natural gas as a clean energy source to provide the energy that fuels the LNG export is not what the Clean Energy Act was created to do. Th ose of us who were involved in B.C.'s Climate Action Team, appointed by the former Premier Gordon Campbell, know this. Similarly, we know that developing the Site C dam but then using it to power the liquefi cation facili- ties before a natural gas export was also contrary to the very notion of why, increasingly, we need to develop our clean energy resources.

Th ere's no doubt that natural gas will have a role to play in helping us move towards a low-carbon econ- omy and one that will be able to provide for its citizens. Government, for example, could work with industry to transition truck fl eets from diesel to natural gas, provid- ing potential savings to operators and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions emanating from our transpor- tation sector. [1520] Similarly, government could investigate the use of nat- ural gas in its B.C. Ferries fl eet, helping reduce its oper- ating costs and lowering its greenhouse gas emissions all at once.

Th ese examples highlight how natural gas should be used: as a transitional complement to other sources of truly renewable energy. Natural gas should not be the main act, and its development should not be an end unto itself. Y et, ultimately, this vision is about more than the econ- omy and the environment. Building a stable, low-carbon economy is about creating the opportunities that allow us to provide the essential public services that we all agree are necessary, without the uncertainty and risk of boom- and-bust funding cycles. In my riding of Oak Bay–Gordon Head alone we face signifi cant challenges.

We face signifi cant challenges in enhancing seniors care, in addressing adolescent mental health, in fi nding cost-eff ective means of dealing with our sewage. We must work with schools, colleges and univer- sities to map a path for continued world-class education and one that addresses the signifi cant challenges youth face in breaking into the job market. Th ese are just a few of the many examples of challenges whose solutions rest on the foundation of a strong, stable, low-carbon economy. Together, let's make this possible, because we can. I would like to fi nish with a fi nal quote, once more from the hon.

Carole Taylor as she fi nished her budget speech in 2008. I ask that as we continue the budget debate and move into the next four years, we consider Minister Taylor's words very carefully and ask ourselves what legacy we here in the Legislature want to leave.

To quote Minister Taylor: "We can be the generation that had it all and let it slip away, or we can seize this oppor- tunity which is before us to be the generation of British Columbians who made the right decisions, who chose to take action and, by doing so, showed their respect for the earth, for the atmosphere, for those who came before us and for those who will follow in the decades to come." Hon. S. Cadieux: I'm pleased to speak today in sup- port of the budget and the direction set out by this gov- ernment for the future of British Columbia.

I am very grateful to my constituents of Surrey-Cloverdale for placing their trust in me to work on their behalf in this House. I'd also like to say a very special thank you to my hus- band, Daniel, and my family and close friends for their support and understanding. Th is is oft en a very challen- ging job with respect to the demands on our time, and I very much appreciate their support. A big thank you, of course, also to my election team — a stellar bunch of people who worked tirelessly to en- sure that I returned. I'd like to give a special welcome to the new member for Surrey-Panorama.

It's nice for me to know that my former constituents will have a good representative here in Victoria. I'd also like to thank my constituency assistants, Sharon Crowson and Holly Halford, who do a wonder- ful job supporting me and providing help to my constitu- ents in my absences. As well, a quick note of thanks to my staff in my ministry offi ce. We don't oft en have a chance to say thank you to those folks publicly, but I would like to thank Val, Christina, Francesca and Meghan for their support here in Victoria. Of course, I welcome, as well, all of the new members on both sides of the House.

I trust that you will fi nd your time here to be as interesting, challenging and rewarding as I have found mine to be. I'd like to take a moment, as well, to acknowledge a loss. Shortly aft er the election, Cloverdale lost a great man, former MLA and minister Bill Reid — Mr. Surrey himself. He was a tremendous individual, a great sup-

British Columbia Debates100 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 porter of mine and my predecessors, a great Canadian. He will be missed. Again, I am proud to speak in support of balanced budget 2013. It lays out a path for the future of British Columbia through continued prudent fiscal manage- ment. We have a lot of children in my riding of Surrey- Cloverdale, a lot of young families and a lot of small businesses. As their MLA and Minister of Children and Family Development, I'll certainly be working hard for all of them.

As I look at our budget, unlike much of what I have heard listening to speeches from the opposition, I see a lot of positive, forward-thinking ideas. I see a new B.C. training and education savings grant — an opportun- ity for families to plan for their future, to make sure that their children have an opportunity and a head start to go into their post-secondary education. [1525] I see 2.4 billion additional dollars for our health care system — a system that returns, to all of our benefi t, some of the best health care outcomes in all of the country.

I see a $146 million commitment to support 180,000 families with child care costs. I see a new early-years strategy that will invest $76 million over the next three years to sup- port the creation of new child care spaces and improve the quality of child care and early learning services. I see $210 million over three years for the learning improve- ment fund, to ensure that kids in our K-to-12 system are prepared for success in our rapidly changing world. Th ese things are important, and there are many other things that are important that aren't in this budget.

Th at's because, as legislators, we have an obligation to make diffi cult decisions, to prioritize and to recognize that we have an obligation to think not just about today but also about future generations. Sometimes that means the an- swer is no. Th is is the clear mandate we've been given by British Columbians and one that presents both exciting chal- lenges and exciting opportunities.

I look forward to working with my ministry to ensure that children and families receive effi cient and eff ective social services — services that help overcome barriers that stand in their way, services that help them to thrive today through all of their ages and stages of life. I mentioned a few moments ago that in this budget there are additional dollars for our early-years strategy. Despite challenging economic times, of course, and a tight budget, our ministry is seeing an increase this year of $76 million over the next three years, to work on the early-years strategy.

Th is strategy is going to ensure that working families see barriers removed so that they can participate in the economy, knowing their children are getting the best start in life. With that in mind, I'm ex- cited to be moving forward this year with this strategy. It's about using our resources wisely. The aims, of course, are quality, access, aff ordability and choice. We start this year with the creation of a provincial offi ce for the early years to ensure that activities across government are targeted and well coordinated.

Next, the strategy ad- vances to implementing community-based early-years centres that off er parents and caregivers one-stop access to practical advice, support and links to child care and early childhood development services. We will also create a provincewide child care regis- try to provide parents with better information on what's available in their community. More child care is coming. Our strategy will increas

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20130703pm-Hansard-v1n6
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20130703pm Hansard v1n6
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	88c92500f261beed8e4f57b9eac078ed3da914d4

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